On 16 December, the government will be reviewing the operation of the current three-tier system of restrictions.

We have written to the prime minister on on behalf of the 216 NHS acute, ambulance, community and mental health trusts in England with three key requests ahead of this decision. First, to urge extreme caution in moving any area to a lower tier. Second, to move areas into Tier 3 as soon as this is needed, without any delay. Third, to highlight the need for better public debate about the risks inherent in the guidance for 23-27 December.