Michael Gove is understood to be holding talks with representatives of the Welsh, Northern Ireland and Scottish governments this afternoon as pressure grows to scrap easing of coronavirus rules at Christmas.
The meeting comes on the same day that Labour leader Keir Starmer has demanded an urgent review into the easing of rules after leading medical journals, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) and Health Service Journal (HSJ), warned that a lessening of restrictions would “cost many lives”.leading medical journals, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) and Health Service Journal (HSJ), warned that a lessening of restrictions would “cost many lives”.
In a letter to the prime minister, the Labour leader said: “I understand that people want to spend time with their families after this awful year, but the situation has clearly taken a turn for the worse since the decision about Christmas was taken.
“It is my view that you should now convene Cobra in the next 24 hours to review whether the current relaxation is appropriate given the rising number of cases.
“If you conclude with Government scientists that we need to take tougher action to keep people safe over Christmas, then you will have my support.”
A Downing Street spokesperson has confirmed that the existing measures were being kept under “constant review” saying “We have set out the guidance for the Christmas bubbling arrangements but we obviously keep all advice under constant review.”
