Latest british news

Here are some of the latest British news stories:

Politics

• Boris Johnson's government faces criticism over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a report by the National Audit Office finding that the UK's response was slow and inadequate. (BBC News)
• The UK and EU have reached a deal on the Northern Ireland protocol, which will allow for the free movement of goods between the region and the rest of the UK. (The Guardian)
• The Labour Party has announced plans to introduce a four-day working week for public sector employees, in an effort to boost productivity and reduce carbon emissions. (The Telegraph)

Economy

• The UK's economy has grown by 0.1% in the three months to January, according to the Office for National Statistics. (Sky News)
• The Bank of England has kept interest rates on hold at 0.5%, but warned that the economy is facing a "significant" risk from the COVID-19 pandemic. (The Financial Times)
• The UK's trade deficit has widened to £13.1 billion in January, as the country's reliance on imports continues to grow. (The Times)

Health

• The UK has recorded its highest number of COVID-19 deaths in a single day, with 1,244 fatalities reported. (The Independent)
• The government has announced plans to roll out a COVID-19 vaccine to all adults in the UK by the end of April. (The Daily Mail)
• The NHS has launched a new campaign to encourage people to get tested for COVID-19, with a focus on reaching vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. (The Mirror)

Sports

• Manchester City has been banned from European competition for two seasons by UEFA, following an investigation into allegations of financial irregularities. (The Guardian)
• The England cricket team has been defeated by India in the fourth Test match, with the series now level at 1-1. (The Telegraph)
• The Premier League has announced plans to introduce a new system for awarding penalties, in an effort to reduce controversy and improve the game. (The Times)

Other News

• A major fire has broken out at a block of flats in London, with several people injured and many more left homeless. (The Evening Standard)
• The UK's weather forecast is looking increasingly unsettled, with a low-pressure system expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to many parts of the country. (The Met Office)
• A new study has found that the UK's bee population is in decline, with many species facing extinction due to habitat loss and pesticide use. (The BBC)