Coronavirus news – live: Keir Starmer calls for three week ‘circuit break’ lockdown as UK deaths rise sharply

Sir Keir Starmer has called for a three-week “circuit breaker” lockdown as the UK coronavirus death toll rose by 143, the highest daily rise since June.

Meanwhile, local leaders in London believe tougher lockdown restrictions are “inevitable” as Covid-19 infections rise across the city.

While the capital is currently classed as “medium” risk under tier 1 - the lowest level of the government’s new three-tier local lockdown strategy - mayor Sadiq Khan has warned the city could be upgraded to “high” alert under tier 2 within days.

The government announced the three-tier system on Monday, with the Liverpool City region placed in the “very high” tier 3 category. Pubs and bars in areas placed under tier 3 restrictions can remain open only if they operate as if they were a restaurant, and alcohol can be served only as part of a “substantial” meal.