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What time is Boris Johnson's announcement today, and what will he say?

The Prime Minister has been forced to introduce new restrictions after a spike in cases - GETTY IMAGES
The Prime Minister has been forced to introduce new restrictions after a spike in cases - GETTY IMAGES
Coronavirus Article Bar with counter ..
Coronavirus Article Bar with counter ..

Boris Johnson will today announce new national restrictions as Britain fights to repel a second wave of coronavirus.

After a spike in cases across the UK – including a surge in North-East and North-West England – the Prime Minister is set to tighten the rules on social gatherings and daily life.

This is everything we know about what he will announce – and when.

What will be in Boris Johnson's speech?

The Prime Minister is set to announce:

There could also be new restrictions on social gatherings and some sectors will be bracing for bad news about business closures.

At their meeting this morning, the Cabinet is expected to discuss the closure of indoor concert venues and a further delay to trials of spectators returning to professional sports, such as Premier League football.

Rules will be finalised in the Cabinet meeting before being delivered in Mr Johnson's speech.

Restaurants will be braced for bad news with new restrictions expected on social gatherings - PA
Restaurants will be braced for bad news with new restrictions expected on social gatherings - PA

What time is the speech?

The Prime Minister will address Parliament this afternoon and is expected to do this at about 12.30pm.

He is expected to address the nation in a live TV broadcast at 8pm.

Before that, he will chair meeting of the Cabinet on the morning, and hold his first meeting of the Cobra emergency committee in four months, which will be attended by the leaders of all four UK nations.

What channel is it on?

The speech will be streamed live on The Telegraph's YouTube channel.

Why is he making this speech?

Boris Johnson has been forced to order new restrictions after a surge in coronavirus cases across the country.

On Monday, the coronavirus alert status was raised to the second-highest level for the first time since June.

On the same day, the Government's scientific advisers warned that coronavirus cases could increase to 50,000 per day by mid-October (see graphic below), with 200 or more deaths per day in November "if we don't change course".

In a stark warning, Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, suggested restrictions would be needed for another six months and said it was vital to "break unnecessary links" between households.

Ministers are so worried about the rising rate of infections that they have discussed scrapping the "rule of six" and banning people from different households from mixing socially.

Another 4,368 people tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, with another 11 deaths.

There have now been nearly 400,000 cases in the UK and more than 41,000 people have died.

Read more: Are we heading for a second lockdown?