Transcripts For BBCNEWS Outside Source 20201221 : vimarsana.

The Pfizer Biontech vaccine. The uk is admittedly isolated after admitting the strain is out of control. The European Union itself is set to announce a plan on tuesday that could exempt lorries and frights to ensure that trade routes can resume safely as soon as possible. In africa, the middle east, turkey, morocco and saudi arabia are among those to ban all flights in the uk. In asia, india and also hong kong which is a key travel hub has suspended flights too. South and central america, we know a number of countries have taken action including argentina and colombia. Further north so has canada. That we should advertise the us has not. There are many questions the uk finds itself and front updated to enough to inform, other countries about this very . What can i do now to offer reassurance and how quickly can the uk be reconnected with the world. Prime minister borisjohnson called a crisis meeting today and afterwards this was his message to the british people. The vast majority of food, medicine and other supplies are coming and going as normal. We are working with our friends across the channel. Across the channel. To unblock the flow of trade as fast as possible. And the government at all levels is communicating with ourfriends in paris. Ive just spoken to president macron we had a very good call and we both understand each others positions and want to resolve these problems as fast as possible. And i know that grant is also speaking to his counterpart. And we are working towards a solution i say, between the uk and france. And to ensure that lorries can travel in both directions in a covid secure way. The escalation in the covid crisis in the uk has been driven by three interconnected events. First, the number of new infections began increasing rapidly. In the last 2a hours there were more than 33,361; new infections recorded, thats double the figure from a week ago. The second event, is that there is a possible link between these higher infection rates and this new strain of the virus. The strain was actually first detected in september but its much more recently thats its started to dominate positive tests in some areas particularly in parts of the south east of england. That turn led the government to create a new stricter tier of regulations tier 4 and very similar to the lockdown in november. The difference being this was not national. Instead over the weekend, millions of people in london and the south east were placed in tier 4. And the relaxation of the rules for christmas was scaled back completely in tier 4 and to a great degree across england. And while all of this is happening in the uk, other countries are also looking to contain this new strain of covidi9. Its already been identified in the netherlands, denmark and australia but they want to avoid the rapidly escalating transmission the uk is seeing. Borisjohnson had this message to the Uks International partners. We understand your concerns and i hope everybody can see that as soon as we were briefed in the uk government. Government that the faster transmissibility of this new strain. I think 315 on friday afternoon we launched all the necessary information with the World Health Organisation and we took prompt and Decisive Action the very next day to kerb these bread of the new variant within the uk. All of this is impacting on the travel plans of millions of people who were going to be on the move for christmas. That includes people whove ended up stranded at airports. This is a woman called julia whos in berlin as you can see now the new people arrived and they are going to hold all of us here on the airport until who knows when. Its a joke. As you can see julia and the other passengers have been as you can seejulia and the other passengers given makeshift beds. And now the authorities are trying to fashion a longer term plan. France was one of first countries to shut its border. That happened on sunday evening meaning the euro tunnel was shut for the first time in a decade and no lorries or ferry passengers were allowed to arrive from the uk port of dover. The uk government moved quickly. Transport secretary grant schapps tweeted and he was right this has been the situation in dover all monday hundreds of lorries have been backed up. Caroline davies is there. Frustration, confusion anger. Not everyone at dover this morning had heard that lorries from the uk were not allowed to cross into france. He wasnt the only angry driver. This man arrived in his van last night. I get to get at 11 oclock to stop at seven oclock the french say closed. Thats not one day, two days saying closed tomorrow. 11 oclock say i come in quick. Not very good. For days now weve seen cues of lorrie stretching back from dover as businesses prepared both for christmas but also for the end of the transition period. Butjust take a look at dover this morning. Completely empty. The port of dover usually handles 9,000 lorries a day. While goods are allowed in from france that number has been substantially reduced today. Its a pretty significant event, yes. So we would certainly be encouraging governments on both sides of the channel to do what it takes to allow these guys to get moving again. If this goes on for a period of time this will have an Economic Impact on both sides of the channel. While the port stayed close, many waited. He had been in his van for over 14 hours. He was heading home to france with his sister. What did you see . In the van i. They here is closed. 0ne car park in dover began to fill out. Dover is just a two minute drive over that way but here where many people have parked up. Ive spoken to people who had to spend the night here in their fans was up you can see their Registration Plates from across the eu. He is not a commercial driver hes just trying to get home to his family in lithuania for christmas. My kids waiting for their christmas presents. Im stuck here in the uk. I dont know, i dont know. If they get it at christmas time may be new year. Hopefully, christmas time they will get it. But for now, he is stranded in a car park. Hopefully they will fix the situation. We will wait. We can wait a little bit. But not much christmas is coming. In drizzly and mist covered over many would like to know when the way ahead will be clear. Now, with borders closed, lorries stuck in queues, and people having to make last minute Christmas Plans after being told the rules had changed lots of people have headed to the shops, worried that supplies may not last. There were queus at supermarkets across the country, like this sainsburys in london with stores trying to limit the numbers of people inside at one time to improve social distancing. We saw something similar at the start of the pandemic with certain products coming under severe pressure, toilet roll being the main one. The difference is that last time, the only real pressure on supply chains was panic buying itself. This time, with borders closed, some products may be disrupted. Heres our Business Correspondent theo leggett. Supermarkets say they are reasonably well stocked at the moment. As youd expect in the run up to christmas. But if freight cant get across the channel than they could be problems after christmas. With supplies of some fruit and vegetable in particular becoming difficult to get a hold of. Sainsburys warned that if nothing changes we could see shortages of things like lettuce, salad leaves, cauliflower, broccoli and citrus fruits all of which come from abroad. But others within the Food Industry say there is no need to panicjust yet. So lots of knock on concerns coming from the travel bans but the central issue for countries banning the uk is simple as Frances Europe minister, clement beaune, said on sunday well with that concern in mind the eu has been meeting today to come up with a unified plan for the whole block, he details are expected to come tomorrow. Gavin lee has been following things in brussels. Now, what the french officials are saying is they will wait until tomorrows ambassadors meeting. Thats when a decision will be taken by all Member States full time if they can agree to what restriction for the uk. A a0 hour rule change, these decisions will take place off these decisions will take place off the back of that. Briefly worth saying there is a hotspot of different rules and regulations. The dutch saying that the passenger travel ban is in place until the new year. The germans and italians say similar things. You got countries like portugal say only portuguese residents can fly but others will be stopped at british airports. And the swiss are saying that if you arrived in the country the past week from the uk you will have two south isley for ten days was up 10,000 people arrived into geneva alone at the weekend from the uk. So all of these things are trying to slim down to one decision and one set of rules with respect. Paul hunter, epidemiologist and professor in medicine at the university of east anglia. Do you think the eu strategy here of restricting uk travel is a guideline in terms of containing the virus . Well, i think i can certainly understand why theyve done that. The issue is very much whether the viruses there already. Because the problem with travel restrictions is that they only work if you dont actually already have the virus in your country. We know the variant has been identified in denmark, the netherlands. Reports ive heard recently in italy as well. And indeed australia. And so once it is there and once it is spreading, travel restrictions are unlikely to provide any great additional benefit. We do know that many European Countries in recent weeks have seen quite dramatic increases in the acceleration of the epidemic. And the most likely explanation is that they have already got this new variant. But in most European Countries havent been able to look for this variant until the last a8 hours. We, although you said weve known about this since september thats not the case. The mutation happened in september. But we really havent been able to identify this virus literally this month. It does spread on identified. I think that was the big problem. Thats why its almost certainly spread throughout much of europe already. But if that mutation happened in september, why is it only now in the weeks of december and the latter weeks of november that we see it impacting on the number of daily cases be recorded . When you have a new mutation. It takes a long time to build up to any numbers that you can actually see that in relationship to Everything Else thats going on. If its multiplying every two weeks you got one case and then two cases than four cases and so on and it takes quite a while before you have enough cases that actually start noticing something things gone wrong. And really i think we only started to realise that towards the end of november. When despite the lockdown, we started seeing substantial increases particularly in secondary School Age Children in london and they sell things. And it was whilst asi they sell things. And it was whilst as i understand it, Public Health england were investigating that that they realise that this was actually a new strain that wasnt previously being picked up. And if there is new variant as you say is in a number of countries not just the variant as you say is in a number of countries notjust the uk, is the strategy to tackle it precisely the same strategy as you would use on the original variant . Absolutely. But those strategies will not work as well. We know that in november we we re as well. We know that in november we were sort of able to get the r value down across much of england to about. 7 2. 8. If this new strain, this new variant adds an extra. A 2. 9 which is what were being told today than thatis is what were being told today than that is taking even the restrictions that is taking even the restrictions that we had in november and not going to be enough to bring the r value down for this particular variant to less than one. And all we can hope to achieve is trying to limit the spread to give us a little bit more time before we hopefully have more vaccine available. We a lwa ys have more vaccine available. We always appreciate your help. Thank you very much. But Health Officials say there is no evidence its more deadly or will react differently to vaccines. Heres the latest advice from the World Health Organisation. The bottom line is that we need to surpress transmission of all sars viruses as quickly as we can for top the more we allow it to spread the more opportunity it has to change. Heres laura foster on what we know about that new, mutated strain. Just because it changes it doesnt mean that the way it behaves changes. Just got a slightly different look about it. But we have learned today is that scientists are not highly confident the reason why this is becoming a dominant strain is because it is more transmissible. But at the moment there is no evidence to suggest it is more deadly or make people more sick. And no evidence to suggest it will stop vaccines or treatments from working. The scientists are good to be working on this for the next few weeks. 0bviously working on this for the next few weeks. Obviously we want some degree of surety with these things will stop and everyone should keep going to get their vaccines. More than 500,000 have had theirfirstjob so farand 500,000 have had theirfirstjob so far and theyre saying anyone who is booked and should turn out. Far and theyre saying anyone who is booked and should turn out. There are a number of covid variants. Lets learn about one in south africa which shares some characteristics with this new strain in the uk though there are key differences too. Heres the bbcs Pumza Fihlani in johannesburg. So what do we know about south africas new variant of covid 19 . For starters it was discovered earlier this month by a local scientist during routine surveillance of the virus. We also know that it appears to be unrelated to the new variant currently being seenin to the new variant currently being seen in the uk. But both these variants of one thing in common, one mutation that has to do with how the virus attaches itself to human cells. Experts believe this is the reason behind the spike of cases that we are seeing in the uk and here in south africa. While researchers in the uk say the new variant they are is 70 more transmissible, here in south africa local experts say they are also gathering data. But expect that this may be the case too. So what did it come from . The first cases were discovered in the Eastern Province but the virus has sent spread to the western cape. Assigned to say it is not clear if these new variants are more deadly. They say more research is needed on this as well as determining that these variants wont make vaccines any less effective. So what is the medical advice in the meantime . They are saying to continue to wash hands, practice social distancing and keep Wearing Masks stop at this stage they say that prevention is proving to be the best method. Professor federico georgi is a Senior Researcher at the university of bolognas department of biotechnology. He has been studying the sequencing of the virus mutations and mapping the spread of these variations across the world. He joins us live now from bologna. Tell us your analysis of whats happening in the uk with this variant. Actually, we did discover and notice this variant in september. Back then it was only detecta ble september. Back then it was only detectable in 15 patients out of the 65,000 that were sequenced in the uk. Sol 65,000 that were sequenced in the uk. So i might say thank you. The uk, idont uk. So i might say thank you. The uk, i dont know if you said that but is doing the biggest effort in the world at the moment in sequencing the virus. So possibly the variant was detected in the uk just because you sequence a lot more. Other countries where it was present in september were the United States and australia which are second and third respectively in the rankings of most sequencing. This variant we noticed it because its the first variant that rises in frequency that hits the binding domain between the spike protein, the viral protein that is on the surface and the human receptor. It hits directly the lock and key mechanism that allows the virus to enter the bronchial and lung cells. Therefore it is the most important mechanism of the virus cycle. Without it the virus couldnt even infect humans. That then we didnt raise any alarm because it was one of the many possible mutations. And we also noticed that it doesnt change the whole shape of spike. This protein. Itjust changes the little portion of interaction one single amino acid one cell out of 1250. Back then we knew already that didnt affect the effects see not fse of future vaccine. But it can infect the interaction strength with the human receptor. Therefore this can be translated in an increase of efficiency and effectivity. However there is no indication molecularly speaking are chemically speaking to say that this mutation can increase these symptoms or worsen the prognosis. We are still monitoring it. Now in my country still undetectable as of yesterday evening, we did detect the first one foot up and the rest of europe, yes. Its still lagging behind. Not maybe in the frequency of the mutation but in the frequency of the mutation but in the amount of viruses that are being sequenced at the moment. And when you look at the situation in the uk and whats happening with this mutation, can it inform how you assess the risk and the danger from other mutations . Doesnt help you understand the risk is . Yes. Essentially every mutation falls in a specific position of the virus protein. We can classify them in more 01 protein. We can classify them in more or less dangerous to take my danger, potentially foot up the most frequent mutation in the world is also a spike. 61a. This 161a g for people that have been following this but essentially, its very frequent but essentially, its very frequent but it does not change at all the mechanism of the virus because its not located in a position that is interacting with the human protein. In other words, what we should do is keep sequencing. And every new mutation, we shouldnt raise any alarms viruses mutate everyday. This virus mutates, does a rate of mutation of that of influenza virus stops a re mutation of that of influenza virus stops are like 25 mutations per year. Essentially, we shouldnt be alarmed by any mutation we should check if it could hit specifically a position that can potentially change interaction with human. The focus must remain on spike. Also its the protein against which vaccines are designed. So yeah, if a variant collects many of these mutations we should change possibly but in the next year or so the vaccines. Also another important thing, the diagnostic kits, they are based on molecular test. They need to be updated every day or every month. Following the who indications. Rightfully because any mutation can change the accuracy of these tests. Even a silent mutation. Thank you very much indeed. The professor explaining not only the meaning of this mutation but how it impacts policy and strategy going into the next few months and year. I got some better news for you on the vaccine for you. The European Unions medicine regulator, the ema, has approved the use of the Pfizer Biontech vaccine. Germany, france, austria and italy have said they plan to start vaccinations from december 27th. Anna holligan was listening in to the ema announcement which was made in amsterdam. And joins me now. Tell us more about their assessment of the vaccine. A Christmas Gift for the continent. So the ema is the body that authorises and assesses medicines across the eu. And they have concluded today that the pfizer biotech visine is safe and efficient. And the benefits of deploying it across the eu outweighed the risk. We had this announcement this afternoon. Health experts believe deploying this vaccine is the best hope of ending their pandemic. But during the course of the announcements they really focus on the disinformation which is rampant at the moment. And the need to really inspire constant confidence in citizens. In orderfor vaccines to work people actually have to be prepared to have them. They have to have confidence in the science. And in terms of the roll out, the European Union has been making a great deal of the fact that it will act as a one on vaccine. Because its going to ensure that happens . We just getting more information on this from your p and president. She gave a very short statement in brussels. She said it will be available at the same time under the same conditions for every country. The first batches will be shipped out of belgium, the plant in belgium in the coming days. And she said we are in this together. The eu vaccination dates have been set up for the 27th, the 28th and the 29th of december. And she described this asa of december. And she described this as a very good way to end a difficult year and finally start turning the page on covid 19. That said, we are talking about 27 countries here. They are all prepared to different degrees. We seenin prepared to different degrees. We seen in germany Mass Vaccination Centers set up. They are hoping to be one of the first countries to start here in the netherlands less prepared. We are looking at the 8th of january. But there prepared. We are looking at the 8th ofjanuary. But there is more good news coming out of amsterdam today, the ema has said that they are expecting to release a decision on the madrona vaccine. Around the 6th of january. Modernity. The madrona vaccine. Around the 6th ofjanuary. Modernity. There is some positive news here in europe this evening. That certainly is positive news. Thank you very much indeed. Theres been a lot of expectations a lot of questions about why the ema had not the vaccine the same time as the americans had done and the british had done. While the ema has now approved it as anna has been described in. There may be a second approval. Will have to see on the madrona vaccine coming soon. And now the huge task at the uk and the americans already and of this enormous vaccination americans already and of this enormous vaccination programmes began. We will keep a very close eye on that. In the last half of the programme much more on the pandemic. We will also update you on those brexit trade talks. Good evening. Warm and wet, cold and dry there is something for everyone in this forecast. Today it has been a rather grey and wet story with one smell of wet weather edging its way into scotland this afternoon. And then another spell of rain pushing into southwest england and wales. Many of us seems like this with some pretty soggy looking fields at the moment. Pretty leaden looking skies with him as we go through the night tonight we will see clear skies developing across scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland. Further south that rain moving through wales at the moment has got to slip its way into southeast england. It means a mild started Tuesday Morning here with double digits. Further north clear skies will see temperatures down to freezing for the up at lays here there will be some sunshine in the morning for up a few scattered showers driven on by a northerly wind. Sunshine extending to scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England. For much of wales, central and southern england its overcast. 0utbreaks central and southern england its overcast. 0utbrea ks pushing central and southern england its overcast. 0utbreaks pushing into the southwest by the end of the afternoon. Mild here but noticeably cooler further north. Afternoon. Mild here but noticeably coolerfurther north. Still afternoon. Mild here but noticeably cooler further north. Still low pressure dominates a class three mac across england and wales for wednesday for up some of that rain could be quite heavy. This low is the dividing line between milder air with the south westerly flow. For one more day at least was up but northerly winds still dominate across the far north. That means that thats the best of the sunshine yet again. A colder story and any showers across the tops of the mountains in scotland could turn increasingly went really. Some of that rain was two South West England and wales could be heavy enough to produce some localised flooding. We will need to keep an eye on that. But that low pressure is gradually drifting its way off into the near continent. It does me for Christmas Eve the weather story will start to change. High pressure builds in from the atlantic and quiet and said things down quite nicely for the northerly wind starts to kick in right across the country for top it will drive and a few isolated showers down to the east coast without there will be spells of sunshine around on Christmas Eve. I inquired to her story, a colder story two to 7 degrees stop Christmas Day we could start off with a touch of frost under clear skies without it stays dry and relatively quiet but cold. Something wetter set to return to boxing day. Hello, im ros atkins, this is 0utside source. More than a0 nations have now banned flights from the uk because of a new variant of coronavirus. Despite huge queues at the port of dover, borisjohnson says most supplies are still getting through. The vast majority of the food, medicines and other supplies are coming and going as normal. The more it spreads, the more opportunity it has to change. Britain leaves the eu Single Market and Customs Union in ten days time and has rejected calls for an extension of the brexit transition period. Food banks across the us are warning of shortages, as Congress Agrees a new Financial Support package. Its the shortest day of the year here in the uk. And a dank, dark day has matched the most difficult of times. A new variant of covid 19 is, in the words of the government, out of control. Because of this, over a0 countries have banned all incoming travel from the uk. In addition, france has shut its border. Hundreds of lorries are backed up at the port of dover. And the supermarket sainsburys says could gaps in some fresh Food Supplies within days. Meanwhile the virus continues to spread. Meanwhile, brexit trade talks remain unresolved. If thats the case in ten days, we will have a no deal brexit. Borisjohnson predicts the uk will prosper mightily in that situation. The countrys spending watchdog predicts it will lead to a recession, the loss of thousands ofjobs and the need for billions of pounds of extra public borrowing. Better news came on the vaccine, but the benefits of that will come next year. For now, this is a christmas week full of worry and uncertainty. People around the uk are being urged to avoid contact with others. This is what one Public Health expert said. My advice overall, forall people, is, look, we have a crisis on our hands. It is better to curtail all of your travel plans, whichever tier you are in, and call it a day on 2020 and look forward to 2021 as a better year. Millions of people have already had to change or abandon their Christmas Plans. Lets hear from a few of them in essex. Yes, im saving christmas, and then, no, youre not having christmas. How do you feel about that . Im really angry. What the Prime Minister is offering is doolally. The Prime Minister. Really, why . He should have locked it from the beginning, not now. I cant see my daughter, i cant see my son. So, my nephew, niece, brother, it was all planned for. We just have to change everything. You know, weve already bought food and everything, but now. It would have been nice to not make those plans, and then have the disappointment. Boris should have shut us down sooner, and the schools, its a breeding ground for germs, you know . It shouldnt be open. I mean, i had to bury someone on wednesday, i found out we were going into tier 3, and then tier a, i was in a state all weekend over it, to be fair. Its not very nice having to cancel christmas. Bit of a touch, really, because i was meant to be going to the mother in laws. But i aint got to go now, so its a right touch. Later borisjohnsons leadership is under great scrutiny. Days after he had repeatedly said he wouldnt change the governments plans to relax covid rules at christmas, he did just that. Weeks before that, hed denounced the idea of a national lockdown, days later he brought one in. And criticism is coming from normally supportive papers. Borisjohnson has been a columnist and Foreign Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph. Its been a big supporter. It concedes that these are difficult times for the government but added that this dismal pattern of promising the sun, a Rupert Murdoch owned tabloid paper and normally supportive voice, says. So, some perhaps unexpected critics there. Heres a more likely source of criticism, the opposition labour leader, sir keir starmer. I have faith in the british people to once again step up to the challenges, as theyve done at every stage of the pandemic. But they expect the government to do the same. We can have no more overpromising and false hope, no more confused messages and slow decision making. We need strong, clear and decisive leadership. And remember, the brexit trade negotiations are still very much going on. At the moment, the uk is in a brexit transition period that means it largley follows eu rules and regulations. But at the end of the month, that stops. The plan is to have a trade deal in place. But, well, we dont have one yet. And weve had this intervention from scotlands first minister, nicola sturgeon. Shes calling for borisjohnson to ask for an extension to the transition period, arguing that the uk faces a profoundly serious situation because of the new variant of coronavirus. It would be unconscionable to compound it with brexit, she said. We have also seen some people making the connection between france closing its border to uk ports and the brexit talks. Already downing street has said they dont believe theres any connection. And there is no sign that the government is considering any form of brexit extension. The uks former National Security chief lord ricketts argues it should think again. Clearly, in the very last throes of this negotiation about dealing with the eu, they say 98 of it is done. Still some hard issues to deal with. But i dont think either side, certainly not the british government, has got the bandwidth to make those decisions now, so i would be very much in favour of a short, technical extension. The uks transport secretary, grant shapps, says the uk will not seek an extension. The eus chief brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier has tweeted. So, all very polite but nothing new there. Another development involves the European Parliament, which said it will be unable to ratify any brexit trade deal deal as theres no time left to to vote on it. That sounds dramatic but there may be an alternative option. Heres european politics analyst professor anand menon. If the European Parliament really does refuse to scrutinise whatever is agreed, if something is agreed, then actually, the European Union has to think about something called provisional application. Thats to say, the uk and eu agree a deal, they put bits of it into effect from the 1st of january, which is when the transition period ends, and allow the European Parliament to vote on it later. So, youre applying a deal that still hasnt been ratified. So, that would be one way round this. But it certainly tightens the screw, that the European Parliament is now saying, we cant do this, theres not enough time. One of the ongoing blocks to a deal is the issue of fishing. Borisjohnson again today referenced the need for the uk to control who fishes in its waters. And with sovereignty a crucial word to people who support brexit, fishing has become a test case for many brexiteers. And it can sound simple the uk should control its waters. But its more complicated than that, and this is why. The quota system currently used by the eu rests on a deal that was done in the 19705, and which the uk signed up to. It gave each country a certain volume of quotas. Then in the 1990s, some british fishermen sold their quotas, as they were entitled to do. But the sale of some quotas means more than half the value of englands quotas is foreign owned. The same is true for wales. And it was done voluntarily. In scotland and Northern Ireland, the figure is much lower, they chose a different path. And so when the uk demands more access to the fish in its waters, the eu counters that many communities rest on the existing arrangements that the uk agreed to, and these cannot have their livelihoods removed overnight. At the moment, around 60 of fishing tonnage in uk waters is caught by eu vessels, so if the uk takes back most of that, the impact will be huge on the industries in the uk and the eu. The challenge is to find some common ground. This is one dutch mep arguing that it is in both sides interests to do so. We both have our interests. The european fishermen want to keep fishing in the uk waters, and the uk wants to have access to the european markets, to our internal market, and want to sell the fish that they are fishing. So, i think we both have an interest and that should be some basis to come to an agreement. 0ur Political Correspondent rob watsonjoins us from 0ur Political Correspondent rob watson joins us from oxford. Lets start with the press conference from the Prime Minister earlier. What did you make of that . Well, in many ways it was rather underwhelming because you had the sense in the uk, partly because of very dramatic pictures of a double crisis, Covid Infection rate going up, blockade of britain, as it will be put in the tabloids, and the approaching brexit deadline, but there was something remarkably low wattage about the whole performance, and in a sense, it was obviously trying to send out a message of reassurance to both a domestic and international audience, to the met domestic audience, dont worry, we the government are on the case, we are not going to run out of food, keep the calm. And to the international audience, the idea that britain is a reliable partner, dont worry, weve got it under control. I was reading an editorial from the Daily Telegraph a fu minutes ago and even the telegraph is being critical of the fact that the government keeps saying it is going to do one thing and ends up doing another . Yes, i guess the criticism that mrjohnson has faced rights since pretty much near the start of the crisis is that idea of overpromising and under delivering, and of overpromising and under delivering, a nd of co nsta ntly overpromising and under delivering, and of constantly being behind the curve. Now, a lot of people inside the government would say, come on, cut us some slack here, this is an astonishing global pandemic, that has unnerved governments all over. But you just have to look at a couple of key moments and you can see why that charge might stick, that mrjohnson promised in march that mrjohnson promised in march that this should all be done, we could turn the tide in 12 weeks, i cant remember exactly when it was, late summer, the promise that things would be over by christmas. So there is that sort of pattern of overpromising, as critics would put it. And talk to me about Boris Johnson, the man, the politician, you have covered him for a long time, he has been hugely successful, mayor of london, leading the brexit campaign, now the Prime Minister, how do his political skills match this moment of high lytic attention . It is really interesting. Interesting that you started the question in that way. Because now that mrjohnson is such an incredibly divisive figure in this country, thanks to the brexit referendum, with remain voters really thinking of him in contempt, and he is far more of an heroic figure to leave voters. 0ne and he is far more of an heroic figure to leave voters. One has to remember that ten, 15 years ago, when i first saw him in action, he was considered that remarkable conservative politician who had national appeal, who somehow transcended class and everything. And i guess what his critics would say is that all that works very well ina sort say is that all that works very well in a sort of calm time, but actually in times of crisis, you need to be the kind of politician that will ta ke the kind of politician that will take decisions, and decisions that will make you unpopular, and mr johnson doesnt like being unpopular, and not leave things to the last minute, as we journalists do, and he is a formerjournalist. And also to be good on detail, not just big picture. And in many ways, this was the imperfect crisis for someone of mrjohnsons personality. You may say that that is unfair but i think that is how i would characterise the critique of the Prime Minister that is out and about. One more question, this one about. One more question, this one about brexit when borisjohnson chose to support the idea about brexit, there was lots of speculation he was simply doing this out of political expediency, he saw it as being good for his career, i am not saying that is true, it was the criticism, i guess these decisions he has in the coming days about whether to stick to his guns on fishing and sovereignty, even if it means no deal brexit, it is really the ultimate test of whether it was about conviction or perhaps about something more politically malleable . That is again an utterly fascinating question. I am not sure we are ever going to know the answer. I know that some people close to the Prime Minister say that of all the people in the cabinet, he is the one who is most inconsistent on sovereignty. But i guess i would put it a different way, i think at this point the Prime Minister needs to decide which is the least worst option, and going for a no deal, and we have seen a taste of what that chaos might look like, or go for a deal but be accused, and i think he is very worried about this, be accused by some pro brexit he is within the conservative party, and many leave voters, of somehow having betrayed britain, betrayed brexit, selling out to brussels. It is a difficult choice. We will see the real borisjohnson, difficult choice. We will see the real Boris Johnson, you difficult choice. We will see the real borisjohnson, you think, making that choice . I dont know. And of course, we will have extensive coverage of those brexit trade talks all the way up to new years eve here on bbc news. Stay with us, coming up. We will turn to america because millions of people are struggling to feed their families because of covid 19. We will hear from families because of covid 19. We will hearfrom some families because of covid 19. We will hear from some of them. Many people in the uk found out this weekend that their plans for christmas had to change. Jayne mccubbin has been investigating. Christmas had to change. Jayne mccubbin has been investigatinglj live here alone and i have been looking forward to seeing my children for such a long time and planning it for such a long time, i have been buying their christmas presents since september. And it is heart wrenching. Presents since september. And it is heartwrenching. So many people like. Had hoped christmas would be a tiny reprieve in what has been the ha rd est of tiny reprieve in what has been the hardest of years. But her children are in tiera hardest of years. But her children are in tier a london so they have to stay home by law and they cant meet indoors with anyone outside of their household. For these sisters, Christmas Day would normally involve four generations from five households from across the uk joining up and staying over in wales. This year, for the first year, they are going solo. Literally, it is going to be our normal christmas dinner, but with a computer instead of a plate that i have got to wash. I wish have got to wash. Iwish| have got to wash. I wish i could see you on Christmas Day. This song was written by children from the lsat music school in leads, to raise money tackle loneliness. So, we originally wrote the song before the start of the second lockdown and we thought it would be a cool idea to get grandparents involved in making the video. You guys made this decision before Boris Johnson the video. You guys made this decision before borisjohnson made it for you . We decided some while ago that we wouldnt mingle at christmas. Because we didnt think the risks really well worth taking. Obviously we would have wanted to spend it without grandparents. Youre going to miss them . Yes, i already do. More than a0 nations have now banned flights from the uk, and freight deliveries across the channel to france across the channel to france are blocked, after a new variant of coronavirus is found in britain. To the us now because after months of wrangling, republicans and democrats in congress have reached agreement on a 900 billion Coronavirus Relief package. The measure includes increased Unemployment Benefits and stimulus payments for americans who have lost theirjobs because of the pandemic. Peter bowes has more. The corridors of power where a deal has finally been done. A stimulus bill thats long overdue. We can finally report what our nation has needed to hear for a very long time. More help is on the way. It is much needed relief for millions of americans whove been suffering through the pandemic. As our citizens continue battling this coronavirus, this holiday season, they will not be fighting alone. We have agreed to a package of nearly 900 billion. It is packed with targeted policies that help struggling americans whove already waited entirely too long. After protracted negotiations, often dogged by political infighting, democrats and republicans have put aside their differences at least for now. The agreement on this package could be summed up by the expression better late than never, although i know many of my republican colleagues wished it was never. But after a long and arduous year, after a year full of bad news, finally, we have some good news to deliver to the american people. Therell be extra benefits for the unemployed and fixed payments to americans earning less than 75,000 a year. Farmers, schools and students who have been struggling to pay off loans will all benefit from the package. Its the second largest economic stimulus in us history. It follows the first coronavirus aid bill passed in march, which was worth more than 2 trillion. It comes at a time when the pandemic is worsening around the country with more than 3,000 americans dying every day. Two vaccines are now being rolled out across the country and there are funds in the stimulus bill to pay for the mass vaccination programme. On monday, president elect joe biden and his wife will become the latest high profile figures to receive the jab in public. Officials say they expect 20 million americans to be inoculated against covid 19 by the end of the year. Peter bowes, bbc news, los angeles. An estimated 54 million americans are struggling to provide food for their families. That figure is a record. Charities say there has been a spike in demand. We have been meeting some of those asking for help in washington dc and virginia. There was huge pressure to get this done by people, businesses, industries, and i think there was impatience in the parties themselves. The decision was expected to be achieved by friday, it went into the weekend, and just to give you some of the highlights of the deal, as you mentioned, this one off 600 stimulus cheque for americans earning under 75,000. Weekly Unemployment Benefits of about 300, a Small Business loan, rolled out the vaccination in different states, with two vaccines now here, and also Food Assistance and emergency rental relief. In real and emergency rental relief. In real and reality, both sides knew they had to achieve something soon to help the millions of struggling americans. And here is the report i was promising. Its too cold and too miserable to be waiting in the rain this early in the morning, unless you have to. These are the people cast aside by coronavirus and capitalism in arlington, virginia, one of americas wealthiest counties. Juan lost his job as a waiter. He is now struggling to pay his bills. Did you ever imagine you would need this sort of help . Believe me, at the beginning it was kind of embarrassing, but you have to do what you have to do, you know . Why was it embarrassing . My situation was not really, you know, that bad, but you know i have a normal type of living. I cant afford my groceries and my payments and all that. This food pantry has seen a a5 increase in traffic since the pandemic. They give a weeks worth of food, and with more people either having lost jobs, furloughed, or having reduced hours, for many of them its the only way they can feed their families. This service is amazing, especially during the holidays when things are more expensive and people are trying to make more money during these times, to have a good holiday season. Food lines are getting longer from coast to coast. An extra 17 Million People have been struggling to get food in 2020, according to feeding america the nations largest hunger relief organisation. A quarter of all children in the United States are facing hunger. How much food do you go through every week . We go through well over 100,000lb. Food banks and pantries were already dealing with a surge in demand before the rush of the holidays. Half of our families are the working poor, and what weve seen is more of those working poor are coming to us, and they are coming more often. Donations are barely satisfying americas huge hunger problem. The think tank Food Research and Action Center says only expanding federal food aid programmes can take care of everyone in need. The hardest hit are communities of colour, households with children, and communities at the lower end of the income scale. We are not all sharing this equally. What do you worry about . That we dont learn our lesson. We had a problem in this country before covid started. Covid has really shone a light very brightly on a lot of these problems in terms of income inequality, structural racism, inadequate wages, and unsteady employment. Americas income inequality and Unemployment Crisis is especially acute in southeast washington, dc. This is where the citys most disadvantaged live. Its truly heartbreaking, knowing that we are living in the political epicentre of the world, and that three miles away from the white house, on capitol hill, are people truly in pain. People powerless, in the most powerful city in the country. A volunteer with a local Community Group is dropping off some groceries. Wanda is looking after her 11 day old grandson because her daughter is in hospital with covid. That day that that one person walked by, didnt have nothing to eat, but you had a pocket full of money and you didnt help that person . Even if it was a dollar that you gave. The pandemic drags on, pushing more americans to the brink of hunger and homelessness. Very good, thank you in the worlds richest country, more of its poorest may start the year with nothing to eat and know where to go. Larry madowo, bbc news, washington. Our whole programme tonight really has revolved about this new variant of covid 19 which has driven infection rates, particularly in the south east of england. The European Union will be having further discussions on how to respond to that. A blanket travel ban may come back with provisions to allow frate to continue. We shall see what announcements will be made. Thanks for watching, bye bye. Good evening. Warm and wet, cold and dry there is something for everyone in this forecast. Today it has been a rather grey and wet story with one of wet weather edging its way into scotland this afternoon. And then another spell of rain pushing many of us seems like this with some pretty soggy looking fields at the moment. Pretty leaden looking skies. As we go through the night tonight we will see clear skies developing across scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland. Further south that rain moving through wales at the moment has got to slip its way into southeast england. It means a mild start to Tuesday Morning here with double digits. Further north, clear skies will see temperatures down to freezing. Sunshine extending to scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England. For much of wales, central and southern england its overcast. Outbreaks pushing into the south west by the end of the afternoon. Mild here but noticeably cooler further north. Still low pressure dominates across england and wales for wednesday and some of that rain could be quite heavy. This low is the dividing line between milder air with the south westerly flow. That means that thats the best of the sunshine yet again. A colder story and any showers across the tops of the mountains in scotland could turn increasingly went wintry. Some of that rain could be heavy enough to produce some localised flooding. We will need to keep an eye on that. But that low pressure is gradually drifting its way off into the near continent. For Christmas Eve the weather story will start to change. High pressure builds in from the atlantic and quietens things down quite nicely for the northerly wind starts to kick in right across the country and it will drive a few isolated showers down to the east coast without there will be spells of sunshine around on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day we could start off with a touch of frost under clear skies it stays dry and relatively quiet but cold. Something wetter set to return for boxing day. Hello, im ros atkins, this is outside source. More than a0 nations have now banned flights from the uk because of a new variant of coronavirus. Despite huge queues at the port of dover, borisjohnson says most supplies are still getting through the vast majority of food, medicine and other supplies are coming and going as normal. The new coronavirus variant detected in the uk has also been found in gibraltar, denmark and australia. The more we allow it to spread, the more opportunity it has to change. And britain leaves the eu Single Market and Customs Union in ten days time and has rejected calls for an extension of the brexit