The study measured infection rates in school staff and pupils in November and December.

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

Arlene Foster says the EU was 'tone-deaf' but Michelle O'Neill says the meeting was "constructive".

A total of £700m will help ensure "no child is left behind" due to the pandemic, Boris Johnson says.

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.

The DUP urges No 10 to scrap the mechanism, but a government minister says issues can be resolved.

Shops, hairdressers, gyms and outdoor hospitality could reopen on 12 April, Boris Johnson says.

All schools are expected to reopen on 8 March, with some outdoor socialising allowed from 29 March.

Ministers will "crunch the numbers" over the weekend, amid pressure to reduce Covid restrictions.

The new agency will help "cement the UK's position as a science superpower", the government says.

The Labour leader says there can be "no return to business as usual" as he sets out post-Covid policies.

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

The lifting of England's restrictions must be "cautious and prudent", Boris Johnson says.

EC vice president Maros Sefcovic says the NI deal is "administratively extremely challenging".

Concerns are raised as ministers announce new free speech role to stop "silencing" in universities.

The government says it hopes to open negotiations with individual European nations "very shortly".

More people in this age group in England now have detectable antibodies that can fight the virus.

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

The health secretary confirms a jab has been offered to everyone in the UK's top four priority groups.

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

Sterling rises above $1.39 as the vaccine programme raises hopes that lockdown can be eased.

Data suggests lockdown is working, but the health secretary says there is "still a long way to go".

The government's plan is to provide a roadmap out of restrictions in a fortnight.

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

Jeremy Miles MS says it is irresponsible for UK officials to claim trade changes were "unexpected".

Amsterdam ousts London in the wake of Brexit changes, as the Bank of England warns over EU financial rules.

The expert heading the UK's genetic surveillance says research into strains will go into the 2030s.

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

Boris Johnson urges people to "be patient", after the transport secretary says summer breaks are in doubt.

The brewing giant said 2020 had been a year of "unprecedented disruption".

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

MPs say care homes received a fraction of the PPE needed compared with the health service.

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".

Details of the new system, aimed at tracking cases and detecting new variants, will be set out later today.

A small study suggests the AstraZeneca vaccine may be less effective against the South African variant.

Having hit an all-time low last year, oil has recovered on the hopes of a quicker economic turnaround.

Leaders should not be "driven by a calendar", says a scientist advising the government.

Nearly 11 million people have already received a first jab against coronavirus.

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

High Street banks are also told to prepare for the possibility that interest rates could fall below zero.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer wants tougher restrictions to prevent new coronavirus variants coming in.

An improved jab that will be more effective against variants can be made quickly, says Oxford-AstraZeneca.

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

The Kent variant now dominant in the UK appears to be undergoing some "worrying" new changes.

Arlene Foster denounces "threats" against staff checking on animal and food products at Larne and Belfast.

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

Deliveries will come towards next winter when people may need to be revaccinated.

Boss Michael O'Leary thinks travel restrictions will be dropped once high risk groups are vaccinated.

The European Commission argues the drug-maker is failing to fulfil its promises on the Covid jab.

An international trial shows the jab gives complete protection against hospitalisation and death.

The Office for National Statistics found infections had hardly shifted compared with the previous week.

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

Output tumbled almost 30% last year as Covid forced factory closures and a fall in consumer demand.

The PM sets the date he hopes England's lockdown will begin to ease, but warns of a "perilous situation".

The “phased” lifting of restrictions will depend on data on hospitalisations, deaths and vaccinations.

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

Another 7,700 registered with coronavirus on the death certificate brings the total to nearly 104,000.

Boris Johnson says he understands parents' frustrations but the infection rate is "still very high".

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.

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

Boris Johnson says England's measures will be reviewed once the priority groups have had the vaccine.

The education secretary says schools in England will be given two weeks' notice before reopening.

Around 200 vaccines are being given every minute, the health secretary tells the Commons.

The home secretary has been recorded telling supporters she was an "advocate" of closures last year.

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

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

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

Some hauliers say they have faced long delays and fear things will get worse before they get better.

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.

Tui, the UK's largest tour operator, says 50% of bookings on their website are currently by over-50s.

But Boris Johnson does not rule out tougher restrictions in England, saying they are kept under review.

The prime minister wants round-the-clock vaccination but adds supply is currently the limiting factor.

The health secretary urges people to follow rules, saying "individual decisions" make a difference.

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.

Founder Annemarie Plas says the initiative will return on Thursday under the new name of Clap for Heroes.

Business groups welcomed the new help as a good start but said more aid and a clear plan would be needed.

In a TV address, Labour's leader says millions of doses need to be given each week by the end of January.

That includes some of the most vulnerable patients who should soon have "significant" protection against the virus.

A shortage of glass vials, an overload of bureaucracy and lengthy safety checks could slow the UK down.

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

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.

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

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

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

The UK is continuing to see more deaths than expected for this time of year, ONS data shows.

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

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.

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".

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.

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

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

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.

Research by leading international agency suggests only Argentina will be worst hit by the pandemic.

It follows suggestions pubs and restaurants may turn away people who don't get a coronavirus vaccine.

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

Local authorities in England will be allowed to temporarily waive rules restricting retail opening hours.

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.

Almost all of England will go into tiers two and three when the lockdown ends on 2 December.

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.

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

People can form a "Christmas bubble" and mix in homes and outdoors between 23 and 27 December.

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

Nearly 14,000 deaths occurred in the week ending 13 November - with 3,000 linked to Covid.

The Spending Review marks the start of the chancellor's economic recovery strategy. Here's what to watch for.

England will return to a regional approach from 2 December but the tiers will be "tougher", the PM says.

Up to 4,000 fans will be allowed at outdoor events in the lowest-risk areas when the four-week national lockdown in England ends.

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.

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

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.

Urgent talks are being sought to see how a funding plan will affect Port Talbot's workforce.

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.

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.

Boris Johnson says four weeks of the new measures will be enough to make "a real impact".

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

Boris Johnson sees off a rebellion by 34 Tory MPs over restrictions which came into force at midnight.

Health bosses are 'seriously concerned' about winter, with free beds expected to be used up in weeks.

England's chief medical officer defends lockdowns as a further 397 coronavirus deaths are recorded.

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

Boris Johnson says lockdown rules will expire on 2 December - with MPs to vote on what happens next.

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

Infection levels in England are about four times higher than the government's worst-case winter plan.

Infection rates are rising and European countries are going into lockdown. Could the UK be next?

England is at a "critical stage" with infections doubling every nine days, a major analysis estimates.

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.

This is likely to mean immunity levels decline and raises the risk of reinfection, researchers say.

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.

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

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

Greater Manchester's mayor says more financial help is needed as the region is set to enter tier three rules.

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.

More financial support is needed to avoid mass redundancies and closures, businesses say.

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

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.

A circuit breaker could change the course of the epidemic and buy more time, a report says.

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

Another 143 deaths are reported as ministers defend rules after criticism expert advice was ignored.

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

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".

The economy grew 2.1% in August, below expectations, despite a lift from Eat Out to Help Out.

Pubs and restaurants in worst-hit areas could close next week in an effort to stall rising infection rates.