Guardian news paper for 18 february 2019

Here are the top stories from The Guardian newspaper for February 18, 2019:

Front Page

• May's Brexit deal faces defeat as MPs prepare to vote: Theresa May's Brexit deal is on the brink of defeat as MPs prepare to vote on the agreement, with many expected to reject it.
• UK weather: Storm Erik brings strong winds and rain: Storm Erik is bringing strong winds and rain to the UK, with warnings of travel disruptions and power cuts.

News

• Brexit: what happens next if May's deal is rejected?: If Theresa May's Brexit deal is rejected, the UK government will face a series of difficult decisions, including the possibility of a general election or a second referendum.
• UK economy grows at slowest pace in five years: The UK economy grew at its slowest pace in five years in the final quarter of 2018, according to official figures.
• NHS faces 'perfect storm' of challenges, says health chief: The NHS is facing a "perfect storm" of challenges, including funding pressures, staff shortages and an aging population, according to the head of the Royal College of Physicians.

World News

• US and China agree to delay trade war tariffs: The US and China have agreed to delay the imposition of tariffs on each other's goods, in a move that could help to ease tensions in their trade war.
• Venezuela crisis: Maduro's government accused of 'crimes against humanity': The Venezuelan government has been accused of committing "crimes against humanity" by the UN human rights chief, as the country's political crisis deepens.
• North Korea's Kim Jong-un visits China for talks with Xi Jinping: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, has visited China for talks with President Xi Jinping, in a move that could help to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Business

• FTSE 100 falls as Brexit uncertainty weighs on markets: The FTSE 100 index fell on Monday as Brexit uncertainty continued to weigh on markets, with investors seeking safe havens such as gold and government bonds.
• Amazon's Jeff Bezos becomes world's richest person again: Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos, has become the world's richest person again, after his net worth surged to over $150bn.
• HSBC profits fall 33% as bank struggles with global slowdown: HSBC's profits fell 33% in 2018, as the bank struggled with a global slowdown and increased competition.

Sport

• Manchester City's Pep Guardiola: 'We are not going to give up': Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, has vowed that his team will not give up in their pursuit of the Premier League title, despite a recent slump in form.
• Wales' Gareth Bale: 'I'm not a diver, I'm just a passionate player': Wales' star player, Gareth Bale, has denied accusations that he is a diver, saying that he is simply a passionate player who gives his all on the pitch.
• Rafael Nadal: 'I'm not sure if I'll play in the French Open': Rafael Nadal has expressed doubts about whether he will play in the French Open, citing concerns about his knee injury and the need for rest.