Reports emerging today suggest that Boris Johnson is currently weighting up three different sets of coronavirus restrictions.
According to The Telegraph, these range from another full-on lockdown to advice suggesting people limit their social contact over the holidays.
The government is holding an emergency cabinet meeting this afternoon to discuss a path forward as Omicron cases rise following a record-breaking weekend for new Covid-10 cases.
There are reportedly three different sets of restrictions on the table, which could be implemented before Christmas Day.
The lowest level of these would see the Government advising people to limit their social contacts, especially indoors, but with no legal enforcement.
A second, stricter option would mean the reintroduction of a curfew as well as enforced restrictions on indoor mixing.
The second proposal puts forward an 8pm curfew for pubs and restaurants, plus the return of social distancing measures.
Option three would be a full lockdown, with The Timesreporting a two-week-long ‘circuit breaker’ is being considered.
It would mean a ban on indoor mixing unless for work purposes, and pubs and restaurants forced to return to outdoor-only operating for the fortnight… in the middle of winter.
The Sunday Times has reported that restrictions are expected to be announced on Boxing Day, and come into force on December 27.
But speaking on the Andrew Marr Show yesterday, Health Secretary Sajid Javid refused to rule out that more restrictions may need to be introduced before Christmas.
There were 82,886 new confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK yesterday.
A major incident has now been declared in London by its Mayor Sadiq Khan, where there is a huge surge in cases.
A state of emergency was announced in the capital over the weekend, with Khan appearing on the final Andrew Marr show yesterday to warn that 30,000 new Covid-19 cases had been reported over the weekend and over 130,000 in the last seven days.
Khan said that the introduction of new restrictions was "inevitable" and warned against the potential collapse of the NHS during his appearance on the show.
The beautiful spa town of Ilkley has been crowned the best place to live in the north of England by The Sunday Times.
The results are in, and our very own Ilkley has taken the top spot for the north and north-east category.
The list posted but the Sunday Times every year, features 72 locations across the UK that they deem are the best spots to settle down in.
Judges visited each location to take in the atmosphere, explore the history and chat to the locals to find out what made each place so special.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not the first time the wonderful spa town of Ilkley has been praised, having been the national winner back in 2022 it's no stranger to taking home the trophy.
The judging panel said about Ilkley: “It’s not just the fresh air, fantastic scenery, excellent schools and direct trains to Leeds that make Ilkley this year’s pick of the north and northeast. It’s the get-up and go of a community that tackles every challenge with gusto.”
"It's hard to imagine anywhere with more opportunities for youngsters."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Also getting a mention in the regional category was Horsforth, which was recommended for its transport links, brilliant local schools and thriving social scene.
The guide said: "The city is Yorkshire's economic powerhouse - but for something a bit greener, a bit more family friendly, it's hard to better Horsforth's streets of sandstone houses."
Elsewhere up north, Sheffield got a special shoutout where the judges said: "Burgeoning creative industries and judicious regeneration are igniting interest in previously overlooked postcodes ... Hipsters and happy families alike are celebrating, welcoming, embracing, loving this city-wide vibe."
So if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then why not hop on a train and visit the best place to live up north and see for yourselves what the fuss is all about.
The Queen’s Hotel in Leeds named one of the best places to stay in the UK
Danny Jones
One Leeds' pride and joys is getting some well-deserved recognition as The Queen's Hotel has been named of the best places to stay in the UK.
Located right in the heart of the city centre, The Queen's Hotel is about as beautiful a building as they come in Leeds, with its pristine white walls and art deco design making it one of the most stunning structures we have to our name.
It's as synonymous with the cityscape as the Town Hall, Corn Exchange, Kirkstall and Kirkgate, as well as the train station for which the flagship hotel was built.
We couldn't be prouder to call it our own the only thing we'll argue on is that it should be further up the rankings.
The Sunday Times’ '100 Best Places to Stay in the UK' is compiled by a team of experienced reviewers, who narrow down hundreds of stays into the definitive guide of the best accommodation around the UK.
Hotels are judged on several factors, including design, facilities, and value for money, plus dining and service.
Speaking on the Leeds icon, specifically, the Times wrote: "Big, bold and stately, the Queens holds court over the centre of Leeds like the grande dame she was intended to be when built in 1937.
"Back then, with her art deco lines, pearly-grey stone façade, polished wood and mirrored interiors, she was the place to stay. Fast-forward several decades and an expensive buff and shine has brought her zipping into the 21st century without losing an iota of old-world glamour.
"With sleek, airy bedrooms, a sophisticated cocktail bar and sultry circular restaurant, she’s an ideal base for hitting the city’s cultural hotspots, boutique shops and great places to eat."
You can read their full review of the Grade II-listed legend HERE.
There were a fair few other successes for Yorkshire and the North as a whole this year beyond just The Queen's Hotel's achievement on its own.
The Angel at Hetton and Saltmoore in North Yorkshire picked up 'North and northeast England hotel of the year' as well as 'Best beach hotel', respectively; plus, Jöro at Oughtibridge Mill in Sheffield received plaudits among many other Northern nods.
With the Times also naming Leeds in general as one of the coolest places to live, so much for that whole 'grim up North' nonsense, eh?
The Hoot -
20th December 2021 
