Boris Johnson has plunged Christmas celebrations into jeopardy as he announced a tightening of social distancing restrictions.
From Monday, a new "rule of six" will come into force, meaning social gatherings of more than six people will become illegal in England.
When asked at the first Downing Street briefing since July whether the festive season was effectively cancelled, Mr Johnson told reporters it was “too early to say” whether big parties could be held.
It comes after Mr Johnson was grilled by Keir Starmer on the "frankly ridiculous" test and trace system during PMQs, with the Prime Minister saying the Government “will do more” to ensure people have access to coronavirus tests.
Meanwhile, the number of Covid-19 cases has risen by 2,659 overnight, as the worrying surge in infections continues. And much-vaunted vaccine trails led by Oxford University have been halted after a British patient fell ill.
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