THE Government is today seeking emergency powers aimed at tackling the Coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

A Bill going before the Commons seeks extraordinary powers not seen in peace time in this country.

The new powers would enable the Government to impose extreme measures such as closing airports and allowing the police to isolate people displaying symptoms of the virus.

The Bill also allows for recently retired NHS staff to return to work without any negative impact on their pensions, fast tracking funeral arrangements and more court hearings by phone or video.

Law enforcement agency be able to detain people with symptoms of COVID-19 and put them in appropriate isolation.

The Parliamentary session follows a weekend in which hundreds of people defied Government advice on social distancing and mingled in parks, at the seaside and in shops.