Reports emerging today suggest that Boris Johnson is currently weighting up three different sets of coronavirus restrictions.
According to The Telegraph, these range from another full-on lockdown to advice suggesting people limit their social contact over the holidays.
The government is holding an emergency cabinet meeting this afternoon to discuss a path forward as Omicron cases rise following a record-breaking weekend for new Covid-10 cases.
There are reportedly three different sets of restrictions on the table, which could be implemented before Christmas Day.
The lowest level of these would see the Government advising people to limit their social contacts, especially indoors, but with no legal enforcement.
A second, stricter option would mean the reintroduction of a curfew as well as enforced restrictions on indoor mixing.
The second proposal puts forward an 8pm curfew for pubs and restaurants, plus the return of social distancing measures.
Option three would be a full lockdown, with The Timesreporting a two-week-long ‘circuit breaker’ is being considered.
It would mean a ban on indoor mixing unless for work purposes, and pubs and restaurants forced to return to outdoor-only operating for the fortnight… in the middle of winter.
The Sunday Times has reported that restrictions are expected to be announced on Boxing Day, and come into force on December 27.
But speaking on the Andrew Marr Show yesterday, Health Secretary Sajid Javid refused to rule out that more restrictions may need to be introduced before Christmas.
There were 82,886 new confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK yesterday.
A major incident has now been declared in London by its Mayor Sadiq Khan, where there is a huge surge in cases.
A state of emergency was announced in the capital over the weekend, with Khan appearing on the final Andrew Marr show yesterday to warn that 30,000 new Covid-19 cases had been reported over the weekend and over 130,000 in the last seven days.
Khan said that the introduction of new restrictions was "inevitable" and warned against the potential collapse of the NHS during his appearance on the show.
Millions of train tickets are currently on sale for just £2 each, as Northern has brought its popular ‘Flash Sale’ back for 2026.
A whopping FOUR MILLION of them, to be exact.
For the last couple of years, the rail operator has made life a little easier for train travellers by giving them the chance to grab one of several million tickets for much cheaper than normal – and now, with the cost of living crisis sadly continuing to make its impact felt, Northern has decided to kick off the autumn season by slashing prices once again.
It means that millions of people will have the opportunity to make a cut-price journey across the north of England before the end of October is out.
With the company’s regular ‘Flash Sales’ having gone onto become a, somewhat, legendary event at this point, it probably comes as no shock that you’ll need to act fast if you want to be in with a chance of get your hands tickets.
Northern’s ‘Flash Sale’ is back for 2026 with millions of train tickets on sale from £2 / Credit: Northern | Wikimedia Commons
Tickets went live today and the sale runs for three days, closing on Friday 4 September – with tickets valid for travel between 9 September and 23 October 2026.
A list of routes where tickets will be available can also be found using the ‘cheap fare finder’ tool on the Northern website here.
“With four million tickets up for grabs, this is one of our biggest Flash Sales yet, and there’s something for everyone,” commented Alex Hornby, who is the Commercial and Customer Director at Northern.
“With millions of tickets available for just £2 each, our Flash Sale will make the railway even more appealing, and we believe it will inspire everyone to explore everything our fantastic region has to offer, from bustling cities to countryside and stunning coastlines.
“Customers will need to book early to avoid disappointment, as once they’re gone, they’re gone.”
Tickets are available to buy on Northern’s app, online, at ticket offices, and on ticket machines at stations managed by Northern.
Leeds cinemas are offering tickets to see big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
The Hoot -
20th December 2021 
