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

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

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.

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

Nicola Sturgeon warns that the current top level of restrictions may need to be tightened further.

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.

More must be done if the UK is to be future-proofed rather than playing catch-up, say MPs.

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

Wall Street slips after Europe markets fall over the UK's new Covid-19 variant.

The Labour leader also urges the PM to give daily updates, amid cross party calls for Parliament's return.

In a key policy speech, the Labour leader set out plans for the "boldest devolution project in a generation".

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.

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.

Non-essential shops will have to close from Christmas Eve, with a level 4 lockdown from 28 December.

The model train maker says it's in a difficult position and has paused all international orders until January 2021.

Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and East Lothian will all move up to level three of the country's tiered system.

Parts of Essex and Hertfordshire will also face the toughest restrictions, the health secretary says.

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

Exeter begin their Heineken Champions Cup defence in dominant style, keeping Glasgow scoreless as fans return to Sandy Park.

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

First results of mass Covid testing of students report "low numbers" of positive cases.

The aim is to see whether mixing two vaccines could improve protection against Covid-19.

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

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.

The UK's economy grew by just 0.4% in the month as the recovery continued to slow.

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

The government should consider a wealth tax to patch up the public finances, tax experts say.

The Japanese carmaker temporarily stops production at its Swindon plant after UK ports congestion.

The peer-reviewed work in the Lancet medical journal confirms the vaccine is 'safe and protects'.

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.

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

England showed they can adapt under pressure in the Autumn Nations Cup final but there is room for improvement in their attack, says Matt Dawson.

Owen Farrell finally finds his kicking boots to land a sudden-death penalty to subdue a stand-in France and win the Autumn Nations Cup at Twickenham.

Wales rugby fans will be glad to see the end of 2020 despite Wayne Pivac's side finishing the year with victory over Italy.

Wales end 2020 as they started it, claiming victory over Italy to finish fifth in the Autumn Nations Cup in Llanelli.

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

England head coach Eddie Jones says his side will not underestimate the inexperienced French team they face in Sunday's Autumn Nations Cup final.

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.

Wales' Covid rules previously banned all but "essential" travel but now that has been eased.

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

Edinburgh's Jaco van der Walt has "taken his game to another level", says Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend, as the fly-half prepares to make his debut against Ireland on Saturday.

It is key to deploy the vaccine "as fast" as possible, England's deputy chief medical officer says.

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

The environment secretary says the ban could be in place by the end of 2021 in a move away from EU rules.

Morrisons follows Tesco's lead, with both supermarkets announcing plans to hand back a total £850m.

The UK is the first country to approve the Pfizer vaccine - with 800,000 doses due to arrive soon.

Customers who want to use overhead storage must buy more expensive tickets, the airline says.

Wales recall George North at centre in a much-changed side to face Italy in the Autumn Nations Cup fifth-place play-off.

Dawid Malan hits 99 not out off 47 balls as England beat South Africa by nine wickets to complete a 3-0 Twenty20 series win.

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

Wales need more time to adapt to head coach Wayne Pivac's attempted change in style, says hooker Ken Owens.

It's a bumper year for British tree growers as customers look for some early festive cheer.

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

Pubs and restaurants will have to shut at 6pm and will not be able to serve alcoholic drinks.

Fraudsters have been using more sophisticated tactics to steal millions from UK investors.

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

Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson says rugby needs to change its laws to keep it entertaining for all fans.

England head coach Eddie Jones says his side have still not reached their peak as they prepare to face France in the Autumn Nations Cup final.

England will face France in the Autumn Nations Cup final following a 24-13 win over an improved Wales in Llanelli.

Without the febrile atmosphere of the Principality Stadium, Wales go into Saturday's meeting hoping for, rather than believing in, victory.

The referral is "a significant first step" to a possible rollout of the vaccine, the government says.

Although Black Friday spending in the UK is set to soar in 2020, some brands won't be taking part.

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

Fly-half George Ford returns to the starting XV for England's Autumn Nations Cup match with Wales in Llanelli on Saturday.

After the All Blacks lose back-to-back Tests for the first time in nearly a decade, the New Zealand public asks if the right man is in charge.

Government guidance says the bubbles should contain a maximum of eight people over the age of 11.

Scrum-half Lloyd Williams will make his first Wales start for four years against England but Liam Williams and Justin Tipuric are injured.

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

Black Friday and Christmas shopping are here - but it may be harder than ever to snag what you want.

Women and new retirees likely to be hit hardest by the planned change - but not before 2030.

Four Liverpool players, England's Lucy Bronze and Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa are up for prizes at the Best Fifa Football Awards 2020.

Centre Ollie Lawrence will miss England's Autumn Nations Cup match against Wales in Llanelli on Saturday with a minor hip issue.

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

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

Former captain Gwyn Jones believes Wales are "miles behind" England as the teams prepare to meet in the Autumn Nations Cup on Saturday.

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.

Wing Jonny May scores a superb solo try as England claim an emphatic and entertaining Autumn Nations Cup victory against Ireland at Twickenham.

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