THE Government is “all over the place” as it was announced that the second Covid lockdown would be lifted although Brighton is expected to be in tier two.

The Argus understands the city will face the second-highest coronavirus measures, meaning there will be no mixing of households and the rule of six will be in place.

Although cases have dropped in the city, it is understood that nowhere in England will be in tier one, the lowest ranking in the system.

The official tiers are expected to be announced shortly but the government’s handling of the situation has been criticised by a Labour MP.

READ MORE >> Covid: Landlord Jodie Kidd fears tougher tier restrictions

Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle said the government is “shunting responsibility”, as the nation heads out of the second national lockdown on December 2.

He told The Argus: “Ministers are all over the place. Even after briefings intended to shed light, I’m left with more questions than answers.

“One thing’s clear, the government is shunting responsibility down onto our shoulders.

“The actions of each of us in the coming weeks will decide how successful we are as a city for the remainder of the crisis as it’s clear government aren’t thinking beyond each day.”

The Argus: MP Peter Kyle told The Argus he was 'left with more questions than answers' MP Peter Kyle told The Argus he was 'left with more questions than answers'

The highest weekly coronavirus rate in Brighton and Hove during the second national lockdown was recorded in the seven days leading up to November 12, when it reached 181.1 cases per 100,000 population.

But this figure has since dropped.

Classed as a “high risk”, tier two restrictions means alcohol may only be served in hospitality settings as part of a substantial meal.

Last orders will be taken at 10pm before being forced to close at 11pm.

Residents will be asked to avoid travel to tier three areas and large events will be allowed with a limited audience.

However, up to three households will be allowed to mix from December 23 to 27, Government sources indicated.

It comes as five new coronavirus deaths have been recorded at Brighton and Sussex Trust in the latest 24-hour period, the latest official figures show. The R number for the UK is currently between 1.0 and 1.1, with Boris Johnson stating his desire to drive the figure below one.

The latest government data says the R number in the South East is slightly above the UK average, currently standing at between 1.1 and 1.3. The announcement of the new measures came as the Oxford-AstraZeneca team announced its vaccine had proved 70 per cent effective.

Appearing via video link from coronavirus self-isolation in Downing Street, Mr Johnson told MPs the three-tiered approach had been beefed up.

Mr Johnson said: “From next Wednesday people will be able to leave their home for any purpose and meet others in outdoor public spaces, subject to the rule of six, collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports can resume, and shops, personal care, gyms and the wider leisure sector can reopen.”

“But without sensible precautions, we would risk the virus escalating into a winter or New Year surge.”