The UK has reported its highest single daily coronavirus figure with more than 7,000 cases.
The record numbers come as the government faces a major backlash over its latest lockdown measures.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was forced to apologise on Tuesday after getting confused over his own government's lockdown rules.
On Tuesday, the UK recorded 71 deaths, the highest number since July when 97 were recorded.
The UK has been forced to impose tougher lockdown restrictions across the country as cases continue to rise.
But in some northern areas stricter localised lockdowns have been imposed banning households from mixing.
Three northern cities, Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester, have hit out at the 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants warning their hospitality industries will collapse unless it is eased.
Mr Johnson apologised on Twitter for having "misspoken" when asked about regional restrictions on socialising that are set to be imposed in north east England from midnight.
He sought to clarify that the "rule of six" limit on social gatherings in England does apply to outdoors, after earlier telling reporters that it did not.
The rule was introduced earlier this month to replace what Mr Johnson himself said were "confusing" regulations.
The opposition Labour party seized on the gaffe.
"For the prime minister to not understand his own rules is grossly incompetent," Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner said.
With 42,000 people confirmed to have died from Covid-19 in the UK, the highest death toll in Europe, ministers are desperate to stop the virus spreading as it did in the spring.
Rules vary for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with early pub closings in some places but not in others, mixing with other families allowed here but not there, and other highly localised restrictions.
In England, groups are restricted to six - except for grouse-shooting parties.
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson's own Conservative MPs are also indignant about the lack of parliamentary scrutiny of regulations that restrict personal freedom and can trigger large fines.
More than 40 politicians have signed an amendment making ministerial powers to tackle Covid-19 dependent on a vote by MPs.
For procedural reasons, the amendment is not expected to be put to a vote when it is debated in the House of Commons on Wednesday, but it highlights the scale of the unease.
One Tory MP, Steve Baker, was pictured on Monday wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan "2020 is the new 1984", in reference to George Orwell's dystopian novel.
Mr Johnson will hold a press conference with his top health advisers on Wednesday to outline his government’s latest moves in tackling the virus, his spokesman said.
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Director: Punit Malhotra
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Native Invader
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
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Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
