UK election 2019: British voters head to the polls -- live updates - CNN

A picture taken on June 23, 2016 when Britain held its referendum on whether to stay in, or leave the European Union.  NIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP via Getty Images

As millions of voters leave their homes and trudge towards polling stations on a cold December day, don't expect to hear about any frantic last-minute campaigning from parties. In fact, election news will be eerily quiet thanks to strict rules about what broadcasters can and cannot say today.

The most you'll hear or see of the candidates vying to become Britain's next Prime Minister is when they cast their votes after several weeks of intense campaigning.

It's all part of a blanket ban placed on TV and radio outlets -- forbidding them from reporting on campaign issues, opinion polls, political statements and candidates between the start of voting at 7 a.m. (2 a.m. ET) and the close at 10 p.m. (5 p.m. ET).

The restrictions are unheard of in the United States, where candidates continue to campaign on election day, as they try to drive as many voters to the polls as possible.

The UK's Office of Communications (Ofcom) enforces the regulations, which are designed to ensure political coverage is impartial and to prevent the media from influencing voters on the polling day.

The regulations in practice mean that any content that could be reasonably seen by a viewer or web user in the country should avoid direct discussion about candidates, issues or poll numbers. Content that was published before polling day does not need to be removed, however broadcasters must be careful not to infringe on the regulations with any new content.

Even though the rules are imposed within the UK, international broadcasters (such as CNN), also have to avoid breaking the rules.

Today journalists are banned from speculating about the outcome of the election and are prohibited from interviewing voters at polling stations to ask how they voted. Any outlet operating in the UK seen to be attempting to shape the outcome of the election can be fined -- and their editors could even face imprisonment.

The regulations, however, are less strict for newspapers and online news sites. Newspapers often publish publish an array of content prohibited for broadcast, from last-minute polls, commentary and positive or negative articles about candidates and parties. Election content and ideological appeals to voters are also often plastered across front pages.

But, the stiff rules don't mean election day fun is banned entirely. Today you're likely to see a lot of posts across Twitter and Instagram as Brits play up to their stereotypes of adoring dogs; using the hashtag #DogsAtPollingStations while showing off their pooches at the polls.

It's only been a short while since polls opened at 7 a.m. (2 a.m. ET) -- where it is still dark across the country -- and photos are already being shared.

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2019-12-12 09:02:00Z
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UK election 2019: British voters head to the polls -- live updates - CNN International

A picture taken on June 23, 2016 when Britain held its referendum on whether to stay in, or leave the European Union.  NIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP via Getty Images

As millions of voters leave their homes and trudge towards polling stations on a cold December day, don't expect to hear about any frantic last-minute campaigning from parties. In fact, election news will be eerily quiet thanks to strict rules about what broadcasters can and cannot say today.

The most you'll hear or see of the candidates vying to become Britain's next Prime Minister is when they cast their votes after several weeks of intense campaigning.

It's all part of a blanket ban placed on TV and radio outlets -- forbidding them from reporting on campaign issues, opinion polls, political statements and candidates between the start of voting at 7 a.m. (2 a.m. ET) and the close at 10 p.m. (5 p.m. ET).

The restrictions are unheard of in the United States, where candidates continue to campaign on election day, as they try to drive as many voters to the polls as possible.

The UK's Office of Communications (Ofcom) enforces the regulations, which are designed to ensure political coverage is impartial and to prevent the media from influencing voters on the polling day.

The regulations in practice mean that any content that could be reasonably seen by a viewer or web user in the country should avoid direct discussion about candidates, issues or poll numbers. Content that was published before polling day does not need to be removed, however broadcasters must be careful not to infringe on the regulations with any new content.

Even though the rules are imposed within the UK, international broadcasters (such as CNN), also have to avoid breaking the rules.

Today journalists are banned from speculating about the outcome of the election and are prohibited from interviewing voters at polling stations to ask how they voted. Any outlet operating in the UK seen to be attempting to shape the outcome of the election can be fined -- and their editors could even face imprisonment.

The regulations, however, are less strict for newspapers and online news sites. Newspapers often publish publish an array of content prohibited for broadcast, from last-minute polls, commentary and positive or negative articles about candidates and parties. Election content and ideological appeals to voters are also often plastered across front pages.

But, the stiff rules don't mean election day fun is banned entirely. Today you're likely to see a lot of posts across Twitter and Instagram as Brits play up to their stereotypes of adoring dogs; using the hashtag #DogsAtPollingStations while showing off their pooches at the polls.

It's only been a short while since polls opened at 7 a.m. (2 a.m. ET) -- where it is still dark across the country -- and photos are already being shared.

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2019-12-12 08:14:00Z
52780464144156

Time Person of the Year: Climate crisis activist Greta Thunberg - CNN

Thunberg, 16, is the youngest individual to be recognized. She gained international attention for excoriating world leaders for their inaction in the climate crisis in a viral speech she made at the UN Climate Action Summit in September. She criticized world leaders again at the COP25 conference last week.

"Thunberg has become the biggest voice on the biggest issue facing the planet—and the avatar of a broader generational shift in our culture that is playing out everywhere from the campuses of Hong Kong to the halls of Congress in Washington," Time editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal wrote.

Each year, the magazine features the most influential person, group, movement or idea of the previous 12 months. Last year, it was "The Guardians," a group of journalists who have been targeted or assaulted for their work. In 2017, it was "The Silence Breakers," the group of people who came forward to report sexual misconduct. This marks the third year in a row in which Time has named a person who was not a world leader. President Donald Trump was Person of the Year in 2016 and Germany chancellor Angela Merkel was recognized the year before that. Past Persons of the Year include Adolf Hitler, Ayatollah Khomeini and Joseph Stalin.

"We describe it as the person who influenced the years' events most, for better or for worse. But I really think of it as Time is about the people and ideas that shape the world and Person of the Year is about the people who shaped the year," Felsenthal told CNN Business in an interview this week.

On Wednesday, Felsenthal unveiled the Person of the Year on the "Today" show, where he shared more about Thunberg's rise from seemingly nowhere.

"She was a solo protestor with a hand-painted sign 14 months ago. She's now led millions of people around the world, 150 countries, to act on behalf of the planet," Felsenthal said.

The shortlist this year included Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi, The Whistleblower and the Hong Kong protestors.

Time also announced winners of four new categories. Athlete of the year is the US women's soccer team, entertainer of the year is Lizzo and business person of the year is Disney CEO Bob Iger. After recognizing "The Guardians" last year, Time created a new category to recognize a different group of "Guardians" — those who took to the stand and risked their careers in the defense of the rule of law. The public servants in this category include the whistleblower, Marie Yovanovitch, Ambassador William Taylor, Fiona Hill, Lieut. Colonel Alexander Vindman and Mark Sandy.

Time chose to select category winners instead of recognizing runner-ups in part because the magazine is now independently owned and no longer a part of a conglomerate, Felsenthal told CNN Business. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and his wife Lynne Benioff bought Time Magazine from Meredith Corp last year.

"All the titles at Time Inc. began out of Time and then we were part of a company. That was great, but now being on our own, in this moment, where we can reclaim that heritage. These are all areas we cover, always have covered, but within Time Inc., there were some restrictions on what we could do so we're excited about it," Felsenthal said.

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2019-12-11 15:53:00Z
52780487127504

Time Person of the Year: Climate crisis activist Greta Thunberg - CNN

Thunberg, 16, is the youngest individual to be recognized. She gained international attention for excoriating world leaders for their inaction in the climate crisis in a viral speech she made at the UN Climate Action Summit in September. She criticized world leaders again at the COP25 conference last week.

"Thunberg has become the biggest voice on the biggest issue facing the planet—and the avatar of a broader generational shift in our culture that is playing out everywhere from the campuses of Hong Kong to the halls of Congress in Washington," Time editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal wrote.

Each year, the magazine features the most influential person, group, movement or idea of the previous 12 months. Last year, it was "The Guardians," a group of journalists who have been targeted or assaulted for their work. In 2017, it was "The Silence Breakers," the group of people who came forward to report sexual misconduct. This marks the third year in a row in which Time has named a person who was not a world leader. President Donald Trump was Person of the Year in 2016 and Germany chancellor Angela Merkel was recognized the year before that. Past Persons of the Year include Adolf Hitler, Ayatollah Khomeini and Joseph Stalin.

"We describe it as the person who influenced the years' events most, for better or for worse. But I really think of it as Time is about the people and ideas that shape the world and Person of the Year is about the people who shaped the year," Felsenthal told CNN Business in an interview this week.

On Wednesday, Felsenthal unveiled the Person of the Year on the "Today" show, where he shared more about Thunberg's rise from seemingly nowhere.

"She was a solo protestor with a hand-painted sign 14 months ago. She's now led millions of people around the world, 150 countries, to act on behalf of the planet," Felsenthal said.

The shortlist this year included Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi, The Whistleblower and the Hong Kong protestors.

Time also announced winners of four new categories. Athlete of the year is the US women's soccer team, entertainer of the year is Lizzo and business person of the year is Disney CEO Bob Iger. After recognizing "The Guardians" last year, Time created a new category to recognize a different group of "Guardians" — those who took to the stand and risked their careers in the defense of the rule of law. The public servants in this category include the whistleblower, Marie Yovanovitch, Ambassador William Taylor, Fiona Hill, Lieut. Colonel Alexander Vindman and Mark Sandy.

Time chose to select category winners instead of recognizing runner-ups in part because the magazine is now independently owned and no longer a part of a conglomerate, Felsenthal told CNN Business. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and his wife Lynne Benioff bought Time Magazine from Meredith Corp last year.

"All the titles at Time Inc. began out of Time and then we were part of a company. That was great, but now being on our own, in this moment, where we can reclaim that heritage. These are all areas we cover, always have covered, but within Time Inc., there were some restrictions on what we could do so we're excited about it," Felsenthal said.

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2019-12-11 14:20:00Z
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Time Person of the Year: Climate crisis activist Greta Thunberg - CNN

Thunberg, 16, is the youngest individual to be recognized. She gained international attention for excoriating world leaders for their inaction in the climate crisis in a viral speech she made at the UN Climate Action Summit in September. She criticized world leaders again at the COP25 conference last week.

"Thunberg has become the biggest voice on the biggest issue facing the planet—and the avatar of a broader generational shift in our culture that is playing out everywhere from the campuses of Hong Kong to the halls of Congress in Washington," Time editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal wrote.

Each year, the magazine features the most influential person, group, movement or idea of the previous 12 months. Last year, it was "The Guardians," a group of journalists who have been targeted or assaulted for their work. In 2017, it was "The Silence Breakers," the group of people who came forward to report sexual misconduct. This marks the third year in a row in which Time has named a person who was not a world leader. President Donald Trump was Person of the Year in 2016 and Germany chancellor Angela Merkel was recognized the year before that. Past Persons of the Year include Adolf Hitler, Ayatollah Khomeini and Joseph Stalin.

"We describe it as the person who influenced the years' events most, for better or for worse. But I really think of it as Time is about the people and ideas that shape the world and Person of the Year is about the people who shaped the year," Felsenthal told CNN Business in an interview this week.

On Wednesday, Felsenthal unveiled the Person of the Year on the "Today" show, where he shared more about Thunberg's rise from seemingly nowhere.

"She was a solo protestor with a hand-painted sign 14 months ago. She's now led millions of people around the world, 150 countries, to act on behalf of the planet," Felsenthal said.

The shortlist this year included Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi, The Whistleblower and the Hong Kong protestors.

Time also announced winners of four new categories. Athlete of the year is the US women's soccer team, entertainer of the year is Lizzo and business person of the year is Disney CEO Bob Iger. After recognizing "The Guardians" last year, Time created a new category to recognize a different group of "Guardians" — those who took to the stand and risked their careers in the defense of the rule of law. The public servants in this category include the whistleblower, Marie Yovanovitch, Ambassador William Taylor, Fiona Hill, Lieut. Colonel Alexander Vindman and Mark Sandy.

Time chose to select category winners instead of recognizing runner-ups in part because the magazine is now independently owned and no longer a part of a conglomerate, Felsenthal told CNN Business. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and his wife Lynne Benioff bought Time Magazine from Meredith Corp last year.

"All the titles at Time Inc. began out of Time and then we were part of a company. That was great, but now being on our own, in this moment, where we can reclaim that heritage. These are all areas we cover, always have covered, but within Time Inc., there were some restrictions on what we could do so we're excited about it," Felsenthal said.

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2019-12-11 13:55:00Z
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Time Person of the Year: Climate crisis activist Greta Thunberg - CNN

Each year, the magazine features the most influential person, group, movement or idea of the previous 12 months. Last year, it was "The Guardians," a group of journalists who have been targeted or assaulted for their work. In 2017, it was "The Silence Breakers," the group of people who came forward to report sexual misconduct. Past Persons of the Year include Adolf Hitler, Ayatollah Khomeini and Joseph Stalin.

Time editor Ed Felsenthal unveiled the Person of the Year on the "Today" show on Wednesday.

The shortlist this year included Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi, The Whistleblower and the Hong Kong protestors.

Please check back for updates to this developing story.

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2019-12-11 13:18:00Z
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New Zealand has ordered more than 1,290 square feet of skin for volcano victims - CNN

A total of 47 people were on White Island, off the coast of North Island, when the eruption occurred. Six have been confirmed dead, while 25 people are currently hospitalized in critical condition. Search and recovery operations are continuing for those still missing and presumed dead on the island.

The skin is now needed to treat patients severely injured by the volcanic ash and gas. On Tuesday, medical officials said 27 people in hospital had burns to at least 30% of their bodies and many have inhalation burns that require airway support. Every burns unit in the country is at full capacity.

"We currently have (skin) supply, but are urgently sourcing additional supplies to meet the demand for dressing and temporary skin grafts," said Peter Watson of the District Health Boards on Wednesday. "We anticipate that we will require an additional 1.2 million square centimeters (1,292 square feet) of skin for the ongoing needs of the patients."

To put that into context, the average human body has about 11 square feet (1 square meter) to 21 square feet (2 square meters) of skin surface area.

The skin order has been placed and will come from the United States, Watson said. Skin and tissue banks from neighboring Australia, like the Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria, are also providing skin grafts and supplies.

The skin grafts come from donors -- like organ donors, skin donors register to donate their skin after death. When skin is donated, usually only a thin layer is taken, like the skin that peels when you are sunburned, according to the Australian government's donation site. The skin grafts are usually taken from donors' backs or the back of their legs.

The demand for skin is particularly high given the unprecedented number of severe burns to the victims, authorities said Wednesday. The patients' burns are already serious from their close proximity to the volcano during the eruption -- but the injuries were also complicated by gases and chemicals, Watson said.

When White Island erupted, there would have been so much poisonous gas released that people would have been able to taste the chemicals, said Jessica Johnson, a volcanologist at the University of East Anglia in England.

The volcano -- which has an acidic lake in its crater -- would also have thrown out boiling hot steam clouds, she added. The patients' severe burns were probably from these steam blasts, she said.

Apart from the steam, they could also have been injured by "very hot rock debris," said Monash University volcanologist Raymond Cas.

These complications meant the patients needed to be rushed to surgical treatment more urgently that with usual burn cases, Watson said on Wednesday, adding, "This is just the start of a very long process that, for some patients, will take several months."

The patients are from a range of nationalities, meaning some of them will be transferred to their home countries for treatment. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday that 10 Australian patients would be repatriated in the next 24 hours to receive "specialist medical care."

Meanwhile, the authorities continue to monitor the volcanic island, which remains too dangerous for rescuers to access. They are also working to identify the six confirmed dead, with the help of forensic pathologists and dentists. Names and faces are beginning to emerge -- an Australian teenager and her stepfather, an Australian mother and daughter, and a New Zealand tour guide are among the victims identified so far.

Isaac Yee contributed reporting.

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2019-12-11 11:12:00Z
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