The UK government is fearful that the latest lockdown in England is not being strictly observed and may have to be tightened to thwart the rapid spread of a new variant of Covid-19 and avoid the NHS becoming overwhelmed.
But government insiders insisted on Sunday that the immediate priority was to enforce existing measures instead of introducing further restrictions, which would anger Conservative MPs and some ministers.
Boris Johnson, the prime minister, announced a third lockdown for England last Monday, which includes a legal stay-at-home order and the closure of schools and universities, all non-essential shops, and pubs and restaurants. People have been urged to work from home wherever possible, avoid public transport and exercise locally.
But, as another 54,490 coronavirus infections were reported in the UK on Sunday, ministers are concerned that these strict rules are not being adhered to as closely as during the first lockdown in March, as a result of both…