Inside Politics: Sage scientists wanted Boris Johnson to impose full lockdown

Many Tory MPs may not like the new restrictions – but documents suggest the prime minister’s top advisers don’t feel they go far enough, writes Adam Forrest

Boris Johnson (PA)

What if The Beatles were just starting out now? Would the government have made the Liverpool lads retrain in “cyber”? The place which formed Britain’s greatest-ever group will stay open, at least – the Cavern Club is getting a share of a new £250m fund for arts venues. For the rest of Merseyside, today marks the last hard day’s night before Boris Johnson’s new Tier 3 restrictions come into force on Wednesday. The PM has to cope with a backlash from northern leaders and Tory MPs – but new documents have revealed his own scientists wanted him to take tougher lockdown measures weeks ago.

Inside the bubble

Chief political commentator John Rentoul on what to look out for today: