Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More areas of England are set to face Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions amid a government warning that "further action" may be necessary to control the disease.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said on Wednesday morning that the government would not hesitate to further tighten festive restrictions in other areas of the country.
A decision on the extension of the toughest controls is reportedly expected as early as this afternoon at a meeting of ministers in Whitehall.
Under Tier 4, retail shops must close and family gatherings and travel are further restricted. New measures could come in as early Boxing Day, it has been reported.
"We don't have a timetable for that. The Government's Covid operations committee is meeting later today to review further evidence," Mr Jenrick told Sky News.
"We keep this under review, we are constantly hearing from our scientific advisers about what we should do."
The communities secretary described the new variant as "very concerning" and said it was "prevalent probably in most regions of the country".
Genomic researchers have reportedly identified that the new coronavirus variant, which researchers say is 70 per cent more virulent based on early evidence, has already spread to other parts of the UK. Cases have been identified in Wales and Scotland.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has written to the Prime Minister to say his party would back any Government moves to tighten restrictions if that is what scientists recommended the government does.
But existing Tier 4 measures were introduced after the start of the parliamentary recess, meaning they have not yet been subject to a vote.
On Wednesday the Daily Telegraph newspaper reported that local leaders and health officials in Birmingham met overnight to discuss the possibility of the city being moved into Tier 4. Areas in lower tiers could be moved up to Tier 3.
Other areas that could see their restrictions upgraded reportedly include parts of Sussex, Rugby, Burnley, Lincoln, and Stoke-on-Trent.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments