- The health secretary has praised a “seriously encouraging” study which shows a single dose of either the Oxford or Pfizer coronavirus vaccines leads to an 80% reduction in hospitalisations among the over-70s.
- A former education minister is warning the government is in “danger of creating mask anarchy” in schools because its guidance on face coverings is only advisory.
- The former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been found guilty of corruption and influence peddling and sentenced to three years in jail.
- Downing Street confirmed UK officials will speak to their EU counterparts after Brussels unveiled plans for a coronavirus vaccine passport.
- Rishi Sunak’s 3 March Budget is likely to include a range of Covid support measures, but tax rises could be needed to pay for it. PoliticsHome sets out what looks most likely to be included.