Festive rules allowing families to mix over Christmas will go ahead - but with tougher warnings about the coronavirus risks.
After crisis talks between ministers and the devolved leaders, the planned relaxation of restrictions will continue next week despite warnings from medical experts about the dangers.
Boris Johnson said the move would go ahead "in principle" as the government did not want to "criminalise" people's long held festive plans.
But he urged families to "avoid contact with elderly people wherever possible". Moments later, the agreement descended into chaos as Wales decided to diverge from the UK-wide approach.