Times

Predictably, The Times goes for a more sober take on Tuesday’s announcements.

Boris Johnson has set Easter as an “end goal” for lifting COVID-19 restrictions, says The Times.

Boris Johnson is to announce the return of Christmas shopping, gyms and outdoor sport across England as the government prepares to lift lockdown, says The Times.

The Times says Boris Johnson has told Conservative MPs to “form a square” around Home Secretary Priti Patel, who he is standing by despite an inquiry finding her in breach of the ministerial code.

The Times leads with a report that found Home Secretary Priti Patel broke the ministerial code.

The Times leads on a boost to defence spending, to be announced by Boris Johnson later. The prime minister is promising to “end the era of retreat”, the paper says.

The Times reports Boris Johnson will announce that the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be banned from 2030 and hybrid vehicles outlawed five years later.

The Times reports on the UK buying five million doses of the new Moderna vaccine – bringing fresh hopes that the country could have several working vaccines within the next few months.

The Times writes that the government is considering plans to charge motorists for using the roads because of a tax shortfall caused by the switch to electric cars. 

Boris Johnson has begun a “purge” of Brexiteers in Downing Street after telling chief adviser Dominic Cummings and communications director Lee Cain to leave, according to The Times.