our health editor, hugh pym, is here.hildren over 12 this afternoon, but this has been quite a long and tortuous process, hasn't it?— been quite a long and tortuous process, hasn't it? yes, indeed, ben. process, hasn't it? yes, indeed, item the — process, hasn't it? yes, indeed, ben. the expert _ process, hasn't it? yes, indeed, ben. the expert advisory - process, hasn't it? yes, indeed, - ben. the expert advisory committee, the jcvi, ben. the expert advisory committee, thejcvi, said ten days ago that they did not think, having looked at this very carefully, that they could unequivocally say that this was a good thing to do, because the benefits, they said, two children of 12 to 15 years old would only marginally outweigh the risks, because children were at low risk anyway of getting covid and suffering ill—health. and secondly, there were some very rare side effects that have been spotted amongst those who had had vaccines, young people, a certain amount of heart information, though that is extremely rare. so, the chief

hugh pym, bbc news.cef�*s head of advocacy for health, vaccines and pandemic response, lily caprani in new york. she told me that these pledges need to be turned into action. well, it's right — we've seen new pledges made today on top of many pledges made earlier in the summer at the g7. and it's worth acknowledging that the us has shown great leadership and again, today, is really trying to raise the ambition of global collective action so that everyone in the world who has enough supplies of vaccines can come together and make sure they get to the lowest income countries where they're needed. but you're also right that pledges are not enough. we need to turn those pledges into action immediately. in the lowest income countries in the world, where there are still doctors and nurses and midwives who are not vaccinated against covid—i9, they cannot afford to wait until next year. they need to be protected now and the communities that rely on them need them to be vaccinated now. so, today's pledges are ver

hugh pym, bbc news.. and he's been looking at what might be planned. taste hue. and he's been looking at what might be planned.— might be planned. we don't have any detail et, might be planned. we don't have any detail yet. but _ might be planned. we don't have any detail yet, but we _ might be planned. we don't have any detail yet, but we are _ might be planned. we don't have any detail yet, but we are told _ might be planned. we don't have any detail yet, but we are told we - might be planned. we don't have any detail yet, but we are told we are - detail yet, but we are told we are going to get something early next week and it'll attempt to address theissue week and it'll attempt to address the issue of means testing of social care in england. at the moment, if you have savings of more than £14,250, you have to meet some of your social care costs. anything more than £22,250, you have to meet all your costs. and if you have to go into a residential home, the value of your house is included in that. so i

hugh pym, bbc news. now on bbc news —it�*s the travel show. this week on the show...i. the city of love's freewheeling new ideas. and treading carefully in georgia's abandoned spaces. kenya — it's a country bursting with natural beauty, the wildlife here is world beating, the bush is unspoiled and pristine, and the sunsets will take your breath away. it's a bit different in the capital, but hidden in this maze of dusty backstreets is something truly special. welcome to the mighty jumbo circus academy. these are kenya's best—known acrobats. in normal times, they would be off touring the world. thanks to the pandemic, they have been stuck in nairobi for a year and a half. this is probably the most action i have ever seen happening per square metre in my entire life. it's incredible. in years gone by, the performers here, from tumblers to contortionists, have travelled across the planet showing off their incredible skills. in 2020, though, thanks to the pandemic, they only had one booking. this year, they've got nothing, no money coming in whatsoever. the first time we h

hugh pym, bbc news. now on bbc news, epic iran.tion of iranian arts and culture in the uk, london's v&a museum has brought together hundreds of artefacts showcasing one of the world's great civilisations. it's the biggest exhibition of iranian arts and culture in the uk in nearly a century. hundreds of artefacts showcasing one of the world's great civilisations, from 5,000 years ago to the present day. 0ne absolutely spectacular piece is a little gold chariot. and you'll see it consists of a lot of tiny parts which have been soldered together. it's a technological masterpiece. it's hosted by london's victoria and albert museum — the v&a. i'm maryam erfan, and i cover arts for bbc persia. the epic iran exhibit has been hugely popular, and i've come to share some of the highlights of this wonderful exhibition with you, and to introduce you to some of the experts behind the making of it. it was quite a task, with objects coming from art collections all over the world. i know there are some real treasures here from my homeland — some o

our health editor hugh pym has more details. nations are pushing on with boosterjabs, but it's a different story in low—income countries in africa and around the world, where vaccination rates are much lower. that divergence has been criticised by the world health organization, and there've been growing calls for more vaccine doses to be diverted to those most in need. they're going to come together, and they're going to attack the problem... a leading advocate for vaccine supplies to africa said action was needed by the richest nations. promises do not translate into vaccines and jabs in people's arms. commitments are not jabs in people's arms. people are dying for want of a vaccine. now, i spoke at the who meeting, and on that same day, a member of my household had just died, a 30—year—old woman, because she was unvaccinated. new research suggests that, by the end of this year, there'll be around 1 billion surplus vaccine doses in the g7 group of the wealthiest nations, including the uk and the european union. of those, around

hugh pym, bbc news.ial figures on the pandemic show there were 26,628 new infections recorded, in the latest 24—hour period. it means an average ofjust under 33,000 new cases per day in the past week. hospital numbers continue to rise, there were more than 8,400 people in hospital yesterday, the highest number since early march. 185 deaths were reported in the latest 24—hour period, people who died within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test, and so the average number of deaths per day in the last week is now 138. just over 89% of people in the uk aged 16 or over have had theirfirstjab. and just over 81% are now double vaccinated. our medical editor fergus walsh is here. lets talk about the programme announced today and some people are asking, if you are talking about 30 million doses of booster vaccination, is that the best use of all that medicine? the vaccination, is that the best use of all that medicine?— vaccination, is that the best use of all that medicine? the very old and the very vulnerable _ a

hugh pym, bbc news.ns recorded in the latest 24—hour period, which means an average of more than 38,000 cases per day in the last week. over 8,000 people were in hospital being treated for coronavirus as of wednesday. in the latest 24—hour period, 147 deaths were reported — that's people who died within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test. so the average number of deaths per day is 135 over the last week. 89% of people aged 16 or older have had theirfirstjab. and over 80% have had both doses. the home secretary priti patel has confirmed that dame cressida dick will continue to lead the metropolitan police service until 202a. a number of her high—profile critics had sent an open letter to the prime minister calling for her contract not to be extended. the family of a 34—year—old woman who was subjected to domestic violence by her partner and found dead by her nine—year—old daughter have received a public apology from west midlands police. in 2013 suzanne van hagen�*s body was found alongside her partner's

hugh pym, bbc news. stay with us on bbc news, still to come. that lava from the la palma volcano could create a wall of toxic gases when it flows into the sea. benjohnson, the fastest man on earth, is flying home to canada in disgrace. all athletes should be clean going into the games. i'm just happy that justice is served. it is a simple fact that this morning, these people were in their homes. tonight, those homes have been burnt down by serbian soldiers and police. all the taliban positions alongj here have been strengthened, presumably in case i the americans invade. it's no use having a secret service which cannot preserve its own secrets against the world, and so the british government has no option but to continue this action, even after any adverse judgment in australia. concorde had crossed the atlantic faster than any plane ever before, breaking the record by six minutes. this is bbc news, the latest headlines. the british prime minister, borisjohnson has warned the united nations, generalassembly, it's essential the world comes toget

hugh pym, bbc news. with legal papers alleging that he sexually assaulted an american woman, virginia giuffre, when she was a teenager in 2001. the prince has always denied the allegation. documents published by a court in new york say that he has until the 29th of october to file a response. this sunday will mark the end of a political era in germany, when elections take place for a new leader to replace angela merkel as chancellor after 16 years. a whole generation of young germans have known no other leader, and one of the big issues of the election campaign has been climate change, with activists holding big rallies in cities across the country. 0ur europe editor katya adler reports now on the campaign to succeed mrs merkel. relaxing on a friday evening after 16 years at the helm of the eu's most powerful country, angela merkel is relieved, perhaps, that it's almost all over. the migrant crisis, the euro crisis, four us presidents, five uk prime ministers, 100 eu summits and more during her time in o

hugh pym, bbc news.*s head of advocacy for health, vaccines and pandemic response, lily caprani, in new york. great to have you on newsday. i want to start by asking. — great to have you on newsday. i want to start by asking, we've _ great to have you on newsday. i want to start by asking, we've heard - great to have you on newsday. i want to start by asking, we've heard of - to start by asking, we've heard of that significant booster number from the us, but we have seen the us pledging large numbers of doses before. only really delivering a fraction. is this time different? well, it's right, we've seen pledges made today on top of many pages made earlier at the g7. it's worth acknowledging the us has shown great leadership, and again today, is trying to raise the ambition so that everyone in the world who has enough supplies of vaccines can come together and make sure they get to the lowest income countries. but you're also right that pledges are not enough. we need to turn those into action immediately

hugh pym, bbc news.es, and there were nearly 39,000 new infections recorded in the latest 24—hour period, which means an average of 38,925 cases per day in the last week. the figures also show there were 7,907 people in hospital being treated for coronavirus yesterday. 191 deaths were reported in the latest 24—hour period. that's people who died within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test. that takes the average number of deaths per day to 133 over the last week. 0n vaccinations, nearly 89% of people over the age of 16 have had theirfirstjab, and just over 80% have had both doses. let's turn to the day's other main news. in paris, the trial of 20 men accused of involvement in the terror attacks at the bataclan theatre in 2015, in which 136 people died, has finally started. it's being seen as a supremely important moment for the thousands of people who found themselves, directly or indirectly, caught up in france's worst—ever terror attacks, as gunmen targeted the capital's bars and venues, including the b

hugh pym, bbc news. let s get some of the day s other news.l are meeting to discuss how to respond to the taliban takeover of afghanistan. britain has been calling in advance for a unified response, but russia and china both appear more willing to recognise the taliban government than either the united states or the uk. the united states and france have attempted to defuse the row sparked by the security pact announced last week between the us, australia and britain. joe biden and emmanuel macron agreed over the phone that france would reinstate its ambassador in washington. they also agreed to meet in person in october. colombia says 19,000 migrants, most of them from haiti, are stuck in a coastal town near the border with panama. the authorities say it's been overwhelmed. many of the migrants are trying to reach the us. panama only allows 250 people per day to cross the gulf of uraba, near the border between the two countries. from there, migrants proceed on foot to panama, as part of a long journey north towards the united states. closing a

hugh pym, bbc news.t how to reform and pay for the social care system in england. it's hoping to set out plans soon. 0ur political correspondent iain watson is at westminster. this is a topic that successive governments have really struggled with. is borisjohnson struggling similarly? with. is boris johnson struggling similarl ? ~ ., , ., , ., ., similarly? well, two years ago standin: similarly? well, two years ago standing on — similarly? well, two years ago standing on the _ similarly? well, two years ago standing on the steps - similarly? well, two years ago standing on the steps of - similarly? well, two years ago i standing on the steps of downing street when boris johnson standing on the steps of downing street when borisjohnson became prime minister he pledged to fix the crisis in social care in england once and for all, but yes, he could be finding it is easier said than done because he may have to break an election promise to do so. if his is difficulty. unlike with the health service in englan

hugh pym, bbc news.on for social care in england has been on the conservative agenda for over a decade. in 2011, david cameron set up a commission chaired by the economist sir andrew dilnot to come up with proposals. they included no—one having to pay more than £35,000 for their care — the state would pay for everything after that point. and people would need at least £100,000 in savings and assets before having to pay anything. but plans to implement these proposals were delayed and then dropped by subsequent leaders. our social affairs correspondent alison holt is here. do we expect tomorrow's plan to be based on this? that is certainly what we are expecting, and if that is confirmed tomorrow, then the big question is going to be, what level will that cap be set at? we know there have been arguments going on about weather it should be around £50,000 or £80,000, and the smart money at the moment seems to be pointing to that higherfigure. and we know the moment seems to be pointing to that higher figure.

hugh pym, bbc news. let's have a look at the latest figures on the pandemic.tions recorded in the latest 24—hour period, which means an average of over 34,521 new cases per day in the last week. there were more than 8,200 people in hospital with the virus, as of last friday. 61 deaths were reported in the latest 24—hour period — that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test, and that's an average of 1111 deaths per day in the last week. just over 89% of people aged 16 or over have had their firstjab. and 81% have been double—vaccinated. fergus walsh, our medical editor, is here. can we talk about two groups of people we are concerned with tonight, 12—to—15—year—olds and the over 50s. tonight, 12—to—15—year—olds and the over50s. let's tonight, 12—to—15—year—olds and the over 50s. let's start with the young ones. over 505. let's start with the young ones. over 50s. let's start with the young ones. ., ., ., ones. the roll-out for the 12-to-15-year-olds - ones. the roll-out for the 12-to-15-year-olds will i ones. the roll-out for the i 12-to

hugh pym, bbc news.onference known as cop26, and one of its goals will be to persuade industrialised nations to phase out their dependence on coal. china has now promised to stop funding coal—fired power projects abroad, but many economies around the world are still dependent on it. india is still building new coal—fired facilities. so how do developing nations satisfy the demand for energy while trying to curb emissions? 0ur correspondent rajini vaidyanathan reports from the east indian state of 0rissa. india's coal belt helps power this vast nation. more than two—thirds of the country's energy production still depends on it. such is the demand that the country is planning on building, or expanding, dozens of mines in the coming years and also continues to import coal. there is pressure on india to reduce its emissions. but cutting coal use is a tricky balance. a major pollutant in the country, the dirtiest of fuels, coal is also a major source ofjobs in these communities, which are some of india's poor

hugh pym, bbc news. the rises announced in the budget earlier this year, government income from taxes will reach the highest level in a0 years. 0ur economic editor faisal islam is here with his analysis. at £12 billion, this is the sort of tax rise on pay packets we havent seen in years. so, who pays the bill? you can get a picture here of how all workers above the ni threshold pay. they will see it listed on their pay slips. from 20,000 — about £100 a year, to 100,000 — over £1100 a year. the highest paid pay the most. this is just employees' national insurance though. taking into account £5 billion of employers' national insurance also going up — the tax on pay packets overall is nearly double that — could be seen in form of squeezed wages or higher prices. national insurance will also be applied to earnings from the over 66s, to try to address concerns that younger workers are funding older homeowners. unlike for income tax, national insurance is not levied on savings, property or pension income. for

hugh pym, bbc news.ere were 30,825 new infections recorded in the latest 24—hour period, which means an average of over 34,521 new cases per day in the last week. there were more than 8,200 people in hospital with the virus, as of last friday. 61 deaths were reported in the latest 24—hour period, that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test, and that's an average of 1111 deaths per day, in the last week. just over 89% of people aged 16 or over have had their firstjab. and 81% have been double vaccinated. our political editor laura kuenssberg is at westminster. laura, the latest figures show rising hospital admissions, so there is a lot riding on the prime minister's announcement of his winter plans for tomorrow. there reall is. winter plans for tomorrow. there really is. through _ winter plans for tomorrow. there really is. through the _ winter plans for tomorrow. there really is. through the summer, l winter plans for tomorrow. there i really is. through the summer, we got used t

hugh pym, bbc news.for health and social care he's been repeatedly accused of breaking a conservative election manifesto pledge. his defence is that people across the uk will understand the need to raise extra cash after the exceptional spending to deal with the pandemic. well, is he right? our special correspondent ed thomas has been asking people in leigh in greater manchester. it's been a long road. this is respite for the wigan and leigh carers�* centre. everyone here needs help. this is mary, she is 87. 18 months ago she was diagnosed with vascular dementia. and also alzheimer's. i live with her, help her get dressed, help her wash, 24/7. me and her husband are selling our house to move in with her. there is optimism that this social care reform will transform their lives. if this means that you will be able to get home care, what difference will that make to your life? i think eventually, it will mean a lot to us. there is going to be a stage sometime in the next ten years that it's going to come t

hugh pym, bbc news.500 new infections recorded in the latest 24—hour period. that means in the past week, there was an average of 31,635 new cases per day. there were just over 7,500 people in hospital with covid, according to the latest data. another 166 deaths have been recorded, that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive covid test, taking the average number per day in the last week to 139. 0n vaccinations, just under 90% people aged 16 or over have had theirfirstjab, while 82% are now double vaccinated. a31—year—old man has appeared before magistrates in derby charged with the murders of three children and a woman. their bodies were found at a house in killamarsh near sheffield on sunday. damien bendall was remanded in custody and will appear at derby crown court on friday. years of repeated human errors and outdated it systems have resulted in more than 100,000 women being underpaid £1 billion of state pensions. a report into failures at the department for work and pensions, found system

hugh pym, bbc news.ooking at how to reform and pay for the social care system. hugh is here. what do we know of their plans for social care? we don't have any detail yet but we are told we will get something early next week and it will attempt to address the issue of means testing of social care in england. at the moment, if you have savings of more than £14,250, you have to meet some of your social care costs and anything more than £23,250, you have to meet all your social care costs. if you go into a residential home, the value of your house is included in that end up with people having to sell their home and has caught a lot of anger and distress over the years. then there is the issue of a cap, in other words, years. then there is the issue of a cap, in otherwords, can years. then there is the issue of a cap, in other words, can you limit the amount people have to pay from their own savings? back in 2015, the conservative manifesto had a pledge to cap care costs at £72,000 but it was never implemente

here's our health editor, hugh pym. a pop—up testing site in glasgow.told the bbc that covid has contributed to increasing strain on hospitals. i have never known a period where the nhs has been under pressure that is as intense as it is now. right now? yes, and that is ahead of winter. the vaccine passports will be required in scotland at nightclubs and some large events from 0ctober1st. nicola sturgeon didn't rule out extending that and there was a similar message from ministers in england. we will almost certainly be doing it for nightclubs. we will make a determination as to whether we need to move more more broadly than that. the office of national statistics infection survey suggests one in 45 people in scotland had the virus last week, the highest since the survey began. in wales, there were increases to one in 65. in england, at one in 70 and northern ireland at one in 60 people, there was no change broadly. four out of five of those eligible have had both eligible have had both vaccines, but that leaves work to be done for health chiefs trying

hugh pym, bbc news. the conservative government's agenda for over a decade. in 2011 david cameron set up a commission, headed by the economist andrew dilnot, to come up with proposals. they included capping total care costs at £35,000, with the state paying for everything after that point. and raising the threshold for state support to £100,000 in assets. but plans to implement these proposals were delayed and then dropped by subsequent leaders. our social affairs correspondent alison holt is here. lots of focus on funding today, but wider issues at stake? you are right. the focus has been on how it is paid for, but we need to know what it is we are meant to be paying for. the idea of the cap, which was outlined as the favourite option, the expected option, the big question will be, where is that cap set '5 there have been arguments about a threshold of 50,000, we hear about a threshold of 50,000, we hear about 80,000 also being put forward. that seems to be where the smart money is at the moment. these

here's our health editor, hugh pym.ed, it was clear there was enthusiasm about the prospect of having a booster covid jab. i think that the whole scheme is good, and i think i feel better for having myjabs, so, yes, i'd have it immediately. i always have a flu jab once a year, so i can't see that there's going to be any problem having an extra booster. i would have the booster jab, as i said, but- i would like to learn more about it. and now it'll become a reality, with this age group among the first to get a third dose. the name of the game, the mantra, if you like, is to stay on top of things. staying on top means taking pre—emptive action, according to the vaccine expert committee. jcvi advise us that adults who are more vulnerable to severe covid—19 disease should be offered a booster vaccine in order to maintain a high level of protection through the next few months, through this winter particularly. 0fficials today used this chart to show how effective vaccines are at preventing people with covid from needing hosp

hugh pym, bbc news.ver potential "rogue activity". douglas connell, who has been in the role since march, said he should accept responsibility "if it appears that serious misconduct may have taken place". recent newspaper reports alleged the charity had accepted £100,000 from a russian donor who was later promised a meeting with the prince. four men have been arrested in the londonderry area by police investigating the murder of thejournalist, lyra mckee. she was shot dead by dissident republicans in april 2019, as she observed rioting in the creggan area of derry. a criminal investigation will not be launched into former bbcjournalist martin bashir�*s panorama interview with diana, princess of wales. scotland yard had already said in march it would not launch criminal proceedings, but added that it had since assessed the contents of lord dyson's report into the documentary, which described bashir as deceitful and said he faked documents to obtain the interview. the photo sharing app instagram could be h

hugh pym, bbc news. they have taken control of the last area — panjshir — which has been holding out against their rule. the taliban have released a video of their flag being raised in the centre of the provincial capital. the leader of the resistance fighters has called for a national uprising against the taliban. our diplomatic correspondent james landale reports. this is the moment the taliban claimed victory in panjshir. the last bastion of opposition to its rule in afghanistan. if in a video released by the group, fighters raised their flag at the provincial headquarters north east of kabul. in the capital, a spokesman said the taliban had achieved all the goals of its war. translation: we have captured panjshir with the will of god. - the local leaders and religious elders have been co—ordinating with us, and our operations went ahead with their help. but forces resisting the taliban in this mountainous stronghold denied the claims, their spokesman saying the group's fighters were only in a few val

hugh pym, bbc news. and immunotherapy at university of birmingham and professor danny altmann, professor of immunology at imperial college london about the data that drives the decision to administer booster vaccines. we have only had nine months of information with these vaccines. it is reasonable that we try to accrue data on these vaccines. and of course it is the immune system that provides the protection, and so there are two forms of data we can collect studies in the laboratory, test—tube data if you will about immune protection, but at least as important is the clinical data. how well are these vaccines continuing to protect against infection, serious infection and death? hagar serious infection and death? how wide is the _ serious infection and death? how wide is the variation _ serious infection and death? how wide is the variation in patients, in terms of the immunity that they get from the vaccines?— in terms of the immunity that they get from the vaccines? these are two extraordinary — get f

hugh pym, bbc news.at means in the past week, there was an average of 33,459 new cases per day. there were 7,124 people in hospital with covid, according to the latest data. another 180 deaths have been recorded, that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive covid test, taking the average number per day in the last week, to 143 on vaccinations, 89.6 per cent people aged 16 or over have had theirfirstjab, while 82.1 per cent, are now double vaccinated. the headlines on bbc news. police issue cctv footage of a man wanted over the killing of sabina nessa in south east london, as they release a 38—year—old man under investigation —who was arrested yesterday. the uk government urges motorists not to panic buy fuel, as queues form at some service stations amid fears of shortages due to a lack of delivery drivers three school children have been sentenced to a total of 28 years for killing reading teenager olly stephens in a south east england beauty spot in january. the united states justice department

eunice goes is a portgusese journalist and academic, and with me in the studio is bbc health editor, hugh pym hugh, and welcome to both of you, as well. good to have you with us. now, here in the uk, covid has quietly slipped down news programme running orders. during the summer, newspapers and website front pages have had other headlines — olympic and paralympic glory, and, of course, afghanistan. it was scotland's first minister who brought us up sharp tuesday, when she told the scottish parliament that cases had increased there by 80% in a week. scotland has just recorded its highest daily rate of infections since the pandemic began. pupils returned to school in mid—august. will other parts of the uk now experience a similar rise in cases as the term begins there? well, perhaps mindful of the anger on display in city streets in a country like australia, uk political leaders say they don?t want to lock down again. so, what sort of winter awaits us here in the northern hemisphere, and, indeed, can the global south expect some relief? hugh, first of all, just looking at the uk, what are, kind

here's our health editor hugh pym. james, who is from halifax, in happier times.ive times.- year but, during the pandemic, it was cancelled five times. thank you, mister wilkinson, _ was cancelled five times. thank you, mister wilkinson, for _ was cancelled five times. thank you, mister wilkinson, forjoining - was cancelled five times. thank you, mister wilkinson, forjoining us... i mister wilkinson, forjoining us... itjust so happened he was giving evidence to a committee of mps this morning. evidence to a committee of mps this morninr. , ._ ., evidence to a committee of mps this morninr. , ._ . ., .. morning. every day, sat at home for three months. _ morning. every day, sat at home for three months, i— morning. every day, sat at home for three months, i was— morning. every day, sat at home for three months, i was isolating - morning. every day, sat at home for three months, i was isolating for. i three months, i was isolating for. not hearing anything, not knowing anything. — not hearing anything, not knowing anything, every day feeling worse, every— anything,

here's our health editor, hugh pym. back to school, back to college and back to the workplace.pils, workers and employers, but experts on infectious diseases advising ministers and health officials are worried that it will fuel the spread of the virus. one of them explained his concerns. when you move into that more of a return to work scenario, there is a risk of more sustained transmission occurring indoors. and, of course, respiratory viruses do tend to spread more in colder climates anyway. and he said there are still gaps in the vaccine roll—out. what worries me a little bit is the around about five million adults who have not yet had a first dose of vaccine, and i think there is the danger that even if cases are not going up significantly, they could be sustained in those communities where uptake is not significant. up until last weekend, hospital admissions in september in england had been running at between 600 and 900 a day. scientific modelers have looked at a range of scenarios. they say the figure could get to 2,000 even with some measures in place. in a more extrem

hugh pym, bbc news. more than 100,000 women being underpaid £1 billion of state pensions. 1980s. years of repeated human errors and outdated it systems have been blamed. sarah corker reports. for nearly a decade, irene, from worcestershire, was underpaid her state pension. for nearly a decade, irene from worcestershire was underpaid her state pension. she is one of thousands of women in their 70s and 80s who missed out on large sums of money because of government errors. i think it's scandalous. i think that the fact that you have to battle for something that's rightfully yours is awful, because i was lucky, i've got richard to help me, but anybody who's a widow, and perhaps not financially up with it, and they're perhaps struggling on the breadline, it could make a tremendous difference. irene has now been paid the £7000 she was owed, but it was a battle, and she is far from alone. these errors relate to married women who had small state pensions. they were eligible to claim 60% of their husbands contributions, but complex rules and errors by the dwp meant that for decade

and a little over 80% have now had both doses. 0ur health editor hugh pym is here.al this week for first time since middle of march, cases remain stubbornly high, are the warning lights flashing? yes, daily reported cases are wrapped just over 15%. we can week hospital admissions are also up we can week, although nowhere near the peak back injanuary. these don't yet fully reflect the return of schools in england, wales and northern ireland. we will have to wait a little longer for the data on that. and of course in scotland, when schools returned in august, that was seen as a factor as communities opened up, a factor in a sharp rise in cases there. boris johnson told the bbc yesterday that he was concerned about the situation, and experts are not clear where things go from here as winter approaches, although clearly, the success of the vaccination programme has given a lot more protection against serious illness. that being said, the government has announced in england today a consultation on making vaccinations mandatory for nhs front line staff, along with compuls

hugh pym, bbc news. you so much for being with us. when the kid on the government is tackling this issue head—on. are you relieved that at last something is being done about an issue which previous governments frankly have duct? �* ., ., , duct? i'm delighted that action is bein: duct? i'm delighted that action is being taken _ duct? i'm delighted that action is being taken now. _ duct? i'm delighted that action is being taken now. our— duct? i'm delighted that action is| being taken now. our commission reported ten years ago, there have been a royal commission in 1998 campuses has been needing action for many, many decades. the reason it matters is the system looks after us when we are at our most vulnerable. and for quite a while now is not been doing as good a job is really needed to do. it's been underfunded, does not have a structure that works in multiple cannot do anything to prepare themselves for it. some as long as this is overdue i'm delighted that action is being taken. in delighted that acti

here's our health editor, hugh pym.urrey for men who've retired, it was clear there was enthusiasm about the prospect of having a booster covid jab. i think that the whole scheme is good, and i think i feel better for having myjabs, so, yes, i'd have it immediately. i always have a flu jab once a year, so i can't see that there's going to be any problem having an extra booster. i would have the boosterjab, as i said, but i would - like to learn more about it. and now it'll become a reality, with this age group among the first to get a third dose. the name of the game, the mantra, if you like, is to stay on top of things. staying on top means taking pre—emptive action, according to the vaccine expert committee. jcvi advise us that adults who are more vulnerable to severe covid—19 disease should be offered a booster vaccine in order to maintain a high level of protection through the next few months, through this winter particularly. officials today used this chart to show how effective vaccines are at preventing people wi

here's our health editor hugh pym. a p0p up a pop up testing site in glasgow.ted to increasing strain on hospitals.— strain on hospitals. i have never known a period _ strain on hospitals. i have never known a period where _ strain on hospitals. i have never known a period where the - strain on hospitals. i have never known a period where the nhs i strain on hospitals. i have never. known a period where the nhs has been under pressure that is as intense as its now.— been under pressure that is as intense as its now. been under pressure that is as - intense as its now._ yes, intense as its now. right now? yes, and that is — intense as its now. right now? yes, and that is ahead _ intense as its now. right now? yes, and that is ahead of _ intense as its now. right now? yes, and that is ahead of winter. - intense as its now. right now? yes, and that is ahead of winter. the - and that is ahead of winter. the vaccine passports will be required in scotland at nightclubs and some large events from october in scotland at nightclubs and some large events from 0ctober1st.

anna collinson, bbc news. 0ur health editor hugh pym joins me now.hould we take that?— hospitalisations, how seriously should we take that? there is a huge amount of uncertainty _ should we take that? there is a huge amount of uncertainty around - should we take that? there is a huge amount of uncertainty around this. i amount of uncertainty around this. there was predicted a big increase in august and a hospital numbers because society had opened up as a result of the ending of restrictions and it did not happen that way. what they are seeing an effect is what they are seeing an effect is what they thought would happen in august may happen in october. it has been pushed back bit and a what will trigger that possibly they say is not only the return of school pupils but also university students and a lot more people going back into workplaces, on public transport, going back into towns and cities. even then they say there is a lot of uncertainty. the current rate of hospital admissions daily and england is about 750. they see as there are light—touch

hugh pym, bbc news.ence is that people across the uk will understand the need to raise extra cash after the exceptional spending needed to deal with the pandemic. well, is he right? our special correspondent ed thomas has been asking people in leigh in greater manchester. it's been a long road. this is respite for the wigan and leigh carers centre. everyone here needs help. this is mary, she is 87. 18 months ago she was diagnosed with vascular dementia and alzheimer's. i live with her, help her get dressed, help her wash. yeah, 24/7. me and her husband are selling our house to move in with her. there is optimism that this social care reform will transform their lives. if this means that you will be able to get home care, what difference will that make to your life? i think, eventually, it will mean a lot to us. there is going to be a stage sometime in the next ten years that we're going to come to a point where we will need outside help to come in. i used to look after my mother—in—law full—time until sh

hugh pym joins me now. 0ver over the last few days we've been hearing about exactly how much money is, ,, . ., , nhs. the question is, is it going to work? ., ,, . work? the health secretary is saying it can work through _ work? the health secretary is saying it can work through innovation - work? the health secretary is saying it can work through innovation and i it can work through innovation and efficiency to make best use of this money for the nhs in england, and one idea they are pushing through is so called surgical herbs, centres of excellence for something like orthopaedic surgery, hip and knee replacements, patients would have to travel further but it would enable them to get their operation done more quickly. but we've had again this morning that they could be 13 million on the waiting list in england, according to officials, by the end of even the financial year if the situation is not checked, and it could have a good decade to clear backlogs without concerted action. silicon question is, the big question, will this action that's been taken on the money being put in been t

hugh pym, our health editor, is here.hese high vaccination levels — but what should we make of the case numbers and the hospitalisations? well, michelle, case numbers, week on week, are relatively flat in the uk, nowhere near the 100,000 a day, which had been predicted by some experts back injuly. hospital admissions are up, week on week, above 1000 a day for two days now. crucially, these figures don't include the opening up of schools in england, wales and northern ireland. it takes a week or more for an infection to develop, so probably it is the data in the forthcoming week, crucially, which will tell us what impact, if any there has been. and of course in scotland, when schools openedin of course in scotland, when schools opened in august, there was a surge in cases, which was partly put down to communities moving around more because children were back at school. nicola sturgeon, scotland has met first minister, said in an interview with the bbc on friday that she had never seen so much pressure on the nhs. so the qu

well as those most vulnerable to the virus — can be booked throughout the uk. 0ur health editor hugh pym parsons. reunited, 91-year-old maggie keenan and matron may parsons.— and matron may parsons. morning. mac uie. and matron may parsons. morning. maggie- good _ and matron may parsons. morning. maggie. good morning,. _ and matron may parsons. morning. maggie. good morning,. . - and matron may parsons. morning. maggie. good morning,. . so- and matron may parsons. morning. maggie. good morning,. . so nicel and matron may parsons. morning. l maggie. good morning,. . so nice to see ou. maggie. good morning,. . so nice to see yom in — maggie. good morning,. . so nice to see you. in december, _ maggie. good morning,. . so nice to see you. in december, may- maggie. good morning,. . so nice to see you. in december, may gave - see you. in december, may gave mac aie see you. in december, may gave maggie her— see you. in december, may gave maggie her pfizer _ see you. in december, may gave maggie her pfizerjab, _ see you. in december, may gave maggie her pfizerjab, the - see you. in december, may

the first is from hugh pym at the bbc. thank you. first of all, from hugh pym at the bbc.d whether — booster campaigns next year and whether astrazeneca _ booster campaigns next year and whether astrazeneca might - booster campaigns next year and whether astrazeneca might have | booster campaigns next year and i whether astrazeneca might have a role in _ whether astrazeneca might have a role in that? — whether astrazeneca might have a role in that? at _ whether astrazeneca might have a role in that? at what _ whether astrazeneca might have a role in that? at what point - whether astrazeneca might have a role in that? at what point will - role in that? at what point will double — role in that? at what point will double jabs _ role in that? at what point will double jabs start, _ role in that? at what point will double jabs start, covid - role in that? at what point will double jabs start, covid in- role in that? at what point will double jabs start, covid in onej role in that? at what point will - double jabs start, covid in one arm, flew in_ double jabs start, covid in one

in england as the number of people waiting for procedures is at a record high. 0ur health editor hugh pymo walk again and build up his strength. welcome home! and he was discharged from hospital in february. i should've been dealt with far sooner and this wouldn't have happened. being bitter�*s not going to solve this. solving it would be putting an end so going forward, these queues, these waiting lists are reduced. wayne still doesn't know when his operation will take place. he feels the delay and his condition getting worse just meant more nhs resources were needed for his care. so, what are the solutions? major north london hospitals, including this one, are working together to send patients to specialist centres. here, it's orthopaedic surgery. they're doing more operations than before the pandemic and are bringing in some who've had long waits. we know that waiting with advanced arthritis is causing significant- problems with mobility, i obviously persistent pain. and, for many, their mental health has also suffered, so to be able - to get back to operate now is very rewarding for u

we're also joined by the bbc�*s health editor, hugh pym. professor, if i can come to you festival.ty-— that capacity. the figures are mind-boggling. _ that capacity. the figures are mind-boggling, aren't - that capacity. the figures are mind-boggling, aren't they? | that capacity. the figures are - mind-boggling, aren't they? when you mind—boggling, aren't they? when you think about potentially 5,000,000 people waiting for surgery. how do you even start to cut into a backlog like that? ., ., , ., like that? you are right. it is a hue like that? you are right. it is a huge challenge _ like that? you are right. it is a huge challenge for— like that? you are right. it is a huge challenge for the - like that? you are right. it is a huge challenge for the nhs i like that? you are right. it is a huge challenge for the nhs in| like that? you are right. it is a i huge challenge for the nhs in all parts of the uk. these backlogs of routine operations, hip and knee replacements, cataracts and cancer surgery that has built up. 25% of the population in northern ireland on some sort of waiting