TIERS ON STEROIDS
Boris Johnson to reveal tougher three-tier lockdown rules — but 10pm pub curfew is scrapped
BORIS Johnson was last night poised to bring in tough new curbs as he finalises his Covid Winter Plan.
England will be told to expect a strengthened set of regional restrictions when the country leaves lockdown on December 2 as No 10 fears the virus “could quickly run out of control again”.
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Documents will also be published in the next 24 hours with warnings from government advisers that the previous tiers regime was too weak.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “The going is going to get tough — get ready for tiers on steroids.”
It could mean some areas facing fresh measures such as extra travel bans and curbs on overnight stays.
However, the PM is expected to try to stagger drinkers’ leaving times by extending pub closing to 11pm — although last orders will be at 10pm rather than the strict curfew enforced before lockdown.
And almost all shops could reopen, but bookies and pubs that do not serve food might remain closed in places with the highest infection rates.
TOUGHER APPROACH
The pubs measure — along with keeping all non-essential retail outlets open — is set to be part of the PM’s new three-tier approach to keep the virus under control.
Senior ministers were in talks yesterday to work through the plans.
The PM will convene his Cabinet later today before he formally announces his strategy in Parliament tomorrow.
But it will face opposition from some Tories.
Mr Johnson’s Covid Winter Plan will begin after the current national restrictions end on December 2.
England will move back to a three-tier system with regional restrictions — before rules are relaxed over Christmas.
Discussions are still ongoing with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland over a joint approach.
But families are being warned not to expect a normal festive period in which several families can meet up.
In the meantime, the public can expect more areas to be thrown into higher tiers in a bid to prevent any further national lockdown measures.
Some will see tiers enhanced, which officials believe will safeguard the progress made since the national effort was brought in on November 5.
No 10 is adamant recent positive news on vaccines and mass testing could mean restrictions are gradually wound down towards spring 2021.
The hopes come as it is claimed people could get a special 'freedom pass' if they can prove they have had two negative tests in a week.
After tomorrow’s announcement, people face a nervous wait until Thursday when they will be told which areas will be placed into the various tiers.
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The Government will not decide until it has analysed new data and the impact of the latest nationwide restrictions.
But the PM, who is still self-isolating in Downing Street, faces a major rebellion from his own side when the new tier system — which he will keep under ongoing review — goes to a vote in the Commons.
The Covid Recovery Group, led by former chief whip Mark Harper and ex-Brexit Minister Steve Baker, is set to fight the new measures.
A letter seen by The Sun on Sunday has been signed by 70 Tory MPs along with 14 peers, declaring their outrage at the approach.
It states: “Government must publish a full cost-benefit analysis of the proposed restrictions on a regional basis so MPs can assess responsibly the non-Covid health impact of restrictions, as well as the undoubted impact on livelihoods.
“Today, the lockdown cure prescribed runs the very real risk of being worse than the disease.”
Today, the lockdown cure prescribed runs the very real risk of being worse than the disease
Letter signed by 70 Tory MPs
It adds: “We cannot live under such a series of damaging lockdowns and apparently arbitrary restrictions, and expect our constituents to be grateful for being let out to enjoy the festive season, only to have strict restrictions imposed on them afterwards that cause them health problems and destroy their livelihoods.
“Our country instead needs a different and enduring strategy for living with the virus that can last beyond Christmas.
"Restrictions should be removed immediately if it cannot be shown that they are saving more lives than they cost.”
Ministers believe mass testing and the introduction of vaccines next month, once approved by regulators, can help to contain Covid.
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But Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham last night urged the Government not to let “everything loose” during the festive build-up.
And ex-chief government scientific adviser Sir Mark Walport told Times Radio there was “something iconic” about Christmas but warned it “doesn’t make sense to have big parties”.
He added: “It’s absolutely clear that if you were to stop everything and take the brakes off completely, infection would start growing again.”
Public Health England has stated that every day of freedom over Christmas could mean five extra days of tougher measures.
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A No 10 spokesman said last night: “Everyone’s efforts during the current national restrictions have helped bring the virus back under control, slowed its spread and eased NHS pressures.
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“But the Prime Minister and his scientific advisers are clear the virus is still present and without regional restrictions it could quickly run out of control again before vaccines and mass testing have had an effect.
“That would put in jeopardy the progress the country has made.”
Anti-lockdown protesters chanting ‘freedom’ hit the streets in Liverpool
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