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PM Boris Johnson says he is "hoping to avoid" another national lockdown in England but admits Covid cases have increased "very much" in recent weeks.

The prime minister’s announcement comes after a tough new six-week lockdown was announced in Northern Ireland from 26 December.

Wales will also begin a lockdown on 28 December, while the Scottish government has said "nothing" can be ruled out ahead of a review on Tuesday.

Health bosses have warned the NHS is already under significant pressure.

And what will January bring after the Christmas relaxation of restrictions?

Newsnight’s Policy Editor Lewis Goodall reports and Faisal Islam is joined by former Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Mark Walport and government adviser Dame Louise Casey.