skynewspolitics--2020-12-19--Christmas plans plunged into chaos: London and most of South East enter Tier 4 lockdown

The government has cancelled festive plans for millions of people , bringing in new Tier 4 restrictions in large parts of the country under a two-week coronavirus lockdown from today .
Fears over a new , more infectious strain of COVID-19 have prompted the tough measures , affecting those in London , most of the South East , and parts of eastern England .
In Tier 4 , different households have been banned from mixing over the festive period , causing frustration and disappointment among the many who had been prepared to take advantage of the prime minister 's previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend up to five days together in 'bubbles ' .
For the rest of England , up to three households will be allowed to gather for just one day - Christmas Day itself - as opposed to 23-27 December .
Boris Johnson said he had made the decision `` with a heavy heart '' due to the `` new variant of the virus and the potential risk it poses '' .
He suggested the new strain was up to 70 % more transmissible than the original variant .
As it happened : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for millions Under the tough new Tier 4 restrictions , people must stay at home and only leave for a specific purpose or if they have a `` reasonable excuse '' .
This includes going to work if it can not be done from home , shopping for essentials such as food and medicine , attending education or training , using registered childcare , outdoor exercise and for medical reasons .
People should not mix with anyone outside their own household , although support bubbles will remain in place and two people from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spaces .
Those in Tier 4 should not travel out of the affected regions , while those outside have been advised against visiting .
Mr Johnson 's announcement prompted a rush to the London train stations and by 7pm on Saturday , there were no tickets available online from several London stations including Paddington , Kings Cross and Euston .
The Tier 4 measures , affecting nearly 18 million people , will be reviewed on 30 December and include the closure of gyms , non-essential shops and hairdressers , along with staying at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The areas now in Tier 4 are : • London ( all 32 boroughs and the City of London ) • Tier 4 measures came into force at midnight - more than a week earlier than planned • Households across Wales can only form a bubble with one other household on Christmas Day • First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Saturday that the country would be under Level 4 rules from Boxing Day • Restrictions eased on indoor household mixing on Christmas Day only • Strict travel ban between Scotland and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a further 27,052 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Saturday , with 534 more people having died within 28 days of testing positive for the virus .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , said the new strain is thought to have emerged in the UK in mid-September and that it was responsible for more than 60 % of infections in London .
It has also been detected in a small number of cases in two other countries , including the Netherlands , where the government has brought in a ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson insisted there is no evidence to suggest the new strain is more lethal , more severe or resistant to the vaccine .
The Confederation of British Industry said the new rules are a `` real kick in the teeth '' for many businesses .
Matthew Fell , the CBI 's chief UK policy director , said the move would hit businesses which were already struggling badly , and the government must take a `` fresh look '' at how to support them .
The British Retail Consortium said the consequences of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry called for the suspension of taxes and rates for businesses forced to close .
Mike Hawes , chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders , said : `` This third shutdown comes at the worst possible time , as businesses face close of year challenges as well as uncertainty and upheaval from the Brexit transition period which ends in just 12 days ' time - with still no deal agreed . ''
There was also fury among some Conservative MPs after weeks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more and more stringent controls .
Mark Harper , the leader of the Covid Recovery Group of Tory MPs , demanded the recall of parliament so MPs could debate and vote on the changes for England .
`` Given the three-tier system and the initial Christmas household rules were expressly authorised by the House of Commons , these changes must also be put to a vote in the Commons at the earliest opportunity , even if that means a recall of the House , '' he said .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the face of rising infection rates , but added : `` Millions of families across the country are going to be heartbroken by this news - having their Christmas plans ripped up .
`` And I 'm really frustrated because I raised this with the prime minister on Wednesday and he dismissed that and went on to tell people to have a merry little Christmas - only three days later to rip up their plans .
`` I think the British public is entitled to more decisive leadership than that .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

The government has cancelled festive plans for millions of people, bringing in new Tier 4 restrictions in large parts of the country under a two-week coronavirus lockdown from today.
Fears over a new, more infectious strain of COVID-19 have prompted the tough measures, affecting those in London, most of the South East, and parts of eastern England.
In Tier 4, different households have been banned from mixing over the festive period, causing frustration and disappointment among the many who had been prepared to take advantage of the prime minister's previous promise to allow people from three households to spend up to five days together in 'bubbles'.
For the rest of England, up to three households will be allowed to gather for just one day - Christmas Day itself - as opposed to 23-27 December.
Boris Johnson said he had made the decision "with a heavy heart" due to the "new variant of the virus and the potential risk it poses".
He suggested the new strain was up to 70% more transmissible than the original variant.
As it happened: PM announces Tier 4 and cancels Christmas for millions
Under the tough new Tier 4 restrictions, people must stay at home and only leave for a specific purpose or if they have a "reasonable excuse".
This includes going to work if it cannot be done from home, shopping for essentials such as food and medicine, attending education or training, using registered childcare, outdoor exercise and for medical reasons.
People should not mix with anyone outside their own household, although support bubbles will remain in place and two people from different households can meet in public outdoor spaces.
Those in Tier 4 should not travel out of the affected regions, while those outside have been advised against visiting.
Mr Johnson's announcement prompted a rush to the London train stations and by 7pm on Saturday, there were no tickets available online from several London stations including Paddington, Kings Cross and Euston.
The Tier 4 measures, affecting nearly 18 million people, will be reviewed on 30 December and include the closure of gyms, non-essential shops and hairdressers, along with staying at home apart from just a few exceptions.
The areas now in Tier 4 are:
Berkshire
Buckinghamshire
Gosport
East of England (Bedford, Central Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Essex excluding Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring)
Havant
Kent
London (all 32 boroughs and the City of London)
Portsmouth
Rother and Hastings
Surrey (excluding Waverley)
Image: Market traders pack up in Canterbury. The county of Kent has recently seen some of the worst virus figures
In Wales:
Tier 4 measures came into force at midnight - more than a week earlier than planned
Households across Wales can only form a bubble with one other household on Christmas Day
In Scotland:
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Saturday that the country would be under Level 4 rules from Boxing Day
that the country would be under Level 4 rules from Boxing Day Restrictions eased on indoor household mixing on Christmas Day only
Strict travel ban between Scotland and the rest of the UK
In Northern Ireland:
Residents will begin a six-week lockdown from Boxing Day
The UK announced a further 27,052 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Saturday, with 534 more people having died within 28 days of testing positive for the virus.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, said the new strain is thought to have emerged in the UK in mid-September and that it was responsible for more than 60% of infections in London.
It has also been detected in a small number of cases in two other countries, including the Netherlands, where the government has brought in a ban on air travel from the UK.
Mr Johnson insisted there is no evidence to suggest the new strain is more lethal, more severe or resistant to the vaccine.
The Confederation of British Industry said the new rules are a "real kick in the teeth" for many businesses.
Matthew Fell, the CBI's chief UK policy director, said the move would hit businesses which were already struggling badly, and the government must take a "fresh look" at how to support them.
The British Retail Consortium said the consequences of the new restrictions will be severe and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry called for the suspension of taxes and rates for businesses forced to close.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: "This third shutdown comes at the worst possible time, as businesses face close of year challenges as well as uncertainty and upheaval from the Brexit transition period which ends in just 12 days' time - with still no deal agreed."
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There was also fury among some Conservative MPs after weeks of growing backbench unrest over the return of more and more stringent controls.
Mark Harper, the leader of the Covid Recovery Group of Tory MPs, demanded the recall of parliament so MPs could debate and vote on the changes for England.
"Given the three-tier system and the initial Christmas household rules were expressly authorised by the House of Commons, these changes must also be put to a vote in the Commons at the earliest opportunity, even if that means a recall of the House," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Labour leader 'frustrated' by late Christmas U-turn
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he supported the fresh government action in the face of rising infection rates, but added: "Millions of families across the country are going to be heartbroken by this news - having their Christmas plans ripped up.
"And I'm really frustrated because I raised this with the prime minister on Wednesday and he dismissed that and went on to tell people to have a merry little Christmas - only three days later to rip up their plans.
"I think the British public is entitled to more decisive leadership than that. They're getting confusion where they need certainty."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-19--UK says EU must make 'substantial shift' to save Brexit trade deal talks

The European Union must make a `` substantial shift '' if Brexit trade talks are to be saved .
That was the warning from Britain in the final days of negotiations between the two sides ahead of the transition period ending on 31 December .
Talks are continuing in Brussels this weekend but UK sources say it is increasingly likely that an agreement will not be reached in time .
A UK government source said : `` We need to get any deal right and based on terms which respect what the British people voted for .
`` Unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flexibility needed from member states and are continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence .
`` We can not accept a deal that does n't leave us in control of our own laws or waters .
`` We 're continuing to try every possible path to an agreement , but without a substantial shift from the commission we will be leaving on World Trade Organisation terms on 31 December . ''
The European Parliament has said there must be a deal by Sunday evening to allow time for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the transition period .
The pessimism was shared by Ireland 's foreign minister Simon Coveney , who told The Sunday Times : `` I do n't see this being agreed easily in the next 24 hours .
`` We may see a standoff over fish . ''
Fishing rights is one of the main issues standing in the way of a deal , along with the `` level playing field '' - measures to prevent what is seen as unfair competition through the lowering of standards or the use of state subsidies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't surprise me if this issue collapses the whole negotiation .
It certainly has the capacity to do it . ''
He also said he found it difficult to see the EU fishing states - Ireland , France , Belgium , Denmark and the Netherlands - backing an agreement that goes beyond the current offer .
If there is no deal by 31 December , the UK will leave the single market and customs union and begin trading with the EU on WTO terms , meaning tariffs that could mean higher prices for @ @

The European Union must make a "substantial shift" if Brexit trade talks are to be saved.
That was the warning from Britain in the final days of negotiations between the two sides ahead of the transition period ending on 31 December.
Talks are continuing in Brussels this weekend but UK sources say it is increasingly likely that an agreement will not be reached in time.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Frost leaves for last-minute Brexit trade talks
A UK government source said: "We need to get any deal right and based on terms which respect what the British people voted for.
"Unfortunately, the EU are still struggling to get the flexibility needed from member states and are continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence.
"We cannot accept a deal that doesn't leave us in control of our own laws or waters.
"We're continuing to try every possible path to an agreement, but without a substantial shift from the commission we will be leaving on World Trade Organisation terms on 31 December."
The European Parliament has said there must be a deal by Sunday evening to allow time for it to be ratified before the end of the transition period.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Looming threat of Brexit talks failing has led to stockpiling
The pessimism was shared by Ireland's foreign minister Simon Coveney, who told The Sunday Times: "I don't see this being agreed easily in the next 24 hours.
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"We may see a standoff over fish."
Fishing rights is one of the main issues standing in the way of a deal, along with the "level playing field" - measures to prevent what is seen as unfair competition through the lowering of standards or the use of state subsidies.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:51 Benn: 'There could be disruption on 1 January'
Mr Coveney said: "It won't surprise me if this issue collapses the whole negotiation. It certainly has the capacity to do it."
He also said he found it difficult to see the EU fishing states - Ireland, France, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands - backing an agreement that goes beyond the current offer.
If there is no deal by 31 December, the UK will leave the single market and customs union and begin trading with the EU on WTO terms, meaning tariffs that could mean higher prices for consumers.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-20--Major disruption expected at Kent ports after France bans all UK arrivals

Freight hauliers and passengers have been urged by the government to avoid Kent ports after France imposed a blanket ban on arrivals from the UK .
The Port of Dover has halted all exports to France for at least 48 hours , after Emmanuel Macron 's government joined Ireland and a growing list of European countries to impose travel restrictions on the UK over a new , faster-spreading strain of coronavirus .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps warned of `` significant disruption '' in Kent , adding : `` We 're asking the public & particularly hauliers not to travel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
French transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari also tweeted on Sunday , saying that the country was suspending all traffic from the UK from midnight for at least 48 hours .
The ban also includes all incoming accompanied freight by road , air , sea or rail - which means any movement of goods that requires a person to move it .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the prime minister must seek an extension to the Brexit transition period because of the potential chaos at the ports .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to extend the Brexit transition period , '' she tweeted .
`` The new Covid strain - & the various implications of it - means we face a profoundly serious situation , & it demands our 100 % attention .
It would be unconscionable to compound it with Brexit . ''
Rod McKenzie , from the Road Haulage Association , told Sky News that 10,000 lorries a day crossed between Dover and Calais in France .
He added : `` Brexit stockpiling is one thing , the Christmas rush is another thing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close the borders for 48 hours .
`` That is a serious disruption of the all important supply chain . ''
The British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) warned the closure of France to UK traffic - including lorries - would create `` difficulties for UK imports and exports in the busy Christmas period '' .
Andrew Opie , the BRC 's director of food and sustainability , said any `` prolonged '' disruption would be a problem in the run-up to the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France , few haulage firms will be willing to send trucks and drivers across to the UK without a guarantee they can return to the EU in a timely manner , '' he said .
Logistics UK , formerly the Freight Transport Association , which is based in Tunbridge Wells , tweeted : `` Logistics UK is aware of news that accompanied freight to France is being not allowed for 48 hours ; we are concerned about the welfare of drivers and we are urgently seeking more information for our members . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Number 10 and Michael Gove , the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , to `` get a grip '' on the developing situation with the Britain-France border .
He tweeted : `` Cross Channel travel chaos .
Do n't try to blame the Transport Department .
Time for Number Ten and 'CDL ' to get a grip . ''
A government spokesperson echoed Mr Shapps ' statement , saying : `` We are expecting significant disruption in Kent following the announcement by the French Government that , from 23.00 on Sunday 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers from the UK for the next 48 hours .
`` As a result we are urging everybody - including all hauliers - to avoid travelling to Kent ports until further notice .
`` We are working closely with Kent Resilience Forum , Kent Council and Highways England to ensure contingency measures are urgently put in place to manage disruption , and the Prime Minister will chair a COBR meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation . ''
Sky News understands that `` contingency measures '' are in place should the disruption last more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the import of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine from Belgium .
Germany , which holds the rotating EU presidency , announced that it was calling emergency talks later to co-ordinate the response of the bloc 's 27 member states .
Boris Johnson will hold an emergency COBRA meeting on Monday `` to discuss the situation regarding international travel , in particular the steady flow of freight into and out of the UK '' .

Freight hauliers and passengers have been urged by the government to avoid Kent ports after France imposed a blanket ban on arrivals from the UK.
The Port of Dover has halted all exports to France for at least 48 hours, after Emmanuel Macron's government joined Ireland and a growing list of European countries to impose travel restrictions on the UK over a new, faster-spreading strain of coronavirus.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps warned of "significant disruption" in Kent, adding: "We're asking the public & particularly hauliers not to travel to Kent ports or other routes to France."
Image: Lorries queue for The Port of Dover along the A20 in Kent ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period (Pic: 18 December)
French transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari also tweeted on Sunday, saying that the country was suspending all traffic from the UK from midnight for at least 48 hours.
The ban also includes all incoming accompanied freight by road, air, sea or rail - which means any movement of goods that requires a person to move it.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the prime minister must seek an extension to the Brexit transition period because of the potential chaos at the ports.
It's now imperative that PM seeks an agreement to extend the Brexit transition period," she tweeted.
"The new Covid strain - & the various implications of it - means we face a profoundly serious situation, & it demands our 100% attention. It would be unconscionable to compound it with Brexit."
Rod McKenzie, from the Road Haulage Association, told Sky News that 10,000 lorries a day crossed between Dover and Calais in France.
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He added: "Brexit stockpiling is one thing, the Christmas rush is another thing, but the absolute hammer blow now is to close the borders for 48 hours.
"That is a serious disruption of the all important supply chain."
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
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) warned the closure of France to UK traffic - including lorries - would create "difficulties for UK imports and exports in the busy Christmas period".
Andrew Opie, the BRC's director of food and sustainability, said any "prolonged" disruption would be a problem in the run-up to the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December.
"While goods can enter from France, few haulage firms will be willing to send trucks and drivers across to the UK without a guarantee they can return to the EU in a timely manner," he said.
Logistics UK, formerly the Freight Transport Association, which is based in Tunbridge Wells, tweeted: "Logistics UK is aware of news that accompanied freight to France is being not allowed for 48 hours; we are concerned about the welfare of drivers and we are urgently seeking more information for our members."
Tory Kent MP Sir Roger Gale urged Number 10 and Michael Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, to "get a grip" on the developing situation with the Britain-France border.
He tweeted: "Cross Channel travel chaos. Don't try to blame the Transport Department. Time for Number Ten and 'CDL' to get a grip."
A government spokesperson echoed Mr Shapps' statement, saying: "We are expecting significant disruption in Kent following the announcement by the French Government that, from 23.00 on Sunday 20 December, it will not accept any passengers from the UK for the next 48 hours.
"As a result we are urging everybody - including all hauliers - to avoid travelling to Kent ports until further notice.
"We are working closely with Kent Resilience Forum, Kent Council and Highways England to ensure contingency measures are urgently put in place to manage disruption, and the Prime Minister will chair a COBR meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation."
Sky News understands that "contingency measures" are in place should the disruption last more than 48 hours, therefore potentially impacting the import of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine from Belgium.
Image: Boris Johnson will hold an emergency COBRA meeting to discuss the chaos caused at the ports
Germany, which holds the rotating EU presidency, announced that it was calling emergency talks later to co-ordinate the response of the bloc's 27 member states.
Boris Johnson will hold an emergency COBRA meeting on Monday "to discuss the situation regarding international travel, in particular the steady flow of freight into and out of the UK".


skynewspolitics--2020-12-20--'This is deadly serious': New COVID strain 'out of control', health sec warns

The new strain of COVID-19 is out of control and people need to behave as if they already have the virus , especially in the new Tier 4 areas of England , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned .
The five-day Christmas bubble period has been reduced to just Christmas Day for England , Wales and Scotland - and scrapped completely for areas in England under new Tier 4 rules - but remains in Northern Ireland .
The fresh tough coronavirus measures - which MPs will vote on in January - affect those in London , most of the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hancock said everybody was looking forward to Christmas , but the new infectious and rapid-spreading strain `` was out of control '' and the government had to act `` quickly and decisively '' .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world He suggested the strengthened measures could be in place for months , telling Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` It ( the new strain ) is an enormous challenge , until we can get the vaccine rolled out to protect people .
This is what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He added : `` Everybody , particularly people in Tier 4 areas , needs to behave as if they might well have the virus - that is the only way we are going to get it under control . ''
He said controlling the new strain of COVID-19 is `` more important now than ever '' , that people stick to the rules and reduce social contact `` because this is deadly serious '' .
`` This is a deadly disease , we need to keep it under control , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this new variant . ''
And he said scenes of people queueing at train stations , rushing to leave London before the new measures came into force this morning , was `` totally irresponsible behaviour '' .
Asked why the prime minister announced the Christmas relaxation rules weeks ago , when there was a chance he would have to renege on his promise , Mr Hancock said : `` Because we understand , I understand , how important Christmas is to people .
`` I understand how people feel .
I had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 'We are not going to see each other over Christmas ' . ''
He said ministers had no choice but to act - effectively cancelling Christmas for millions of people - after being presented with the new scientific evidence on Friday afternoon .
Mr Hancock said cases have `` rocketed '' during the last few days and warned keeping the new variant under control until a vaccine has been rolled out would be `` very difficult '' .
`` As of 8 o'clock yesterday morning 350,000 people have been vaccinated .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have something around the half-million mark . ''
`` So we can see the way out through this but it is going to be a difficult few months , '' he added .
A further 35,928 cases of COVID-19 were announced on Sunday , in the latest 24-hour period .
Another 326 deaths were recorded within 28 days of a positive test .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused Boris Johnson of `` gross negligence '' and said the prime minister should apologise for his handling of the pandemic .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the PM 's `` incompetence '' and that Mr Johnson 's `` indecision '' and `` weak leadership '' was `` costing lives and costing jobs '' .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he supported new restrictions being placed on the capital but accused the government of giving people `` false hope '' over Christmas .
Mr Khan told Ridge : `` All this was conceivable .
What people want is clarity - instead what we got was stop-start change , marching us up a hill , then marching us down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then marching us down again . ''
He said the capital had experienced `` the worst year we 've had since the Second World War '' .
British Medical Association ( BMA ) council chair , Dr Chaand Nagpaul , said the planned five-day Christmas relaxation had not followed the science on the new variant , which he said `` was spreading week-on-week '' when the five-day rules were announced by the PM .
He told Ridge : `` Last Wednesday , before the new variant was announced , it was obvious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous level , the NHS was in a dangerous state . ''
But Dr Susan Hopkins , of Public Health England , said the estimate that the new variant was up to 70 % more transmissible was only confirmed on Friday .
She said it had spread to other parts of the UK , but in smaller amounts than London , Kent and parts of Essex , adding that there was no evidence it was causing a disproportionate number of hospital admissions .
The areas now in Tier 4 are : • London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of London ) Are you changing your Christmas plans ?
Get in touch with Sky News

The new strain of COVID-19 is out of control and people need to behave as if they already have the virus, especially in the new Tier 4 areas of England, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned.
The five-day Christmas bubble period has been reduced to just Christmas Day for England, Wales and Scotland - and scrapped completely for areas in England under new Tier 4 rules - but remains in Northern Ireland.
The fresh tough coronavirus measures - which MPs will vote on in January - affect those in London, most of the South East, and parts of eastern England.
Mr Hancock said everybody was looking forward to Christmas, but the new infectious and rapid-spreading strain "was out of control" and the government had to act "quickly and decisively".
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
He suggested the strengthened measures could be in place for months, telling Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "It (the new strain) is an enormous challenge, until we can get the vaccine rolled out to protect people. This is what we face over the next couple of months."
He added: "Everybody, particularly people in Tier 4 areas, needs to behave as if they might well have the virus - that is the only way we are going to get it under control."
He said controlling the new strain of COVID-19 is "more important now than ever", that people stick to the rules and reduce social contact "because this is deadly serious".
"This is a deadly disease, we need to keep it under control, and it has been made more difficult by this new variant."
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And he said scenes of people queueing at train stations, rushing to leave London before the new measures came into force this morning, was "totally irresponsible behaviour".
Asked why the prime minister announced the Christmas relaxation rules weeks ago, when there was a chance he would have to renege on his promise, Mr Hancock said: "Because we understand, I understand, how important Christmas is to people.
"I understand how people feel. I had to call my mum last night and say, 'We are not going to see each other over Christmas'."
He said ministers had no choice but to act - effectively cancelling Christmas for millions of people - after being presented with the new scientific evidence on Friday afternoon.
Mr Hancock said cases have "rocketed" during the last few days and warned keeping the new variant under control until a vaccine has been rolled out would be "very difficult".
"As of 8 o'clock yesterday morning 350,000 people have been vaccinated. We plan by the end of the weekend to have something around the half-million mark."
"So we can see the way out through this but it is going to be a difficult few months," he added.
A further 35,928 cases of COVID-19 were announced on Sunday, in the latest 24-hour period.
Another 326 deaths were recorded within 28 days of a positive test.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused Boris Johnson of "gross negligence" and said the prime minister should apologise for his handling of the pandemic.
He said the British people were paying the price for the PM's "incompetence" and that Mr Johnson's "indecision" and "weak leadership" was "costing lives and costing jobs".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 Starmer: PM's Xmas U-turn delay 'gross negligence'
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he supported new restrictions being placed on the capital but accused the government of giving people "false hope" over Christmas.
Mr Khan told Ridge: "All this was conceivable. What people want is clarity - instead what we got was stop-start change, marching us up a hill, then marching us down, marching us back up the hill, then marching us down again."
He said the capital had experienced "the worst year we've had since the Second World War".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:48 'Worst year for London since WWII'
British Medical Association (BMA) council chair, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, said the planned five-day Christmas relaxation had not followed the science on the new variant, which he said "was spreading week-on-week" when the five-day rules were announced by the PM.
He told Ridge: "Last Wednesday, before the new variant was announced, it was obvious that the infection was spreading at a dangerous level, the NHS was in a dangerous state."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 Large crowds at St Pancras as people flee Tier 4
But Dr Susan Hopkins, of Public Health England, said the estimate that the new variant was up to 70% more transmissible was only confirmed on Friday.
She said it had spread to other parts of the UK, but in smaller amounts than London, Kent and parts of Essex, adding that there was no evidence it was causing a disproportionate number of hospital admissions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 New COVID variant 'in every English region'
The areas now in Tier 4 are:
Berkshire
Buckinghamshire
Gosport
East of England (Bedford, Central Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Essex excluding Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring)
Havant
Kent
London (all 32 boroughs and the City of London)
Portsmouth
Rother and Hastings
Surrey (excluding Waverley)
Are you changing your Christmas plans? Get in touch with Sky News


skynewspolitics--2020-12-20--Six things we learnt from this week's Sophy Ridge on Sunday

As Christmas cheer across the country was crushed by Boris Johnson 's Saturday announcement , the show 's guests discussed the reasons for the policy change as well as the mutation of the coronavirus .
With such a busy weekend of news , the five points have been extended to six .
The show will be taking a two-week break over Christmas and New Year , with Sophy Ridge on Sunday returning on 10 January .
At the end of what the health secretary called `` an incredibly difficult year '' , it feels grimly fitting that something more could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 was an `` awful end '' to the year and it was `` out of control '' , Matt Hancock told the show , adding the government had a `` duty to act '' and `` we do n't want to do any of this but it 's necessary '' .
He said the only way to get the virus under control was `` by restricting social contact , '' revealing : `` I had to call my mum last night and say we 're not going to see each other over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wo n't be a short-term condition either , as Mr Hancock said there would be a `` difficult few months '' between now and the vaccine rollout and `` given how much faster this new variant spreads , it is going to be very difficult to keep it under control until we have the vaccine rolled out '' .
`` All the different measures that we have in place , we need more of them to control the spread of the new variant than we did to control the spread of the old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning it was `` the fundamental problem '' .
A 70 % more infectious strain of an already highly infectious virus reportedly raises the all-important reproduction rate by 0.4 on its own .
One piece of good news came from Dr Susan Hopkins of Public Health England , who said there were n't any indicators to show the new strain increased mortality , and that vaccines should still work as they are designed to produce `` a broad immune response '' .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As countries weigh up bans on flights from the UK , Dr Hopkins said the mutated version had been detected in `` every region '' of England and in Wales and Scotland , though only in `` very small numbers '' .
Similar strains had been found in Denmark and Australia , while `` variants that look very similar to this…have been detected in South Africa and the Netherlands and other countries '' .
The surge in infections despite restrictions was addressed by Edinburgh University 's Devi Sridhar , who said the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu model , which is accepting this is a seasonal infection which is endemic , to more of the SARS model , where you try to keep the numbers as low as possible and use testing , vaccines , treatments to keep a handle on it '' .
Professor Sridhar warned the virus was simply `` too infectious '' for low restrictions - a calculation the government also appears to have made .
3 ) 'We ca n't continue like this' '' I 'm angry , to be honest , '' said Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughts .
Labour may back the new measures , but the shadow foreign secretary attacked Boris Johnson for `` dithers and delays '' and for having `` mocked and ridiculed '' those concerned at rising cases , before `` having to change his mind at the eleventh hour '' .
`` This is how a country that has scientists and a healthcare system that is the envy of the world , ends up with the worst number of deaths in Europe and the worst recession of any major economy .
We just can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
While the government may shrug off the criticism from an opposition figure , the public seems to have made up its mind .
New YouGov polling shows wide support for new measures , but 61 % of people now think Christmas restrictions have been handled badly .
One possible counter to the surge in the R rate would be closing schools , something the health secretary failed to rule out .
Asked if the idea was on the cards , Mr Hancock said his education counterpart Gavin Williamson had `` set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , using testing to reduce the spread '' .
When pressed on the subject , he said `` we 've got plans to keep the schools open [ in a way ] that can stop them from transmitting the virus by using very extensive testing '' .
Lisa Nandy made her position clear , saying schools `` should be the last thing to close and the first thing to open '' .
She warned that a failure to keep children in education could mean `` we 'll be living with the consequences…for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Tier 4 restrictions displayed `` totally irresponsible behaviour , '' Mr Hancock said .
`` It is more important than ever that people are responsible '' said the health secretary , calling on people to `` not only stick to the rules but even within the rules , restrict social contact as much as is possible because this is deadly serious '' .
After chief medical officer Chris Whitty asked people with a bag ready to leave to `` please unpack it '' during last night 's press conference , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenes today .
Quite apart from undermining restrictions , the idea of Londoners seeding a highly infectious new version of the virus across the country will be particularly concerning .
London mayor Sadiq Khan said six in 10 Londoners with the virus had the new strain and that the capital 's hospitals had as many coronavirus patients as during the peak in April .
The warning about capacity was echoed by the British Medical Association 's council chair , Chaand Nagpaul , who said that doctors were not only seeing `` a massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three saying even more than during the first wave , but also a massive surge in non-COVID patients '' .
6 ) We are vaccinating more and more people '' As of eight o'clock yesterday morning , 350,000 people have been vaccinated , '' the health secretary said , with plans for `` something around the half a million mark '' to receive jabs by the end of the weekend .
With vaccinations now explicitly the way out of the Tier 4 restrictions , Mr Hancock said there was a `` significant acceleration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now have over 400 sites that are vaccinating , whereas at the start of last week we only had 100 '' .
The Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine is still being assessed by the medical regulator , but the hoped-for vaccination timetable would see the 10 million most vulnerable among us vaccinated by the end of April .
The question of what proportion of us need to receive the vaccine before restrictions relax is a live one , with answers expected as more and more people receive it .

As Christmas cheer across the country was crushed by Boris Johnson's Saturday announcement, the show's guests discussed the reasons for the policy change as well as the mutation of the coronavirus.
With such a busy weekend of news, the five points have been extended to six.
The show will be taking a two-week break over Christmas and New Year, with Sophy Ridge on Sunday returning on 10 January.
1) 'A duty to act'
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At the end of what the health secretary called "an incredibly difficult year", it feels grimly fitting that something more could go wrong. The new strain of COVID-19 was an "awful end" to the year and it was "out of control", Matt Hancock told the show, adding the government had a "duty to act" and "we don't want to do any of this but it's necessary".
He said the only way to get the virus under control was "by restricting social contact," revealing: "I had to call my mum last night and say we're not going to see each other over Christmas."
The new Tier 4 won't be a short-term condition either, as Mr Hancock said there would be a "difficult few months" between now and the vaccine rollout and "given how much faster this new variant spreads, it is going to be very difficult to keep it under control until we have the vaccine rolled out".
2) New strain
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"All the different measures that we have in place, we need more of them to control the spread of the new variant than we did to control the spread of the old variant," said Mr Hancock, warning it was "the fundamental problem".
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A 70% more infectious strain of an already highly infectious virus reportedly raises the all-important reproduction rate by 0.4 on its own.
One piece of good news came from Dr Susan Hopkins of Public Health England, who said there weren't any indicators to show the new strain increased mortality, and that vaccines should still work as they are designed to produce "a broad immune response".
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
As countries weigh up bans on flights from the UK, Dr Hopkins said the mutated version had been detected in "every region" of England and in Wales and Scotland, though only in "very small numbers".
Similar strains had been found in Denmark and Australia, while "variants that look very similar to this…have been detected in South Africa and the Netherlands and other countries".
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The surge in infections despite restrictions was addressed by Edinburgh University's Devi Sridhar, who said the UK needed to "pivot away from the flu model, which is accepting this is a seasonal infection which is endemic, to more of the SARS model, where you try to keep the numbers as low as possible and use testing, vaccines, treatments to keep a handle on it".
Professor Sridhar warned the virus was simply "too infectious" for low restrictions - a calculation the government also appears to have made.
3) 'We can't continue like this'
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"I'm angry, to be honest," said Labour's Lisa Nandy when asked for her thoughts.
Labour may back the new measures, but the shadow foreign secretary attacked Boris Johnson for "dithers and delays" and for having "mocked and ridiculed" those concerned at rising cases, before "having to change his mind at the eleventh hour".
"This is how a country that has scientists and a healthcare system that is the envy of the world, ends up with the worst number of deaths in Europe and the worst recession of any major economy. We just cannot continue like this," she said.
While the government may shrug off the criticism from an opposition figure, the public seems to have made up its mind. New YouGov polling shows wide support for new measures, but 61% of people now think Christmas restrictions have been handled badly.
4) Planning to reopen schools
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One possible counter to the surge in the R rate would be closing schools, something the health secretary failed to rule out.
Asked if the idea was on the cards, Mr Hancock said his education counterpart Gavin Williamson had "set out how we're planning to reopen schools, using testing to reduce the spread".
When pressed on the subject, he said "we've got plans to keep the schools open [in a way] that can stop them from transmitting the virus by using very extensive testing".
Lisa Nandy made her position clear, saying schools "should be the last thing to close and the first thing to open". She warned that a failure to keep children in education could mean "we'll be living with the consequences…for generations".
5) 'Totally irresponsible'
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People fleeing London ahead of the Tier 4 restrictions displayed "totally irresponsible behaviour," Mr Hancock said.
"It is more important than ever that people are responsible" said the health secretary, calling on people to "not only stick to the rules but even within the rules, restrict social contact as much as is possible because this is deadly serious".
After chief medical officer Chris Whitty asked people with a bag ready to leave to "please unpack it" during last night's press conference, the government will be hoping to avoid similar scenes today.
Quite apart from undermining restrictions, the idea of Londoners seeding a highly infectious new version of the virus across the country will be particularly concerning.
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London mayor Sadiq Khan said six in 10 Londoners with the virus had the new strain and that the capital's hospitals had as many coronavirus patients as during the peak in April.
The warning about capacity was echoed by the British Medical Association's council chair, Chaand Nagpaul, who said that doctors were not only seeing "a massive surge in COVID cases, one in three saying even more than during the first wave, but also a massive surge in non-COVID patients".
6) We are vaccinating more and more people
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"As of eight o'clock yesterday morning, 350,000 people have been vaccinated," the health secretary said, with plans for "something around the half a million mark" to receive jabs by the end of the weekend.
With vaccinations now explicitly the way out of the Tier 4 restrictions, Mr Hancock said there was a "significant acceleration" in vaccination plans and "we now have over 400 sites that are vaccinating, whereas at the start of last week we only had 100".
The Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine is still being assessed by the medical regulator, but the hoped-for vaccination timetable would see the 10 million most vulnerable among us vaccinated by the end of April.
The question of what proportion of us need to receive the vaccine before restrictions relax is a live one, with answers expected as more and more people receive it.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-20--Brexiteer Mark Francois warns PM any UK-EU deal must please new 'Red Wall' MPs

Leading Brexiteer Mark Francois has warned Boris Johnson that the new `` Red Wall '' Tory MPs elected a year ago will not support a Brexit deal that undermines the UK 's sovereignty .
The former government minister , 55 , claims any attempt to `` bounce '' MPs into voting for a complex agreement with Brussels `` will go down like a lead balloon '' with Tory backbenchers .
And Mr Francois has served notice that the European Research Group ( ERG ) of Conservative MPs , which he chairs , will live up to its name and go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine-tooth comb '' .
MP for the rural Essex constituency of Rayleigh and Wickford , Mr Francois has been a leading figure in the ERG for some years and was instrumental in defeating Theresa May 's Brexit deal .
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph , he says the ERG fully supports Mr Johnson and his chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost for `` hanging tough '' in negotiations with the EU 's Michel Barnier .
But he writes : `` If there is some unacceptable 'poison pill ' that truly undermines our sovereignty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voluminous text , then we will find it .
`` To the displeasure not just of all our members but also no doubt all those new 'Red Wall ' Conservative back benchers who were elected on an unequivocal pledge to their constituents to 'get Brexit done ' .
`` Similarly , any misguided attempt to bounce parliament into voting for such a complex treaty , before people have even had time to examine it properly , would go down like a lead balloon on the back benches . ''
With just hours before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midnight on Sunday - set by the European Parliament , Mr Barnier issued another update , again revealing little progress and continuing stalemate on fishing .
In a tweet , he said : `` In this crucial moment for the negotiations , we continue to work hard with David Frost and his team .
The EU remains committed to a fair , reciprocal and balanced agreement .
`` We respect the sovereignty of the UK and we expect the same .
Both must have the right to set their own laws and control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both be able to act when our interests are at stake . ''
Later a senior UK government source said : `` Teams have been negotiating throughout the day and expect to continue tomorrow .
Talks remain difficult and significant differences remain .
`` We continue to explore every route to a deal that is in line with the fundamental principles we brought into the negotiations . ''
Lord Frost met Mr Barnier during the afternoon but the UK claims the EU 's position on subsidies remains `` unbalanced '' and basic questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's latest proposals mean for UK fishing communities .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Writing before Mr Barnier 's tweet , Mr Francois concluded his Sunday Telegraph article by saying : `` As Michel Barnier loves to remind us , 'the clock is ticking ' - so let 's see what happens just before midnight . ''

Leading Brexiteer Mark Francois has warned Boris Johnson that the new "Red Wall" Tory MPs elected a year ago will not support a Brexit deal that undermines the UK's sovereignty.
The former government minister, 55, claims any attempt to "bounce" MPs into voting for a complex agreement with Brussels "will go down like a lead balloon" with Tory backbenchers.
And Mr Francois has served notice that the European Research Group (ERG) of Conservative MPs, which he chairs, will live up to its name and go through a new treaty "with a fine-tooth comb".
Image: Mark Francois says he will examine a new treaty 'with a fine-tooth comb'
MP for the rural Essex constituency of Rayleigh and Wickford, Mr Francois has been a leading figure in the ERG for some years and was instrumental in defeating Theresa May's Brexit deal.
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, he says the ERG fully supports Mr Johnson and his chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost for "hanging tough" in negotiations with the EU's Michel Barnier.
But he writes: "If there is some unacceptable 'poison pill' that truly undermines our sovereignty, buried deep within Article X of the voluminous text, then we will find it.
"To the displeasure not just of all our members but also no doubt all those new 'Red Wall' Conservative back benchers who were elected on an unequivocal pledge to their constituents to 'get Brexit done'.
"Similarly, any misguided attempt to bounce parliament into voting for such a complex treaty, before people have even had time to examine it properly, would go down like a lead balloon on the back benches."
Image: Talks have been continuing in Brussels over the weekend
With just hours before the latest deadline for a deal - midnight on Sunday - set by the European Parliament, Mr Barnier issued another update, again revealing little progress and continuing stalemate on fishing.
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In a tweet, he said: "In this crucial moment for the negotiations, we continue to work hard with David Frost and his team. The EU remains committed to a fair, reciprocal and balanced agreement.
"We respect the sovereignty of the UK and we expect the same. Both must have the right to set their own laws and control their own waters. And we should both be able to act when our interests are at stake."
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Later a senior UK government source said: "Teams have been negotiating throughout the day and expect to continue tomorrow. Talks remain difficult and significant differences remain.
"We continue to explore every route to a deal that is in line with the fundamental principles we brought into the negotiations."
Lord Frost met Mr Barnier during the afternoon but the UK claims the EU's position on subsidies remains "unbalanced" and basic questions remain unanswered as to what the EU's latest proposals mean for UK fishing communities.
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Writing before Mr Barnier's tweet, Mr Francois concluded his Sunday Telegraph article by saying: "As Michel Barnier loves to remind us, 'the clock is ticking' - so let's see what happens just before midnight."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-20--COVID, Cummings & chocolate | 2020 in review

Sophy Ridge looks back over the most extraordinary year in an end of year episode with her team , and @ @ @ @ @ discuss coronavirus , Boris Johnson , and much more .
Plus they hand out some @ @ @ @ @ as well as a few Christmas presents .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

Sophy Ridge looks back over the most extraordinary year in an end of year episode with her team, and a special guest.
They discuss coronavirus, Boris Johnson, and much more. Plus they hand out some end of year awards, as well as a few Christmas presents.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker


skynewspolitics--2020-12-21--Plan to allow UK traffic could come within hours, says France

France says it is working on a plan to `` ensure that movement from the UK can resume '' - after it banned travel including freight hauliers .
Transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said cross-EU talks will take place within hours to `` establish a solid health protocol '' that could begin to unblock the port of Dover .
He added the priority will be `` to protect our nationals and our fellow citizens '' .
Follow live COVID updates from the UK and across the world Lorries are parked up in Kent with no way to cross the Channel by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a new strain of coronavirus that Boris Johnson said could be up to 70 % more transmissible than existing ones .
The prime minister will hold a Downing Street news conference on Monday afternoon , and before that chair a meeting of the government 's emergency committee known as COBRA in a bid to avert pre-Christmas shortages .
On the agenda for ministers to discuss is the supply of food and medicines , traffic management , border controls and vaccines .
They will also talk about engagement with EU countries and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as testing at the border .
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 '' .
A growing number of countries are banning travel from the UK due to fears about the new coronavirus strain .
France went one step further by also restricting hauliers for 48 hours - while most others have exempted them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Djebbari defended the decision , writing on Twitter that `` every time '' the French borders are opened `` we are told that we are killing people '' , while `` whenever a country does a little more than us , we are told that we are lax '' .
And the country 's Europe minister added : `` We were never among those who said the virus stopped at the borders .
We 're pragmatic , we 're protective .
We had to take a precautionary and emergency measure . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underlined by Prof Andrew Hayward , a scientist who sits on the UK government 's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group .
`` If a vaccine was the best news - and it still is in this pandemic - then this is the worst news we 've had so far , '' he told Sky News .
`` We really need to tighten down the hatches in order to stop the spread of this strain . ''
Prof Hayward added the UK `` should be taking our own action to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible thing to do '' .
There have been record high numbers of daily COVID-19 cases in recent days , leading to the Christmas rules relaxation being significantly toughened in most parts of England and scrapped altogether in Tier 4 areas .
Earlier , the UK 's Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insisted travel chaos would not impact distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine , which is being imported from Belgium .
Watch our special programme tonight as Isabel Webster is joined by a panel of experts to answer your questions about the new strain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the new Tier 4 measures .
Send us your questions via WhatsApp on the number 07583 000853 .

France says it is working on a plan to "ensure that movement from the UK can resume" - after it banned travel including freight hauliers.
Transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said cross-EU talks will take place within hours to "establish a solid health protocol" that could begin to unblock the port of Dover.
He added the priority will be "to protect our nationals and our fellow citizens".
Follow live COVID updates from the UK and across the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Lorries queue on M20 after France travel ban
Lorries are parked up in Kent with no way to cross the Channel by train or ferry, following the emergence of a new strain of coronavirus that Boris Johnson said could be up to 70% more transmissible than existing ones.
The prime minister will hold a Downing Street news conference on Monday afternoon, and before that chair a meeting of the government's emergency committee known as COBRA in a bid to avert pre-Christmas shortages.
On the agenda for ministers to discuss is the supply of food and medicines, traffic management, border controls and vaccines.
They will also talk about engagement with EU countries and the local impact on ports, as well as testing at the border.
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".
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A growing number of countries are banning travel from the UK due to fears about the new coronavirus strain.
France went one step further by also restricting hauliers for 48 hours - while most others have exempted them to keep accompanied trade moving.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 COVID expert's stark warning on new strain
Mr Djebbari defended the decision, writing on Twitter that "every time" the French borders are opened "we are told that we are killing people", while "whenever a country does a little more than us, we are told that we are lax".
And the country's Europe minister added: "We were never among those who said the virus stopped at the borders. We're pragmatic, we're protective. We had to take a precautionary and emergency measure."
The seriousness of the new coronavirus strain was underlined by Prof Andrew Hayward, a scientist who sits on the UK government's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group.
"If a vaccine was the best news - and it still is in this pandemic - then this is the worst news we've had so far," he told Sky News. "We really need to tighten down the hatches in order to stop the spread of this strain."
Image: There have been record numbers of COVID cases in recent days
Prof Hayward added the UK "should be taking our own action to stop international travel - that would be the responsible thing to do".
There have been record high numbers of daily COVID-19 cases in recent days, leading to the Christmas rules relaxation being significantly toughened in most parts of England and scrapped altogether in Tier 4 areas.
Earlier, the UK's Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insisted travel chaos would not impact distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is being imported from Belgium.
Watch our special programme tonight as Isabel Webster is joined by a panel of experts to answer your questions about the new strain of the virus, COVID Christmas rules and the new Tier 4 measures.
COVID Christmas Crisis Q&A is at 6.30pm.
Send us your questions via WhatsApp on the number 07583 000853.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-21--Freight and travel chaos won't impact vaccine delivery, minister promises

Delivery of the coronavirus vaccine will not be disrupted as a result of France 's ban on freight and travel from the UK , the transport secretary has told Sky News .
Grant Shapps said containers unaccompanied by hauliers are still allowed through the port of Dover , which is how most of the jabs arrive from Belgium , so supplies will not be affected by the serious developing situation in Kent .
`` This wo n't have an impact on the vaccination programme , '' he promised .
Follow live COVID updates from the UK and across the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK are believed to have had their first dose of the Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine so far , Mr Shapps said .
He sought to reassure the public there will be no significant food or medicine shortages , and said there was `` no reason '' for people to shop any differently than they would normally in the run-up to Christmas .
A growing list of countries is banning travel from the UK due to fears of a new strain of coronavirus , which Prime Minister Boris Johnson said could be up to 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France went one step further by also restricting hauliers for 48 hours - while most others have exempted them to keep trade moving .
Mr Shapps said the move was `` slightly surprising '' and admitted `` we do n't want these links closed for too long '' , but added it is `` not unusual '' for them to be disrupted due to strikes and bad weather .
He said he had spoken to his French counterpart last night and will do so again on Monday morning to push for the around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ferry or train a day to be allowed through again .
Asked if the ban could last longer than 48 hours , Mr Shapps said `` I very much hope not '' .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added authorities were `` ready for a degree of disruption '' due to the impending threat of trade talks with the EU collapsing , which would have a severe impact on the main routes for exporting and importing .
There are just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends .
French transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari tweeted : `` In the coming hours , at European level , we will be putting in place a solid health protocol so that flows from the UK can resume .
Our priority : protect our nationals and fellow citizens . ''
Ian Murray , Labour 's shadow Scotland secretary , told Sky News : `` We need to hear from the prime minister today about what credible plans he has in place to ensure that we have food and vaccine supplies and goods travel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a crisis of his own making , because of his dither and delay , and in making changes to the regulations across the UK .
This is the consequence of it . ''
The pound fell sharply , tumbling by three cents against the dollar to just above $ 1.32 and nearly two cents versus the euro to less than €1.09 .
Stock markets in London and across Europe also plunged , with the FTSE 100 opening 2 % , or 130 points lower with aviation stocks the worst affected .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was cushioned by the weakness in sterling , which tends to help the UK 's overseas-currency earning multinationals .

Delivery of the coronavirus vaccine will not be disrupted as a result of France's ban on freight and travel from the UK, the transport secretary has told Sky News.
Grant Shapps said containers unaccompanied by hauliers are still allowed through the port of Dover, which is how most of the jabs arrive from Belgium, so supplies will not be affected by the serious developing situation in Kent.
"This won't have an impact on the vaccination programme," he promised.
Follow live COVID updates from the UK and across the world
Image: About 500,000 doses of the jab have reportedly been administered
About half a million people in the UK are believed to have had their first dose of the Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine so far, Mr Shapps said.
He sought to reassure the public there will be no significant food or medicine shortages, and said there was "no reason" for people to shop any differently than they would normally in the run-up to Christmas.
A growing list of countries is banning travel from the UK due to fears of a new strain of coronavirus, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson said could be up to 70% more transmissible than existing ones.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Lorries queue on M20 after France travel ban
France went one step further by also restricting hauliers for 48 hours - while most others have exempted them to keep trade moving.
Mr Shapps said the move was "slightly surprising" and admitted "we don't want these links closed for too long", but added it is "not unusual" for them to be disrupted due to strikes and bad weather.
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He said he had spoken to his French counterpart last night and will do so again on Monday morning to push for the around 6,000 hauliers normally crossing the Channel by ferry or train a day to be allowed through again.
Asked if the ban could last longer than 48 hours, Mr Shapps said "I very much hope not".
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He added authorities were "ready for a degree of disruption" due to the impending threat of trade talks with the EU collapsing, which would have a severe impact on the main routes for exporting and importing.
There are just ten days until the post-Brexit transition period ends.
French transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari tweeted: "In the coming hours, at European level, we will be putting in place a solid health protocol so that flows from the UK can resume. Our priority: protect our nationals and fellow citizens."
Ian Murray, Labour's shadow Scotland secretary, told Sky News: "We need to hear from the prime minister today about what credible plans he has in place to ensure that we have food and vaccine supplies and goods travel to and from the UK...
"This is a crisis of his own making, because of his dither and delay, and in making changes to the regulations across the UK. This is the consequence of it."
The pound fell sharply, tumbling by three cents against the dollar to just above $1.32 and nearly two cents versus the euro to less than €1.09.
Stock markets in London and across Europe also plunged, with the FTSE 100 opening 2%, or 130 points lower with aviation stocks the worst affected.
However it later partly recovered as the blow was cushioned by the weakness in sterling, which tends to help the UK's overseas-currency earning multinationals.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-21--Call for Brexit extension amid COVID crisis and border shutdown

Calls have grown for Boris Johnson to extend the post-Brexit transition period to deal with spiking coronavirus cases and travel chaos as countries shut their borders with Britain .
A growing list of places are banning travel from the UK , 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` 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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` 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 `` very , very bad outcome and a complete failure of the government '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold an emergency meeting of the government 's Cobra committee on Monday to try to prevent UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the UK .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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.