phil mercer, thank ou pandemic for australia. phil mercer, thank you for— pandemic for australia.k you forjoining _ pandemic for australia. phil mercer, thank you forjoining us _ pandemic for australia. phil mercer, thank you forjoining us on - pandemic for australia. phil mercer, | thank you forjoining us on newsday. a state of emergency has been declared in kazakhstan, where protests sparked by surging fuel prices have broadened into unrest over corruption and authoritarian rule. in the country's largest city, almaty, demonstrators seized the airport and stormed government buildings. the kazakh president says there will be a "tough" response to the protests. our diplomatic correspondent, paul adams, has the story. explosions. across this vast country, scenes of tension and turmoil. people shout. in almaty, running battles lasted on into the night. the police struggled to maintain control in this, kazakhstan's biggest city. this is the fourth day of protests. what began as demonstrations over energy prices, now morphing into something more serious. "they said kazakhstan wouldn't

phil mercer with the latest. we will _ issue. 0k. phil mercer with the latest.the latest. we will go back - issue. 0k. phil mercer with the latest. we will go back as - issue. 0k. phil mercer with the latest. we will go back as soon | latest. we will go back as soon as we get any developments there. let's turn to the us where, in the last hour, police in the state of texas say a siege at a synagogue has come to an end and a man who took four people hostage has been killed. the group, which included the rabbi, are now all safe after the ten—hour stand—off at the congregation beth israel synagogue in the city of colleyville. special agent matthew desarno of the dallas fbi said nearly two hundred law enforcement officers had worked to resolve the situation and after paying tribute to them, he focused on those who had engaged directly with the hostage—taker. iam also i am also extremely proud of the team of negotiators, fbi agents, and local police officers who worked all day long engaging subject and, likely, save the lives of the subjects just through their engage

phil mercer. and we will kee- tomorrow. phil mercer. and we will keep you — tomorrow. phil mercer.ow. phil mercer. and we will keep you updated on - tomorrow. phil mercer. and we will keep you updated on that, l will keep you updated on that, of course. some breaking news now, and in the us, of texas says a siege in a synagogue has come four people were taken hostage in the city of colleyville, they're all now said to be free and safe. let's get more on that from our north america correspondent peter bowes. peter, but not without bloodshed, we think. we understand _ bloodshed, we think. - understand and there are reports that the person responsible for taking those hostages has been killed. now, thatis hostages has been killed. now, that is still to be confirmed by the authorities, multiple us outlets reporting that that person, that man has been killed. there was a loud explosion before it was confirmed that the hostages had been released and were all safe and well, a loud explosion that was followed by scattered gunfire and that could be heard, apparently, quite some distance fro

that was phil mercer and of course — tomorrow. that was phil mercer and of course we _ tomorrow. course we will _ tomorrow. that was phil mercer and of course we will monitor i and of course we will monitor the progress of that court case and will bring you any decision as soon as we can. police in texas are negotiating with a manwho police in texas are negotiating with a man who has taken people hostage at a synagogue. homes nearby in the city of colleyville are being evacuated. one person has been released but at least three others remain inside the building. it's not thought anyone has been injured. the fbi and a swat team are at the scene and say the man is armed. the hostage—taker interrupted a service that was being streamed live. a short time ago, i got this update from our north america correspondent in los angeles, peter bowes. we understand these negotiations are continuing and they are at a very delicate stage. the positive news is that one person, a male hostage, was released unharmed and there have been no reports of any of the other hostages being injured. really, a

our correspondent phil mercer is following the story from melbourne. phil, hello.ents because was he detained again by immigration officials or :— again by immigration officials or =— taken to another location away from his lawyer's officers or what? ~ �* ., , ~ or what? we're not sure. we have been — or what? we're not sure. we have been told _ or what? we're not sure. we have been told is _ or what? we're not sure. we have been told is that - or what? we're not sure. we have been told is that novak| have been told is that novak djokovic will remain at his lawyers until two o'clock in the afternoon local time, it is midday here now, so the expectation is in a couple of hours, he may well be put into immigration, a judge may decide that you can stay in his other accommodation after he was detained at melbourne airport about 1.5 weeks ago he was brought here to an immigration detention hotel quite close to the centre of melbourne. he may be brought back here. we don't know. what we do know is there was a brief preliminary hearing in court today, essentially a proced

phil mercer, bbc news, sydney.pondent phil mercer, who's following events from sydney. there isn't going to be a ruling until monday and a lot of things are very unclear in this situation. this has been an _ very unclear in this situation.t'13 has been an extraordinary few very unclear in this situation. ti 3 has been an extraordinary few days for the world of tennis. recently novak djokovic was trumpeting this medical exemption he thought he had, wanting to come to australia to begin defending his title but now effectively he is an australian custody, certainly he will spend the night in immigration detention at a hotel in melbourne, quite possibly over the weekend, until the fed federal court case resumes on monday. tennis organisers of the australian open say they need an answer as to whether novak djokovic plays or doesn't by tuesday for scheduling purposes. this is an extraordinary build—up to the first grand slam of the year. extraordinary build-up to the first grand slam of the year.— extraordinary build-up

that was phil mercer reporting _ continues to roll in.ng from sydney. for the last eight months, a solitary figure has kept watch in a glass box. eight stories above the ground. it is part of an art installation called the whole vigil, to encourage a selection of local volunteers to encourage watching the city. the day i did my vigil there was a fantastic sunrise and a beautiful harvest moon. i was doubly blessed. it was extremely humbling to have that really unique perspective over my home — that really unique perspective over my home city and feel like that protector— my home city and feel like that protector because there was that sense _ protector because there was that sense of— protector because there was that sense of responsibility and duty whilst _ sense of responsibility and duty whilst looking over everybody. i whilst looking over everybody. wanted whilst looking over everybody. i wanted to see the sunset over my city and _ wanted to see the sunset over my city and being _ wanted to see the sunset over my cityand being in— want

phil mercer with the latest on the novak djokovic appeal.criticised borisjohnson�*s behaviour as unacceptable and said he must run downing street in a "very different way." guy opperman broke ranks after number 10 apologised to the queen for two lockdown parties held by staff on the eve of her husband's funeral. the prime minister didn't attend either party, but the latest disclosures have amplified calls for him to resign. separately, the former head of the government unit, which drew up covid rules, has said sorry for having leaving drinks while restrictions were in force. here's our political correspondent ben wright. it was a moment of national mourning. flags flying at half—mast in honour of prince philip, the duke of edinburgh. but inside number 10, on the evening of 16 april last year, two parties took place. there was drink and music at a time covid restrictions on indoor mixing in england were in place. restrictions the queen followed at the funeral of her husband the following day. when i heard about this, iwas, of course, very, ve

phil mercer in melbourne.ic, a real shock to the system if you just step back for a moment and take that on board. this is the man who virtually owns melbourne and he is not there. he has been the king of melbourne park and has won the title here nine times. he was the defending champion but the defence of the title obviously ended before it even began with the long legal battle which ultimately ended in deportation. mistakes and missteps by both sides in this very long saga. the player himself and of course australian authorities. fans here at the australian open digesting the news that the man who has won so many titles and was on the verge, potentially, of a history—making 21st grand slam will not be here but the fans we have been speaking to, david, there is an overwhelming feeling that novak had to go. to be honest, most of the tennis players are vaccinated so obviously that was a requirement to get into the country, so i feel like if everyone else did it he should have but i do feel the government should

phil mercer with the latest on the novak djokovic appeal. let's get some of the day's other news.ast 108 civilians have been killed by air strikes in northern ethiopia, in the past two weeks. the un human rights office said 75 others had been injured in strikes, allegedly carried out by the ethiopian air force. the federal government has previously denied attacking civilians in tigray. a sudanese man has died while attempting to cross the english channel in sub—zero conditions. he was pulled from the water by french rescue teams after going overboard early in the morning, but was declared dead when they returned to shore. with much of argentina experiencing record high temperatures, firefighters are being despatched to wildfires in nine provinces amid fears that the heat and wind will spread the flames still further. temperatures in central and northern argentina have exceeded a0 degrees, with some areas registering 45 degrees on friday — the highest there since records began. the jailed former pharmaceutical executive martin skrelli has been banned from the sector for life and or

our correspondent phil mercer has been following the story and he's in melbourne. immigration minister here has the power to cancel his visa, doesn't he? this is what we are waiting on. the uncertainty continues popular the uncertainty continues .o ula ., , the uncertainty continues “oula ., , ., , ., popular really, really what we saw in australia _ popular really, really what we saw in australia on _ popular really, really what we saw in australia on monday i popular really, really what we saw in australia on monday it| saw in australia on monday it was a quite overturning that initial cancellation by australian authorities of novak djokovic's visa to enter the country, but despite that court ruling, australia's immigration minister, alex hawke, he has these extraordinary executive powers to cancel that these are for a second time. lawyers for the government told the court back on monday that that was being considered, and here we are, friday afternoon in melbourne, and still no word from the minister. yesterday the prime minister scott morrison said that that co

phil mercer reporting.olved in a multi—vehicle crash in los angeles. a woman has been taken to hospital. a spokesperson for the former california governor said he was unharmed. earlier i spoek to our correspondent in los angeles, david willis, to get —— earlier i spoke to our correspondent in los angeles, david willis, to get the latest. the incident occurred in the city of brentwood, not far from arnold schwarzenegger's home. it is an expensive area. several other movie stars are thought to have homes there, including the actress gwyneth paltrow. and as you say, the los angeles police department says that a total of four vehicles were involved in this incident, which is thought to have occurred as arnold schwarzenegger's suv was attempting to turn left onto the famous sunset boulevard when it was involved in a head—on collision with a red prius. now, such was the force of the impact that the suv ended up on top of the red prius before rolling back onto a porsche, which was just behind it at the time. now,

phil mercer, bbc news, sydney.is outside novak djokovic�*s hotel in melbourne — she gave us the latest. we don't know if he has to stay on to the hotel until monday. we do know he is allowed to stay in australia until monday because the hearing from his legal team challenging the decision by the australian authorities to deport him has been adjourned until monday. the judge said to both sides they need to prepare their arguments, they need to submit evidence. but through the weekend and then this case will resume on monday morning. whether he's going to stay here where we believe he is being held or is going to be moved somewhere else, presumably with some facilities so he can train, we don't know yet. but we do know he's landed in the middle of a controversy that just kept getting bigger and more confusing. he was held for hours in melbourne airport, questioned by the border force about his visa application and the exemption from the vaccine and thenit the exemption from the vaccine and then it was decided that he

phil mercer, thank you. _ is very much of the essence. phil mercer, thank you.such a long time ago, the family of novak djokovic were giving a press conference. what is the evidence —— atmosphere there? we have had nothing from the family so far. _ we have had nothing from the family so far. i_ we have had nothing from the family so far, i have managed to speak to a close _ so far, i have managed to speak to a close friend — so far, i have managed to speak to a close friend of novak djokovic, also the captain— close friend of novak djokovic, also the captain of the serbian davis cup tennis_ the captain of the serbian davis cup tennis team and he says he was as shocked _ tennis team and he says he was as shocked at— tennis team and he says he was as shocked at the decision and australia, he has been in touch with novak_ australia, he has been in touch with novak djokovic, i know he is tough mentally, — novak djokovic, i know he is tough mentally, trying to stay focused on temis— mentally, trying to stay focused on tennis but— mentally, trying to stay focused on t

i'm joined now by the bbc�*s phil mercer in melbourne. bring us up to date.

our correspondent, phil mercer, is covering the story from melbourne.b in the first rounds and so if he gets to play, that will take place here in melbourne park on monday or tuesday of next week. but, we're still waiting for confirmation either way from the australian government as to whether or not he will be able to stay in the country. it's well over a week that novak djokovic was detained at melbourne international airport. a lot has happened in the meantime, he was in immigration detention, get the visa cancellation overturned by a court on monday and for the last few days, we've been waiting to hear from australia's immigration minister, alex hawke. will he or won't he cancel novak djokovic's visa. there is a lot of speculation in the mediation australia that that decision could happen today. and so, it is all up in the air at the moment. all up in the airfor sure but if that does happen and it is a big "if" here, what options does novak djokovic have? if novak djokovic visa is cancelled once again, it would certainly go back to court. he has hug

yet to finalise his decision, leaving a cloud of uncertainty around the saga. 0ur correspondent, phil mercerthat djokovic has been drawn to play a fellow serb in the first rounds and so if he gets to play, though it took place here in melbourne park on monday or tuesday of next week. but, we're still waiting for confirmation. either way from the australian government as to whether or not he will be able to stay in the country. it's well over weeks and snow that djokovic was detained at melbourne international airport. a lot has happened in the meantime, he was in immigration detention, get the visa cancellation overturned by a court on monday and for the last few days, we've been waiting to hear from australia's immigration minister. will he or won't he cancel know that djokovic's visa. there is a lot of speculation in the mediation australia that that decision could happen today. and so, it is all up in the air at the moment. is all up in the air at the moment-— is all up in the air at the moment. �* , ., ., moment. all up in the air for sure but— moment. all up in the air for sure but if—

our correspondent, phil mercer, is there. back to where it all started? that's right.t is ten days or so since novak djokovic was detained at melbourne airport, his visa was cancelled and taken here to the park hotel, just a short distance from melbourne city centre. this is an immigration detention centre that also houses a silent seekers and refugees, hence the presence here of various campaigners. —— asylum seekers. we understand novak djokovic arrived in one of two white cars. the consensus among the photographers and camera crews is that novak djokovic was inside one of those vehicles. there were a few police officers and other security guards. windows were tinted and it was pretty chaotic but we do understand that novak djokovic is back in detention and first thing on a sunday morning, a full appeal into that cancellation of his visa will begin. so this long—running saga still has a few more chapters to run. extraordinary turn of events. _ chapters to run. extraordinary turn of events. he _ chapters to run. extraordinary turn of events. he is - chapters to run. e

phil mercer, bbc news, sydney. melbourne, the tennis player, rafael nadal, said he felt sorry for djokovic. but he said he understood people's anger. he is free to take his own decisions, but then there are some consequences. of course i don't like the situation that is happening in some _ the situation that is happening in some wax — the situation that is happening in some way. i feel sorry for him. but at the same time, but he _ sorry for him. but at the same time, but he knew— sorry for him. but at the same time, but he knew the conditions since a lot of— but he knew the conditions since a lot of months ago. so he makes his own decision. our australia correspondent shaimaa khalil in melbourne. she gave us the latest. we don't know if he has to stay on at the hotel until monday. we do know he is allowed to stay in australia until monday, because the hearing from his legal team challenging the decision by the australian authorities to deport him has been adjourned until monday. the judge said to both sides they ne

our sydney correspondent, phil mercer, has been exploring the basis for mr djokovic�*s visa refusal. force at melbourne's airport for several hours while they poured over details of his visa of his visa application. we're not aware of the moment of exactly what transgression officials are alleging around his visa applications, but anyone granted a medical exemption to enter australia must provide evidence at the border to support that waiver. so, you have to presume there was something amiss in that visa application. novak djokovic could well appeal against this decision to the federal court in australia. if that happens, he's likely to be taken to a quarantine or government facility while that takes place. but clearly, not the ideal preparation for the world's number one tennis player, who is aiming to win his tenth australian open. if he's allowed into the country, of course. indeed, phil. there has been a lot of negative reaction in australia. he was granted a medical exemption. do we know the background to how he managed to get that exemption in the first instance? tennis austral

i'm joined now by the bbc�*s phil mercer in melbourne. hello to you. a lot at stake here.ugh what we can expect to happen at this hearing and when might we find out the results? it’s might we find out the results? it's a might we find out the results? it�*s a momentous day, not only for novak jack of edge, but also for the australian government as well. this appeal began about half an hour ago. this is the federal courts building in the city of melbourne. —— djokovic. thejudges are here. they are hearing this case remotely and they have to weigh out the competing arguments from the australian government who believes that it was right to cancel novak djokovic�*s visa on public health and good order grounds. novak djokovic�*s lawyers will be contesting that that decision was irrational and illogical. a part of this case is whether novak djokovic is stirring anti—vaccination sentiments in australia. that's the government's contention. but lawyers for the serbian tennis star believed that that argument should be thrown out, so today, a momentous day for both sides in what has

our correspondent, phil mercer, is outside the court in melbourne.heduled to play his opening round match against a fellow serbian on monday as well. time is of the essence. we know that he left he is following proceedings that his lawyers office, so he should know sometime today whether he is free to compete in the australian open or will be forced to depart, be deported from australia. obviously, he has had his supporters throughout all of this there in australia, but how would you sum up the majority of the public mood right now?— majority of the public mood riaht now? . ., ., right now? there are a handful of novak djokovic's _ right now? there are a handfull of novak djokovic's supporters, many serbian and australians who have rallied to the cause. some of them are here today, they are following proceedings online on their phones and having spoken to a couple of them a few minutes ago, they say they are confident that their hero will be exonerated, that his visa will be reinstated and that he will be allowed to play. as for the broader australia

our correspondent phil mercer joins me now from sydney. have you in the programme. morrison said in the last hour or so that nobody is above the rules and, also, that evidence medical exemption that was provided apparently by novak djokovic was deemed to be insufficient. do we know what his status is right now and what he does from here? we understand _ what he does from here? - understand that novak djokovic is in a quarantine facility in melbourne and is considering his legal options. he could well apply for a legal challenge for this deportation order but as we have been hearing from the australian prime minister, scott morrison, he is firmly of the view that the world number one men's tennis player is not welcome in this country and will be deported. he could be sent on his way in the next few hours. but there could be a legal challenge to this so as we have been hearing, the australian open tennis tournament does not start untiljanuary i7 open tennis tournament does not start untiljanuary 17 but the drama has already begun. will the world's best men's tennis pl

to tell us more, i'm joined now by phil mercer in melbourne wonderful to have you on the programme, theo say he admits this ongoing uncertainty, know that novak djokovic is a bit trying to play in the australian open. there's still a bit of confusion as to whether or not he can play. bit of confusion as to whether or not he can play-— bit of confusion as to whether or not he can play. djokovic has been not he can play. d'okovic has been drawn to play — not he can play. d'okovic has been drawn to play a _ not he can play. djokovic has been drawn to play a fellow _ not he can play. djokovic has been drawn to play a fellow serb - not he can play. djokovic has been drawn to play a fellow serb in - not he can play. djokovic has been drawn to play a fellow serb in the l drawn to play a fellow serb in the first round. if he gets to play, they'll take place here in melbourne park on monday or tuesday of next week. but they are still waiting for confirmation and either way from the australian government as to whether or not he will be able to stay in the country. well over a week now since novak

nations says tonga will depend on emergency food supplies for some time to come. 0ur correspondent phil mercermmunication cable. it is among a raft of catastrophic damage to property and infrastructure, and as you say, aid coming in from many, many countries led by australia and new zealand. water is a significant issue. any water supplies on the archipelago were contaminated by that blanket of ash that rained down on this pacific nation of about 105,000 people and this will be an international aid effort like no other. authorities in tonga are introducing very strict disease control measures because tonga has just recorded only one known coronavirus case since the pandemic began, so clearly it doesn't want to recover from one disaster by inviting another in. so what they are doing is foreign aid workers, in order to go into the country, will have two adhere to three weeks of isolation. if you look in other parts of the pacific in recent days, kiribati, a population about the same of tonga, was covid free but now is going into lockdown as is samoa, so the authorities in tonga being very carefu

let's cross now to our correspondent phil mercer in melbourne. how has it gone today?ow has it gone today? we are getting back to _ how has it gone today? we are getting back to tennis - how has it gone today? we are getting back to tennis now- getting back to tennis now after the novak djokovic saga and news that he might not be able to go to the french open filtering through here as that news was coming all the way from europe. the saga not well and truly over but the tennis well and truly under way. australia tennis fans saw their number one seed ash barty demolish her employment so local supporters are in good advice. anotherfirm local supporters are in good advice. another firm favourite, andy murray, has been into the final five times without winning. he finalfive times without winning. he had to get wild car and he cruised through the first round opponent. —— wildcard. plenty forfans first round opponent. —— wildcard. plenty for fans to see to get there monies worth. daniil medvedev, the new favourite after djokovic, is looking good. tennis is speaking loudly af

our correspondent phil mercer got fans reaction to the djokovic deportation at the open.ennis players are vaccinated, so obviously that was a requirement to get into the country, so i feel as though it's everyone else did it, he should have done it. the government should have taken some responsibility with giving him the exemption initially. it just went out of control. it shouldn't have got to this point, basically.— shouldn't have got to this point, basically. i've got a theory here. _ point, basically. i've got a theory here, anyone - point, basically. i've got a theory here, anyone whol point, basically. i've got a l theory here, anyone who is vaccinated, who can't go to work. — vaccinated, who can't go to work. can_ vaccinated, who can't go to work, can go to a restaurant, can't _ work, can go to a restaurant, can't walk— work, can go to a restaurant, can't walk in the day here today, _ can't walk in the day here today, so_ can't walk in the day here today, so why should anyone be able _ today, so why should anyone be able to — today, so why should anyone be able to

our middle east correspondent sameer hashmi is near dubai's international airport and phil mercer isi will come to you first because the tennis at last is under way. that is some respect for tennis fans, but what is the view of most of the fans there in terms of the departure of djokovic —— respite? i there in terms of the departure of djokovic -- respite?- of d'okovic -- respite? i think ou of djokovic -- respite? i think you really _ of djokovic -- respite? i think you really have _ of djokovic -- respite? i think you really have to _ of djokovic -- respite? i think you really have to put - of djokovic -- respite? i think you really have to put this - you really have to put this thing into context, the coronavirus situation in this country, we are hearing of tens of thousands of new infections being reported every day in this country, we have never seen these sorts of numbers right throughout the pandemic. this is a highly vaccinated nation, more than 90%, well over 90% of the population is fully vaccinated and has been a feeling that novak djokovic has exploited australia �*s pand

i'm joined now by the bbc�*s phil mercer in melbourne. another dramatic development in this saga.atest reaction? this has been an extraordinary end to an _ this has been an extraordinary end to an amazing chapter, that began over a _ to an amazing chapter, that began over a week to an amazing chapter, that began overa week ago, to an amazing chapter, that began over a week ago, when novak djokovic was detained at melbourne airport. he has_ was detained at melbourne airport. he has had — was detained at melbourne airport. he has had a court victory. he has been _ he has had a court victory. he has been in _ he has had a court victory. he has been in immigration detention, has had his_ been in immigration detention, has had his bees are cancelled by the immigration minister. he has gone back to _ immigration minister. he has gone back to court —— he has had his visa cancelled~ _ back to court —— he has had his visa cancelled. and he has seen what he has not _ cancelled. and he has seen what he has not seen much of in his career, a has not seen much of in his career, 6 defeat _ has n

from sydney, phil mercer reports.ck into australia. so is the anxiety and uncertainty they have had to live with because of some of the world's toughest covid—i9 border closures. the world's toughest covid-19 border closures.— border closures. when i 'ust touched down, i border closures. when i 'ust touched down, sydney, h border closures. when i just touched down, sydney, it i border closures. when i just touched down, sydney, it is| touched down, sydney, it is unbelievable. ijust kept unbelievable. i just kept crying, unbelievable. ijust kept crying, i cried a river, because i was so happy. i was so relieved. well, sorry, you are here now, you are in sydney. it are here now, you are in sydney-— sydney. it is exciting, nervous- _ sydney. it is exciting, nervous. everything l sydney. it is exciting, | nervous. everything is sydney. it is exciting, - nervous. everything is new here, _ nervous. everything is new here, and _ nervous. everything is new here, and this is my first time to live — here, and this is my first t

the bbc�*s phil mercer has the latest from melbourne. time, the australian open, the first grand slam of the year, will get under way. novak djokovic is still the top seed, scheduled to play his opening round match ironically against a fellow serb on monday as well so time is of the essence. we know novak djokovic left a detention hotel not too far from left a detention hotel not too farfrom here earlier this morning. he was placed back into immigration detention about 2k hours ago because of this cancellation of his visa. we understand novak djokovic is following proceedings at his lawyer �*s office so he should know sometime today whether he is free to compete in the australian open will be forced to be deported from australia. various online polls have shown the majority of people want to see novak djokovic expelled from this country, australia has hiked rates of vaccination but also very high rates of covid—19 infection. we are seeing tens of thousands of new infections being reported every day in this country. this is uncharted terr

phil mercer reports from sydney. culture lies at the heart of first nation businesses in australia. a small island in sydney, an indigenous market is giving entrepreneurs a chance to hone their skills. entrepreneurs a chance to hone theirskills. but their skills. but discrimination and theirskills. but discrimination and indifference can be barriers to success. there are my perceptions across australia about aboriginal people and those perceptions also translate into the business world but we just don't want people as —— that we don't want people as —— that we do not want stuff as much as other people but that could not be further from the truth. aboriginal people are on the margins of society and have not shared in australian prosperity. they can suffer high rates of unemployment, poverty and ill—health. answers have been hard to find. but in the business sector there is a belief that commercial success can help to tackle disadvantage. can help to tackle disadvantaue. , , disadvantage. this is the signature _ disadvantage. this is the signature of _ disadvantage. this is the signat

we also have phil mercer in melbourne, following this story right from the start.oth on the programme, but let me start with samir. how we got any further details about that arrival of novak djokovic �*s flight? we know the emirates flight will be landing in the next few minutes, it was originally supposed to land at 5:40am local time but now we are told that could be a little earlier than that. what happens next, we still don't know, because whether he will be flying to serbia, whether he goes to spain or the sides to stay, that looks quite unlikely but we don't have those details, but we know the fight will land in the next few minutes. find in the next few minutes. and i'm sure _ in the next few minutes. and i'm sure you _ in the next few minutes. and i'm sure you will— in the next few minutes. and i'm sure you will be - in the next few minutes. and i'm sure you will be keeping us up—to—date as to the latest developments when that happens. are we expecting him to say anything or make a statement at the airport? have fans gathered at the scene to greet him? i don'

aid has been arriving by sea and air from australia, new zealand and britain. 0ur correspondent phil mercerfforts, fascinating efforts, to try and reconnect the undersea cable thatis try and reconnect the undersea cable that is responsible for much of tonga's international communications. that as well as the international humanitarian aid it is taking in. international humanitarian aid it is takin: in. , , ., taking in. this undersea communications - taking in. this undersea communications cable l taking in. this undersea i communications cable was taking in. this undersea _ communications cable was damaged a week ago during that undersea volcanic eruption and the tsunami waves are triggered, it is among a raft of catastrophic damage to property and infrastructure, and as you say, aid coming in from many, many countries, led by australia and new zealand. what is a significant issue, any water supplies on the tongan archipelago were contaminated by that blanket of ash that rained down on this pacific nation of about 105,000 people, and this will be an international aid effort like no other.

our middle east correspondent sameer hashmi is near dubai's international airport and phil mercer isith sammy djokovic has arrived in dubai. tell us more. . , . more. that is right. he arrived a little over— more. that is right. he arrived a little over two _ more. that is right. he arrived a little over two hours - more. that is right. he arrived a little over two hours ago - more. that is right. he arrived a little over two hours ago and there are some pictures and videos that have emerged onto got off aircraft and some passengers on the flight who took photographs with him and videos as he walked through the airport more people came, they recognised him and came towards him for pictures and photographs. he was smiling for those photographs and videos, he did not look like amino, what it happened in australia affected his mood at least in terms of interacting with fans. what happens next is the question, where he is headed we still do not know. there are a few options, the first is heading back to serbia, his home country where this has been a raging issue of the last ten days with

phil mercer is in melbourne with the latest reaction.y end to an amazing chapter, that began over a week ago, when novak djokovic was detained at melbourne airport. he has had a court victory. he has been in immigration detention, he has had his visa cancelled by the immigration minister. he has gone back to court. and he has seen what he has not seen much of in his career, a defeat. in the next few hours, we expect novak djokovic to board an aircraft to dubai, we expect, after being deported from australia, so, what awaits him is infamy, embarrassment or humiliation, maybe a combination of all of those three things, but the key fact is, novak djokovic has lost this last—ditch appeal to stay in australia, and he will not be competing here at melbourne park, when the first grand slam of the year begins on monday. so, in a few hours' time, the crowds and players will be here but novak djokovic won't be. so what is the view from novak djokovic's home country? our correspondent guy de launey is in belgrade and spoke to serbia's president ale

our correspondent phil mercer is in melbourne. but, in a nutshell, what case are the two sides putting across? at the heart of the government's argument is this idea that novak djokovic's presence in australia would stir up anti— vaccination sentiment in a country that's experiencing tens of thousands of new covid—i9 cases each day. novak djokovic's lawyers say that sort of argument is illogical and irrational. they say that the government hasn't asked novak djokovic his views and that he is not an anti—vaxxer. so throughout is legal minefield, these judges are now treading very carefully to come up now treading very carefully to come up with a decision that will be absolutely momentous. momentous for the australian government if it loses, it will be humiliated stop if novak djokovic loses, he will be on a plane out of australia and will miss out, for now, on the chance to make grand slam history. he would he would have one... have won 21 titles if he wins. the judges would have one... have won 21 titles if he wins. thejudges have

phil mercer reporting _ possibly later this year. phil mercer reporting from sydney.s slaves, available for clients. british police say sex—trafficking is now so rife, they're struggling to bring those responsible tojustice, with more suspected victims coming from romania last year, than any other country. you may find some details in jean mackenzie's report distressing. this country carries a dark shame. young girls are preyed on, taken from their families, and sold for sex. daniela is hiding at this safe house in a remote corner of romania. she and all the children here had been tricked into prostitution by traffickers pretending to be their boyfriends. this sinister method of recruitment is called the lover boy. i have a 13—year—old girl right here who is desperately trying to get back to her 52—year—old lover boy. when she runs away she tells the police, "i love him." that is a photo of her with her trafficker? yeah. she calls him iubit — iubiire means love. the girls are groomed for export. many are brought to the uk where the big money is. elena was rescued from

phil mercer, bbc news, sydney. this with our australia correspondent shaimaa khalil, who is in melbourne this morning. you are outside the hotel where novak djokovic is currently being, it detained the correct word? weill. it detained the correct word? well, detained, being _ it detained the correct word? well, detained, being held, _ it detained the correct word? vii detained, being held, being brought here after being held at melbourne airport for hours are now staying at this quarantine hotel. what is really clear is that novak djokovic had landed in a controversy which is now getting more confusing and bigger by the hour. this is the hotel where novak djokovic is believed to be held. this is a government run quarantine hotel. it is also a hotel that houses a number of refugees. and for hours now, his supporters, many from the serbian community, have gathered outside here. as you can imagine, anger, frustration, shocked even, that now that he has come all the way over here, given that controversial exemption, he

more from our correspondent in sydney phil mercer.ouse in the town of caernarvon late last year was a spectacular relief not only for her family, the country, but for many people overseas as well. she was taken from _ people overseas as well. she was taken from the _ people overseas as well. she was taken from the family _ people overseas as well. she was taken from the family tent - people overseas as well. she was taken from the family tent at - people overseas as well. she was taken from the family tent at a i taken from the family tent at a remote campsite north of perth, a long way north of perth in october last year and held captive by terence kelly for 18 days. it did spark one of australia �*s biggest ever missing persons investigations and today we have heard that this man unexpectedly pleaded guilty, admitting to snatching cleo smith from the family tent in the middle of the night and holding her effectively hostage for 18 days. he is due back in court in march. lots of speculation here in australia that he is facing a 20 ye

our correspondent, phil mercer has been following the story and he�*s in melbourne.gain? novak djokovic 's _ cancelling his visa again? novak djokovic 's visa _ cancelling his visa again? novak djokovic 's visa has _ cancelling his visa again? novak djokovic 's visa has been - cancelling his visa again? novakl djokovic 's visa has been revoked djokovic �*s visa has been revoked for a second time on health, good order and public interest grounds, as to what all of that means, we are not exactly sure. we did hear from the prime minister of australia, scott morrison, in the last hour or so and he says this decision has its roots in protecting australia �*s borders and public health. as it stands, if you are a foreign national wanting to travel into australia, you must be either double vaccinated or have a medical exemption. and the federal government here did not believe that novak djokovic �*s medical waiver was genuine. so that is why they have taken this extraordinary decision to again revoke his visa. we understand novak djokovic will not be taken into immigration d

phil mercer reporting _ plenty to look forward to. n the north and west. these are the sustained wind speeds. temperature wise we are looking at seven in aberdeen and newcastle, five in hull, ten in plymouth. as we head into this evening and overnight, still some mist and fog in the south, it creates good crack to a clear sky follows on. knott has called a night as last night. but for some of us where we have clear skies, this is where we have clear skies, this is where we have clear skies, this is where we are likely to see some frost. as we go through the course of two, the first weather front goes through. a second one follows behind. then some clear skies, some sunshine. a peppering of showers which will be wintry in parts of the north and east. despite the temperatures of two to ten, when you add on the wind chill, it will feel better. thank you. with the covid infection rate falling, and hospitalisations levelling off, the world health organisation has suggested that in the uk, the end of the pandemic could now be in sight. the v

phil mercer in sydney, thank you.er they were forced to close on 27th december. longer—running measures, such as the use of face coverings on public transport and indoor public places, will continue. overindulgence in chocolates and other festive treats often see people cutting back injanuary — and the same is apparently true for a pair of armadillos. patsy and eddie have been put on an exercise regime by zoo trainers, after piling on two kilograms between them. they are are known to enjoy their treats, but it seems too many lie—ins and not enough moving around during the colder weather has caused them to get a bit out of shape. that is like all of us, isn't it? they didn't look that bad to me. they didn't look that bad to me. they look quite cute. it is what is under the cell, i suppose. this it they look quite cute. it is what is under the cell, i suppose. as it is with all of— under the cell, i suppose. as it is with all of us. _ under the cell, i suppose. as it is with all of us. take _ under the cell, i suppose.