Christmas lockdown rules in Scotland confirmed with cap set on people who can meet

Michael Gove is joining day-two of crisis talks on the future of plans for up to three households to mix between December 23 and 27. The talks involve all devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.They broke up yesterday after the first summit ended without an agreement.

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.New coronavirus cases in Lanarkshire fell by almost 11 per cent last week.At her daily press briefing in Edinburgh today (Monday, December 14), First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed there had been 95 new cases in Lanarkshire on Sunday.As a result, last week there were 880 new Covid-19 cases in the region – a 10.9 per cent decrease on the previous week.Last week was the final week after the Scottish

decision not to ease restrictions was unpopular but warned: "It would be like pouring petrol on smouldering embers." Sturgeon defended the decisions as public health officials and politicians prepare to set Scotland's 32 council area tiers for another week. The First Minister will announce what levels are being imposed during a statement at Holyrood on Tuesday afternoon.Last week's review saw Glasgow and 10 neighbouring councils leave the highest level 4 curbs.

Despite their good intentions, the Cambridges were heavily criticised for travelling to the country unnecessarily amid Scotland’s COVID-19 restrictions.

Nicola Sturgeon said she has been looking at a scheme in Northern Ireland which gives adults up to £100 to boost the local economy.Even though retail outlets have been given the green light to reopen in many parts of Scotland today, the sector has been badly hit by the pandemic.With footfall down, revenues have been badly hit and jobs are at risk.In Northern Ireland, retail gift cards worth £75-£100 will be given to adults to be spent before the end of March.Asked about a similar scheme in

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will be given jabs at 23 sites across Scotland under the initial phase of a national programme which will eventually see millions of people protected against coronavirus. Among those who will be first in line for the vaccine is Andrew Mencnarowski, a senior staff nurse at the Western General in Edinburgh.

will be given jabs at 23 sites across Scotland under the initial phase of a national programme which will eventually see millions of people protected against coronavirus. Among those who will be first in line for the vaccine is Andrew Mencnarowski, a senior staff nurse at the Western General in Edinburgh.

Murdo Fraser claimed the First Minister had "pandered" to republicans in her own party. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at Edinburgh Waverley station today as part of a whistle-stop tour of the UK, aimed at thanking frontline workers of the pandemic.

Nicola Sturgeon.The leader of the country’s top teachers’ trade union also called the payment a “political ploy”.Sturgeon this week unveiled plans for a £500 payment for all full-time health and social care workers in recognition of their “extraordinary” service during coronavirus.With tax liable on the one-off Scottish Government payment, she also urged Boris Johnson to allow these workers to receive the full amount.However, a call has been made to recognise other staff who have contributed to

infection spreading in communities. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it is "likely" she will be able to make major changes at the next review.

the crisis. She said the right to leaving the UK is "inalienable" and taunted Prime Minister Boris Johnson to try to block another pro-independence majority at Holyrood.

festive tradition is the latest in line to fall victim to strict public health rules which already banned Halloween guising and bonfire night gatherings. The Scottish Government has not finalised the rules but carol singing is being reviewed along with other traditions, including popular Santa's grottos for children.Nicola Sturgeon said work is under way shortly after a Boris Johnson spokesman said permission was granted in England.

Covid pandemic.Questioning the vaccine plans, she tweeted that a coronavirus conspiracy theory was “speaking the truth” and claimed nature is “the best medicine”.The views of Matthews, 39, – who is the public face of the SNP’s virtual conference and may introduce First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today – are at odds with the messaging of the SNP ­Government, which has welcomed the positive news on vaccines.Immunising people is a vital tool in defeating Covid and a million Scots could get the jab by

First Minister spoke ahead of her party’s annual conference today by telling members she has “never been so certain” the country will achieve independence.Her party is riding high in opinion polls and is widely tipped to win a majority of MSPs at next year's Holyrood election.That could set off a constitutional showdown with Westminster as the SNP uses its mandate to demand an IndyRef2 takes place.While Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly said he will not allow another referendum on

agreement to allow trave l across the whole of the UK regardless of what lockdown level each area is in at the time. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon backed the plan but told people to "think carefully" before reuniting with relatives and loved ones.