Christmas is under threat after scientists, Keir Starmer and Michael Gove admitted the four-week lockdown may be extended – and refused to rule out further national lockdowns in future

Hopes for a traditional family Christmas are fading fast after ministers, scientists and Labour all admitted England’s second lockdown could extend beyond December 2.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said the “time-limited” four-week shutdown could last for longer than planned if needs be.

And he refused to rule out plunging England into third or fourth national lockdowns next year.

The confession leaves Christmas hanging in the balance and is likely to worsen a Tory mutiny.

Scientists and Labour leader Keir Starmer both said the lockdown must remain in place until it has enough of an effect – even if that’s longer than four weeks.

Sir Keir previously called for a two to three week lockdown but the government delayed so long, scientists say that will no longer be enough. He told the BBC: “We need to stay in the lockdown until the infection rate [R] is below 1.”