our health editor, hugh pym, reports.ve—care units. the nhs was braced for a covid surge in the first wave. only emergency procedures were done. so patients hoping for planned surgery had to wait. now a commons committee has set out the consequences. the chair says it's made an existing problem worse and radical action is needed. i'm worried that we could turn a temporary crisis caused by the pandemic into a permanent change in the landscape, where itjust becomes the norm for people to wait years and years for their operations. and without some really major reforms, particularly to make sure that we're training enough doctors and nurses for the future, i'm afraid that is, again, on the horizon. chris is one of those who missed out. he's supported by the versus arthritis charity. his hip replacement was cancelled in march 2020, and he's still waiting. well, the impact has been catastrophic in the way of my life. i can't go out. i've been homebound now for two years. it does need sorting, because the queues for people waiti

hugh pym has more. reinforcements _ related sickness every day. hugh pym has more. has more. reinforcements for the - related sickness every day. hugh pym | has more. reinforcements for the nhs front line. military personnel arriving at aberdeen royal infirmary, the armed forces also supporting hospitals and other parts of the uk including london and the north—west of england. fine of the uk including london and the north-west of england. one reason is staff sickness — north-west of england. one reason is staff sickness caused _ north-west of england. one reason is staff sickness caused by _ north-west of england. one reason is staff sickness caused by the - north-west of england. one reason is staff sickness caused by the rapid - staff sickness caused by the rapid spread of the new variant. here at kingston hospital they are having to juggle kingston hospital they are having to juggle the staff on each shift. in the last few weeks we have staff leaving places like theatre and going and helping in their emergency departments. this is something quite well rehearsed in

hugh pym, bbc news. tightest restrictions during the pandemic have been on care homes, with very few visitors allowed inside. but from next monday, covid guidance in england will be further eased with no limits on the number of visitors. self—isolation periods will be cut and there will be changes on how to manage covid outbreaks. 0ur social affairs editor, alison holt has more. from monday, we've got unlimited visiting. at quarry house care home in bristol, they're going through details of today's announcement to make sure they are ready for monday. unlimited visiting is a welcome change, but it means having extra tests and ppe in place. should make a lot of people happy, fantastic. dorothy cook is one of the few family members who's been able to visit her sister regularly in recent weeks, so she can't wait for restrictions to be eased. it will make things a lot easier, absolutely. she hasn't seen her nephews and nieces for a while, so that will be really good, so we can all come and take it in turns. t

our health editor, hugh pym, reports.heatres standing idle, one of the consequences of covid. four months, early in the pandemic, only emergency procedures were done. patients hoping for planned surgery just had to wait longer. a new report by a commons committee spells out the serious implications of the backlog. the chair of the committee says it has made an existing problem worse and radical action is needed. i am worried that we could turn a temporary crisis caused by the pandemic into a permanent change in the landscape where itjust becomes the landscape where itjust becomes the norm for people to wait years and years for their operations, and without some really major reforms, particularly to make sure we are training in of doctors and nurses for the future, i'm afraid that is again on the horizon.— for the future, i'm afraid that is again on the horizon. chris is one of those who _ again on the horizon. chris is one of those who missed _ again on the horizon. chris is one of those who missed out. - again on the hor

hugh pym, bbc news. the government's latest coronavirus figures, cover differing time periods, for each of the home nations. there were 218,724 new infections recorded, in the latest 24—hour period, which is another record for the uk. on average there were nearly 181,411 new cases reported, per day in the last week. 48 deaths were recorded, that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive test, which means that on average in the last week, 130 deaths were announced every day. the latest figures show there are 14,126 people in hospital with covid. on vaccinations, over 34.3 million people have had a boosterjab, which means, 59.8 per cent of those aged 12 and over have now had three vaccine doses. hugh pym is here with me. another day of record infections yet borisjohnson is confident there will not be any need for tighter restrictions.— will not be any need for tighter restrictions. that daily reported case figure _ restrictions. that daily reported case figure above _ restrictions. that daily repor

hugh pym, bbc news, the latest coronavirus figures show there were more than 102,000 new infections in cases on average per day in the last week. the number of people in hospital with covid has fallen again — it isjust over 16,500. another 346 deaths were reported, that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive test. on average in the past week, there were 262 deaths per day. 0n vaccinations, just over 37 million people have had a boosterjab. that's nearly 6a.5% of those aged 12 and over. from tomorrow, the legal requirement for face coverings in public places in england will be dropped. but some businesses, transport and retailers are still advising customers to wear them. 0ur consumer affairs correspondent colletta smith is in manchester with more details. hi, from tomorrow it will no longer be a legal requirement to wear one of these in england, when you are heading into shops or indoor public spaces. but that actually means that for customers, they are once again heading into that grey area of having different rules and regulations depending on which shop or which form of t

hugh pym, bbc news.ffering time periods, for each of the home nations. there were 218,724 new infections recorded in the latest 24—hour period, which is another record for the uk. on average, there were nearly 181,411 new cases reported per day in the last week. 48 deaths were recorded, that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive test, which means that on average in the last week, 130 deaths were announced every day. the latest figures show there are 14,126 people in hospital with covid. on vaccinations, over 34.3 million people have had a boosterjab, which means 59.8% of those aged 12 and over have now had three vaccine doses. hugh pym is here with me. record infections, over 200,000 in a day, yet no further restrictions. what is the government's thinking on this? , ., , . this? yes, a big increase in the daily reported _ this? yes, a big increase in the daily reported cases _ this? yes, a big increase in the daily reported cases but - this? yes, a big increase in the daily reported cases but

i'm joined now by our health editor hugh pym.fs are talking about about not needing pcr tests if you are asymptomatic, what is the thinking behind that? the asymptomatic, what is the thinking behind that?— behind that? the current rules are that if ou behind that? the current rules are that if you are _ behind that? the current rules are that if you are asymptomatic - behind that? the current rules are that if you are asymptomatic that l that if you are asymptomatic that you test positive on your lateral flow test, you havejust you test positive on your lateral flow test, you have just done a check and you find out you had tested positive, that you do a follow—up pcr. that is now going to be suspended from january the 11th in england by the uk health security agency, in charge of test and trace. the devolved administrations may well be applying it sooner. the logic is when you have a very high prevalence out there, the lateral flow test is pretty good at picking up flow test is pretty good at picking up people who are asymptomati

hugh pym, bbc news.es today, including limits on the numbers of people who can attend outdoor sporting events. pubs and restaurants in wales can now operate outdoors without the rule of six or social distancing. northern ireland's health minister has said he's cautiously optimistic. from today, rules on self—isolation and table service in pubs and restaurants in northern ireland were relaxed. and the scottish government's national clinical director says the day is coming when the use of face masks in scotland's schools will end. professorjason leitch said he believed the requirement to wear masks in schools will be withdrawn soon. the latest figures show the number of people testing positive for coronavirus continues to fall, with almost 95,800 new infections recorded in the latest 24—hour period. on average, just over 92,400 new cases were reported per day in the last week. the number of people in hospital with covid has fallen again tojust under 18,000. there were 288 deaths reported in the latest 24—h

hugh pym, bbc news. this is bbc news — the headlines.ver the build—up of russian troops on the border with ukraine. aid agencies say an air strike by the saudi—led coalition on a prison in yemen has killed dozens of people and wounded many more. there are growing concerns for women in afghanistan protesting against the curbing of their rights under the taliban, after at least two were reported abducted in night raids. neighbours told that bbc that one of them, tamana paryani, was taken from her apartment by armed men along with her two sisters. other women who took part in the same protest have said that they are in hiding. the taliban has removed the right of most afghan women to work and study — it denies being responsible for the abductions. quentin sommerville reports from kabul. women chant. in body and spirit, afghan women are under attack from the taliban. here, fighting for the right to work, to education, they are pepper—sprayed by taliban fighters at this protest last week. "women have value", they shout. "it takes raw courage

hugh pym: by the spring, infections were falling steadily.restrictions could be eased in gradual, cautious stages — with each uk nation setting out its own road map. we're setting out on what i hope and believe is a one—way road to freedom. and this journey is made possible by the pace of the vaccination programme. talk of lifting the lockdown, as if it's a flick—of—a—switch moment, is misguided. 0ur steps, when we take them will need to be careful, gradual, incremental, and probably quite small to start with. this is a significant. package of measures. | a series of steps forward in our| journey back towards normality. we will not be driven by hard dates. we recognise that everyone will be looking for certainty, but we do not want to set set potentially unachievable dates that will only disappoint. but, as things were improving here in the uk, the situation in india was getting much worse. a new variant, which became known as delta, was taking hold — and it was spreading much more quickly than previous variants. the impact was deadly. the fr

hugh pym, bbc news.s in the latest 24—hour period. on average, there were 157,666 new cases per day in the last week. the latest figures show almost 20,000 people in hospital with covid. there've been another 379 deaths of people who died within 28 days of a positive test result. the number is higher than expected because of a technical issue in reporting deaths before christmas. on average in the past week, there were 237 deaths per day. 0n vaccinations, almost 36 million people have had a boosterjab, which means more than 62.3%% of those aged 12 and over have now had three vaccine doses. the onset of a harsh winter is deepening afghanistan's humanitarian crisis. international sanctions have severely disrupted the economy since the taliban takeover last august. the collapse of the previous afghan government and the withdrawal of western support has led to soaring unemployment, with many unable to feed their families or heat their homes. the united nations say nearly 24.5 million people are in humanitari

hugh pym, bbc news.'s accused the duke of york of sexual abuse, are calling for two people based in the uk to give evidence in her civil case, including his former equerry. prince andrew denies all the allegations. 0ur correspondent nomia iqbal has the latest from washington. virginia giuffre�*s lawyers here in america have submitted two letters, making a formal request to a british court to help secure evidence from what they are calling two witnesses. so just to let you know who they are, shukri walker. virginia giuffre�*s team claims that shukri walker saw prince andrew at this nightclub in 2001 in london with a young girl. and virginia giuffre alleges that was around about the time that she claims prince andrew abused her in london. the second letter, as you mentioned there, is a request for major rob 0lney. this was prince andrew's former assistant. and virginia giuffre�*s lawyers believe that he may have information relating to the relationship between prince andrew and the dead sex offender jeffre

hugh pym, bbc news.. in a career spanning six decades, he was known for his operatic voice and theatrical stage presence. 0ur arts correspondent david sillito takes a look back at his music and life. # like a bat out of hell, i'll be gone when the morning comes...# meat loaf, bat out of hell. a sweat—drenched rock—and—roll epic that turned the man born marvin lee aday into one of the biggest—selling rock stars in the world. there have been many tributes. among them, cher, who sang with him on dead ringer for love, bonnie tyler, and from i'd do anything for love, lorraine crosby. # i would do anything for love # i'd never lie to you, and that's a fact... we just gelled. we gelled perfectly. and obviously, that's why the song went the way it did. so, every time i think of meat loaf, i think about being in the studio with him. you just knew. you knew it was going to be great, you know. i'm sorry, i'm getting... you knew, you just knew instinctively that the album was going to be huge. # i would do anything

hugh pym, bbc news. let's get some of the day's other news.ave declared a 2—week state of emergency in the main city, almaty, and in a western province as a wave of protests hit the country. they resulted from the authorities�* decision to lift price caps on vehicle fuel, causing prices to surge. a later government move to cancel the price rise apparently failed to calm the protesters. police in washington, dc have been outlining the security measures they've put in place ahead of the first anniversary of the attack on the us capitol. the police chief said the building's security team had implemented more than 90 recommendations following investigations into the intelligence and operationalfailures that led to the breach. south korea has reported the launch of what it called an unspecified projectile from north korea's east coast. the launch is the first of the new year for pyongyang. at a meeting of the north's ruling party last week, its leader, kimjong—un, vowed to continue to build up north korea's military capabilities despite the impact

hugh pym, bbc news.anic corruption. everything was covered in a deep layer of ash, burying houses and cars. the residents who were lucky enough not to have a house among the thousands destroyed during the eruption are still returning to a mammoth cleanup operation. people have been warned to wear masks while clearing bash. tributes have been pouring in for the us rock star meat loaf, who has died at the age of 7a. in a career spanning six decades, he was known for his operatic voice and theatrical stage presence. he became a household name in 1977 with bat out of hell, which remains one of the best—selling albums of all time. our arts correspondent david sillito takes a look back at his music and life. # like a bat out of hell, # i'll be gone when the morning comes...# meat loaf, bat out of hell — a sweat—drenched rock—and—roll epic that turned the man born marvin lee aday into one of the biggest—selling rock stars in the world. there have been many tributes. among them, cher, who sang with him on dead r

hugh pym, bbc news, birmingham.fired tear gas at thousands of pro—democracy protesters marching on the presidential palace in the capital, khartoum. the country has been gripped by demonstrations since the military seized power in october last year, with protesters given fresh impetus by the resignation of the civilian prime minister abdalla hamdok earlier this month. the military have responded with violence towards those on the streets. medical organisations estimate that since protests began, dozens have been killed and hundreds wounded. our deputy africa editor anne soy has more. a march to the seat of power. disrupted yet again violently. but sudan's pro—democracy demonstrators remain resolute, even in the face of death. this man lost his 17—year—old brother in protests, which erupted to oppose the military coup last october. like many protesters, he blames military generals for the violence on the ground. translation: commander of the uniformed forces and any violence against the protesters is on his hands. i

and in the studio, the bbc�*s up health editor, hugh pym. welcome to all of you.ood to have you with us again. levelling up, the idea of opening up opportunities to those left behind by decades of political neglect gave british conservatives a landslide election victory under boris johnson's leadership. so anything that smacks fo the old politics, favours to those with the ear of the people in power, one rule for them and a different role for us holds particular dangers for mrjohnson. when both the favours and the rules involve covid, the mix becomes toxic. on wednesday, a judge ruled a vip lane for covid contracts unlawful, and the prime minister apologised for attending during lockdown a drinks do at number ten. jeffrey, you may well be losing track of the number of parties and social events that appear to have taken place in downing street during one or other of the lockdowns. i certainly have. but how perilous is the situation now for the prime minister, do you think? conventional wisdom has been a bit like donald trump, borisjohnson is teflon, meaning that th

hugh pym, bbc news. stay with us on bbc news. still to come: going into a bubble.pics to stop any spread of covid. this is the moment that millions in iran have been waiting for. after his long years in exile, the first hesitant steps of ayatollah khomeini on iranian soil. south africa's white government has offered its black opponents concessions unparalleled in the history of apartheid, and the anc leader nelson mandela is to be set free unconditionally. mission control: three, two, one... a countdown to a critical moment — the world's most powerful rocket ignited all 27 of its engines at once. and apart from its power, it's this recycling of the rocket, slashing the cost of a launch, that makes this a breakthrough in the business of space travel. two americans have become the first humans to walk in space without any lifeline to their spaceship. one of them called it "a piece of cake". thousands of people have given i the yachtswoman ellen macarthur a spectacular homecoming - in the cornish port of falmouth after she smashed the world record i for sailing solo _

hugh pym, bbc news.that will allow the uk to impose what she called the "toughest sanctions" yet against russia if their troops invade ukraine. borisjohnson's due to fly to ukraine tomorrow. the government has been coordinating with the us, which has also drawn up a list of sanctions targets, with president biden warning moscow of severe consequences if it attacks its neighbour. 0ur diplomatic correspondent james landale is in kyiv. james, when we talk about sanctions, what are they likely to involve? well, sanctions is one way that the west wants to deter any likely invasion of ukraine, and they want to broaden the net to those individuals and organisations that could be targeted. under these new powers that will be rushed through parliament, the governor will be able to sanction somebody or an organisation simply for having close links to the kremlin. the idea is that if they were an invasion, then the uk, the us and other countries would be able to sanction rusher�*s elite, the oligarchs, who support

hugh pym, bbc news.t's latest coronavirus figures for the uk show there were 178,250 new infections recorded in the latest 24—hour period. on average, 180,076 cases were reported per day in the last week. 18,451; people were in hospital with covid as of yesterday. there were 229 deaths. that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive test. that means the average number of deaths over the past seven days was 160. the total number of people who've died with covid now stands at “19,7114. on vaccinations, 90.2% of people aged 12 and over have now received a first dose and 82.8% have been double jabbed. on average, 163,058 people received a booster every day in the last week, which means 61% have now had three vaccine doses. hugh is here. better news on boosters, but the virus is still spreading rapidly. scott macleod. i think it will be reassuring to older adults that there is still the same protection of the three months against a serious illness that there was when they had the jabs, but it isn't th

our health editor hugh pym has the latest.t day in england for compulsory mask wearing in some indoor public spaces. tomorrow, plan b measures will end, with covid passes as well as face coverings no longer mandatory. but some, like tom, are anxious that people remain cautious. he has an immune deficiency and knows he is at higher risk from covid.— risk from covid. putting a mask on may restrict _ risk from covid. putting a mask on may restrict you — risk from covid. putting a mask on may restrict you for _ risk from covid. putting a mask on may restrict you for the _ risk from covid. putting a mask on may restrict you for the one - risk from covid. putting a mask on | may restrict you for the one minute you are in the shop or the two minutes you do your grocery shopping, but, actually, it will make the individualfeel shopping, but, actually, it will make the individual feel better, allow them to live more of a normal life and it will definitely reduce their anxiety, sojust life and it will definitely reduce their anxiety, so

hugh pym, bbc news.ave been trying to convince an american judge to dismiss the sexual assault civil lawsuit against him. they say his accuser, virginia giuffre, can't sue, because of damages she accepted in 2009, from the paedophile, jeffrey epstein, in return for dropping her claims against him and any other "potential defendant". prince andrew has consistently denied her allegations. our royal correspondent, jonny dymond, has the latest. she says she was sexually assaulted by prince andrew three times. he denies every allegation and says he can't remember meeting her. today, his lawyers argued the whole case should be dismissed. the civil case rests partly on this meeting in london, a night when virginia giuffre, here aged 17, says she was forced to have sex with prince andrew. when he spoke to the bbc in 2019, he denied the allegations again and again. you can say categorically that you don't recall meeting virginia roberts, dining with her... yep. ..dancing with her at tramp... yep. ..or going on to

hugh pym, bbc news.ronavirus figures show that for the first time since just before christmas, there were less than 100,000 new infections in the latest 24—hour period. that means there were just over 127,000 new cases on average per day, in the last week. just over 19,500 people are in hospital with covid, and there were another 270 deaths reported of people who died within 28 days of a positive test. on average in the past week, there were 267 deaths per day. 0verall, more than 151,000 people have now died. 0n vaccinations, 90.5% of those eligible have had a first dose, with 83.2% having two jabs. on average in the last week over 160,000 people have had a booster injection, which means 62.9% of the population aged 12 or over have now had three jabs. lawyers for virginia giuffre, who's accused the duke of york of sexual abuse, are calling for two people based in the uk to give evidence in her civil case, including his former equerry. prince andrew denies all the allegations. 0ur correspondent nomia iqba

hugh pym, bbc news.n richard leakey whose ground—breaking discoveries helped to prove humankind evolved in africa. he was 77 years old. he led a team that found an almost complete skeleton of an upright man in 1984, and fronted the landmark, seven—part bbc series the making of mankind. serving as head of kenya's wildlife conservation body he also led campaigns against poachers and the ivory trade. with all the sport now, here's john watson at the bbc sport centre. good evening. the big game today in the premier league was at stamford bridge. if you're waiting for the scores on match of the day, you might want to look avert your attention briefly. the spoils were shared in a thrilling 2—2 draw between title rivals chelsea and liverpool, both losing ground on leaders manchester city. the match a landmark moment in the top flight as spectator standing returned for the first time in 27 years. laura scott reports. stepping into a new year and a new era for football. any game between chelsea and liverpool is i

hugh pym, bbc news. let's talk more about some of the changes announced today. us through the changes and tell us what reaction you have picked up? pretty warm welcome from business groups if it means the end of lurching in and out of various types of restrictions, it could be very significant. it has been economically damaging, it has sapped consumer confidence and groups like the cbi say that working from home, which has been abandoned in england, could be big because it has harmed city centre trade, the uk hospitality industry, things like mandated covid certificates has harmed trading nightclub so pretty good all round. some caution from employee groups, unions say there might be pressure on workers to go back to work places which might not be ready and in their own personal lives they might have to reject things health care. although the guidance has changed, the reality of peoples lives might not. i spoke to somebody last week and said, if an employer wants me to work for three days a week at the office, the answer was no. the relationship, the conversatio

hugh pym, bbc news.us figures for the uk show there were 178,250 new infections recorded, in the latest 24—hour period. on average, 180,076 cases were reported per day in the last week. 18,454 people were in hospital with covid as of yesterday. there were 229 deaths, that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive test, which means the average number of deaths over the past seven days was 160. the total number of people who've died with covid now stands at 149,744. on vaccinations, 90.2% of people aged 12 and over have now received a first dose. and 82.8% have been double jabbed. on average, 163,058 received a booster or third vaccine dose each day in the last week, which means more than 35 million people have received their booster or third vaccine dose. the welsh government says those calling for covid restrictions to be eased, are factually wrong, and are warning "the storm of omicron" has arrived with astronomically high infection rates. defending the decision to keep covid rules in place, the

hugh pym, bbc news.o study or work. reports suggest that at least two women who joined a protest were abducted from their homes in the night. the taliban denies carrying out any abductions. quentin sommerville reports from kabul. women chant. in body and spirit, afghan women are under attack from the taliban. here, fighting for the right to work, to education, they are pepper—sprayed by taliban fighters at this protest last week. "women have value", they shout. "it takes raw courage to stand up to armed men who want to take away almost everything you've achieved in life". "please help! the taliban have come to my house. my sisters are at home", pleads tamana, one of the protesters, days later. we don't want you here now", she screams. tamana has been missing for two days now. we went to her home to try and find her. neighbours say women were taken away from here by armed men. you can see a footprint, a bootprint on the door. three women were taken away, and they still haven't returned. friends and family

hugh pym, thank you. tennis player, novak djokovic, will be able to play in the australian open has deepened tonight after his visa was revoked to enter the country. the player, who had been forced to remain at melbourne airport for several hours, is reportedly filing an injunction to prevent his deportation. djokovic was given a medical pass for the grand slam tournament, prompting criticism that he was getting special treatment. our sports correspondent natalie pirks has the very latest. it's the story that has gripped australia. �* . . . . it's the story that has gripped australia. �* . . , , ., australia. access denied, an extraordinary _ australia. access denied, an extraordinary visa _ australia. access denied, an extraordinary visa bungle i australia. access denied, an i extraordinary visa bungle sees australia. access denied, an - extraordinary visa bungle sees novak djokovic detained under armed guard at melbourne airport... this djokovic detained under armed guard at melbourne airport. . ._ at m

hugh pym, bbc news. let's get some business reaction to the changes.h is director general of the international chamber of commerce here in the uk good morning. iassume good morning. i assume that your members, those in the uk at least will be very happy to know that plan b does have an end. , ., , know that plan b does have an end. , . , , . ., ~ end. this has been welcomed. we have to learn _ end. this has been welcomed. we have to learn to _ end. this has been welcomed. we have to learn to live _ end. this has been welcomed. we have to learn to live with - have to learn to live with covid and it has been particularly welcome for sectors hardest hit and also for the trading community or the trade economy which is under enormous strain from a range of issues. it is also good to see the uk leading by example on this and opening up the economy and showing the rest of the world what can be donein rest of the world what can be done in terms of living with covid. the only area we want to see more action is around global solutions on global vaccination, a lo

hugh pym, bbc news.ve for coronavirus continues to fall, with almost 95,800 new infections recorded in the latest 24—hour period. on average, just over 92,400 new cases were reported per day in the last week. the number of people in hospital with covid has fallen again to just under 18,000. there were 288 deaths reported in the latest 24—hour period — that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive test, though there will be some amongst this number who won't have died from covid. on average in the past week, 268 deaths were announced every day. on vaccinations, just under 36,750,000 people have now had a boosterjab, which means nearly 64% of people aged 12 and over have now had three vaccine doses. wales' first minister, mark drakeford, has said he believes wales has passed the peak of the omicron wave. it comes as there are more easing of covid restrictions in wales as well as northern ireland from today. in a moment we'll hear from emma vardy in belfast, but first, here's tomos morgan in cardif

hugh pym, bbc news.us continues to fall, with almost 95,800 new infections recorded in the latest 24—hour period. on average, just over 92,400 new cases were reported per day in the last week. the number of people in hospital with covid has fallen again tojust under 18,000. there were 288 deaths reported in the latest 24—hour period — that's people who died within 28 days of a positive test, though, there will be some amongst this number who won't have died from covid. on average in the past week, 268 deaths were announced every day. 0n vaccinations, just over 36,750,000 people have now had a boosterjab — which means that nearly 64% of people aged 12 and over have now had three vaccine doses. dr sarah pitt is a microbiologist at the university of brighton, and fellow of the institute of biomedical science. thank you for talking to us again. good evening. thank you for talking to us again. good evening-— thank you for talking to us again. good evenina. ,., ., good evening. good evening. let me ask ou, goo

our health editor, hugh pym, is here.ssessment to ministers. how would you characterise where they are at the moment? yes. they are at the moment? yes, england's _ they are at the moment? yes, england's chief _ they are at the moment? yes, england's chief medical - they are at the moment? ye: england's chief medical officer sir chris whitty, only last month as the army contract was becoming clear, said at a briefing that there are several things we don't know, but all the things we do know are bad. but at the briefing to the cabinet today according to government sources, the tone was more positive than in recent weeks. and sources say that by the middle of next week, it should become clear whether plan b measures in england are needed after the end of january. b measures in england are needed after the end ofjanuary. so b measures in england are needed after the end of january. so case levels based on the seven day rolling average in england are falling. it's the same story in scotland, other cases are going up in wales a

hugh pym, bbc news.with the metropolitan police to discuss the matter. the telegraph newspaper has reported that william wragg has sought the meeting with police. here's our political correspondent, ben wright. the world of the whips in westminster is a very secretive one, they are the people that enforce party discipline. but yesterday the senior tory mp william wragg alleged that conservative whips had threatened to withhold public money, investments from the constituencies of some mps who were threatening to try and bring down borisjohnson. he is one of seven tory mps who had called the prime minister to quit, and said that this could amount to blackmail. i have spoken to william wragg and he confirms that after seeking a meeting with the met he will meeting with the met he will meet offices at the beginning of next week to discuss his concerns. it doesn't mean the police are going to investigate, and i think it's certainly ups the nt around this story. so far he has not produced any evidence to back

hugh pym, bbc news. develop treatments for chronic anaemia back here on earth. the study of 1a astronauts who'd been on the international space station shows that 50% more red blood cells are destroyed in space than on earth. let's get more on this from dr guy trudel — he's a rehabilitation physician at the ottawa hospital research institute. thank you forjoining us. so why do we think space anaemia occurs? ,, . ., ., ., why do we think space anaemia occurs? ,, ., ., ., why do we think space anaemia occurs? ., ., ., , occurs? space anaemia has been known since _ occurs? space anaemia has been known since the _ occurs? space anaemia has been known since the very _ occurs? space anaemia has been known since the very first - known since the very first humans in space. when astronauts are in space, we find the second they go back in gravity on earth, we find they are anaemic, there are red blood cells missing. (crosstalk). but why, why does it happen in space? but why, why does it happen in sace? :: , ., , .

hugh pym, bbc news.aring to carry out �*false sabotage operations' — to create a �*pretext�* for an invasion of ukraine. the pentagon said, moscow had sent a group of trained operatives into eastern ukraine, who could carry out acts of sabotage, against russia's own proxy forces there. ukraine's defence ministry said, russia was plotting to stage similar operations in neighbouring moldova. the kremlin has denied the reports. but speaking at a news conference, the pentagon press secretary — john kirby — said us intelligence indicated that the plans were well underway. we do have information that indicates that russia is already working actively to create a pretext for a potential invasion, a move on ukraine. in fact, for a potential invasion, a move on ukraine. infact, we for a potential invasion, a move on ukraine. in fact, we have information that they've preet position a group of operatives to conduct what we call a false flag operation. in operation designed to look like an attack on them or their rus

hugh pym, bbc news.w that for the first time since just before christmas there were less than 100,000 new infections in the latest 24—hour period. that means there were just over 127,000 new cases on average per day in the last week. just over 19,500 people are in hospital with covid, and there were another 270 deaths of people who died within 28 days of a positive test. on average in the past week, there were 267 deaths per day. 0verall, over151,000 people have now died. 0n vaccinations, 90.5% of those eligble have had a first dose, with 83.2% having had two jabs. on average, in the last week, over 160,000 people have had a booster injection, which means that 62.9% of the population aged 12 or over have now had three jabs. the woman who's accused the duke of york of sexually abusing her has welcomed a us judge's decision to allow her legal case to continue. virginia giuffre says her goal is to show that the rich and powerful aren't above the law. prince andrew strongly denies the allegations against him

well, let's get more analysis from our health editor, hugh pym, who's here. s continuing to spread, and i suppose the question is, how do we deal with it? yes, clive, startling _ is, how do we deal with it? yes, clive, startling figures, - is, how do we deal with it? yes, clive, startling figures, 3.7 - clive, startling figures, 3.7 million people in clive, startling figures, 3.7 million people in the clive, startling figures, 3.7 million people in the uk clive, startling figures, 3.7 million people in the uk with clive, startling figures, 3.7 million people in the uk with the virus at the end of the year, december 31, virus at the end of the year, december31, compared virus at the end of the year, december 31, compared with 2.3 millionjust a week december 31, compared with 2.3 million just a week before, just illustrating how fast it is spreading. and in different parts of the uk, slightly better news in london, slowing growth, of course that was the epicentre, but much faster growth in the north of england, scotland, wales and northern ireland, and just illu

hugh pym, bbc news. the time is 6.19pm. our top story this evening.more during the height of lockdown. than 100 people we coming more than 100 people were invited. coming up, how the hs2 rail line led to the remains of a wealthy roman town being unearthed in a field in nottinghamshire. coming up in sportsday in the next 15 minutes on the bbc news channel — we'll have the latest from the africa cup of nations in cameroon as two of the most successful nations in the tournament's history meet in their opening group game. more than half of the population in afghanistan is now struggling to find enough to eat. the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen since the taliban takeover last summer and now the country is in the grip of a bitterly cold winter. the united nations has appealed for more than three and a half billion pounds in aid to try to help avert catastrophe. afghans are facing soaring unemployment, with many unable to feed theirfamilies or heat their homes. the un says nearly 24.5 million people are in need of humanitarian help, and a million ch

our health editor hugh pym is here. how worried are the authorities?eks a new one which has been named as ba two has been identified and officials say based on 1000 cases in england so far there is a faster growth rate and are currently substantial growth advantage, although from very low level of cases in its early days. they say there is higher transmission in households, a little bit, anyway, so you are more likely to pass it on to someone under the same roof. but there is no evidence that vaccines are less effective against it and no evidence that it causes more severe illness in terms of getting people into hospital, but it will be watched very closely. in denmark more than 50% of cases involve this strand. officials of the uk are saying given the relatively high overall number of cases people should continue to act cautiously. one virus expert has said based on this early analysis there is nothing that should worry as unduly for type hugh pym, thank you. a british hit man has been found guilty of conspiring to kill a pakistani dissident in the ne

hugh pym, bbc news birmingham.rime minister, after he admitted attending a drinks party in the downing street garden during the first coronavirus lockdown. borisjohnson apologised yesterday, saying he thought the gathering in may 2020 was work—related, but he's been facing calls from some senior conservatives to resign. with all the latest, here's our political metropolitan police tonight said it had ongoing contact with the cabinet office, which is conducting an inquiry into the gatherings at number 10, inquiry into the gatherings at number10, and if inquiry into the gatherings at number 10, and if evidence is found a behaviour that is a potentially criminal offence, it will be passed to the police. here is a war political correspondent, alex forsyth. there is no easy way to clean up the current situation and, since first thing, no sign of the prime minister. a planned public visit was cancelled because one of his family has covid, while he hunkered down here, others spoke up for him after yesterday's apology. he

here's our health editor hugh pym.aid mast will no longer be compulsory in shops and on public transport. the prime minister said masks would be advisable in some settings but it was now down to personal choice. the some settings but it was now down to personal choice-— personal choice. we will trust the 'ud . ment personal choice. we will trust the judgment of _ personal choice. we will trust the judgment of the _ personal choice. we will trust the judgment of the british _ personal choice. we will trust the judgment of the british people, l personal choice. we will trust the i judgment of the british people, and no longer criminalise anyone who chooses not to wear one.- no longer criminalise anyone who chooses not to wear one. labour said they supported _ chooses not to wear one. labour said they supported the — chooses not to wear one. labour said they supported the easing _ chooses not to wear one. labour said they supported the easing of- chooses not to wear one. labour said they supported the easing of plan i cho

hugh pym, bbc news.t 24—hour period. on average, just under 91,000 new cases were reported per day in the last week. the number of people in hospital with covid is 16,510. and there were 338 deaths reported in the latest 2a hour period — that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive test — though there will be some amongst this number who won't have died from covid. on average in the past week, 263 deaths were announced every day. 0n vaccinations, just over 37 million people have now had a boosterjab, which means 6a.5% of people aged 12 and over, have now had three vaccine doses. the prime minister has rejected allegations that he personally authorised the airlift of cats and dogs from afghanistan, following the fall of kabul to the taliban. it comes after emails from officials published yesterday suggested borisjohnson intervened to help the animal charity nowzad. labour says mrjohnson has been "caught out lying". here's damian grammaticas. they were desperate days. british citizens, afghans wh

hugh pym, bbc news. cases were reported per day in the last week. the number of people in hospital with covid has fallen again tojust under 18,000. there were 288 deaths reported in the latest 24—hour period, that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive test, though there will be some amongst this number who won't have died from covid. on average in the past week, 268 deaths were announced every day. 0n vaccinations, just over 36,750,000 people have now had a boosterjab, which means that nearly 64% of people aged 12 and over have now had three vaccine doses. the first minister of wales, mark drakeford, has said he believes the peak of the 0micron wave has passed. his comments came as there were more easing of covid restrictions in wales today, as well as in northern ireland. in a moment, we'll hearfrom emma vardy in belfast, but first, here's tomos morgan in cardiff. so, the easing today was really around outdoor activities. the first one being that the limit on sporting activities outdoors, sp

hugh pym, bbc news. lewis: u.s.atloaf whose album "bat out of hell" with huge has died at the age of 74. he was known for his voice in theatrical stage present and sold an estimated 100 million albums and appeared in films. we have a look back at his life. ♪ david: meatloaf, "bat out of hell," a sweat-drenched rock anthem that turned the man known as marvin day -- the man born marvin day into a star. ♪ >> i would do everything for love ♪ >> we gelled, and that is why the song went e way it did. every time i think of meatloaf, i think of this song. >> ♪ i would do everything for love ♪ >> you just knew it was going to be great. you just knew instinctively that the album was going to be huge. >> ♪ and i would do anything for love ♪ reporter: born in dallas, his mother was a teacher and singer, his father a policeman, his childhood was tough. >> he was alcoholic and he would always beat me up as a kid. he threw me through a plate glass window, he threw me through a door. reporter: his escape was acting in musicals, hai

hugh pym, bbc news. was worse affected, after winds gusted up to 90 miles per hour. alexandra mackenzie reports. the clear—up is under way. storm malik, followed by storm corrie, pummelled the north of scotland, particularly here in aberdeenshire. driving conditions were treacherous. several lorries were blown onto the grassy verge. thousands are without electricity, including the town of stonehaven. help has been given to those in need. we didn't have any electricity for six days in november, so this is us again. it six days in november, so this is us aaain. , ., ., ., , again. it is more for older people that i again. it is more for older people that i think _ again. it is more for older people that l think it — again. it is more for older people that l think it has _ again. it is more for older people that i think it has been _ again. it is more for older people that i think it has been worse - that i think it has been worse fault~ — that i think it has been worse fault~ and _ that i think it has been