Leeds news LIVE: Johnson to face MPs as confusion reigns over international travel rules

Emergency services were called to a house fire in Rothwell yesterday.

The blaze broke out on Wood Drive in the village.

West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service have been contacted for comment.

Invitations are going out to 37-year-olds to get the coronavirus jab amid fears that the spread of the new Indian variant could jeopardise future plans to ease restrictions.

Text messages are being sent on Tuesday asking people to book an appointment – to be followed on Wednesday by 36-year-olds – as the rollout moves down the age groups.

At the same time, over 50s are having their second jabs brought forward on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The moves comes amid continuing concern about the fast-spreading B.1.617.2 variant – first identified in India – with some scientists warning it could lead to a deadly new wave of the virus.

The Times reported that ministers are considering contingency plans for local lockdowns if the strain cannot be brought under control.

NHS England national medical director Stephen Powis said there had already been 930,000 appointments made since the vaccination programme was opened up to 38 and 39-year-olds, and he urged people to come forward when called.

“Getting vaccinated is the most important step we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities against Covid 19, so when it is your turn to get your first or second dose please do so,” he said.

Meanwhile, The Daily Telegraph reported that EU ambassadors are set to sign off an a plan on Wednesday to allow British holidaymakers to travel to Europe without having to take a Covid test or quarantine.

In the Commons on Monday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there were now 2,323 confirmed cases of the Indian strain in the UK, with 86 local authority areas recording at least five.

Worst hit have been Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen – where it is now the dominant strain with a total of 483 cases across the two areas – followed by Bedford.

The authorities have responded by deploying “surge” vaccinations and testing in virus hotspots in an attempt to curb the spread of the disease.

However, Mr Hancock expressed frustration that of the 19 hospital cases in Bolton, the majority had not had the vaccine, even though they were eligible.

Despite concerns the Indian variant is even more transmissible than the dominant Kent strain, the latest easing of lockdown restrictions went ahead as planned on Monday across most of England, Scotland and Wales.

It meant pubs and restaurants were able to welcome customers inside while people were able to socialise indoors and to hug family and friends outside their own households.

However ministers have warned the final lifting of lockdown restrictions in England, set for June 21, may have to be delayed if the new variant continues to spread.

Downing Street said on Monday that updates on plans for domestic coronavirus “passports”, announcements on easing social distancing requirements and further guidance on weddings, due later this month, could now be put back.

In Scotland, meanwhile tourism and hospitality bodies have called for urgent talks with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon over the decision to keep Glasgow in Level 3 restrictions over concerns about the spread of the Indian variant in the city.

Hospitality and entertainment businesses in Wales are also pressing the Welsh Government for clarity on when the remaining social distancing rules there can be lifted.

In Northern Ireland a decision is due this week on whether the next stage of easing can go ahead as planned on Monday.

Meanwhile the UK Government has rejected calls for the vaccine to be given to younger age groups in areas where the Indian variant was causing concern.

An analysis by the PA news agency found the Covid-19 rates in the worst hotspots were being driven by a sharp rise in cases among younger age groups.

Bolton, Blackburn with Darwen, and Bedford all have case rates among younger people that are running at a much higher level than those for older age groups.

However, Mr Hancock said they would continue to work down through the age groups, in line with the strategy set out by the (JCVI)as “the best way to save the most lives”.

Good morning and welcome to the Yorkshire Evening Post live blog on Tuesday, May 18.

This is today’s Yorkshire Evening Post front page on Tuesday, May 18.

It leads on the reopening of indoor hospitality here in Leeds, with reaction from local businesses.

Pick up a copy in your local store or read online here: https://app.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/

It’s not just the bars and restaurants in Leeds that have been welcoming customers back inside today for the first time in months.

One games shop in Farsley opened its doors just after midnight and stayed open until 6am for the keenest gamers.

They were able to play war games and board games, as well as taking part in a Dungeons and Dragons game that had been specially tailored for the reopening event at Leodis Games.

Read more: Leeds games shop opens at midnight as government relaxes Covid restrictions

Police are seeking witnesses after a woman was attacked in a Leeds village.

They’ve also shared a description today of the man they want to identify as the investigation into the assault on the 22-year-old woman continues.

Read more: Woman attacked by man outside working men’s club in Allerton Bywater

Boris Johnson has called for a “heavy dose of caution” as indoor socialising and physical contact resumed against the backdrop of concerns over the Indian coronavirus variant.

The Prime Minister said “now everyone must play their part” as England pushed ahead with the third stage of the road map out of lockdown on Monday.

Pubs and restaurants will be able to welcome customers back indoors, visits to the homes of friends and family can resume and the foreign holiday ban has ended.

Hugs and other physical contact between households are also permitted for the first time since restrictions began more than a year ago.

But the measures were eased as top scientists called for caution and warned of a “perilous moment”, with the Indian variant feared to be as much as 50% more transmissible than the Kent strain.

FULL STORY: Covid in Yorkshire: Prime Minister Boris Johnson urges ‘heavy dose of caution’ as hugs and holidays resume

It’s been a busy weekend here in Leeds as businesses prepared to welcome customers back and Leeds beat Burley 4-0.

Here are some of the stories that you may have missed over the weekend:

Crime and incidents

Court

People

This is the Yorkshire Evening Post front page on Monday, May 17: “Incredibly dangerous”.

You can buy a copy in your local shop or read our e-paper online using our app here: https://app.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk

Or you can find all the latest on, www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk