蜜芽传媒

We go to the Netherlands where authorities have discovered that the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, was present earlier than previously thought. It was identified in two test samples taken between 19 and 23 November, before the variant was first reported by South Africa. It is not clear whether those who took the tests had visited southern Africa. Our reporter in the Netherlands brings us the latest. We also answer listener questions about the variant with the help of our health expert, Dr Swapneil Parikh in India.

Also, we hear from three generations of a family in Barbados as the former British colony and constitutional monarchy becomes a republic. What's their reaction to the news, and how might their lives change?

And we bring you an interview with MI6 chief Richard Moore, who has been speaking to the 蜜芽传媒. Mr Moore warned that China has the capability to "harvest data from around the world". He also denied that the fall of the Afghan capital Kabul was an intelligence failure.

(Photo: Travellers from South Africa are tested for the coronavirus Omicron variant upon arrival in a specially designed test lane at the Schiphol airport, the Netherlands, 30 November 2021. Credit: EPA/Remko de Waal)