UK coronavirus LIVE: Fears UK losing control of Covid-19 as Gove insists rule of six won't be changed

The UK is "on the edge of losing control" of Covid-19, the former chief scientific adviser and member of Sage Sir Mark Walport has warned.

It comes amid tough new lockdown restrictions for parts of the UK as coronavirus cases continue to rise and the R number climbs above one.

New measures banning people from mixing in homes and gardens will be imposed in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell from Tuesday in response to a rocketing infection rate in the area.

Regions with high levels of coronavirus cases including Redbridge, in east London, have also been told to act now to prevent a local lockdown.

It comes as Michael Gove has said the Government is not considering backing down over the “rule of six”, despite calls from Tory MPs to exempt children.