the snp won the election on a commitment for a referendum when we're through the crisis.lmingly, and in any normal democracy, that would be respected. in wales, labour remained in charge, agreeing a co—operation deal with plaid cymru. a great pleasure to have the opportunity to sign, formally, the agreement between our two parties. as northern ireland celebrated its centenary year, arlene foster stepped down as the leader of the dup. can you tell us what happened in there? did you face a motion of no confidence? are you still the leader of the party? her successor edwin poots lasted just 21 days. then the mp sirjeffrey donaldson took over. in may, dominic cummings, who quit as a number 10 aide in late 2020, made an explosive return to the headlines. in a marathon session at a parliamentary committee looking into the pandemic, the prime minister's former advisor accused his old boss of a list of serious failures. he described it as the new swine flu. did you tell him it wasn't? certainly, but the view of various officials inside number 10 was that if we have the prime mini

snp iain black. :. .. call the leader of the snp iain black. .e all made. shattering the public�*s trust. the prime minister is responsible for losing the trust of the people. he could no longer lead on the most pressing issue, facing these islands. the prime minister has a duty, the only right and moral choice left to him. it is for his resignation. when can we expect it? prime minister. mr— prime minister. mr speaker, i prime minister. mrspeaker, lam, prime minister. mr speaker, lam, the party opposite mr speaker, i am, the party opposite and the other party opposite are going to continue to play politics, i am going to get on with the job. no dignity from a prime minister that quite simplyjust doesn�*t get it. mr speaker, people across these islands have followed the rules even when it meant missing friends and family. missing births, missing funeral, missing the chance to be beside a loved one in their dies moments. people have sacrificed at times to the point of breaking, while the uk government has laughed in ourfaces. it is while the uk go

scotland's last coal fired power station comes crashing down, as the snp and the greens lay out plansbudget to tackle climate change. and heading into day three of the ashes — england are desperately looking for inspiration with the hosts firmly in control. and coming up in the sport on the bbc news channel, leicester city falter at the final hurdle and fail to qualify for the next round of the europa league, beaten by napoli. good evening. the prime minister is facing yet more scrutiny tonight, over claims about christmas parties and fresh questions over whether he misled an investigation into how refurbishments to his downing street flat were paid for. the conservative party has been fined nearly £18,000 for failing to keep accurate records of a large donation which helped cover the cost. meanwhile, more details have emerged about a christmas party at number ten last year. it's understood downing street's head of communications was handing out awards to his team that night. meanwhile the investigation by the cabinet secretary into what went on is now being widened to look at two oth

the snp's finance secretary delivers the scottish budget.ntre, here's gavin. yes! thanks very much. thejockey robbie dunne has been banned for 18 months — the last three suspended after being found guilty of bullying and harrassing rival bryony frost. an independent disciplinary panel found dunne guilty of four charges, of conduct "prejudicial to the reputation of horse racing" over a seven month period in 2020. frost, who's one of britain's most successful female jockeys, said in a statement she would like to thank people for the support she's received, and that she'll take a few days to reflect on the outcome. the panel added it has real concerns about the weighing room culture in horse racing. england have a realjob on their hands if they're to stay in contention in the first ashes test ahead of day three in brisbane. australia were in control for much of the second day, david warner and marnus labuschagne both making half centuries. england did finally make the breakthrough, removing both men — warner falling for 94. two further quick wi

of the snp, thank you very much for your time this evening.k at the weather prospects. very uncertain over the next week or so. hello there. some areas have had a lovely sunny day today, central a lovely sunny day today, southern scotland groun| a central southern scotland ground to a halt during the course of today. it is slowly moving its way northwards this evening and overnight. it will become confined to the north or northwest of scotland it's quite breezy here as well. elsewhere, it's mainly dry large amounts of cloud around, a bit of mist and fog developing there. while we hold onto the cloud, those of eight or 9 degrees. a similar story across the south another rather grey day, i think, some glimmers of brightness here or there, the best of brightness will be across eastern england, northeast scotland, from a few showers for the northern isles, but drierfor most of scotland and northern ireland. another mild they can attempt 12 celsius. a similar story as we head on into friday and the weekend. most places remained dry and cloudy. hell

scottish politics was transfixed by a bitter row between two snp first ministers, nicola sturgeon andcessor, alex salmond. mr salmond accused his former protege of breaking the ministerial code in how she handled allegations against him but she was cleared by the independent advisor. a new political force, the alba party... mr salmond set up a new party, but it failed to win a single seat in may's elections. while the uk stayed under covid restrictions, elections were held notjust in scotland but in wales and across many parts of england. this guy looks like... the tories sought victory in a by—election in the traditionally labour held seat of hartlepool. it's a mandate for us to continue to deliver, not just for the people of hartlepool, notjust the people of the north—east but across the whole of the country. i take full responsibility for the result and i will take full responsibility for fixing things. we have changed as a party but we haven't set out a strong enough case to the country. brighter news for the party in west yorkshire, where tracy brabin was elected mayor. two month

searches that concern, and on the back of what businesses are telling us, we wanted the snp to extendg—awaited structural reform to the scottish recovery, especially for nondomestic rates, as well as greater investment in skills and the digital infrastructure, which has been called by our business organisations and universities, which will play a role in scotland puzzlement future economic success. secondly, we wanted to ensure that money goes to front line services in the care sector, where it is clear there are significant resource issues. scotland is set to receive 1.2 billion in health care consequential is. and whilst there is 1.2 billion of consequential current local government, there is clearly a real term cuts to local government in this budget. perhaps the cabinet secretary could explain what this choice means, and also, if she could explain the many that does go to local government, whether these local authorities will have these local authorities will have the autonomy to spend that money as they choose. thirdly, we will reject any attempt by the snp, now or in later budge

the snp's westminster leader ian blackford has written to the prime minister after reports of a party's try to unravel all of this and find out what we do now. let's get more on this from our political correspondent, nick eardley. trying to keep up with events, goodness, talk of so many parties, it's hard to keep track. explain what we are talking about here. good evenina. what we are talking about here. good evening- there _ what we are talking about here. good evening. there has _ what we are talking about here. (emf. evening. there has been a what we are talking about here. (ef>;f>f. evening. there has been a long list of party accusations in whitehall over the last couple of weeks, indeed over the last 2a hours or so. this one is about the private office of the cabinet secretary, simon case. now, the allegation is that there were e—mails sent out that were entitled christmas party for an event that took place on the 17th of december last year. we understand it was a quiz and that people who took part where those already in the office. they had drinks and something to eat at their

yet the mess is enough for the snp to claim it is time he called it quits.— the snp to claim it is timed it quits. the prime minister has a duty- _ called it quits. the prime minister has a duty- the — called it quits. the prime minister has a duty. the only _ called it quits. the prime minister has a duty. the only right - called it quits. the prime minister has a duty. the only right and - called it quits. the prime minister l has a duty. the only right and moral choice left to him. it is for his resignation. when can we expect it? in a moment for mps to raise the agony of constituents who lost loved ones. ,, , agony of constituents who lost loved ones, ,, , ., , ., agony of constituents who lost loved ones. ,, , ., ., ., , ones. she is devastated and appalled at recent revelations _ ones. she is devastated and appalled at recent revelations as _ ones. she is devastated and appalled at recent revelations as to _ ones. she is devastated and appalled at recent revelations as to what - ones. she is devastated and appalled at recent revelations as to what has l at recent revelations as to

it crashed to the ground as the snp and the greens outlined how they would bring down both emissionsnd ove . ., , and poverty. today's budget is a buduet and poverty. today's budget is a bud . et of and poverty. today's budget is a budget of choices, _ and poverty. today's budget is a budget of choices, and - and poverty. today's budget is a budget of choices, and we - and poverty. today's budget is a budget of choices, and we have | budget of choices, and we have chosen to tackle child poverty, to invest in the transition to net to zero, and to boost economic prosperity. it delivers on our manifesto promises. more teachers, more funding for police and record investment in our health and social care service. as we stand united against the impact of covid—19. health and social care swallows a record chunk of this budget, £18 billion, but doctors leaders are worried. the bma says the nhs is close to breaking point and scottish ministers must admit it is not currently capable of delivering all they are asking of it. but what about support for business? the payment of rates, suspended du

scottish politics was transfixed by a bitter row between two snp first ministers, nicola sturgeon and, alex salmond. mr salmond accused his former protege of breaking the ministerial code in how she handled allegations against him but she was cleared by the independent adviser. a new political force, the alba party... mr salmond set up a new party, but it failed to win a single seat in may's elections. while the uk stayed under covid restrictions, elections were held notjust in restrictions, elections were held notjust in scotland restrictions, elections were held notjust in scotland but restrictions, elections were held notjust in scotland but in restrictions, elections were held notjust in scotland but in wales and across many parts of england. this guy looks like... the and across many parts of england. this guy looks like. . ._ this guy looks like... the tories sou~ht this guy looks like... the tories sought to _ this guy looks like... the tories sought to victory _ this guy looks like... the tories sought to victory in _ this guy looks like... the tories sought to victory in a _

major gathering spaces like the snp arena convention center. many of our public theater's. i will also require. proof. having. received a booster shot some democratic lawmakers are asking federal officials to toughen up requirements for air travel, particularly because so many more people are flying california senator dianne feinstein and east bay. congressman eric swalwell. >> want to ban unvaccinated travelers on domestic flights saying in part requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test for domestic flights would improve public health and address concerns that passengers have about flying as debate continues over whether more coronavirus restrictions should be imposed. many leaders say get used to it. the stakes are just too high. >> we're tired. we're tired of the covid. we're tired of all of the issues that go with it and mostly anxiety. the fear we know and i think most americans, i understand it's a very dangerous situation. also, the economic problems and nearly 1, 800,000 americans have already died be more in the days catherine heenan. >> kron 4 news. >> wel

that the same time, we are looking at snp futures pushing higher after yesterday's all-time highs.ecord after record for u.s. stocks. that is on the lighter volume. looking across assets, we are seeing some buying in the treasury market after yesterday's selloff. we are looking at a 2.5 10 year yield followed by a strong dollar. the dollar is stronger today against the yen. we continue to see volatility in the lira, now lower by 3% versus the dollar. an hour ago it wasn't gains for the lira. -- it was gains for the lira. the government is committing to help stabilize the lira, however it that was not enough to help the decline we have seen every day this week. another update in 30 minutes. this is bloomberg. ♪ announcer: from the heart of where innovation, money, and power collide, in silicon valley and beyond, this is "bloomberg technology," with emily chang. ♪ emily: i'm emily chang in san francisco, and this is "bloomberg technology." over the next 30 minutes, we are going to get meta, about meta. first, the story behind the rebrand and the pivot to the metaverse, our discussion

the daily mirror, boris johnson questioned about this by both the leader of the opposition and the snptarmer asked the prem and esther about whether that 18th of december party had happened. the prime minister responded... i can tell you that guidance was followed completely. he did not deny that the party had happened and secure storm... "you must not have a work christmas lunch or party." does the prime minister really expect the country to believe that while people were banned from seeing their loved ones at christmas last year, it was fine for him and his friends to throw a boozy party in downing street? since he asks about what we are asking the country to do this year, mr speaker, which i think is frankly a more relevant consideration, to make sure, as we have said, that you wear masks in, on public transport and in shops, mr speaker, and that you self—isolate if you come into contact with somebody who has omicron, mr speaker, and above all we are strengthening our measures at the borders, and particularly, i think this will be valuable for everybody to hear, get your booster. th

those are being called for by the snp and labour and the welsh | the snp and labour and the welsh governmentsting post return to the uk come in? it does raise a ruestion to the uk come in? it does raise a question of— to the uk come in? it does raise a question of why — to the uk come in? it does raise a question of why that _ to the uk come in? it does raise a question of why that hasn't - to the uk come in? it does raise a question of why that hasn't been l question of why that hasn't been done. this meeting was on monday after the government took the announcements and what we don't know is what other advice they are receiving at the moment. sage are focusing here on what has the best way to reduce infections. but they also might be getting advice from behavioural scientists, for example if you introduce three tests on return from travel, it is up to people to take these tests, will people to take these tests, will people do free tests? you could have people do free tests? you could have people say, not doing any test at all because the requirements are too stringent. you have to think wha

meanwhile, the snp center in san jose announce new covid protocols for its younger guests starting thursdayand four-year-old children must show proof of a negative covid test. >> and anyone aged 5 to 11 must be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative test within 72 hours of an event at the sapd center free testing will be offered on site beginning an hour before a scheduled event. all guests 12 and older are still required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated to enter these requirements will remain in place until state and local health and safety guidance is revised. >> kaiser permanente says its workers need to get vaccinated or face being fired. the oakland health care giant says employees who had a vaccination exemption requests tonight after november, 7th. well, they have until january 7th 2 received their first dose employees have to submit proof of vaccination by that date or face termination by january 10th. kaiser says more than 98% of its employees have provided proof of vaccination or requested that that exemption. it issued a companywide vaccination requirement 3 day

the scottish labour party have also called on some kind of, what they call, a plan from the snp to keepr the first minister, that has always been a priority to keep schools open for as long as possible. there has been no indication schools are likely to have a longer school break. but they will certainly be asked about that this afternoon at the parliament. this comes in the context of the rising number of omicron cases. we saw in scotland the largest number of daily cases on boxing day, that was more than 11,000. we will get an update on the figures that virtual parliament this afternoon. nicola sturgeon is also expected to encourage people to be boosted. what she means is for people to make an appointment to go and get their boosterjab by the end of the year, by hogmanay. you also mentioned the concern about people possibly travelling south of the border for hogmanay and new year celebrations because of tougher restrictions here in hospitality. also a cancellation of some events, the main hogmanay celebration in edinburgh was cancelled again this year. the deputy first minister, john

it gives labour fodder to use a charge that they've already been making, as have the snp, that boris runs his government like everyone else has to follow the rules, and people who works for him does not. that's why it become so politically charged, but i think for a lot of people, really emotionally charged. we remember what that time was like, and the person i spoke to who is attending the party even said that the mood was a bit down because people are talking about the kent variant. and saying, oh, no, we have to toughen up again, lo and behold, it was the next day that borisjohnson brought back even took a restrictions that he himself were not at the event. this was staff in the press office and events team, there's not any official confirmation of any of this. the two things that intrigue me is one, it's taken a year to come out in a postcode known to be a little leaky in terms of people sharinginformation, although i guess people would be implicating themselves if they were talking about it too openly. also, the prime minister today ducking another question when he was asked by

let's talk more about that with the snp meal gray, a former mp and newly elected msp.ce with borisjohnson and that would include tory mps. you can sleep tonight that heckling and the really awkward questions that sergeant javid was getting when he was making his statement that listening to it that people are running out of patience with this government and at such a lack of consistency and the lack of trust in terms of the messaging that's been put out. and of christ you can see in scotland with a beater that is trusted to make nicola sturgeon that there is a far greater confidence in there is a far greater confidence in the messaging and the rules and guidance that have been brought in here in scotland compared to the rest of the uk. that completely undermines the public health messaging and the rest of the uk which is a really serious feeling of this whole episode and write blackford was absolutely right to say that trust has been absolutely shattered during this last week and a half. �* ., , shattered during this last week and ahalf. , ., «r, a half. boris johnson i

as you say, we saw this extraordinary swing yesterday with equities in the us, the broad—based snp 500apid sell—off to the end to finish off i.2%. as you say, that is a large swing and it comes on top of tuesday. it is the other uncertainty of covid and how those effects that have broadened over the market, what does it mean for inflation, what does it mean for goods inflation, what does it mean for the labour market? there are a lot of different worries for the market to face. if you are to that as well the testimony from jerome powell earlier this week in the us, that's the us federal reserve chief, that has added, really, hasn't it, to the fear factor and the worry that if governments worldwide have to reconsider partial lockdowns, further restrictions, the impact that will have. yes. i think lockdowns _ impact that will have. yes. i think lockdowns will - impact that will have. yes. i think lockdowns will get - impact that will have. yes. i i think lockdowns will get better managed and the gdp impact should be less damaging. now people are really concerned about inflation. we have

snp spokesperson martin doherty- _ absolutely right. snp spokesperson martin doherty.erson martin doherty. on the 16th of- martin doherty. on the 16th of december— martin doherty. on the 16th of december the _ martin doherty. on the 16th of december the prime _ martin doherty. on the 16th of december the prime ministerl martin doherty. on the 16th of- december the prime minister asked everyone to exercise the greatest possible personal responsibility. london entered tier three restrictions, that no person may participate in a gathering. you must not have a work christmas lunch or party, whether in an office or in somebody�*s flat upstairs. the 18th of december, the royal college of emergency medicine said we were at a dangerous point where we could tip into finding it incredibly difficult to manage. the same day, 51a people died of covid—19. i am sure the nhs or those in care homes were already over the tipping point is that on the 18th of december the prime minister stated, the 18th of december the prime ministerstated, if the 18th of december the prime minister state

the plant in fife crashed to the ground as the snp and the greens outlined how they would bring downe transition to net to zero, and to boost economic prosperity. it delivers on our manifesto promises. more teachers, more funding for police and record investment in our health and social care service. as we stand united against the impact of covid—19. health and social care swallows a record chunk of this budget, £18 billion, but doctors leaders are worried. the bma says the nhs is close to breaking point and scottish ministers must admit it is not currently capable of delivering all they are asking of it. but what about support for business? the payment of rates, suspended during the pandemic for key sectors, will be phased in again. at this sock firm, founded in lockdown, business is booming despite labour, inflation and supply chain challenges. the major thing the scottish government can do is create an environment where people feel confident in investing. scotland's full of talented people and beautiful products are produced, so i think it is supporting the people on the ground an

the pressure on the prime minister is certainly not going away with some mps from the labour benches, snpxplanation exactly of how they weren't. this story of the party that took place on the 18th of december, there were also reports of other gatherings that took place in the same period. a number of resources told the bbc for example that there was a christmas quiz in december organised a number ten staff with one source saying people didn't realise how ridiculous it was at the time with people showing up in the office that day with christmas jumpers ready for the quiz. as well as promises being made from the prime minister, concrete action is something that his critics are now are looking for. $1150 are now are looking for. also suggestions _ are now are looking for. also suggestions that _ are now are looking for. also suggestions that coronavirus restrictions could be strengthening again with the government being accused of using it as a distracting tactic. , ., ., tactic. yes, one of the prime minister's — tactic. yes, one of the prime minister's own _ tactic. yes, one of the prime m

commons again, the reason that half of those benches on the other side are not full is because the snpeven bigger. in terms of the practicalities of this, the measures come through pretty much immediately, don't they? the big question now is what happens between now and thursday when the house rises for the christmas break? the political, the prime ministers not out of the political woods yet, is he? ~ , ,., , not out of the political woods yet, is he? absolutely not. we have p&g is he? absolutely not. we have p&g is tomorrow — is he? absolutely not. we have p&g is tomorrow which _ is he? absolutely not. we have p&g is tomorrow which i _ is he? absolutely not. we have p&g is tomorrow which i suspect - is he? absolutely not. we have p&g is tomorrow which i suspect will i is he? absolutely not. we have p&g is tomorrow which i suspect will be l is tomorrow which i suspect will be a pretty ride for the prime minister. 0pposition parties will be asking about those christmas parties last year and whether the prime minister has told the full story of everything he knows about what happened in

who was the first person that actually talked to trum snp what did they say to trump?p say to those people that he thought it should go on that, there should be more people who came to the capitol? who knows what trump said to any of these people. we're going to find out. what we know for sure is that early on in this these e-mails went out some time after we saw the images of donald trump jr. and kimberly gillfoil smiling. it is early stages. after they had given the speeches and after ted cruz insighted the crowd. the crowd wassen on the march. when did it turn to panic? what thr they saying to one another? when did the smiles get wiped off their face? the white house photographer was there taking pictures all throughout. where are those images? we haven't seen that stuff yet. but it's all there to be seen. and so is this dmt playing out? i think it's going to be absolutely riveting. we just got a little peek. this committee has been doing its work. the speculation has been that they're not focused. i guess that's fair. a lot of congressional investigations aren't. b

major gathering spaces like the snp arena convention center. many of our public theater's. i will also require. proof. having. received a booster shot some democratic lawmakers are asking federal officials to toughen up requirements for air travel, particularly because so many more people are flying california senator dianne feinstein and east bay. congressman eric swalwell. >> want to ban unvaccinated travelers on domestic flights saying in part requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test for domestic flights would improve public health and address concerns that passengers have about flying. as debate continues over whether more coronavirus restrictions should be imposed. many leaders say get used to it. the stakes are just too high. >> we're tired. we're tired of the covid. we're tired of all of the issues that go with it and mostly anxiety. the fear we know and i think most americans, i understand it's a very dangerous situation. also, the economic problems and nearly 1, 800,000 americans have already died be more in the days the request for tougher restrictions. t

and in san jose, they've got protocols that take effect this week for kids too, who want to go to the snp center. yes, starting thursday guests ages 3 to 4 have to now show proof of negative covid test. >> guests age 5 to 11 have to be fully vaccinated or show a negative test within 72 hours of attending an event there at the arena. there will be free testing available there on site an hour before the schedule defense. so that's going to be available to you. guests. 12 and older are still required to show proof of full vaccination in order to get inside. >> it's 6. '09, in california's attorney general says that people making charitable donations need to watch out for scammers during the holiday season and we see it happen every year. attorney general rob bonta sharing the warning while alongside the directors of habitat for humanity of california. >> it's just one of many organizations that are hoping for charitable donations this season is warning people to do their research when considering where to send their money. research answers to questions like how much does this charity spent o

you don't want to be one of the carriers that might give it to other people snp. >> dr. bhdelia you have been good at not looking alemail. we have to close the segment. but south africa is essentially their version of the cdc. nih, the national institute for communicable diseases they put out. right iris put out a quick wire update saying the latest finding provides epidemiological evidence that omicron has the ability to evade immunity from prior infection. what does that tell you? >> yeah, and i think this was expected. again, i'm not surprised looking at two things. one, just the mutation that is we are seeing but also south africa because it's -- because they went through a lot of just -- there is low level of infection you saw a huge percentage of the population who probably got covid in the past. they have gone through all variants, delta variant and other variants that are evasive. this shows for people in our own country people on the fence saying i got infection before. do i want a vaccine or not? now is the time. the data, the potential we have to follow it up

it is 10 times ebitda, 8 times sales, a bis dig discount to snp maybe long term the growth is 20 or 25. i think they're going to give them a rerating and a $50 million buy back as support. i like the trade >> final trade, might as well roll with you, steph >> match group it is down 25% from the highs yet you are seeing record level of engagement. i think there's more to go only 25% of singles use online dating i think 2022 sets up well in terms of revenues, ebitda, m & a synergy and the like i like that name for 2022. >> sirrat? >> i like paypal it is down 50% i think it will do well going to the end of the year and next quarter. the payments group, it is a leader in the payments group >> joe t >> we spoke a bit about health care let's not forget about medical devices. one name you might look towards, edwards life sciences. >> birthday boy, last word >> yeah, reopen is the story of the day i think. mgm. they continue to buy calls they were buying them a week ago when it was 40 they're buying them now with stock at 44 or 45. >> that will do it for "halftime. "the exchange" begins right

we had some copy from the snp leader, calling for the prime minister's resignation if it's true thatnk this footage has on the basic facts we knew where the facts we thought we knew? it’s knew where the facts we thought we knew? �* , , , �* knew? it's interesting, isn't it? because throughout, _ knew? it's interesting, isn't it? because throughout, we've - knew? it's interesting, isn't it? i because throughout, we've heard government minister after government minister, particularly the prime minister back away from denying that the party took place, but insisting that covid rules at the time had been followed. but number ten yesterday went further and hardened up yesterday went further and hardened up their response — i think probably to draw a line under the affair suggesting that no party had taken place. ultimately comes down to what your definition of a party is, i suppose, and for me, several dozen people in a crowded room drinking, playing party games and wearing christmas jumpers and doing a secret santa until well after midnight is classed as a party. 0thers santa until well

labour fodder to use a charge that| fodder to use a charge that they've already been making, as have the snpe else has to follow the rules, and everyone who works for him does not. that's why it become so politically charged, but i think for a lot of people, really emotionally charged. you remember what that time was like, and the person i spoke to who is attending the party even said that the mood was a bit down because people are talking about the kent variant. lo and behold, it was the next day that boris johnson behold, it was the next day that borisjohnson brought back even took a restrictions that he himself were not at the event. the staff in the press office, there's not any official confirmation of any of this. ., , ., this. the two things that intrigue _ this. the two things that intrigue me _ this. the two things that intrigue me is _ this. the two things that intrigue me is one, - this. the two things that intrigue me is one, it's l this. the two things that - intrigue me is one, it's taken a year— intrigue me is one, it's taken a year to— intrigue me is one, it's taken a year to

the snp very keen to have drug consumption rooms in scotland.d north of the border in scotland and in england and wales. . ~ border in scotland and in england and wales. ., ,, , ., border in scotland and in england and wales-— border in scotland and in england and wales. alex stevens is professor of criminaljustice at the university of kent, and a former member of the advisory council on the misuse of drugs. thanks for talking to us. what do you think of what we know so far? mark easton summarised it very well. there is the approach of threatening class a drug users with removing their driving licences and their passports. their driving licences and their passports-— their driving licences and their - passports-— given passports. critical approach? given boris passports. critical approach? given itoris johnson _ passports. critical approach? given boris johnson has _ passports. critical approach? given boris johnson has admitted - passports. critical approach? given boris johnson has admitted that. passports. critical approach? given boris johns

in response that, the snp's leader at westminster, ian blackford, has said the cabinet _ westminster,or a while. it feels to me like _ back burner for a while. it feels to me like it — back burner for a while. it feels to me like it is — back burner for a while. it feels to me like it is starting to ramp up again _ me like it is starting to ramp up again we— me like it is starting to ramp up again. we have still not seen the conclusion— again. we have still not seen the conclusion of the report, they could come _ conclusion of the report, they could come in _ conclusion of the report, they could come in at — conclusion of the report, they could come in at the next few days. it will be — come in at the next few days. it will be interesting to see whether that completely exonerates downing street _ that completely exonerates downing street or _ that completely exonerates downing street or not. a 27—year—old woman has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect after four children died in a house fire in south london. 60 firefighters went to a property in sutton yesterday evening — londo

scottish politics was transfixed by a bitter row between two snp first ministers, nicola sturgeon andn a single seat in may's elections. while the uk stayed under covid restrictions, elections were held notjust in scotland, but in wales and across many parts of england. this guy looks like... the tories soared to victory in a by—election in the traditionally labour—held seat of hartlepool. it's a mandate for us to continue to deliver, not just for the people of hartlepool, notjust the people of the north east, but across the whole of the country. i take full responsibility for the result, and i will take full responsibility for fixing things. we have changed as a party, but we haven't set out a strong enough case to the country. brighter news for the party in west yorkshire, where tracy brabin was elected mayor. two months later, kim leadbeater won her batley and spen seat previously held by her own sister, jo cox. the conservatives won mayoral races in tees the valley and the west midlands. but injune, the lib dems inflicted a shock defeat in what had become known as the tories's blu

very strong condemnation from boris johnson's opponents, very strong words from the labour party, the snp'skford is calling for borisjohnson resign. his own colleagues in the conservative party are very angry, some of them, using words like astonishing, indefensible and catastrophic.— astonishing, indefensible and catastrohic. ~ . , catastrophic. meanwhile the daily mirror which _ catastrophic. meanwhile the daily mirror which broke _ catastrophic. meanwhile the daily mirror which broke the _ catastrophic. meanwhile the daily mirror which broke the story - catastrophic. meanwhile the daily| mirror which broke the story about the party last week has another front—page today claiming there was another party elsewhere in whitehall last year at the department for education, what do we know? these are notjust — education, what do we know? these are notjust claims, _ education, what do we know? these are notjust claims, they _ education, what do we know? these are notjust claims, they have - education, what do we know? these are notjust claims, they have been | are notjust claims, they have been

i was talking tojohn swinney from the snp earlier on and i of the things we were talking about, scotlandmore, particularly over the next few weeks, to restrict people mixing, so the health service does not become overwhelmed. that is the main concern. many people are aware that they are being required bylaw many people are aware that they are being required by law to do different things now. the reason given is the fast rate of growth of omicron. then people say, how many people are in hospital who have that new strain of coronavirus? do we have answers to that as we speak? it is whether or not that is the best— it is whether or not that is the best question to ask at this stage. what _ best question to ask at this stage. whatl has— best question to ask at this stage. what! has to be best question to ask at this stage. what i has to be wary of is that you do not _ what i has to be wary of is that you do not catch — what i has to be wary of is that you do not catch coronavirus and instantly— do not catch coronavirus and instantly go to hospital. there is usually — instantly go to hospital