British hospitals on the brink as new virus variant runs rampant, overshadowing rollout of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine

Cheap, easier to store shot boosts virus-fighting arsenal; Britain records 54,990 daily COVID-19 cases and 454 virus-related deaths on Sunday

'We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it,' Boris Johnson says, as London officially severs decades-long partnership with Europe

Averting chaos, sides agree on deal that ensures they can continue to trade in goods without tariffs or quotas, even after Britain leaves single market, customs union

Prime Minister Johnson chairs discussion on international travel situation after more than a dozen European countries ban flights and travelers from UK

Countries ban flights, trains from Britain, France shuts Channel Tunnel and Dover Port closed in a bid to contain fast-spreading virus; Johnson cancels Christmas shopping

Officials stress that there is no current evidence that the new form of virus is more dangerous or responds differently to vaccines and treatments

British PM and European Commission president to decide whether to continue negotiating or admit failure and start preparing for a chaotic and costly no-deal split

PM accuses European negotiators of seeking to keep Britain in EU's 'regulatory orbit,' says future relationship likely to mirror Australian model

Dan Rosenfield is global head of corporate clients for a strategic advisory firm founded by former MI6 operatives, as well as serving as chairman of World Jewish Relief