A joint statement from eight local health directors says there are no restrictions on travel in or out of each of their areas

Labour demands that updated government guidance for several areas in northern England be withdrawn

Jonathan Ashworth says the government is trying to impose "local coronavirus lockdowns by stealth"

Vaccine minister Nadim Zahawi says local leaders needed to work together to suppress the Indian variant

The government published guidance on Friday urging people not to travel in and out of areas hardest hit by the Indian variant

Council officials in Leicester and North Tyneside say the government insists there are no travel restrictions

However, it did not publicise the change, sparking criticism from MPs and local leaders

The variant is spreading fastest in Bolton, Blackburn, Kirklees, Bedford, Burnley, Leicester, Hounslow and North Tyneside

The US has issued a travel warning for Japan as infections rise, but insists its athletes can still safely take part in the Olympic Games