Johnson under pressure as scientists say circuit-breaker may save thousands of lives

Staff at the Richmond pub in Liverpool bring in tables and chairs , the night before new measures across the region are set to come into force (Peter Byrne/PA)

A “circuit-breaker” lockdown could save thousands of lives by the end of the year, scientists advising the UK government have calculated, as pressure mounts on Boris Johnson to impose stricter restrictions.

As the three-tier Covid alert level system comes into force across England, the British Prime Minister is facing calls to go further by introducing a fortnight of nationwide curbs to bring the coronavirus resurgence under control.