Thursday morning UK news briefing: PM demands France 'step up'

It was the day the luck ran out. After at least 27 people died off the coast of Calais while trying to reach Britain, Boris Johnson has demanded that France must "step up" and stop migrants crossing the Channel.

Dozens of bodies, including those of five women and a young girl, were found in the sea after the flimsy boat - likened to a "blow-up paddling pool in a garden" - sank in rough seas and cold weather. The dinghy was reportedly hit by a large ship, thought to be a cargo vessel.

With intense anger among senior government figures over the lack of French action in recent weeks, the Prime Minister convened an emergency Cobra meeting and said "now is the time for us all to step up" and "demolish" the smuggling gangs "who are literally getting away with murder".

The tragedy occurred as 255 migrants reached the UK yesterday - including about 40 in a boat from Boulogne, who were allowed into the sea by a French police patrol who appeared to do nothing.

Chief Reporter Robert Mendick has our reconstruction of how tragedy unfolded.

The issue of who is to blame for yesterday's deaths - aside from the criminal gangs who prey on the desperate - will become an inevitable Anglo-French row in the coming days.

Each side has been blaming the other for as long as the small boats crisis has existed. Last night, the mayor of Calais partially blamed Mr Johnson for the deaths, accusing him of lacking the "courage" to handle those who wish to reach Britain on home soil.

Associate Editor Gordon Rayner says that as long as the political mistrust continues, so too will these tragedies.

Emotional skills are key for new Army brigade

The Army's new special operations units will assess applicants on their "emotional intelligence", their commander has disclosed. Troops hoping to join the new Ranger Regiment will have to demonstrate personal characteristics beyond those required by regular soldiers. Defence and Security Editor Dominic Nicholls explains what will be tested on the two-week assessment programme. Meanwhile, the British Army is facing a furious backlash from officers over a new cap badge that they say is identical to those worn by a Rhodesian terror squad.

Royal Ballet changes 'offensive' Arabian Dance

The Royal Ballet has reimagined the Arabian Dance in its production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker amid concerns that the "harem" overtones were offensive. Where previously there were three female dancers and one male, the scene is now a pas de deux. Arts and Entertainment Editor Anita Singh explains how this year's show - a much-loved tradition at Covent Garden - has been changed to be "as inclusive as possible".

Daily dose of Matt

Today's cartoon | View Matt's latest sketch as he imagines the scene in the Commons creche.

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

Covid | It is time for countries to start talking about mandatory Covid-19 vaccination, according to a key World Health Organisation official in badly-hit Europe, who said that making jabs compulsory was worth considering. With the Continent in the grip of a fourth wave, compare the latest case and vaccination rates in charts, country by country.

• Whitehall | PM's popularity at all-time low as rivals turn on aide

• RAF | F-35 jet crashed 'because plastic rain cover was left on'

• 'I should never have been born' | Showjumper suing GP

• 'Roman Stephen Fry' | Rare mosaic discovered in farmer's field

• Shin-kicking | 'Barbaric' ancient country sport is revived

Around the world: Liberal coalition deal in Germany

Germany will become more Left-wing under a deal to form a new coalition. The government, led by Olaf Scholz of the Social Democrats, will pursue a more liberal direction, with plans to legalise cannabis and allow self-identification for trans people, as Justin Huggler reports.

Comment and analysis

• Allister Heath | Boris risks handing power back to the Blob

• Con Coughlin | The West is now losing the modern space race

• Andrew Roberts | Woke mob wants to destroy America itself

• Mark Hix | How I responded to claims my pub menu is dull

• Reader letters | Not right to discuss symptoms with receptionist

Editor's choice

1. Educating snowflakes | Why public schools are caught in the culture-war crossfire

2. A Christmas Carol, review | Stephen Mangan is an entertaining Scrooge with daddy issues

3. Where's… Rishi Sunak? | Enter The Telegraph's cartoon jigsaw competition

Sport briefing: Man Utd five-man shortlist

Manchester United will appoint an interim manager as soon as possible from a five-man shortlist, as they bid to save their season. James Ducker has the list of contenders. Last night, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus struck as Manchester City came from behind to sink Paris St Germain 2-1 and reach the Champions League last 16. Read our match report.

Business briefing: Energy firm Bulb's bailout

Bulb, the failed energy supplier, is to be bailed out with up to £1.7 billion of taxpayers' money after government insiders admitted a speedy sale was unlikely following its collapse into administration. The Treasury is preparing to ensure that Bulb's 1.7 million customers continue to get power and gas through to April, the High Court was told.

Tonight's dinner

Pappardelle with cavolo nero, orange, chilli and garlic | A delicious pasta dish of greens and garlic by Diana Henry that is ready in 30 minutes. View the recipe. For more, try our Cookbook newsletter.

Your daily travel inspiration

North of the border | Avoid the cliches and get stuck into the sea lochs, wilderness trails and vibrant cities that define Scotland. Gavin Bell chooses the 10 ultimate trips in Scotland for a 2022 getaway.

And finally... for this morning's downtime

Is it time the world let 'Foxy Knoxy' go free? | As Rudy Guede, who murdered Meredith Kercher, is released from jail, Amanda Knox has called on him to clear her name once and for all. This feature explores the ongoing public fascination with her.