SIR Keir Starmer has called on Boris Johnson to impose a short "circuit-breaker" lockdown across England to bring the coronavirus resurgence under control.

The Labour leader heaped pressure on to the Prime Minister on Tuesday after it emerged he dismissed a recommendation for the measure from Government scientists three weeks ago.

In his most dramatic intervention to date, Sir Keir said a two to three-week national lockdown was needed to improve test and trace and prevent a "sleepwalk into a long and bleak winter".

He told a televised press conference that Mr Johnson was "no longer following the scientific advice" by proposing "far less stringent restrictions" than suggested by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage).

Sir Keir said: "There's no longer time to give the Prime Minister the benefit of the doubt. The Government's plan simply isn't working. Another course is needed."

He said schools must stay open but that all pubs, bars and restaurants should be closed during the circuit-breaker, while firms are compensated so "no business loses out" in order to "break the cycle" of infection.

"If we don't, we could sleepwalk into a long and bleak winter. That choice is now for the Prime Minister to make. I urge him to do so," Sir Keir said.

He added: "This would not mean closing schools. But if this happens imminently, it can be timed to run across half-term to minimise disruption. But a circuit break would require significant sacrifices across the country.

"It would mean only essential work and travel. That everyone who can work from home should do so. Non-essential offices should be closed.

"Household mixing should be restricted to one household except for those who've formed support bubbles.

"And all pubs, bars and restaurants would be closed for two to three weeks - but compensated so that no business loses out because of the sacrifices we all have to make. It should also mean that the UK Parliament moves to remote working."

The Labour leader said a "circuit breaker" would provide an opportunity to "reset" and "rectify some of the mistakes the Government has made".

Sir Keir Starmer said: "In particular, to get a grip on testing and hand over track and trace to local authorities.

"A circuit break will have to be accompanied by extensive support for jobs, businesses and our local economies.

"Because if we're requiring businesses to close, we must provide the financial support necessary to protect people and our local communities - because every job matters and every business matters."

Sir Keir said introducing the restrictions was "not inevitable" but that it is "now necessary" to "protect the NHS, fix testing, and get control of the virus".