“The tier system the government announced today will be judged on its ability to keep control of the virus.

“This second lockdown of the year came as a huge blow because the Government simply did not learn the lessons from both abroad and from the first wave to ensure we got a proper handle on it.

“This needs to go hand in hand with an effective test, track and trace system, a plan to support businesses many of whom will still find these restrictions difficult, and a plan to roll out vaccines in the New Year.

“People have made too many sacrifices, especially our health and social care staff working on the frontline, for their efforts to be squandered again.”