Dear Reader

HELLO and welcome to Tuesday’s edition of The News as we look forward to another phase in the return to life post-pandemic.

Prime minister Boris Johnson last night outlined the latest staging post on the road out of lockdown, with the welcome news that, from Monday, we are once again allowed to hug our loved ones!

As we report on the following pages people will be able to meet inside in groups of six, of two households

Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve customers inside and galleries, theatres cinemas and soft play centres will also be allowed to reopen.

The Covid-19 alert level has been lowered from four to three in a sure sign that, thanks to the vaccination programme, we are winning the battle against coronavirus.

Inothernews, wehavea special report on the arrival of the luxury cruise ship Viking Venus at Portsmouth International Port.

The event has been hailed as momentous – both for the city and for the cruise industry. To find out why, turn to pages 8&9 — and watch video on our website at portsmouth.co.uk.