Dr Amir Khan says the relaxing of households being able to mix between December 23 and 27 will see a surge in coronavirus cases next month.

The UK is set to relax social distancing rules for five days over the festive period, allowing friends and family to hug for the first time in months.

Speaking on this morning’s Lorraine show, Dr Khan said it would be better if people celebrated Christmas with the people they live with, instead of with wider families.