Boris Johnson to address Commons amid speculation over new coronavirus restrictions

The Prime Minister’s statement will come on a day when he will also chair Cabinet and a Cobra meeting over the virus, which scientists warned today was spreading in the community.

Mr Johnson will this afternoon discuss the coronavirus response with the first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland this afternoon before announcing any further restrictions.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “One thing he will do is reiterate his commitment to working together with the devolved administrations as one United Kingdom in response to the rising infection rates that we’re seeing across the UK.”

Mr Johnson will speak to Scotland’s Nicola Sturgeon and Wales’s Mark Drakeford separately, and will also speak to Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster and her deputy Michelle O’Neill together.

He did not say there were any plans to speak to London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The spokesman acknowledged the coming months would be difficult, describing it as “what is likely to be a challenging winter period”.

While on Saturday Mr Johnson and his Cabinet were briefed by Professor Chris Whitty, Sir Patrick Vallance and chief economic adviser at the Treasury Clare Lombardelli, No 10 said.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The PM has been engaged with the Cabinet throughout this process. The Cabinet received a detailed briefing from the Government’s chief medical, scientific and economic advisers over the course of the weekend.

“The PM will work with his colleagues to ensure that we respond in the most effective way to try to control the spread of the virus and to save lives.”

He said: ““You can see what’s been happening over the course of the previous 72 or 96 hours.

“The PM spoke on Friday about his concerns about a second wave. There was an update to the Cabinet on Saturday, the PM held more meetings with scientific advisers and with colleagues yesterday.

“Today he will be engaging with the devolved administrations, let’s see where we get to.

“Tomorrow morning is an opportunity for Cobra to discuss what next steps may be required in the coronavirus response.”