Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a four-week lockdown in England to run from November 5 to December 2 to curb the spread of coronavirus cases in recent weeks

Weddings will be banned under new coronavirus restrictions in England which are expected to start next Thursday and last until the beginning of December.

Under the new rules announced by Boris Johnson late on Saturday, funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people.

In a blow to thousands of couples who have already postponed their nuptials, the Government said weddings will not be allowed, apart from under “exceptional circumstances” – but these are yet to be clarified.

The Prime Minister held a press conference to announce the new restrictions following a spike in positive Covid-19 cases across the UK in recent weeks.

He will present the measures to Parliament early next week and, if they are approved, they will come into force from Thursday, November 5.