Boris Johnson announcement: what the PM said in his speech to the nation

The Prime Minister addressed the nation in a televised speech tonight, explaining the reasoning behind the government's new restrictions to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Acknowledging that "this is a great and freedom-loving country", Boris Johnson said there had been "too many breaches" and that the virus is "no less fatal than it was in the spring".

"We risk many more deaths, many more families losing their loved ones, before their time," he warned.

Reinforcing the message that anyone breaking the rules would meet stricter punishments, Mr Johnson said: "We need to suppress this virus now."

Despite differences in the rules across the four nations, Mr Johnson maintained: "I believe this broad approach is shared across the UK."

In an attempt to seek out a positive, the PM said that doctors are "unanimous that things will be better by the spring", promising that mass testing is "hard but attainable".

"We will get through this winter together," he said, adding: "There are great days ahead, but now is the time for us all to summon the discipline, and the resolve, and the spirit of togetherness that will carry us through."

The measures announced earlier for England include:

• Asking office workers who can, to work from home, although construction workers, retail staff and people performing essential services should continue to attend their workplaces.

• From Thursday, pubs, bars and restaurants will be table-service only and hospitality, leisure and entertainment venues will be subject to a 10pm closing time. Takeaways will also close from 10pm to 5am, although they will be allowed to deliver.

• Face coverings will be required for taxi passengers from Wednesday and for retail staff and hospitality customers, except when sitting down eating or drinking, from Thursday.