Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will make a statement on our response to the rising number of Coronavirus cases

and how we must act now to avoid still graver consequences later on.

Bad news in that the UK's coronavirus alert level was upgraded from 3 to 4, meaning transmission is "high or rising exponentially". It came after the government's scientific adviser warned there could be 50,000 new coronavirus cases a day by mid-October without further action.

I am writing to inform you that today we have simulateously extended government support to keep trains services running through the pandemic and ended rail franchising.

SIR – A major rethink on how we battle coronavirus is urgently needed. Now, we’re far better informed, so locking us all down and destroying more lives and livelihoods are not the answer.

In the latest round of restrictions, those who do not self-isolate face a fine of up to £10,000. Matt Hancock told the BBC's Andrew Marr show that the country was facing a "tipping point and we have a choice".

To stop the spread of coronavirus it is critical that people who test positive, and their close contacts, self-isolate.

I have therefore today announced three important changes to strengthen the system of self-isolation:

Another lovely day, with a strong wind from the east. I say that because the sea off Durlston Country Park was awash with white seahorses. Most spectacular. Two cruise ships at anchor offshore reminded me of the consequences of all these lock-downs, which I disagree with.

WE’RE almost there.

But, as the clock ticks down to 31 December, there are those who still refuse to accept we are leaving the EU.

Earlier this year I announced a £105 million fund to secure short term, interim solutions for the individuals brought in off the street as part of the government’s ‘Everyone In’ initiative – bringing inside some of the most vulnerable people to enable them to self-isolate and get the help they ne

I was over the moon with the news that DCH is to receive a further £2 million to increase capacity and improve its emergency department. The money is to help DCH through the winter months. More restrictions imposed today as coronavirus cases rise.