Scuffles have broken out at Dover as stranded lorry drivers clash with police. Several thousand lorries have been stuck near the Kent port after France stopped them crossing the Channel due to the new variant of coronavirus. They have been lined up on the motorway and at nearby Manston airfield after the French government took
UK
Germany has extended its ban on travellers arriving from the UK to 6 January, despite the EU telling countries to lift restrictions to allow essential journeys and minimise trade disruption. “The German government has extended its ban on air passenger flights arriving from the UK to Germany to a ban on all forms of transport
A deal to unblock travel with France following a shutdown over the new coronavirus variant could come later today, Sky News understands. The solution would involve rapid turnaround lateral flow tests being conducted on lorry drivers with the help of the military. More than 1,500 hauliers are queuing on the M20 or parked at Kent’s
Stormont executive ministers are holding an emergency meeting following a row over whether a travel ban should be introduced. Health minister Robin Swann has recommended issuing guidance advising against non-essential travel between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, and Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Mr Swann has also advised that anyone arriving into the region
France says it is working on a plan to “ensure that movement from the UK can resume” – after it banned freight and travel. Transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said cross-EU talks will take place within hours to “establish a solid health protocol” that could begin to unblock the port of Dover. He added the priority
The UK has reported a record daily rise in confirmed coronavirus cases, with another 35,928 infections. The update comes amid growing concern over a new variant of COVID-19 which appears to be causing a dramatic uptick in infections in London and the southeast of England, prompting the prime minister to enforce new Tier 4 restrictions.
Millions of people across southeast England will no longer be able to mix with other households at Christmas, with a new Tier 4 level of COVID restrictions – equivalent to a full lockdown – to come into force tomorrow. In a dramatic move, prompted by fears over a new strain of coronavirus, all those areas
The government has cancelled festive plans for millions of people, bringing in new Tier 4 restrictions in large parts of the country. Fears over a new strain of coronavirus have prompted the government to ban any mixing between households in London and most of the South East. This includes over Christmas, causing frustration and disappointment
Scientific advisers have warned ministers they believe the new variant of COVID-19 spreads more quickly than previous strains, Sky News understands. It is expected the SAGE advisory group will be convened on Monday to work up a series of recommendations for how Tier 3 restrictions could be strengthened in light of the increased transmissibility of
More parts of England have moved into Tier 3 meaning nearly 70% of the population are living under the toughest restrictions. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said earlier this week that parts of the East and the South East of England would be moved up to the most severe measures. Mr Hancock told the Commons that
People forming “Christmas bubbles” are being told it is “vital” that they minimise contact with others from outside their household from today. In a message on his Twitter account, which included a link to government guidance around the easing of COVID-19 rules over the festive period, Boris Johnson said: “If you are forming a Christmas
Northern Ireland will enter a six-week lockdown on Boxing Day amid rising COVID-19 infections, Sky News understands. The new restrictions, due to come into force at 00.01am on 26 December, are expected to include the shutting of all non-essential shops as well the closure of pubs, bars and restaurants apart from takeaway services. It comes after
The health secretary will today outline which, if any, regions in England will change tiers before the relaxation of COVID rules over the festive period. Matt Hancock will also explain plans to extend mass community testing to Tier 2 areas with high rates of coronavirus. Currently, only Tier 3 areas are eligible for the localised
Boris Johnson has warned “a smaller Christmas is going to be a safer Christmas” as he urged people to see festive bubbles of three households as “maximums” and not “targets to aim for”. The prime minister confirmed that Christmas COVID rules would not be changing in law, but he admitted that the “overall situation” is
For the first time UNICEF has launched a domestic emergency response in the UK to help feed children hit by the COVID-19 crisis. The UN agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide has likened the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on youngsters to that of the Second World War. Since the
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove will speak with the devolved nations later this afternoon about next week’s relaxation of coronavirus rules over Christmas, Sky News understands. The call is expected to take place at around 5pm, it is believed. Sky News understands that potential alternative options that could emerge include: Keeping the rules as they