UK to tighten COVID-19 rules during Christmas period

A fourth tier of coronavirus restrictions is expected to be introduced in London and south-east England, sources have told the BBC.

There is also expected to be a tightening of the plans to relax the rules around households gathering during the Christmas period.

The PM is to hold a press conference at 16:00 GMT as concerns grow about the spread of a new variant of the virus.

Boris Johnson hosted a cabinet meeting earlier to discuss what action to take.

Chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty said government advisers “consider the new strain can spread more quickly”.

He will join the prime minister and Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser, at the press conference.

England’s current three-tier system of coronavirus measures has faced criticism for not being effective in stopping the surge in cases.

The first ministers from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland held talks with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove earlier.

Scotland’s Nicola Sturgeon, who will hold a press conference later, tweeted: “Cases currently at lower level in Scotland than UK – but preventative action may be necessary to stop faster spreading strain taking hold.”

Welsh ministers are meeting to discuss “serious concerns”, while Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster tweeted that the new variant of coronavirus prevalent in south-east England was “very concerning”.

Wales and Northern Ireland have already announced post-Christmas lockdowns. Covid rules were due to be relaxed across the UK between 23 and 27 December, with up to three households being able to meet.

Any change of restrictions for London and the South East would not require MPs’ approval in a Commons vote, as they are only held for England or UK-wide measures.