tanya dendrinos, bbc news. ahead of a scheduled video call between the russian and american presidents, a senior us official says american presidents, a senior us official sastoe biden will want vladimir putin of severe economic consequences if he decides to invade ukraine. the white house has been working to co—ordinate a strong response. intelligence reports indicate in recent weeks russia has amassed tens of,000 troops on border with ukraine and that has proper fears of an border with ukraine and that has properfears of an invasion early next year. some covid issues to deal with here and call it what you will come a vaccine mandate. either way, the message is pretty clear. even if you are in the private sector, you will have to get vaccinated if you want to get vaccinated if you want to go to work. the mayor of new york, bill de blasio, has announced that workers have until december 27 to have the jab. this is in an effort to stop rising cases of covid—i9 as the new omicron variant has been gaining a foo

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. two items linked to the birth of the online encyclopaedia wikipedia have raised almost a million dollars at auction at christie's in new york. wikipedia's founder, jimmy wales, sold the apple computer he used to develop the site 20 years ago for almost $200,000. the rest was raised by the sale of the image of the first words he ever typed on wikipedia, "hello world". it was sold as a non—fungible token, a unique digital object that confers ownership through blockchain technology. it's little more than a week until christmas — and the usual excitement is mounting. many children have sent their lists to santa and the grown ups are shopping for that perfect present. covid has obviously had an impact — but there is one place where the festive spirit can never be extinguished — the bbc�*s tim allman explains. # it's beginning to look a lot like christmas. # everywhere you go...# in this part of finland it really is christmas every day. rovaniemi in lapland calls itself the offici

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. let's get some of the day's other news. the life of archbishop desmond tutu has been celebrated at memorial services outside his home injohannesburg, and at an interfaith ceremony in cape town. several different memorials are planned to try and avoid large crowds gathering because of covid the european court of human rights has urged russia to suspend the shutdown of the country's oldest human rights group, memorial international. the court said it needed time to examined the case. the pioneering photographer, sabine weiss, who was celebrated for her candid pictures of ordinary people on the streets of paris — has died aged 97. for decades she chronicled social change in the city — becoming a key figure in the movement known as french humanism. over 100,000 children in venezuela could suffer from extreme malnutrition over the coming year, according to unicef. the country's healthcare system is struggling, and its citizens are also dealing with soaring inflation, and a collapsing school system. our south america correspo

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. in china, 13 million people in the city of xi'an have now been put into a full lockdown. officials in the city reported 52 cases of covid—i9 on tuesday. that's a small number compared to many other countries, but china has a strict zero—covid strategy, using mass testing and lockdown to try to stop outbreaks. the country is on high alert for covid as it gears up to host the winter olympics in beijing in february. earlier, i asked yanzhong wong who is a senior fellow of global health at the council on foreign relations, for his reaction to a full lockdown on 13 million people with only 52 covid cases. i think 52 cases here in the us or uk, we might think this isjust no big deal, but to china, this is indeed a major concern here because in the west, we are concerned mainly about risk of severe cases and deaths, but in china, under zero covid policy, the concern about any infections, no matter if it is mild or not. even a single digit number of cases would be big news in the country.

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. a week of events is taking place in south africa to mark the life of the anti—apartheid leader, archbishop desmond tutu, who died on sunday at the age of 90. in an attempt to prevent the spread of covid—i9, the anglican church has encouraged multiple services to avoid large crowds gathering. the state funeral for archbishop tutu will take place on saturday. here's our south africa correspondent, nomsa maseko. a week of commemorative events in honour of archbishop tutu is well under way all over south africa and notjust here in cape town. mourners gathered for midday prayers outside tutu's home in soweto, to pay their respect to the man who was chosen by nelson mandela to head south africa's tumultuous reconciliation process. many people have been visiting desmond tutu's home here in cape town since his death was announced on boxing day. in the midst of the pain and sorrow, it is very comforting for people to show their emotions and pour out their love for my dad and we are truly a

tanya dendrinos, bbc news, barcelona. a reminder of our top story: britain's prime minister, borisjohnson, is facing questions over the effectiveness of his latest coronavirus restrictions. there's growing public anger over mrjohnson�*s failure to fully explain how a christmas party for his own staff last year did not breach lockdown rules in place at the time. there have been further calls for mrjohnson�*s resignation — and political support for his new measures is not assured. there is much more on that story on the bbc news website. you can reach me on twitter. from me and the rest of the team here in london, thanks for watching and we will see you next time. hello again. storm barra of course has been dominating our weather picture over the last couple of days with strong winds, heavy rain and some upland snow as well. but look at these big rocks. the seas have been chucking them onto the coastline of west wales. you know the seas are pretty angry when they throw brick—sized lumps of rocks at you. there is bar

tanya dendrinos, bbc news, barcelona. we have so much more to come here on bbc news including all the detail on the new restrictions been put in place in england. we will be back in a moment and i will see you soon. stay with us. hello again. storm barra of course has been dominating our weather picture over the last couple of days with strong winds, heavy rain and some upland snow as well. but look at these big rocks. the seas have been chucking them onto the coastline of west wales. you know the seas are pretty angry when they throw brick—sized lumps of rocks at you. there is barra, it continues to feel it's getting less intense. we do have a window of slightly clearer weather that's set to come in during thursday. that means we'll see these showers that we got at the moment fading away over the next few hours. but it's going to be quite chilly for those heading out across northern england and scotland, temperatures as low as —2, —3 degrees celsius as you perhaps head outside the door first thing in the morning. b

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. over a 100,000 children in venezuela could suffer from extreme malnutrition over the coming year, according to unicef. the country's healthcare system is struggling, and its citizens are also dealing with soaring inflation, and a collapsing school system. our south america correspondent katy watson sent this report. boxing is the only class that 14—year—old gilbenis goes to now. his dad died four years ago and he had to give up school. supporting his mum and siblings became the priority. this training is one of the few opportunities open to him, growing up in maracaibo's poorest and most dangerous neighbourhood. "my mum wants me to go back to school to get out of this place." he tells me he's got into trouble picking up guns, robbing from people to provide his family with food. "often we eat just once a day," he says, "sometimes not at all." this is a neighbourhood where life is cheap and violence the norm. but it's hunger that's the biggest obstacle to studying. according to unic

tanya dendrinos reports. (tx it is one of the largest christian nations in the world, but on one of the most important days in the religious calendar, the philippines is reeling. last week, supertyphoon rai devastated the country's south—eastern islands. many have lost everything. translation: it will be a sad christmas. i we have no party food, but at least we are alive. it is better than welcoming christmas with a dead loved one. we thank god that our family and our community was spared. the un says three million people are in need of assistance, among them around a million children. translation: it is difficult, | it is difficult because we don't have food, we are just begging. rai has been the most powerful storm to hit the philippines this year, claiming at least 375 lives. scientists say climate change is causing typhoons to become more powerful and strengthen more rapidly, an ominous warning for action with no stopping the force of mother nature. tanya dendrinos, bbc news. musicians ed sheeran and el

tanya dendrinos reports. beijing 2022. as the snow settles, olympic venues are taking shape, but the pinnacle of sport is no stranger to politics. the us has drawn a line saying it won't pretend it is business as usual in the face of china's human rights record. will the us will not send any representation to the beijing 2022 olympics and paralympic games. ., ., games. even the ongoing genocide _ games. even the ongoing genocide and _ games. even the ongoing genocide and crimes - games. even the ongoing i genocide and crimes against humanity and other human rights abuses. , , . abuses. there is precedent here but the move — abuses. there is precedent here but the move falls _ abuses. there is precedent here but the move falls short - abuses. there is precedent here but the move falls short of - abuses. there is precedent here but the move falls short of the l but the move falls short of the us —led but the move falls short of the u.s.—led boycott of the moscow games with team usa act —— athletes pulled from the c

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. that's it from me. from us, thank you for watching and i will see you soon. hello. the unusually mild weather is set to stick with us as we see out the end of 2021. we had temperatures up to 16 degrees on thursday — about eight degrees above average — and for the next few days, it stays exceptionally mild and quite blustery, too. the winds coming in from the south or the south—west and drawing in the air right from the subtropics, from the canary isles right up towards the uk and actually across much of central europe as well. so, to start off your friday morning first thing on new year's eve, we've got temperatures already well in double figures, some places not falling below about 13 degrees. now, through the day, then, new year's eve this is, we're looking for a bit of rain around. it's going to clear out of northern ireland, into parts of central and southern scotland. also rain clearing away from the east coast. and actually much of england, wales and northern ireland should see a bit more su

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. stay with us on bbc news. still to come: they say the show must go on, but broadway is struggling this festive season. how much damage is covid inflicting this time round? the most ambitious financial and political change ever attempted has got under way with the introduction of the euro. tomorrow in holland they are going to use money we picked up in belgium today and then we will be in france and again it will be the same money. it has got to be the way to go. george harrison, i the former beatle, is recovering in hospital after being stabbed - at his oxfordshire home. a 33—year—old man from liverpool- is being interviewed by police on suspicion - of attempted murder. i think it was good. just good? no, fantastic. that's better. big ben bongs this is bbc news. the latest headlines: protests in moscow after russia's supreme court decides to close memorial international, the country's most prominent rights organisation. the us and a number of european countries have seen record high numbers of infections i

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. that is just about every move. more news on our website. you can also reach me on twitter. for now, thanks for watching. do stay tuned to bbc news. hello. the unusually mild weather is set to stick with us as we see out the end of 2021. we had temperatures up to 16 degrees on thursday — about eight degrees above average — and for the next few days, it stays exceptionally mild and quite blustery, too. the winds coming in from the south or the south—west and drawing in the air right from the subtropics, from the canary isles right up towards the uk and actually across much of central europe as well. so, to start off your friday morning first thing on new year's eve, we've got temperatures already well in double figures — some places not falling below about 13 degrees. now, through the day, then — new year's eve this is — we're looking for a bit of rain around. it's going to clear out of northern ireland into parts of central and southern scotland, also rain clearing away from the east coast. and actually, much of england, wales an

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. just before we go a reminder of our top story, the wildfires in the american state of colorado, they have destroyed hundreds of homes and ponder the evacuation of 30,000 people in two towns north of denver. much more news of that on our website. thank you for watching. stay tuned to bbc news. hello. the unusually mild weather is set to stick with us as we see out the end of 2021. we had temperatures up to 16 degrees on thursday — about eight degrees above average — and for the next few days, it stays exceptionally mild and quite blustery, too. the winds coming in from the south or the south—west and drawing in the air right from the subtropics, from the canary isles right up towards the uk and actually across much of central europe as well. so, to start off your friday morning first thing on new year's eve, we've got temperatures already well in double figures — some places not falling below about 13 degrees. now, through the day, then — new year's eve this is — we're look

tanya dendrinos reports. another day, another list of countries with record—breaking covid figures. countries with record-breaking covid figures.— countries with record-breaking covid figures. right now, delta and omicron _ covid figures. right now, delta and omicron are _ covid figures. right now, delta and omicron are twin - covid figures. right now, delta and omicron are twin threats i and omicron are twin threats driving up cases to record numbers. which again is leading to spikes in hospitalisations and deaths. i am highly concerned that omicron, being more transmissible, circulating at the same time as delta, is leading to a tsunami of cases. that's an army is spreading worldwide. the uk, france, italy, denmark, portugal, greece and australia are among the nations which reported that hiseven the nations which reported that hi seven numbers of infections on wednesday. —— highest ever numbers. some of the figures may be due to delays in reporting over christmas but there is no question about added

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. in china, 13 million people in the city of xi'an have now been put in to a full lockdown. officials in the city reported 52 cases of covid—i9 on tuesday. that's a small number compared to many other countries, but china has a strict zero—covid strategy, using mass testing and lockdown to try to stop outbreaks. the country is on high alert for covid as it gears up to host the winter olympics in beijing in february. yanzhong huang is a senior fellow of global health at the council on foreign relations. he's in maplewood, newjersey. a very good evening to you there in newjersey. as we mentioned, 52 cases, that is relatively few compared to lots of countries but a full gun has been imposed on 13 million people. what are your views on that? - people. what are your views on that? — make a full lockdown. 52 cases here in the us or uk we might think this is just 52 cases here in the us or uk we might think this isjust no big deal, but to china, this is indeed a major concern here becaus

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. as you heard in tanya's report, china is gearing up for the winter olympic games in beijing in february. it's likely that many countries will still be dealing with the omicron wave at that point. earlier this year, japan hosted the summer games in tokyo, just as the delta variant was sweeping across the world. so how did the japanese government deal with hosting the games at that time? kentaro iwata is a professor and infectious diseases expert at kobe university and hejoins me now. thank you very much for being with us. 13 million people lockdown into this china centre, japan was hosting the tokyo games as delta was sweeping across the world. is this the right approach of what happened injapan? the this the right approach of what happened in japan?— happened in japan? the short answer is _ happened in japan? the short answer is yes _ happened in japan? the short answer is yes but _ happened in japan? the short answer is yes but china - answer is yes but china probably tries to avoi

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. a well—known statue commemorating the deaths of students protesting in beijing's tiananmen square has been removed from a university campus in hong kong. the removal of the eight metre—high copper statue, created by danish sculptorjens galschiot, was ordered back in october. construction workers are said to have laboured overnight to dismantle the piece, known as the pillar of shame. we'll hear from mr galschiot in a moment, but first here's the bbc�*s danny vincent in hong kong. in october, the university contacted the sculptor to declare that, essentially, this statue, following legal advice, needed to be removed. after that, they set a deadline for the removal. the deadline passed and it wasn't clear when the statue would be removed. but in the early hours of the morning, construction workers started covering up the statue. they put up yellow barriers surrounding the statue, which is on the university campus of hong kong, and then in the early hours of the morning, constructi

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. it's little more than a week until christmas and the usual excitement is mounting. many children have sent their lists to santa and the grown—ups are shopping for that perfect present. covid has obviously had an impact. but there is one place where the festive spirit can never be extinguished. the bbc�*s tim allman explains. # it's beginning to look a lot like christmas # everywhere you go...# in this part of finland it really is christmas every day. rovaniemi in lapland calls itself the official home of santa claus. and here he is — honestly, truly, the real thing, notjust a man in a fake beard. father christmas hoping this year, of all years, he can bring some joy to the world. i have been hearing worrying news around the globe about well being and coping of children and young people. now, it's time to turn these worries into plenty of goodwill. visitor numbers obviously took a big hit in the last two years as the pandemic took hold. santa's business representatives they peopl

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. the eurotunnel shuttle service between britain and france, along with p&o ferries, have both warned british citizens who live in the european union that they can no longer drive through france to reach their country of residence. france had already banned most british tourists and business people because of britain's high covid infections. eight temporary covid hubs are to be set up at hospitals across england in preparation for a potential wave of omicron admissions. nhs england says each site will have capacity for around 100 patients, and there are also plans to identify a further 4,000 beds if needed. meanwhile, almost 8—million test kits will be made available to pharmacies by tomorrow, amid warnings of patchy supplies following the changes to self—isolation rules. our health correspondent jim reed joins me now. what's the latest picture in terms of testing, capacity, and what impact these extra 8 million kids will have? fist impact these extra 8 million kids will have? �*

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. the white house has announced thatjoe biden will hold another call with president putin on thursday as tensions continue over the build up of russian troops on its border with ukraine. meanwhile, russia and belarus have announced plans to hold joint military drills in february or march next year. the planned military drills, which will take place in belarus, come amid rising east—west tensions over ukraine. russia has demanded that nato do not admit ukraine, which borders both russia and belarus. the us says russia may be preparing an invasion of ukraine, and has announced it will help to strengthen its borders, something moscow denies. the us state of alaska has recorded its hottest—ever december day, amid an unusual winter warm spell. temperatures soared to a record i9.4c on the island of kodiak on sunday — almost seven degrees warmer than the state's previous high. but elsewhere in alaska temperatures have been plunging to record lows. mary leith is city administrator with de

tanya dendrinos reports. it is one of the largest christian nations in the world, but on one of the most important days in the religious calendar the philippines is reeling. last week super typhoon rai devastated the country's south—eastern islands. many have lost everything. translation: it will be a sad christmas. i we have no party food, but at least we are alive. it is better than welcoming christmas with a dead loved one. we thank god that our family and our community was spared. the un says three million people are in need of assistance, among them around a million children. translation: it is difficult, | it is difficult because we don't have food, we are just begging. rai has been the most powerful storm to hit the philippines this year, claiming at least 375 lives. scientists say climate change is causing typhoons to become more powerful and strengthen more rapidly, an ominous warning for action with no stopping the force of mother nature. tanya dendrinos, bbc news. christmas celebrations have take

tanya dendrinos reports. a sleeping giant in all its majesty. for months, the cumbre vieja volcano has wreaked havoc on the island of la palma. now it has fallen silent. translation: it's - a great feeling for me. it is a joy and a message to the island to keep going. this isjust the beginning and together we can get up again quickly. the islands banana plantations have been decimated by the eruption which started in september. around 3,000 buildings have been destroyed. thousands of people evacuated in what has been the longest ever eruption in la palma's recorded history. this incredible footage shows just how far the river of lava flowed. the platform it's left behind has expanded the size of the island by more than 48 hectares. then there is the mountain of volcanic ash. the work ahead is undeniable. translation: don't forget - about us, although the volcano has stopped, there is still a lot of work to be done here and it will take a long time. perhaps years, decades even. authorities say if the lull in seismic activity remains unchanged the

tanya dendrinos reports. an historic moment in world sport — eliud kipchoge becoming the first athlete to run a marathon in less than two hours back in 2019. he was wearing a modified version of nike's vaporfly trainer. shoe technology has been in the spotlight with questions raised over the balance between innovation and unfair advantage. but speaking on the topic last year, the marathon king said innovation should be embraced. technology has grown, and you can't deny that it has grown. if we ban this and this, then actually we discourage innovation, we discourage technology. world athletics has just approved new regulations. come november 202a, all athletic shoes in track and field events will need to comply with a stack height — that is the amount of material between your foot and the ground — of 20 millimetres. in the shoes that have produced the records, like the nike vaporfly, that has about a 30mm stack height. it has a carbon plate in the middle of a bunch of foam, so as you strike, the foam wil

tanya dendrinos reports. it is one of the largest christian nations in the world, but on one of the most important days of the religious calendar, the philippines is reeling. last week, super typhoon rai devastated the country's south—eastern islands, many have lost everything. translation: it will be a sad christmas. i we have no party food but at least we are alive. it is better than welcoming christmas with a dead loved one. we thank god that our family and our community were spared. the un says that 3 million people are in need of assistance, among them around 1 million children. translation: it is difficult, it is difficult because - we don't have a food. we are just begging. rai has been the most powerful storm to hit the philippines this year, claiming at least 375 lives. scientists say climate change is causing typhoons to become more powerful and strengthen more rapidly, an ominous warning for action, with no stopping the force of mother nature. tanya dendrinos, bbc news. thank you very much. you a

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. dr sean fitzgerald is from the engineering department at the university of cambridge. he sits on the government's sage environmental modelling group. he is speaking to us in a personal capacity. thank you forjoining us. it seems potentially good news if 0micron is a bit less severe. do you think overall, we need more restrictions in england and across the uk? i think overall, we all need to be cautious and do what we can collectively, so it isn'tjust about whatever restrictions may be imposed by the government, it is actually about what we do as individuals. there is a collective responsibility and therefore it is taking precautions. the most important is getting a jab and the practical things like lateral flow testing before you see people, limiting contact and if you are socialising, do so in sensible manner such as adequate ventilation.— do so in sensible manner such as adequate ventilation. what does that mean, how adequate ventilation. what does that mean. how many _ adequate v

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. it was unfinished when he said my clients _ it was unfinished when he said my clients is — it was unfinished when he said my clients is not in a hurry. french heritage officials are meeting with representatives of the catholic church, to decide on how to proceed with the restoration of the notre dame cathedral in paris. the building was severely damaged by fire in 2019. proposals include softer lighting, and installations of street art. one architect said they would risk turning the cathedral into a theme park. those are the headlines. he would be few pictures inside the cathedral. thank you for your company. we have got some big changes in our weather pattern of it next two days. it will replace the chilly weather with something mild about before those details another excuse to that at some of the dazzling sun rise pictures he had since thursday morning. it on satellite picture, you can see here it�*s associated with weather fronts. taking you can see here it�*s associated with

with me is our news reporter, tanya dendrinos. ta nya, tanya, that is interesting. why is that response is so different to that of the wta that i wta? different to that of the wta that i wta?— different to that of the wta that i wta? we don't want to unish a that i wta? we don't want to punish a billion _ that i wta? we don't want to punish a billion people, - that i wta? we don't want to punish a billion people, an i punish a billion people, an interesting line there. david hegarty explaining their and they do not want to hurt grassroots tennis. however they will be working behind the scenes to ensure that the player is safe but it seems like the more behind—the—scenes approach definitely compared to the sense of the women's tennis association which has come out quite boldly from the beginning. it basically said that they want a transparent and uncensored investigation into the allegations from peng shuai, they want confirmation of her freedom and safety and all of the evidence that had been provided in terms of photos, videos through chinese state media, eve

our reporter tanya dendrinos has been keeping her eye on the action, tanya, cummins would be very disappointed? absolutely, he came out so well in that first test, leading australia to a solid career there and unfortunately it is no longer any world we live in, injury and performance that players need to worry about, he's been brought to close contact of someone who tested positive to covid—19 after eating at a restaurant so it's really sad for him not to be able to play and lead the team stopper he has been tested negative but because he was deemed a close contact he will have to isolate for seven days. the good news is cricket australia think that he will be back for the boxing day test. what is really interesting here is him stepping out means that steve smith is stepping up to the lead again stopping the reason that is interesting is that this comes three years after sandpaper gate which i'm sure england fans will well and truly remember. he lost that test captaincy there and he had to serve a one—year ban as well so he's worked his way back up so he's worked his way back up so for him

tanya dendrinos reports. an imposing icon of the barcelona skyline. and this, the newest piece of the la sagrada familia puzzle. the completed tower of the virgin mary adorned with 800 windows. on its pinnacle, a 5.5 ton 12 point start illuminated for the first time. below, a sea of onlookers thankful to witness history. translation: just like an opening _ history. translation: just like an opening for _ history. translation: just like an opening for everyone, - history. translation: just like an opening for everyone, a - an opening for everyone, a light of hope for everyone. with no exception. light of hope for everyone. with no exce tion. �* ,, �* with no exception. translation: it was very emotional _ with no exception. translation: it was very emotional because - it was very emotional because it has been under construction for such a long time and little by little come to fruition. even the eyes of the vatican were on the occasion. translation: were on the occasion. tuna/mom- were on the occasion. translation: .,. ., ., ., translation: peace a

tanya dendrinos has this report. celebrations outside congress and a simple message. love won. translation: those of us who are part of| sexual minorities all experience some chapter of discrimination either by our family, our parents, at school, work, and today, the state is giving a strong signal against this discrimination. we still have a long way to go but we will not stop until we can walk the streets in peace, until this is no longer an issue that makes us more vulnerable. it's been a long road to recognition in the majority catholic country, while civil unions were approved in chile in 2015, the bill to legalise same—sex marriage has been stalled for four years. on tuesday, activists gathered to witness history. then, the celebrations began. the bill passed with an overwhelming majority, it was supported by the president who will sign it into law. it's been criticised by members of his conservative coalition but for families affected, it far transcends politics. translation: at last, we will be able to be i recognised as a family before the state. for many, it may sou

with me is our news reporter, tanya dendrinos. david haggerty�*s words about not wanting to punish a billion people, what did he mean? an people, what did he mean? in interesting mind, isn't it? his argument is the itf is responsible for the development of the game worldwide and it does not want to see this affect grassroots tennis so it says it will continue to run junior events in the country and senior events there as well but it will continue to monitor the situation. it has raised concern over what is happening but it seems like it will take an approach behind the scenes. it is a very different approach to the wta, as you said, the women's tennis association, which took a hard one from the beginning and threatened to pull its event out of china which is absolutely huge, given the financial investment into women's tennis from china. have multiple tournaments there so in terms of business decision, it is a bold move from wta, something it threatened and as you said last week the threat it has followed through with, basically

tanya dendrinos has this report. celebrations outside congress and a simple message. love won. translation: those of us who are part of| sexual minorities all experience some chapter of discrimination either by our family, our parents, at school, work, and today, the state is giving a strong signal against this discrimination. we still have a long way to go but we will not stop until we can walk the streets in peace, until this is no longer an issue that makes us more vulnerable. it�*s been a long road to recognition in the majority catholic country, while civil unions were approved in chile in 2015, the bill to legalise same—sex marriage has been stalled for four years. on tuesday, activists gathered to witness history. then, the celebrations began. the bill passed with an overwhelming majority, it was supported by the president who will sign it into law. it�*s been criticised by members of his conservative coalition but for families affected, it far transcends politics. translation: at last, we will be able to be i recognised as a family before the state. for many, it m

tanya dendrinos reports. an iconic piece that stood tall in hong kong for decades, the pillar of shame commemorates the tiananmen square massacre, speaking volumes with bodies piled to represent the pro—democracy protesters killed by the chinese authorities in 1989. it had been at the forefront of annual vigils, but it too, has been silenced. i don't think people expected this thing would happen in the university so—called with the most freedom of expression or freedom of speech. and they try to become the first one to remove every history, or parts of history, inside the campus. under cover of darkness, construction workers dismantled the eight—metre statue. the university of hong kong ordered its removal in october, saying the decision was based on external legal advice and risk assessment in the best interests of the university. i would ask, if they don't give me the sculpture, i will sue them. because they have destroyed an artist's product in hong kong, they have kept it for 25 years and now destro

tanya dendrinos reports. devastating the islands, many have lost everything. it devastating the islands, many have lost everything-— lost everything. it will be a sad christmas- _ lost everything. it will be a sad christmas. we _ lost everything. it will be a sad christmas. we have _ lost everything. it will be a sad christmas. we have no - lost everything. it will be a sad christmas. we have no party . lost everything. it will be a sad i christmas. we have no party food lost everything. it will be a sad - christmas. we have no party food but at least we are alive. it is better than welcoming christmas with the dead loved one. we thank god that herfamily in our dead loved one. we thank god that her family in our community were spared. her family in our community were sared. , ,': her family in our community were sared, , ,': ., her family in our community were sared. , x: ., , spared. the un says 3 million people are in need of— spared. the un says 3 million people are in need of assistance _ spared. the un says 3 million people are in need of assistance a

tanya dendrinos has this report. celebrations outside congress and a simple message. love has one. translation: those of us who are part of sexual minorities all experience some chapter of discrimination either by our family, our parents, at school, work, and today, the state is giving a strong signal against this discrimination. we still have a long way to go but we will not stop until we can walk the streets in peace, until this is no longer an issue that makes us more vulnerable. it�*s been a long road to recognition in the majority catholic country, while civil unions were approved in chile in 2015, the bill to legalise same—sex marriage has been stalled for four years. marriage has been stalled for fouryears. on marriage has been stalled for four years. on tuesday, activists gathered to witness history. then, the celebrations began. the bill passed with an overwhelming majority, it was supported by the president who will sign it into law. it�*s been criticised by members of his conservative coalition but for families affected, his conservative coalition but forfamilies a

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. the senior research on china with human rights watchjoins me now from new york. thank you very much forjoining us. i just want to talk to you about the response of the decision taken by the white house. it is a welcome _ taken by the white house. it is a welcome move. _ taken by the white house. it 3 a welcome move. many activists are anticipating it and working hard for this to come. the chinese government is using the olympic games to showcase the country to validate its policies, its governing models, including the human rights abuses. it including the human rights abuses. , . , including the human rights abuses. , ., , ., including the human rights abuses. , ., ., ., ., abuses. it is a bit of a hollow gesture. _ abuses. it is a bit of a hollow gesture, isn't _ abuses. it is a bit of a hollow gesture, isn't it, _ abuses. it is a bit of a hollow gesture, isn't it, if— abuses. it is a bit of a hollow gesture, isn't it, if the - abuses. it is a bit of a hollow gesture, isn't it, if

tanya dendrinos reports. a sleeping giant in all its majesty. for months the cumbre vieja volcano has wreaked havoc on the island of la palma. now it has fallen silent. translation: it has fallen silent. tuna/mom- it has fallen silent. translation: �* , ., ., translation: it's a great feelin: translation: it's a great feeling for _ translation: it's a great feeling for me. _ translation: it's a great feeling for me. it - translation: it's a great feeling for me. it is - translation: it's a great feeling for me. it is a - translation: it's a great feeling for me. it is a joy l translation: it's a great i feeling for me. it is a joy and a message to the island to keep going. this isjust the beginning and together we can get up again quickly. the island's banana - get up again quickly. the island's banana plantations had been decimated by the eruption which started in september. around 3000 buildings have been destroyed. thousands of people evacuated in what has been the longest ever eruption in la palma's recorded history. this incredible footag

tanya dendrinos reports. an imposing icon of the barcelona skyline. and this the newest piece of the sagrada familia puzzle. the completed tower of the virgin mary adorned with 800 windows. on its pinnacle, a five and a half tonne 12—point star, illuminated for the first time. below, a sea of onlookers, thankful to witness history. translation: it is like - an opening for everyone, a light of hope for everyone, with no exception. translation: it was very emotional, because it has been under _ construction for such a long time and, little by little, it is coming to fruition. even the eyes of the vatican were on the occasion. translation: peace and good wishes _ and this cordial- franciscan greeting. i join all of you from . rome at this moment. sagrada familia is the masterpiece of architect antoni gaudi. construction began in 1882 and almost 140 years on, it's still going. the aim was to have it complete by 2026, to mark the centenary of gaudi's death. but it's been further delayed after construction was halted due to the pandemic. when the elusive

tanya dendrinos reports. they are the best of the best but it seems it won't be a battle for gold in beijing or players in the national hockey league. players in the national hockey lea i ue. ., ., , league. right now the nhl has postponed _ league. right now the nhl has postponed 50 _ league. right now the nhl has postponed 50 games _ league. right now the nhl has postponed 50 games so - league. right now the nhl has postponed 50 games so far- league. right now the nhl has postponed 50 games so far in l postponed 50 games so far in the regular season and they are saying that that is enough to have to use the olympic break to have two make up some of those games. to have two make up some of those games-— to have two make up some of those games. another chance i one those games. another chance ione for those games. another chance gone for those _ those games. another chance gone for those who _ those games. another chance gone for those who dreamt i those games. another chance gone for those who dreamt ofj g

tanya dendrinos reports. a call forjustice. a call for justice. these a call forjustice. these are the devastated parents of valentina 0rellana—peralta, valentina 0rella na—peralta, sharing the valentina 0rellana—peralta, sharing the hopes and dreams of their 14—year—old daughter. translation: their 14-year-old daughter. translation:— their 14-year-old daughter. translation: ., , , translation: the only thing she wanted was _ translation: the only thing she wanted was to _ translation: the only thing she wanted was to become _ translation: the only thing she wanted was to become a - translation: the only thing she wanted was to become a us - wanted was to become a us citizen. i told wanted was to become a us citizen. itold her to wanted was to become a us citizen. i told her to leave this country. she replied, no, dad. it is the safest country in the world, the country of opportunities.— in the world, the country of opportunities. this body can foota . e, opportunities. this body can footage, some _ opportunities. this body can footage, some of _ opportuniti

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. a second woman who says jeffrey epstein sexually abused her has been testifying in the ghislaine maxwell trial in new york. ms maxwell, who was a close friend of epstein, has pleaded not guilty to eight counts of sex—trafficking and other charges. jeffrey epstein, who was a convicted sex offender, died in a new york prison cell in 2019 as he awaited trial on sex—trafficking charges in a federal case. nada tawfik has been following events in court. the judge instructed the jury that any of the sex acts she testified about were not to be considered illegal acts. instead, the prosecution really used her to lay out their argument about how ghislaine maxwell really was central tojeffrey epstein's world and specifically this effort of grooming young girls for sexual abuse, and so kate detailed how she first met ghislaine maxwell at 17—years—old, at her townhome in london. she went there for tea and she said they immediately really felt at ease with each other. she said she wanted to

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. iamjoined by i am joined by an olympic gold—medallist who represents athletes on the board of directors of the us olympic and paralympic committee. steve joins us from calgary in canada. thank you for your time. i wonder what your initial responses to the decision taken by the white house. i decision taken by the white house. ~ , house. i think given everything that is going — house. i think given everything that is going on _ house. i think given everything that is going on in _ house. i think given everything that is going on in the - house. i think given everything that is going on in the world i that is going on in the world today, i think it is for best case scenarios, because from an athlete's point of view, it is athlete's point of view, it is a shame it comes to this. it is a shame it comes to this. it is a shame it comes to this. it is a shame we live in a world these other kinds of actions governments take against each other, but ultimately we are happy from an athlete's

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. we are hearing that an unofficial tribunal has concluded that the beijing has committed crimes against humanity. the tribunal was set up in london to hear evidence of alleged abuses in a legal setting. it has no force in law but organisers are hoping asjudgment will force in law but organisers are hoping as judgment will be used by states and companies and individuals to inform their relationship with china. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol. hello again. storm barra continuing to weaken today and the gusty winds will also continue to ease. now, for many of us, we'll see some sunny spells. there are some showers in the forecast and we've got some rain coming in from the west. so a lot of dry weather today, a fair bit of sunshine. this morning, showers drifting eastwards, taking the cloud with them before they clear away. and you can see already the rain coming in across northern ireland, sweeping across the irish sea into western parts of england and wales, and also g

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. our europe correspondent nick beake is in brussels, and is following developments as omicron spreads across the continent. i think probably the most striking change is in spain where, once again, people will have to wear a face covering outside. that is something we saw quite a lot of during previous waves in mainland europe, but now it's back in for the spanish. and pedro sanchez, the prime minister, talking about bringing this in before christmas. of course, in the netherlands, they are already in this strict lockdown. they've been in it for four or five days now. and that will continue over the festive period. other places, though, are delaying measures until after christmas and after boxing day. portugal, for example, is bringing forward something that they had planned for a while, schools and pubs shutting. but that's coming forward a few days. and also, here in belgium, the fact that you can't go to an indoor venue, you can't go to a cinema or theatre, and also, you can't go and

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. our china correspondent, robin brant, explains what will be the fallout from the us boycott — and what countermeasures china is likely to take. i think the first thing to consider here is this was heavily telegraphed. this is not a big surprise, and it is consistent in terms of some confrontation, some competition, and some cooperation in terms of how the biden administration views china. but, it is a snub. it is a slight, and it was designed to do that. this was designed to highlight, as you just heard the biden administration's ongoing concerns about what it views as genocide being committed by china against its own people in the west. it is important to see it in all of that context. china says it will react in a like for like away. it is tough to see how it will do that. the us isn't due to host a similar event soon, although los angeles in 2028 has the summer games. i'll be looking for how perhaps the officials accompanying some of the american athletes that come here in the co

tanya dendrinos, bbc news. you're watching bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with owain. hello, hello, everyone. i hope you are doing all right. we have high pressure in charge of things at the moment. and what that means is we are looking at a lot of dry weather both today and over the weekend as well. let's have a look at the headline, then. there we go. it will be pretty cloudy, but, thanks to the high pressure, we are focusing on a lot of dry weather, maybejust a bit of drizzle here and there where the cloud is thick enough. let's have a look at it, then. there it is. plonked across the uk and underneath this area of high pressure we are expecting light winds, just a bit breezy across southern and south—western parts. on the finer detail, you can see there is a lot of grey. we have had some dense mist and fog patches this morning, especially across northern parts of england, the vale of york, east yorkshire, lincolnshire down towards some south—eastern parts. some of these slow, reluctan