UK

Coronavirus restrictions in Scotland are being extended for another week, taking the nation into a new tiered system. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said details of the new system will be published on Friday and the measures will be implemented from 2 November. Restrictions put in place two weeks ago on hospitality businesses had been due

A woman who lost an eye after a firework exploded in her face has called for a ban on their sale to members of the public – as new figures revealed more than 1,000 emergency incidents involving the explosives were reported in the last three years. Amber Lewis suffered facial injuries “like something out of

Local leaders in Greater Manchester have been told that the “door is open” for further talks, despite the prime minister imposing Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions on the region. Boris Johnson announced that tougher COVID-19 restrictions will be introduced in Greater Manchester from Friday. Moving into Tier 3 means pubs and bars in Greater Manchester will

Greater Manchester is set to enter tougher coronavirus restrictions after talks between local leaders and the government ended without an agreement. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick, who had set a midday deadline for Greater Manchester moving into Tier 3, said no deal had been struck. Live updates on Greater Manchester stalemate after deadline passes without a

The government has given Greater Manchester until midday tomorrow to reach an agreement on entering Tier 3 restrictions. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said 10 days of discussions in “good faith” have not resulted in an agreement – and he warned that the prime minister would have to intervene if no deal is made by the

Wales will be placed into a circuit break lockdown for 17 days from 6pm on Friday, the Welsh government has announced. The new coronavirus lockdown will take Wales back to the restrictions introduced in March, with most businesses shutting, and people being told to stay at home and work from home where possible. Announcing the

Andy Burnham is facing a new clash with Boris Johnson over claims that hospitals in Greater Manchester are running out of beds to treat people infected with COVID-19. As the Greater Manchester mayor battles with the prime minister over Tier 3 status and cash to support businesses forced to close, it is reported that some

Michael Gove has accused Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham of “posturing” and “political positioning” in refusing to accept strict new COVID-19 rules. The government is currently at a stand-off with Mr Burnham over whether his region should be moved into the highest alert level of the new three-tier system for local coronavirus lockdowns. Before agreeing

Another 16,171 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the UK, with 150 more people having died. The total number of positive coronavirus cases nationwide now stands at 705,428, according to government figures. The death toll, which only includes people who have passed away within 28 days of testing positive for the virus, has reached

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson says his brother has died after contracting COVID-19. Sharing the news on Twitter, he said that despite medical experts’ efforts to save him, his brother died on Friday evening after being admitted to intensive care. “We want to thank the dedicated staff risking their lives for us,” he said. “Thank

New coronavirus restrictions have come into force in England with roughly half the population facing further curbs on their social lives. Vast swathes of the north, London and parts of the south east are now subject to tougher COVID-19 rules. At 6pm on Friday a ban on visiting Wales from areas of high infection came

Daily coronavirus cases in England have increased by around 10,000 to around 27,900, according to latest ONS estimates. Last week’s estimate was 17,200 per day, and the week before 12,600. There has also been a big jump in the number of people currently infected in England – rising from an estimated 224,400 to 336,500 in

The UK map will be dramatically redrawn today as new coronavirus measures come into force – changing the way millions of people live their lives. Here is what is happening today: Northern Ireland will enter a four-week “circuit breaker” lockdown from 6pm – with pubs and restaurants closed, overnight stays in other homes banned, and

London will face Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions from Saturday. It means millions in the capital will be banned from meeting people from other households indoors, whether that’s in their home or in a pub. Londoners have also been advised to avoid public transport and reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. Please use

“You don’t mess with the line dancers,” the lady in the cafe at Oldham leisure centre told us. And you don’t. We found them in the sports hall – 45 straight-talking ladies who dance, laugh and natter during their weekly two-hour session. Image: Dozens of people gather at Oldham’s leisure centre for line dancing classes

A four-week “circuit breaker” lockdown will come into force in Northern Ireland on Friday in an attempt to stall the rise in coronavirus infections. First Minister Arlene Foster confirmed the move in a statement and said that the half-term holiday break for schools will be extended and now last two weeks, from 19 to 30