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Boris Johnson announcement: What did the Prime Minister say in his speech today, Monday, July 12?
BORIS JOHNSON led a press conference today to confirm the final stage of his roadmap out of lockdown.
The Prime Minister revealed that Freedom Day will go ahead as planned on July 19.
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What did Boris Johnson say?
Speaking from Downing Street, Mr Johnson said: ""We think now is the right time to proceed.
"If we were to delay this fourth step, to September or later, then we would be reopening as the weather gets colder and when the virus has a greater natural advantage.
"But it is absolutely vital now that we proceed with caution."
The PM has warned Brits to be ultra cautious with their new-found freedom.
He added: "By next Monday, two thirds of adults would have received a second dose and every adult would have been offered a first dose.
"It is the single most crucial thing now that you get that jab.
"A jab that can protect you, your family and allow you to go on holiday."
But he warned Brits that the pandemic is still "not over" despite the success of the vaccine rollout.
He also praised Gareth Southgate's England squad for making history against Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
Speaking about the racism aimed at some of England's squad, he added: "Shame on you and I hope you crawl back to the rock that you emerged from."
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After 18 months of unprecedented restrictions, the Prime Minister defied doom-mongering boffins and confirmed he is tearing up the hated lockdown.
It comes as Covid cases continue to rise, with the more transmissible Delta - or Indian - variant to blame for 99 per cent of infections.
Covid cases have risen by 34,47 - but deaths remain stable at six, the latest data shows.
The UK's vaccine rollout has seen the risk of deaths or hospitalisation from the disease tumble.
All legal Covid measures are due to end on July 19 - with face masks and social distancing mandates scrapped and mass events permitted.
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Quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers returning to the UK from abroad will also be ditched, as will the school bubble system.
Speaking last week, the PM said masks would become a "personal choice" as he tore up laws making them a legal requirement on buses, trains, and in shops and other indoor venues.
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