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Share * COVID-19 * News * Politics * Football * Celebs * TV * Money 'Omicron crisis needs a true leader who puts country's interests ahead of their party' Professor Chris Whitty begs revellers to only mix with those who 'really matter' as the Omicron and Delta Covid variants sweep the UK but Prime Minister Boris Johnson puts his faith in the booster vaccine rollout to save Christmas... [0_1Desktop-email-selection.jpg] [poster.jpg] Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to playTap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel Play now Chris Whitty 'encourages' prioritising social contact that matters to them opinion By Voice of the Mirror * 00:11, 16 Dec 2021 * * * * * | * * * comments Voice of the Mirror New figures show the Omicron variant is spreading with alarming speed. More than 78,000 new cases of Covid were reported in the last 24 hours, the highest daily number recorded this year. The Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty warns the numbers will inevitably get worse and fears the NHS might not cope. He also broke ranks with ministers by advising people not to mix socially this Christmas if they don’t have to. Despite the ominous situation Boris Johnson made clear he was reluctant to impose further restrictions. Is he playing politics and trying to avoid a backlash from his own MPs? 7 things we learned from Boris Johnsonʼs press conference on Covid & socialising Omicron Xmas crisis as Whitty warns to rein in partying but Boris backs boosters If there are sound medical arguments for extra measures he should introduce them. At the very least the Government should be looking to increase sick pay and provide more support for the hospitality industry which is struggling as customers stay clear. True leadership is putting the interests of the country ahead of those of your own party – but when has this ever swayed Mr Johnson? VAT’s the way The cost of living crisis deepened today as inflation leapt to an eye-watering 5.1%. This will leave many suffering a real-terms pay cut and will leave pensioners worse off. Rishi Sunak could have used the Budget to help families through this tough time. Instead he is about to squeeze household finances further by raising taxes in the New Year. Brits face toughest Christmas for a decade after shock 5.1% surge in inflation The least he could do is adopt Labour ’s proposal of an immediate cut in VAT. Unlike the Government, the Opposition understands that rising fuel, food and petrol prices are hurting people’s pockets. Festive tonic Choirmaster Gareth Malone has hit just the right not e with his Christmas singalong in Blackburn. Singing brings people together and lifts the spirits. Which is why we should make a song and dance about it. Gareth Maloneʼs heart-wrenching singing mission in worst hit Covid town in UK Most Read 1. 2. 3. Don't Miss 1. 2. 3. 4. Follow Mirror FacebookTwitter Comment MORE ON NHSBoris JohnsonPoliticsChristmas partyTory GovernmentOmicron variantMutant Coronavirus Get UK politics insight with our free daily email briefing straight to your inbox ____________________ (BUTTON) Sign up Invalid EmailSomething went wrong, please try again later. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Thank you for subscribingWe have more newslettersShow me See ourPrivacy Notice Most Read 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Recommended 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 1. Home 2. News 3. Politics 4. 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