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Boris Johnson is privatising responsibility for the problems caused by his Christmas plan to lift restrictions while cases are rising
Shoppers in Manchester, which has been under tier 3 restrictions since October. Photograph: Anthony Devlin/Getty Images
Shoppers in Manchester, which has been under tier 3 restrictions since October. Photograph: Anthony Devlin/Getty Images
Thu 17 Dec 2020 14.11 EST
Last modified on Thu 17 Dec 2020 14.35 EST
From Saturday, two-thirds of England will be in tier 3, the most severe category of the UK governmentâs Covid restrictions. This change, announced by the health secretary, Matt Hancock, on Thursday, is the product of two contradictory things. The first is that coronavirus cases are rising fast in the south-east and east of England, while case numbers also remain high in much of the urban north. The second is that the government has also committed to a temporary UK-wide Christmas lifting of restrictio
WHO experts urge Scots to wear face coverings when visiting family and friends over Christmas
The World Health Organisation has issued guidance ahead of what it has described as a risky festive period this year.
WHO has urged people to wear a face mask when visiting their loved ones over the festive period (Image: Getty)
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Before the call, Ms Sturgeon said: “I do think there is a case for us looking at whether we tighten the flexibilities, both in terms of duration and numbers of people meeting.”
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said the current plans were a “hard-won agreement” that should “not lightly be put aside”. Meanwhile in Downing Street, Mr Johnson told the weekly Cabinet meeting that coronavirus infections were surging in areas such as the South-east of England.
He said: “We are now seeing significant rises.”
After the meeting, Mr Johnson’s spokesman said: “Our intention to allow families and friends to meet up over the Christmas period remains.”
MPs sent home for Christmas but will be recalled for any Brexit breakthrough
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The House of Commons will rise for the Christmas recess tomorrow but MPs could be recalled early if a breakthrough in Brexit talks results in a trade deal with Brussels, Downing St has said.
A No 10 spokesman said that time was ânow in short supply to reach an agreement with the EU and we expect discussions will continue over the coming daysâ.
âIn the absence of further substantive business, we will - subject to usual approval by the House - go into recess tomorrow, but with the knowledge that we will recall MPs and Peers to legislate for a deal if one is secured. That recall could be as early as next week.â