'Circuit-breaker' lockdown suggested to UK government by advisers last month

An empty looking Mathew Street in Liverpool, as drinkers stay at home and follow coronavirus restrictions, ahead of a new three-tiered system of restrictions that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will outline on Monday that is expected to cause pubs and restaurants to shut across the north of England (Peter Byrne/PA)

The UK government has been accused of ignoring its own scientists after documents showed that a “circuit-breaker” lockdown was recommended for England by expert advisers three weeks ago.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) suggested immediately introducing a national lockdown lasting between two and three weeks to halt the rapid spread of the virus, with the government’s failure to act on the advice branded “alarming” by Labour.