Friday morning news briefing: Pushed towards national lockdown

Danny Boyle
·6 min read
The PM is accused of putting London in tougher restrictions to placate northern leaders - Bob
The PM is accused of putting London in tougher restrictions to placate northern leaders - Bob

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PM fights to save three-tier plan in face of pressure

Boris Johnson is embroiled in a standoff over plans for local lockdowns. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham effectively held Number 10 to ransom by demanding more money in return for supporting a move into the top level of Covid restrictions. Government scientific advisers warned that a national "circuit breaker" may be necessary, believing that the tier system would ultimately fail. Fraser Nelson says Mr Johnson is sleepwalking into the national lockdown he claims to despise. Meanwhile, London mayor Sadiq Khan was accused of bouncing ministers into imposing draconian new restrictions on the capital that will have a devastating economic impact. Chief Reporter Robert Mendick watched him live up to his "Mr Misery" moniker as he read a statement in an icy monotone voice. For the latest rules in your area, use our postcode search tool. And console yourself with Matt's latest cartoon, in which he finds a silver lining to the household mixing ban.

Mr Johnson is expected to impose the highest level of restrictions on Greater Manchester today, with or without Mr Burnham's consent, while Lancashire is said to be close to agreeing tier-three status. Chief Political Correspondent Christopher Hope has the inside story on how the battle to pressure the region into accepting restrictions became a political row about money. Ross Clark argues Mr Burnham's opportunism makes Labour look ridiculous. This is how the UK lockdown map is changing.

EU drops promise of intensified trade talks

Britain's chief Brexit negotiator said he was "disappointed" that European Union leaders dropped their commitment to intensified trade negotiations at a Brussels summit last night. Boris Johnson will make a statement today about whether he will carry out his threat to walk away from talks and prepare to trade on World Trade Organisation terms with the EU from January 1 after the transition period ends. James Crisp sums up the mood in Brussels after leaders discussed the Brexit negotiations in detail for two and a quarter hours. Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon is accused of trying to "shamelessly flog Scottish independence" to the EU after wooing the bloc in an article for a German newspaper.

Keyless car technology driving vehicle thefts

Drivers have been warned to keep their keyless car fobs in metal bags to stop thieves hijacking digital signals. Insurers said the method in which criminals relay signals from the devices is driving a rise in vehicle thefts. Stolen car claims have increased by 20 per cent in each of the last four years, with London seeing the biggest rise. Mason Boycott-Owen reports the best way to prevent theft is to keep the fob far away from the car - and, if possible, in a metal-lined Faraday bag to block digital signals.

At a glance: More coronavirus headlines

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

'Worrisome' discovery | Climate change wiped out early humans, a study has found, as scientists warn global warming could have a greater impact than previously thought. New research argues cousins of Homo sapiens failed to adapt to the cold tens of thousands of years ago - leaving them vulnerable to extinction when temperatures dropped below levels they were used to. Environment Correspondent Olivia Rudgard reports that scientists say the findings are "worrisome" for modern humans.

Around the world: 'Jacindamania' survives Covid test

New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern is widely expected to win a second term at this weekend's election, with polls showing her centre-Left Labour Party comfortably in front. She has been met with rapturous crowds during the final throes of the campaign, which focused on her personal popularity and handling of Covid-19. Read Charles Anderson's report from Wellington and view more world pictures of the day.

Jacinda Ardern obliges with a selfie while campaigning - FIONA GOODALL/REUTERS
Jacinda Ardern obliges with a selfie while campaigning - FIONA GOODALL/REUTERS

Comment and analysis

Editor's choice: Features and arts

  1. Nigel Farage | 'We won Brexit - now I want the little guy to take back control of finances'

  2. Get ready to hibernate | Six easy ways to make your home cosy chic for a Covid winter

  3. Gogglebox's Mary | 'My friends' husbands are even more annoying than Giles'

Business and money briefing

PPE scramble | Two of Britain's largest airlines were paid more than £70m of taxpayer cash to fetch personal protective equipment (PPE) from China, according to new data that threatens to reignite the row over tendering in the Covid crisis. The deals with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic were part of a massive drive to replenish stocks worldwide.

Sport briefing

Backlash | Football Association chairman Greg Clarke is under mounting pressure after his handling of the "Project Big Picture" controversy sparked anger throughout the game. After new revelations that he floated proposals for a "Premier League 2" and B-teams, a series of clubs across the pyramid expressed dismay at his handling of the crisis.

Tonight's dinner

Cauliflower risotto with pangrattato | An easy way to incorporate vegetables into this dish by Diana Henry, with added crunch from fried garlic breadcrumbs. Read the recipe.

And finally... for this morning's downtime

'The Smiths hated me - we had stare-offs on Top of the Pops' | Nik Kershaw, the 1980s pop superstar, tells Craig Mclean about backstage antics at the BBC, being cornered by Bob Geldof at Heathrow airport - and those notorious outfits. Read the interview.