CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak is reportedly among the UK Cabinet ministers resisting calls to bring in tighter Covid restrictions as record numbers of coronavirus cases continue to be reported.
On Sunday the UK recorded 82,886 infections, slightly down from Friday’s high of 93,045 but still way above where they were this time last year.
London’s mayor has already declared a major incident in the city due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, while NHS England is once again at its highest level of emergency preparedness.
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Government scientific advisers have warned that the rapid spread of Omicron is likely to result in a high number of hospitalisations, putting intense pressure on the NHS.
Professor Stephen Reicher, a member of Sage, has said Omicron is “coming at us like an express train” – and insisted the Government has to provide a “clear message” over the severity of the situation.
In Scotland, the Government is urging people to stay at home as much as possible in the run-up to Christmas and limit mixing to a maximum of three households. No such guidance has been given yet south of the Border.
While scientific experts plead with ministers to bring in some form of restrictions to stop huge numbers heading to hospital in January, The Times reports that the Chancellor is one of around 10 Cabinet members who are not convinced.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid and Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove are said to be the most keen on new restrictions, while Kwasi Kwarteng, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Grant Shapps and Liz Truss have concerns.
It was reported that if Johnson brings in fresh restrictions there may be resignations, following Lord Frost’s decision to leave over “coercive” Covid measures at the weekend.
It is up to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland individually to bring in Covid restrictions – but each nation would be reliant on UK funding to support any measures.
The Prime Minister is expected to make a decision on further restrictions for England today.
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