Bbc news now
Here are the latest news headlines from the BBC:
Top Stories
- UK Covid-19 cases rise by 50% in a week: The number of people testing positive for Covid-19 in the UK has increased by 50% in the past week, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.
- Boris Johnson to hold emergency Cobra meeting: The UK Prime Minister is to hold an emergency meeting of the Cobra committee to discuss the government's response to the rising number of Covid-19 cases.
- US and China agree to phase one trade deal: The US and China have agreed to a phase one trade deal, which will see China increase its purchases of US goods and services and the US reduce some tariffs on Chinese imports.
- Iran's supreme leader says US sanctions are 'economic terrorism': Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused the US of practicing "economic terrorism" through its sanctions against the country.
- NHS England reports record number of A&E attendances: NHS England has reported a record number of attendances at accident and emergency departments, with over 2.5 million people visiting A&E in the past month.
World News
- Syria's White Helmets say they have been targeted by airstrikes: The White Helmets, a humanitarian organization that rescues people from rubble in Syria, have said they have been targeted by airstrikes in the country.
- Turkey's Erdogan says he will not apologize for 1915 Armenian genocide: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he will not apologize for the 1915 Armenian genocide, which is recognized by many countries as a genocide.
- Hong Kong protests: Police fire tear gas at protesters: Police in Hong Kong have fired tear gas at protesters who were demonstrating against a proposed extradition bill.
- India's Modi says he will not tolerate 'cow vigilantism': Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will not tolerate "cow vigilantism", which has been linked to a number of violent attacks on Muslims and other minorities.
- South Africa's ANC party wins general election: South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) party has won the country's general election, according to preliminary results.
Business
- FTSE 100 falls as Covid-19 cases rise: The FTSE 100 index has fallen by over 1% as the number of Covid-19 cases in the UK continues to rise.
- Oil prices rise as US and China agree to trade deal: Oil prices have risen by over 2% as the US and China agree to a phase one trade deal.
- Amazon to create 2,000 new jobs in the UK: Amazon has announced plans to create 2,000 new jobs in the UK, as part of its expansion plans in the country.
- HSBC to cut 35,000 jobs globally: HSBC has announced plans to cut 35,000 jobs globally, as part of its efforts to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- UK economy grows by 0.3% in the third quarter: The UK economy grew by 0.3% in the third quarter, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Sport
- Manchester City's Pep Guardiola says he will not leave the club: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he will not leave the club, despite reports that he is considering a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
- Liverpool's Jürgen Klopp says his team is 'not tired': Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has said his team is "not tired" despite playing in the Champions League and Premier League in recent weeks.
- England's Ben Stokes says he will not retire from international cricket: England cricketer Ben Stokes has said he will not retire from international cricket, despite reports that he is considering a move to the Indian Premier League.
- Tiger Woods says he will not play in the Masters: Tiger Woods has said he will not play in the Masters golf tournament, which is due to take place in April.
- Rafael Nadal says he will not play in the ATP Cup: Rafael Nadal has said he will not play in the ATP Cup, which is due to take place in January.