skynewspolitics--2020-12-21--'Continue to shop normally': PM tries to reassure public after France freight ban

Britons have been told to continue shopping normally , despite France banning freight hauliers from crossing the English Channel over fears surrounding a new variant of coronavirus .
Addressing a Downing Street news conference , Boris Johnson said the `` vast majority '' of food and medical supplies are unaffected by the move .
Follow live COVID updates from the UK and across the world The discovery of the variant and worries about its spread saw the prime minister announce a new Tier 4 of COVID-19 restrictions for parts of England at the weekend , effectively cancelling Christmas plans for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned five-day relaxation of restrictions over the festive period to just Christmas Day .
The emergence of the new variant , which could be up to 70 % more transmissible than other variants of coronavirus , has also seen a raft of countries introduce travel bans from the UK .
France went one step further by also restricting hauliers for 48 hours - while most others have exempted them to keep accompanied trade moving .
`` It is vital first to stress that these delays - which are only occurring at Dover - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is only 20 % of the total arriving from or departing to the European continent , '' Mr Johnson said .
The PM said the government had `` activated our long-prepared plans '' to cope with Brexit disruption in the county and had been able to reduce the number of lorries waiting on the M20 from 500 to 170 .
But Highways England has said there were in fact 900 lorries parked on the M20 at 6pm , the Press Association reports .
And in a message to the public after fears were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister added : `` These delays only apply to a very small percentage of food entering the UK , and as British supermarkets have said , their supply chains are strong and robust , so everyone can continue to shop normally , '' Mr Johnson said .
Sainsbury 's and Tesco have both said they have enough food for customers over Christmas , but warned of potential shortages of items like lettuce , cauliflower and citrus fruits if the freight ban continues .
Meanwhile , Tim Rycroft of the Food and Drink Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be concerned for shoppers at the moment '' - but voiced hopes the current serious disruption is a `` wake up call to remind us of the fragility of these supply chains '' .
But supermarket shoppers reported seeing queues and empty shelves in scenes similar to those seen during the first lockdown earlier this year .
The PM said he had spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron and both sides are working to `` unblock the flow of trade as fast as possible '' , as well as chairing a meeting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And while he said the government `` fully '' understands the `` anxieties '' of European countries about COVID-19 and the new variant , Mr Johnson told the news conference : `` It is also true that we believe the risks of transmission by a solitary driver sitting alone in the cab are really very low .
`` And so we hope to make progress as fast as we possibly can . ''
Answering questions from journalists later in the news conference , the PM said of his call with the French leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sort it out in the next few hours if we can . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps , speaking alongside Mr Johnson , urged people not to travel to Kent with the closure of the French border .
And he said lorry drivers were `` steering clear '' and `` as a result we have n't seen any problems in the area '' .
Mr Shapps added : `` Most of the lorries who are there are primarily European hauliers looking to transit back across to the continent . ''
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be deployed as part of Operation Brock to enable traffic to flow in both directions .
Highways England said Operation Brock would replace Operation Stack , which was activated overnight on Sunday , with hauliers `` advised to avoid travelling to Kent as disruption could last for several days '' .
It said Operation Brock `` opens up more of the road network '' in the county `` because it means traffic can continue to move in both directions on the M20 whereas Stack effectively closes it to coastbound traffic '' .
Subscribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Highways England added : `` To make sure the barrier is deployed and removed safely , the M20 will be closed coastbound between junction 7 ( for Maidstone ) and junction 9 ( Ashford ) , and London-bound between junctions 9 and 8 ( Maidstone East ) , overnight tonight ( 8pm to 8am ) .
`` The M20 will reopen by 8am Tuesday morning with the new road layout in place .
Whenever the M20 is closed , signed diversions will be in place .
@

Britons have been told to continue shopping normally, despite France banning freight hauliers from crossing the English Channel over fears surrounding a new variant of coronavirus.
Addressing a Downing Street news conference, Boris Johnson said the "vast majority" of food and medical supplies are unaffected by the move.
Follow live COVID updates from the UK and across the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 'We are very heavily reliant on imports from Europe'
The discovery of the variant and worries about its spread saw the prime minister announce a new Tier 4 of COVID-19 restrictions for parts of England at the weekend, effectively cancelling Christmas plans for millions.
Mr Johnson also reduced the planned five-day relaxation of restrictions over the festive period to just Christmas Day.
The emergence of the new variant, which could be up to 70% more transmissible than other variants of coronavirus, has also seen a raft of countries introduce travel bans from the UK.
France went one step further by also restricting hauliers for 48 hours - while most others have exempted them to keep accompanied trade moving.
"It is vital first to stress that these delays - which are only occurring at Dover - only affect human-handled freight, and that is only 20% of the total arriving from or departing to the European continent," Mr Johnson said.
The PM said the government had "activated our long-prepared plans" to cope with Brexit disruption in the county and had been able to reduce the number of lorries waiting on the M20 from 500 to 170.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 Freight ban 'won't have impact' on vaccine
But Highways England has said there were in fact 900 lorries parked on the M20 at 6pm, the Press Association reports.
And in a message to the public after fears were raised of potential shortages, the prime minister added: "These delays only apply to a very small percentage of food entering the UK, and as British supermarkets have said, their supply chains are strong and robust, so everyone can continue to shop normally," Mr Johnson said.
Sainsbury's and Tesco have both said they have enough food for customers over Christmas, but warned of potential shortages of items like lettuce, cauliflower and citrus fruits if the freight ban continues.
Meanwhile, Tim Rycroft of the Food and Drink Federation said there was "no reason to be concerned for shoppers at the moment" - but voiced hopes the current serious disruption is a "wake up call to remind us of the fragility of these supply chains".
But supermarket shoppers reported seeing queues and empty shelves in scenes similar to those seen during the first lockdown earlier this year.
The PM said he had spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron and both sides are working to "unblock the flow of trade as fast as possible", as well as chairing a meeting of the government's emergency COBRA committee.
And while he said the government "fully" understands the "anxieties" of European countries about COVID-19 and the new variant, Mr Johnson told the news conference: "It is also true that we believe the risks of transmission by a solitary driver sitting alone in the cab are really very low.
"And so we hope to make progress as fast as we possibly can."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 'Our ferries are continuing to operate': Dover port chief
Answering questions from journalists later in the news conference, the PM said of his call with the French leader: "He stressed he was keen to sort it out in the next few hours if we can."
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, speaking alongside Mr Johnson, urged people not to travel to Kent with the closure of the French border.
And he said lorry drivers were "steering clear" and "as a result we haven't seen any problems in the area".
Mr Shapps added: "Most of the lorries who are there are primarily European hauliers looking to transit back across to the continent."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:48 PM holds emergency meeting amid travel bans
He said the moveable barrier on the M20 will be deployed as part of Operation Brock to enable traffic to flow in both directions.
Highways England said Operation Brock would replace Operation Stack, which was activated overnight on Sunday, with hauliers "advised to avoid travelling to Kent as disruption could last for several days".
It said Operation Brock "opens up more of the road network" in the county "because it means traffic can continue to move in both directions on the M20 whereas Stack effectively closes it to coastbound traffic".
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Highways England added: "To make sure the barrier is deployed and removed safely, the M20 will be closed coastbound between junction 7 (for Maidstone) and junction 9 (Ashford), and London-bound between junctions 9 and 8 (Maidstone East), overnight tonight (8pm to 8am).
"The M20 will reopen by 8am Tuesday morning with the new road layout in place. Whenever the M20 is closed, signed diversions will be in place."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-21--If the science is right, it's a question of when not if there is an even tougher lockdown

Expectations which were being set just a week ago have been upended by the new coronavirus variant , writes Sam Coates .
COVID-19 : If the science is right , it 's a question of when not if there is an even tougher lockdown The COVID-19 variant makes the virus harder to contain The new strain of coronavirus has changed everything .
If you took away anything else from Monday 's low-key business-as-normal prime ministerial press conference , you should n't have done .
Expectations which were being set just a week ago have been upended , plans everywhere from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being rewritten and the start of 2021 looks all but certain to be much more grim , even if the government itself is not quite ready to spell it all out with the candour it could .
The most important meeting of the day did not involve Boris Johnson , but government scientific advisers trying to work out what to do next .
Their conclusion should worry everyone .
They doubled down on their assessment that the new variant of coronavirus spreads faster , 50 % to 70 % faster , than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it does not cause a more severe illness or higher mortality rate , and that the vaccine is likely to work on the new variant , the transmissibility is itself a devastating development .
Politicians feel they can not let the disease `` rip through '' the community , as it would result in more infections , more hospitalisations and more deaths and overwhelm the NHS .
The new strain makes it harder to contain .
If the science is right , the only question is when not if the government introduces an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the prime minister 's emergency press conference on Saturday night .
Mr Johnson 's chief scientific advisor coughed to this in the middle of the press conference , in passing , with little fanfare .
Pressed on whether there was a need for new restrictions , Sir Patrick Vallance declared that `` measures are likely to be increased in some places in due course '' .
Speaking from the podium in Downing Street , standing next to the prime minister , this is as good as a promise to the nation as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister did n't engage or acknowledge , however .
Privately Downing Street concedes this means more areas going into the newly created Tier 4 , but believe this can be held off to the next formal review point of 30 December .
We shall see .
The second area lacking complete transparency comes over schools .
Government scientific advisers have formally sounded the alarm bells over secondary school aged pupils .
They said that the new variant can be transmitted just as must by children as by adults .
Over in Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are all not set to reopen in January .
There are senior voices in government saying do n't open the schools in January if you want to avoid case rates spiking massively .
Mr Johnson , however , was equivocal .
Look at the way he phrased his reply : `` I think the most useful thing I can tell you at this stage is obviously if we possibly can get schools back in a staggered way at the beginning of January , the way that we have set out .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is follow the path of the epidemic as we showed last Saturday and keep things under constant review .
`` It is very , very important to get kids and keep kids in education if we possibly can . ''
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He does not suggest parents prepare for the worst .
But he does not - because he can not - suggest they assume schools open as normal .
When might we find out what January holds ?
Neil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back advising government , said that the best thing to do would be monitor COVID cases over the next two weeks while schools are shut and people are at home , and decide after that .
Mr Johnson , as ever , is unlikely to take a decision he does n't yet need to make .

Expectations which were being set just a week ago have been upended by the new coronavirus variant, writes Sam Coates.
COVID-19: If the science is right, it's a question of when not if there is an even tougher lockdown
The new variant of coronavirus has changed everything. If you took away anything else from Monday's low-key business-as-normal prime ministerial press conference, you shouldn't have done.
Expectations which were being set just a week ago have been upended, plans everywhere from the Treasury to the Department for Education are being rewritten and the start of 2021 looks all but certain to be much more grim, even if the government itself is not quite ready to spell it all out with the candour it could.
The most important meeting of the day did not involve Boris Johnson, but government scientific advisers trying to work out what to do next.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 New variant: What more do we know?
Their conclusion should worry everyone.
They doubled down on their assessment that the new variant of coronavirus spreads faster, 50% to 70% faster, than the existing strain.
Whilst true that it does not cause a more severe illness or higher mortality rate, and that the vaccine is likely to work on the new variant, the transmissibility is itself a devastating development.
Politicians feel they cannot let the disease "rip through" the community, as it would result in more infections, more hospitalisations and more deaths and overwhelm the NHS. The new variant makes it harder to contain.
If the science is right, the only question is when not if the government introduces an even tougher lockdown than the one announced by the prime minister's emergency press conference on Saturday night.
Mr Johnson's chief scientific advisor coughed to this in the middle of the press conference, in passing, with little fanfare.
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Pressed on whether there was a need for new restrictions, Sir Patrick Vallance declared that "measures are likely to be increased in some places in due course".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Chief scientific adviser warns of more restrictions
Speaking from the podium in Downing Street, standing next to the prime minister, this is as good as a promise to the nation as it comes, even though the prime minister didn't engage or acknowledge, however.
Privately Downing Street concedes this means more areas going into the newly created Tier 4, but believe this can be held off to the next formal review point of 30 December. We shall see.
The second area lacking complete transparency comes over schools.
Government scientific advisers have formally sounded the alarm bells over secondary school aged pupils.
They said that the new variant can be transmitted just as much by children as by adults.
Over in Northern Ireland, the health minister has announced schools are all not set to reopen in January.
There are senior voices in government saying don't open the schools in January if you want to avoid case rates spiking massively.
Mr Johnson, however, was equivocal. Look at the way he phrased his reply: "I think the most useful thing I can tell you at this stage is obviously if we possibly can get schools back in a staggered way at the beginning of January, the way that we have set out.
"But obviously, the commonsensical thing to do is follow the path of the epidemic as we showed last Saturday and keep things under constant review.
"It is very, very important to get kids and keep kids in education if we possibly can."
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He does not suggest parents prepare for the worst. But he does not - because he cannot - suggest they assume schools open as normal.
When might we find out what January holds? Neil Ferguson, the Imperial academic who is back advising government, said that the best thing to do would be monitor COVID cases over the next two weeks while schools are shut and people are at home, and decide after that.
Mr Johnson, as ever, is unlikely to take a decision he doesn't yet need to make.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-21--More areas could go into Tier 4 as COVID variant spreads, chief scientific adviser suggests

More areas in England could be placed into Tier 4 restrictions - equivalent to a lockdown - as the variant COVID strain spreads across the country , the government 's chief scientific adviser has suggested .
London and vast swathes of southeast England have already been put into tightened measures due to the high presence of the new VUI-202012/01 strain , which is feared to spread more quickly than the original virus .
Sir Patrick Vallance told a Downing Street news conference on Monday that more areas in England could soon see tougher restrictions due to the variant .
Follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the world And Prime Minister Boris Johnson cast some doubt over whether schools would return across England in January following the latest development in the coronavirus crisis .
`` The evidence on this virus is that it spreads easily , it 's more transmissible , we absolutely need to make sure we have the right level of restrictions in place , '' Sir Patrick said .
`` I think it is likely that this will grow in numbers of the variant across the country and I think it 's likely , therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased in some places , in due course , not reduced .
`` I think it is the case that this will spread more . ''
The government 's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group ( NERVTAG ) had met earlier on Monday and Sir Patrick revealed there was now a `` reinforced '' view that the variant strain was spreading more quickly .
`` The conclusion was that the experts have high confidence in the fact that this is transmitting more readily , '' Sir Patrick added .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to get ahead of this and to make sure that the tiering system is adequate to stop things going , and not to watch it and react in retrospect . ''
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sir Patrick said that `` inevitable mixing '' over Christmas - in those areas where households are still allowed to meet - would mean `` some increases in numbers over the next few weeks '' .
He told people planning to see others on Christmas Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carefully and make an assumption that you could be infectious , you could be the person spreading it to somebody else , and behave accordingly '' .
Sir Patrick also urged the public to take the new COVID strain `` incredibly seriously '' and warned that it requires `` more action in order to keep it down and that 's why Tier 4 is important '' .
Downing Street has previously suggested schools would still reopen in Tier 4 areas after the Christmas holidays .
But , asked about schools on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils to classrooms in the New Year would be kept under `` constant review '' .
`` The most useful thing I can tell you at this stage is obviously we want , if we possibly can , to get schools back in a staggered way at the beginning of January in the way that we have set out , '' he said .
`` But obviously ... the common sensical thing to do is to follow the path of the epidemic and as we showed last Saturday to keep things under constant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very important to get kids and keep kids in education if you possibly can . ''

More areas in England could be placed into Tier 4 restrictions - equivalent to a lockdown - as the variant COVID strain spreads across the country, the government's chief scientific adviser has suggested.
London and vast swathes of southeast England have already been put into tightened measures due to the high presence of the new VUI-202012/01 strain, which is feared to spread more quickly than the original virus.
Sir Patrick Vallance told a Downing Street news conference on Monday that more areas in England could soon see tougher restrictions due to the variant.
Follow live COVID updates from the UK and across the world
Image: London was put into Tier 4 at the weekend
And Prime Minister Boris Johnson cast some doubt over whether schools would return across England in January following the latest development in the coronavirus crisis.
"The evidence on this virus is that it spreads easily, it's more transmissible, we absolutely need to make sure we have the right level of restrictions in place," Sir Patrick said.
"I think it is likely that this will grow in numbers of the variant across the country and I think it's likely, therefore, that measures will need to be increased in some places, in due course, not reduced.
"I think it is the case that this will spread more."
The government's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) had met earlier on Monday and Sir Patrick revealed there was now a "reinforced" view that the variant strain was spreading more quickly.
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"The conclusion was that the experts have high confidence in the fact that this is transmitting more readily," Sir Patrick added.
"That again reinforces the point that it's important to get ahead of this and to make sure that the tiering system is adequate to stop things going, and not to watch it and react in retrospect."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Sir Patrick said that "inevitable mixing" over Christmas - in those areas where households are still allowed to meet - would mean "some increases in numbers over the next few weeks".
He told people planning to see others on Christmas Day that they should "follow the rules carefully and make an assumption that you could be infectious, you could be the person spreading it to somebody else, and behave accordingly".
Sir Patrick also urged the public to take the new COVID strain "incredibly seriously" and warned that it requires "more action in order to keep it down and that's why Tier 4 is important".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:17 PM working with Macron to 'resolve problems'
Downing Street has previously suggested schools would still reopen in Tier 4 areas after the Christmas holidays.
But, asked about schools on Monday, the prime minister said the return of pupils to classrooms in the New Year would be kept under "constant review".
"The most useful thing I can tell you at this stage is obviously we want, if we possibly can, to get schools back in a staggered way at the beginning of January in the way that we have set out," he said.
"But obviously... the common sensical thing to do is to follow the path of the epidemic and as we showed last Saturday to keep things under constant review.
"But it is very, very important to get kids and keep kids in education if you possibly can."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-21--Number 10 rejects mounting calls to extend Brexit transition period

The post-Brexit transition period will not be extended , Downing Street says , despite growing calls for the deadline to be pushed back so the government can deal with spiking coronavirus cases and travel chaos .
A growing list of countries are banning travel from the UK because of a new COVID-19 strain and France has gone one step further by blocking all incoming accompanied trade , meaning hauliers and lorries are backed up in Kent .
Conservative MPs as well as senior figures from other parties , including Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Mayor of London Sadiq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister to request post-Brexit trade talks be pushed into the new year .
But Boris Johnson 's spokesman has ruled out any extension of the transition period , saying it is due to end on 31 December and `` that remains the government 's position '' .
Speaking at a Downing Street news conference after chairing an emergency meeting of the government 's COBRA committee , the prime minister said the status of the talks was `` unchanged '' .
`` There are problems , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK has got to be able to control its own laws completely .
And , also , that we have got to be able to control our own fisheries .
`` And , it remains the case that WTO terms [ no-deal ] would be more than satisfactory for the UK .
`` And we can certainly cope with any difficulties that are thrown in our way .
`` Not that we do n't want a deal , but WTO terms would be entirely satisfactory .
`` Prosper mightily remains an extremely good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way . ''
But his official spokesman has ruled out any extension of the transition period , saying it is due to end on 31 December and `` that remains the government 's position '' .
Chief negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord Frost met in Brussels on Sunday - the day the European Parliament said a deal needed to be done to ensure it could be signed off before the transition period ends on 31 December .
But they failed to reach a breakthrough , with a UK government source describing the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remaining on fishing and state aid for business .
Ms Sturgeon said Britain faced a `` profoundly serious situation '' with the new mutation of COVID-19 , which `` demands our 100 % attention '' .
`` It would be unconscionable to compound it with Brexit , '' she tweeted on Sunday night .
Simon Hoare , a Tory MP and chair of the Commons ' Northern Ireland affairs select committee , also said he wanted the clock `` temporarily stopped '' on trade talks .
`` There 's no parliamentary time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarity of the dangers to our already pressured economy of no-deal is alarming , '' he tweeted .
`` Time for maturity . ''
And another backbench Conservative , Tobias Ellwood , made a similar urge , saying : `` If there 's no deal by new year , let 's do what 's best for the UK & pause the clock . ''
Mr Khan also confirmed he wants the transition period extended .
`` Securing our key supply chains and fighting the coronavirus pandemic requires the full and undivided efforts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
But in contrast , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he did not want an extension to the transition period - but instead hoped the prime minister would get a trade deal .
`` I do n't want the extension , I want the deal , '' he said on Monday .
`` Get that deal over the line today or tomorrow , do n't delay .
People were promised a deal and you must deliver that deal . ''
Sir Keir did warn that no-deal would be a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete failure of the government '' .
A string of EU countries , including Germany , Italy , the Netherlands , Austria and Ireland , have all restricted travel to the UK over concerns about the new strain - thought to be up to 70 % more transmissible .
The Port of Dover has been closed to all traffic - both freight and passengers - amid the French travel ban .
It comes as EU chief negotiator Mr Barnier has said Brexit trade talks are at a `` crucial moment '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making `` unreasonable demands '' on fishing rights and competition rules .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sources have warned there will be no deal unless there is a `` substantial shift '' in position from the EU .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` We want these talks to reach a positive conclusion .
I think everybody wants a deal .
`` Unfortunately , the EU have put in some unreasonable demands .
I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but obviously it needs movement on the EU side . ''
Originally , the EU claimed there would need to be an agreement by 20 December if EU leaders were to have time to ratify it by the end-of-year deadline .
If a deal does come later , EU rules would allow leaders to sign it off provisionally , but delay ratification until 2021 .
But if there is no agreement by New Year 's Eve , the UK will leave the single market and customs union and have to trade with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which risks the imposition of tariffs and the price of goods going up .

The post-Brexit transition period will not be extended, Downing Street says, despite growing calls for the deadline to be pushed back so the government can deal with spiking coronavirus cases and travel chaos.
A growing list of countries are banning travel from the UK because of a new COVID-19 strain and France has gone one step further by blocking all incoming accompanied trade, meaning hauliers and lorries are backed up in Kent.
Conservative MPs as well as senior figures from other parties, including Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, have now called for the prime minister to request post-Brexit trade talks be pushed into the new year.
Image: Countries have begun shutting their borders with Britain
But Boris Johnson's spokesman has ruled out any extension of the transition period, saying it is due to end on 31 December and "that remains the government's position".
Speaking at a Downing Street news conference after chairing an emergency meeting of the government's COBRA committee, the prime minister said the status of the talks was "unchanged".
"There are problems," Mr Johnson said.
"It's vital that everyone understands that the UK has got to be able to control its own laws completely. And, also, that we have got to be able to control our own fisheries.
"And, it remains the case that WTO terms [no-deal] would be more than satisfactory for the UK.
"And we can certainly cope with any difficulties that are thrown in our way.
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"Not that we don't want a deal, but WTO terms would be entirely satisfactory.
"Prosper mightily remains an extremely good description of life after 1 January either way."
But his official spokesman has ruled out any extension of the transition period, saying it is due to end on 31 December and "that remains the government's position".
Chief negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord Frost met in Brussels on Sunday - the day the European Parliament said a deal needed to be done to ensure it could be signed off before the transition period ends on 31 December.
But they failed to reach a breakthrough, with a UK government source describing the situation as "difficult" with key differences remaining on fishing and state aid for business.
Ms Sturgeon said Britain faced a "profoundly serious situation" with the new mutation of COVID-19, which "demands our 100% attention".
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"It would be unconscionable to compound it with Brexit," she tweeted on Sunday night.
Simon Hoare, a Tory MP and chair of the Commons' Northern Ireland affairs select committee, also said he wanted the clock "temporarily stopped" on trade talks.
"There's no parliamentary time to scrutinise and agree a deal and daily clarity of the dangers to our already pressured economy of no-deal is alarming," he tweeted. "Time for maturity."
And another backbench Conservative, Tobias Ellwood, made a similar urge, saying: "If there's no deal by new year, let's do what's best for the UK & pause the clock."
Mr Khan also confirmed he wants the transition period extended.
"Securing our key supply chains and fighting the coronavirus pandemic requires the full and undivided efforts of ministers more than ever before," he added.
But in contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he did not want an extension to the transition period - but instead hoped the prime minister would get a trade deal.
"I don't want the extension, I want the deal," he said on Monday.
"Get that deal over the line today or tomorrow, don't delay. People were promised a deal and you must deliver that deal."
Sir Keir did warn that no-deal would be a "very, very bad outcome and a complete failure of the government".
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A string of EU countries, including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria and Ireland, have all restricted travel to the UK over concerns about the new strain - thought to be up to 70% more transmissible.
The Port of Dover has been closed to all traffic - both freight and passengers - amid the French travel ban.
It comes as EU chief negotiator Mr Barnier has said Brexit trade talks are at a "crucial moment".
The UK side has accused the EU of making "unreasonable demands" on fishing rights and competition rules.
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Sources have warned there will be no deal unless there is a "substantial shift" in position from the EU.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "We want these talks to reach a positive conclusion. I think everybody wants a deal.
"Unfortunately, the EU have put in some unreasonable demands. I'm sure that a deal can be done but obviously it needs movement on the EU side."
Originally, the EU claimed there would need to be an agreement by 20 December if EU leaders were to have time to ratify it by the end-of-year deadline.
If a deal does come later, EU rules would allow leaders to sign it off provisionally, but delay ratification until 2021.
But if there is no agreement by New Year's Eve, the UK will leave the single market and customs union and have to trade with the EU on World Trade Organisation terms - which risks the imposition of tariffs and the price of goods going up.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-22--England set for New Year lockdown as coronavirus variant spreads across UK

England has been put on notice for a New Year lockdown after the government 's chief scientific adviser warned that an extension of Tier 4 restrictions may be needed .
With the new variant now surging across the UK , an announcement that large areas of England will join London and parts of southeast England in Tier 4 is expected on Wednesday 30 December , when the next review of the tier system is due .
The clampdown is expected to come into force in the new year .
Latest coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 crisis facing Boris Johnson is dramatically escalating , with the chaos at Channel ports caused by the French travel ban expected to last at least until Christmas Eve .
And in another blow to the travelling public , the Stormont executive in Belfast is advising against non-essential travel between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic .
The executive is also urging anyone arriving in Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK to self-isolate for 10 days .
Home Secretary Priti Patel ramped up warnings about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It 's a stronger strain of the virus in the sense that it 's more transmittable , it 's a bouncy virus . ''
She added that `` of course , if the virus continues to spread then we will take stronger measures '' .
Due to the dual pressures of coronavirus and winter , the military is being drafted in to help drive ambulances in Wales , with 90 soldiers put on standby .
The looming Tier 4 extension in England follows a warning from England 's chief scientific adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Downing Street news conference alongside the prime minister .
Although he said a decision on Tier 4 areas was for politicians , Sir Patrick said cases had spread `` everywhere '' and warned the country to brace itself for further restrictions .
`` The evidence on this virus is that it spreads easily , '' he said .
`` It 's more transmissible , we absolutely need to make sure we have the right level of restrictions in place .
`` I think it is likely that this will grow in numbers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it 's likely , therefore , that measures will need to be increased in some places , in due course , not reduced . ''
And on Tier 4 measures , he urged the public to take the new COVID variant `` incredibly seriously '' and said it required `` more action in order to keep it down and that 's why Tier 4 is important '' .
In another highly significant development at the Downing Street news conference , Mr Johnson signalled that another government U-turn may be on the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly saying during the pandemic that keeping schools open was a `` national priority '' , the prime minister said the return of pupils to classrooms in the New Year would be kept under review .
`` The most useful thing I can tell you at this stage is obviously we want , if we possibly can , to get schools back in a staggered way at the beginning of January in the way that we have set out , '' he said .
`` But obviously ... the commonsensical thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic and as we showed last Saturday to keep things under constant review .
`` But it is very , very important to get kids and keep kids in education if you possibly can . ''
Meanwhile , government scientific advisers have claimed that unless the government imposed another national lockdown within days thousands of lives could be lost in a `` human disaster '' .
Speaking during a briefing by leading scientists , Robert West , a member of the government 's SAGE advisory committee , said the current tier system was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We need to reset our strategy and move rapidly to a zero COVID strategy of the kind that many have been proposing , '' he said .
`` This will involve stricter but more rational social distancing rules across the country and finally be doing what we should have done from the start - to build the kind of test , travel , isolate and support programmes they have in countries in the Far East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the alternative could well be a catastrophic collapse in confidence in the country 's ability to control the virus and the economic , human and social disaster that would follow . ''

England has been put on notice for a New Year lockdown after the government's chief scientific adviser warned that an extension of Tier 4 restrictions may be needed.
With the new variant now surging across the UK, an announcement that large areas of England will join London and parts of southeast England in Tier 4 is expected on Wednesday 30 December, when the next review of the tier system is due.
The clampdown is expected to come into force in the new year.
Latest coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Patrick Vallance warns of more restrictions
The rapid spread of the virus means the COVID-19 crisis facing Boris Johnson is dramatically escalating, with the chaos at Channel ports caused by the French travel ban expected to last at least until Christmas Eve.
And in another blow to the travelling public, the Stormont executive in Belfast is advising against non-essential travel between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic.
The executive is also urging anyone arriving in Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK to self-isolate for 10 days.
Home Secretary Priti Patel ramped up warnings about the new COVID-19 variant, telling Sky News: "It's a stronger strain of the virus in the sense that it's more transmittable, it's a bouncy virus."
She added that "of course, if the virus continues to spread then we will take stronger measures".
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Due to the dual pressures of coronavirus and winter, the military is being drafted in to help drive ambulances in Wales, with 90 soldiers put on standby.
The looming Tier 4 extension in England follows a warning from England's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance on Monday during a Downing Street news conference alongside the prime minister.
Although he said a decision on Tier 4 areas was for politicians, Sir Patrick said cases had spread "everywhere" and warned the country to brace itself for further restrictions.
"The evidence on this virus is that it spreads easily," he said. "It's more transmissible, we absolutely need to make sure we have the right level of restrictions in place.
"I think it is likely that this will grow in numbers of the variant across the country and I think it's likely, therefore, that measures will need to be increased in some places, in due course, not reduced."
And on Tier 4 measures, he urged the public to take the new COVID variant "incredibly seriously" and said it required "more action in order to keep it down and that's why Tier 4 is important".
In another highly significant development at the Downing Street news conference, Mr Johnson signalled that another government U-turn may be on the way on schools reopening in January.
After repeatedly saying during the pandemic that keeping schools open was a "national priority", the prime minister said the return of pupils to classrooms in the New Year would be kept under review.
"The most useful thing I can tell you at this stage is obviously we want, if we possibly can, to get schools back in a staggered way at the beginning of January in the way that we have set out," he said.
"But obviously... the commonsensical thing to do is to follow the path of the epidemic and as we showed last Saturday to keep things under constant review.
"But it is very, very important to get kids and keep kids in education if you possibly can."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 New variant: What more do we know?
Meanwhile, government scientific advisers have claimed that unless the government imposed another national lockdown within days thousands of lives could be lost in a "human disaster".
Speaking during a briefing by leading scientists, Robert West, a member of the government's SAGE advisory committee, said the current tier system was unlikely to contain the spread of the virus.
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"We need to reset our strategy and move rapidly to a zero COVID strategy of the kind that many have been proposing," he said.
"This will involve stricter but more rational social distancing rules across the country and finally be doing what we should have done from the start - to build the kind of test, travel, isolate and support programmes they have in countries in the Far East.
"It sounds expensive, but the alternative could well be a catastrophic collapse in confidence in the country's ability to control the virus and the economic, human and social disaster that would follow."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-22--Signs emerge post-Brexit trade deal is still possible

Signs have emerged a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU is still possible - with just nine days to go until the deadline .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a secret call on Monday evening , according to Reuters .
The news agency cited sources who said the two leaders talked about fishing - one of the key remaining stumbling blocks to an agreement - and the coronavirus crisis .
It added Brussels now appeared willing to accept a reduction in the value of its catch in UK waters of up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2021 .
Downing Street is not denying the phone call between Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen took place but pointed to commitments made previously that they would stay in touch during negotiations .
In a sign of some potential movement , the EU 's chief negotiator Michel Barnier is also due to update the 27 member states ' ambassadors at 3pm GMT .
In mid-December , both sides were loudly talking up the prospect of no-deal .
But after yet more deadlines passed that they said were the points a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public statements from Number 10 and the Berlaymont ( the European Commission headquarters ) have gone much quieter .
More speculation a deal could be clinched was boosted by a former Number 10 special adviser on Brexit who wrote an article for Politico laying out how a compromise could be reached on fish in time .
There is just over a week to go until the end of the transition period - the arrangement the UK entered into once it left the EU on 31 January .
Since then , the country has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's rules while negotiators try to hammer out an agreement .
Talks appear to be going down to the wire , and with parliament broken up for the Christmas holidays Sky News has been told it could be recalled on 30 December to approve any last-minute agreement .

Signs have emerged that a post-Brexit trade deal is still possible, but an EU diplomat has said "differences on fisheries remain difficult to bridge".
With just nine days to go until the end of the transition period, Michel Barnier said the talks were "really in a crucial moment" and the bloc was giving a "final push" to try and reach a deal.
But EU diplomatic sources cited by Reuters news agency said Mr Barnier told EU ambassadors in an update on Tuesday afternoon that fisheries remain a stumbling block.
Image: The post-Brexit transition period ends on 31 December
"Progress has been made. Most issues are preliminarily closed or close to being agreed. However, differences on fisheries remain difficult to bridge," one diplomat said.
"Unfortunately, the EU is not moving enough yet to clinch a deal on fisheries."
The diplomat, who spoke under condition of anonymity, added: "The EU will not close its door to the UK and remains ready to negotiate beyond the 1st of January."
Mr Barnier was also said to have described the latest offer on sharing out fish catches from 2021 as "totally unacceptable".
It comes after Reuters reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a secret call on Monday evening.
The news agency cited sources who said the two leaders talked about fishing and the coronavirus crisis.
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Image: Michel Barnier briefed ambassadors on Tuesday afternoon
It added Brussels now appeared willing to accept a reduction in the value of its catch in UK waters of up to 25% over a period of time from 2021.
Downing Street is not denying the phone call between Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen took place but pointed to commitments made previously that they would stay in touch during negotiations.
In mid-December, both sides were loudly talking up the prospect of no-deal.
But after yet more deadlines passed that they said were the points a deal needed to be reached by, public statements from Number 10 and the Berlaymont (the European Commission headquarters) have gone much quieter.
More speculation a deal could be clinched was boosted by a former Number 10 special adviser on Brexit, who wrote an article for Politico laying out how a compromise could be reached on fish in time.
There is just over a week to go until the end of the transition period - the arrangement the UK entered into once it left the EU on 31 January.
Since then, the country has continued to follow most of the bloc's rules while negotiators try to hammer out an agreement.
Talks appear to be going down to the wire, and with parliament broken up for the Christmas holidays, Sky News has been told it could be recalled on 30 December to approve any last-minute agreement.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-23--More areas could be heading for Tier 4 after Christmas, minister hints

More areas could be moved into Tier 4 after Christmas given the `` very worrying '' new coronavirus variant , a cabinet minister has told Sky News .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said the mutation `` is very concentrated in London and the South East '' , where full lockdown measures are already imposed .
`` We 've now had time to think again about whether further action is required in other parts of the country , and that 's the decision the prime minister and other ministers will need to take in the next couple of days , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the UK and across the world '' The new variant is much less prevalent elsewhere , but there is rising evidence that you can find it in a range of other parts of the country .
`` So the question is , whether we should take action to try to head that off ? ''
Mr Jenrick also suggested the `` Christmas bubbles '' plan for all those living outside Tier 4 could be tweaked even further , saying : `` If we need to change that in light of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do so . ''
But he later clarified it was `` very unlikely '' there will be changes , telling BBC Breakfast : `` There is absolutely no plan to do so .
People should go about their Christmas as they were planning to do so . ''
A meeting is going ahead this morning to discuss whether more areas should move into Tier 4 .
Sir Mark Walport , the government 's former chief scientific adviser , said : `` It 's very likely the degree of restrictions is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country ...
Measures are going to have to be pretty tough . ''
Some areas near Tier 4 locations with high COVID-19 case rates could be moved up but there is no set timeline for when those changes could take place , according to a government source .
The Times reports areas under consideration are West Sussex and the remaining parts of East Sussex that are not already in the highest tier as well as Rugby , Burnley , Lincoln and Stoke-on-Trent .
Labour is accusing Boris Johnson of having `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and urged him to move quickly .
Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth told Sky News his message to the prime minister was : `` If the scientific advice is tougher restrictions , do n't sit on it for weeks like you did last time , do n't dither , do n't delay - because that has disastrous consequences , take the action that is needed now to save lives . ''
In 17 more areas , including Newcastle , Bristol and Boston , quick turn-around lateral-flow community testing is to be rolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the virus is strongest , '' Mr Jenrick told Sky News on Wednesday .
Cases across the UK are continuing to hit record levels , with another 36,804 coronavirus infections reported on Tuesday and 691 deaths .

More areas could be moved into Tier 4 after Christmas given the "very worrying" new coronavirus variant, a cabinet minister has told Sky News.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said the mutation "is very concentrated in London and the South East", where full lockdown measures are already imposed.
"We've now had time to think again about whether further action is required in other parts of the country, and that's the decision the prime minister and other ministers will need to take in the next couple of days," he explained.
Follow live COVID updates from the UK and across the world
Image: Christmas bubbles are only allowed for those outside Tier 4
"The new variant is much less prevalent elsewhere, but there is rising evidence that you can find it in a range of other parts of the country.
"So the question is, whether we should take action to try to head that off?"
Mr Jenrick also suggested the "Christmas bubbles" plan for all those living outside Tier 4 could be tweaked even further, saying: "If we need to change that in light of the new variant, then we won't hesitate to do so."
But he later clarified it was "very unlikely" there will be changes, telling BBC Breakfast: "There is absolutely no plan to do so. People should go about their Christmas as they were planning to do so."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Government 'won't hesitate' to alter Xmas guidance
A meeting went ahead this morning to discuss whether more areas should move into Tier 4 and Health Secretary Matt Hancock is due to hold a news conference at 3pm to announce further details.
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Sir Mark Walport, the government's former chief scientific adviser, said: "It's very likely the degree of restrictions is going to have to go up in other parts of the country... Measures are going to have to be pretty tough."
Some areas near Tier 4 locations with high COVID-19 case rates could be moved up but there is no set timeline for when those changes could take place, according to a government source.
The Times reports areas under consideration are West Sussex and the remaining parts of East Sussex that are not already in the highest tier as well as Rugby, Burnley, Lincoln and Stoke-on-Trent.
Labour is accusing Boris Johnson of having "always been behind the COVID curve", and urged him to move quickly.
Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth told Sky News his message to the prime minister was: "If the scientific advice is tougher restrictions, don't sit on it for weeks like you did last time, don't dither, don't delay - because that has disastrous consequences, take the action that is needed now to save lives."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:20 Former chief scientific adviser Sir Mark Walport says the evidence is 'pretty straightforward' that the new variant is spreading.
In 17 more areas, including Newcastle, Bristol and Boston, quick turn-around lateral-flow community testing is to be rolled out.
"They are the areas where the virus is strongest," Mr Jenrick told Sky News on Wednesday.
Cases across the UK are continuing to hit record levels, with another 36,804 coronavirus infections reported on Tuesday and 691 deaths.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-23--'I'm kicking myself very hard': Sturgeon apologises for breaking COVID rules at funeral wake

Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she is `` kicking myself very hard '' after breaking coronavirus rules by taking off her face mask at a funeral wake .
A photograph , published by the Scottish Sun , shows her chatting to three women in a bar while not wearing a mask .
`` I want to take this opportunity to say how sorry I am for my breach of rules that I ask all of us to follow every single day , '' she told the Scottish Parliament .
`` I took my face mask off while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ...
I want to be clear today that regardless of the circumstances I was in the wrong .
There are no excuses .
`` These rules do apply to me , just as they do to everyone else and the rules really matter .
`` I am kicking myself very hard - possibly harder than my worst critic ever could .
But more importantly I 'll be making sure I do n't drop my guard again . ''
Face coverings for customers and staff are mandatory when entering , exiting and moving around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who breach the face covering rules can be fined up to £60 .
Ms Sturgeon was at the Stable Bar and Restaurant after attending a funeral for a Scottish government civil servant , the Scottish Sun reported .
A Scottish Conservative spokesman said : `` The first minister should know better .
`` By forgetting the rules and failing to set a proper example , she 's undermining essential public health messaging .
`` It 's a blunder that an ordinary member of the public would n't get away with .
There can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and another for everyone else . ''
Scotland 's Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf tweeted : `` FM has approached pandemic by being upfront from v beginning .
`` She has apologised for accidental lapse ( which I suspect most of us have had one over last 9 months ) .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I 've known her for 15yrs & she is her harshest critic .
I am sure most ppl will understand , accept apology & move on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's national clinical director , said he spoke to Ms Sturgeon last night and she was `` absolutely furious with herself '' .
He said she was leaving the funeral when some ladies called her back over and so the first minister `` inadvertently forgot to put her face covering back on '' .
`` She feels worse than everybody else , '' he told Sky News , adding : `` I think it 's a lesson for all of us . ''

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she is "kicking myself very hard" after breaking coronavirus rules by taking off her face mask at a funeral wake.
A photograph, published by the Scottish Sun, shows her chatting to three women in a bar while not wearing a mask.
"I want to take this opportunity to say how sorry I am for my breach of rules that I ask all of us to follow every single day," she told the Scottish Parliament.
"I took my face mask off while briefly attending a funeral purvey last week... I want to be clear today that regardless of the circumstances I was in the wrong. There are no excuses.
"These rules do apply to me, just as they do to everyone else and the rules really matter.
"I am kicking myself very hard - possibly harder than my worst critic ever could. But more importantly I'll be making sure I don't drop my guard again."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Face coverings for customers and staff are mandatory when entering, exiting and moving around hospitality venues under Scottish regulations.
Those who breach the face covering rules can be fined up to £60.
Ms Sturgeon was at the Stable Bar and Restaurant after attending a funeral for a Scottish government civil servant, the Scottish Sun reported.
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A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: "The first minister should know better.
"By forgetting the rules and failing to set a proper example, she's undermining essential public health messaging.
"It's a blunder that an ordinary member of the public wouldn't get away with. There cannot be one rule for Nicola Sturgeon and another for everyone else."
Scotland's Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf tweeted: "FM has approached pandemic by being upfront from v beginning.
"She has apologised for accidental lapse (which I suspect most of us have had one over last 9 months).
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I've known her for 15yrs & she is her harshest critic. I am sure most ppl will understand, accept apology & move on."
Prof Jason Leitch, the Scottish government's national clinical director, said he spoke to Ms Sturgeon last night and she was "absolutely furious with herself".
He said she was leaving the funeral when some ladies called her back over and so the first minister "inadvertently forgot to put her face covering back on".
"She feels worse than everybody else," he told Sky News, adding: "I think it's a lesson for all of us."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-23--Use up UK vaccine stock on first doses and prioritise 'spreading' students - Blair

Tony Blair has called for an overhaul of vaccine rollout plans by not holding back second doses and instead using them to give patients their first jabs .
The former Labour prime minister said under the current system , `` much of the country will not be vaccinated until spring or summer '' - leading to `` colossal '' economic and health damages .
In a plea to Boris Johnson , he urged the prime minister to `` radically accelerate '' mass-immunisation .
Mr Blair said the government should `` consider using all the available doses in January as first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back half for second doses '' .
The Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine approved for distribution in the UK requires two doses , administered two weeks apart .
Mr Blair speculated that 30 million Johnson and Johnson vaccines - which requires only one dose - will also be available for use by the end of January .
He also suggested that while the focus should be on frontline health staff and the most vulnerable , people more likely to spread COVID-19 like students should also be considered as a priority .
`` The logic behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Mr Blair wrote in an article for The Independent .
`` But if it is the spread we 're anxious about , then it makes sense to consider vaccinating those doing the spreading , in particular certain occupations or age groups such as students . ''
`` Revisit the logistics plan to see if we ca n't radically increase the volume of vaccination .
`` If the vaccines are available , is it really impossible - given the gravity of our plight - to cover a majority of the population by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea to prioritise giving more people a first dose was not warmly welcomed by scientists giving evidence to a Commons select committee on Wednesday .
Prof Peter Horby , who chairs the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group ( NERVTAG ) , said : `` You ca n't assume that one dose is as good or half as good or whatever as good as two doses , because the data you have is on two doses . ''
And Prof Neil Ferguson said it would n't be permitted because the medicines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It would require an entirely different regulatory submission to authorise just a single dose , '' he said .
So far 500,000 people have had their first jab of the only coronavirus vaccine approved for use in the UK .
Jabs started being administered on 8 December , and are being offered to people based on a priority list mostly dependent on age .
The first person in the UK to receive the vaccine outside a clinical trial was 90-year-old Margaret Keenan .
The grandmother-of-four , who was given the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University Hospital , declared it was `` a privilege '' .
Two groups who will not get the jab are pregnant women and most children under 16 .

Tony Blair has called for an overhaul of vaccine rollout plans by not holding back second doses and instead using them to give patients their first jabs.
The former Labour prime minister said under the current system, "much of the country will not be vaccinated until spring or summer" - leading to "colossal" economic and health damages.
In a plea to Boris Johnson, he urged the prime minister to "radically accelerate" mass-immunisation.
Mr Blair said the government should "consider using all the available doses in January as first doses, that is, not keeping back half for second doses".
Image: Tony Blair warned a rollout lasting into the summer would lead to 'colossal' damage
The Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine approved for distribution in the UK requires two doses, administered two weeks apart.
Mr Blair speculated that 30 million Johnson and Johnson vaccines - which requires only one dose - will also be available for use by the end of January.
He also suggested that while the focus should be on frontline health staff and the most vulnerable, people more likely to spread COVID-19 like students should also be considered as a priority.
"The logic behind age is naturally heightened risk of mortality," Mr Blair wrote in an article for The Independent.
"But if it is the spread we're anxious about, then it makes sense to consider vaccinating those doing the spreading, in particular certain occupations or age groups such as students."
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Image: It is likely there will be several vaccines approved in the coming months
"Revisit the logistics plan to see if we can't radically increase the volume of vaccination.
"If the vaccines are available, is it really impossible - given the gravity of our plight - to cover a majority of the population by the end of February?"
The idea to prioritise giving more people a first dose was not warmly welcomed by scientists giving evidence to a Commons select committee on Wednesday.
Prof Peter Horby, who chairs the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG), said: "You can't assume that one dose is as good or half as good or whatever as good as two doses, because the data you have is on two doses."
Image: The ex-PM suggested vaccinating 'spreading' students
And Prof Neil Ferguson said it wouldn't be permitted because the medicines regulator would have to approve it first.
"It would require an entirely different regulatory submission to authorise just a single dose," he said.
So far 500,000 people have had their first jab of the only coronavirus vaccine approved for use in the UK.
Jabs started being administered on 8 December, and are being offered to people based on a priority list mostly dependent on age.
The first person in the UK to receive the vaccine outside a clinical trial was 90-year-old Margaret Keenan.
The grandmother-of-four, who was given the vaccine by nurse May Parsons at Coventry's University Hospital, declared it was "a privilege".
Two groups who will not get the jab are pregnant women and most children under 16.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-22--Signs Brexit deal still possible - but differences on fisheries 'remain difficult to bridge'

Signs have emerged that a post-Brexit trade deal is still possible , but an EU diplomat has said `` differences on fisheries remain difficult to bridge '' .
With just nine days to go until the end of the transition period , Michel Barnier said the talks were `` really in a crucial moment '' and the bloc was giving a `` final push '' to try and reach a deal .
But EU diplomatic sources cited by Reuters news agency said Mr Barnier told EU ambassadors in an update on Tuesday afternoon that fisheries remain a stumbling block .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues are preliminarily closed or close to being agreed .
However , differences on fisheries remain difficult to bridge , '' one diplomat said .
`` Unfortunately , the EU is not moving enough yet to clinch a deal on fisheries . ''
The diplomat , who spoke under condition of anonymity , added : `` The EU will not close its door to the UK and remains ready to negotiate beyond the 1st of January . ''
Mr Barnier was also said to have described the latest offer on sharing out fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
It comes after Reuters reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a secret call on Monday evening .
The news agency cited sources who said the two leaders talked about fishing and the coronavirus crisis .
It added Brussels now appeared willing to accept a reduction in the value of its catch in UK waters of up to 25 % over a period of time from 2021 .
Downing Street is not denying the phone call between Mr Johnson and Ms von der @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made previously that they would stay in touch during negotiations .
In mid-December , both sides were loudly talking up the prospect of no-deal .
But after yet more deadlines passed that they said were the points a deal needed to be reached by , public statements from Number 10 and the Berlaymont ( the European Commission headquarters ) have gone much quieter .
More speculation a deal could be clinched was boosted by a former Number 10 special adviser on Brexit , who wrote an article for Politico laying out how a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
There is just over a week to go until the end of the transition period - the arrangement the UK entered into once it left the EU on 31 January .
Since then , the country has continued to follow most of the bloc 's rules while negotiators try to hammer out an agreement .
Talks appear to be going down to the wire , and with parliament broken up for the Christmas holidays , Sky News has been told it could be recalled on 30 December to approve any last-minute @ @


skynewspolitics--2020-12-22--PM overrides watchdog to hand life peerage to Tory donor who backed his leadership bid

Boris Johnson is facing calls to overhaul the way peerages are awarded , after he handed more out more places in the House of Lords and overrode the appointments watchdog .
The prime minister nominated seven Conservative figures to get law-making privileges , including old party Treasurer and donor Peter Cruddas , ex-minister Richard Benyon , and former MEPs Daniel Hannan and Syed Kamall .
Labour also nominated former MPs Jenny Chapman and Vernon Coaker , as well as the leader of Leeds City Council Judith Blake CBE , and Gillian Merron , the chief executive of the Board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossbenchers have also been lined up to join the Lords , propelling the former most senior civil servant at the Foreign Office Sir Simon McDonald and former MI5 director general Sir Andrew Parker into parliament .
But eyebrows were raised when it emerged Mr Johnson overrode the Lords appointment watchdog , which said it could not support his choice of Mr Cruddas .
In a letter published on Tuesday , the prime minister said the scrutineers had raised `` historic concerns in respect of allegations made during Mr Cruddas ' term as treasurer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judgement reached by the Court of Appeal in subsequent libel action '' .
Mr Cruddas is a prolific Tory donor who has given more than £3.5m to the party and gave money to Mr Johnson 's leadership campaign last summer .
He was also one of the founders of Vote Leave and gave the campaign group £1.5m ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum .
He served as Tory treasurer until 2012 , when his term was brought to an abrupt end by a cash-for-access story in The Sunday Times .
The businessman successfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his financial award was later reduced on appeal .
A Court of Appeal judgement found that while aspects of his conduct had been `` unacceptable and wrong '' , it upheld the ruling of libel and malicious falsehood in his favour .
The tycoon was also exonerated by the Electoral Commission .
Mr Johnson said there were `` wider factors which must also play into the consideration '' of why Mr Cruddas should now be handed a peerage .
The prime minister claimed `` the most serious accusations levelled at the time were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that Mr Cruddas had resigned and apologised for `` any impression of impropriety '' and `` was `` reflecting his particular concern for integrity in public life '' .
But among those unhappy at the list of 16 peerages was the House of Lords Speaker , Lord Fowler , who also served as a cabinet minister under Margaret Thatcher .
He said he had a `` fundamental concern '' about `` the number of new peers that have been appointed by the prime minister in his first 12 months in office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July , including for his brother Jo .
`` This list will bring the total in the House of Lords to over 830 - almost 200 more than the House of Commons , '' Lord Fowler said .
`` Unlike other senates in democratic countries , there is no limit on the number of members there can be .
Any prime minister can appoint as many as he or she likes .
`` To her great credit , the previous prime minister , Theresa May , committed her government to a policy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U-turn , those words seem to have been forgotten .
It may also now be the time to review the role and the powers of the House of Lords Appointments Commission . ''
He added : `` Sometimes the Lords itself is blamed for a failure to change .
My answer to that is - do n't blame the Lords , blame successive governments who have avoided the subject .
`` The reply has been that change is 'not a priority ' .
It is possible that with the last two lists , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson is facing calls to overhaul the way peerages are awarded, after he handed more out more places in the House of Lords and overrode the appointments watchdog.
The prime minister nominated seven Conservative figures to get law-making privileges, including old party Treasurer and donor Peter Cruddas, ex-minister Richard Benyon, and former MEPs Daniel Hannan and Syed Kamall.
Labour also nominated former MPs Jenny Chapman and Vernon Coaker, as well as the leader of Leeds City Council Judith Blake CBE, and Gillian Merron, the chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
Image: There will now be more than 830 peers
Four new crossbenchers have also been lined up to join the Lords, propelling the former most senior civil servant at the Foreign Office Sir Simon McDonald and former MI5 director general Sir Andrew Parker into parliament.
But eyebrows were raised when it emerged Mr Johnson overrode the Lords appointment watchdog, which said it could not support his choice of Mr Cruddas.
In a letter published on Tuesday, the prime minister said the scrutineers had raised "historic concerns in respect of allegations made during Mr Cruddas' term as treasurer of the Conservative Party, and the judgement reached by the Court of Appeal in subsequent libel action".
Mr Cruddas is a prolific Tory donor who has given more than £3.5m to the party and gave money to Mr Johnson's leadership campaign last summer. He was also one of the founders of Vote Leave and gave the campaign group £1.5m ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum.
He served as Tory treasurer until 2012, when his term was brought to an abrupt end by a cash-for-access story in The Sunday Times.
The businessman successfully sued the newspaper for libel, although his financial award was later reduced on appeal.
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Image: Peter Cruddas is a former Conservative Party treasurer
A Court of Appeal judgement found that while aspects of his conduct had been "unacceptable and wrong", it upheld the ruling of libel and malicious falsehood in his favour.
The tycoon was also exonerated by the Electoral Commission.
Mr Johnson said there were "wider factors which must also play into the consideration" of why Mr Cruddas should now be handed a peerage.
The prime minister claimed "the most serious accusations levelled at the time were found to be untrue and libellous", and that Mr Cruddas had resigned and apologised for "any impression of impropriety" and "was "reflecting his particular concern for integrity in public life".
A subsequent internal Conservative Party probe found "no intentional wrongdoing", Mr Johnson added.
But among those unhappy at the list of 16 peerages was the House of Lords Speaker, Lord Fowler, who also served as a cabinet minister under Margaret Thatcher.
He said he had a "fundamental concern" about "the number of new peers that have been appointed by the prime minister in his first 12 months in office" - following 36 peerages announced in July, including for his brother Jo.
Image: Mr Cruddas was one of the Vote Leave founders
"This list will bring the total in the House of Lords to over 830 - almost 200 more than the House of Commons," Lord Fowler said.
"Unlike other senates in democratic countries, there is no limit on the number of members there can be. Any prime minister can appoint as many as he or she likes.
"To her great credit, the previous prime minister, Theresa May, committed her government to a policy of 'moderation.'
"In a massive U-turn, those words seem to have been forgotten. It may also now be the time to review the role and the powers of the House of Lords Appointments Commission."
Image: Lord Fowler accused the government of a 'massive U-turn'
He added: "Sometimes the Lords itself is blamed for a failure to change. My answer to that is - don't blame the Lords, blame successive governments who have avoided the subject.
"The reply has been that change is 'not a priority'. It is possible that with the last two lists, the public may now disagree."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-23--Brexit talks in 'end phase' as hopes of trade deal rise

Talks between the UK and EU on a post-Brexit trade deal are in the `` end phase '' , an EU official has told Sky News .
With both sides trying to reach an agreement before the end of the transition period next week , sources in London and Brussels have told Sky News that a Brexit deal could be close .
Sky News understands a call of Boris Johnson 's cabinet will take place in the `` coming hours '' to update ministers on the state of play .
Sky 's deputy political editor Sam Coates said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief negotiators ] are locked in a room in Brussels .
`` It seems like they have come to a political agreement about how they want to manage key Brexit issues , but it 's being turned into legal text .
`` That is an optimistic sign , it does suggest that the end process of this is near .
`` But it does not mean that it is a done deal by any stretch of the imagination .
Number 10 are stressing that negotiations completely can collapse . ''
There were suggestions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early as this evening , but that deadline appears to be slipping .
Sky 's Europe correspondent Michelle Clifford said there was a `` sense of optimism '' in Brussels , with an EU official telling her : `` We are in the end phase now . ''
She said : `` There is no confirmation of that deal yet , there are still rows going on , we understand , over fishing and other issues .
`` But it is the most optimistic that we 've heard this side of the Channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fact , ever . ''
Both sides had set a deadline of mid-October for reaching a trade deal , with the expectation it would then take time for the final version to be scrutinised and voted on .
Parliament needs to ratify a deal if one is agreed , but it has already broken up for Christmas .
However , Sky News has been told MPs could be recalled on 30 December to approve any last-minute agreement .
A senior EU diplomat told the Reuters news agency earlier that a provisional application @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved by member states because there is not enough time for the EU Parliament to ratify a deal .
The European Research Group of pro-Brexit Conservative MPs , a group the prime minister will want to keep onside , has said it will examine any deal in detail and issue its verdict before Parliament reconvenes .
It said in a statement that it would reconvene its so-called `` star chamber '' of legal experts to pore over the terms of any deal .
Britain left the EU at the end of January and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following EU rules and regulations whilst trying to negotiate a free trade deal by the end of this year .
But a number of sticking points have emerged during the negotiations .
These include fishing rights and the so-called `` level playing field '' - measures to prevent what is seen as unfair competition through the lowering of standards or the use of state subsidies .
Boris Johnson has acknowledged that a no-deal Brexit `` may be difficult at first '' , but has maintained that the UK would `` prosper mightily '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pass .
But opponents say leaving without a deal and consequently having to trade on World Trade Organisation terms from 1 January would cause problems for business and push up prices for consumers .

Talks between the UK and EU on a post-Brexit trade deal are in the "end phase", an EU official has told Sky News.
With both sides trying to reach an agreement before the end of the transition period next week, sources in London and Brussels have told Sky News that a Brexit deal could be close.
Sky News understands a call of Boris Johnson's cabinet will take place in the "coming hours" to update ministers on the state of play.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:21 EU's Barnier in 'final push' to agree Brexit deal
Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates said: "Michel Barnier and David Frost [the chief negotiators] are locked in a room in Brussels.
"It seems like they have come to a political agreement about how they want to manage key Brexit issues, but it's being turned into legal text.
"That is an optimistic sign, it does suggest that the end process of this is near.
"But it does not mean that it is a done deal by any stretch of the imagination. Number 10 are stressing that negotiations completely can collapse."
There were suggestions that an announcement could be made as early as this evening, but that deadline appears to be slipping.
Sky's Europe correspondent Michelle Clifford said there was a "sense of optimism" in Brussels, with an EU official telling her: "We are in the end phase now."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 UK will not 'prosper mightily' under no deal
She said: "There is no confirmation of that deal yet, there are still rows going on, we understand, over fishing and other issues.
"But it is the most optimistic that we've heard this side of the Channel sounding for a very long time - in fact, ever."
Both sides had set a deadline of mid-October for reaching a trade deal, with the expectation it would then take time for the final version to be scrutinised and voted on.
Parliament needs to ratify a deal if one is agreed, but it has already broken up for Christmas.
However, Sky News has been told MPs could be recalled on 30 December to approve any last-minute agreement.
A senior EU diplomat told the Reuters news agency earlier that a provisional application of a deal would need to be approved by member states because there is not enough time for the EU Parliament to ratify a deal.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 European fishermen 'won't accept' no-deal Brexit
The European Research Group of pro-Brexit Conservative MPs, a group the prime minister will want to keep onside, has said it will examine any deal in detail and issue its verdict before Parliament reconvenes.
It said in a statement that it would reconvene its so-called "star chamber" of legal experts to pore over the terms of any deal.
Britain left the EU at the end of January and entered into an 11-month transition period, following EU rules and regulations whilst trying to negotiate a free trade deal by the end of this year.
But a number of sticking points have emerged during the negotiations.
These include fishing rights and the so-called "level playing field" - measures to prevent what is seen as unfair competition through the lowering of standards or the use of state subsidies.
Boris Johnson has acknowledged that a no-deal Brexit "may be difficult at first", but has maintained that the UK would "prosper mightily" under such a scenario if it comes to pass.
But opponents say leaving without a deal and consequently having to trade on World Trade Organisation terms from 1 January would cause problems for business and push up prices for consumers.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-23--Millions more in England to enter Tier 4 lockdown from Boxing Day

More areas in the east , southeast and southwest of England will be moved into Tier 4 to battle the growing number of coronavirus cases , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced .
The measure is effectively a regional lockdown and will come into force on Boxing Day in : • Parts of Essex currently not in Tier 4 • Hampshire ( apart from the New Forest ) Areas going into Tier 3 are : Cornwall and Herefordshire are also moving into Tier 2 .
It means that 34.3 million people ( 52 % of the UK population ) will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional equivalent from 26 December , with 24.7 million ( 37 % ) in Tier 3 , 7.4 million ( 11 % ) in Tier 2 , and just the 2,224 people on the Isles of Scilly ( 0.0033 % ) in Tier 1 Dr Jenny Harries , one of England 's deputy chief medical officers , said the tier changes were about `` encouraging and tightening our own behaviours '' in areas where people `` stray off course a little bit '' .
If places need to be moved to a higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he would be `` prepared to act incredibly fast '' .
`` The current tiers are working , '' he insisted .
`` We 've all got to take responsibility for our own actions . ''
Mr Hancock also said two cases of another new , `` more transmissible '' COVID-19 variant linked to South Africa have been identified in the UK and will be analysed at Porton Down shortly .
`` This new variant is highly concerning because it is yet more transmissible and it appears to have mutated further than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK , '' he warned .
Anyone in the UK who has been in South Africa in the past fortnight or any of their close contacts have been told to quarantine immediately - meaning they `` must restrict all contact with any other person '' .
The law will be changed imminently to give the new measure legal effect .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the creation of Tier 4 on Saturday - the toughest level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on COVID-19 hotspots .
The first areas put into the highest band of measures were : • In eastern England : Bedford , Central Bedford , Milton Keynes , Luton , Peterborough , Hertfordshire and Essex ( excluding Colchester , Uttlesford and Tendring ) Plans to let people see family and friends over Christmas were also overhauled , with people in Tier 4 told they could not meet anyone outside their household apart from one person for exercise .
For everyone else , the `` Christmas bubbles '' plan was changed to apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the original 23-27 December .
Questions remain over whether Tier 4 will be enough to stop the growth of COVID-19 .
Professor Neil Ferguson , a government adviser whose modelling contributed to the first national lockdown , said while schools were closed he had `` more confidence '' the R number - the average number of people someone with coronavirus passes it on to - could come back under 1 .
`` But we will see really what will happen in the next two weeks , '' he cautioned .
`` If we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see a significant decline in the case numbers both of the variant and non-variant it will offer us greater confidence going into the new year that maybe Tier 4 might be sufficient .
`` If we do n't , of course we 're in a more difficult situation . ''
On Friday , the weekly R number rose slightly from between 1.1-1.2 to 1.1-1-3 .
The UK also recorded its highest daily increase in coronavirus cases to date , with 39,237 .
The number of coronavirus-related deaths rose by 744 , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April .

More areas in the east, southeast and southwest of England will be moved into Tier 4 to battle the growing number of coronavirus cases, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced.
The measure is effectively a regional lockdown and will come into force on Boxing Day in:
Sussex
Oxfordshire
Suffolk
Norfolk
Cambridgeshire
Parts of Essex currently not in Tier 4
Waverley in Surrey
Hampshire (apart from the New Forest)
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Image: Areas moving into Tier 4 will still be able to mix with other households on Christmas Day before local measures are upgraded the following day
Areas going into Tier 3 are:
Bristol
Gloucestershire
Somerset
Swindon
Isle of Wight
The New Forest
Northamptonshire
Cheshire
Warrington
Cornwall and Herefordshire are also moving into Tier 2.
It means that 34.3 million people (52% of the UK population) will be living in Tier 4 or its regional equivalent from 26 December, with 24.7 million (37%) in Tier 3, 7.4 million (11%) in Tier 2, and just the 2,224 people on the Isles of Scilly (0.0033%) in Tier 1
Image: Eight areas are being moved into Tier 4
Dr Jenny Harries, one of England's deputy chief medical officers, said the tier changes were about "encouraging and tightening our own behaviours" in areas where people "stray off course a little bit".
If places need to be moved to a higher tier again, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he would be "prepared to act incredibly fast".
"The current tiers are working," he insisted. "We've all got to take responsibility for our own actions."
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Mr Hancock also said two cases of another new, "more transmissible" COVID-19 variant linked to South Africa have been identified in the UK and will be analysed at Porton Down shortly.
"This new variant is highly concerning because it is yet more transmissible and it appears to have mutated further than the new variant that has been discovered in the UK," he warned.
Anyone in the UK who has been in South Africa in the past fortnight or any of their close contacts have been told to quarantine immediately - meaning they "must restrict all contact with any other person".
The law will be changed imminently to give the new measure legal effect.
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the creation of Tier 4 on Saturday - the toughest level of regional restrictions intended to clamp down on COVID-19 hotspots.
The first areas put into the highest band of measures were:
In southeast England: London, Kent, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey (excluding Waverley), Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth, Rother and Hastings
In eastern England: Bedford, Central Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Hertfordshire and Essex (excluding Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring)
Plans to let people see family and friends over Christmas were also overhauled, with people in Tier 4 told they could not meet anyone outside their household apart from one person for exercise.
For everyone else, the "Christmas bubbles" plan was changed to apply only on Christmas Day - instead of the original 23-27 December.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 COVID-19: 'Rapid rise' driven by new variant
Questions remain over whether Tier 4 will be enough to stop the growth of COVID-19.
Professor Neil Ferguson, a government adviser whose modelling contributed to the first national lockdown, said while schools were closed he had "more confidence" the R number - the average number of people someone with coronavirus passes it on to - could come back under 1.
"But we will see really what will happen in the next two weeks," he cautioned.
"If we - hopefully as we will do - see a significant decline in the case numbers both of the variant and non-variant it will offer us greater confidence going into the new year that maybe Tier 4 might be sufficient.
"If we don't, of course we're in a more difficult situation."
On Friday, the weekly R number rose slightly from between 1.1-1.2 to 1.1-1-3. The UK also recorded its highest daily increase in coronavirus cases to date, with 39,237.
The number of coronavirus-related deaths rose by 744, which was the highest increase since the end of April.