Has Hounslow been put in lockdown by stealth

A Cabinet minister has told people “don’t travel to and from Hounslow” and seven other areas in England - unless it is an essential journey - to stop the spread of the Indian Covid-19 variant. Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey also appeared to suggest people living in the borough should consider whether a half-term holiday abroad "really is essential". 

The Evening Standard's deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil says the government guidance has come as a surprise to the local council and health chiefs, who say it's adding to confusion around lockdown restrictions. He also tells us Sadiq Khan has asked whether advice not to travel to and from Hounslow apart from essential journeys could have an impact on Heathrow airport. 

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