BORIS Johnson will once again address the nation this afternoon (Wednesday, 16 December, 2020) on coronavirus rules during Christmas.
After coming under pressure from all sides to re-consider his plans to relax restrictions between December 23 and 27, the prime minister will make an announcement on the latest Covid rules and how it will affect travel between lockdown tiers.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
What time is Boris Johnson's speech today?
Boris Johnson will hold a televised press conference this afternoon (Wednesday, 16 December, 2020).
The speech is due to take place from Downing Street live at 3.30pm.
It is not yet clear who will join the Prime Minister, but he is reguarly joined by health experts and advisers.
They deliver further information and statistics on the UK's battle against Covid-19.
Previous and regular advisers include NHS medical director Professor Stephen Powis, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam and Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England.
What topics is Boris Johnson expected to discuss?
The Prime Minister is expected to update the public on Christmas travel and relaxed restrictions between Covid tiers.
On Wednesday morning, during the final PMQs of the year, Mr Johnson faced tough questioning from the house, including Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer.
But the PM insisted previous plans to relax rules for the festive period will go ahead – and accused Sir Keir of trying to “cancel Christmas”.
Mr Johnson has ruled out scrapping Christmas Covid freedoms in England.
But during today's press conference he will urge people to reconsider their plans to visit elderly relatives.
Ministers agreed to UK-wide set of travel rules which will come into play over the festive period.
Up to three households will be allowed to mix over a period of five days in December, from the 23rd to the 27th, and there will be no limits on numbers.
Over these five days the three households will have to form an exclusive bubble and not mix with others.
There will be a relaxation of restrictions on overnight stays, and people will be allowed to travel freely across Tiers.
People in their 'Christmas bubble' will be able to go to other people's homes, church or public spaces together – but wont be able to go to the pub or out for meals in any indoor settings
But after the festive period finishes on December 27, the three Tier system will come back into force.
Meanwhile, Scotland and Wales announced today (December 16, 2020) that they will rip up Christmas bubble plans.
By breaking the UK-wide deal, the two nations have officially tightened their rules for the holidays.
Mark Drakeford and Nicola Sturgeon will introduce tighter rules in their countries, which will come into place next week.
It is likely to be just guidance, rather than a strict law, however – meaning people won't be fined for breaking the rules.
When did he last address the nation?
Mr Johnson last spoke on November 23, when England was in the middle of a second national lockdown.
He announced the new changes to England's three-tier Covid system, which came into place on December 3 – the day after Lockdown 2 ended.
The Prime Minister outlined his new "Covid Winter Plan" to MPs in parliament, before addressing the nation later that day in a Downing Street press conference.
How can I watch the speech live?
The press conference will be shown on the BBC at 3.30pm, live from Downing Street.
The conference will also be available for live streaming on the Government's official YouTube account.
Our live coronavirus blog will also provide live updates and reports during and after the press conference.
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