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Mr Johnson will set out details in the Commons today where he faces a major Tory rebellion in a crunch vote on Covid-19 rule changes. Tensions are running high over the impact the new tier system will have on the economy. But the PM insisted the regional measures he wants to replace lockdown will strike the “right balance” to save lives while supporting the economy.

He told how he understood many were “frustrated” by the restrictions but cautioned that the country could not “afford” to let coronavirus get out of control again.

“We can’t afford to take our foot off the throat of the beast, to take our foot off the gas, we can’t afford to let it out of control again.

“The tiering system is tough, but it’s designed to be tough and to keep it under control.

“I know that lots of people think that they are in the wrong tier and I understand people’s frustration,” the Prime Minister said during a visit to North Wales.

Hospitality is one of the sectors that will continue to suffer most under the new tiers.

Pubs in tier two will only be able to open if they serve alcohol as part of a meal.

The new rescue fund will allow local councils to give grants to venues hit by the rule.

Government insiders said they “can’t pretend it will cover everything” but hope it will go a long way to helping pubs over the Christmas period, which would usually be their busiest trading period.

Mr Johnson said yesterday (MON) that the “best thing” for the hospitality sector and the wider economy is to keep the virus under control and roll out the vaccine.

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