Boris Johnson is reportedly weighing up lifting his "rule of six" on Christmas Day to allow friends and family to celebrate together.
The PM is worried about being "portrayed as Scrooge", it is claimed - and may make the move to lift spirits after a difficult few months.
Since Monday social meetings of more than six people have been banned in an effort to stop Covid-19 spreading between households.
It is understood government advisors were planning for the rule of six to be in place for at least three months - to the beginning of December.
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