China's ruling Communist Party needs to make a politically fraught decision: Admit a viral outbreak isn't under control and cancel this year's highest-profile official event. Or bring 3,000 legislators to Beijing next month and risk fueling public anger at the government's handling of the disease.

Britain officially leaves the European Union  on Jan. 31 after a debilitating political period that has bitterly divided the nation since the 2016 Brexit referendum.