Boris Johnson says the UK will continue to take the next step towards freedom on Monday despite the new Indian coronavirus variant threatening "serious disruption" to the roadmap.
However he has not ruled out that the strain could prevent the UK from achieving its plan for a full reopening next month on June 21.
The UK will also accelerate its vaccination programme to fight the Indian variant of coronavirus, he announced. Gaps between first and second doses will be shortened to eight weeks, and first doses will also be prioritised for those who are eligible but have yet to receive a jab.The Prime Minister held a Downing Street conference on Friday evening, accompanied by England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty.He sought to reassure.