Newspaper Round Up: 20th of December 2021
Times Front Page 20th of December 2021
10:40 pm
The chancellor is among at least 10 cabinet ministers questioning the scientific modelling being used to press the need for new COVID restrictions, The Times says.Government advisers have said there could be as many as 3,000 daily hospital admissions if swift action is not taken.But the paper says government figures have questioned the accuracy of those predictions and are resisting new curbs.
Daily Mirror Front Page 20th of December 2021
10:32 pm
The Daily Mirror says it’s “D-Day for Christmas” with the prime minister having urgent meetings on Monday with scientists and his senior team.New restrictions for England could be days away as the government tries to slow the spread of Omicron.Another 12,133 Omicron cases were reported on Sunday, but experts say the actual number is far higher.
Daily Telegraph Front Page 20th of December 2021
10:19 pm
The prime minister is considering a “light touch” plea to families to limit mixing over Christmas, reports The Daily Telegraph.It says Mr Johnson favours issuing “guidance” rather than mandating new rules after being presented with three options to try to slow Omicron.
Guardian Front Page 20th of December 2021
10:06 pm
Boris Johnson is pictured in the Downing Street garden with a number of staff last year.The Guardian says it was taken when mixing between households was limited to two people outdoors, and when guidance said in-person work meetings should only take place if “absolutely necessary”.Downing Street insists the picture shows a “staff meeting”.
Metro Front Page 20th of December 2021
9:37 pm
The health secretary has said he can’t rule out new COVID restrictions before Christmas, Metro reports.
Financial Times Front Page 20th of December 2021
8:51 pm
The FT reports on travel restrictions being extended in Europe due to the Omicron variant – with Germany, for example, declaring the UK a “virus variant region”.