EFFORTS to maintain a consistent Britain-wide approach to easing lockdown rules over Christmas stalled yesterday.

England, Scotland and Wales had agreed to keep the same relaxed Christmas Covid-19 rules in place, but the latter two later strengthened their own guidance.

The original plans would see three households allowed to form a festive bubble between December 23 and 27.

But in Wales, people are being advised to limit their festive bubble to two households ahead of a “Tier 4” lockdown on December 28.

In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that people forming a Christmas bubble should only meet up on one day out of the five and not stay overnight “unless it is unavoidable.”

In the Commons, PM Boris Johnson told MPs there was “unanimous agreement” across the four nations “that we should proceed in principle with the existing regulations.”

But as he said that, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford set out his decision to deviate from the agreed approach.

Downing Street said that Mr Johnson’s claim of a unanimous approach was based on the agreement not to change regulations, although it was up to the individual nations to set out their own guidance.