FEARS over a lockdown Christmas could be eased after it was revealed the Government is considering lifting the controversial 'rule of six' rule over the holiday.

The move, which is reportedly backed by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, could see the rule temporarily eased during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day if given the go ahead.

The plan would mean 12 people could gather on the festive holiday meaning multiple grandparents, parents, kids and extended family could meet for Christmas.

However, it is believed the plans could be dependant upon coronavirus infection rates being under control in December.

According to the Mail on Sunday, Business Secretary Alok Sharma is a driving forced behind the rule change and is championing the plan.

The Business Secretary is one of a number ministers who believe the Government need to do more to safeguard the economy when imposing Covid-19 rules.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Priti Patel also fall in to the political faction dubbed "hawks".

A source told the Mail on Sunday: "Alok thinks people will need something to look forward to after the next couple of difficult months, and doubling the rule for a couple of days allows that with only a limited extra infection risk attached.

"It hasn't been formally considered by the Treasury yet as a proposal, but it is in line with Rishi's world view."

The doubling of the 'rule of six' just one plan designed to save Christmas and is currently believed to be better then the current alternative.

The other plan would see families isolate before Christmas for two weeks before being allowed to gather.

However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock appears to hold a different stance and fall in to the "doves" faction

They are reportedly concerned the two-day doubling could put preassure on the NHS during the period of the year where hospitals are usually under the most strain.

The plans come after the Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised the Government would try everything they could to make Christmas as normal as possible for residents. and urged the public to "save Christmas" by fighting the spread of Covid-19