NEWS
Meeting friends in pubs in North-East now illegal under new coronavirus rules
Meeting friends in the pub has been made illegal in the North-East after ministers imposed one of the strictest lockdown measures to date. New laws banning households from mixing were extended to all social settings, including bars, restaurants and cafes, punishable with fines for anyone who breaks the rule – Telegraph
Boost to hopes of a Brexit deal as the EU backs down over Boris Johnson’s plan to break international law saying it will not walk away from trade talks even if it undermines the Withdrawal Agreement – Mail
Fines for not telling boss you are ill as ministers rule ‘by decree’ – Times
Andy Burnham joins call to ban alcohol sales from 9pm – Business Matters
English universities must consider partial fee refunds, says regulator – Guardian
Brits would not back a two-week national lockdown to halt COVID: ‘What will it achieve?’ – Express
COMMENT
‘Project Fear!’ How a Tory MP silenced the Commons with a furious rebuke to Whitty and Vallance – Michael Deacon, Telegraph
It’s madness to tell tomboys they’re living in the wrong body – Melanie McDonagh, Telegraph