. and calais.calais. five suspected smugglers thought to be — and calais. five suspected smugglers thought to be linked _ and calais. five suspected smugglers thought to be linked to _ and calais. five suspected smugglers thought to be linked to the _ and calais. five suspected smugglers thought to be linked to the crossing l thought to be linked to the crossing have been arrested. france says it's dismantled more than a0 networks since the beginning of this year. so why isn't it having an effect? the chief smuggler — why isn't it having an effect? iie: chief smuggler lives in why isn't it having an effect? "tie: chief smuggler lives in london and they invest the money. i make one accusation to the english government. i say why you don't control the money of these gangs? in calais and dunkirk tonight people gathered to remember those who died. the cold a reminder of the conditions they faced. many migrants say they are still planning to cross. 27 people died here yesterday but the business that kil

before they embark— france or near calais. before they embark but — france or near calais.y— embark but for more than 24 hours. they are _ embark but for more than 24 hours. they are arriving _ embark but for more than 24 hours. they are arriving in _ embark but for more than 24 hours. they are arriving in many— embark but for more than 24 hours. they are arriving in many vans - embark but for more than 24 hours. they are arriving in many vans and i they are arriving in many vans and buses— they are arriving in many vans and buses and — they are arriving in many vans and buses and someone _ they are arriving in many vans and buses and someone from - they are arriving in many vans and buses and someone from belgiumj buses and someone from belgium across— buses and someone from belgium across the — buses and someone from belgium across the border— buses and someone from belgium across the border in _ buses and someone from belgium across the border in germany- buses and someone from belgium across the border in germany andl across the border in germany and they are — across t

a lot of police brutality and a lot of deaths -- 304 people died in calais.hat is the situation right now. tom: but it sounds as though on the back of this hunger strike, perhaps the authorities are softening their stance and there will be perhaps less harsh on migrants who decide to settle and wait in calais until they can cross. what do you make of that promise? manon: i am not sure it will be certain. the offer is to offer temporary shelter to 300 people, so it does not cover at all the needs and these are temporary shelters away from calais, but more of the peoe who were offered temporary shelter away from calais came back. that is where they want to cross the channel. so that is not a softening, it is just providing basic needs, and maybe a bit stopping the inhuman treatment that people face in a calais. but they didn't promise to stop the evictions. the winter is coming, and one thing people on hunger strike are asking and that amnesty is supporting, is to stop the evictions of the people that will not be receiving housing during the winter moratorium,

here is the mayor of calais. translation:— here is the mayor of calais.lation: �* ., , ., , translation: bloom at this tragedy is the result of _ translation: bloom at this tragedy is the result of several _ translation: bloom at this tragedy is the result of several successive - is the result of several successive failures in immigration policy. it is the failure of borisjohnson. our region has and to take on extra measures because he does not have the courage to take responsibility. we need to react and react quickly. all this must stop. we should not be waiting for tragedies to act. what angers me the most this evening is that for several weeks i've been alerting members of the government to warn them that there was exceptional pressure at this moment. you schofield is live with us. what more do we know about these people smuggling operations? the? more do we know about these people smuggling operations?— smuggling operations? they are very exensive smuggling operations? they are very expensive indeed. _ smuggling operations? they are very expensive in

did - colleague, lewis goodall, heard in calais._ why did you - calais.ans, they said ou must leave? the politicians, they said you must leave _ leave? the politicians, they said you must leave this _ leave? the politicians, they said you must leave this country - leave? the politicians, they saidj you must leave this country over evil killie. , ., , ., evil killie. these are the personal stories at the _ evil killie. these are the personal stories at the heart _ evil killie. these are the personal stories at the heart of _ evil killie. these are the personal stories at the heart of this - evil killie. these are the personal stories at the heart of this and i evil killie. these are the personal. stories at the heart of this and why this issue will not easily be resolved. the reasons for people seeking a new home in europe are not going away, nor is the need for better cooperation among these countries these people are heading to. this is accepted by france and the uk. , , ., to. this is accepted by france and theuk. , , ,, the uk. this is a complicated is

fergal keane, bbc news, calais.strain found in southern africa is classed a variant of concern by the world health organization over fears it may be more infectious and more resistant to vaccines. french president emmanuel macron is accusing the uk of not being serious about dealing with the migrant crisis as the diplomatic row deepens. president biden has expressed concern about russia's troop build—up near the ukrainian border. he said he was likely to discuss the situation with both countries' leaders. earlier, ukraine's president said russian "representatives" are planning to overthrow his government next week but the kremlin insists russia has no plans to get involved. mark lobel reports. ukrainians living in the rebel—held east survey recent damage amidst a war of words with russia as western and ukrainian officials speak of a build—up of russian forces on the country's borders with ukraine. ukraine's president, addressing the media on friday, suggested his country could come under attack as early as next week

meanwhile, vigils have been held in calais for those who lost their lives.o an end in this edition of "outside source." thanks for watching. narrator: funding for this presentation of this program is provided by... narrator: financial services firm, raymond james. man: bdo. accountants and advisors. narrator: funding was also provided by, the freeman foundation. by judy and peter blum kovler foundation; pursuing solutions for america's neglected needs. and by contributions to this pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. ♪ ♪ narrator: you're watching pbs. ♪ ♪ narrator: funding for this presentation of this program is provided by... narrator: pediatric surgeon. volunteer. topiary artist. a raymond jas financl advisor tailors advice to help you live your life. life well planned. woman: the rules of business are being reinvented with a more flexible workforce. by embracing innovation, by looking not only at currt opportunities, but ahead to future ones. man: people who know, know bdo.

fergal keane, bbc news, calais.that means people are being advised not to travel in those areas. the warning is because of storm arwen moving in from the east. travel disruption has already been extensive and trains between edinburgh and england have been cancelled. this was portsoy on the moray firth on friday afternoon buffeted by high winds. and waves crashed over harbour walls here in the village of gardenstown in aberdeenshire, with snow falling in braemar, close to balmoral castle in royal deeside. our correspondent lorna gordon is in stonehaven on the north—east coast of scotland. she gave us this update a little earlier. a huge sweep of the east coast is being battered by this storm with this red warning for wind, which means there's a potential dangerfor life in place, from north of aberdeen to middlesbrough, in the north—east of england. and the conditions really are brutal — there's driving rain, dropping temperatures and winds are forecast to potentially gust up to 90 mph. 25,000 homes, primarily in aber

lucy williamson, bbc news, calais.ple in migrant camps in calais. they also lobby european politicians about issues that affect them. thank you for being with us. what is the latest situation, would you say, in the calais area in terms of migrants, still wanting, despite those terrible drownings last week to get across the channel to the uk? thank you for having me. the situation in calais remains very difficult. and has been for years. previously there were the jungle camps with makeshift centres or places for people to sleep. members of our charity have been actively trying to support those people in need, providing basic resources such as food and warm clothing, especially during the cold season now. it's untenable. and with the spread of covid—19, it is really not able to maintain hygienic standards to protect people also and so, hopefully, more can be done to protect these people in need. we step in where we can but surely the legislation needs to change so people actually can travel and apply for asylum and take

we have centres in calais and dunkirk. titre in calais and dunkirk.ng, have been arrested. france says it has dismantled more than a0 networks since the beginning of this year, so why isn't it having an effect? the smugglers _ why isn't it having an effect? tsue: smugglers invest why isn't it having an effect? tste: smugglers invest the why isn't it having an effect? tsuez smugglers invest the money. i make one accusation to the english government. i say why you don't control the physicality, the money of this gang? but control the physicality, the money of this gang?— of this gang? but in the game of russian roulette _ of this gang? but in the game of russian roulette sold _ of this gang? but in the game of russian roulette sold to - of this gang? but in the game of| russian roulette sold to migrants here, faith is the only way forward. 27 people died here yesterday, but hope and determination live on. lucy williamson, bbc news, calais. if there was one sentiment i have had a sense of from locals here today, it was a resignation. this has been the re

lucy williamson, bbc news, calais. next, to the us. biden has hailed the verdict of a court in the us state of georgia, which found three white men guilty of murdering a young black man, ahmaud arbery, while he was outjogging. the three men claimed they were defending themselves while trying to perform a citizens�* arrest on mr arbery who they said "looked like a burglar." our correspondent aleem maqbool has been following the trial in georgia. 0-4-3-3. there have been times when this moment seemed a very distant prospect. we the jury find the defendant, travis mcmichael, guilty. 0h, woo! the shout of relief came from the father of ahmaud arbery, who was shot dead in february of last year. two others were also found guilty of murder. they'd all seen 25—year—old ahmaud running through their neighbourhood and claimed he'd fitted the description of a crime suspect. they chased him and killed him. during the trial, the man who fired the fatal shots, travis mcmichael, was the only one of the three to take to the witness stand. i shot him. w

i'm live in calais, where the french president— i'm live in calais, where the french president emmanuelron has said he won't _ president emmanuel macron has said he won't let the channel become a cemetery — we'll have the latest on the emergency operation. also tonight, from the headquarters of bbc scotland in glasgow... the first minister tells the bbc she will serve a full term until 2026, and she intends to press ahead with plans for an independence referendum. we have the story of a man with autism and learning disabilities who's been held in a secure unit for 21 years because of a lack of community support. a review of the way english football is governed calls for an independent regulator to sort out the game's finances. and we survey the future of the scottish highlands, where the race is on to return vast areas to their natural state. and coming up in the sport on the bbc news channel, some of snooker�*s biggest names back shaun murphy over his claims that amateurs should not be allowed in professional tournaments. good evening. we start with the tragedy in the english channel,

fergal keane, bbc news, calais.with me. but first, let's go live to downing street tonight, and speak to our political correspondent iain watson. how serious is this row between britain and france? usually, reeta, tragedies tend to bring people closer, but these deaths seem to have highlighted the differences between the uk and french governments. borisjohnson is under huge pressure from some of his mps to do more to stop the small boat setting sale of our shores in the first place, so perhaps it was unsurprising that he chose to publish that letter to president macron. but downing street are insisting tonight that everything he asked for in that letter, the joint patrols, the attempts to send refugees back across the channel, this had all been pushed for privately but had made very little progress. you ask me specifically how serious is this row. today has been dominated by megaphone diplomacy, but behind the scenes there are quieter attempts to try to get the relationship back on an even keel get the relationship

off the coast of calais.moment, there are 31 dead and two people were rescued. they are currently in hospital and still in danger. among these 31 dead, we know there were five women and a little girl. we will get more information later today. and obviously, the search and rescue operations are continuing. today, between the crossing of calais a the north part of the country, we had 780 police officers patrolling e coast. 255 people have managed across the channel, but 660 one people who were trying to cross have been stopped. these are migrants who spent just a few days or a few hours in france and want to cross into england, and take thisisk. unfortunately today, we had this tragedy. the folks responsible for this horrible situation are the smugglers, criminals who, for a few thound euros, organized human trafficking of people from iraq, iran, afghanistan and asia, and to use these people. they tracked them from belgium to france and across the channel to the u.k.. we need to fight these smugglers. 1500 of t

our correspondent lucy williamson is in calais.s you say, the rescue and recovery operation has been going on here into the night. but there are very few details so far about who the victims are or why their boat sank. and there are questions already being raised in the local media here about whether it was simply bad weather, high waves, or whether it might�*ve been hit by something like a container ship. no confirmed details as yet — but this town, this country is today is simply coming to terms with what the government is calling a day of national tragedy. this is a tragedy that began with hope. where are you going now? the uk. the water nothing to be afraid of yet. several boats set off from this coast at first light this morning. this one reached british shores without disaster. but a flimsy boat, dozens of desperate people — the warning signs have always been there. and today, one of these boats never arrived. translation: as far as we know, 33 people capsized off— dunkirk, in calais. as of now, 31 people died, but were not r

at least 27 migrants have died in the sea off calais at least 33 migrants have died in the sea off calaishannel so far. the british minister says people smugglers are to blame. now is the time for us all to step up, to work together to do everything we can to break these gangs who are literally getting away with murder. we'll be live in calais with all the latest throughout the hour on this developing story. we will also be live in georgia in the us as three men have been found guilty of a

the group was walking around tracks connecting calais to dunkirk. the vice president of the region confirmed all victims held from eritrea -- hailed from eritrea. >> the train was pulling into calais and the was a groupf 50 migrants. there was low vibility, the driver did not see them at either quit the group. some managed to get out of the way, but four were hit by the train. reporter: the train operator has kept the line suspended until eay friday morng. despite danger warnings and colder weather, attempted migrant crossings to britain have significantly increased in recent years. on thursday, one person was found dead while stuck on a small boat outside calais and on wednesday, emergency services recorded 400 rescued after several vessels sank en route to britain. 9500 people made or attempted crossings, compared to just 2300 in 2019. this year alone, figures have risen to just under 25,000 people, with more than 5500 rescued according to french authorities. wassim: french president emmanuel macron's former body card says he will appeal his verdi

is one of the areas you _ presence in calais. is one of the areas you are — presence in calais.ng you are actively pursuing?— france? is that something you are actively pursuing? we don't believe in encouraging _ actively pursuing? we don't believe in encouraging people _ actively pursuing? we don't believe in encouraging people to _ actively pursuing? we don't believe in encouraging people to make - in encouraging people to make journeys across the mediterranean which are equally dangerous and where thousands of people have lost their lives. we are looking at having safe and legal roots from the regions of conflict themselves. we evacuated 16,000 people from afghanistan in august and only last week you can see we welcomed an afghanistan women's football team who flew here on a visa, they did not need to engage in a dangerous journey. we are also looking to create more of our roots in terms of how we can support those people directly. and looking at europe and they are looking to tackle the issues on its own border and the loss of life in the mediterranean and it might stop stop

translation: as far as we know, 33 people capsized off— dunkirk in calais.ow, 31 people died, but were not resuscitated and there are two survivors who are currently being treated and whose lives are also unfortunately in danger. a local fisherman spotted the passengers floating motionless in the water. helicopters and boats were scrambled to the scene for a rescue operation, but many had already drowned. this disaster underscores how dangerous it is to cross the channel in this way, and it also shows how vital it is that we now step up our efforts to break the business model of the gangsters who are sending people to sea in this way. there are questions already being raised in the local media the rescue and recovery operation has been going on here into the no but there are very few notes about who the victims are or why there boat sank. there are questions already being raised in the local media here about whether it was simply bad weather, high waves or whether it may have been hit by something like a container ship. no confirmed details as yet. but peopl

translation: as far. as we know, 33 people capsized off dunkirk in calais.31 people died, but were not resuscitated and there are two survivors who are currently being treated and whose lives are also unfortunately in danger. a local fisherman spotted the passengers floating motionless in the water. helicopters and boats were scrambled to the scene for a rescue operation, but many had already drowned. this disaster underscores how dangerous it is to cross the channel in this way, and it also shows how vital it is that we now step up our efforts to break the business model of the gangsters who are sending people to sea in this way. there are questions already being raised in the local media here about whether it was simply bad weather, high waves or whether it may have been hit by something like a container ship. by something like a container shi -. . ., . ., ship. there are no confirmed details as — ship. there are no confirmed details as yet. _ but people here in this calais migrant camp are so determined to reach the uk that no—one we met tonight said they

tightened at the port of calais-— port of calais.d make the crossing by boat? yes. and make the crossing by boat? yes, hood and make the crossing by boat? yes, good morning- _ and make the crossing by boat? yes, good morning. absolutely correct. the other— good morning. absolutely correct. the other options have been made much _ the other options have been made much more — the other options have been made much more difficult if not impossible. what we are observing now is _ impossible. what we are observing now is a _ impossible. what we are observing now is a shift in the way smuggling happens _ now is a shift in the way smuggling happens. and it's a shift to much more _ happens. and it's a shift to much more visible smuggling, if you like. boats— more visible smuggling, if you like. boats are _ more visible smuggling, if you like. boats are much more visible. compared _ boats are much more visible. compared to crossing in the back of lorries _ compared to crossing in the back of lorries. which also explains why in this sense. — lor

lucy williamson, bbc news, calais.day's stories on the bbc news channel. the next news on bbc one is at five o'clock. bye for now. hello. you're watching the bbc news channel with ben brown. the news channel with ben brown. time is ten past on sport and time for a full round up from the bbc sport centre. here's holly hamilton. good afternoon. great britain are under pressure in their second match in the davis cup finals in austria. after beating france yesterday, dan evans was a heavy favourite to win his opening match against tomas machac — a player ranked over 100 places below him. but a frustrated evans lost in straight sets with machac winning 6—2, 7—5, coming back from 5—2 down to win the second set. that means cameron norrie had to win his match againstjiri lehecka. it went to a deciding third set but the british number one prevailed winning 6—1 in the final set. the upcoming doubles match featuring joe salisbury and neal skupski will decide the tie. emma raducanu is playing her first match on british soil since

_ trekked across europe from turkey to calais and _ trekked across europe from turkey to calais and sank— and in the first attempt his boat sank and — and in the first attempt his boat sank and he was rescued and the trafficker— sank and he was rescued and the trafficker disappeared, no surprise. he then _ trafficker disappeared, no surprise. he then made the second attempt. he can't swim _ he then made the second attempt. he can't swim and team is one of only two survivors — can't swim and team is one of only two survivors from the capsized dinghy — two survivors from the capsized dinghy in — two survivors from the capsized dinghy in which 27 people died and he now— dinghy in which 27 people died and he now says he is going to do it again— he now says he is going to do it again and — he now says he is going to do it again and this isjust how desperate these _ again and this isjust how desperate these people are and why the people traffickers _ these people are and why the people traffickers and making a killing on this _ traffickers and making a killing on this i_ traffickers and m

tony smith is former head of the — port of calais.ormer head of the uk _ port of calais. tony smith is former head of the uk border— force and first it's a tragedy it has come to this, where people have lost their lives.— lost their lives. these are dangerous _ lost their lives. these are dangerous waters, - lost their lives. these are - dangerous waters, particularly at this time of year. for me the solution is clear. it does require a joint agreement between ourselves and the french, or perhaps more widely with the eu on a couple of things. firstly, we need job under international law. regardless of where the vessel is, whether it is in french or british waters, the first priority should be to save lives, to bring them on—board and make sure people do drown. that could be donejointly make sure people do drown. that could be done jointly and we could have french people on our vessels and we could put border forces on their vessels. and we could put border forces on theirvessels. having and we could put border forces on their vessels.

our correspondent lucy williamson reports from calais. lay still today. their empty beaches a battleground between smugglers and police. translation: yesterday the tragedy hit calais, - it was a tragedy that was dreaded, that was foreseen, and we have sounded the alarm on this several times, saying that the smugglers are becoming more and more careless. this tragedy stopped two nations in their tracks. but on the channel today, it was business as usual. arrivals in kent this morning were loaded into a british double—decker bus. fearjust isn't enough to slow a trade greased by profit and fuelled by hope. the boats they came in on as flimsy and dangerous as the one that capsized yesterday. any puncture on boats like this can be fatal. the one found yesterday had deflated, the french interior minister said, like a child's paddling pool. there are questions here now about whether it may have been hit by a container ship. this is where the boat is thought to have set off from on its journey to the uk yesterday. a local mayor told us the people

there are centres in calais and dunkirk. fiue centres in calais and dunkirk.than a0 networks since the beginning of this year. so, why is it not having an effect? the chief smuggler, they are living in a gang. — the chief smuggler, they are living in a gang, and they invest the money, — in a gang, and they invest the money, i_ in a gang, and they invest the money, i make one accusation to an english _ money, i make one accusation to an english man. — money, i make one accusation to an english man, i say, why don't you control— english man, i say, why don't you control the — english man, i say, why don't you control the physicality, the money of this— control the physicality, the money of this guy? but control the physicality, the money of this guy?— of this guy? but in the game of russian roulette, _ of this guy? but in the game of russian roulette, sold - of this guy? but in the game of russian roulette, sold to - of this guy? but in the game of. russian roulette, sold to migrants here, faith is the only way forward. 27 people died here yesterday. but hope an

lucy williamson, bbc news, calais.lands, minister for migration ankie broekers—knol, about the ongoing migration crisis and deadly crossings in the channel. both agree a returns agreement is needed to break up the criminal gangs. the headlines on bbc news... the uk government promises it will be christmas as normal despite the discovery of the 0micron variant of coronavirus. from tuesday, people in england will once again have to wear masks in shops and on public transport. the netherlands confirms that 13 people with covid on a flight that arrived at amsterdam�*s schipol airport from south africa on friday arrived at amsterdam�*s schiphol airport from south africa on friday have the new variant of covid—19. nearly 100,000 homes across the uk remain without power a this afternoon after gale force winds created by storm arwen. properties in parts of scotland, wales and northern england are affected. power companies say they hope to restore supplies to the majority of homes later today. the women�*s tennis association sa

_ but also they might make trade between calais and _ but also they might make trade between calaisade goes between britain and ireland — of the trade goes between britain and ireland and _ of the trade goes between britain and ireland and tours _ of the trade goes between britain and ireland and tours the - of the trade goes between britain . and ireland and tours the continent. they might — and ireland and tours the continent. they might not _ and ireland and tours the continent. they might not block _ and ireland and tours the continent. they might not block it _ and ireland and tours the continent. they might not block it would - and ireland and tours the continent. they might not block it would make | they might not block it would make it more _ they might not block it would make it more difficult. _ they might not block it would make it more difficult. also— they might not block it would make it more difficult. also have - they might not block it would make it more difficult. also have to- they might not block it would make it more difficult. also have to see . it more difficu

today between the crossing of calais and the north part of the country we have 780 police officers who the coast. 255 people have managed to cross the channel. but 661 people who were trying to cross have been stopped. these are migrants who spend just a few days if not a few hours in france and want to cross into england and take this risk and unfortunately today we have this tragedy. the first responsible for this horrible situation are the smugglers. criminals who for a few thousand euros organise human trafficking of people from iraq, afghanistan, africa, asia and will use the people. they attract and hear three of belgium and then in france to cross the channel and go to the uk. we need to fight against the smugglers. 1500 of them have already been arrested since the 1st of january and we have arrested for more today in direct connexion to this incident. two of them are being charged. since the 1st of january, 7800 migrants have been rescued at sea by our navy. i think the national may be for the work and i think the police and the rescuers who risked their lives to save these peo

tomorrow when they meet in calais. . ., ., ., ., ,, ., calais.er of asylum—seekers who were accepted, 122,000 in the year to march 2021, france 93,000, the british 63,000, which puts us fifth in the number of applicants. it is a problem of scale all around europe — what could we be doing that might work, that might create an environment in which the people smugglers no longer had a business? well, i think by opening legal roots and safe _ well, i think by opening legal roots and safe routes— well, i think by opening legal roots and safe routes for— well, i think by opening legal roots| and safe routes for asylum—seekers to claim _ and safe routes for asylum—seekers to claim asyium~ _ and safe routes for asylum—seekers to claim asylum. the _ and safe routes for asylum—seekers to claim asylum. the french- to claim asylum. the french government. _ to claim asylum. the french government, we've - to claim asylum. the french government, we've learnedl to claim asylum. the french- government, we've learned this afternoon — government, we've learned this

calais has long been the coupon for migrants seeking to cross the water from france to england. the people of the port has been seeing both sides of the story over the past 20 years. this, of course, as the worst micro crisis in its history has taken place with 27 people losing their lives. a vigil held this evening inspired by a tragedy that has unfolded and sympathy for those seeking quite simply a better life. some migrants have been telling us their feelings in the wake of this tragic loss of life. >> libya and algeria and then went to spain by c. we will continue our quest despite the risks. >> we are not afraid because we have faced far worse. we look at our phones and winds are all right. when they are not too high, we try to leave on our own. ex 27 people drowning off the french coast, after setting off in a rough dinghy to reach the south of england. >> we were at the central calais where there was a lot of raw emotion at this memorial service for the 27 people who died yesterday in what is now the single worst micro disaster in the english channel. lots of raw emotion,

jessica parker, bbc news in calais.mmons, the shadow home secretary, nick thomas symonds, urged the government to increase the surveillance of french beaches and cooperate more with france's authorities. i have raised on a number of occasions the arrangements we have in place with french authorities and i would ask firstly the home secretary could set out how many days a week the full existing surveillance capacity is currently operating. what will she be doing urgently to increase that surveillance? i pay tribute to the national crime agency and front line law enforcement officers for the work they do and i heard what the home secretary said in her statement about law enforcement cooperation but can she also tell the house what she will do to deepen the intelligence and law enforcement cooperation with the french authorities and other countries so the focus is not only on coastal patrols important though they are but also about disrupting the routes facilitated, often across hundreds and thousands of miles by people sm

what about the meeting in calais this afternoon, | meeting in calais this afternoon, which is part of secretary. it looked understandable for all kinds of reasons, but it looked odd for the french president to cardiff and invite the british secretary didn't it? he might not be happy with what borisjohnson does, but this is a humanitarian crisis and it was only days since 27 people drowned, surely we want britain to be represented at the highest level? it we want britain to be represented at the highest level?— the highest level? it shows how ludicrous the _ the highest level? it shows how ludicrous the situation - the highest level? it shows how ludicrous the situation has - the highest level? it shows how. ludicrous the situation has become and how appalling the consequences are because of it. the french are playing the blame game with the british government. the british government are playing the blame game with the french. we are having a war of words over twitter and meanwhile, children are being allowed to drown off our coastline. this is our collective problem. it full to the br

laura: lucy joins us live from calais.t is the reaction of the french government tonight to this tragedy? lucy: the interior minister has been here in calais. he called it a day of national grief for france and the world. emmanuel macron has been speaking. he has vowed that he will not let the channel become a cemetery, and i think this is something that people have feared for many months, this fear that with all of the crossings, the rise in demand, the expansion of the people smuggling, the expsion of the crossing season and enter the winter months, this is the kind of tragedy hanging over that industry since it began two or three years ago, and now the government is having to face that. we are told four suspected people smugglers believed to be linked to this crossing have been arrested, but for all of the arrests over the years and all of the deterrents, this industry seems to keep growing. laura: lucy williamson, thank you. now to germany where three political parties have struck a deal to form the next government, pu

european ministers — minus the uk home secretary priti patel — meet for talks in calais today about how migrants crossing the channel. now on bbc news, it's time for dateline london with shaun ley. hello and welcome to the programme, which brings together bbc specialists with the foreign correspondents who write, blog and broadcast to audiences back home from the dateline london. this week, the 27 people smuggled across europe to their deaths in the channel. the brakes are off for germany's traffic light coalition. and the peppa pig guide to being prime minister. our dateline panel this week, the portuguese academic and journalist eunice goes. we're hoping to bejoined soon by thomas kielinger, veteran uk watcher and royal biographer. and in the studio with me, the bbc news presenter and foreign correspondent clive myrie. good to see you, clive. first, covid, a new variant identified in south africa, is causing concern and disrupting international travel as a result. and clive, it's been called omicron tonight. it's always a bad sign when they give it a greek name, isn't it? yeah, it is.

french authorities reported that a vessel sank near the port of calais.cue operations are currently ongoing in a bid to find survivors. crossings have increased in the last 12 months, but this is known to be the biggest disaster in the channel since data started to be collected in 2014. emmanuel macron has called on the european union order agency to be reinforced. let's hear now from boris johnson. >> of course, we have to work with our french fragment with our european i say to our partns the channel, now is the time for us all to step up, to work together to do everything we can to break these gangs who are literally getting away with murder. >> those primarily responsible for this despicable situation are the traffickers. these criminals, for a few thousand euros, smuggle human beings from iraq, afghanistan, and asia and africa, to cross the channel into great britain. it is them we must fight against. simon: earlier, the coordinator of the calais branch of the utopia 56 association spoke to my colleague, james. guest: it is a tragedy. . for the momen

lucy williamson, bbc news, calais. benedicte paviot is france 24's uk correspondent.ty poor for quite a while, but this must be a new low, rock bottom, do have a british minister dis— invited from a meeting like this? british minister dis- invited from a meeting like this?— meeting like this? yes, this is a new low. _ meeting like this? yes, this is a new low. but — meeting like this? yes, this is a new low, but coming _ meeting like this? yes, this is a new low, but coming on - meeting like this? yes, this is a new low, but coming on top - meeting like this? yes, this is a new low, but coming on top of. meeting like this? yes, this is a i new low, but coming on top of the fisheries dispute, the lack of resolution over the northern ireland protocol, the threat since july of an revocation of article 16 by the united kingdom, full suspension are only part of the brexit agreement negotiated, signed by this prime minister and this government, eight tweets on thursday night, a public letter and what is a very complex over 20—year—old immigration problem, a global immigrati

how to resolve the migrant crisis in calais?he uk and france find themselves at loggerheads as a diplomatic row breaks out. protesters target amazon buildings in 20 countries on the biggest shopping day of the year, black friday, but did they disrupt sales? welcome to those watching in the uk and around the globe. we start with growing concerns over the emergence of a new strain of covid—19 in south africa. the world health organisation has — in the past few hours — classified it as a variant of concern and named it — the greek letter omicron. meanwhile — european union leaders have agreed to suspend travel from affected areas — after belgium detected the first case in europe. the us have also announced they will bring in restrictions from monday. south africa has denounced the measures taken against the country, calling them �*unjustified' and �*draconian'. here's the statement from the world health organization. mcron is named as a variant of concern because mcron is named as a variant of concern because it mcron is named as a

so you arrive in calais, because it is closest to britain. to go to britain because you have family there, because they speak english, because with brexit and global britain, they think the roads are paved with gold. the problem is not a french problem, it is a british problem, and i think that for britain to solve that problem, they have to welcome them — that is a moral duty. the french cannot do anything. they do their best, but the fact is that the british have not even paid for the french policing. you said "once they get into the schengen zone" but it doesn't answer the question of how they get in in the first place, because they are not documented to get into any of the schengen countries. you know very well that the schengen countries are quite permeable to people coming in. you go through greece or poland or italy, it is very easy for people to get in. the problem is they do not want to stay in the eu and also, there is no country wants to welcome them in the present climate between coronavirus and extreme right wing, so it is up to

lucy williamson, bbc news, calais.dly died in the unrest in the solomon islands. the political crisis in the country is deepening, with protesters surrounding the prime minister's home for a third day, and police firing warning shots and tear gas to disperse crowds outside his residence. a building near the compound has been set alight. protesters caused further destruction in the chinatown district of the capital city, honiara. a night—time curfew has been extended. you are watching bbc news. a reminder of our top stories... a new covid strain found in southern africa is classed a "variant of concern" by the world health organisation over fears it may be more infectious and more resistant to vaccines. french president emmanuel macron is accusing the uk of not being serious about dealing with the migrant crisis as the diplomatic row deepens. the legendary composer of broadway musicals, stephen sonheim, has died at his home in connecticut. he was 91. sondheim composed and wrote lyrics for a vast number of musicals, incl

how to resolve the migrant crisis in calais?k and france find themselves at loggerheads as a diplomatic row breaks out. and it's bargain hunt black friday. but can supply keep up with demand? coming up in sport on the bbc news channel: wales will play austria and scotland face ukraine in the play—off semifinals for the world cup. if they win, both home nations will then face each other. good evening. officials in belgium say they've discovered the first case in europe of a new variant of covid deemed to be of huge international concern. there are fears that the variant, which has been circulating in south africa, might be more transmissible, and that vaccines may be less effective against it. from midday today, the uk suspended direct flights from six countries in southern africa — and from 4am on sunday, anyone arriving here from those countries will have to quarantine at their own expense for ten days in an approved hotel. this afternoon, the european union also said that air travel to and from the six countries should be halt

how to resolve the migrant crisis in calais?ance find themselves at loggerheads as a diplomatic row breaks out. # there are bugs on her dugs, there are flies in her eyes... and one of the most influential figures in theatre, the legendery american songwriter stephen sondheim, has died at 91. hello, i'm shaun ley. welcome to those watching in the uk and around the globe. we start with growing concerns over the emergence of a new strain of covid—19 in south africa. the world health organization has in the past few hours classified it as a variant of concern and named it — the greek letter omicron. meanwhile, european union leaders have agreed to suspend travel from affected areas after belgium detected the first case in europe. the us have also announced they will bring in restrictions from monday. south africa has denounced the measures taken against the country, calling them "unjustified" and "draconian". here's the statement from the world health organisation. omicron, 811529, is named as a variant of concern because it has con

lucy williamson reports from calais.ing colder, the political distance a little wider each day. here in the migrant camps, caught between the two governments, they know what it takes to bridge the channel and what the risks are if you fail. two days ago, a boat capsized, killing 27 people. tonight, the first victim was named as 24—year—old maryam nuri mohamed amin from iraqi kurdistan. herfiance said he was messaging her as the dinghy began to lose air. herfather, mourning her death in erbil, in northern iraq, spoke to the bbc. translation: from germany, she went to france, _ and in france, she got into this slaughterhouse. the whole world talks about europe is a place that is calm, that is pleasant. is this what "calm" means? around 30 people dying in the middle of the sea? this is a sin to put people through this. this tragedy has put pressure on paris and london to mend their rift over how to tackle the channel crossings. macron says you aren't serious. is he right, prime minister? meeting the polish prime minister to

lucy williamson in calais.the coldest of the season — with temperatures dropping to as low as minus 10 degrees in parts of the uk. in eastern scotland and the east of england weather warnings remain in place following storm arwen — and tens of thousands of homes are still without power. here's our scotland correspondent alexandra mackenzie. storm arwen brought winds of over 90 mph. the damage caused was extensive. scottish power said it was the worst in many years — like here in lockerbie. trees were blown onto power lines. in the town of kintore in aberdeenshire, people are doing what they can to stay warm and fed. but they don't know when their electricity will be restored. we've had no power since friday night, when some big trees took down the cables beside our house. so we've got my 97—year—old dad in the village, so he's got power now, thankfully. but it doesn't look as though we'll be getting any power any time soon. thousands of people in wales are also without power. carmarthenshire is one of the worst

they set off close to calais in northern france. in south—east england, a0 kilometres away. but as we've seen this week, this is a perilousjourney. on wednesday, at least 27 people drowned near calais, and this was borisjohnson's response. it's an appalling thing that they have. . .that they have suffered. but i also want to say that this disaster underscores how dangerous it is to cross the channel in this way. president macron has said... but the dangers of these crossings have long been known, and yet, for some, the risks are still worth taking. these are people getting onto boats in france this week. we know the number of crossings has gone up sharply this year to over 25,000 so far. and earlier this month, a new record was set when over 1,100 people crossed the channel on a single day. the uk government has repeatedly promised to make this route unviable. so far, it's been unable to, and some british mps think france needs to do more. it's simply not credible that 1,000 people came muster on the french beaches in the french not

almost none of them were at the camp at calais or any other place where we tend to associate them.ansfer. the boats were bought in germany and driven by some kind of articulated vehicle so they can be provided. we seen pictures of people and life jackets because they want insurance is about their safety. this is an industrial scale operation. this is an industrial scale operation-— this is an industrial scale oeration. �*, . . _ operation. it's an incredibly sophisticated _ operation. it's an incredibly sophisticated operation. i operation. it's an incredibly sophisticated operation. at| operation. it's an incredibly - sophisticated operation. at the same time, _ sophisticated operation. at the same time, it's_ sophisticated operation. at the same time, it's unsophisticated in other ways— time, it's unsophisticated in other ways because they may have life jackets, — ways because they may have life jackets, but as the charities have talked _ jackets, but as the charities have talked about, they don't know that those life — talked about, they don't know that those life jackets work.