23/12/2016 London News

We're live at one of the country's biggest shopping centres

as the countdown to Christmas nears an end.

Today may be billed Frenzied Friday and tomorrow Super Saturday,

but will consumers spend as retailers hope?

Why it could be a tough year ahead...

Wider things like the European referendum, they do take time

to filter through and it will have a sort of longer-term

impact on the way people feel about their confidence

Also ahead on the programme tonight...

Manned checkpoints and barricades - a new ring of steel is planned

But why snow globes and Christmas crackers are catching

I'm backstage at the Hackney Empire at Sleeping Beauty,

Good evening and welcome to the programme. We are live from

Westfield shopping centre, just one of them in London that is filled

with people picking up last-minute Christmas gifts. Others are getting

into the festive spirit in other ways on the ice rink below us. There

has been much talk this year about what would happen post-referendum.

Well, figures out today suggest that actually spending has held up, but

will it continue? Mark Ashdown has been chatting to shoppers about

whether their spending habits have changed at all and are looking to

the lengths that retailers are going to to attract them.

Well, relax, you're in the Merman Lagoon now.

Westfield's latest attraction isn't a store at all,

but an underwater experience complete with boat ride

Today's ONS figures show consumers are still willing to spend,

but shops like this recently opened branch of Charlotte Tilbury

are coming up with creative ways to woo business.

People definitely want to experience things whilst shopping rather

than just transacting, and I think that's where we win

big-time because you come in here and there's so much to do

These destination shopping malls are increasingly attracting people

from their own high streets and further afield...

Some last-minute Christmas presents, we've travelled from Qatar.

Big luxury brands, you wouldn't find on a typical high street,

This wall here takes customers through the journey

So, for example, you have different levels of stitching and quilting.

There's no robots at the Bentley factory, 4,000 people work there.

People sort of like all this, they like to come...

It's not just shopping, it's coming and learning something.

We want people to go away learning maybe an anecdote or something

And, of course, they want you to buy something.

That might just be a key ring or a toy car...

But if you do have a few hundred thousand pounds left

after your spending spree, you could come downstairs here.

This showroom is right underneath Westfield.

You can take one of these for a test drive and still have it

Back in the real world, this data shows the economy

is more reliant than ever on consumer confidence.

I've really cut down this year, absolutely.

Because of the referendum, things like that?

It's just generally you realise your money is not

It's really the household budget that affects how people make

So things like interest rates, if you're paying a little bit more

or less on your mortgage, it'll change how much you have

in your monthly budget to spend and whether or not you've got to do

more for your hours at work because of the state of the economy

and actually wider things like the European referendum,

they do take time to filter through and they'll

have a longer-term impact on the way people feel about their confidence

The pain has been felt more in high streets.

More pound shops, not very nice shops.

I think people don't really try very hard.

Everything is closed there, the shops are shut down.

It seems places on the outskirts of London, like Harrow,

are struggling in the shadow of out-of-town malls.

If you were doing your Christmas shopping, where would you go?

Obviously the internet generally tends to be

cheaper because they do not have the overheads that the high

But there are signs - this family business only

I want them to support the independent retailers

and hopefully we can give them special service as well.

If this has been an up-and-down year, 2017 promises

Well, let us speak to Rachel from the British Retail Consortium and

her colleagues. Thank you for joining us. Please give us a sense

of keep calm and spending after the referendum, that is what the figures

seem to tell us. That is true, it has not been a spectacular year for

retail but the sales figures in the three months post-referendum were

pretty solid. If consumer spending was the key driver of growth after

the referendum, that must raise questions about what are not and how

long that can continue? Yes, it does raise questions and what we will see

over this Christmas, I think, is that it will be challenging to have

more growth than last year. Most consumers have said they were

watched their Budget this year and that will have an overall effect on

sales. Figures have suggested that people are spending significantly

less this Christmas. These sorts of marketing term spike frenzied Friday

and Super Saturday, are the ways of retailers trying to entice shoppers?

I do not think so, we have seen a huge number of visitors, over 30

million since the beginning of the Christmas season at Westfield

shopping centre. Spending half ?1 million an hour. The Speaker alone.

So it has been a pretty busy Christmas period for us. If it is a

more challenging Christmas, Rachel, as you mentioned, how is the

landscape looking for 2017 for retailers and consumers? 2017 looks

really challenging and that is mainly because prices are going to

go up. So far we have seen shop price deflation for over three years

now but because of the devaluation of the pound, prices will go up

mixture and that will squeeze the of consumers. While the devaluation of

the pound and the spending of tourists, as that enjoyed the

capital and there could be a shock coming to us? It has not just

enjoyed in the capital, the rest of the UK has been translated from the

price rises because retailers are still selling stock that they bought

before the referendum. I think London gets an advantage from having

all those tourists coming over and we have seen tourists spend grow

massively since the referendum. Both of you, thank you very much for

joining us this evening and Avery, Merry Christmas to both of you.

Thank you very much indeed. We will have more from Westfield shopping

centre bit of this evening, including a modern-day ankle and

some festive voices. So do stay tuned. Now over the Alex Bushill who

has the rest of the day 's news. Alex.

A ?5 million "ring of steel" is being planned to protect some

of the Square Mile's highest skyscrapers from terrorist attack.

Manned checkpoints, rising street bollards and crash-proof barricades

are among the measures proposed according to a Corporation of London

Nice in July, Ilori attack kills over 90 people. On Monday in Berlin,

12 people died at a Christmas market. The challenge in London is

how to keep the capital functional whilst protecting us against larger

vehicle borne attacks. We have seen the attacks like in Berlin, Ilori

that was simply hijacked and driven into a busy area. We cannot discount

these types of attacks but one that we would call a vehicle borne on

cause of device or a large truck that is packed full of explosives

being driven into a building. This is why it is especially important

that security has the address not only the high-level protection

measures but the ground level of any type or form that an attack might

take shape as. A new report shows that MI5 and counterterror police

have advised that the city skyscrapers should be better

protected. In the report has said... When security plans were first drawn

up in 2007, they focused on protecting individual buildings but

as more skyscrapers are built and planned in this area, it was felt

the only way to protect them all was to create a so-called ring of steel

surrounding this whole area of London at an estimated cost of ?5

million. Bordering Liverpool Street, the bank of England and down the

Fenchurch Street, the ring is designed to protect the east of the

city, home to some of the most iconic as newest skyscrapers of the

capital. This eastern section of the City of London is of special

importance because there will be a number of media landmarks built and

developed around this area that could be of interest and set the

ideology of terrorists. This will include manned checkpoints and

bollards. The ring of steel was response to IRA bombs in the early

90s. So are the protective measures familial -- so while these

protective measures are familiar, it is hopefully that these scenes will

not come again. A specialist police team created

to tackle online extremism is on course to remove its 250,000

item of harmful material The Counter Terrorism

Internet Referral Unit, based within Scotland Yard,

was set up in 2012. Let's get more from Emma North,

who joins me now... And this is a new team,

with a complex and difficult task... That is correct. They are the only

team in the world to do this kind of job, operated by the Met. This year,

officers removed more than 120,000 PCs of extremist material from the

Internet, more than double what they did last year and we are talking

about nasty stuff they are taking down. Jihadists videos including

beheadings and so-called hearts and minds films aimed at families,

getting them to encourage their sons or daughters to fight in the lights

of Syria. We have heard a lot about the rise of the so-called lone wolf

fight this year. They get a lot of their training material from the

Internet. Chief Superintendent Clarke Javid from the Met, he reads

this team, he has said we cannot underestimate how influential these

videos can be. We see them trying to influence others to commit acts in

their name, we are seeing material broadcast from Islamic State

encouraging others to tell, explaining how they should make

exporters. We think it is important to remove that material where we can

add to stop vulnerable people finding it so easily on social media

sites. There has been calls for more international help. Absolutely, this

is because we are seeing more videos of different sorts appearing on the

internets, more far-right material is appearing, which the Counter

Terrorism Internet Referral Unit must take down as well. We are

talking about speeches that are found at meetings, demonstrations

and films that are getting more and more sophisticated. This is begging

the question, is this actually a job for the police? Should it not be the

job of companies that run these Internet services to take these

thumbs down? The police have said in the main these companies are very

good to deal with, they do cooperate but there are some that are unloving

and this is why they need delights of Interpol and Europol to join

forces but this team to make everybody pull their weight. Thank

you for that. Chelsea have been cleared

of breaking any Premier League rules in their handling of claims

of historical sexual Gary Johnson accepted a ?50,000

payment from Chelsea last year and signed a confidentiality

agreement after claiming he was sexually assaulted

by the club's chief scout The Premier League says Chelsea

has no case to answer, but has asked that the club agrees

to a full safeguarding audit Harrods is to give more customer

tips direct to its restaurant staff after waiters and chefs threatened

an unofficial strike. The Knightsbridge department store

says it's reviewing the way it shares out service charges,

after its union said workers could walk out

during the post-Christmas sales. The store said it had not been made

aware of any industrial action. Well, more now on the Christmas

getaway and a busy day But also a busy time

at London's airports. Almost a 120,000 passengers

are expected to fly out of Heathrow today, making it the most popular

day for flights in the lead-up And at Stansted they're

expecting their busiest ever Christmas, as Leigh Milner has

been finding out. Today more than 40,000 passengers

will walk through these gates, making it the busiest departure

day before Christmas. But if you think that's busy,

double the amount of passengers will be flying in and out of this

airport in just one week's time. And with both Christmas and New Year

landing on a weekend, it seems holiday-makers are making

the most of it. We're going for Christmas

and New Year, my grandma You were born there,

so we are going back What are you doing in an airport

the day before Christmas Eve? Because we want to be leave it

all behind and go off and go skiing, But we're just going to make

the most of it, anyway. We used to live abroad

and we like the warmth. Spanish people too, so we just

thought we would go back No family there, just thought

you would spend it together? Now, if you are running a bit

late for your flight, bear in mind it will take

approximately eight minutes to get through security,

but if you don't follow the rules, it could take you up

to five times as long and at this time of the year,

you've got extra Snow globes is a huge one,

that is a liquid and, again, And also party crackers because they

contain small detonators. So, of course, we see

different things coming through at Christmas,

but again, just the same as any day of the year,

we just want people to get through. It might have been ten years

since the new rules were introduced, but it seems a few of you still need

a little reminder. Now, remember, pop your make-up

in a little plastic bag and if it is over

100 mil, bin it. Leigh Milner, BBC London News,

at Stansted Airport. For sports fans, Boxing Day

wouldn't be Boxing Day One of the most prestigious events

in horse racing will be taking place at Kempton Park,

where a huge crowd is expected. The race before the race

as the Kempton Park ticket office gets ready for the arrival of 20,000

people for Boxing Day's The atmosphere is amazing,

the roar from the crowd on the big race is unreal and the mood

in the office is brilliant. We all joke with each

other and we have a nice lunch on Christmas Eve,

so it is all good. We have a great team

here and the planning So, everything is as it should be,

a finely-tuned machine now. The legendary Kauto Star won this

race a record five times and is the only horse to claim

the Jockey Club Chase Triple Crown with triumphs at Haydock,

Kempton Park But he could have a rival

for that latter achievement. Cue Card won the King George last

year and this season has already completed the first leg

of the Triple Crown Stablemate Thistlecrack will be

among the challengers on Boxing Day, He has got all the attributes,

plenty of pace, he has won over two miles, he has won over two

and a half miles and three miles, I think he was a horse

that was quite difficult to handle So now I think he is a boy

that has become a man. The fine line between triumph

and tragedy in racing was clear for all to see at Kempton in October

when an accident left jockey Freddy Tylicki paralysed

from the waist down. He was released from hospital this

week and transferred to the London Spinal Cord Unit

where his recovery will continue. It is great to hear that he has been

moved out of hospital All of our thoughts

are with Freddy over this really Boxing Day's most famous trophy has

a new look to it this year. For someone, it will make

the perfect late Christmas present. Well, that's all from me for now,

but we can rejoin Riz Thank you very much, Alex. Yes, I

have come outside, I have my coat and my scarf on. It is feeling very

festive. We have a special breed in case you did not see earlier in the

programme, for you later. Stay tuned. Firstly, Christmas would not

be Christmas without pantomimes. Wendy has been speaking to the woman

behind some of the capital's most successful ones and she has said

this year she has turned pantomime on its head.

Christmas at the Hackney Empire means panto and for the last 18

years, they have been written and directed by the same woman.

This year, she's taken on Sleeping Beauty, but her princess

doesn't need to be rescued by a prince, thank you very much.

It was really important to me that she was going to be someone

who really kicks butt, actually, and was a warrior.

I like the idea of a woman being a warrior and I thought,

yes, this is important, let's turn it on its head and let's

But they haven't strayed too far from panto tradition.

The audience still gets to shout those most loved lines like...

And you won't find soap or reality TV stars here -

You go from Olivier Awards to being booed every day.

If they are not booing, I'm not doing my job right.

Backstage, Gavin Spokes gets his dame face on.

And lets me into the secrets of the role in which he

There was a famous dame called Jack Tripp and he said

you only need to do this, that, and that, and that's

all you need to do, apparently, and repeat and repeat

The audience is the final person to bring the production alive.

That's what makes it a bit more special, I suppose.

Oh, no, it isn't - Christmas without a panto.

From Hackney to Harrow, Richmond to Romford and everywhere

in between, this century's long staple is still making us smile -

which is what we need at the end of this year.

If you prefer to stay indoors, let me tell you about one of the real TV

highlights of this festive season, it is the feature length animation

by the graphic novelist and the creator of the Snowman, Raymond

Briggs. What can we expect? Key moments in 20th-century London and

the voices of Brenda Blethyn and Jim Broadbent. Am I to understand that

you wish to get married to a man? Yes, madam. It tells the story of

two ordinary Londoners, their lives, love... And 40 years of change

across the capital. Ethel and earnest recounts the lives of the

parents of Raymond Briggs. It was a story written on this very S. London

St after marrying in 1930, Ethel and earnest moved here to Wimbledon,

where they lived happily for the rest of their married life.

Originally a graphic novel, it has been brought to the screen by

director Roger Meanwood, one of the original animators of the Snowman

back in 1982. With the modern technology, we no longer have the

light box but a tablet that we draw upon. Yet, bringing 20th-century

London to buy the animation was no small feat. For the animation

process itself, we had over 100 people, that includes the animators,

their assistants and also the clean-up people who added the final

lines to the drawings. So the end credits go on for a long time. Jim

Broadbent and Brenda Blethyn star in the film and taking part was almost

a case of art imitating life. It is so reminiscent of my own parents

life. In so many ways. It even looks like my own mother. When those

voices came over, I just felt my mother was any written. I spent the

whole two days of recording in tears. It was a love story that

lasted over 40 years, that included war, child rearing and the onset of

old age. For those wanting to tune into this very London deal, Ethel

and earnest errors on BBC One, 730 on the 24th of December.

I mentioned we had a treat earlier. Meet some of the members of the

London community Gospel choir who have sung with the lights of Kylie

Minogue, Madonna and Sir Paul McCartney. How much do you love this

time of year? We love it, especially the food. What will you be singing

for us this evening? This evening we will be singing joy to the world.

Thank you. Whilst you get prepared and get into position, we will, of

course, get that all-important weather forecast. It is starting to

drizzle here. John Hammond has the forecast.

If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, dream on. It will not

happen. Lovely picture from one of our Weather Watchers. The rain is on

its way. That is arriving in the capital, just about now. I mentioned

band of rain, but the odd heavy burst, that will rush through and

the skies will clear, no real dramas for the rest of the night. It will

be largely clear. Temperatures will not fall too low but it will be to

the first thing tomorrow morning. Temperatures in rural spots are

closed everything so you might have to scrape the windscreen. If you are

heading out for last-minute Christmas shopping there will be

blue skies and it will be bright and breezy. It should stay dry

throughout the day, showers will only be isolated. No problems if you

are on the move across this half the country. Furthermore, a different

story. Nine or 10 degrees should cover it. As we head into the

evening, tomorrow evening, it will be largely dry for a time.

Thickening cloud coming in from the West but the rain will hold off

until Christmas Day, just the odd spot of drizzle. Here is the big

picture for Christmas Day. That big area of low pressure to the North

West, that is Storm corner. Wrapped within that system, a lot of warm

here and that will be the noteworthy thing about Christmas Day, it will

be remarkably mild for the time of year. Not quite tee shot Weatherup

but nearly. On Christmas Day we could have some sunshine and in 12

places we could get up to the mid-teens. Fair bit of cloud and

later in the day we could see a splash more. 14, possibly 15 degrees

and through Monday, bank holiday, it will be dry. The sun coming out and

that unsettled prospect class. Next week, we have the return of

overnight frost and fog. Back to Riz Lateef.

We are going to be tube the festive sound of the Gospel community choir

singing Joy to the world. I would like to thank you for your company.

It has been quite a year. From all the BBC London team, we wish you a

Merry and peaceful Christmas. Good night.

# He rules the world with truth and grace

Christmas is about family. I'll have that.

Let's get this Christmas party started!