National News

Under current plans, up to three households will be allowed to congregate together over Christmas.

MPs are on standby to return to Westminster from their Christmas break if an agreement can be struck in the final days of the year.

His dance partner Oti Mabuse lifted the glitterball for a second consecutive year.

The Most Rev Welby and Rt Rev Mullally said the new restrictions were a ‘bitter blow’.

Hundreds of people joined marches down Oxford and Regent street on Saturday and were dispersed several times by police.

Passengers were told that social distancing ‘will not be possible’ due to the volume of people on board.

Nicola Sturgeon announced restrictions on gatherings will only be eased on Christmas Day due to fears over a new strain of coronavirus.

Thurrock has the highest rate in the country after seeing the largest week-on-week jump in England.

The nail-biting final began with reference to a ‘tough day’, after Christmas plans were scrapped for millions.

Throughout the pandemic Government advice has shifted on a range of issues.

Police Scotland’s Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs ruled out road blocks or routine stops over the festive period despite a ‘strict travel ban’.

The Scottish Retail Consortium has estimated Scotland’s lockdown from Boxing Day could see shops lose out on £135 million each week.

Opposition leaders have urged the Government not to make pupils and students attend school for the final days of term.

Further measures to halt the spread of coronavirus have also been introduced across Wales and Scotland.

The Welsh Labour leader said an immediate lockdown in Wales was needed to protect people from the new strain.

First Minister Arlene Foster said it was an ‘evolving situation’.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced ‘purely preventative’ restrictions in response to a new strain of coronavirus.

At a No 10 news conference, Mr Johnson said he was taking the actions with a ‘heavy heart’.

The First Minister spoke alongside interim chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith and national clinical director Jason Leitch.

The county’s nearly two million residents will now effectively return to the lockdown rules of November.