New Year parties given go-ahead in England as UK splits over Omicron controls

New Year’s celebrations in England will be allowed to go ahead without further restrictions, the UK Government has announced (Victoria Jones/PA)

New Year’s parties were given the green light in England as UK ministers announced there will be no new coronavirus restrictions imposed before the end of 2021.

In a move welcomed by hospitality bosses, British health secretary Sajid Javid announced there will be no curbs on social mixing beyond the current Plan B measures.