An influential group of MPs has urged the government to spell out the impact its lockdown-easing measures would have on economic growth and the number of coronavirus infections. Calling for evidence to be published alongside the government’s reopening road map to be announced on 22 February, the Treasury select committee said it would help the public to better understand the implications of restrictions and the costs and benefits of making changes. – Guardian
Neil Woodford has announced plans for a new investment business and issued a public apology over the implosion of his last venture less than two years ago following a string of bets that went wrong. In one of the most dramatic attempts at a boardroom comeback in recent history, the former star fund manager said he planned to open a new firm – WCM Partners – which would be based in Jersey and Buckinghamshire. – Guardian
Big Four accountant EY is facing whistleblowing claims in China over its audit of a major business in a fresh blow for the battered industry. The firm is accused of looking the other way when large client Xinwei Group failed to disclose a risky stock purchase, according to claims circulating on Chinese social media site Weibo. – Telegraph
Consumers face paying for significantly more back-up power stations than planned next winter after National Grid warned that many plants were expected to renege on multimillion-pound contracts to keep the lights on. The government’s “capacity market” scheme is intended to guard against the risk of blackouts as Britain builds more wind and solar farms by ensuring there are enough plants to meet demand even on dark, windless winter evenings. – The Times
