British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is resisting growing pressure to scrap the easing of coronavirus restrictions over Christmas amid warnings the move could overwhelm the NHS and contribute to the loss of "many lives".
British cabinet office minister Michael Gove will resume crisis talks over the plans for up to three households to mix between 23 and 27 December with leaders of the devolved administrations this morning.
A UK government source acknowledged that England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may take differing approaches, but insisted there would be no change in the law for the festive freedoms in England.