It appears HMRC have now closed access to entering VAT Returns on line and are forcing the MTD route early. I read through the help topics but I couldn’t see any instructions to signing on either in QF or HMRC. Some (simple) guide would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.

No hmrc will have 1 or 2 open periods that are in the future sometimes. You’ll find it won’t submit till after the period end date.