Boris Johnson expected to cancel Christmas

Boris Johnson is expected to cancel Christmas for the South East and London with new Tier 4 restrictions. It is also reported rules for Christmas bubbles in the rest of the country will be tightened

A tightening of Covid rules and Tier 4 for the South East is expected to be announced by Boris Johnson at a press conference this afternoon. BBC News are reporting that London and the South East are set to be put under new Tier 4 restrictions, along with several other counties. Cabinet sources have also told the BBC that the rules around household gatherings at Christmas will also be tightened. Boris Johnson is set to hold a press conference at 4pm, where the new restrictions are expected to be announced.

Cabinet members have been briefed that the PM expected to announce a Tier 4, tighter covid restrictions for London and SE at 4pm this afternoon - and will cut back on the planned relaxation of the rules over Christmas

— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) December 19, 2020

Ministers had met with scientific advisors on Friday evening, and again on Saturday. The current system in England consists of three tiers, but a Tier 4 is expected to be announced, with London and the South East to be placed under it.  The news restrictions would likely mean the closure of non-essential shops and beauty salons.