England has been plunged into a third national lockdown, the prime minister has announced tonight.

Boris Johnson began his address by saying it is “both frustrating and alarming" to see the speed at which the new variant is spreading.

Scientists believe it is between 50% and 70% more transmissible, so people are much more likely to catch the virus and to pass it on, he adds.

The PM said hospitals are also under more pressure from Covid than at any time since start of pandemic, giving the government little choice but to lockdown. 

Once again, the prime minister asked the nation to: "Stay at home, save lives and protect the NHS." 

The PM also revealed exams would be cancelled in England wth a replacement method sought.

He said the "hardest and toughest times" are ahead - but said there was light at the end of the tunnel in the form of the new vaccine.

Just a day after he urged parents to send their children back to school, Mr Johnson declared that primary and secondary schools will be shut from tomorrow until at least February half-term, with only the vulnerable and offspring of key workers allowed to go in.

University students are being told to stay at home and study remotely, while exams will not go ahead as planned. Nurseries can stay open.

Non-essential retail, all hospitality, gyms and swimming pools are being ordered to close across the country. 

Cafes, bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve takeaway - but they will not be allowed to serve alcohol. Vulnerable people are being told to shield where possible. Communal worship can continue with social distancing in place. 

Residents will only be allowed to leave their home for one of five reasons:

- to go to work if essential

- shop for necessities

- exercise 

- care for someone

- seek medical help or to flee violence  

MPs will get the opportunity to vote on the new measures on Wednesday before they come into effect. 

In an address from Downing Street, Mr Johnson said: "Our hospitals are under more pressure than at any time since the start of the pandemic. It's clear we need to do more.. while our vaccines are rolled out."

"The weeks ahead will be the hardest but I really do believe that we are reaching the end of the struggle." 

The Department of Health recorded a further 407 deaths today, up just 14 per cent last week.