The latest UK Covid case figures have shown that that there have been fewer cases in the last week than in the week before. (See 4.48pm.) This may be evidence that the lockdown is succeeding in bringing the second wave of the virus under control. Other figures have shown Covid cases falling in England in most age groups. (See 2.49pm.) One group of epidemiologists studying the pandemic says that R is now probably around 1 in all regions of England and that England is probably approaching the peak for daily deaths. (See 6.05pm.) Deaths tend to peak around three weeks or so after infections have peaked. In Scotland R is now estimated to be slightly below 1. (See 12.49pm.) The former prime minister Gordon Brown has urged Boris Johnson and the devolved governments to take tougher measures on coronavirus now to allow for family get-togethers over Christmas, saying the UK cannot afford to be “behind the curve” in its planning. Oxford University’s scientists have said there is no rush to publish efficacy results from their Covid vaccine trial, playing down expectations that some of the 100m doses the UK has ordered may be available by Christmas. A drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis appears to help patients who are admitted to intensive care with the most severe coronavirus infections, researchers say. One in seven businesses in Britain was teetering on the brink of collapse even before the new lockdown in England came into force at the start of November, the latest official snapshot of trading conditions has revealed. The troubled Brexit trade and security talks have been suspended at the highest level and Michel Barnier has gone into self-isolation after a member of the EU’s negotiating team tested positive for coronavirus. Boris Johnson has repeatedly refused to commit to maintaining UK overseas aid spending at 0.7% of GDP, in a Commons debate where he unveiled a £16.5bn, four-year boost to the defence budget that he said would help equip the military with “directed energy weapons”. That’s all from me for today. But our coverage continues on our global coronavirus live blog. It’s here.