Ministers say they don't want to take risks, so must remove Portugal from the UK's travel green list from Tuesday, citing rising cases and a potentially detrimental mutation. Portugal, however, says it doesn't understand the "logic" of changing its status to amber. Its foreign affairs minister tweeted: "Portugal continues to carry out its prudent and gradual deconfinement plan, with clear rules for the safety of those who live here and those who visit us." The move leaves none of the usual package holiday destinations available without isolation on return.
It has prompted criticism from the travel industry, which was hopeful of an expanded green list, after speculation Greek and Spanish islands could be added, along with Malta, Finland and parts of the Caribbean. Easyjet boss Johan Lundgren says the government has "torn up its own rule book and ignored the science". But Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insists ministers "don't want to take the risk as we come up to June 21", when all legal limits on social contact in England are due to be lifted. Some scientists already want a delay because of rising cases. On Thursday, the UK reported 5,274 new cases - the highest figure since 26 March.

The Belarusian journalist at the centre of a diplomatic incident, when a Ryanair flight was diverted to Minsk under military escort to enable his arrest, has appeared on state TV. In a tearful interview, Roman Protasevich confessed to organising anti-government protests and praised President Alexander Lukashenko. However, the 26-year-old's father told AFP news agency: "They broke him and forced him to say what was needed." There has been a crackdown on mass protests which erupted across Belarus after Mr Lukashenko claimed victory in a 9 August election widely condemned as rigged.

Demand for staff rose at its fastest rate for 23 years in May, as Covid restrictions eased, according to a monthly survey of recruiters. But many companies are struggling to fill vacancies, with the number of staff available declining at the fastest rate for four years. Hiring is up across the board, according to the KPMG survey, which identified shortages in IT and hospitality, where there is a dearth of chefs and waiters. "Some are warning of a staffing crisis this summer, partly caused by gaps left by EU workers who have returned home because of Brexit and the pandemic," says our business correspondent Emma Simpson. The government says it's spending billions of pounds to help employers to create jobs and jobseekers to get skills, while also helping to fund apprenticeships.

Changes to the overseas travel "traffic-light" list dominate front pages. The Daily Express says the plans of millions are "in tatters", while the Daily Mail calls it a "devastating day for the travel industry". The Metro's take is that "Britain is grounded", while the Daily Star brands cabinet ministers "clueless clowns who are ruining our summer hols". The Daily Mirror, however, cites a poll indicating 81% of people support compulsory isolation for all overseas travellers, while the i suggests readers "holiday in the UK to save 21 June" as the date when legal limits on social contact in England are lifted.

If you're looking forward to Sweet Tooth - the new Netflix fantasy adapted from Jeff Lemire's comic book series - here are six things you should know in advance. Need something to make you smile? Then maybe check out this video of centenarians celebrating finally being able to swing open the doors of their nursing home by taking part in a relay race. And as it's Friday, why not test your news knowledge with our quiz of the week.

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