Boris Johnson to decide on Christmas Covid restrictions within 10 days

6 December 2021, 15:42

Boris Johnson will update MPs on whether Covid restrictions are needed over Christmas within 10 days
Boris Johnson will update MPs on whether Covid restrictions are needed over Christmas within 10 days. Picture: Alamy

By Will Taylor

Boris Johnson will tell MPs if Covid restrictions will be needed for Christmas within 10 days.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The PM plans to wait for more data on the Omicron variant, having introduced new measures to try and reduce its threat while scientists race to learn more about it.

There have been fears that the emergence of Omicron could threaten festivities, but Boris Johnson has insisted this year's celebrations will be better than 2020's, when millions had their plans ruined by new measures.

Mr Johnson's spokesman said on Monday: "We are confident we will have more data than we currently do and we will be able to update Parliament during [next] week."

The Commons will break for its Christmas recess after Thursday next week - meaning the update should be provided before the end of that day.

Despite controversy about alleged festivities at Downing Street last year, No10 intends to have a Christmas do.

"We haven't confirmed any dates at the moment," the spokesman said.

"I think there is an intention to have a Christmas party this year."

Read more: 'No regulations broken' over Downing Street party Covid claims, Malthouse tells LBC

Read more: Met considering complaints from Labour MPs over PM's Christmas party accusations

Policing Minister: No regulations were broken over No 10 Xmas party

That comes as companies weigh up whether it is safe to hold Christmas parties as Omicron spreads, despite repeated insistence from ministers that plans don't need to be scrapped.

Last week, Mr Johnson moved quickly to insist "we're not going to change" Covid guidance after Dr Jenny Harries, the head of the UK Health Security Agency, suggested people should try and reduce their socialising.

Read more: New Covid restrictions in Ireland include six person limit in bars and restaurants

The Government has maintained it could use so-called Plan B measures as a back up, which could see work-from-home guidance and even, as a last resort, lockdowns get imposed.

But ministers have insisted that does not need to be considered as things stand.

Experts are trying to carry out more research on Omicron, which has panicked scientists who raised questions about whether it could evade some of the protection afforded by vaccines and transmit more easily.

Govt guidance on Christmas gatherings 'too muddled' - SAGE adviser

In response, people in England were told to wear face masks in the shops and on public transport, while arrivals to the UK have to take a PCR test shortly after arriving and isolate until it comes back negative.

Anybody who comes into contact with an Omicron case must isolate regardless of age or vaccine status.

From 4am on 7 December, people arriving in the UK will also have to provide proof of a pre-departure test.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident in Stoke Poges on Thursday evening.

Three arrested as police officer fighting for his life in hospital after car crash while he was on duty

Silhouette of teacher writing on whiteboard in classroom

Christian teacher sacked after refusing to use trans pupil’s preferred pronouns loses religious discrimination case

Jurgen Klopp holding a Trent Alexander-Arnold Liverpool shirt during the LFC Foundation Ball at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

'I turned off my telly' - Jurgen Klopp ‘never been so disappointed’ in fans after they booed Trent Alexander-Arnold

The front of the house was almost completely burnt out.

Three boys and one woman die in London house fire as man arrested at scene

Palestinians search for survivors after an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on May 23, 2025.

Israeli troops 'forcing Palestinians to act as human shields in Gaza', soldiers and ex detainees say

Home Office UK Visas and Immigration office sign Cardiff Wales UK

Nigerian drug dealer’s deportation case to be reheard after Home Office 'mistake'

London UK - Jun 22 2024: Envirnomental campaigner, former pop star and punk rocker Fergal Sharkey at the Restore Nature Now march for environmental pr

Feargal Sharkey reveals prostate cancer diagnosis after going to doctor for soar throat

Damage is seen to a residential building after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Drones and missiles batter Kyiv in 'large-scale attack' hours after Ukraine-Russia prisoner swap

A Jewish man (not pictured) was arrested and charged with "racially aggravated harassment" after holding a placard at a counter-demonstration depicting a Hezbollah leader.

Jewish protester charged with ‘racial harassment’ over anti-Hezbollah sign

Ivan Toney, who has earned a recall to the England squad for forthcoming games against Andorra and Senegal.

Thomas Tuchel expects England squad to 'suffer' in the heat at 2026 World Cup

Dogs led the pack, making up £933 million in claims, followed by cats at £232 million, and £61 million for other pets.

Record high £1.23 billion paid out in pet insurance claims in 2024, data reveals

Miley Cyrus has said she believes that rolling around on the Hollywood Walk of Fame led to a "brutal infection" on her knee.

Miley Cyrus reveals she may have 'caught a brutal infection' while 'rolling around on the Hollywood Walk of Fame'

Starmer fire

Keir Starmer arson attacks ‘potentially linked to Russia’ as officials investigate

The scheme is expected to be expanded nationally to dozens of locations as part of a 10-year NHS plan.

NHS to open more ‘mental health A&Es’ to relieve pressure on hospitals

Antonio Guterres

UN chief accuses Israel of only allowing a 'teaspoon' of aid into Gaza following 11-week blockade

Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury had a 'secret love child', new biography reveals