Prime Minister ‘has thrown Christmas into disarray’ claims Sheffield City Region Mayor, Dan Jarvis

The Prime Minister this afternoon announced that the five day lifting of the tier system planned for between Wednesday, December 23 and Monday, December 28 woud not now happen, replaced by a one day suspension on Christmas Day only.

And he also imposed a new stricter Tier 4 level on London, the south east and parts of the east of England, meaning no household mixing over the festive period at all, after Government scientists confimed a new, more infectious Covid-19 strain had been discovered circulating in the UK.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement this evening, the Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis, said he had ‘thrown Christmas into disarray’ for families across the country who would be ‘heart broken’ that their plans had been torn up with just days to go.

He said: “Once again, Boris Johnson has been found wanting after his misplaced confidence that we could enjoy ‘as normal a Christmas as possible’. He has consistently made promises to the British people he cannot keep, and dithers when decisive action is needed to keep us all safe.

"He is fooling no one: this is a national lockdown in all but name. The indecision means the spectre of tighter restrictions now loom large, and the further damage that will cause to lives and livelihoods across South Yorkshire.

“We must do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID among our loved ones. I make a direct appeal to people across South Yorkshire to minimise their contact with other households over Christmas. I know this is heart breaking, but it’s a risk we cannot afford to take ahead of the toughest winter we have ever faced.

“The new strain of the virus is a disturbing development and it’s right that measures are introduced to stem its spread. Ministers must now review the support available to people and businesses across the country to ensure they can get through this latest setback.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.