Monday morning news briefing: New phase for vaccine rollout
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PM hails milestone as 5m more offered jab from today
The Covid vaccination programme enters a new phase this week. Boris Johnson hailed a new "milestone" in the race to vaccinate the country, as more than five and a half million additional people will be invited to get their jabs from today. The Prime Minister said one million of the clinically extremely vulnerable, who have been shielding, and 4.6 million over-70s in England will join the coronavirus jabs drive. Ten new mass vaccination sites opened this morning. NHS England chief Sir Simon Stevens said the health service would start 24-hour hospital vaccinations within 10 days - something resisted by management consultants paid to speed up the programme. Ministers are increasingly optimistic they can reach their target of vaccinating the 15 million most vulnerable people with at least one dose by Feb 15. Are they on course? View our vaccine tracker and see the priority list for Covid jabs.
Meanwhile, it emerged that carrying out tests of entire regions is being considered by ministers to help get the country out of lockdown. It came as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that by the "early spring, hopefully March" some restrictions would be lifted "gradually". As Political Editor Gordon Rayner reports, mass testing by whole regions could be used to swiftly move the worst-infected areas down the tiers.
Donald Trump allies 'paid to lobby for pardons'
A lucrative market has emerged for presidential pardons and clemency, with associates of Donald Trump allegedly being paid to lobby on individuals' behalf. Thousands of dollars have changed hands, according to documents filed by lobbyists to Congress. While there is no suggestion of illegality, the allegations will be embarrassing for Mr Trump. It came amid speculation he is seeking a pardon for himself and family members. As Mr Trump leaves office this week, Tim Stanley argues that it is rare for a president to have shown such little personal evolution in office. Read about security preparations ahead of Wednesday's inauguration.
How to stop stress getting to you on Blue Monday
Blue Monday - touting the third Monday in January as the most depressing day of the year - was originally a PR stunt to sell holidays. This year, with the beleaguered nation living through a third lockdown and facing a barrage of strains, few would disagree that today feels bleak. Sustained chronic stress can have a profound effect on the immune system. Anna Maxted explores the best ways to support your body. And five leading voices reveal the best mental health advice they were given.
At a glance: More coronavirus headlines
Care workers | Fifth of staff in some homes refuse vaccine
Study | Almost a third of recovered patients return to hospital
Supermarkets | All stores face inspections in next fortnight
City exodus | These property hotspots are bucking the trend
Also in the news: Today's other headlines
Death of a rock pioneer and killer | Phil Spector, the record producer who changed the sound of pop music in the Sixties with his "Wall of Sound" and was convicted of murdering a Hollywood actress in 2003, has died aged 81. He had been treated for Covid-19, according to reports. Read his Telegraph obituary. Music Critic Neil McCormick says Spector's masterful music will play on long after its vile creator is history.
Policing | Lack of bobbies on beat fuels rise in serious crime
Lord Sumption | 'Cancer patient's life less valuable than others'
'Cocaine hippos' | Escobar's mammals face cull in Colombia
'Sad news' | Ex-Colonel read of his own death in a newsletter
Perfect storm | York and Leeds to flood as snow melts in heavy rain
Around the world: Putin critic flies into a storm
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was detained by authorities at a Moscow airport yesterday after flying into the country for the first time since he was poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent and airlifted to Germany for treatment. Read our report from Russia Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva and view more of the weekend's world pictures.
Comment and analysis
Nick Timothy | UK must lead a coalition to counter China
Reader letters | Help us to stop buying goods made in China
Ambrose Evans-Pritchard | Biden widens staggering fiscal gap
Julie Burchill | EU pettiness reminder of why Brexit was worth it
Tom Welsh | Lockdown legitimised terrible customer service
In case you missed it: Highlights from the weekend
NHS | UK hospitals have been relatively empty compared to Europe
Vaccines | Over-70s to get invitations as jabs rollout ramped up
Leftovers | Doctors throw away jabs rather than give second doses
Juliet Samuel | It is over for Angela Merkel and winning coalition
Katie Glass | Has my move to the country all been a big mistake?
You've got this: Getting you through lockdown
Third Quarter Phenomenon | This may be why you are feeling down - how to beat it
Top chefs' lunch tips | How to take your work-from-home meals to Michelin-star heights
Young people's minds | How you can help children navigate mental turmoil of lockdown
Business and money briefing
Tax reform | Chancellor Rishi Sunak is under pressure to reduce taxes sharply to promote the Government's "levelling up" agenda and prolong the stamp duty holiday. Council tax should be a key target for reform, according to the Onward think tank, in research for the Levelling Up Taskforce, which counts 65 "Red Wall" MPs among its backers.
Pensions | Give your savings a £41k boost by consolidating pots
Investment tip | Spread-betters' models on borrowed time
Sport briefing
Liverpool 0 Man Utd 0 | Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says the Premier League champions must focus on preserving their top-four status before they worry about retaining their title after being held by rivals Manchester United. Read Jason Burt's match report from Anfield. And Oliver Brown asks: Is this the best title race ever?
Man City 4 Crystal Palace 0 | City underline title credentials
Australian Open | Seventy-two players now in hotel quarantine
Tonight's dinner
Hake with butternut squash and ginger mash | This quick supper by Nicola Graimes is a great way of adding essential vitamins into your diet. View the recipe and try out our Cookbook newsletter.
And finally... for this morning's downtime
'I need to protection in case of civil war' | After a year of pandemic, protest and polarisation, the US gun shop industry is booming. As Daniel Rey reports, middle-class America is arming up.
