How to tackle this wretched virus was very much in the spotlight today as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham resisted government intentions to place his region in Tier 3, which has the highest level of restrictions. This includes a ban on households mixing indoors, including in pubs and restaurants. Other areas, including London, Essex and York face tougher measures in Tier 2. More than half of England's population will now be living under high or very high-alert restrictions. In addition, travellers returning to the UK from Italy, Vatican City and San Marino must self-isolate for two weeks as of 0400 on Sunday. The Transport Secretary said those returning from the Greek island of Crete will now not need to quarantine. Italy, which is visited by large numbers of UK residents, was one of the last major countries in Europe on the safe list. For me today, my first appointment was another private session of our Defence Select Committee. We took evidence from senior members of BAE Systems. We listened to a presentation about the futuristic Tempest aircraft, the next generation of combat aircraft which really is quite extraordinary. Afterwards, it was time to drop down to the Chamber for another Statement by Health Secretary Matt Hancock. We had another dose of warnings, doom and gloom and the need for further lockdowns in areas mentioned above. To my surprise, I was no 4 on the list and my question is on the website. Mr Hancock was unable to answer it and instead gave his standard answer. Very depressing. A little later, I participated in a virtual meeting with minister Matt Warman. Organised by my neighbour, Chris Loder, we pushed hard for better broadband in Dorset. The minister acknowledged our presentation was ahead of other areas and we must keep pushing. We will. Today, was meant to be crunch time for negotiations with the EU. However, EU leaders called for post-Brexit trade talks to continue beyond the end of the week and are demanding to "make the necessary moves" towards a deal. Their chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, said fresh "intensive" talks should aim to reach a deal around the end of October. I just hope and pray the PM sticks to his guns and leaves without a deal if a fair one cannot be agreed.