Families in the UK will be reunited for up to five days over Christmas after ministers agreed to relax coronavirus restrictions.
Up to three households will be allowed to mix from 23 to 27 December, Government sources indicated. Details of the plan will be announced shortly and come after agreement was reached at a Cobra meeting bringing together the UK government and the devolved administrations.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously acknowledged the risks involved in a Christmas relaxation, saying it is the "season to be jolly careful", but the government was determined to give families the chance to meet up at the end of a grim year.