Is this lockdown by stealth?

<div>Today saw record numbers of Covid cases with infections higher than the January 2021 lockdown. In reaction to soaring cases, Boris Johnson held a press conference yesterday. Although nothing new was announced, he pushed further on the booster program and encouraged the public to rethink their socialising ahead of Christmas.</div> <div><br> </div> <div>Many people believe the PM is encouraging a lockdown by stealth, with hospitality venues struggling to cope under staff shortages coupled with vast cancellations. But should financial support be put in place for them throughout this tricky time?</div> <div> <br> Also today, the Bank of England has increased interest rates to 0.25% in reaction to inflationary pressures.</div> <div> <br> ‘<em>We have to consider, does changing interest rates help [inflation]? Given that some of it is caused by supply chains that haven’t gone back to normal post the pandemic</em>' - James Forsyth<br> <br> Cindy Yu is joined by Katy Balls and James Forsyth. </div>