Psw uk news

Here are the latest news updates from the UK:

Politics

• Boris Johnson has announced a new plan to tackle the cost of living crisis, including a 5p cut in fuel duty and a freeze on council tax. (BBC News)
• The UK government has been accused of "playing politics" with the NHS after it emerged that a planned increase in National Insurance contributions will be delayed until 2023. (The Guardian)
• The Scottish National Party (SNP) has called for a second independence referendum after the UK government refused to grant Scotland more powers. (The Scotsman)

Economy

• The UK economy has grown by 0.1% in the three months to January, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). (BBC News)
• The Bank of England has kept interest rates on hold at 0.5% amid concerns over the impact of Brexit on the economy. (The Telegraph)
• The UK's trade deficit has widened to £3.1 billion in January, according to the ONS. (The Financial Times)

Health

• The UK's COVID-19 vaccination programme has been hailed as a success, with over 30 million people having received a first dose. (The Independent)
• The NHS has launched a new campaign to encourage people to get tested for COVID-19, particularly in areas with high infection rates. (The Mirror)
• The UK government has announced a new plan to tackle antibiotic resistance, including the development of new treatments and improved infection control measures. (The Guardian)

Crime

• A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 17-year-old girl in London. (The Evening Standard)
• A police officer has been charged with murder after a man was shot dead in a police station car park. (The Times)
• The UK's crime rate has fallen by 3% in the past year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). (The Telegraph)

Weather

• A severe weather warning has been issued for parts of the UK, with heavy rain and strong winds expected. (The Met Office)
• The UK is set to experience a mini-heatwave this weekend, with temperatures expected to reach up to 22°C (72°F). (The Daily Mail)
• A flood warning has been issued for parts of the UK, with heavy rain expected to cause disruption. (The BBC)