BORIS Johnson will hold a press conference tonight to discuss new plans to tackle the increase of coronavirus infections in England.
It comes after UK Government plans to implement nationwide restrictions were leaked to the media last night.
In England coronavirus cases are currently increasing faster than the “worst-case scenario” had predicted.
Wales and Scotland have both indicted they will use their own coronavirus data to inform decisions on restrictions.
The First Minister pointed out earlier that Scotland-wide restrictions appear to have slowed the rate of increase, while Wales is currently in the midst of its own circuit-breaker-style lockdown.
READ MORE: England lockdown: Nicola Sturgeon says Scotland will make its own Covid decision
The scientific experts advising the UK Government have been calling on ministers to implement tougher restrictions since September, but they insisted their tiered approach was the right one.
There is reportedly “fury” in Number 10 that details of yesterday’s discussion between the Prime Minister and senior Cabinet members leaked to the media.
The Times reported the new measures could see everything closed down besides essential shops and education facilities under plans similar to the previous March lockdown.
READ MORE: 'Fury' in Number 10 as England lockdown plans leak to media
The Cabinet met this afternoon following the leak. Following that, at 6.30pm, the Prime Minister will address the UK.
He will be joined by England's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty.
The briefing will be aired on all major broadcast news channels while The National will run a live blog detailing the England-only update.
*The press conference was originally scheduled for 4pm, before being delayed to 5pm and later 6.30pm*
Follow our live blog here: England lockdown: Boris Johnson holds press conference on new restrictions
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