NEWS
Soldiers are to step in so police can target flouters
Troops could guard sites such as Downing Street and Parliament to enable police officers to devote more time to dealing with those suspected of breaking new lockdown rules, the Prime Minister has announced. Breaking the ‘rule of six’ or not wearing a face mask when ordered to do so is to become punishable by a £200 fine on first offence – Mail
Brexit deal on brink: EU fears UK will leave with no deal ahead of last-ditch crunch talks – Express
‘Shutting down society causes massive damage to health, lives, and jobs’: Boris Johnson’s own Tory MPs turn on him after his national address, and Nigel Farage slams ‘authoritarian’ message – Mail
Covid restrictions ‘could mean elderly in care homes have no visitors for a year’ – Telegraph
New mask rules in pubs will be ‘impossible’ to police: Landlords blast latest Covid measure that visitors must cover face unless they’re eating or drinking, as hospitality bosses say move will kill off sector – Mail
Office romances must be revealed, Blackrock tells staff – Times
State pension UK: Action to be taken today as pensioners threatened with payments freeze – Express
COMMENT
Boris Johnson’s Covid speech showed little regard for either science or democracy – Janet Daley, Telegraph
Nothing says ‘UK open for business’ like commandos on the streets – Henry Deedes, Mail
