WATCH: With the exception of the Scilly Isles, all of England will now be in Tier Four or Three

Hancock announces the changes in the Commons and the country moves closer to another lockdown.

Best and worst Government moment: the Brexit trade deal and Cummings’ road trip to Barnard Castle, respectively

Our panelists were also impressed with the Government’s decision to order 350 million doses of the vaccine.

Our survey. The advent of the new Covid strain and the vaccine sees a swing towards maintaining lockdown

Support for the Government maintaining its present course takes a plurality of the votes, and that for easing restrictions faster loses its majority.

Johnson’s rating for dealing with Covid rises in our latest survey

And the Government’s own standing moves into the black for the first time since our August poll.

Tony Jefferson: Rebellion in the shires over the economic damage of continued lockdowns

There is real anger in Stratford-upon-Avon as the number of empty shops continues to grow.

WATCH: “I have a small present. Glad tidings of great joy! Because this is a deal.” Johnson’s Christmas message.

“There really is a star in the sky. And it is glowing brighter and brighter. We have a vaccine!”

The seasonal story has become clogged with repulsive sentimentality and compulsory jollity

There is much to be said for a simpler Christmas, at which we are grateful for what we are given, regardless of how modest it may be.

WATCH: Hancock announces more English areas in more restrictive tiers

More of the South and East of the country goes to Tier Four, more of the rest into Tier Three – and none of it now is left in Tier One.

Chris Skidmore: It’s freedom that will make Britain a global science superpower – not Whitehall micro-management

In spite of Cummings’ departure, DARPA should remain a manifesto priority: we need its approach to risk – and indeed failure.

Allie Renison: Pregnant and breastfeeding women deserve choice over whether they have the Coronavirus vaccine

The risk and severity of Covid – particularly for this patient group – outweighs the theoretical unproven risk of getting inoculated.

WATCH: “There’s no reason to think this new variant of the virus is any more dangerous” – Johnson

“It is also true that we believe the risks of transmission by a solitary driver sitting alone in the cab are really very low.”

The case for “doing a Sweden” runs out of steam

The country has been celebrated for its libertarian approach to Coronavirus. But its Prime Minister and even its King have since deemed this a “failure”.

Dehenna Davison: We need to dig deep to understand why more women don’t go into politics – but quotas are not the answer

That means looking into, and addressing, the cultural and working practices which create and maintain significant barriers for women.

Raghib Ali: Christmas is going to be tough, but there is finally light at the end of the Covid-19 tunnel

This new variant is understandably causing concern but there is no evidence that vaccines will be less effective. We must stay calm and follow the rules.

William Wragg: MPs debated and voted on the original Christmas rules. So we should be recalled to do the same for these new ones.

This should be welcomed by all – because it will carry greater legitimacy among the public who sent us to Westminster to be their representatives.