Dominic Raab says the UK should use its "clout" to be "a force for good in the world".

The UK will also shift focus towards Indo-Pacific countries, following a year-long foreign policy review.

All over 50s could be vaccinated ahead of schedule, thanks to good supplies, say experts.

Boris Johnson promises more investment and jobs ahead of his long-awaited update on the military.

The UK's latest R number - 0.6 to 0.8 - suggests the outbreak is still shrinking overall.

The drop in claims is not mirrored in cheaper premiums, but insurers say motorists have been supported.

Ministers say the move will help firms after Covid - but Labour says it "smacks of ill-preparedness".

Brandon Lewis defends the decision to extend Brexit check grace periods without the EU's agreement.

The transport secretary says there are questions about how safe it will be to "travel around" in June.

It was set up to help prevent lockdowns but there have been two more since its launch, MPs say.

An EU diplomat is summoned to the Foreign Office following comments by the bloc's top official.

Unlocking too quickly would lead to a substantial surge in infection, the UK's chief medical adviser says.

Lord Frost says the EU has "significantly undermined" post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland.

R remains below 1, and a survey of community infections suggest around 1-in-230 people has the virus.

The latest Brexit flare up is over checks on goods to NI, which remains in the EU's single market.

The move will help millions of people, Rishi Sunak says, ahead of setting out his tax and spending plans.

Kwasi Kwarteng says help for firms and workers will continue, as Chancellor Rishi Sunak prepares to unveil the Budget.

The first detailed studies of the P.1 variant suggest it may be up to twice as transmissible.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

UK unemployment has risen to 5.1% - its highest level in almost five years, official figures show.

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

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

Boris Johnson is encouraging other rich countries to donate vaccine doses at a virtual G7 meeting.

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

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

Barclays sees profits dive after setting aside billions for loans expected to turn sour due to Covid.

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.

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

It has similar mutations to the South Africa variant, so how worrying is it?

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

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.

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

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

The Met Office says Braemar in Aberdeenshire recorded the coldest night since December 1995.

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

Labour leader says proposed maximum sentence for people lying about their travel history is not realistic.

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

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

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.

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

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

A national booking system is available in England that can be accessed online.

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

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.

Almost all the side-effects of the two vaccines being used in the UK are mild and expected, says MHRA.

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.

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

With new hotel quarantine rules for arrivals from abroad, many people are seeking UK holidays instead.

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.

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

West Ham David Moyes feels his side are improving but have "not scratched the surface yet" as they beat Crystal Palace to continue their flawless start to 2021.

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.

Laboratory tests suggest antibodies can recognise and fight the UK and South Africa variants.

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

About 118,000 placements for young people are yet to be filled due to coronavirus lockdowns.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Some 10% of the UK population is showing signs of recent infection, a doubling since October, says ONS.

A survey by consumer group Which? raises concerns over coronavirus leading to more cashless stores.

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.

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

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

England's cancer, critical care, A&E and routine treatments all hit as hospitals accommodate virus patients.

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.

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

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

Councils will also be given extra funding to accommodate rough sleepers, ministers announce.

The drugs, which save an extra life for every 12 intensive care patients treated, can be used immediately, say experts.

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

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.

Manager Chris Wilder says Sheffield United must "find a win from somewhere" after defeat at Crystal Palace extended their winless start to the season.

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.

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

Ministers meet to discuss how to stem the spread of a new fast-spreading variant of the coronavirus.

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

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.

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.

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.

NHS bosses say they are worried about January, after the US saw a spike in cases after Thanksgiving.

Max Verstappen ends a frustrating season for Red Bull on a high with a dominant victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

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

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

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.

Poorer nations will miss out despite steps to ensure access is fair, campaigners warn.

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

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.

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 proposed law would do away with the five year set period between general elections.

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

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

Some Conservative backbenchers have threaten to vote against the plan for England on Tuesday.

Boris Johnson will publish data behind England's new tiers later in a bid to win over Tory rebels.

There were an estimated 72,000 new cases of coronavirus a day in England between 13 and 24 November.

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.

But in Scotland infection rates appear to be rising, according to Office for National Statistics data.

Campaigners urge Chancellor Rishi Sunak to keep a temporary Universal Credit increase in place.

The virus is one of three "once in a lifetime" recent economic shocks says the Resolution Foundation.

With lockdown coming to an end, it is all change. But is the government making a mistake?

Leaders of Britain's biggest unions vow to resist chancellor's freeze on workers who "risked everything".

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

The Argentine icon famous for his 'Hand of God' goal was a footballing great with a myriad of problems.

"Inadequate" stockpiles meant the government had to boost supplies quickly, the spending watchdog says.

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

Three households will be allowed to meet indoors over a five-day period between 23-27 December.

People have tendency to soldier on, potentially making colleagues sick, health secretary says.

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

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.

Drop plans to rewrite withdrawal agreement by end of month or risk scuppering trade deal, UK is told.