A simplified approach to localised coronavirus restrictions based on tiers is due in the coming days, Matt Hancock has told MPs.
The Health Secretary made the comments after Conservative former Cabinet minister Alun Cairns warned that the “myriad” of different forms of restrictions “can become confusing”.
While Mr Hancock did not confirm the system, which has been widely discussed in Whitehall for the last few weeks, he said he would update MPs in coming days.
On Saturday, Liverpool City Region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough became the latest areas to be put under tighter restrictions following a rise in cases.