It comes as the search continues for a person in England infected with the Brazilian variant.

Boris Johnson's comments come as Tory MPs lobby the Chancellor to cut rates for business in the budget

The whereabouts of one infected person is unknown, as they did not give their full contact details.

The UK has 7.3 critical care beds per 100,000 people, compared to Germany's 33.8 and the US's 34.3.

The Treasury Committee says "significant" measures may be needed later to improve public finances.

Wildlife experts urge the prime minister to step up action on the loss of species in the UK.

With hospitality closed during lockdown, charities and apps are stepping in to help cut food waste.

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

There was a 75% reduction in staff at Addenbrooke's Hospital testing positive after a vaccination.

Over-40s will be first in line from mid-April after the top nine priority groups receive one dose.

IAG, which owns British Airways and Iberia, makes a record loss after the pandemic grounds flights.

The UK produced 27% fewer cars than a year ago, the worst January figure for over a decade.

The move to the second-highest level means the NHS is no longer at imminent risk of being overwhelmed.

The number of people on furlough rises by 700,000 to 4.7 million after fresh lockdown measures imposed.

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

Around one in 10 rail services should be cut while passenger numbers remain low, says Network Rail.

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

The boss of outsourcer Serco says there are now as many people being tested per week as vaccinated.

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

Covid "devastated" air travel in 2020, the UK's largest airport says, as it sinks to a £2bn loss.

The technology giant has bought around 100 companies in six years, chief executive Tim Cook has revealed.

Having to show a certificate to go to a pub raises "deep and complex issues", Boris Johnson says.

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

The number of new infections in the community has decreased in all regions, latest data shows.

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

The bank will continue to trade in Northern Ireland but there are concerns the move could impact jobs.

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.

Study finds infections fell by two-thirds - and more in London - but warns virus levels remain high.

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

Healthy, young volunteers will be deliberately infected with a low dose of coronavirus.

Prices rose 0.7% in January in what some economists said could mark a first step in rising costs post-lockdown.

Prices climbed at their fastest annual rate since October 2014, official figures show.

Fatigue, headache, sore throat and diarrhoea are also warning signs of the virus, research suggests.

There could be a surge in demand from delayed referrals and delays to treatment, a think tank warns.

The government hopes to claw back money from a £1.5bn fund to promote home insulation.

Email app Hey reveals that two-thirds of the messages it handles contain the hidden trackers.

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

The digital currency has gained 72% so far in a volatile 2021.

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.

Ministers want to turn Covid-19 into a manageable illness like flu. Why? And is this possible?

One in 20 private renters say they have been refused rent reductions, a report says.

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

JLR will launch electric models of its entire Jaguar and Land Rover line-up by 2030.

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

Researchers looked at teacher and pupil Covid "sick days" in England in the autumn term up to Christmas.

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

A much narrower group will now be eligible than previously indicated.

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

Most 'ethical' banks don't offer bounce back loans, forcing hundreds of community-run businesses to close.

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.

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

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

Forecasters say there could be "blizzard conditions" over Welsh hills, as two warnings are issued.

Legislation needed to clear the next stage of the controversial project has passed through Parliament.

The aim is for health and social care to join up more, but Labour questions the timing of the move.

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

Six million people aged over 65 in England are at high risk of lung damage, a new report says.

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".

Officials are trying to work out ways of avoiding more controversies involving Northern Ireland.

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".

Changes could mean replacing gas boilers in homes and finding new ways to make steel without coal.

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

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

Boss Ken Murphy has asked Chancellor Rishi Sunak for a "level playing field" when it comes to tax.

The cold snap will not be as extreme as in 2018, forecasters say, but will cause disruption this weekend.

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.

Measures include asking voters to bring pens - but some councils fear it will be too difficult to organise.

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.

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

The Labour leader urges the PM not to repeat "the mistakes of last time," amid Tory calls for easing.

A leading scientist warns Boris Johnson digging for coal undermines the UK's climate change efforts.

The UK is now the top destination for Australian wine as it looks to overcome crippling Chinese taxes.

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

There are serious delays in tackling “critical” issues like air quality and wildlife loss, MPs say.

The financial regulator says it would be easy for customers to build up unseen debts of £1,000.

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to give details on the opening of schools to "some" children.

Call to wipe interest on student loans in England for 15 months, as ministers offer £50m support fund.

Landmark review calls for fundamental change in our approach to economics to stem nature loss.

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.

The NI Executive also announces summer extension to light touch approach to Irish Sea border for pets.

The CBI employers' group tells the government a post-Covid economic strategy will unlock investment.

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.

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

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

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

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

More than a million people in 50 countries take part in the biggest poll to date on climate change.

The Environment Bill has been postponed again because of a lack of time for scrutiny, the government says.

As the number of people who died reaches six figures, the factors that led to this terrible total.

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.

Government borrowing hit £34.1bn last month, as the cost of pandemic support measures weighed on the economy.

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.

The curbs may even continue until Easter in an attempt to drive down Covid-19 case numbers.

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

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

Police in Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire say they are expecting flooding in their regions.

It comes as industry workers warn their livelihoods are at risk due to Brexit border problems.

The UK's push to secure a deal over fossil fuels is being undercut by a decision to allow a new coal mine, MPs warn.

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

A shortage of computer chips is leading to car factories shutting down for days at a time.

The R number in the UK is officially estimated at 1.2-1.3 as a further 1,280 deaths are reported.

Some areas could see freezing temperatures and 5-10cm of snow on Saturday, the Met Office says.

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.

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.

An alliance of food experts want more public funds to go towards Wales-grown produce.

More red tape after the EU trade deal will raise food and manufacturing costs, business groups tell MPs.

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.

A new clean air law could see burning house coal banned in Wales, and stricter rules on using wood fires.

Last year saw 697,000 deaths registered in the UK - 14% above what would be expected.

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.

People refusing to wear face coverings who are not medically exempt will not be allowed to shop inside.

An industry group wants more state help for people like Jon Wilding, whose business is hit by the pandemic.

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

The content will not count in a mobile data allowance to help keep costs of online learning down.

Contests are due to take place on 6 May, but MPs say they could be postponed due to coronavirus.

It said there may be "an increase of missing items and substitutions over the next few weeks".

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

International travellers will have to take a Covid test up to 72 hours before departing.

GPs in England receive doses of the Oxford Covid jab as medics warn of "stretched" wards.

There will be a "gradual unwrapping" of England's lockdown, Boris Johnson tells MPs ahead of a vote later.

New, tighter restrictions imposed in NI as UK reports the highest daily death toll since April.

Stores seek to reassure shoppers that there is no need to bulk-buy in new lockdown.

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

Virgin Holidays joins Tui and Thomas Cook in cancelling holidays after latest coronavirus restrictions.

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

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

A growing divide over education, jobs, and ethnicity threaten the fabric of society, says Nobel laureate's study.

Mainland Scotland faces tougher restrictions from midnight, and schools will remain closed until February.

Boris Johnson will make a televised address at 20:00 GMT to outline further steps as virus cases rise.

The PM says the number of vaccine doses will amount to "tens of millions" by the end of March.

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

As businesses return to work after Christmas, the amount of freight moving through NI will increase.

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.

London now has the highest percentage of people testing positive in the UK, ONS figures suggest.

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.

Reports suggest a deal between the UK and EU could be announced later on Wednesday.

France's ban on freight from Britain caused havoc for lorry drivers, but will it affect shoppers?

Dozens of countries, alarmed by a new coronavirus variant, have suspended travel links with the UK.

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

The government borrowed £31.6bn last month as it continued to support the economy during the pandemic.

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.

France will stop lorries arriving from the UK for 48 hours amid concerns about a new coronavirus variant.

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

Family mixing at Christmas will be much reduced and scrapped completely for parts of the South East.

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

Office for National Statistics figures suggest one in every 95 people in England has the virus.

Official guidance has identified 28 common symptoms like dizziness, breathlessness and chest pain.

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

The Budget had been set to happen in Autumn 2020 but was ditched due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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.

In a blow to campaigners, judges say ministers' decision to approve the runway was legitimate.

The Public Accounts Committee says taxpayers will lose out because billions of pounds may never be recovered.

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.

Retailers tell shoppers they have enough supplies as uncertainty remains over the terms of Brexit.

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 world has seen the biggest annual fall in CO2 emissions since World War Two, say researchers.