Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to host a press conference this afternoon, as the guidance around Christmas meet-ups is set to be strengthened.
Downing Street confirmed that the Prime Minister would host a briefing alongside England's chief medical officer professor Chris Whitty.
The conference is expected to take place at 3:30pm.
Earlier Mr Johnson told MPs that the Christmas bubbles plan had been agreed "in principle" with the devolved leaders following crisis talks fuelled by concern that a new variant or coronavirus was behind the rapid spread of the virus in parts of the country.
But moments later, it emerged that Wales would diverge from the UK-wide plan - and Scots would be advised to follow tighter rules - reports Mirror Online.
Laws agreed last month said up to three households can form a 'Christmas bubble' from December 23-27.
The five-day festive easement of restrictions said people could travel across the UK to spend Christmas with their family.
However Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said the number of households allowed to form a bubble would be reduced to two.
Nicola Sturgeon also said Scots would be told to meet for one day only and not to stay overnight.
However the three-household limit would remain.
The Prime Minister said there was "unanimous agreement" across the four nations "that we should proceed in principle with the existing regulations ".
He said: "We don't want to criminalise people's long-made plans.
"But we do think it's absolutely vital that people should - at this very, very tricky time - exercise a high degree of personal responsibility, especially when they come into contact with elderly people, and avoid contact with elderly people wherever possible."
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Shortly after, Mr Drakeford said Wales would reduce the household bubble limit to two.
He said: "The fewer people we mix with in our homes, the less chance we have of catching or spreading the virus."
Wales will go into lockdown on December 28 once the festive restrictions end, he said.
Ms Sturgeon told Scots forming a Christmas bubble that they should only meet up on one day and not stay overnight "unless it is unavoidable".
She said: "Firstly and unequivocally the safest way to spend Christmas this year for you and for those you love is to stay within your own household and your own home.
"My strong recommendation is this is what you should do if at all possible."
It comes after Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick suggested gatherings could be delayed - saying "Easter can be the new Christmas."
