of the nhs, and — emerging territorial army of the nhs, and we're working to identify those _ nhs, andhose nhs trusts which are most likely to need actual military support— likely to need actual military support so that this can be prepared now _ support so that this can be prepared now as _ support so that this can be prepared now as our— support so that this can be prepared now. as our nhs moves to a war footing, _ now. as our nhs moves to a war footing, i_ now. as our nhs moves to a war footing, i will be recommending to cabinet _ footing, i will be recommending to cabinet tomorrow that we continue with plan _ cabinet tomorrow that we continue with plan b. because the public have responded _ with plan b. because the public have responded and changed their behaviour, changed your behaviour, buying _ behaviour, changed your behaviour, buying valuable time to get boosters in arms— buying valuable time to get boosters in arms and help the nhs to cope with the _ in arms and help the nhs to cope with the omicron wave. so, please carry— with the omicron wave. so, please carry on— with the

nhs. let's paint a broader picture of what is going — nhs.ing on _ nhs. let's paint a broader picture of what is going on with _ nhs. let's paint a broader picture of what is going on with the - nhs. let's paint a broader picture of what is going on with the nhs. of what is going on with the nhs because it looks quite extreme, you have the armed forces personnel being drafted in to help hospitals in londonjust get being drafted in to help hospitals in london just get by.— being drafted in to help hospitals in london just get by. in london 'ust get by. that's right and it's in london just get by. that's right and it's not _ in london just get by. that's right and it's not entirely _ in london just get by. that's right i and it's not entirely unprecedented, we have had it in previous years, remember it last march the armed services were used in the north west of england to help with mass vaccinations. and the testing campaign. in places like 0ldham and bury so it's not entirely unprecedented, 400 troops being sent into london to help there. sor

speaking of the nhs, 10, nhs staff have _ problems.peaking of the nhs, 10, nhs staff have to _ problems. speaking of the nhs, 10, nhs staff have to get _ problems. speaking of the nhs, 10, nhs staff have to get the _ problems. speaking of the nhs, 10, nhs staff have to get the jab - problems. speaking of the nhs, 10, nhs staff have to get the jab into i nhs staff have to get the jab into excimer face the sack. nhs staff have to get the 'ab into excimer face the sack._ nhs staff have to get the 'ab into excimer face the sack. yeah, and as the telegraph _ excimer face the sack. yeah, and as the telegraph reports, _ excimer face the sack. yeah, and as the telegraph reports, there - excimer face the sack. yeah, and as the telegraph reports, there is - the telegraph reports, there is something in the region of 80,000 that remain unvaccinated in the workforce —— or get the sacks. there is serious _ workforce —— or get the sacks. there is serious concern this deadline is looming _ is serious concern this deadline is looming and there is still

be a dire situation, in terms of nhs staff. i did note — situation, in terms of nhs staff.uld be a delay— suggesting that there should be a delay in— suggesting that there should be a delay in the timetable for getting nhs staff vaccinated in order to building — nhs staff vaccinated in order to building more time, to persuade and convince _ building more time, to persuade and convince. potentially there is argument to say if you have not been persuaded _ argument to say if you have not been persuaded by now, i don't know what is going _ persuaded by now, i don't know what is going to _ persuaded by now, i don't know what is going to change there. it is in chesting — is going to change there. it is in chesting story. i suppose at the end of it it _ chesting story. i suppose at the end of it it is _ chesting story. i suppose at the end of it it is about how safe you want to feet _ of it it is about how safe you want to feet if — of it it is about how safe you want to feel. if you are in hospital and being _ to feel. if you are in hospital and being treated by somebody who is

| of nhs dentists across england? i thank of nhs dentists across england? dentists across england? i thank him but it goes to show why it's so important to keep this country going, mr speaker, and to keep people going to the dentist because one of the troubles we have had during lockdown is that people haven't been going, 10 million unfilled fillings, i'm told, mr speaker, and that's why we're putting record investment into dentistry, into the nhs, 36 william pounds, for all their caterwauling, mr speaker, they opposed that investment. —— 30 £6 million. flan mr speaker, they opposed that investment. -- 30 £6 million. can we remedy the — investment. -- 30 £6 million. can we remedy the current _ investment. -- 30 £6 million. can we remedy the current flawed _ investment. -- 30 £6 million. can we remedy the current flawed budgetaryl remedy the current flawed budgetary process whereby it is possible to build 14,000 new homes in my constituency without any commensurate increase in general practice capacity? as we house the next generation we must make sure that

fact that nhs attention to the fact that nhs doctors and nurses are absolutely shattered. he will have seen this week that one in six doctors say they have had near misses or harm to patients because of exhaustion. so, if he doesn't want to accept the select committee's recommendations to address the workforce crisis, what will he do to give hope to our front line staff? he has a great deal of expertise in this matter, i want to thank everybody in the nhs and all staff front line for what they have been doing. he is right and what he says, they are exhausted but they are also working heroically and doing an incrediblejob and it working heroically and doing an incredible job and it is because of the covid cases we have to domain cautious, we need to remain cautious and continue to recruit for the amazing nhs. a4,000 more health care professionals than there were in 2020, as a result of the recruitment by this government. we 2020, as a result of the recruitment by this government.— by this government. we know the vaccine store _ by this government. we know the vaccine store

nhs.ree by the nhs.— vaccine that has been offered for free by the nhs. but are there any mitigations — free by the nhs. but are there any mitigations in _ free by the nhs. but are there any mitigations in this _ free by the nhs. but are there any mitigations in this for _ free by the nhs. but are there any mitigations in this for people - free by the nhs. but are there any mitigations in this for people who l mitigations in this for people who are vaccinated, but who are immunosuppressed who suffer from conditions like mass for example, there is a big constituency of people who are concerned, they are not saying that all of these measures should have stayed in place, but they are saying as far as they are concerned they see mask wearing and a mask mandate as a relatively simple way of allowing people to get out and about, keep the economy going but protecting them? i the economy going but protecting them? ., ., ., ., ., them? i am one of those who are asthma theicer, _ them? i am one of t

., ' becoming ever more severe in the nhs. �* ., , nhs.of this announcement by the] - nhs. but off the back of this announcement by the] (vi l nhs. but off the back of this - announcement by the] (vi seven announcement by the] cvi seven javits still saying to everyone out there, rememberto javits still saying to everyone out there, remember to go and have your booster during these quite challenging times was up is not saying it�*s time to relax, he�*s reminding those that have not had it, go and get it done. find reminding those that have not had it, go and get it done.— it, go and get it done. and this is the constant _ it, go and get it done. and this is the constant battle, _ it, go and get it done. and this is the constant battle, by _ the constant battle, by encouraging people to live life as normally as we all can because we want to see kids to school, businesses making money and so on. we want to see people go back to work and yet we are all fearful that the nhs is going to be overwhelmed. i think with this boosters story there�*s an

how does the nhs get ahead of it? those - the nhs get ahead of it?rbo—charge getting them filled and getting the backlogs reduced?— backlogs reduced? absolutely. a multipronged — backlogs reduced? absolutely. a multipronged approach - backlogs reduced? absolutely. a multipronged approach is - backlogs reduced? absolutely. a multipronged approach is going i backlogs reduced? absolutely. al multipronged approach is going to backlogs reduced? absolutely. a - multipronged approach is going to be needed here because this is a long—standing challenge that's existed before covid and has only been exacerbated by it. so, there needs to be first and foremost independently audited assessments at regular intervals of the nhs's actual workforce requirements so we can make sure that the plans put in place are meeting those needs. there needs to be all sorts of focus on recruitment, bringing in a pipeline of people and being able to retain those people by focusing on appropriate staff well—being and conditions. so, there are clearly short—term challenges which we n

winter is always a difficult time for the nhs, | schools.re now in unsustainable situation. la5t are now in unsustainable situation. last night, 17 hospitals acro55 greater manchester announced that they were suspending nonurgent surgery is due to the impact of covid—19. and at least ten health trusts across england have been forced to declare critical incidents since christmas. last week, the prime minister said he hoped we could ride out this wave, but i don't think our hard—working nhs staff or the government's scientific advisers would agree. what additional steps we now take to ensure greater manchester's hospitals do not become critically overwhelmed?— hospitals do not become critically overwhelmed? ~ . ., ., , ., overwhelmed? what we are doing is to sot overwhelmed? what we are doing is to spot hospitals — overwhelmed? what we are doing is to spot hospitals in _ overwhelmed? what we are doing is to spot hospitals in greater _ spot hospitals in greater manchester and up and down the country with record investment, as i was saying in an

it _ nhs appoints it best? i think we can certainly be helpful. it has _ nhs appoints it best? has to - nhs appoints it best? i think we can certainly be helpful. it has to be - certainly be helpful. it has to be said, many other people commented 200 personnel in the scale of the nhs and the size and shape of the nhs and the size and shape of the nhs is not going to revolutionise everything, but the people we are talking about deploying from within the military wings of the civilian hospitals in places like sussex and peterborough in places like that where we have military wings and civilian hospitals, and medical regiments in the medicalfield hospitals, they will bring skills and capabilities. but i'm not sure what exactly they will do, but some of them may well be carrying out operations that are being delayed as a result of cover and some of the others will be helping support the nhs staff and fill the gaps. what nhs staff and fill the gaps. what are the differences _ nhs staff and fill the gaps. what are the differences in _ nhs staff and fill the gaps. what are the differe

so really, really worrying, i think, for the nhs, so really, really worrying, i think, forthe nhs, but, really worrying, i think, for the nhs, but although it is mixed news in terms of omicron. harriet, it is interesting, isn't it, that there must be some relief in the government that they have not had to go to further measures given the political consequences that the last measures parliament approved? nonetheless, the prime minister saying at that vaccination centre earlier, the pressure on our nhs is going to be critical. there is not the desire for new restrictions. it would almost be academic, the pressure is already there. there are a coule pressure is already there. there are a coume of — pressure is already there. there are a couple of things _ pressure is already there. there are a couple of things at _ pressure is already there. there are a couple of things at play _ pressure is already there. there are a couple of things at play there. - a couple of things at play there. the political will lacking, because we know— the political will lacking, because we know borisjohnson has

can cope.— the nhs can cope.es, a nuanced question, whereas last _ the nhs can cope. yes, a nuanced question, whereas last winter - the nhs can cope. yes, a nuanced question, whereas last winter it i the nhs can cope. yes, a nuanced i question, whereas last winter it was almost a straightforward situation, thereby large numbers of people getting severely ill with covid in hospital, and that was essentially the sole challenge, a large challenge but the sole challenge facing the nhs. now the numbers of people in hospital with covid is lower than last winter but the overall number of people in hospitalised much higher because the nhs are now trying to work through that huge backlog of treatments that had built up of the last couple of years. added to that that we have very large numbers of nhs staff of six, self isolating due to covid, there is a squeeze from two sides. covid is playing a bigger role but not as simple as last year. haifa covid is playing a bigger role but not as simple as last year. how does the uk

the prime minister has said the nhs| within the nhs.tion the prime minister that the nhs is not coping. this is too little, too late and it certainly does not go far enough to support the nhs in all the ways it needs at the moment. it will help, but it will not solve the problem. nearly 2000 military personnel have already been deployed across the uk, a further 7000 are on standby. in scotland, 90 personnel are preparing to assist three health boards as the nhs braces itself for another winter wave of admissions. stay with us on bbc news. still to come: at 40, we look at how the duchess of cambridge's image has changed as she gets ready to celebrate the start of a new decade. the japanese people are in mourning following the death of emperor hirohito. thousands converged on the imperial palace to pay their respects when it was announced he was dead. good grief. after half a century of delighting fans around the world, charlie brown and the rest of the gang are calling it quits. the singer paul simon starts his tour of- south africa tomo

nhs tracker.e to show proof of vaccination to access public venues and transport. more than 90% of its adult population are double—jabbed. earlier, we spoke with our paris correspondent, hugh schofield. he was giving an interview to les parisiens, a newspaper, a wide—ranging interview very much anchored on his likely presidential bid again in the elections coming up and was asked about covid, obviously, and a nurse who was on the panel had asked him to react to the fact there were more and more people non—vaccinated who were clogging up beds in intensive care units and as a result, she said, cancer patients, for example, were having operations put off and he said in reply, "well, what i can't do is force people to get vaccinated. we will not introduce a law that makes it a legal requirement. but what we can do is make life as difficult as possible for the non—vaccinated." and he assumes this policy very clearly, he said what we can do is make life difficult by making sure they can't go to the bar,

as long as _ the reason we've got this enormous nhs backlog as long as the - nhs backlog as long asog as long as the long—standing problems. nhs backlog as long as the | long—standing problems we nhs backlog as long as the - long—standing problems we face an ageing _ long—standing problems we face an ageing society _ long—standing problems we face an ageing society. you _ long—standing problems we face an ageing society. you simply- long—standing problems we face an ageing society. you simply cannot. ageing society. you simply cannot fund the _ ageing society. you simply cannot fund the kind _ ageing society. you simply cannot fund the kind of— ageing society. you simply cannot fund the kind of increase - ageing society. you simply cannot fund the kind of increase that - ageing society. you simply cannot l fund the kind of increase that where the living, _ fund the kind of increase that where the living, 12 — fund the kind of increase that where the living, 12 billion— fund the kind of increase that where the living, 12 billion for— fund the kind of increase that where the living, 1

the nhs has think these problems could be? tue: nhs has been think these problems could be?en chronically underfunded over the last 10—12 years or so. this is just a symptom of that, because they haven't had the funding and investment, nhs staff are absolutely knackered and exhausted and are not able to cope with what's going on. they have been pushed to their limit over the last two years with the pandemic and there are already 100,000 vacancies shortage in the nhs. there will be a 21% shortage so we don't know how the nhs and other public sector services will be able to cope. can nhs and other public sector services will be able to cope.— will be able to cope. can you give some examples _ will be able to cope. can you give some examples of— will be able to cope. can you give some examples of what - will be able to cope. can you give some examples of what could - some examples of what could potentially be the impact on services?— potentially be the impact on services? , , ., services? they impact people, for exam - le, services? they impact people, for example, where _ serv

and with _ it seems to be mounting on the nhs. and with all— it seems to be mounting on the nhs.mas we will have to see what that will_ christmas we will have to see what that will translate into. of christmas we will have to see what that will translate into.— that will translate into. of course there is the _ that will translate into. of course there is the view _ that will translate into. of course there is the view that _ that will translate into. of course there is the view that perhaps - there is the view that perhaps actually it's already too late that that horse has bolted from the stable that any new restrictions brought now would be to make a significant difference what's going to unfold in the nhs. let's move on to unfold in the nhs. let's move on to the telegraph the theme remains the same, how to deal with the impact of covid and in particular the omicron variance continuing into this new year. children forced back into the masks in lessons is the headline fair. enter, why don't you start on this one. interesting choice of word to use the word for us. . choice of wor

to help protect the nhs the bbc understands _ the nhs.nderstands the _ the nhs. to help protect the nhs the bbc understands the government - the nhs. to help protect the nhs the bbc understands the government hasi bbc understands the government has prepared a plan for some key workers to be prioritised for covid testing if there is another shortage of tests. our political correspondent helen catt is in westminster. should we be expecting any changes in approach from the government now the new year has begun? well, the government seems to be staying with the idea that plan b is enough and remains the right course. this morning the prime minister's official spokesperson said ministers didn't see anything in the data that suggests that the restrictions that england would be the right approach. however, they say the nhs is going to keep coming under pressure in coming weeks, they talk about it being a challenging winter, that we should be no doubt it's going to be difficult although they say there will be significant mitigations put in place.

— waiting lists that exist because of the nhs being like this since the start of— the nhs being like i think that the government will be very, very cautious of taking new approaches at this stage and if those — approaches at this stage and if those required legislation will present— those required legislation will present another challenge to the government, labourand present another challenge to the government, labour and consistently sunborted _ government, labour and consistently supported the government and all the measures— supported the government and all the measures that they have taken, but it's never— measures that they have taken, but it's never a — measures that they have taken, but it's never a good look for the prime staff to _ it's never a good look for the prime staff to have a third of his own party — staff to have a third of his own party voting against an.- staff to have a third of his own party voting against an. went into in sick on new— party voting against an. went into in sick on new year's _ party voting against an. went into in sick on new year's and - party

there is concerns about the 70.000 nhs— nhs workers?he 70,000 nhs workers _ nhs workers? there is concerns about the 70,000 nhs workers obviously . the 70,000 nhs workers obviously could be out of work, forced to be sacked under these current measures of the government has got which would be, you know, hugely devastating for the nhs in terms of trying to do about trying do and in terms of trying to solve this log of medical appointments and allsorts that we've got off back of cobby had so there is now talked obviously happening, it would appear according to the i nhs and the government are trying to maybe roll this back a little bit and look at it again and obviously, this is a very divisive topic, obviously, because some people would argue that when you go into hospital, you would expect to be treated as somebody who has protected themselves and obviously there is that pro—choice thing that comes in as well but one thing i think of as well, when sajid javid went into hospital and the doctor who spoke to him, on the television i think o

you can check how your local nhs services are coping using the bbc nhs tracker which will run throughoutlatest data on waiting times for emergency treatment where you live. labour has said the prime minister has "serious questions to answer" following an investigation into the refurbishment of his downing street flat. messages between borisjohnson and lord brownlow — who helped pay for the rennovation of the flat — were published yesterday. they appear to show the prime minister offering support for the plans for a "great exhibition" — a proposal backed by lord brownlow. let's get more from our political correspondent damian grammaticas. this is a row that has been rumbling on for ages but this is a new twist, isn't it, the angle of the great exhibition, explain about that. the row about exhibition, explain about that. tue: row about the exhibition, explain about that. tte: row about the flood has been going on for over a year or so. it was all about how borisjohnson was funding the work for the flat, he was trying to get donors to do it possibly through a blind trust and that whole issu

there are things the nhs can do to try _ with this.e are things the nhs can do to try to draw _ with this. there are things the nhs can do to try to draw from - with this. there are things the nhs i can do to try to draw from temporary staff and bring back retirees and all kinds of services, health services that goes along with bringing in relatively small numbers of staff in london as an option. and fire services. but ultimately, looking at 20,000 people, that's up 70% from novemberjust before the omicron wave hit. it is really impossible to replace those kinds of numbers talking about requiring a trained clinical staff to take a long time to train and get the job and so, looking at those measures, you are looking at short—term plastering things up and dealing with things otherwise by prioritising some services so you can see the staff for example, some less essential, less urgent community services or outpatient appointments and to urgent care where things are more immediately pressing but if you do that, you just storing up problems

the nhs and social care, so i think on so _ the nhs and social care, so i think on so many— the nhseople who are not _ this is a very bad idea. speaking of people who are not vaccinated, i this is a very bad idea. speaking of i people who are not vaccinated, novak djokovic, of course! facing, according to the telegraph's sports page, grand slam van. this is really after the australian... whether he can actually play in the other grand slams, the american, the french, wimbledon tournaments, and if you cannot, will he make this when he first grand slam he is aiming for? —— will he make this 21st? this first grand slam he is aiming for? -- will he make this 21st?- -- will he make this 21st? this is the big question. _ -- will he make this 21st? this is the big question. and _ -- will he make this 21st? this is the big question. and there i -- will he make this 21st? this is the big question. and there has. -- will he make this 21st? this is i the big question. and there has been a big backlash about djokovic and his behaviour, but also what it means for... it is a huge challenge for...

new figures from nhs england.der to recruit new staff. look north's olivia richwald reports. if you could open - as wide as you can... tara has cracked a filling. she's lucky to get an appointment at her village dental surgery straight away. they can't recruit enough dentists here in grimethorpe and have been advertising across the chain of six practices for four years. the vacancies range from three to five. we've got full—time, part—time. we're just desperate. i mean, i retired in 2020, for nearly four years. any pain when i do that at all? tara is x—rayed and checked by dentist steven, and she'll be back for repair work soon — surprised to have been seen so quickly. i didn't, actually, no. no, i didn't expect to have one today. but as soon as i said that i were in pain, they accommodated me. steven's worked here for 11 years. he says the problem's caused by lots of things. the appeal of working in private practice, the clinic's rural location, and being in a community of high need. young dentists tend to want t

meanwhile, nhs leaders warned they _ solution. meanwhile, nhs leaders warned they are _ solution.hey are seeing _ solution. meanwhile, nhs leaders warned they are seeing increasing | warned they are seeing increasing numbers of staff not able to work just as they are dealing with what has been a big increase in people sent to hospital with it. but there is some evidence from baserunning hospitals in london that things might be improving. i hospitals in london that things might be improving.— hospitals in london that things might be improving. i was talking to london chief — might be improving. i was talking to london chief executives _ might be improving. i was talking to london chief executives last - might be improving. i was talking to london chief executives last week. | london chief executives last week. they were seeing some very concerning daily increases of the numbers of people coming into hospital, 9%, 15%, 9% on the 27th, 28 and 29th of december. but in the last two days those numbers have dropped, the increases to i% and to 2%. dropped, the increases to 1% and to 296.

he said the nhs is on a _ probably expected. he said the nhs is on a warlike footing.he said the nhs is on a warlike footing. so i think he is _ is on a warlike footing. so i think he is putting in some other measures, but i do understand the concern _ measures, but i do understand the concern that health workers are listening — concern that health workers are listening to that press conference and saying we are going to write it out. and saying we are going to write it out in _ and saying we are going to write it out in not — and saying we are going to write it out. i'm not sure it's in the metro, but one _ out. i'm not sure it's in the metro, but one of— out. i'm not sure it's in the metro, but one of the _ out. i'm not sure it's in the metro, but one of the other front pages says in— but one of the other front pages says in the northeast, at least, heart _ says in the northeast, at least, heart attack patients are being asked — heart attack patients are being asked to — heart attack patients are being asked to try and get a family member to drive _ asked to try and

would be the nhs? would it be the border— army. would be the nhs? would it be the border force?it is turning — variant. yes, it is looking like it is turning out to be milder, but it is turning out to be milder, but it is so _ is turning out to be milder, but it is so trans — is turning out to be milder, but it is so trans miscible that people are having _ is so trans miscible that people are having to self—isolate, and a very interesting — having to self—isolate, and a very interesting debate to watch in the next few — interesting debate to watch in the next few weeks, we have seen the self isolation p go from ten days to seven days — self isolation p go from ten days to seven days so long as you have two consecutive negative lateral flow tests ~~ — consecutive negative lateral flow tests ~~ if — consecutive negative lateral flow tests... , ., consecutive negative lateral flow tests... consecutive negative lateral flowj tests- - -_ the consecutive negative lateral flow . tests. . .— the us tests... if you can get them! the us is moved un — tests... if you can get them! the us i

but nhs staff shortages due to covid infections have shot up. i think we have to be honest, and when we look at the nhs, it will be a rocky few weeks ahead. we'll be analysis the data and what it means. also tonight: you will call me sir or mr thackeray. the actor sidney poitier, whose pioneering films in the �*50s and �*60s shone a light on racism and social predjudice, has died. the aftermath of days of unrest in kazakhstan. security forces are ordered to shoot to kill protestors. the government is to try to make developers pay billions to help fix the cladding crisis. and the hopeful new cancer treatment that reprogrammes immune systems to fight disease. and coming up in sport on the bbc news channel, the first of the fa cup third—round ties, as manchester city look to avoid a slip—up at league two swindon town. good evening. the independent panel that advises the government on vaccines says it believes a fourth dose won't be needed for the moment to protect against severe covid disease. the uk health security agency believes the evidence sug

the nhs in encland had that kind of stature. the nhs in england it's — had that kind of stature. in england it's rising _ had that kind of stature. the nhs in england it's rising by _ had that kind of stature. the nhs in england it's rising by 4896 _ had that kind of stature. the nhs in england it's rising by 4896 because l england it's rising by 48% because of covid—19. covid—19 pressures are making care unsafe. of covid-19. covid-19 pressures are making care unsafe.— making care unsafe. nurses cannot sto making care unsafe. nurses cannot step helping _ making care unsafe. nurses cannot stop helping their _ making care unsafe. nurses cannot stop helping their patients - making care unsafe. nurses cannot stop helping their patients but - stop helping their patients but there being spread thinner and thinner but they cannot keep doing that indefinitely.— that indefinitely. given the pressures _ that indefinitely. given the pressures of _ that indefinitely. given the pressures of the _ that indefinitely. given the pressures of the hospitals | that indefinitely. given the i pressure

those are the latest figures from nhs england. england. the headlines on bbc news. 200 military personnel are being sent to london hospitals to help with covid—related staff shortages. the australian government rejects claims that tennis star novak djokovic is being held captive, after he failed to meet vaccine entry requirements labour says the prime minister still has serious questions to answer over the refurbishment of his downing street flat. the duchess of cambridge will celebrate her 40th birthday on sunday. it is now more than ten years since kate middleton married into the royal family and took on the role of future queen. but how has her public role and image changed in that time? our royal correspondent daniela relph reports. it is a landmark birthday. the duchess of cambridge at 40. a time to reflect on what has been achieved more than a decade after official royal life began. and that royal public life started here on anglesea. then, still kate middleton, this was her first official engagement. the naming of a new lif

nhs to help it is our duty to be a sticking plaster for the nhs to help get through a time of extraordinaryted times. while _ crisis. these are unprecedented times. while there _ crisis. these are unprecedented times. while there are - crisis. these are unprecedented times. while there are early - crisis. these are unprecedented l times. while there are early signs that cases may be slowing in london, it's too soon to know the full impact of the new omicron variant on hospitals. 7000 army forces personnel are on standby if more reinforcements are needed. katharine da costa, bbc news. 0ur health correpondent nick trigglejoins me. nick, the nhs always has a winter crisis. what's different this time? winter crises, as you say, are nothing new. the start of the year is always most difficult. we have in previous winters, as we have this week, about operations being cancelled and temporary treatment centres being set up in critical incidents being declared. but this is worse. we have a chart that perhaps illustrates this. it shows the delays that ambulances face when they hand over their patients

he had this assessment of the nhs's position. 12 years or so. this is just a symptom of that, because they haven't had the funding and investment, nhs staff are absolutely knackered and exhausted and are not able to cope with what's going on. they have been pushed to their limit over the last two years of the pandemic and there is already 100,000 vacancy shortage in the nhs so another 25% vacancy shortage, we don't know how the nhs and other public services are going to be able to cope. public services are going to be able to co e. :, public services are going to be able to coe. :, ,, public services are going to be able tocoe. :, ., , ,:, to cope. can you give examples of what could — to cope. can you give examples of what could potentially _ to cope. can you give examples of what could potentially be - to cope. can you give examples of what could potentially be the i to cope. can you give examples of. what could potentially be the impact on services? the what could potentially be the impact on services?— on services? the impact

the nhs - the mirror- the crisis in the nhs — the mirror highlights that with "perfect storm, staffsnts have been declared across the uk —— asked." this is an extraordinary idea, that you might wait 2a hours for an ambulance. frightening, absolute frightening idea _ frightening, absolute frightening idea. that is the unfortunate reality. — idea. that is the unfortunate reality, there are just make things happening — reality, there are just make things happening here — the current omicron wave that's _ happening here — the current omicron wave that's happening, the number of staff who _ wave that's happening, the number of staff who are either becoming ill or having _ staff who are either becoming ill or having to _ staff who are either becoming ill or having to isolate as a result of that, — having to isolate as a result of that, and _ having to isolate as a result of that, and so on. on top of which, as the health— that, and so on. on top of which, as the health and social care committee reports. _ the health and social care committee reports, talking of nhs staffing problems in gen

�*, ., . ~ introducing restrictions to protect the nhs. �*, ., ., ., ., the nhs.the front of the sunday times, and it is a story that has got lots of coverage in the papers today. it is about prince andrew as he heads into this week with a hearing in new york. and the sunday times says he could be asked to stop using the title if he loses the new york secs case. —— sex case. it has not happened yet. but in terms of the thinking around it, what is the paper saying? it is the thinking around it, what is the paper saying?— the thinking around it, what is the aersa in? , ., , paper saying? it is not happened yet but the portents _ paper saying? it is not happened yet but the portents seem _ paper saying? it is not happened yet but the portents seem to _ paper saying? it is not happened yet but the portents seem to be - paper saying? it is not happened yet but the portents seem to be quite i but the portents seem to be quite clear. what is being suggested, which i think is a really interesting solution is the same thing that happened with the duke and duchess of sussex

what does this mean for the nhs, is the pressure easing? l the nhs, is the pressure easing?ek for ambulances taking patients to a&e since the start of december. but covid related staff absence is falling across the country. it accounted for about 3% of staff in acute trusts being off each day in the week to the 23rd of january. it is down 15% on the previous week so it is an improving picture, but hospitals in the north west and midlands are still under pressure from staff absence, more so than others in the south.— downing street says that it has "no sight whatsoever" of a copy of the civil servant sue gray's report into lockdown parties in government. while the wait in westminster continues, the prime minister has vowed to fight on. speaking in wales this morning, borisjohnson also dismissed claims that he approved the controversial airlift of animals from afghanistan. did you authorise evacuating animals out of kabul? no, this whole thing is total rhubarb. i was very proud of what our armed services did, and it was an amazing thing to move 15,000 people out of kabul in th

some believe the nhs should never have sent her there. i struggle with us having the knowledge that the environment is rated as inadequate and thinking that is the best place to confine the people

is capacity of the nhs is lower than we think it is. , ., capacity of the nhs is lower than we think is. , . a i. think it is. is that the risk you are talking — think it is. is that the risk you are talking about _ think it is. is that the risk you are talking about or _ think it is. is that the risk you are talking about or is - think it is. is that the risk you are talking about or is there l think it is. is that the risk you - are talking about or is there some other risk we have not discussed? no, the risk i was referring to was simply the number of cases we have got and the fact that if you allow cases to rise to times, three times, four times the levels of previous peaks, even with a lower severity rate you are going to get similar numbers to what you saw in the previous peaks. there are all of these knock—on risks. isolating and these knock—on risks. isolating and the fact that we are taking people into hospital when there is a clear need, that also means the knock—on effect on those that don't have a very clear need are under a higher risk. . .. very clear need are under a h

and this is my view of the nhs as a whole.iagnosis, this incredible machine kicks into gear and i felt almost like this rolls—royce machine kicked in, and from that moment, the diagnosis through to going into hospital for my operation, i felt very well supported. but my overall reflection is the bit leading up to the actual diagnosis could have been better. the experience since the operation could have been better. and i think, at the moment, that's where the nhs is. when it comes to big crises in your health, a machine kicks into gear. but the diagnosis phase and the after—care phase needs to be so much better. fascinating. i want to talk to you a little bit about how you're going to approach thisjob a little bit later. let's talk about the journey, though, you've been on. is that really right? that you might have been in prison rather than in parliament? i think statistically i was more likely to end up in prison than in parliament. so i come from two, in their own ways, traditional, stereotypical east end families that coul

also on the programme — the effects of covid on nhs workers.taff absence was up by a1% in england, after christmas. i think we have to be honest and when we look at the nhs, it will be a rocky few weeks ahead. the hotel where novak djokovic remains in detention in australia. he thanks his fans for their support. the aftermath of days of unrest in kazakhstan. security forces are ordered to shoot to kill protestors. and, the letter that reached its destination, without a surname, or address. and coming up on the bbc news channel — jonny bairstow hits a century as england find some salvation in sydney, to end day three of the fourth ashes test trailing australia by 158 runs. good evening and welcome to the bbc news at six. the actor, sir sidney poitier, whose ground—breaking films in the �*50s and �*60s, shone a light on racism and social prejudice, has died. he was 94. he was the first black man to win an oscar, and his ground—breaking work paved the way for generations of black artists. his film is reflected in america are struggling with issues

we need to sto 'ust is on the nhs right now? the _ is on the nhs right now? we need to stopjust comparing the covid - is on the nhs right now? we need to stopjust comparing the covid cases | stop just comparing the covid cases to one year ago and trying to use that as a proxy measure for the total pressure that the nhs is under. because if you look at january 2022, it is a very different situation to 2021, so we know there are no where near as many urgent and emergency pathway patients back in a year ago compared to now, and we know there are many more cases where we simply have to get through that planned surgery in a way we did not injanuary 2021. that planned surgery in a way we did not in january 2021-_ planned surgery in a way we did not in january 2021. that is understood. i in january 2021. that is understood. i appreciate — in january 2021. that is understood. i appreciate that. _ in january 2021. that is understood. i appreciate that. given _ in january 2021. that is understood. i appreciate that. given the - i apprecia

chief executive of nhs providers. do when she arrives. deborah turn s is a hast to do when she arrives. deborah turn sis a very _ hast to do when she arrives. deborah turn s is a very considerable - turn s is a very considerable figure, an editorial heavyweight who is the current ceo at itn. she has had a long career in international journalism, she was posted to washington during the clinton years, she covered the balkans war from bosnia. she was the youngest ever editor at itv news. a few years ago, she became the first ever britain at nbc. she has this international and commercial background which was then strengthened by her time at itn. i think she is considerably having a strong reputation, she is considered to have done a good job where she has been, that is why she is a contender for this has been, that is why she is a contenderfor thisjob. has been, that is why she is a contenderforthisjob. she has been, that is why she is a contenderfor thisjob. she has a very strong record on impartiality, i don't think the

nhs in the last year across england and wales.eginning of november and contacted my dental surgery to get an appointment, and they informed me i am no longer with them as i have not visited the practice in two years. the reason i did not visit was covid, and also, i had a son. unfortunately, they could not see me, so i tried calling 11—1, who advised me that the closest emergency dental practice that accepts nhs patients is in milton keynes, and to let my dentist know that i need to be seen. i ask to be seen, but unfortunately they couldn't, due to the back lot. so i have contacted 12 dental practices to date, none of them are taking new nhs patients. so what are you going to do? i nhs patients. so what are ou auoin to do? ., so what are you going to do? i am still looking- _ so what are you going to do? i am still looking. i— so what are you going to do? i am still looking. i am _ so what are you going to do? i —n still looking. lam researching still looking. iam researching daily. i am calling, still looking. iam researching dai

are you doing enough to help the nhs?in downing street this morning as ministers met to review the decision to keep current measures in place in england and go no further — for now. yesterday, the prime minister warned there were difficult weeks ahead, but said england could ride out the wave of omicron cases without new restrictions. i would say we have a good chance of getting through the _ omicron wave without the need for further. restrictions and without the - need, certainly, for a lockdown. over christmas, confidence has increased in government that england can cope with omicron without the need for further measures, but while that has eased political pressure on borisjohnson from his own backbenchers, many of whom are deeply opposed to tighter restrictions, it is not without risk and comes at a cost of increased pressure on the nhs. rising cases and staff shortages are increasing the strain. hospitals in greater manchester are stopping some non—urgent surgery. around 15% of the workforce there have covid or are is

we are already short of staff in all parts of the nhs.e staff, it will impact on the quality of care that we're able to provide for patients, the access, and it will put extra pressure on those staff who are remaining. staff have less than a fortnight to get their first jab in order to be fully vaccinated by the deadline. health chiefs say mandating vaccines is the right thing to do, to protect patients and are encouraging more staff to get their first, second and third jabs. it's so important as health care professionals that we are protected. but if you are not yet, you know that there are options available for you to have conversations with senior clinicians within your trust or organisation to help make that really important decision. and people are coming forward all the time to make sure they are protected, their families are protected, and their patients are protected as well. a similar policy has already been brought in for those working in social care in england, with care homes warning it has exacerbated staff shortages. scotlan

you can get details on nhs inform.n't get covid although it reduces the chances but it significantly enhances our protection against serious illness that could quite literally save your life. i encourage everyone in the age group to get a second dose, if you are in that age group you can go with them to the vaccination centre, and there are still many people who are eligible but not vaccinated, and if you are one of them, for your own sake and for the sake of everyone, please rectify that. it is not too late and no one willjudge you for not having done it before now, and on the contrary, you will be welcomed with open arms. this phase of the pandemic is possibly the most challenging we faced so far and the most infectious varied so far is creating a volume of cases that notwithstanding its reduced severity still has the potential to overwhelm us and of course after two years the measures that have helped us control transmission in past phases are becoming less tolerable and causing more harm so while not easing we do n

so, no let up for the nhs, even after— have. so, no let up for the nhs, even after the _ have.id, l even after the rigours of covid, but how much more can staff take? can you handle another wave, if there is another variant?— another variant? probably. iwould have to do- — another variant? probably. iwould have to do. i'd _ another variant? probably. iwould have to do. i'd have _ another variant? probably. iwould have to do. i'd have to. _ another variant? probably. iwould have to do. i'd have to. i _ another variant? probably. iwould have to do. i'd have to. i think- another variant? probably. iwould have to do. i'd have to. i think it . have to do. i'd have to. i think it would take a lot, and i think every wave leaves a bigger mark, but i would do my best, i would try. dear dad, would do my best, i would try. dear dad. thank — would do my best, i would try. dear dad. thank you _ would do my best, i would try. dear dad, thank you so _ would do my best, i would try. dear dad, thank you so much _ would do my best, i would try. dear dad, thank you so much for making christmas _

i'd push on vaccinations and boosters not just for nhs staffl and boosters not just for nhs staff butut for all — and boosters not just for nhs staff but for all of — and boosters not just for nhs staff but for all of us _ and boosters not just for nhs staff but for all of us continues - and boosters not just for nhs staff but for all of us continues —— - and boosters not just for nhs staff but for all of us continues —— white men _ but for all of us continues —— white men and _ but for all of us continues —— white men and a — but for all of us continues —— white men and a push— but for all of us continues —— white men and a push on _ but for all of us continues —— white men and a push on vaccinations. . but for all of us continues —— white l men and a push on vaccinations. but even _ men and a push on vaccinations. but even though— men and a push on vaccinations. but even though the _ men and a push on vaccinations. but even though the omicron _ men and a push on vaccinations. but even though the omicron wave - men and a push on vaccinations. but even though the omicron wave is - men