A new coronavirus mutation has been found, and may have put London in Tier 3; And schools close early

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock's told the Commons, the UK's identified a "new variant" of Covid-19 as he announced London and parts of the south east are going into Tier 3 on Wednesday. He said the mutation may be associated with a faster spread of the virus in recent weeks. Our deputy political editor, Nicholas Cecil, tells us ministers had been trying to avoid the move, which will put businesses in jeopardy, but felt they had no choice as infection rates soar. He also says the government could come under pressure to drop plans allowing the rules to be relaxed over Christmas. 

And, education Anna Davis tells us why some schools in London boroughs are closing early. Greenwich and Islington have said they're moving classrooms online now, ahead of the planned Christmas break. Anna says it's to stop coronavirus spreading, but the last minute announcement's causing problems for teachers and parents. She also warns the closures may last into January.

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