More than half the population of England is preparing for tougher lockdown restrictions from midnight tonight as London and other “high risk” areas enter Covid Tier 2.
The capital will join areas including Essex and Elmbridge in seeing strict new measures imposed, with millions of people banned from mixing with other households indoors, including in pubs and restaurants.
Meanwhile, Lancashire has become only the second region to enter the top band of restrictions, as Boris Johnson faces mounting pressure over his Government’s treatment of the North.
Councillors have accused ministers of "blackmailing and forcing" local leadsers into agreeing to strict new rules, with one council boss saying they were threatened with "more draconian measures" if they refused Downing Street's terms.
It comes as scientific advisers and local leaders continue to call for so-called "circuit-breaker" shutdowns, with Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford confirming plans to introduce "a new set of national rules for the whole of Wales".
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