OUR readers think the new lockdown laws are necessary, according to a Twitter poll.

Boris Johnson told the nation that gatherings of more than six people will be illegal as of Monday September 14.

We asked: "The rules on social gatherings have changed yet again. You can only have a group of up to six. Do you think this is necessary?"

The poll received 95 votes with 58.9 per cent of people saying yes and 20 per cent saying no.

Around 6 per cent say said they don't care, and 14.7 per cent said they don't really know.

The new law on social gatherings in England will see the limit to change from 30 people to six.

The Prime Minister said: “In England from Monday (September 14) we are introducing the rule of six. You must not meet socially in groups of more than six.

“And, if you do, you will be breaking the law.”

On where the rule of six law apply, he added: “This will apply in any setting, indoors or outdoors, at home or in the pub.

“The ban will be set out in law and it will be enforced by the police – anyone breaking the rules risks being dispersed, fined and possibly arrested.

“This single measure replaces both the existing ban on gatherings of more than 30 and the current guidance on allowing two households to meet indoors. Now you only need to remember the rule of six.”

Boris Johnson also said he is “sorry” that two whole households will no longer be able to meet if their total exceeds six people.

He said: “This rule of six will of course throw up difficult cases, for example two whole households will no longer be able to meet if they would together exceed the limit of six people and I’m sorry about that, and I wish that we did not have to take this step.

“But as your Prime Minister, I must do what is necessary to stop the spread of the virus and to save lives. And of course we will keep the rule of six under constant review and only keep it in place as long as is necessary.”