Week ahead: More coronavirus restrictions expected to be announced - and another Brexit crunch time

Laura Reid looks ahead to a week in which further coronavirus restrictions are expected to be introduced - and it’s crunch time for Brexit trade talks.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce more coronavirus measures tomorrow. Photo: Aaron Chown/PA WirePrime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce more coronavirus measures tomorrow. Photo: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce more coronavirus measures tomorrow. Photo: Aaron Chown/PA Wire

CORONAVIRUS

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to outline a new three-tiered system of coronavirus restrictions today.

Under the system, different parts of the country would be placed in different categories, with areas in the highest level expected to face the toughest measures.

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The restrictions are likely to force pubs and restaurants to close across large parts of northern England and millions of people could also be banned from mixing with other households indoors and outdoors.

Mr Johnson is to reveal the full details of the much-anticipated approach in a statement to the House of Commons, following criticism of the Government for not keeping MPs properly informed of changes.

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Leaders across the North are urging the Government to provide more cash to support areas facing going into further lockdowns. Meanwhile, a House of Commons vote on the controversial 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants in England introduced last month, is set to take place on this week. Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer has said Labour will not”vote down” the curfew, instead saying it needs to be reformed.

RACING

THERE was an air of inevitability when Wetherby staged the last racing in Britain before the Covid lockdown took effect in March.

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Now, as the track prepares for its opening meeting of the 2020-21 National Hunt season on Wednesday, there’s an air of resignation that it will be taking place behind closed doors with significant consequences for prize money and so on.

The traditional curtain-raiser to the new jump season, its feature race celebrates the late North Yorkshire trainer Bobby Renton who saddled the 1950 Grand National hero Freebooter.

NATURE

almost 50,000 entries from professionals and amateur photographers across the world were entered into this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

The overall winners, including the prestigious Grand Title winners, will be announced on Tuesday in a virtual award ceremony hosted by Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin, and broadcast from the National History Museum’s Hintze Hall.

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Winning images are selected for their creativity, originality, and technical excellence by an international panel of industry experts.

An exhibition tied to the competition is expected to open on Friday, allowing visitors to take a glimpse at some of the world’s richest habitats and get up close to animal species from across the globe, as well as learning more about the stories behind the images.

Tickets need to be booked in advance.

BREXIT

It’s crunch time - again - on the UK’s long journey in leaving the European Union.

Post-Brexit trade negotiations have been taking place between the two sides and the Prime Minister has previously said he wants an agreement by October 15 if a deal is going to be in place by December 31, when the transition period in which the UK remains in the single market ends.

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A Number 10 spokesman said in a conversation between Mr Johnson and French president Emmanuel Macron on Saturday, the Prime Minister “confirmed the UK’s commitment to exploring every avenue to reach an agreement”.

At a European Council summit on Thursday and Friday, the state of negotiations regarding the future relationship will be reviewed and leaders are expected to discuss preparatory work for all scenarios after January 1, 2021.

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James Mitchinson