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Confirmation that Christmas rules will be relaxed in all four UK nations after more talks

Ministers of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have decided to stick with their original plan to loosen regulations from December 23-27, allowing people to form ‘Christmas bubbles’ in which three households can mix indoors.

The Manc - 16th December 2020

All four nations have agreed to relax rules over the Christmas period – despite recent calls for them to be tightened.

Ministers of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have decided to stick with their original plan to loosen regulations from December 23-27, allowing people to form ‘Christmas bubbles’ in which different households can mix indoors.

However, according to the BBC, “the final wording of the agreement is [still] being worked on.”

The government will not reverse its decision to ease COVID-19 restrictions over the Christmas period despite the rise in cases but will instead strengthen its messaging

For more on this and other news visit https://t.co/8OWd2TvLrt
— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) December 16, 2020

The UK government’s Christmas travel adviser, Sir Peter Hendy, said the public should “stay local” wherever possible.

People visiting other areas have been urged to book tickets early and ideally travel by car.

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A joint statement from the four nations is expected shortly.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.

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Police appeal after teenage girl reports being sexually assaulted in a Stretford park

An urgent appeal for information has been issued after a teenage girl reported being sexually assaulted in a park in Stretford.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers attended Victoria Park, in the Stretford area, earlier this week on Tuesday night (21 July) following reports that a teenage girl had been sexually assaulted.

The incident is reported to have happened between 5:30pm and 5:44pm, and the offender is described to be an older white male of a large build who was wearing a black t-shirt.

No arrests have been made at this time, GMP confirmed, and enquiries are ongoing.

As police continue their investigation at pace, a public appeal for information has been issued in the hopes that someone can come forward and provide the details needed to track down the offender.

“Detectives are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry and the victim is being fully supported by specially trained officers,” explained Detective Superintendent Suzanne Keenaghan, from GMP’s Trafford district.

“There will be an increased police presence in and around Victoria Park while officers continue their investigation and provide reassurance to the local community.”

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Police say they are ‘particularly keen’ to hear from anyone who was in the park at the time, or who may have CCTV, doorbell, mobile phone or dashcam footage from the area.

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Anyone with information can speak to police officers at the scene, call 101, or contact GMP via LiveChat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3029 of 21/07/26.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons

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Business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues to be slashed by 20% next year

Live music crowd

Business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues across England are set to be slashed by 20% next year.

Continuing on with his week of, seemingly, introducing a new measure a day amid the cost of living crisis, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has now announced that he has taken action to cut business rates for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues across England from April next year.

It’s expected that these new business rate cuts will benefit nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues, saving the typical pub an estimated £1,100 in the next financial year.

“For too long, the pubs, social clubs, and live music venues that form the backbone of local high streets have been replaced by boarded up windows and for sale signs,” the Government said in a statement as the cuts were announced today.

Andy Burnham is slashing business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues by 20% next year / Credit: John Arano (via Unsplash) | Wikimedia Commons

Andy Burnham is slashing business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues by 20% next year / Credit: John Arano (via Unsplash) | Wikimedia Commons

These changes are set to be fully funded by the Government – including through reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops for example.

The Government says it also plans to crack down on businesses that sell through online marketplaces but do not comply with their tax obligations, which therefore puts them at an unfair advantage over businesses that do play by the rules.

I’m giving thousands of pubs, clubs and music venues a 20% cut in business rates.

I won’t stand by while these cherished local spaces disappear, replaced by boarded-up windows and ‘For Sale’ signs.

They’re the heart of our communities and it’s time we backed them.
— Andy Burnham (@andyburnham) July 23, 2026

“Pubs, clubs and live music venues are at the heart of communities across the UK,” explained Chancellor John Healey. “They help make a place what we love. They bring people together, support local jobs and help keep high streets, and town centres busy, which is why we will back them all the way.

“We are determined to bring hope back, give businesses the support they need and generate growth in every postcode.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham added: “For too long, Governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So today I am changing that.

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“This Government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets, and that’s what we will do. What we’re announcing today is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country.”

Featured Image – Alex Bracken (via Unsplash)