New restrictions came in this week requiring pubs and restaurants to close at 10pm each day and mandating table service. However the Government had been considering a full second lockdown which would have included measures like banning people from socialising around each other’s houses.
According to The Sun this plan was blocked as the Prime Minister feared it would cause Rishi Sunak to resign as chancellor.
The paper reports Mr Sunak demanded a face-to-face meeting with Mr Johnson and explained he “wouldn’t wear it”.
A senior Tory commented: “There were fears he would find it difficult to carry on if he was ignored.
“It was all down to the Chancellor that we avoided delivering a hammer blow to the economy and took a more balanced approach instead. Rishi saved the day.”
During the first national lockdown, which began in March, people were banned from socialising outside their households or spending more than an hour outside their homes each day.
However the Government reportedly decided not to implement a new two week period of tough restrictions as a “circuit breaker” due to the economic impact.
Many parts of the country do have tougher restrictions due to local lockdowns.
Extra restraints are coming into place on Sunday for Cardiff and Swansea meaning nearly half the Welsh population now faces additional measures.
He helped devise Britain’s furlough policies as the country went into lockdown and initiated the ‘eat out to help out’ initiative to support struggling restaurants.
A source close to the Prime Minister insisted Mr Johnson made his lockdown decision after balancing the economic and medical impacts of a second lockdown.
They said: “The Prime Minister listened to a full range of arguments before deciding the next course of action.
“He took a balanced approach, with maximum social measures to drive down the infection rate while having minimum impact on the economy.”
Britain has seen a surge in coronavirus cases over the past couple of weeks.
In response some suppression measures have been reimposed and those who can are being urged to work from home.
A new poll for The Observer put Labour ahead of the Conservatives for the first time under Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Labour are currently on 42 percent versus 39 percent for the Tories according to the survey.
Public approval of the Government’s handling of the coronavirus epidemic has slumped from 65 percent at the beginning of the lockdown to 30 percent now.
Britain has seen more COVID-19 cases and deaths than any other European country.
The government should promise university students that they will be allowed to return home for Christmas, Labour has said.
Shadow education secretary Kate Green said it was "unthinkable" that students could continue to be locked in halls and unable to see their families.
Thousands of students are currently in lockdown at universities across the UK after coronavirus outbreaks.
The Department for Education said it was working closely with universities.
Earlier this week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to rule out a ban on students returning home at Christmas, but added: "I don't want to have a situation like that and I very much hope we can avoid it."
He was responding to a question about concerns that students were spreading Covid-19, following local outbreaks on campuses.
About 3,000 students are currently in lockdown at universities from Dundee to Exeter, the Conservative chairman of the Commons education select committee Robert Halfon has said.
They include up to 1,700 students at Manchester Metropolitan University - where students say they are being prevented from leaving by security guards and police.
Many students have expressed worry and confusion about the situation, with one saying they had "been left completely in the dark".
Media playback is unsupported on your device
In a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, Labour's Ms Green accused the government of failing to prepare for the likelihood that the virus could spread among students.
"It is deeply distressing that so many will now not get the university experience they deserve, and face the appalling prospect of being locked in their rooms with no chance to make new friends," she said.
"Universities have done all they can to prepare for students' safe return to campus, but the government has failed to play its part.
"You let young people down with the exam fiasco over the summer, and now many of those same students are being let down again. These young people deserve better than your incompetence."
She called for:
Enough testing capacity in universities
All students to be given the choice to study remotely
The government to consider delaying the start of term for universities that are yet to return
And regarding Christmas, she added the government must "work with universities to ensure every student has access to testing to allow a safe journey home".
Manchester Met said it had introduced a 14-day self-isolation period at its accommodation at Birley and Cambridge Halls after 127 students tested positive for the virus.
Joe Byrne, a first-year student there, said: "We have had no warning, support or advice from the university about how we get food etc, and instead have been left completely in the dark and practically locked up against our will."
Another student, Megan Tingey said she was not contacted by the university about the lockdown before police turned up outside her accommodation.
"It was quite scary and confusing," she said. "No one's really told us much and then the police turn up as well with security outside."
Thousands more students in England are turning up for the new university term this weekend - but the big question is whether they should be heading in the opposite direction and studying from home.
Is it wise or fair for universities to bring students back if they're at increasing risk of being in a Covid outbreak and having to self-isolate?
Accommodation blocks, with shared facilities and filled with young people wanting to socialise, have already seen a wave of outbreaks. So should the brakes be applied to stop this pattern repeating itself?
But after recruiting record numbers of students and promising them a mix of online and face-to-face teaching, it is going to be a very awkward U-turn for universities to switch back to the academic equivalent of working from home.
And would that mean refunds on accommodation and tuition fees?
There are likely to be some chaotic days ahead - and some big decisions to be made about whether to cut numbers on campus. And students must wonder how they've gone from being cooped up at home all summer to now being cooped up in university.
In a statement, Manchester Met said it had communicated with students "as soon as we could but it was not possible to give significant advanced notice due to the requirement to implement the isolation almost immediately".
"The communications we sent included details about how to access food and other provisions and we have been working with other partners, including local supermarkets, throughout the day to provide additional support," the statement said.
"Our security teams will increase patrols to support the lockdown and we will take disciplinary action against any students found to have breached requirements."
Hundreds of students are also isolating at Glasgow University because of two coronavirus clusters.
Media playback is unsupported on your device
The university said it would offer a four-week rent rebate to all students in university residences in recognition of the "difficult circumstances" under which they were living.
It said those students would also be given £50 each to spend on food and it would invite local mobile food outlets to come to residences.
A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "The government is working closely with universities to ensure they are well prepared for the return of students, and we have published guidance to help them keep students and staff as safe as possible.
"Students should follow the latest health advice, just like the wider public, which means they should stay at university in the event that they have symptoms, have to isolate, there are additional restrictions imposed locally, or there is an outbreak on campus or in their accommodation.
"We will continue monitoring the situation very closely and follow Public Health England advice, adapting policies to best support students and providers."
The government should promise university students that they will be allowed to return home for Christmas, Labour has said.
Shadow education secretary Kate Green said it was "unthinkable" that students could continue to be locked in halls and unable to see their families.
Thousands of students are currently in lockdown at universities across the UK after coronavirus outbreaks.
The Department for Education said it was working closely with universities.
Earlier this week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to rule out a ban on students returning home at Christmas, but added: "I don't want to have a situation like that and I very much hope we can avoid it."
He was responding to a question about concerns that students were spreading Covid-19, following local outbreaks on campuses.
About 3,000 students are currently in lockdown at universities from Dundee to Exeter, the Conservative chairman of the Commons education select committee Robert Halfon has said.
They include up to 1,700 students at Manchester Metropolitan University - where students say they are being prevented from leaving by security guards and police.
Many students have expressed worry and confusion about the situation, with one saying they had "been left completely in the dark".
Media playback is unsupported on your device
In a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, Labour's Ms Green accused the government of failing to prepare for the likelihood that the virus could spread among students.
"It is deeply distressing that so many will now not get the university experience they deserve, and face the appalling prospect of being locked in their rooms with no chance to make new friends," she said.
"Universities have done all they can to prepare for students' safe return to campus, but the government has failed to play its part.
"You let young people down with the exam fiasco over the summer, and now many of those same students are being let down again. These young people deserve better than your incompetence."
She called for:
Enough testing capacity in universities
All students to be given the choice to study remotely
The government to consider delaying the start of term for universities that are yet to return
And regarding Christmas, she added the government must "work with universities to ensure every student has access to testing to allow a safe journey home".
Manchester Met said it had introduced a 14-day self-isolation period at its accommodation at Birley and Cambridge Halls after 127 students tested positive for the virus.
Joe Byrne, a first-year student there, said: "We have had no warning, support or advice from the university about how we get food etc, and instead have been left completely in the dark and practically locked up against our will."
Another student, Megan Tingey said she was not contacted by the university about the lockdown before police turned up outside her accommodation.
"It was quite scary and confusing," she said. "No one's really told us much and then the police turn up as well with security outside."
Thousands more students in England are turning up for the new university term this weekend - but the big question is whether they should be heading in the opposite direction and studying from home.
Is it wise or fair for universities to bring students back if they're at increasing risk of being in a Covid outbreak and having to self-isolate?
Accommodation blocks, with shared facilities and filled with young people wanting to socialise, have already seen a wave of outbreaks. So should the brakes be applied to stop this pattern repeating itself?
But after recruiting record numbers of students and promising them a mix of online and face-to-face teaching, it is going to be a very awkward U-turn for universities to switch back to the academic equivalent of working from home.
And would that mean refunds on accommodation and tuition fees?
There are likely to be some chaotic days ahead - and some big decisions to be made about whether to cut numbers on campus. And students must wonder how they've gone from being cooped up at home all summer to now being cooped up in university.
In a statement, Manchester Met said it had communicated with students "as soon as we could but it was not possible to give significant advanced notice due to the requirement to implement the isolation almost immediately".
"The communications we sent included details about how to access food and other provisions and we have been working with other partners, including local supermarkets, throughout the day to provide additional support," the statement said.
"Our security teams will increase patrols to support the lockdown and we will take disciplinary action against any students found to have breached requirements."
Hundreds of students are also isolating at Glasgow University because of two coronavirus clusters.
Media playback is unsupported on your device
The university said it would offer a four-week rent rebate to all students in university residences in recognition of the "difficult circumstances" under which they were living.
It said those students would also be given £50 each to spend on food and it would invite local mobile food outlets to come to residences.
A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "The government is working closely with universities to ensure they are well prepared for the return of students, and we have published guidance to help them keep students and staff as safe as possible.
"Students should follow the latest health advice, just like the wider public, which means they should stay at university in the event that they have symptoms, have to isolate, there are additional restrictions imposed locally, or there is an outbreak on campus or in their accommodation.
"We will continue monitoring the situation very closely and follow Public Health England advice, adapting policies to best support students and providers."
The government should promise university students that they will be allowed to return home for Christmas, Labour has said.
Shadow education secretary Kate Green said it was "unthinkable" that students could continue to be locked in halls and unable to see their families.
Thousands of students are currently in lockdown at universities across the UK after coronavirus outbreaks.
The Department for Education said it was working closely with universities.
Earlier this week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to rule out a ban on students returning home at Christmas, but added: "I don't want to have a situation like that and I very much hope we can avoid it."
He was responding to a question about concerns that students were spreading Covid-19, following local outbreaks on campuses.
About 3,000 students are currently in lockdown at universities from Dundee to Exeter, the Conservative chairman of the Commons education select committee Robert Halfon has said.
They include up to 1,700 students at Manchester Metropolitan University - where students say they are being prevented from leaving by security guards and police.
Many students have expressed worry and confusion about the situation, with one saying they had "been left completely in the dark".
Media playback is unsupported on your device
In a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, Labour's Ms Green accused the government of failing to prepare for the likelihood that the virus could spread among students.
"It is deeply distressing that so many will now not get the university experience they deserve, and face the appalling prospect of being locked in their rooms with no chance to make new friends," she said.
"Universities have done all they can to prepare for students' safe return to campus, but the government has failed to play its part.
"You let young people down with the exam fiasco over the summer, and now many of those same students are being let down again. These young people deserve better than your incompetence."
She called for:
Enough testing capacity in universities
All students to be given the choice to study remotely
The government to consider delaying the start of term for universities that are yet to return
And regarding Christmas, she added the government must "work with universities to ensure every student has access to testing to allow a safe journey home".
Manchester Met said it had introduced a 14-day self-isolation period at its accommodation at Birley and Cambridge Halls after 127 students tested positive for the virus.
Joe Byrne, a first-year student there, said: "We have had no warning, support or advice from the university about how we get food etc, and instead have been left completely in the dark and practically locked up against our will."
Another student, Megan Tingey said she was not contacted by the university about the lockdown before police turned up outside her accommodation.
"It was quite scary and confusing," she said. "No one's really told us much and then the police turn up as well with security outside."
Thousands more students in England are turning up for the new university term this weekend - but the big question is whether they should be heading in the opposite direction and studying from home.
Is it wise or fair for universities to bring students back if they're at increasing risk of being in a Covid outbreak and having to self-isolate?
Accommodation blocks, with shared facilities and filled with young people wanting to socialise, have already seen a wave of outbreaks. So should the brakes be applied to stop this pattern repeating itself?
But after recruiting record numbers of students and promising them a mix of online and face-to-face teaching, it is going to be a very awkward U-turn for universities to switch back to the academic equivalent of working from home.
And would that mean refunds on accommodation and tuition fees?
There are likely to be some chaotic days ahead - and some big decisions to be made about whether to cut numbers on campus. And students must wonder how they've gone from being cooped up at home all summer to now being cooped up in university.
In a statement, Manchester Met said it had communicated with students "as soon as we could but it was not possible to give significant advanced notice due to the requirement to implement the isolation almost immediately".
"The communications we sent included details about how to access food and other provisions and we have been working with other partners, including local supermarkets, throughout the day to provide additional support," the statement said.
"Our security teams will increase patrols to support the lockdown and we will take disciplinary action against any students found to have breached requirements."
Hundreds of students are also isolating at Glasgow University because of two coronavirus clusters.
Media playback is unsupported on your device
The university said it would offer a four-week rent rebate to all students in university residences in recognition of the "difficult circumstances" under which they were living.
It said those students would also be given £50 each to spend on food and it would invite local mobile food outlets to come to residences.
A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "The government is working closely with universities to ensure they are well prepared for the return of students, and we have published guidance to help them keep students and staff as safe as possible.
"Students should follow the latest health advice, just like the wider public, which means they should stay at university in the event that they have symptoms, have to isolate, there are additional restrictions imposed locally, or there is an outbreak on campus or in their accommodation.
"We will continue monitoring the situation very closely and follow Public Health England advice, adapting policies to best support students and providers."
The government should promise university students that they will be allowed to return home for Christmas, Labour has said.
Shadow education secretary Kate Green said it was "unthinkable" that students could continue to be locked in halls and unable to see their families.
Thousands of students are currently in lockdown at universities across the UK after coronavirus outbreaks.
The Department for Education said it was working closely with universities.
Earlier this week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to rule out a ban on students returning home at Christmas, but added: "I don't want to have a situation like that and I very much hope we can avoid it."
He was responding to a question about concerns that students were spreading Covid-19, following local outbreaks on campuses.
About 3,000 students are currently in lockdown at universities from Dundee to Exeter, the Conservative chairman of the Commons education select committee Robert Halfon has said.
They include up to 1,700 students at Manchester Metropolitan University - where students say they are being prevented from leaving by security guards and police.
Many students have expressed worry and confusion about the situation, with one saying they had "been left completely in the dark".
Media playback is unsupported on your device
In a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, Labour's Ms Green accused the government of failing to prepare for the likelihood that the virus could spread among students.
"It is deeply distressing that so many will now not get the university experience they deserve, and face the appalling prospect of being locked in their rooms with no chance to make new friends," she said.
"Universities have done all they can to prepare for students' safe return to campus, but the government has failed to play its part.
"You let young people down with the exam fiasco over the summer, and now many of those same students are being let down again. These young people deserve better than your incompetence."
She called for:
Enough testing capacity in universities
All students to be given the choice to study remotely
The government to consider delaying the start of term for universities that are yet to return
And regarding Christmas, she added the government must "work with universities to ensure every student has access to testing to allow a safe journey home".
Manchester Met said it had introduced a 14-day self-isolation period at its accommodation at Birley and Cambridge Halls after 127 students tested positive for the virus.
Joe Byrne, a first-year student there, said: "We have had no warning, support or advice from the university about how we get food etc, and instead have been left completely in the dark and practically locked up against our will."
Another student, Megan Tingey said she was not contacted by the university about the lockdown before police turned up outside her accommodation.
"It was quite scary and confusing," she said. "No one's really told us much and then the police turn up as well with security outside."
Thousands more students in England are turning up for the new university term this weekend - but the big question is whether they should be heading in the opposite direction and studying from home.
Is it wise or fair for universities to bring students back if they're at increasing risk of being in a Covid outbreak and having to self-isolate?
Accommodation blocks, with shared facilities and filled with young people wanting to socialise, have already seen a wave of outbreaks. So should the brakes be applied to stop this pattern repeating itself?
But after recruiting record numbers of students and promising them a mix of online and face-to-face teaching, it is going to be a very awkward U-turn for universities to switch back to the academic equivalent of working from home.
And would that mean refunds on accommodation and tuition fees?
There are likely to be some chaotic days ahead - and some big decisions to be made about whether to cut numbers on campus. And students must wonder how they've gone from being cooped up at home all summer to now being cooped up in university.
In a statement, Manchester Met said it had communicated with students "as soon as we could but it was not possible to give significant advanced notice due to the requirement to implement the isolation almost immediately".
"The communications we sent included details about how to access food and other provisions and we have been working with other partners, including local supermarkets, throughout the day to provide additional support," the statement said.
"Our security teams will increase patrols to support the lockdown and we will take disciplinary action against any students found to have breached requirements."
Hundreds of students are also isolating at Glasgow University because of two coronavirus clusters.
Media playback is unsupported on your device
The university said it would offer a four-week rent rebate to all students in university residences in recognition of the "difficult circumstances" under which they were living.
It said those students would also be given £50 each to spend on food and it would invite local mobile food outlets to come to residences.
A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "The government is working closely with universities to ensure they are well prepared for the return of students, and we have published guidance to help them keep students and staff as safe as possible.
"Students should follow the latest health advice, just like the wider public, which means they should stay at university in the event that they have symptoms, have to isolate, there are additional restrictions imposed locally, or there is an outbreak on campus or in their accommodation.
"We will continue monitoring the situation very closely and follow Public Health England advice, adapting policies to best support students and providers."
The government should promise university students that they will be allowed to return home for Christmas, Labour has said.
Shadow education secretary Kate Green said it was "unthinkable" that students could continue to be locked in halls and unable to see their families.
Thousands of students are currently in lockdown at universities across the UK after coronavirus outbreaks.
The Department for Education said it was working closely with universities.
Earlier this week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to rule out a ban on students returning home at Christmas, but added: "I don't want to have a situation like that and I very much hope we can avoid it."
He was responding to a question about concerns that students were spreading Covid-19, following local outbreaks on campuses.
About 3,000 students are currently in lockdown at universities from Dundee to Exeter, the Conservative chairman of the Commons education select committee Robert Halfon has said.
They include up to 1,700 students at Manchester Metropolitan University - where students say they are being prevented from leaving by security guards and police.
Many students have expressed worry and confusion about the situation, with one saying they had "been left completely in the dark".
Media playback is unsupported on your device
In a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, Labour's Ms Green accused the government of failing to prepare for the likelihood that the virus could spread among students.
"It is deeply distressing that so many will now not get the university experience they deserve, and face the appalling prospect of being locked in their rooms with no chance to make new friends," she said.
"Universities have done all they can to prepare for students' safe return to campus, but the government has failed to play its part.
"You let young people down with the exam fiasco over the summer, and now many of those same students are being let down again. These young people deserve better than your incompetence."
She called for:
Enough testing capacity in universities
All students to be given the choice to study remotely
The government to consider delaying the start of term for universities that are yet to return
And regarding Christmas, she added the government must "work with universities to ensure every student has access to testing to allow a safe journey home".
Manchester Met said it had introduced a 14-day self-isolation period at its accommodation at Birley and Cambridge Halls after 127 students tested positive for the virus.
Joe Byrne, a first-year student there, said: "We have had no warning, support or advice from the university about how we get food etc, and instead have been left completely in the dark and practically locked up against our will."
Another student, Megan Tingey said she was not contacted by the university about the lockdown before police turned up outside her accommodation.
"It was quite scary and confusing," she said. "No one's really told us much and then the police turn up as well with security outside."
Thousands more students in England are turning up for the new university term this weekend - but the big question is whether they should be heading in the opposite direction and studying from home.
Is it wise or fair for universities to bring students back if they're at increasing risk of being in a Covid outbreak and having to self-isolate?
Accommodation blocks, with shared facilities and filled with young people wanting to socialise, have already seen a wave of outbreaks. So should the brakes be applied to stop this pattern repeating itself?
But after recruiting record numbers of students and promising them a mix of online and face-to-face teaching, it is going to be a very awkward U-turn for universities to switch back to the academic equivalent of working from home.
And would that mean refunds on accommodation and tuition fees?
There are likely to be some chaotic days ahead - and some big decisions to be made about whether to cut numbers on campus. And students must wonder how they've gone from being cooped up at home all summer to now being cooped up in university.
In a statement, Manchester Met said it had communicated with students "as soon as we could but it was not possible to give significant advanced notice due to the requirement to implement the isolation almost immediately".
"The communications we sent included details about how to access food and other provisions and we have been working with other partners, including local supermarkets, throughout the day to provide additional support," the statement said.
"Our security teams will increase patrols to support the lockdown and we will take disciplinary action against any students found to have breached requirements."
Hundreds of students are also isolating at Glasgow University because of two coronavirus clusters.
Media playback is unsupported on your device
The university said it would offer a four-week rent rebate to all students in university residences in recognition of the "difficult circumstances" under which they were living.
It said those students would also be given £50 each to spend on food and it would invite local mobile food outlets to come to residences.
A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "The government is working closely with universities to ensure they are well prepared for the return of students, and we have published guidance to help them keep students and staff as safe as possible.
"Students should follow the latest health advice, just like the wider public, which means they should stay at university in the event that they have symptoms, have to isolate, there are additional restrictions imposed locally, or there is an outbreak on campus or in their accommodation.
"We will continue monitoring the situation very closely and follow Public Health England advice, adapting policies to best support students and providers."
He explained how came across the fossil during a trip to Malta in the 1960s.
Prince George seemed delighted as he inspected the giant shark tooth.
The Cambridges met the broadcasting legend in the garden while social distancing.
Pictures of the moment show Princess Charlotte smiling while holding her face in surprise.
Prince Louis is seen holding the ancient treasure along with Prince William and his brother George.
Prince George is known to be interested in dinosaurs and fossils.
The Duchess of Cambridge once told children visiting the Natural History Museum that George "loves the T Rex because it's the noisiest and the scariest."
But all three children started looking up to Sir David after watching all his TV shows.
She previously told Sir David how they were disappointed to find out they were not meeting him in a previous occasion.
She said: “The children were very upset that we were coming to see you and they weren’t coming, they’re massive fans of yours."
The Palace aide said: “The Duke thought it was Sir David's best documentary yet.
“It is a terrifying look at what we've done to the planet and where we are today, but it also offers hope and cause for optimism because if we can act now, and act together, we can turn things around.”
Prince William spoke out about the importance of looking after the environment in an upcoming ITV documentary, Prince William: A Planet For Us All.
The documentary, set to be aired next month, also gives an insight on the Duke’s views on parenthood.
