London mayor Sadiq Khan to meet with council leaders to discuss lockdown measures

London mayor Sadiq Khan is to meet with council leaders on Monday to discuss lockdown restriction measures for the city as coronavirus cases continue to rise in the capital.

The rate of cases in London is reported to have increased in a seven day period ending early last week, from 18.8 per 100,000 people to around 25.

Mayoral sources said London’s case rates were catching up to those in Covid hotspots in the north-west and north-east of England, which have been placed under new controls.

A spokesperson for Mr Khan said on Sunday: “The situation is clearly worsening. Sadiq will meet council leaders tomorrow and any London-specific measures will be recommended to ministers following that.

“The mayor wants fast action as we cannot risk a delay, as happened in March. It is better for both health and business to move too early than too late.”

It comes as Mr Khan urged ministers to extend the latest regional restrictions – including ordering bars and restaurants to close at 10pm – to cover the capital as well.

Meanwhile Health Secretary Matt Hancock has admitted the introduction of new lockdown restrictions in London within days cannot be ruled out.

Mr Hancock said he had spoken with Mr Khan over the weekend about what action is needed in the capital.

Asked if London office employees could be advised to work from home from some point next week, Mr Hancock told Times Radio: “Well, I wouldn’t rule it out.”

Such a move would clash with the Government’s recent messaging, which has been to urge people to return to their offices following the easing of lockdown restrictions.