The new variant is spreading in multiple regions of England, the health secretary says.
Drugs plan aims to help 300,000 problem drug usersDrugs plan aims to help 300,000 problem drug users
A new drugs strategy will mean more funding for treatment and a crackdown on gangs, ministers say.
US diplomats to boycott 2022 Beijing Winter OlympicsUS diplomats to boycott 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
The White House says no US diplomats will attend the games in China, over human rights concerns.
Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman: Met PCs jailed for crime scene imagesBibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman: Met PCs jailed for crime scene images
The men took photos of the bodies of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman instead of guarding the scene.
Covid: Omicron spreading in community and vaccine mandate for NYC workersCovid: Omicron spreading in community and vaccine mandate for NYC workers
Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Monday evening.
Man jailed for trying to murder lottery-winning partnerMan jailed for trying to murder lottery-winning partner
Stephen Gibbs admits trying to murder Emma Brown after she told him she wanted to separate.
Grenfell Tower: Governments hid fire safety risks, inquiry hearsGrenfell Tower: Governments hid fire safety risks, inquiry hears
A lawyer for victims of the 2017 fire says the “concealment” of safety risks is a “major scandal”.
Union loses legal challenge to PM’s decision to back Priti PatelUnion loses legal challenge to PM’s decision to back Priti Patel
Boris Johnson kept his home secretary in place, saying she had not broken ministerial rules.
Uber prices could rise 20% after UK rulingUber prices could rise 20% after UK ruling
In a move that will affect the whole taxi industry, a judge has ruled Uber must make contracts with its customers.
FA Cup third-round draw: Chelsea host Chesterfield, Man Utd v Aston Villa, West Ham v LeedsFA Cup third-round draw: Chelsea host Chesterfield, Man Utd v Aston Villa, West Ham v Leeds
National League leaders Chesterfield will visit last season’s runners-up Chelsea in the third round of the FA Cup, while Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa travel to Manchester United.
John Miles, best known for his rock ballad Music, has diedJohn Miles, best known for his rock ballad Music, has died
The musician, who toured with Elton John in the 1970s, died after a short illness, his family say.
US boss fires 900 employees over ZoomUS boss fires 900 employees over Zoom
“Last time I did this I cried,” said the head of the online mortgage lender laying off 15% of his staff.
The Palestinian jailbreak that rocked IsraelThe Palestinian jailbreak that rocked Israel
The search for six Palestinian fugitives from an Israeli prison unearths a story of dispossession, violence and bitter division in a fractured region.
Crocodile attack: British teen speaks of reliefCrocodile attack: British teen speaks of relief
Watch Amelie Osborn-Smith describe the moment she was bitten and her relief that she won’t lose her foot.
Indonesia volcano: How I escaped the deadly Mt Semeru eruptionIndonesia volcano: How I escaped the deadly Mt Semeru eruption
Watch as this survivor describes how he escaped the deadly Mt Semeru eruption in Indonesia.
James Webb Space Telescope scientist: ‘It’s the future of astrophysics’James Webb Space Telescope scientist: ‘It’s the future of astrophysics’
The James Webb Space Telescope is expected to be 100 times more powerful than the Hubble.
Joni Mitchell and Bette Midler pick up Kennedy Center HonorsJoni Mitchell and Bette Midler pick up Kennedy Center Honors
The legendary Canadian singer makes a rare public appearance at a ceremony hosted by Joe Biden.
Yasmin Evans to leave BBC Radio 1Xtra on Christmas EveYasmin Evans to leave BBC Radio 1Xtra on Christmas Eve
The 1Xtra DJ will be leaving after nine years at the network.
T.rex gets Christmas jumper at Natural History Museum in LondonT.rex gets Christmas jumper at Natural History Museum in London
A knitwear firm creates the huge sweater for the dinosaur at London’s Natural History Museum.
How Lebanon’s economic problems could leave Sara blindHow Lebanon’s economic problems could leave Sara blind
Lebanon stopped has stopped subsidising many medical expenses, which leaves poorer patients in danger.
Michael Sheen turns himself into a ‘not-for-profit’ actorMichael Sheen turns himself into a ‘not-for-profit’ actor
The activist pledges to use his money from acting to fund more good causes and charity events.
World War Two pilot backs campaign to honour photographic unitWorld War Two pilot backs campaign to honour photographic unit
Campaigners call for a memorial to members of an RAF reconnaissance unit who died in World War Two.
Omicron: Why is Nigeria on the travel red list?Omicron: Why is Nigeria on the travel red list?
The UK has placed travel restrictions on arrivals from Nigeria and several other African countries – are they fair?
Care homes: Following the money trailCare homes: Following the money trail
BBC Panorama unpicks the financial webs behind leading companies, as families ask where their fees go.
Wet Leg, Pink Pantheress and Central Cee make BBC Sound of 2022 listWet Leg, Pink Pantheress and Central Cee make BBC Sound of 2022 list
They’re among 10 acts tipped for success in the annual BBC list, previously won by Adele and Celeste.
Climate change: Is ‘blue hydrogen’ Japan’s answer to coal?Climate change: Is ‘blue hydrogen’ Japan’s answer to coal?
The Fukushima disaster turned Japan away from nuclear. A new energy source may help it quit coal.
Bob Dole: From WW2 casualty to top RepublicanBob Dole: From WW2 casualty to top Republican
Long-serving senator, who recovered from terrible injuries to run for president, dies at 98
Vladimir Putin: What Russian president’s India visit means for world politicsVladimir Putin: What Russian president’s India visit means for world politics
Russia and India ties are facing challenges from fast-changing geopolitics in Asia and beyond.
NI 100: Signing of Anglo-Irish Treaty marked 100 years onNI 100: Signing of Anglo-Irish Treaty marked 100 years on
The treaty created an independent Irish Free State but led to the Irish Civil War.
Covid in Uganda: The man whose children may never return to schoolCovid in Uganda: The man whose children may never return to school
The 20-month school closure in Uganda could have a long-term impact on many lives there.