It is the first ban of its kind in the UK but a step too far say smokers' rights group.

More than 200,000 people are urging the government not to introduce documents offering proof of vaccination.

The ex-chancellor says Boris Johnson must "do the right thing", even if it means risking unpopularity.

The supermarket says it has begun consulting with workers over a major restructuring of its business.

The PM promises action to boost the industry - but Labour says his Brexit deal threatens jobs.

Sir Keir Starmer is the first Labour leader to address the farmers' union since 2008.

But it is too soon to say when social distancing rules will be relaxed, the health secretary says.

It may be legal to insist on vaccinations in new staff contracts, the justice secretary says.

Boris Johnson suggests testing clubbers and theatregoers to reopen venues that have been closed since March.

Arrivals from "red list" countries must pay £1,750 to spend 10 days in government-sanctioned hotels.

Boris Johnson says the government will set out its plans on 22 February, which could include target dates.

The chairman of the chain is calling for pubs to reopen at the same time as non-essential shops.

The size of the economy shrank by 9.9% in 2020 as coronavirus restrictions hit output, figures show.

The two sides vow to implement the Northern Ireland Protocol and "address all outstanding issues".

European Commission's Maros Sefcovic and Michael Gove will discuss post-Brexit trading rules later.

It comes as NI businesses tell MPs they need longer "grace periods" for Irish Sea border checks.

The industry shows the government a "roadmap to recovery" as it waits for a reopening date.

People arriving in England from Covid hotspots also face £10,000 fines or jail if they break the rules.

Chairman Peter Cowgill says the new EU trade deal has meant "double-digit millions" in extra costs.

The spider crab and megrim sole are to be rebranded to get rid of "negative connotations".

Ministers are urged not to replace weekly Universal Credit increase with a one-off payment next month.

People crossing the Irish border without "a reasonable excuse" can be fined €100 (£88) from Monday.

Brexit gives one of the UK's most important sectors the chance to define its own agenda, he said.

DUP leader Arlene Foster accuses the British government of "sleepwalking" into NI's Brexit arrangements.

The owner of the firm that sparked January’s school meals outcry has apologised again

The UK wrote to the bloc calling for lighter enforcement of rules as port staff face threats over checks.

The government promises to push Brussels to change its transport rules on scallops, clams and mussels.

A new package of measures is designed to make online casino games less intensive and safer.

The PM says it relies on factors such as the vaccine rollout going well and Covid cases coming down.

Boris Johnson says most people in Scotland are focused on defeating Covid rather than another referendum.

Labour calls for key workers to be added to the first phase of the vaccination programme.

Nadhim Zahawi says supply is tight, but he expects the UK to meet its February target of 15 million doses.

The EU calls for "fair" distribution after vaccine companies cut back on pledged supplies.

The UK's nations and regions are being treated as if they were "invisible", the former PM warns.

The move sparks concerns that customers could see prices rise if merchants pass on the higher cost.

UK retailers may abandon goods EU customers want to return because it is cheaper than bringing them home.

The Japanese car maker has told the BBC its Sunderland plant is secure for the long term.

Powys meat processing plant warns the extra cost of selling into the EU could mean major job losses.

NI Secretary Brandon Lewis said empty shelves in Northern Ireland were down to Covid-19.

A National Audit Office report calls on the corporation to produce "a long-term financial plan".

The ex-government adviser said the Tories would be seen as the "nasty party" by ending the top-up.

Labour accuses Kwasi Kwarteng of "unpicking" workers' rights, as minister confirms he will review rules.

Pressure grows on PM after non-binding motion on universal credit top-up is passed by 278 votes.

Boris Johnson promises £23m in compensation for exporters which have lost orders due to delays.

The footballer joins celebrities and campaigners to call for action in a letter to the prime minister.

Coronavirus restrictions in England affected services, with pubs and hairdressers badly hit.

Richard Sharp says the BBC represents good value, but how it is funded "may be worth reassessing".

Brussels points the finger at the British government for problems facing musicians and crews.

On Wednesday the PM said businesses hit by post-Brexit problems would receive support.

New Brexit trade rules mean Britain's biggest supermarket faces problems importing some fruit, meat and ready meals.

One operator told the BBC his staff were working up to 16 hours a day to help traders.

Retailers have been grappling with problems importing some products from Great Britain

Dutch TV films officials confiscating ham sandwiches from UK drivers under new food import rules.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock says 2.3 million people in the UK have now had a Covid-19 vaccine dose.

The Labour leader calls for tougher coronavirus restrictions and says help for low earners must continue.

Criticism of new Brexit trade rules is growing as firms warn of more bureaucracy, higher costs and delays.

FTSE 100 chiefs will by Wednesday have earned more this year than the average worker's annual wage.

Demand surges as shoppers rush to secure online delivery slots following news of another lockdown.

Some EU specialist firms stop delivering to the UK because of tax changes that took effect on 1 January.

Boris Johnson warns of "tough" weeks ahead, as coronavirus infection rates continue to surge.

Boris Johnson says more areas may need tougher rules, as Labour urges England-wide curbs within 24 hours.

The UK's hard-fought agreement with the EU is set to come into force at 23:00 GMT on Thursday.

The deal between the UK and EU ends months of arguments over business rules and fishing rights.

Officials on both sides are hammering out the final details ahead of an expected announcement.

Officials continue to thrash out final details, after weeks of argument over fishing and business rules.

Those with a negative test result can now leave the UK, but it could take days to clear the backlog.

The move by Britain's biggest supermarket comes amid shortage fears due to disruption at UK ports.

Talks are continuing in Brussels, with less than 10 days to go until the UK leaves EU trading rules.

Politicians are in talks to resume freight, after France closed the border because of the new variant.

The food industry says port disruption makes it hard for foreign firms to trust UK exporters post-Brexit.

Boris Johnson says his position is "unchanged", as time for the UK and EU to reach a deal runs short.

Spain and India are among the nations to suspend flights amid concern over spread of new variant.

With a decision expected before Christmas, UK sources say it is increasingly likely there will be no deal.

Michel Barnier says it is now "the moment of truth", while Boris Johnson warns of "difficult" talks.

The PM and the EU Commission head speak again by phone, and acknowledge differences remain.

It means more than two-thirds of the nation's population will be in tier three from Saturday.

US trade chief Robert Lighthizer says he is working with Liz Truss on a deal to reduce trade tariffs.

"Just because you can do something doesn't mean it's sensible in any way," Prof Chris Whitty warns.

The president of the EU Commission says the "next few days" will be decisive for trade negotiations.

UK and EU negotiators are trying to agree a post-Brexit trade deal by 31 December.

A final decision on a deal was expected on Sunday, but the two sides sent negotiators back to the table.

Ursula von der Leyen says talks were "constructive", but Boris Johnson warns no deal is "most likely".

Boris Johnson and his EU counterpart are due to make a decision on the future of talks shortly.

A senior Conservative says deploying gunboats to patrol UK waters after 31 December is "undignified".

Four Navy boats get ready to patrol UK fishing waters in event of no deal, as negotiations resume.

Boris Johnson urges Brussels to make a "big change" as the deadline set by the two sides approaches.

Malcolm Turnbull tells BBC Question Time his country's arrangement with the EU has "large barriers".

Boris Johnson says negotiations with the EU will continue, but are "not yet there at all".

The EU's contingency plans for "no deal" include measures to ensure smooth air and road travel.

The EU has set out the measures it would take if no trade deal is agreed with the UK.

Sunday becomes the new deadline for a decision on trade talks, after the PM and EU chief meet in Brussels.

The deal is one of many aimed at replicating trade pacts that will cease when the UK leaves the EU.

The chairman of Tesco says price rises related to Brexit could change what people choose to eat.

Boris Johnson says the UK must be able to follow its own rules, as he arrives in Brussels for talks.

The move breaks ranks with the EU in a dispute with the US over subsidies for Boeing and Airbus.

Boris Johnson will meet Ursula von der Leyen for talks over dinner, as time runs out to reach a trade deal.

Businesses say importing goods to the UK is now so difficult, higher costs will be passed on to consumers.

Boris Johnson seeks a last minute breakthrough in stalled talks over a UK-EU trade agreement.

The UK will drop plans to override the Brexit divorce deal, removing a potential obstacle to a trade deal.

Boris Johnson says "hope springs eternal" ahead of a meeting with the European Commission president.

The industry tells MPs it has not had enough time to prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period.

The UK and EU say "significant differences" still remain as the leaders prepare to talk face-to-face.

But in a possible compromise, ministers said they could remove the measures if trade talks succeed.

The UK says it is still working for a deal, but the EU's mood is described as "gloomy".

EU sources say the two sides are nearing an agreement on access to UK waters by EU fishing fleets.

Negotiators will talk on Sunday, but "significant differences" between the two sides in post-Brexit trade talks remain.

EU and UK negotiators call in leaders in last ditch effort to secure a trade deal.

Boris Johnson and European Commission chief Ursula Von Der Leyen will seek to break deadlock on Saturday.

The UK warns chances of a breakthrough are "receding", as it negotiates with the EU over business rules.

The EU says vaccines are not a "football competition" after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson's comment.

Talks continue, as a source tells the BBC that Brussels are "bringing new elements into the negotiation".

As pizza-fuelled talks continue into the night, there appears to be stuff worth chewing over.

Ministers are "taking limited responsibility" for readiness ahead of the transition period ending, MPs say.

The prime minister said the NHS remained under pressure, despite a four-week national lockdown.

They would count as a "substantial meal" under new rules for parts of England, a minister says.

The foreign secretary said a deal was possible if the EU side showed "pragmatism" in the coming days.

The EU's Michel Barnier arrived in London on Friday evening, as the two sides try to agree a deal.

Official forecasts suggest the state pension will rise by 4.1% in April 2022 when unemployment is high.

The IFS says the Spending Review means council tax could rise an average £70 per household.

The pandemic will deal lasting damage to growth and jobs, the chancellor has warned.

Pay will be frozen for at least 1.3 million public sector staff, but low-paid and NHS workers will get raises.

Rishi Sunak's spending review comes amid a difficult economic backdrop caused by the pandemic.

Big losses will be seen in the next five years if the UK fails to strike a deal with the EU, the sector warns.

There are claims Holyhead port will not be ready for the end of the Brexit transition period.

Doctor Who, Call the Midwife and Mrs Brown's Boys are among the shows in the festive schedule.

Boris Johnson will unveil the latest Covid plans, including lifting a ban on outdoor grassroots sport.

The chancellor says he will uphold pre-Covid funding pledges on police, nurses and schools.

The president of the EU Commission says there has been recent "movement" in important areas.

The government borrowed £22.3bn in October - its highest for the month since records began.

Boris Johnson says "the safety of the British people must come first" as he outlines a new package.

The UK's counter-terrorism head says a deal is "incredibly important" for the country's security.

The PM confirms he is bringing the ban forward as he sets out his "green industrial revolution".

Meanwhile, Naomi Long warns of potential crime "bonanza" on Irish border if there is no Brexit deal.

Seasonal workers are now able to work during quarantine to ensure demand for Christmas is met.

Boris Johnson's comments come ahead of another week of negotiations for a post-Brexit trade deal.

Supermarkets should not be able to sell non-essential goods in lockdown, says boss of Clintons cards.

The UK's environment secretary says "agreement exists" with the EU, but time is "very, very short".

The two sides say big gaps remain between them as the "moment of truth" is nearing for an agreement.

The £1.7bn project will see a two-mile tunnel built near the ancient monument in Wiltshire.

Brussels is starting to accept UKs independent status as trade talks deadline looms, says minister.

Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin warns that failing to reach an agreement would be "very damaging".

The UK government does not expect to reach a deal with the EU in this week's talks.

The firm says the project will create 6,000 new jobs in the Midlands and the North of England

The group of around 50 MPs says a repeat of current restrictions would "devastate" the economy and "cost lives".

The pub chain's boss says Covid restrictions are "a muddle" as first quarter sales fall 27.6%.

Peers vote overwhelmingly to remove a section that would allow ministers to break international law.

Negotiators are meeting again after Boris Johnson insists a post-Brexit deal is "there to be done".

The PM and EU Commission president agree to "work hard" to reach a deal when talks resume on Monday.

The National Audit Office says traders are unlikely to be ready for changes due from next January.

Policymakers vote to pump an extra £150bn into the economy as a second lockdown in England begins.

It comes as the head of NHS England says nearly 11,000 patients with Covid are now in hospital.

Labour accuses the chancellor of "panicked" decision-making after he extended furlough.

The party leader applies to change its name to Reform UK, calling the PM's Covid response "woeful".

Environment Secretary George Eustice says people "may not be able to get together in larger groups".

Paris Charles de Gaulle is now busier as passenger numbers at Heathrow dive 84% because of Covid.

The German company will also provide the struggling British luxury marque with electric car technology.

Software designed to solve post-Brexit border friction is unlikely to be ready in time, they say.

There is no guarantee that firms will have the customs software they need on 1 January.

More than 50 Tory MPs call for a "clear road map" out of lockdown restrictions for northern England.

The EU's Michel Barnier will stay in London, rather than returning to Brussels later.

The EU's Michel Barnier has warned "every day counts" ahead of December's deadline to reach a deal.

The countries formally sign a deal described by the UK's international trade secretary as "ground-breaking".

MPs voted against a proposal to extend free school meals over the school holidays until Easter 2021.

Sadiq Khan has responded to Boris Johnson's allegation by calling the prime minister "a liar".

The two chief negotiators for a post-Brexit trade deal spoke on the phone earlier on Wednesday.

The inflation rate increased to 0.5% in September after the discount meals scheme ended, figures show.

Lord Sedwill, former civil service head, talks to the BBC about coronavirus, Dominic Cummings and Donald Trump.

Both sides are calling on one another to compromise over a deal, as a December deadline looms.

No 10 says there is "no basis to resume talks" without changes, after the EU offers to "intensify" talks.

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey warns there is significant risk of lower economic growth.

Former boxer Nicola Adams and Katya Jones will be the show's first celebrity same-sex couple.

"No point" in further discussions with the EU unless it changes course, Downing Street says.

The move to tier three, after intensive talks, sees pubs and car boot sales closed but gyms stay open.

Do "the right thing" and accept tougher rules, the foreign secretary urges Greater Manchester's mayor.

The UK's negotiator accused the EU of expecting the UK to make "all future moves" towards a deal.

Boris Johnson has previously set Thursday's EU meeting as the deadline for a post-Brexit deal.

England's new three-tier system can both control the virus and prevent economic harm, Boris Johnson says.

The European Union is about to formally reject a UK plea for special allowances for exports of electric cars.

Treasury minister Lord Agnew says businesses "must engage in a more energetic way" to prepare.

Rises of more than £40bn a year will be needed to stop government debt getting out of control, warns think tank.

MPs overturn a Lords amendment requiring trade deals to meet post-Brexit UK food standards.

The UK and EU say they are making progress, but remain at loggerheads on fishing and help for firms.

The EU and UK still disagree on important issues, but Downing Street calls talks in London "useful".

Closing pubs and restaurants and banning overnight stays in the worst-affected areas are being discussed.

Councils urge the government to invest more in zero-emissions ships and offshore turbines.

Labour's Sir Keir Starmer says the early closing time in England must be reviewed if it isn't justified.

The prime minister says he wants to build a "new Jerusalem" but warns the UK cannot return to "normal".

Boris Johnson is promising to "build back greener in his leader's speech to the Conservative conference.

The chancellor told party members the Conservatives had a "sacred duty" to spend responsibly.

Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey says it will give unemployed people a "helping hand".

Boris Johnson says there is "hope" in fighting the virus, but it could be "a very tough winter".

The PM calls for Brussels to be "commonsensical" ahead of crucial talks with the EU Commission president.

The complexity of exporting to European markets mean firms may have no option but to set up an EU presence.

Spending watchdog urges repairs body to get on with it - but they say rethink is needed to save money.