Countries across Europe halt Oxford jab rollout

Latest updates and essential advice from The Independent [View in browser]( [Alternate text] Daily briefing March 16, 2021 Today’s essential news from the source you trust This morning’s headlines Germany, France, Italy and Spain [are suspending the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine]( amid concern over reports of blood clots linked to the jab, despite assurances from the drugmaker and regulators that there is no link with coagulation disorders. Scientists and experts have reacted with concern to the decision, insisting there is no current evidence to suggest the jab is responsible for the 37 “thromboembolic events” that have so far been recorded among more than 17 million recipients of the vaccine. AstraZeneca said the incidence of clots is much lower than would be expected to occur naturally in a general population of this size and is similar to that of other licensed Covid-19 vaccines. The European Union’s own regulator is continuing to advocate use of the vaccine, as is the World Health Organisation, while the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency urged people to “still go and get their Covid-19 vaccine when asked to do so”. Priti Patel has been [accused of launching an assault on Britain’s democratic traditions]( with a crackdown on protests that would make it a crime to cause “serious annoyance or inconvenience” by taking part in a demonstration. Amid an atmosphere charged by the police use of force at a vigil for murder victim Sarah Everard on Saturday, the home secretary came under fire in the House of Commons over proposed legislation that Labour say would allow someone convicted of vandalising a statue to be sentenced to a longer jail term than a rapist. Among MPs raising concerns was ex-prime minister and former home secretary Theresa May, who said that freedom of speech was “an important right in our democracy” and warned of “potential unintended consequences” from provisions in Ms Patel’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. A Metropolitan Police officer involved in the investigation into Ms Everard’s disappearance has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct [for sharing an “inappropriate graphic”]( with colleagues. The probationary police constable was an acting cordon officer supporting the search for Ms Everard in Kent. Her body was eventually discovered in woodland near Ashford. In a statement, the force said its directorate of professional standards was made aware of the incident after “a number of officers” who received the graphic reported being “concerned by its content”. . We need your support The Independent employs over 100 journalists around the world to bring you news you can trust. Please consider showing your support with a contribution. [Contribute]( . Top stories [Greggs sinks to first loss in 36 years amid pandemic]( [EU launches legal action against UK over ‘serious’ Brexit deal breach]( [Qatar addition to ‘red list’ triggers rush back to UK]( . The full Independent perspective Save 30% when you subscribe today. Now just £5.99 a month [Subscribe now]( . Stories chosen for you - [EU launches legal action against UK over ‘serious’ Brexit deal breach]( - [EU expected to launch legal action against UK today over Brexit deal]( - [BLM, XR statement condemns ‘draconian’ police bill]( - [Why a long Brexit delay is the best Britain can hope for]( - [Tories experiencing ‘vaccine bounce’ as they prepare for May elections]( . News you can trust The Independent has a 100% NewsGuard trust rating [NewsGuard] [Find out more]( . If you can spare two minutes we’d love to hear your [feedback]( on our newsletters [Alternate text] Join the conversation or follow us [Twitter]( [Facebook]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's News email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent News email and Breaking News alerts, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.