The FTSE 100 and the pound have fallen as Britain’s “freedom day” failed to assuage growing fears about COVID case numbers and disruption.

London’s leading share index was just over 100 points, or 1.4%, lower in early trading – taking it below the 7,000-mark – led by a 5% fall for British Airways owner International Airlines Group (IAG).

Aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce, Holiday Inn to Crowne Plaza owner Intercontinental Hotels Group and Whitbread, owner of Premier Inn, were also among the worst hit.

There were no stocks in the risers’ column as the FTSE joined in a global sell-off which saw similar declines on European bourses and followed falls overnight in Asia.

Meanwhile the pound dipped by more than half a cent against the US dollar to just over $1.37, its lowest level in three months.

Richard Hunter, head of markets at interactive investor, said: “The general breadth of economic concerns has inevitably spread to the UK market, with the likes of the oil and mining sectors under pressure within the premier index on fears of slowing growth.

“At the same time, stocks caught in the reopening trade such as the travel sector continue to be volatile even after the easing of some international restrictions, as time begins to run down on a potential 2021 return to widespread tourism.”

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