Newscast

If you choose not to get a vaccine, the risk is on you and the government shouldn't leave restrictions in place to protect anti-vaxxers. That's what Mark Harper, the Conservative chairman of the 'Covid Recovery Group' thinks. He joins us to tell us why his group is putting pressure on the government to lift lockdown.

And you may have noticed that it’s rather chilly outside. So we thought we’d head up to Braemar in The Highlands to find out what it’s like to fix a hydro-electric generator at minus 23C. Chilly!

Studio Director: Emma Crowe

It looks like we're going to have to understand new variants of the virus for a long time. Adam and Laura hear from the Cambridge scientist in charge of tracking them, Professor Sharon Peacock. And as quarantine hotels prepare to open up in the UK, we catch up with Rebecca in New Zealand as she leaves 14 days isolation.

Studio manager: Emma Crowe

An app to prove your vaccination status when you fly abroad could be on its way. We hear from Alexandre de Juniac, the head of the international airline trade body IATA, on whether the concept of vaccine passports could become reality. Also Greg James and Bella Mackie tell us how they’re loving going back to school for their new podcast.

Studio Manager: Emma Crowe

Adam speaks to James Gallagher and Dr Vanessa Apea for the latest on vaccines, variations and how to ensure higher take-up among those in ethnic minorities.

And we are joined by Love Island’s Dr Alex, who’s just been appointed the government's youth mental health adviser.

Studio Director: Russell Newlove

Did you see the Handforth Parish Council virtual meeting? Everyone else did! Adam is joined by Mathamatician, Hannah Fry, and Medical Historian, Mark Honigsbaum, to talk about how pandemics actually end. And Radio 4’s Melvyn Bragg pops in to explain How to... Melvyn Bragg. It’s a bumper podcast for your locked down weekend.

Producers: Alix Pickles, Ben Weisz, Danny Wittenberg, Georgia Coan, Kameron Virk, Rick Kelsey

Teachers have been sent messages inviting them to book appointments for vaccinations, against official priority rules. Our very own Newscast Reporter, Daniel Wittenberg, explains what’s going on. And North America Tech Reporter, James Clayton, walks Adam through the History of Amazon, after Jeff Bezos announces he'll step down as CEO of the e-commerce giant.

Producers: Kameron Virk, Georgia Coan, Frankie Tobi

The Health Secretary talks about Contagion the movie, as hospital admissions and deaths caused by Covid-19 are now on a “downward slope”. Our Health Editor Hugh, goes through the numbers. And elsewhere, Brexit tensions over the Irish border keep bubbling up, Laura and Katya join Adam to explain what’s next.

Studio Manager: Michael Regaard

How is England clamping down on the new variant?

Professor Robin Shattock from Imperial College joins us to tell us about the new variant and how to vaccinate against it. And Sarah Smith gives us the latest lockdown news from Scotland.

Also, the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is jailed. We discuss golden toilet brushes with Sarah Rainsford in Moscow.

As MPs debate the cladding crisis, Adam and Laura are joined by Sarah Corker and Newscaster Jenni Garratt to discuss how leasholders' woes could destabilise the housing market.

Studio Director: Russell Newlove

The AstraZeneca vaccine has been signed off by the EU today, but there's still a row about when they'll get their doses.

Also, are you sleeping well? If not - Dr Guy Meadows has some great advice for you.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe