it was the multi plug in the passenger foot well, the connection had corroded, just bypassed it and all ok now

Not really, both my headlight bulbs failed at the same time the other morning.

It's certainly worthwhile checking before going any further.

but both to go at the same time? sure not that big of a coincidence? where is the main earth for the rear lights?

Could try taking the bulb holders off and cleaning up the contacts, I had to do this with mine.

Have you checked bulbs?

ok well bridged the pins and no lights came on ( did turn ignition on aswell) also checked every fuse and all ok?

i thought fuse but not sure which one it is? will try bridge it now

Get the plug for the brake light switch and bridge the 2 pins with a bit of wire. If the lights come on its brake light switch.

Check the plugs on the back of the lights, earths and fuses.

got pulled the other day with no brake lights, (only been about 3 weeks since mot)

first thought was the switch on the pedal is unplugged but was ok? stripped switch down and seems ok??
Bulbs are ok aswell? any ideas what it could be?