THE Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to today announce the relaxation of restrictions over the Christmas period as part of his "winter Covid plan."

The PM is expected to announce that restrictions will be relaxed "for a small number of days" over the festive period to allow mixing between households.

He will today set out the basis of plans, as well as detailing a new tougher three-tier system for England when its national lockdown ends on December 2.

>>>Live updates as Boris Johnson to reveal lockdown plans over Christmas period<<<

But the PM will be unable to say how many households will be allowed to mix and for how many days restrictions will be relaxed for until a later date, sources say.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove met with leaders of the devolved administrations over the weekend when they “endorsed a shared objective of facilitating some limited additional household bubbling for a small number of days”.

'Public to be advised to remain cautious'

But the public will be “advised to remain cautious” and told that “wherever possible people should avoid travelling and minimise social contact”, a statement from his department said.

The Cabinet Office said talks are continuing to finalise the agreement, including over travel arrangements, but that it is hoped the conclusion will come “this week”, while the Scottish Government said “no agreement has been reached”.

When will it take place?

The PM is expected to announce his 'winter Covid plan' during an address in the House of Commons, where he will appear virtually from Downing Street as he continues to self-isolate.

The time is yet to be confirmed, but in recent months the address has opened at 2.30pm, followed by a Downing Street press briefing at 5pm. 

The Northern Echo will be bringing you live coverage as it happens throughout the day