Brexit news – live: EU demands UK-made AstraZeneca jabs and Amazon halts more Northern Ireland sales

Boris Johnson hosts a virtual press conference on the coronavirus pandemic (Dominic Lipinski / POOL / AFP)

Labour leader Keir Starmer has blasted Boris Johnson for his “slow, slow, slow” response to the pandemic and demanded the PM provides answers as to why the UK has the highest Covid death rate in Europe.

Mr Johnson admitted it would not be possible to reopen schools in February – but said he “hoped” pupils would be able to return by 8 March. It comes as Amazon halts sales of wines, beers and spirits in Northern Ireland due to complex new excise rules.

The company is reportedly ready to pull more products – including over-the-counter medicines – over changes brought in by the Brexit deal. Meanwhile, discontent is “growing” in loyalist communities in Northern Ireland over protocol arrangements, a senior police officer has warned.

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