Extra money for pubs and restaurants: Prime Minister tries to stave off Tory rebellion

Labour's chairman, Sir Keir Starmer, is expected to decide whether to support Labour in or abstain on Tuesday's vote, following the prime minister's meeting with Professor Chris Whitty, the head medical officer.

One senior government source says: "We understand the fact that the hospitality industry has been particularly hard-hit during the pandemic. The Christmas period is a time of year when establishments would expect to be particularly busy so we are looking at how we can support them over the festive period."

The Prime Minister wrote in a newspaper story on Sunday that he was 'grieves' over the impact of the restrictions on pub sales.

Legal action is under consideration over 'flawed and discriminatory' closures of bars and restaurants after figures showing the virus wasn't spread in well-ventilated areas.

Details on the additional support are likely to be disclosed this week, possibly ahead of the critical vote in Parliament.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak reportedly approved the plan, which is expected to be financed by additional loans in the near term.