Responding to the prime minister’s statement on the COVID-19 winter plan, NHS Providers deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery, said:

"Everybody will be heartened by the progress we are seeing with the development of vaccines, therapeutic treatments and rapid turnaround mass testing for COVID-19.

"They offer real hope for a way out of the pandemic next year.

"It is also encouraging to see emerging evidence of lockdown restrictions having an impact, though the pressures we are seeing in trusts – delivering both COVID and non-COVID care – are severe.

Trust leaders tell us it is as though winter has come six weeks early.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

"Trust leaders tell us it is as though winter has come six weeks early.

"We have been clear that any move away from a national lockdown on 2 December should remain appropriately tough.

"So we welcome the more stringent tiered regime, with more uniform rules, set out by the prime minister, while recognising the continuing impact of these measures on people lives, livelihoods and mental health.

"We hope this will contribute to a better consensus between national and local leaders and the communities they serve.

Public support will be vital as people are asked to make more sacrifices in the run up to Christmas.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

"Public support will be vital as people are asked to make more sacrifices in the run up to Christmas.

"Hopefully the prospect of a new year with better days ahead will help encourage everyone to follow the rules and play their part in curbing coronavirus now and in the difficult weeks to come."