Government under fire over last minute schools advice

Teaching unions have criticised the government for issuing last minute contingency plans to schools in areas of England with local lockdowns – just days before classes are due to resume.

Secondary schools have been told whole year groups could be sent home to quarantine if a pupil or teacher tests positive.

Meanwhile thousands of protesters gathered in central London calling for coronavirus restrictions to be lifted.

Today’s official figures show the number of UK coronavirus deaths rose by 12 in the last 24 hours to a total of 41,498 – while 1,108 new cases were confirmed.

Dani Isdale reports.