National lockdown WILL END next week - with shops and gyms to reopen

Appearing in the House of Commons via a video link, the PM this afternoon confirmed England would return to a three-tier system.

He was expected to outline what Covid restrictions would be relaxed over the Christmas period, but instead detailed changes beyond December 2.

The Echo understands that the North-East will likely face being placed under Tier 2 or 3 restrictions, while North Yorkshire could be placed back into Tier 1 rules.

He told MPs: “From next Wednesday people will be able to leave their home for any purpose and meet others in outdoor public spaces, subject to the rule of six, collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports can resume, and shops, personal care, gyms and the wider leisure sector can reopen.

SEE MORE: Live updates as Boris Johnson to reveal lockdown plans over Christmas period

“But without sensible precautions, we would risk the virus escalating into a winter or New Year surge.

“The incidents of the disease is, alas, still widespread in many areas.”

The PM said there will be a return to “tougher” regional tiers.

He said: “So we’re not going to replace national measures with a free for all, the status quo anti-Covid, we’re going to go back instead to a regional tiered approach – applying the toughest measures where Covid is most prevalent.

“And while the previous local tiers did cut the ‘R’ number, they were not quite enough to reduce it below one.

“So the scientific advice, I’m afraid, is that as we come out our tiers need to be made tougher.”

What the PM said about the three-tier system

Outlining the tiers, the PM said: “In particular, in Tier 1 people should work from home wherever possible.

“In Tier 2, alcohol may only be served in hospitality settings as part of a substantial meal.

“In Tier 3, indoor entertainment, hotels and other accommodation will have to close, along with all forms of hospitality except for delivery and takeaways.”

Mr Johnson added that he is “very sorry” for the “hardship” that such restrictions will cause business owners.

Pub curfew extended beyond 10pm

Mr Johnson said: “Unlike the previous arrangements, tiers will now be a uniform set of rules… We won’t have negotiations on additional measures with each region, it’s a uniform set of rules. We’ve learnt from experience that there are some things we can do differently.”

“So from the 10pm closing time… we’re going to change so that it is last orders at 10 with closing at 11.

“In tiers 1 and 2 spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls.

“We’ll also strengthen the enforcement ability of local authorities, including specially trained officers and new powers to close down premises that pose a risk to public health.”

'We know in our hearts that we will succeed'

It comes as the PM praised advances in testing, treatment and vaccines and said the “scientific cavalry is in sight”, adding to MPs: “We know in our hearts that next year we will succeed.

“By the spring these advances should reduce the need for the restrictions we have endured in 2020 and make the whole concept of a Covid lockdown redundant.”

Labour MP reacts

Responding after the speech, Labour MP for Newcastle North, Catherine McKinnell, urged the Government to develop an “effective” NHS Test and Trace system and provide further plans to support businesses affected by local restrictions in the region.

She said: “This second lockdown of the year came as a huge blow because the Government simply did not learn the lessons from both abroad and from the first wave to ensure we got a proper handle on it.

“This needs to go hand in hand with an effective test, track and trace system, a plan to support businesses many of whom will still find these restrictions difficult, and a plan to roll out vaccines in the New Year.”