Further coronavirus restrictions are unlikely before Christmas after cabinet ministers urged the PM to hold out until the data is clearer, The Guardian says.It says Boris Johnson has been accused of not following scientists’ advice to immediately bring in tougher rules.
Deputy PM Dominic Raab has defended a photo of Boris Johnson and others in the Downing Street garden last year at a time when there were limits on mixing.Mr Raab said it showed a place of work and everyone was in suits, Metro reports.
Boris Johnson faced opposition to further COVID restrictions from members of his cabinet, with the chancellor leading the pushback while the health secretary was in favour of new measures, the FT says.
The chancellor is among at least 10 cabinet ministers questioning the scientific modelling being used to press the need for new COVID restrictions, The Times says.Government advisers have said there could be as many as 3,000 daily hospital admissions if swift action is not taken.But the paper says government figures have questioned the accuracy of those predictions and are resisting new curbs.
The Daily Mirror says it’s “D-Day for Christmas” with the prime minister having urgent meetings on Monday with scientists and his senior team.New restrictions for England could be days away as the government tries to slow the spread of Omicron.Another 12,133 Omicron cases were reported on Sunday, but experts say the actual number is far higher.
