this is bbc news, i'm lukwesa burak. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. lord frost — the man in charge of the uk's brexit negotiations — has resigned from borisjohnson�*s government, according the mail on sunday newspaper. the dutch prime minister puts his country into a tough new lockdown, as the latest coronavirus variant spreads. another 90,000 covid—19 cases are reported across the uk, as the mayor of london declares a major incident in the capital. hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world. reports in the last hour in the uk press say that lord frost — the country's chief brexit negotiator who's currently involved in talks with the eu over the northern ireland protocol — has resigned from boris johnson's cabinet. let's talk to our political correspondent damian grammaticas. what do we know about this? this news has broken the last half hour by the mail on sunday newspaper, it is understood that it is correct, not confirmed by either number ten or lord frost and his department. but it appears he has written four he wrote a res

i'm lukwesa burak. our top stories... emergency teams search for survivors in six us states after more than 70 people die in the largest outbreaks of tornadoes in us history. uk prime minister borisjohson faces fresh questions about christmas gatherings at downing street a year ago — after a photo emerges of him taking part in a quiz. the public should be able to have confidence that there is one set of rules which apply equally to everybody, and they should be clear that we are all complying and if there are exceptions, that they are for a good reason and that they are proportionate. g7 foreign ministers warn iran time is running out to rescue the nuclear deal. afghanistan's drug trade is booming in the wake of the economic collapse, with the country now a major manufacturer of crystal meth. the nhs is extending its vaccination programme as it tries to get on top of the omicron variant — 30 to 39 year olds in england can book a coronavirus booster jab from tomorrow. people in the french pacific territo

i'm lukwesa burak with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world.pour in for archbishop desmond tutu, nobel laureate and veteran of south africa's struggle against apartheid, who has died at the age of 90. at a time when many people are celebrating with family he was a man of unwavering courage, principal conviction and whose life was spent in the service of others. israel approves plans for a huge expansion of settlements in the golan heights, which most of the world doesn't recognise as israeli territory. and omicron causes chaos for travellers — 7000 flights cancelled around the world over the christmas weekend.

i'm lukwesa burak. the latest headlines in the uk and around the world.iant. the uk health secretary refuses to rule out tighter covid restrictions and says people should cautious in their social mixing. britain's foreign secretary liz truss will become the uk's lead brexit negotiator with the european union, following the resignation of lord frost.

i'm lukwesa burak. the headlines.es around the world are seeing in the new year, with scaled back celebrations, as the omicron variant continues to drive up covid infections. entire neighbourhoods in the us state of colorado have been engulfed by flames as wildfires force tens of thousands to leave their homes. the nhs warns of significant pressure in the coming weeks, as covid infections in the uk reach a new high. the staff that are at work will be caring for more patients, trying to do more to cover for their missing colleagues, working extra hours, starting early and

hello this is bbc news with me, lukwesa burak.eadlines: britain's foreign secretary liz truss will become the uk's lead negotiator with the european union on the northern ireland protocol following the resignation of lord frost. the netherlands goes into a tough new lockdown over christmas amid concerns over the omicron variant. the uk health secretary refuses to rule out tighter covid restrictions before christmas in response to the rapid spread of the omicron variant. he says it is time to be cautious about social interactions. votes are being tallied in hong kong, in an election where candidates could only stand if they proved their loyalty to the chinese communist party. coming up in a moment on bbc news, it's sportsday. but first, here's the film review with jane hill and mark kermode. hello and a very warm welcome to the film review on bbc news. to take us through this week's cinema releases is mark kermode. hi, mark. what have you been watching? very mixed bag. we have spider—man: no way home. we have the lost daughter, the

this is bbc news — i'm lukwesa burak with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the worldore gloom — with the highest daily recorded cases of covid since the pandemic began. millions of travellers around the world face disruption over christmas, as the surge in omicron cases means cancelled flights and staff shortages. a packed ferry catches fire in southern bangladesh — at least 39 people are killed. the queen is expected to give a very personal christmas message this year — her first since the death of her husband prince philip. a christmas midnight mass is celebrated at the church of the nativity in bethlehem — built on the spot where it's believed jesus was born.

this is bbc news, i'm lukwesa burak. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world.ch prime minister puts his country into a tough new lockdown, as the latest coronavirus variant spreads. another 90,000 covid—i9 cases are reported across the uk, as the mayor of london declares a major incident in the capital.

i'm lukwesa burak.ring. the uk becomes the latest country to tighten its travel rules as the omicron variant spreads. from tuesday, all arrivals will need a pre—departure covid test. we're seeing an increasing number of cases linked with travel. and, again, we have always said we would act swiftly if we need to, if the changing data requires that, and that's why we have decided to bring in this change on predeparture tests. the parents of a teenager suspected of a deadly school shooting have pleaded "not guilty" to involuntary manslaughter after they were found hiding in a basement.

i'm lukwesa burak. the headlines... in the latest breaking news, the governor of kentucky says at least 50 people died in the state, after a powerful storm battered the state, and a number of towns, with four other deaths recorded as well. the uk renews its appeal for everyone eligible to come forward for a booster vaccine — as research shows it significantly reduces the chance of developing symptoms from the omicron variant. new guidance is issued for care homes in england that will limit visitors to three for each resident, as omicron cases surge. britain warns russia it will face severe consequences if it invades ukraine — as a g7 meeting of foreign ministers to discuss rising tensions gets under way. and england's cricketers slump to a nine—wicket defeat in the first ashes test in brisbane. to remind you of our breaking news, this is the developing situation in america where a serious of storms and tornadoes have been battering the south and midwest. in the latest update, the governor of kentucky has reportedly said

i'm lukwesa burak. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world.veteran of south africa's struggle against apartheid, who has died at the age of 90. at a time when many people are celebrating with family and friends, we have lost one of the most illustrious, courageous and beloved amongst us. hello and welcome, if you're watching in the uk or around the world. tributes have been paid from around the world

i'm lukwesa burak. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world.d prince philip in her christmas day message, saying there was "one familiar laugh missing", amid the continuing impact of the pandemic. that mischievous, inquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when i first set eyes on him. but life, of course, consists of final partings, as well as first meetings. and as much as i and my family miss him, i know he would want us to enjoy christmas. a 19—year—old man has been arrested on suspicion of trespassing windsor castle grounds, the official residence of queen elizabeth. members of the royal family have been informed.

i'm lukwesa burak. the headlines... it isiz30pm. the governor of kentucky says at least 50 people have died there after a powerful storm battered his state and four others in the us. the uk renews its appeal for everyone eligible to come forward for a booster vaccine, as research shows it significantly reduces the chance of developing symptoms from the omicron variant. new guidance is issued for care homes in england that will limit visitors to three for each resident, as omicron cases surge. britain warns russia it will face severe consequences if it invades ukraine, as a g7 meeting of foreign ministers to discuss rising tensions gets underway. and england's cricketers slump to a nine—wicket defeat in the first ashes test, in brisbane. now on bbc news, the cost of covid. for over 12 months, the bbcjoined a vicar and a pastor on the frontlines in burnley, struggling in a pandemic—fuelled crisis as lockdowns were imposed and covid rates soared. i'm a broken, recovering drug addict... ..that got a second chance. i love the poor becaus

i'm lukwesa burak. the headlines. the governor of kentucky says at least 50 people have died there after a powerful storm battered his state and four others in the us. the uk renews its appeal for everyone eligible to come forward for a booster vaccine, as research shows it significantly reduces the chance of developing symptoms from the omicron variant. new guidance is issued for care homes in england that will limit visitors to three for each resident, as omicron cases surge. britain warns russia it will face severe consequences if it invades ukraine, as a g7 meeting of foreign ministers to discuss rising tensions gets under way. and england's cricketers slump to a nine—wicket defeat in the first ashes test in brisbane. now on bbc news, it's time for dateline. hello, and welcome to the programme which brings together columnists on uk newspapers, bbc specialists and international journalists who write, blog and broadcast from dateline london. this week, party blues for british conservatives — how much trouble is bori

i'm lukwesa burak with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world.mber of daily cases since the pandemic began — and an estimated 1.7 million people are reported to have had the virus on a single day last week. millions around the world face travel disruption over christmas, as the surge in omicron cases sees more than 2,000 flights cancelled globally due to staff shortages. at least 39 people are killed after a packed ferry caught fire in southern bangladesh. the queen is expected to give a very personal christmas message this year — her first since the death of her husband prince philip.

i'm lukwesa burak with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world.s day message, saying there was "one familiar laugh missing". that mischievous, inquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when i first set eyes on him. police have arrested a 19—year—old man who entered the grounds of windsor castle this morning, armed with a weapon. the queen is spending christmas at the castle this year. in his christmas message, pope francis highlighted the tragedies in yemen and syria, which he said are being passed over in silence. the world's most powerful telescope has launched into space —

earlier my colleague lukwesa burak spoke to the bbc�*s royal correspondent sarah campbell, about thel nature of this year's queen's speech. from the photograph on the desk which was taken to mark their diamond wedding anniversary and the brooch she was wearing that she wore on her honeymoon in 1947, her christmas broadcast always have a theme, and it's not surprising that this year when she lost her husband of 73 years that prince philip was the thread running through the broadcast. many people saying very poignant and very personal because the queen is not someone who tends to wear her heart on her sleeve and talk with such affection so publicly so i think that made it different and it's not surprising after the year she's had. looking back at prince philip's death but also i think she looked forward to 2022. it is a big, historic year. in february she will be the first british monarch ever to have achieved 70 years on the throne, her platinum jubilee, and that's what 2022 is going to be about. she talked about the commonwealth baton relay, the commonwealth baton relay, the commonwe

this is bbc news — i'm lukwesa burak with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the worldafter the glimmer of hope — more gloom — with the highest daily recorded cases of covid since the pandemic began. millions of travellers around the world face disruption over christmas, as the surge in omicron cases means cancelled flights and staff shortages. a packed ferry catches fire in southern bangladesh — at least 39 people are killed. the queen is expected to give a very personal christmas message this year — her first since the death of her husband prince philip. a christmas midnight mass is celebrated at the church of the nativity in bethlehem — built on the spot where it's believed jesus was born. and he's checked his list, and now santa claus is coming to town! we'll have an update on his progress a little later. he is currently just he is currentlyjust leaving iceland. hello and thanks forjoining us. merry christmas from the uk. the united kingdom has again recorded its highest number of daily coronavirus cases since the pandemic began — more than 120,000. it's the third d

lukwesa burak is next with your headlines at top of hour. you're watching bbc news. hello.ou'll know it's all been about the battle between cold air to the north—east of us and milder, wetter weather trying to come in from the south—west. that's exactly how this christmas weekend will shape up. this is how christmas day is looking — weather fronts moving in from the south—west with the rain into the colder air to the north—east, and throughout the weekend, the further north—east you are, the colder a christmas it's going to be. to the south—west, it's mild. in between the two, it's fairly chilly, especially in the breeze, more noticeable on christmas day. a cold, frosty start in scotland but plenty of sunshine to follow. for england, wales and northern ireland, cloudy, misty in places, and outbreaks of rain slowly pushing further north and east during the day. we may see some snow into snowdonia and the peak district later on. it is mild to the south—west, it's coldest in scotland despite the sunshine. elsewhere feeling quite chilly in the breeze. it's quite windy, particul

i'm lukwesa burak. president biden and president putin agree to hold talks, as russia's military build—up on the ukrainian border sends tensions soaring. the uk becomes the latest country to tighten its travel rules as the omicron variant spreads. from tuesday, all arrivals will need a pre—departure covid test. we're seeing an increasing number of cases linked with travel. and, again, we have always said we would act swiftly if we need to, if the changing data requires that, and that's why we have decided to bring in this change on predeparture tests. the parents of a teenager suspected of a deadly school shooting have pleaded "not guilty" to involuntary manslaughter after they were found hiding in a basement. and the us network cnn fires its leading anchor, chris cuomo, the brother of the former governor of new york. hello, and welcome to audiences in the uk and around the world. president biden is due to hold a video call next week with vladimir putin, amid growing fears that russia may be preparing t

i'm lukwesa burak. the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world.llion — uk prime minister, borisjohnson faces fresh questions about christmas gatherings at downing street a year ago — after a photo emerges of him taking part in a quiz. he can't deliver the leadership that this country needs. we have got a very important vote coming up next weekend he can't even discharge the basic functions. the worst possible lead at the worst possible time. they can now make their mind up when they see him on a virtual screen, or a zoom call thanking his team who are in the building because they have to be to respond to a national emergency.

i'm lukwesa burak. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world.f over the death of her husband, prince philip, in her christmas day message, saying there was "one familiar laugh missing". that mischievous, inquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when i first set eyes on him. but life, of course, consists of final partings, as well as first meetings. and as much as i and my family miss him, i know he would want us to enjoy christmas. police have arrested a 19—year—old man who entered the grounds of windsor castle this morning, armed with a weapon. the queen is spending christmas at the castle this year. in his christmas message, pope francis highlighted the tragedies in yemen and syria, which he said are being

i'm lukwesa burak with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. tributes pour in for archbishop desmond tutu, nobel laureate and veteran of south africa's struggle against apartheid, who has died at the age of 90. at a time when many people are celebrating with family he was a man of unwavering courage, principal conviction and whose life was spent in the service of others. israel approves plans for a huge expansion of settlements in the golan heights, which most of the world doesn't recognise as israeli territory. and omicron causes chaos for travellers — 7000 flights cancelled around the world over the christmas weekend. leaders from around the world have been paying tribute to desmond tutu, one of the heroes of the anti—apartheid movement, who's died at the age of 90. president biden praised the courage and moral clarity of the former archbishop of cape town. the un secretary general, antonio guterres, called him an inspiration to generations. 0ur africa correspondent, andrew harding, looks back at his life. raise our hands and we say we will b

i�*m lukwesa burak with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. deaths are reported. the uk health secretary sajid javid says the government will buy hundreds of millions more lateral flow tests after days of supply issues. a key witness speaks publicly after ghislaine maxwell was found guilty of grooming underage girls to be abused byjeffrey epstein. i just feel so grateful that the jury believed us and sent a strong message that perpetrators of sexual abuse and exploitation will be held accountable, no matter how much power and privilege they have. afghanistan�*s former president defends his decision to flee the countryjust before the taliban take—over, saying he did it

i'm lukwesa burak. protests outside court, as the kremlin bans one of russia's oldest and best known human rights organisations. new covid infections in the uk hit a record daily high, as the british government defends its decision not to introduce further restrictions in england. a huge increase in the number of young children having to work on the streets in afghanistan — we have a special report from kabul. translation: my dad lost his job. _ no—one else at home was working, so i started shoe—shining. and — china says its astronauts are being put in danger of a collision —— with satellites launched by elon musk. hello and welcome. the supreme court in russia has banned one of the country's best known and oldest human rights organisations, memorial, accusing it of violating a law requiring groups to register as foreign agents. it comes at the end of a year in which the kremlin has cracked down vigorously on its critics. our moscow correspondent steve rosenberg reports. more and more, it feels as if ru

i'm lukwesa burak. the headlines... people died in the state, after a powerful storm battered the state, and a number of towns, with four other deaths recorded as well.

i'm lukwesa burak. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. queen elizabeth speaks about her personal grief over the death of her husband prince philip in her christmas day message, saying there was "one familiar laugh missing", amid the continuing impact of the pandemic. that mischievous, inquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when i first set eyes on him. but life, of course, consists of final partings, as well as first meetings. and as much as i and my family miss him, i know he would want us to enjoy christmas. a 19—year—old man has been arrested on suspicion of trespassing windsor castle grounds, the official residence of queen elizabeth. members of the royal family have been informed. in his christmas message, pope francis highlighted the tragedies in yemen and syria, which he said are being passed over in silence. and lift off! the world's most powerful telescope has blasted into space — soon to offer unprecedented images of the universe. # while we're here can we all spare a thought # for the ones who have gone #. and christmas

i'm lukwesa burak. the headlines... the governor of kentucky says at least 50 people have died there after a powerful storm battered his state and four others in the us. the uk renews its appeal for everyone eligible to come forward for a booster vaccine, as research shows it significantly reduces the chance of developing symptoms from the omicron variant. new guidance is issued for care homes in england that will limit visitors to three for each resident, as omicron cases surge. britain warns russia it will face severe consequences if it invades ukraine, as a g7 meeting of foreign ministers to discuss rising tensions gets underway. and england's cricketers slump to a nine—wicket defeat in the first ashes test, in brisbane. now on bbc news, it's time for click. this week, what will it take to keep us all safe? will machines lead us into war? how do we stop killer robots from becoming a reality? and can the victims speak louder than the survivors? theme music. has there ever been a time when we haven't been at war? battl

i'm lukwesa burak. the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. days before a likely backbench rebellion — uk prime minister, borisjohnson faces fresh questions about christmas gatherings at downing street a year ago — after a photo emerges of him taking part in a quiz. he can't deliver the leadership that this country needs. we have got a very important vote coming up next weekend he can't even discharge the basic functions. the worst possible lead at the worst possible time. they can now make their mind up when they see him on a virtual screen, or a zoom call thanking his team who are in the building because they have to be to respond to a national emergency. the nhs in england is extending its vaccination programme — as it tries to get on top of the omicron variant. 30 to 39 year olds can now book a virus boosterjab from tomorrow. g7 foreign ministers warn iran that �*time is running out�* to rescue the nuclear deal. there is still time for a man to agree the steel and it is the last chance, as i said,. emergency teams search for survivors in 6

i'm lukwesa burak. the headlines... a powerful storm battered his state and four others in the us. the uk renews its appeal for everyone eligible to come forward for a booster vaccine, as research shows it significantly reduces the chance of developing symptoms from the omicron variant. new guidance is issued for care homes in england that will limit visitors to three for each resident, as omicron cases surge. britain warns russia it will face severe consequences if it invades ukraine, as a g7 meeting of foreign ministers to discuss rising tensions gets underway. and england's cricketers slump to a nine—wicket defeat in the first ashes test, in brisbane.

i�*m lukwesa burak. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world., courageous and beloved amongst us. the bodies of 16 iraqi kurds who drowned when their inflatable boat sank last month in the channel while trying to reach the uk have been returned to northern iraq. new coronavirus restrictions come into force in scotland, wales and northern ireland, to try to limit the spread of the omicron variant.

i'm lukwesa burak. the headlines. countries around the world are seeing in the new year, with scaled back celebrations, as the omicron variant continues to drive up covid infections. entire neighbourhoods in the us state of colorado have been engulfed by flames as wildfires force tens of thousands to leave their homes. the nhs warns of significant pressure in the coming weeks, as covid infections in the uk reach a new high. the staff that are at work will be caring for more patients, trying to do more to cover for their missing colleagues, working extra hours, starting early and finishing late. the pressure will be immense. and mourners in south africa have been paying their respects to the late archbishop desmond tutu. hello and welcome. new year celebrations have begun across the world. this is the how hong kong rang it in. for, three, two, one. happy new year. so it's now 2022 in much of asia, while people in africa and europe are just a few hours away from seeing the new year arrive too. however, in many places th

i'm lukwesa burak. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. queen elizabeth speaks about her personal grief over the death of her husband, prince philip, in her christmas day message, saying there was "one familiar laugh missing". that mischievous, inquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when i first set eyes on him. but life, of course, consists of final partings, as well as first meetings. and as much as i and my family miss him, i know he would want us to enjoy christmas. police have arrested a 19—year—old man who entered the grounds of windsor castle this morning, armed with a weapon. the queen is spending christmas at the castle this year. in his christmas message, pope francis highlighted the tragedies in yemen and syria, which he said are being passed over in silence. and lift—off! the world's most powerful telescope has launched into space, to offer unprecedented images of the universe. the former england and yorkshire cricket captain, ray illingworth, has died at the age of 89. and after three months of spewing lava and ash, the

i'm lukwesa burak with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. a record number of covid—19 cases are recorded in the uk and a further 332 deaths are reported. the uk health secretary sajid javid says the government will buy hundreds of millions more lateral flow tests after days of supply issues. a key witness speaks publicly after ghislaine maxwell was found guilty of grooming underage girls to be abused byjeffrey epstein. i just feel so grateful that the jury believed us and sent a strong message that perpetrators of sexual abuse and exploitation will be held accountable, no matter how much power and privilege they have. afghanistan's former president defends his decision to flee the countryjust before the taliban take—over, saying he did it to prevent the destruction of kabul. days after launching into orbit,it�*s the "make or break" moment for the james webb space telescope as it starts to unfold its tennis court—sized sunshield. the number of daily new cases of covid—19 recorded in the uk has reached a new high. figures published in the last

hello, this is bbc news with me, lukwesa burak. semeru, erupted. evacuation efforts have been hampered by choking smoke, a power blackout, and rainstorms during the eruption which turned the debris into mud. the bbc�*s astudestra ajangrastry reports. the debris into mud. the bbc�*s astudestra ajangrastri reports. videos circulating on social media show people are running away from thick, giant volcanic ash. nearby villages are covered in debris. according to witnesses, it's pitch dark due to the ashes from the volcano. a bridge which connects two regencies in east of java has been completely cut off due to the flow of hot lava from mount semeru. this 100 metre long bridge was destroyed by hot clouds flowing through a river. the event prompted the disaster management agency to warn residents to stay away from river channels or valleys that originate from mount semeru, given the large numbers of volcanic materials that flow through the river. this is the first eruption of semeru in almost a decade. the last eruption was in 2002 and t

i'm lukwesa burak, with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world.would act swiftly if we need to, if the changing data requires that, and that's why we have decided to bring in this change on predeparture tests. the parents of a teenager suspected of a deadly school shooting have pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter, after they were found hiding in a basement. president biden and president putin will hold talks on tuesday, as russia's military build up on the ukrainian border sends tensions soaring.

i'm lukwesa burak. the headlines... it is1:30pm.us. the uk renews its appeal for everyone eligible

i'm lukwesa burak. the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. the netherlands goes into a tough new lockdown over christmas, amid concerns over the omicron variant. the uk health secretary refuses to rule out tighter covid restrictions and says people should cautious in their social mixing. britain's foreign secretary liz truss will become the uk's lead brexit negotiator with the european union, following the resignation of lord frost. hello and welcome, if you're watching in the uk or around the world. the netherlands has embarked on a month—long lockdown in response to an expected surge in cases of omicron — the first european country to introduce such stringent measures in response to the new variant. non—essentialshops, bars, gyms, hairdressers and other public venues will be closed until at least mid—january. our correspondent, anna holligan, reports from the hague. silent high streets... a wholly locked down society. last christmas, the dutch thought covid would be under control by now. instead, the netherlands has become the first country

i'm lukwesa burak. our top stories... uk prime minister borisjohson faces fresh questions about christmas gatherings at downing street a year ago — after a photo emerges of him taking part in a quiz. he cannot deliver the leadership this country needs. we have a very important — this country needs. we have a very important vote coming up next week and he _ important vote coming up next week and he can't — important vote coming up next week and he can't even discharge the basic_ and he can't even discharge the basic functions. he is the worst possible — basic functions. he is the worst possible leader at the worst possible leader at the worst possible time.— possible leader at the worst possible time. possible leader at the worst ossible time. , .., ., ., ~ possible time. they can now make their mind up _ possible time. they can now make their mind up when _ possible time. they can now make their mind up when they _ possible time. they can now make their mind up when they see - possible time. they can now make their mind u

i'm lukwesa burak with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. new records for covid in the uk — the highest number of daily cases since the pandemic began — and an estimated 1.7 million people are reported to have had the virus on a single day last week. millions around the world face travel disruption over christmas, as the surge in omicron cases sees more than 2,000 flights cancelled globally due to staff shortages. at least 39 people are killed after a packed ferry caught fire in southern bangladesh. the queen is expected to give a very personal christmas message this year — her first since the death of her husband prince philip. and a christmas midnight mass is celebrated at the church of the nativity in bethlehem — built on the spot where it's believed jesus was born. and coming up, he's checked his list, and now santa claus is coming to town! we'll have an update on his live progress a little later. the uk has again recorded its highest number of daily coronavirus cases since the pandemic began — more than 120,000. it's the third day in a

i'm lukwesa burak. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. tributes pour in for archbishop desmond tutu, nobel laureate and veteran of south africa's struggle against apartheid, who has died at the age of 90. at a time when many people are celebrating with family and friends, we have lost one of the most illustrious, courageous and beloved amongst us. hello and welcome, if you're watching in the uk or around the world. tributes have been paid from around the world to archbishop desmond tutu, one of the leading figures in the fight against white minority rule in south africa, who has died aged 90. desmond tutu's tireless campaigning against apartheid was rewarded with the nobel peace prize. south africa's president, cyril ramaphosa, described him as a "patriot without equal". former us president barack obama said he had been a "mentor, friend and moral compass". president biden said he was "heartbroken". his funeral will be held on 1st january. the bbc�*s nomsa maseko reports from soweto. paying their last respects, people from all walks of li

i�*m lukwesa burak.ne else at home was working, so i started shoe—shining. and — china says its astronauts are being put in danger of a collision —— with satellites

i'm lukwesa burak. our top stories... vote coming up next week and he can't even discharge the basic— and he can't even discharge the basic functions. he is the worst possible — basic functions. he is the worst possible leader at the worst possible leader at the worst possible time.— possible leader at the worst possible time. possible leader at the worst ossible time. , .., :, ., ,, possible time. they can now make their mind op _ possible time. they can now make their mind up when _ possible time. they can now make their mind up when they _ possible time. they can now make their mind up when they see - possible time. they can now make their mind up when they see him l possible time. they can now make | their mind up when they see him on possible time. they can now make i their mind up when they see him on a virtual screen, or their mind up when they see him on a virtualscreen, ora their mind up when they see him on a virtual screen, or a zoom call thanking his team who are in the building because they have to be to resp

i'm lukwesa burak.eues forjabs continue. almost three quarters of a million people had their boosters yesterday, a record number. the record number of cases raise real concerns for the nhs and the impact on hospital admissions. the chancellor is cutting short his us trip and has held talks with business leaders here about the solution for hospitality and other affected sectors. the 0micron wave has prompted france to shut its borders to most british travellers from saturday, halting christmas holidays. the bank of england has announced an unexpected increase in its main interest rate, to a quarter of 1%. the move surprised many economists and will add to the costs of homeowners with tracker or standard variable rate mortgages. here's our economics correspondent, andy verity. with gas bills up by 28%, inflation is catching fire. electricity bills up 19%, petrol at a record high and goods prices rising faster than they have in 30 years, up 6.5%. the bank of england has decided it is time to act to try to

i'm lukwesa burak.f a million britons were jabbed in the last 24—hour period. we'll take a look back on the year in covid with ros atkins. also ahead, we hear from the only british woman to be convicted of travelling to syria to join islamic state about how she now feels shame about what she did. i rememberfeeling really, like, ashamed of myself to some degree. and the faces of covid — we'll talk to the man behind the twitter account set up to remember the americans who have died during the pandemic. hello and welcome. let's start by recapping some of the main developments in the pandemic today. the uk has been warned that the omicron strain could lead to a rapid peak in infections, but it's hoped it could subside more quickly than previous strains. there were around 88,000 new covid cases confirmed in the uk on thursday. prime minister borisjohnson has insisted england is not being put into lockdown by stealth — after he was criticised for telling the public to exercise caution when choosing to attend

i�*m lukwesa burak. england and wales will be set targets for the first time for keeping out drugs. with hundreds of homes in northern england still without power 11 days after storm arwen, brace yourself for storm barra, with weather warnings in place across the uk. we are told that winds in exposed coastal areas like this could get up to around 75 mph, also heavy rain and some localised flooding very possible. the grandad of six—year—old arthur labinjo—hughes has said his killers should never be freed. the boy was killed last year by his own father thomas hughes and his partner, emma tustin. people were flagging up there were problems. and social services got involved but said there was nothing to worry about. your employment here is terminated, effective immediately. and the boss of a us firm who fired 900 of his staff in a single zoom call. a whistle—blower who worked on the british operation to evacuate people from afghanistan has told mps that only a tiny fraction of those who asked for help — rece