Boris Johnson speech: What did the Prime Minister announce today, Tuesday, March 23?

BORIS Johnson held a Downing Street press conference today (Tuesday March 23, 2021) at 5pm.

The Prime Minister marked the National Day of Remembrance - which saw Brits hold a one-minute silence at 12pm - to remember those who lost their lives from a year on from the first national lockdown.

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What time was Boris Johnson's speech today, March 23?

Mr Johnson addressed the national effort in the fight against Covid - exactly one year on from when the first UK lockdown began on March 23, 2020.

His speech took place at 5pm and was broadcast live from Downing Street.

The Prime Minister was joined by chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.

What did the Prime Minister announce?

The Prime Minister gave an update after the nation remembered those who died during the pandemic at 12pm.

He then delivered a 5 pm press conference at Downing Street as the country marked a year since the lockdown began.

He said: "It seemed incredible that in the 21st century this was the only way to fight a respiratory disease."

He added: “For the entire British people it’s been an epic of endurance and of privation. Of children’s birthday parties cancelled, of weddings postponed, of families gatherings of all kinds simply deleted from the diary. 

“Worst of all in that time we’ve suffered so many losses and for so many people grief has been made more acute because we’ve not been able to see our loved ones in their final days, to hold their hands, and to mourn them together. 

“At the right moment we’ll come together as a country to build a fitting and permanent memorial to the loved ones we’ve lost and to commemorate this whole period. 

“For month after month our collective fight against Coronavirus was like fighting in the dark against a callous and invisible enemy, until science helped us to turn the lights on and gain the upper hand.

“In the end this was unlike any other struggle in my lifetime, in that our entire population has been engaged and it’s thanks to all of you that we can continue on our roadmap to freedom. 

“Cautiously but irreversibly - step by step, jab by jab - this country is on the path to reclaiming our freedom.”

Professor Chris Whitty added that an "upward pressure" in caseloads is expected as pupils return to school. 

He shared ONS data that states 147,179 people have lost their lives to Covid, and said: "more will do so."

He added: ";Everybody watching and listening to this will mourn every single one of those deaths."

Boris Johnson then said: "We must be very wary for the potential for a third wave."

How can I watch Boris Johnson's speech?

The conference was broadcast from 5pm through various formats.