Friday evening UK news briefing: Joe Biden falls while boarding Air Force One

Your evening guide: US President trips three times boarding Air Force One and scientists warn of European third wave risk to the UK

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Joe Biden falls three times boarding Air Force One

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Joe Biden stumbled three times and fell on the steps of Air Force One today, prompting fresh questions about his health. The 78-year-old - the oldest president in US history - appeared to struggle as he boarded the presidential plane. It was not immediately clear what tripped Mr Biden up the first time, but shortly after recovering he fell twice more before dusting himself off. Security officials, meanwhile, looked on with concern from the ground. Watch the footage here, which comes as senior US and Chinese diplomats publicly clashed at the start of their first face-to-face encounter since Mr Biden was elected president.

Scientists warn Europe's third wave may spread to UK

The EU's AstraZeneca fiasco has fuelled a third Covid wave which could spread to Britain, government scientists have warned. Experts were holding talks with Boris Johnson today amid fears that rising cases in Europe would inevitably leak into Britain. While the UK is on course to release restrictions on schedule as part of the Government's roadmap, Paris was plunged into a new month-long lockdown this week after seeing tens of thousands of new infections each day. As vaccine paralysis collides with an exploding third wave, Europe risks losing its second tourist season this summer. Ambrose Evans-Pritchard analyses how scarring from such a dramatic fall in business could result in another damaging lost decade for the likes of Spain, Italy and Portugal.

Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Jean Castex received the AstraZeneca vaccine at a hospital near Paris today, in an event that was broadcast live on French TV as part of efforts to restore public confidence in the vaccine. Mr Castex, 55, received the jab on the same day that France's medical regulator Haute Autorite de Sante ruled the jab could resume after a suspension of several days, but said it should only be given to people aged 55 and older. As Boris Johnson was due to get his jab today, the Queen has hailed the "wonderful work" of the one million volunteers who signed up to give their time during the pandemic.

Even Line of Duty's theme tune has a hidden meaning

It is a show well known for keeping viewers guessing, with red herrings and unexpected twists peppered throughout every episode. But Line of Duty's composer has revealed for the first time that even its end credits have a hidden message for the most sharp-eared viewers. Read on for details. With the sixth series getting underway on Sunday, Michael Hogan has written a summary of the story so far and you can sift through the clues with him in our Talking TV Newsletter, a weekly delve into Line of Duty and the rest of the week's top television. Sign up here.

At a glance: Coronavirus evening briefing

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

Sturgeon pressure | The Alex Salmond inquiry has concluded it is "hard to believe" Nicola Sturgeon did not know earlier of concerns about her mentor's alleged behaviour towards women. Further leaks from the inquiry's report, due to be published on Tuesday, concluded that "if she did have such knowledge, she has misled the committee." Tom Harris says it is inevitable she will go into May's Holyrood election under a cloud of suspicion, even in a country in thrall of her charms. Alan Cochrane analyses why the SNP will fare the worst if she resigns.

Around the world: BBC reporter missing in Myanmar

A BBC reporter has been detained in Myanmar, the broadcaster said today, as it called on the Burmese military authorities to confirm that he was "safe". Aung Thura, an accredited journalist with the BBC Burmese language service, had been reporting outside a court in the capital of Naypyidaw when he and another journalist were taken away by men in plainclothes. The BBC said the men arrived in an unmarked van at around midday local time. Read on for what else is known.

Friday big-read

Who is Gayle King – and should the Palace be worried?

King: unofficial Sussex spokesperson or pot-stirrer-in-chief?
King: unofficial Sussex spokesperson or pot-stirrer-in-chief?

The presenter and best pal of Oprah has been raising eyebrows with her posts following the Sussexes' interview. Guy Kelly asks what will the friend of Meghan let slip next?

Read the full story

Comment and analysis

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Business and money briefing

City Brexit deal | Britain and the EU are poised to strike a limited deal on post-Brexit financial services co-operation after months of talks.

Sport briefing

Not so Special One | Jose Mourinho is fighting an uphill battle to keep his Tottenham job past this season after Hugo Lloris hinted at deep divisions in the dressing room after their Europa League humiliation. It has emerged the Spurs manager gave his players the silent treatment after the abject performance. Of course, Mourinho has had run-ins with his players before. Take our quiz of who he is throwing under the bus.

Three things for tonight

And finally... for this evening's downtime

Ex-Met Police Rover P6 review | It is a storied car from the 1970s. One of the last P6s delivered to the capital's coppers, this Rover is an arresting sight with a myriad of radios and other equipment. Andrew B Roberts says the P6 is a force to be reckoned with.

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