Boris Johnson calls meeting of Cobra emergency committee amid rising wave of Omicron virus

Prime minister in talks with Nicola Sturgeon over soaring coronavirus infections

Boris Johnson has called a meeting of the government’s Cobra emergencies committee this weekend in response to the fast-accelerating wave of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

The meeting, which will include representatives of devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, will inevitably spark speculation that further restrictions are being considered in a bid to stem the spread of the virus.

The meeting comes just days after the introduction of Plan B restrictions including Covid passes for entry to mass-audience events and mandatory face-coverings in indoor public places.

The prime minister’s refusal to order the shutdown of sports fixtures and entertainment venues to prevent social mingling has been criticised both by public health experts - including the Independent Sage group who want a 10-day circuit-breaker lockdown - and by some in the hospitality industry who accuse Johnson of inflicting a “lockdown by stealth” with no new financial support for pubs and restaurants suffering cancellations.

Mr Johnson has promised to recall parliament from its Christmas break if new regulations are needed to impose additional curbs on social and economic life.

The prime minister today spoke by phone with Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon, her Welsh counterpart Mark Drakeford and the first minister and deputy first minister of Northern Ireland, Paul Givan and Michelle O’Neill.

He agreed to collaborate closely with the devolved administrations to protect the public across the UK.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “They discussed the shared challenges including the economic disruption caused by Covid and will continue to work together.

“The prime minister confirmed UK government will be convening a COBR meeting over the weekend with counterparts from the devolved administrations to continue discussions.”