The prime minister has apologised after failing to clarify the detail of new tighter coronavirus restrictions in north-east England. Boris Johnson said he "misspoke" when answering a question on the rules, when he replied by talking about the rule of six instead of households not mixing.

Mixing between households in pub gardens and outdoor restaurants spaces will be against advice from midnight.

Education minister Gillian Keegan was also unable to clarify the new rules. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, she said: "I don't know the answer to that question."

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said the PM was "grossly incompetent" for not knowing the rules, saying: "These new restrictions are due to come into force across huge parts of the country tonight. The government needs to get a grip."

On Twitter, Mr Johnson clarified that the new rules meant those in the North East "cannot meet people from different households in social settings indoors, including in pubs, restaurants and your home. You should also avoid socialising with other households outside," he added.

In areas not covered by extra restrictions in England, the rule of six - meaning social gatherings are limited to six people - applies in private homes, indoors and outdoors, and places such as pubs, restaurants, cafes and public outdoor spaces.

When he was asked about the new regulations, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "In the North East and other areas where extra measures have been brought in, you should follow the guidance of local authorities but it is six in a home, six in hospitality but as I understand it, not six outside."

Here's the original statement:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-54336735

One of the key requirements of public health messaging is to create a clear idea of what steps people are expected to follow. This was easier during spring's complete lockdown than it is now when the desire to keep society open means guidance has to be nuanced and tailored more.

Devolution has meant each part of the UK is free to come up with its own versions of what should be done. On top of that, there are the extra restrictions imposed on local areas with high rates of infection.

It is understandable that these are tailored to local circumstances and therefore vary from place to place. But the more complicated and intricate the rules become, the more chance the public simply switches off.

Advisers have already warned ministers publicly and privately that this is becoming a real risk alongside the problems of actually enforcing the rules in the first place.

Omah, For goodness sake.... Chill out and go with the flow. Stress and anxiety will kill you faster than coved 19.

Nothing on telly to watch .....

You got enough beers in?

Plenty, thanks .....