London will move into the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions from Wednesday as a result of soaring case rates, Matt Hancock has confirmed – with Bucks escaping the move for now.

Speaking to the House of Commons this afternoon, the health secretary told MPs that Greater London, along with the south and west of Essex and the south of nearby Hertfordshire, will move into Tier 3 restrictions from midnight on Wednesday.

He said this was to stop the NHS from becoming overwhelmed.

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He also told the Commons that experts have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be responsible for the “faster spread” in South East England.

Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants, he said.

"We've currently identified over 1,000 cases with this variant predominantly in the south of England although cases have been identified in nearly 60 different local authority areas."

The health secretary said there was nothing to suggest the variant was more likely to cause serious disease and he suggested the vaccine should still be effective.

"But it shows we've got to be vigilant and follow the rules and everyone needs to take personal responsibility not to spread this virus," he said.

Buckinghamshire will stay in Tier 2 for now, with a review expected on Wednesday (December 16) of all areas across England.

Mr Hancock said an early decision had to be taken for the three areas due to move into Tier 3 because of “very sharp, exponential rises” in cases.

As well as the restrictions on hospitality and a ban on households mixing indoors, the move means people should avoid travelling into or out of the area.