PM'S SPEECH
Boris Johnson announcement: What did the PM say in his speech on Monday, June 14?
BORIS Johnson held a press conference this evening confirming that Freedom Day WILL be delayed.
The PM said restrictions will stay until July 19 - as the NHS rushes to jab more people, quicker.
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What time was Boris Johnson's announcement today?
The Prime Minister addressed the nation at 6pm this evening in a Downing Street press briefing.
The update also included the latest figures explained by Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance.
What did Boris Johnson say in his speech?
Mr Johnson today announced that lockdown lifting “freedom day” will be delayed until July 19, 2021, after cases of the mutant Indian strain exploded by 240 per cent in just a week, according to reports.
Speaking at the press conference, the PM said: "We've obviously faced a very difficult choice, we can give the NHS a few more crucial weeks to get those few remaining jabs into the arms of those who need them".
He aims to double jab two-thirds of the population by July 19.
He said: "I think it is sensible to wait just a little longer. We will hold off until July 19."
"I am confident we won't need more than four weeks - it's unmistakable clear that the vaccines are working - but now is the time to ease off the accelerator.
"We have the chance to save many thousands of lives by vaccinating millions more people."
Mr Johnson stressed there was only a need to hold off for four weeks - and that we shouldn't slam into reverse.
He also gave brides and grooms a much-needed boost, by scrapping the 30-guest cap on weddings as venues can choose their own safe number.
Boris said he would review the data again on June 28 - and suggested that could be eased early on July 5 if the Covid outlook improves, but that was unlikely.
It was also announced that:
- Wedding will be able to have as many guests as the venue can fit while keeping social distancing in a joy for thousands of couples
- The Government's work from home guidance will remain in place
- Furlough will not be extended and will still end in September as planned
- Vaccine passports will be trialled at some upcoming Euros matches
- Over-40s will now receive their second jab after eight weeks not 12
- Another review of the data will be conducted on June 28 to see if lockdown can end early
- MPs will vote on the delay to lockdown next Wednesday
- Care home residents returning from hospital will no longer need to isolate for 14 days
- Cases are up a third in a week, as another 7,700 people test positive
- But hopeful PHE data revealed that the variants ARE still tackled effectively with the various vaccines
- Vaccines will open for 23 and 24-year-olds from TOMORROW
On vaccinating children, Professor Chris Witty said high-risk children should be vaccinated first: "This is going to be a decision that will have to be based on the data that we have at the moment."
Sir Patrick Vallance then added that "This is a virus that's going to be with us forever".
"If we didn't have the vaccinations we've got, we would be looking at what lockdowns would be needed," he says.
Mr Johnson finished the press conference by saying: "I am accutely concsious that it's not just that nightclubs can't go ahead and the theatre industry.
"There are many businesses that need to move beyond social distancing, many jobs where we need to be able to do things in the way where we always used to do them.
"People are yearning to get back to that...I am confident that we will be, barring unforeseeable new variants, I am confident that we will get there."
"We want a roadmap that is irreversible and to achieve an irreversible roadmap you have to be cautious."
"The objective of this short delay is to use these crucial weeks to save thousands of lives, of lives that would otherwise be lost...by vaccinating millions more people as fast as we can," he adds.
Under plans drawn up to be announced on June 14, a two-week review will be included meaning Covid restrictions could be dropped on July 5 if hospitalisations stay down.
The delay will be used to work out if the vaccine rollout really means rising cases numbers do not spark a surge in hospitalisations - and it will allow millions more people to be double jabbed.
Under the changes announced, social distancing rules and the rule of six are set to remain in place.
Pubs and restaurants won't be able to open to full capacity, with the number of customers allowed in limited by social distancing rules, and table service remaining.
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How can I watch Boris' speech?
The conference was broadcast at 6pm through various formats.
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Viewers could watch the presser on the account.
In addition, The Sun's live coronavirus and politics blogs provide updates and reports during the briefing.
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