Monday morning news briefing: Devastating cost of policy to 'protect the NHS'

'Protect the NHS' message leaves patients paying price

The devastating cost of efforts to "protect the NHS" in the pandemic has been exposed by a new analysis of 200 health conditions which reveals hospital admissions plummeted by up to 90 per cent. The major report shows that consultations for the most common cancers fell by up to two thirds during lockdown, while heart-attack checks reduced by almost half. Experts said the findings were "staggering" and could mean thousands of extra deaths. Health Editor Laura Donnelly reveals the devastating cost of the policies to "protect the NHS", while this graphic shows how hospital admissions for other conditions plummeted during lockdown. Margarette Driscoll counts the human cost of lockdown, telling the stories of the patients left ill and dying as the NHS closed for Covid. Linda Blair outlines why it has never been more important to speak up about our mental health - and how to get your voice heard.

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson will attempt to call the bluff of Manchester's leaders today by offering them up to £100 million to accept Tier-3 coronavirus restrictions or risk having them imposed against their will. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, described talks with Downing Street on Sunday as "constructive", increasing speculation he might be ready to do a deal. However, the Conservative Party last night descended into fierce infighting after backbenchers in a string of 'redwall' seats hit out at an "ill-advised" letter sent to Mr Burnham.

Trump gambles on Nevada as Covid hits Vegas' casinos

Amid the financial chaos caused by Covid-19, the Republicans could have an opening in the race for the White House. Nevada has voted Democrat in each of the last three presidential elections, but the margins have been getting slimmer every time. Now Donald Trump's campaign team has identified the state as one of a handful, not much covered in the media, which the President narrowly lost in 2016 but could actually flip this year. US Editor Ben Riley-Smith has this dispatch and analysis of the states being targeted. It comes as it emerged Joe Biden has out-raised and is outspending his rival by a significant margin, as Trump insiders raise questions about their strategy with two weeks until the vote.

What's next for Dame Jenni Murray? The Full Monty

When she quit Woman's Hour, Dame Jenni Murray said it was time to "move on to a new stage". Her first venture in broadcasting after leaving the Radio 4 programme is certainly that. Dame Jenni, 70, is set to strip off for ITV's The Real Full Monty On Ice to boost awareness of cancers affecting "intimate parts of the body". The broadcasting veteran will join a cast of celebrities performing revealing routines in the name of cancer awareness for a two-part special airing this winter. Read on for details.

At a glance: More coronavirus headlines

• Covid vaccine | UK may get jabs by New Year as Pfizer begins roll-out

• Tony Blair | Ex-PM asked Matt Hancock about Covid rules before trip

• Pubs curfew | It should be pulled forward to 6pm, says health chief

• Winter lockdown | Patio heater sales soar as homeowners prepare

• 'Black November' | Black Friday extended for Covid-safe shopping

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

Post-Brexit trade talks | The door to a trade deal with the EU remains "ajar", Michael Gove has said, as he and Boris Johnson's chief negotiator prepare for talks with their counterparts today. Mr Gove said the EU had "drawn stumps" on a deal by insisting any further compromises must come from Britain, but the two sides will continue talking this week. Read on for details of the latest meetings, while Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of "playing with fire" over plans to impose strict border checks on goods arriving in Scotland from Northern Ireland.

• Citizenship denied | Court rules against man who refused handshake

• Leaked US cables | Civil servant suspected of breach may face court

• Male teachers | New low as white men abandon profession

• Early parole | Sentence cut for killer who helped foil terror attack

• Roadkill, episode 1, review | Hugh Laurie plays politics with aplomb

Around the world: Chilling spate of shark deaths

Wylie Bay, a stunning whitesand beach with a famous surf break, lies hauntingly empty. It is a week since Andrew Sharpe, a 53-year-old surfer and local businessperson, was attacked by a shark believed to be at least four metres in length at Kelp Beds. His death marks the seventh fatal shark attack in Australian waters in 2020, the worst toll since 1929. Many factors are being blamed. View our world pictures of the day.

Comment and analysis

• Nick Timothy | Devolution is a mess that endangers the Union

• Catherine Pepinster | Churches as vital as key workers in pandemic

• Katy Balls | This government has a serious credibility problem

• Jane Shilling | Renaissance in amateur art should be no surprise

• Reader letters | Burnham has been haggling while the house is on fire

In case you missed it: Key articles from the weekend

• Teacher beheaded | Class was shown cartoons of Prophet Mohammed

• Ross Clark | New Zealand's PM Jacinda Ardern is no hero

• Martin and Shirlie Kemp | 'Losing everything made us stronger'

• Katie Morley Investigates | 'I was horrified by £8k sit-down shower'

• Talking points | 'Present Covid restrictions should suffice'

Editor's choice: Features and arts

1. Love triangle | The chilling true story behind Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca

2. Life beyond London | Will our neighbours ever accept us as Norfolk natives?

3. The Telegraph Book Club | Reserve your spot to discuss brilliant novels with fellow readers

Business and money briefing

Inflation target | Andrew Bailey has signalled his support for a more flexible approach to the Bank of England’s inflation target as central banks shift to cope with a "world of much bigger shocks". The Bank Governor said shocks since the financial crisis had "necessitated a search for a more flexible form" of policy. Read on for details.

• Instagram probe | Millions of children's contact details exposed

• Investment tip | This firm could survive a second lockdown

• Alex cartoon | See our cartoonist's latest work on world of finance

Sport briefing

Hammer blow | It was all set for Gareth Bale on his fabled return to Tottenham. He missed an injury-time chance shortly before West Ham remarkably struck with the final kick of the game, to claim an unlikely point and steal the headlines. Read how Spurs threw away a three-goal lead against West Ham while Oliver Brown analyses what it means.

• Sergio Aguero | Striker condemned for touching match official

• Worse case scenario | Virgil van Dijk faces race to return this season

• Lions 2021 | Did Finn Russell play himself out of the starting line-up?

Tonight's dinner

Swedish-style creamy beef and mushrooms | A quick, easy and undeniably comforting dish by John Gregory-Smith. Read the recipe.

And finally... for this morning's downtime

The week on Planet Normal | As a de facto shutdown looms, time is running out for Boris Johnson to chart a new course that saves the economy as well as lives. Join Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan in their metaphorical capsule of common sense in the latest edition of the Planet Normal podcast. Listen here and read their analysis.