UK coronavirus live: senior Tory says Greater Manchester deal ‘likely’ as PM calls press conference

PM announcement will come after noon deadline passes without news of a deal; 59,079 deaths involved Covid, ONS figures show

2.10pm BST

Another circuit breaker lockdown may have to be introduced in the new year, the Welsh government has said.

Ken Skates, the economy minister, said the hope was that a temporary lockdown starting on Friday would bring the R number down to 0.8. He said:

That would, in itself, buy us enough time, give us the headroom, to get through to Christmas and the new year.

But we could not rule out the possibility of another firebreak if transmission rates increase dramatically over the Christmas period.

2.08pm BST

Matt Hancock, the health secretary, will make a statement on coronavirus in the Commons at 7pm, it has been announced.

This is likely to about the plans for Greater Manchester to move into tier 3 restrictions. Assuming a deal has been reached by 5pm, which is still not inevitable, Boris Johnson is expected to give details at his press conference. But MPs have complained about announcements not being made in parliament, where they can question the minister, and a Commons statement would counter claims that parliament was being snubbed.

*Breaking*

There will be a statement at 7pm today:

Covid-19 update – @MattHancock / @JonAshworth

Continue reading…PM announcement will come after noon deadline passes without news of a deal; 59,079 deaths involved Covid, ONS figures show‘Scarred for life’: Sage warns of Covid impact on youngBurnham condemns Greater Manchester ultimatumFirm gets £10m to infect young volunteers to hasten vaccineRapid one-hour tests begin at HeathrowGlobal coronavirus updates – live 2.10pm BSTAnother circuit breaker lockdown may have to be introduced in the new year, the Welsh government has said.Ken Skates, the economy minister, said the hope was that a temporary lockdown starting on Friday would bring the R number down to 0.8. He said:That would, in itself, buy us enough time, give us the headroom, to get through to Christmas and the new year.But we could not rule out the possibility of another firebreak if transmission rates increase dramatically over the Christmas period. 2.08pm BSTMatt Hancock, the health secretary, will make a statement on coronavirus in the Commons at 7pm, it has been announced.This is likely to about the plans for Greater Manchester to move into tier 3 restrictions. Assuming a deal has been reached by 5pm, which is still not inevitable, Boris Johnson is expected to give details at his press conference. But MPs have complained about announcements not being made in parliament, where they can question the minister, and a Commons statement would counter claims that parliament was being snubbed.*Breaking* There will be a statement at 7pm today:Covid-19 update – @MattHancock / @JonAshworth Continue reading…