The Bank of England must contend with a slowdown in Britain's economy but also stubborn inflation pressures when it considers whether to cut interest rates in early February as well as its message about the outlook for the rest of the year.

A weaker UK economy is expected to prompt the Bank of England to accelerate interest rate cuts; Goldman Sachs predicts up to six reductions by the end of next year. The investment bank’s analysts think that as inflationary pressures continue and economic growth slows,

Markets are greatly underestimating the likelihood that the Bank of England will need to speed up the pace of interest rate cuts, Goldman Sachs has argued. They forecast that UK interest rates could drop to 3.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across England applies to all bird keepers, whether they have pets or a commercial flock. It means owners have to conduct enhanced biosecurity measures, including:

Bird keepers across England and Scotland are now legally required to house their flocks indoors as part of an effort to stop the spread of avian flu. The mandatory measures, introduced at midday on Saturday,

Most of the UK has been placed under an avian influenza prevention zone after cases show no sign of stopping. The new zone to tackle a rising number of bird flu cases was declared in England and Scotland after the spread among poultry has escalated.

British and Irish Lions prop Tadhg Furlong will miss Ireland's Six Nations opener against England on Saturday because of injury.