UK

The UK’s terror threat level has been raised from “substantial” to “severe”, meaning an attack is now judged to be “highly likely”. The move follows Monday night’s attack in Austrian capital Vienna, in which four people were killed. Last week, three people died after a knife attack in Nice, France, while teacher Samuel Paty was

The entire population of the COVID-19 hotspot city of Liverpool will be regularly offered a coronavirus test in a pilot scheme using the armed forces. The city, which has been under Tier 3 restrictions for nearly three weeks and has one of the highest coronavirus rates in England at 366.4 cases per 100,000, volunteered for

Self-employed workers will be able to claim government support worth 80% of trading profits as England prepares to enter a new lockdown, Boris Johnson has announced. Ahead of the new national measures coming into force on Thursday, the prime minister used a House of Commons statement to warn of an “existential threat” to the NHS

Police in South Gloucestershire have closed down an illegal rave at a warehouse near Bristol – attended by up to 700 people – describing it as an “incredibly challenging operation”. The Avon and Somerset force said they was called to reports of an unlicensed music event in Millbrook Road, Yate, at around 10.35pm on Saturday,

England’s month-long lockdown could be extended beyond 2 December if necessary, cabinet minister Michael Gove has told Sky News. Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday, the Tory frontbencher also defended the introduction of the nationwide restrictions, having previously rejected it, arguing the “situation has been worse than anyone expected”. He also warned that the NHS

England will enter a month-long lockdown from Thursday, Boris Johnson has announced. Until 2 December, people in England will only be allowed to leave their homes for specific reasons, such as education, work or food shopping. Mr Johnson, speaking at a Downing Street news conference on Saturday evening, said there was “no alternative” to a

The prime minister is considering new national lockdown restrictions, which could be imposed in England as early as next week. Whitehall sources confirmed Boris Johnson met his most senior cabinet colleagues on Friday to discuss the possible toughening of restrictions in light of worsening coronavirus infection rates and hospital admission data. Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Health

Carlisle and its surrounding areas have joined a raft of new regions in England that have moved from Tier 1 to Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions. The new rules apply to the city itself, Longtown and Brampton, and come after weekly infection rates surpassed the national average. The announcement was made on Friday evening, with a

Large groups of young people in fancy dress drank alcohol and chanted near police vehicles on the streets of Nottingham last night – hours before the toughest coronavirus restrictions were imposed on the city. The gatherings came despite police warning that they would have “no hesitation” in fining those who deliberately flout the rules. Nottingham

Police hunting a man suspected of killing two people have found a third body which could be linked to him. West Midlands Police have warned that Anthony Russell, 38, is extremely dangerous and should not be approached by members of the public. He is being sought by detectives following the murders of mother and son

Big family reunions may be banned at Christmas in England as the coronavirus second wave could last until March, a senior minister has warned. Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said people should prepare now for the “realistic” prospect that high numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths continue, so a normal festive period “won’t be achievable”. His

The COVID-19 epidemic has reached a “critical stage” with almost 100,000 people a day in England being infected as the spread of the coronavirus rapidly increases, scientists have warned. Researchers from Imperial College London say existing measures to control the virus aren’t working. And they argue more stringent action is needed nationwide “sooner rather than

It is “too early to say” how people will be able to celebrate Christmas this year, with strict COVID-19 rules in place across large parts of the UK, a cabinet minister has told Sky News. UK deaths hit their highest level for five months on Tuesday, when 367 new fatalities linked to coronavirus and nearly 23,000

Fresh guidance has been given about what “essential items” people can buy from supermarkets in Wales. It comes after days of anger over which items count. But the Welsh government’s statement was in danger of sparking further confusion by saying that a “sensible system should be introduced whereby customers can ask to buy non-essential items

Weekly deaths linked to coronavirus have risen in England and Wales for the sixth week in a row – with a jump of 53% on last week, according to the Office for National Statistics. A total of 670 deaths were registered in the week ending 16 October with COVID-19 mentioned on the death certificate –

Warrington will face the toughest level of coronavirus restrictions from tomorrow, the government has said. The area is going into Tier 3 from 12:01am, meaning residents are banned from socialising with anybody they do not live with indoors, in a private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues. The only exception is for those with