FTSE fears a draconian lockdown is on the way to save NHS

The Market Report with Katie Pilbeam. 

Good morning, The FTSE is trading in the red this morning with concern over even tougher lockdown restrictions for the UK. London’s bluechip index was trading at around 6,835, down 40 points, at around 10.30am in the British capital.

Boris Johnson is facing growing pressure to toughen the lockdown rules, as scientists and MPs warn the current regime may not be enough to curb the increasing rates of Coronavirus that threaten to swamp the NHS.

Across the pond, Democrats will call on vice president Mike Pence to use the 25th amendment to get Donald Trump out of office. If he refuses, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will launch impeachment proceedings over the Capitol Hill riot. 

The market movers and shakers this morning include JD Sports (), up, as it increased its profit forecast after enjoying strong online trading in the run-up to Christmas.

Companies that are exposed to the pandemic, travel and hospitality are struggling with TUI () Cineworld () and pub group () is also wrestling this Monday morning. 

Small caps today include () which has confirmed its first profitable quarter as well as highlighting a 300% increase in revenues for 2020. There is currently an interview with CEO Gerry Brandon on our website, forecasting £10mln revenue for 2021. 

() has confirmed it is on track to have a fully operational proton beam therapy unit in 2021 with “good progress” being made at the assembly facility in Cheshire. 

And finally, () has landed a supply agreement with an unnamed high street retail and pharmacy group to provide lab-based testing services to support the roll-out of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests across UK stores.