National News

Boris Johnson pinned hopes on the rollout of vaccines to ease the restrictions in mid-February.

The latest restrictions came into effect from midnight on Tuesday in all Level 4 areas of the Scottish Government’s five-tier system.

It is the third time the whole country has faced harsh restrictions in almost a year.

The Prime Minister said that hospitals are 40% busier than they were during the peak.

The Prime Minister warned that the measures, being introduced immediately, are expected to last until mid-February.

Top of the priority list are people who live and work in care homes, followed by people over the age of 80 and frontline health and social care staff.

First Minister Arlene Foster said the decision was reached after Ministers had ‘reflected on the seriousness of the situation here’.

His comments came as secondary and primary school pupils were told they will learn remotely until February half-term.

Hospitals are under more pressure than ever, the Prime Minister said.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said the current financial support package ‘isn’t good enough’.

The Prime Minister said the nation must “pull together” and follow the new rules to defeat coronavirus.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a lockdown there ahead of Boris Johnson’s televised address.

The Government has reversed a number of key decisions on schools over the past few weeks.

The UK has had some form of restrictions in place since March 2020.

The third lockdown will see schools closed and people told to stay home.

The Prime Minister told the nation to stay indoors other than for limited exceptions.

Adamo Canto, 37, was sentenced to eight months in prison at a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, the Metropolitan Police said.

Kirsty Williams said schools would remain open for the children of key workers, as well as vulnerable learners.

Police Scotland on Monday confirmed a 60-year-old woman had been arrested and charged in connection with alleged culpable and reckless conduct.

Jazz saxophonist Courtney Pine was previously part of the Edexcel music course.