Christmas relaxation plan is on the line as Scotland threatens to go its own way

Crucial talks on relaxing coronavirus restrictions over Christmas ended without a deal tonight, after Scotland hinted it could break away from the four-nation approach.

Leaders of decentralized nations will continue urgent talks with Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove on Wednesday and have not yet confirmed whether a new plan will be implemented as pressure mounts for a rethink amid concerns about a new wave of infections.

It comes as increasingly desperate warnings were issued about the possible consequences of ‘canceling Christmas’ and when two highly respected medical journals issued pleas against the easing of the rules, saying it would ‘cost many lives’.

Scotland’s Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon previously argued that there is a case to reduce planned freedoms to combat a surge in infections and indicated that it could place Scotland under different rules than the rest of the UK. But his Welsh counterpart Mark Drakeford called the current plans a “hard-won deal” and said he would “not put it aside lightly” before the first meeting.

After the meeting, a Scottish government spokeswoman said: “The convocation of the four nations was a good opportunity to review the position on Christmas and discuss whether it is necessary to reinforce the message or the guide.”

Ms Sturgeon previously told the Scottish Parliament: “I think we have reason to consider whether we further tightened the flexibilities that were given, both in terms of duration and number of people assembled.

And I will consider the opinions of the other nations; if we can reach a four-nation agreement, I think it would be preferable.

“If that is not possible then of course we will consider within the Scottish government what we think is appropriate.”

A spokeswoman for Northern Ireland Prime Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill said they would discuss the situation with medical and scientific advisers before presenting an update to the Executive on Thursday.

In Wales, Drakeford told the Senedd that “the election is grim, isn’t it?” And highlighted the “heartbreaking pleas” he has received from the people not to reverse the existing plan.

Downing Street said Tuesday that the planned five-day Christmas easing to allow three households to mingle indoors between December 23-27 was “under constant review,” as was other measures.

It comes when a quick poll suggested that the British public supports the removal of Christmas bubbles.

YouGov’s poll of 3,856 adults on Tuesday indicated that 57% believe relaxation should be abandoned and that current rules should remain in effect during the holiday period.

About 31% said that the easing should go ahead as planned, while 12% said they were not sure.

Tonight, the British Medical Association (BMA) backed the warning from the British Medical Journal and Health Service Journal, saying the combination of a third wave in the new year and typical winter pressures is a “recipe for catastrophe.”

BMA Board Chairman Chaand Nagpaul said: “In addition to reviewing the rules for Christmas, the Government must also look at what happens when the tinsel is cleaned.

“Now is the time for everyone to follow the rules and guidance until the vaccine can be implemented to protect many more and allow us to mix freely once more.”

The prime minister’s official spokesman has said ministers “constantly review all councils” in response to suggestions that Christmas arrangements could be limited to three days or two households.

Reducing planned easing may further enrage conservative supporters who oppose the restrictions.

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