Coronavirus: Relaxed Christmas rules stay in law – but Wales and Scotland tighten ‘bubble’ advice
Wales advises just two households meet - as it announces December 28 lockdown
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A relaxation of strict coronavirus rules over Christmas is expected to go ahead as planned after agreement between the four parts of the UK.
But ministers are expected to publish stronger guidance later today on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus over the festive period.
And just hours after the decision was taken, Wales announced it would go back into lockdown on December 28.
First Minister Mark Drakeford also said the advice from the Welsh Government was now that just two households, not three, should come together to "form an exclusive Christmas bubble" in Wales.
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon recommended that any Christmas bubbles in Scotland last just one day, if possible, and do not include an overnight stay.
As he faced accusations his government was rapidly losing control of the situation, Boris Johnson urged the public to show “extreme caution” over the festive season.
The prime minister told the House of Commons: “We should exercise extreme caution in the way we celebrate Christmas. We can celebrate it sensibly, but we have to be extremely cautious.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused the government of “ignoring” the medical advice, days after ministers were forced to put London in the toughest coronavirus tier.
Under the festive rules, up to three households will be allowed to mix between December 23 and 27.
Negotiations between the UK Government and the leaders of the devolved nations administration are understood to have agreed to press ahead with the plan, albeit with a stronger warning about the dangers people face.
Ministers are understood to believe many will have made plans they would struggle to change if the rules were amended at this late stage.
Mr Johnson also appeared to suggest that that fragile consensus could yet shatter, telling MPs that the four UK nations have agreed to continue "in principle" with the easing of coronavirus restrictions over Christmas.
Less than two hours after the meeting, Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford announced that tighter restrictions would apply across Wales from December 28.
All non-essential retail will close after the end of trading on Christmas Eve, while all hospitality will close from 6pm on Christmas Day, he said.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments