An announcement on the return of schools in England after the Christmas break is due to be made, amid rising coronavirus case rates and hospital admissions.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will make a statement in the House of Commons this afternoon. There has been growing concern from teaching unions and scientists about the spread of the virus following the discovery of its much more transmissible variant.
A YouGov poll conducted overnight suggested that 43% of 7,999 British adults surveyed would "strongly support" keeping schools in England closed for two further weeks after the Christmas break.
Just 9% "strongly oppose" and 10% "somewhat oppose" keeping school gates shut, YouGov said. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the aim is