Asked by @BBCRadio4 Broadcasting House if this Xmas lockdown was inevitable, NERVTAG member Prof Edmonds says "No...it wasn't clear what the cause was [of rising cases in SEast]. I think the govt have acted pretty quick on the evidence available to them."

[Prof *Edmunds*, correct spelling, apols. My phone is clearly made by a 1990s GMB union predictive text algorithm.]

However, SPI-M member tells BH what *was* "inevitable" was that the PM's Xmas relaxation plan would push R up significantly (even without this new variant).
@ReicherStephen

That SPI-M member @ReicherStephen also pointed out that it's v important now not to think in terms of following 'the govt's rules' (cos that would lead many to say 'sod them'). But says rules important cost they are "what will keep us safe and our families safe"

. @ReicherStephen rightly pointed out too that after the Cummings affair in May, the public didn't by and large then follow his example and instead stuck to the rules.