10:30am – I’m Hadiyah Ilyas and I will be running the live blog for today. I will be updating you about the news day, as well as providing you with live news as it breaks. Radio bulletins feature at 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00, with the TV programme at 16:00; these will bring you the news throughout the day.
He urged others to take up the offer on Twitter. Speaking in London today, he encouraged those who “are eligible to come forward and have their booster,” and, “not be taken in by misinformation.”
“It’s quick, it’s easy. Please do it,” he added.
Omicron cases have now reached 246 cases, compared with 160 yesterday, meaning there is more than a 50% increase in figures. Expert Prof. Paul Hunter explained that the Omicron variant could become dominant in a few weeks.
11:02am –
A report by Brazil’s research agency (INPE) found that deforestation in the Amazon rainforest increased by 22% in just a year. Official advisors said that the UK was also “nowhere near” meeting its targets described at the Glasgow meeting. Working for an aerospace agency in Brazil, Vinicius Emanuel expressed: “Given that the UK won’t meet the COP targets, I think Brazil also won’t. The current government has regressed in its fight against deforestation.
“Instead, they loosened the criteria for environmental fines and have diminished the power of environmental inspectors. The current government is not interested in environmental issues, and the majority of Brazilians do not care neither.”
The Amazon rainforest is the last rainforest on Earth in terms of size and ecological diversity.
You can read more on the story here.
11:14am – The UK’s travel rules are changing yet again.
From 4am on Tuesday 7th December, all people aged 12 years and over must take a PCR or LFD COVID-19 test before they travel to England from abroad.
The test must be taken two days prior to departing for England.
All arrivals from a foreign country (excluding Ireland) must also take a PCR test by the second day in the UK and will have to self-isolate until it returns negative.
11:21am –
It is the second to last news day at Leeds Now before the Christmas holidays begin. Reporters Louisa Trussell and Emmie Penkett are working on a story regarding the recently introduced mask mandate and its impact on those who are exempt from wearing one.
11:34am –
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have provided friendly advice to the public amidst the festive season: “Putting up your Christmas tree today?
“If you’re getting the decorations out, make sure you check the electrical ones for signs of wear and tear…
“… And remember to always turn off your Christmas lights when leaving the house or going to bed.”
According to the National Accident Helpline 1,000 people are injured by their Christmas tree every year, with around 50% of fire-related deaths occurring every Christmas.
26 people have also died from years 1997-2010 in the UK of electrocution while watering their Christmas tree with the lights on!
Stay safe everyone. #leedsnow
11:43am – If you missed it, the 11am bulletin presented by Mia Eden and Finn Green:
11:53am – Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock has apologised again for breaking COVID rules in June.
Many have gone to Twitter to criticise the ex-politician. One Twitter user said that Hancock had ‘apologised only because he got caught.’
Another tweeted: “Guess what everyone, he is human too.”
Mr Hancock had stood down from his position last year after The Sun had published evidence of him embracing a colleague in June. He had also come under fire for a trip he had took during lockdown to Durham.
The government is currently also under criticism for hosting Christmas parties at Downing Street during the pandemic.
12:00 – Bulletin at 12:00.
12:21 – UCU strikes from 1-3 December have affected 58 universities who have taken part in the protests.
Staff pay at universities has fallen by 20% with a third of academic staff on secure contracts. Staff are also targeting the gender pay gap which sits at 15%. Higher Education Statistics Agency figures reveal that of 22,810 professors in the UK, under a third were women and only 1% were black.
Though many students say they support the strikes, they are worried about the affect this may have on their education.
Kaveen Dhesi and Daniel Flynn reported on the story:
12:45 – A £300m investment in cracking down on drug users is underway in England and Wales.
The strategy also involves the treatment and rehabilitation of drug-users. Boris Johnson alluded to stricter measures and repercussions for drug-users.
The government called it the “largest ever investment in treatment.”
It comes as news of traces of cocaine have been found in the lavatories within Parliament.
13:00 – The bulletin at 13:00.
13:02 – Millennium Square in Leeds City Centre has now been fully transformed into a square of winter wonderland for people to enjoy a range of activities such as street food, drinking, funfair games and ice skating.
Kaveen Dhesi and Daniel Flynn spoke to those attending and the affects of the pandemic on stall-holders.
13:15 – Alyssa Keene reports on booster jabs and vaccines today.
In some countries, vaccines are becoming mandatory, with increased restrictions placed on the public to provide COVID-passes and proof of vaccination.
In Scotland, vaccination proof to enter nightclubs and other hospitality sectors are being swapped for proof of a negative COVID test.
13:20 – Mia Eden and Finn Green have been working on the bulletins today. Here they are in the studio recording the final bulletin for 13:00.
13:30 – Burmese politician and Nobel Peace Prize holder Aung San Suu Kyi has been charged with a variety of allegations in court, including violating COVID restrictions, inciting unrest, corruption and a violation of national secrets amongst others.
Human Rights Campaigners have said that her arrest and trial were ‘bogus’ and urged the Burmese government to ‘allow a return to democracy.’
14:14 – Many Leeds United fans enjoyed a game at the stadium this weekend.
It was the first meeting between the two teams in the top division of English football since 1947.
The score was 2-2 after Bamford scored last minute on the pitch. The game was selected for live broadcast and saw a pitch-invader requesting Bamford’s shirt. The striker obliged.
15:00 – There is an hour to go before the final programme at 16:00.
Tune in for stories which have been snipped here.
15:45 – Louisa proves to be enjoying her role as camera operator today. Meanwhile, Mia and Finn present the show which will go live at 16:00. Do tune in.
16:00 – The news team is nice and relaxed after recording the programme which heavily spoke about masks and new mask mandates which proved to be quite a controversial re-introduction to the public.
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