Milton Keynes waits as Boris Johnson leads Downing Street press conference tonight

The Prime Minister's statement broadcast at 8pm revealed new stringent lockdown measures for the country.

It comes after the latest Milton Keynes coronavirus hotspots were revealed by Public Health - read full story here.

And a rapid result community Covid testing programme is expected to be announced today in Milton Keynes - read full story here.

Mr Johnson stated schools must close to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed by further infections.

He said that the coming weeks will be the "hardest yet" but also stated that "with a fair wind in our sails" it should be possible to vaccinate 13 million vulnerable by mid-February at which point lockdown restrictions could be eased.

The briefing comes amidst growing calls to limit international travel into England.

What time is Boris Johnson's speech?

Boris Johnson will address the nation as well as the media at 5PM on Tuesday evening.

Who will join the Prime Minister?

Mr Johnson will be joined by chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.

How can I watch?

Boris Johnson's address to the nation will be available to watch live on BBC News.

The broadcast will be available to watch online through the BBC iPlayer here, SKY News also have a livestream available to watch on their YouTube channel here.

What will be discussed?

The 5PM briefing marks a return to the daily briefings which were a constant in the first national lockdown period.

The briefing gives the Prime Minister and scientific experts the chance to answer questions from the media. This broadcast will be the first chance the media get to question Mr Johnson on his decision to enter a third lockdown period.

Key issues likely to be raised include: the Prime Minister's decision to allow international travel in and out of the country during a lockdown period, as well as his -u-turn on the return of school children a day after many children returned to education centres.

The briefing also provides scientific experts with an opportunity to update the public on the rise of cases, hospitalisations and deaths related to the virus.