Boris Johnson to hold Downing Street press conference

14 May 2021, 16:48 | Updated: 14 May 2021, 17:24

The Prime Minister is holding a press conference this evening
The Prime Minister is holding a press conference this evening. Picture: Getty

By Daisy Stephens

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is holding a press conference this evening amid concerns about the Indian Covid variant.

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi urged people in the 15 areas of England with spread of the variant of concern to follow local health advice, get tested and isolate if they test positive.

London and the North West have seen the biggest rise in cases, with Public Health England (PHE) data showing the Indian variant has been responsible for four deaths as of May 12.

Asked if the June 21 road map easing - when all legal limits on social contact are due to be lifted - could be put on ice, Mr Zahawi told LBC's Nick Ferrari that this Monday's reopening of indoor meet-ups "is still on".

What time is Boris Johnson’s press conference?

Boris Johnson will talk at 5:30pm.

He will be joined by Professor Chris Whitty.

'No evidence' Indian variant delivers a more severe disease

What will Boris Johnson talk about?

Variant B.1.617.2 first appeared in India but has since spread to the UK.

In recent days there has been a sharp rise in the number of cases, going from 520 to 1,313 in a week.

Read more: Indian variant: How many cases are in the UK? Is it more dangerous?

As with any variant, there have been concerns that this strain could cause more severe disease or be able to evade the immunity currently given by vaccines.

There is no evidence for either of these yet, and vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi told LBC that the Government was awaiting "further clinical advice".

Keeping infection levels low is a key criterion needed to allow for the further easing of restrictions, and one that Mr Zahawi said must be met in order to move to the next state of the roadmap.

A number of measures, such as surge testing and additional vaccination centres, have been set up in Indian variant hotspots to try to tackle the rise in cases.

It is unclear what additional measures could be employed, but Boris Johnson has said he is ruling nothing out, including the possibility of local lockdowns and vaccinating young people in certain areas sooner than planned.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Elderly women watching TV in outpatient clinic waiting room in NHS hospital. UK

NHS should ‘tear up the outpatient model’, health service chief executive says

Brian Wilson passed away aged 82.

Surviving Beach Boys pay tribute to songwriter ‘genius’ Brian Wilson

Palestinians carry boxes and bags containing food and humanitarian aid packages delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed organization approved by Israel, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Controversial aid distributer accuses Hamas of carrying out attack on bus transporting Palestinians

A net balance of 28% of professionals reported seeing the number of sales agreed falling. Sales volumes are generally expected to flatten out rather than fall in the three months ahead, the survey indicated.

House sales tipped to bounce back with 'strongest outlook' since February - but buyer interest still slipping

Supporters of Dignity in Dying celebrate on hearing the result of the vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London.

UK doctor says helping patients die in Australia is a ‘tremendous privilege’ and calls for law change at home

The body of Yair Yaakov, 59, has reportedly been recovered.

Two more hostages recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza, Netanyahu says

There were reports of vehicles being damaged and burned out, stolen cars, motorbikes being used and bricks thrown at officers amid the disorder, Greater Manchester Police said.

Girl, 16, charged with assaulting an emergency worker in Salford after ‘60 masked youths’ clash with police

The affected products include the Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, “Misfits” Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies, the FSA said.

'Don't eat them': Brits told to avoid popular American sweets linked to cancer amid 'toxicological concern'

A woman has been arrested after a four-year-old boy was found dead in Dunholme End.

Boy, 4, found dead inside Maidenhead home as police arrest woman on suspicion of murder

Exclusive
Caz Holbrook, 54, said 2023 was a "very stressful" year after her landlord evicted her and her 15-year-old son from their home in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

I was evicted after Liz Truss's budget tanked the economy – my son and I ended up in a beetle-infested flat

St Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd

Village church ordered to silence 'cherished' chiming bells after residents' complaints spark huge row

The Bridgerton actress said she has been left with a concussion and "on edge" - and the incident traumatised her dog.

Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour left 'traumatised' after fighting off phone thief who threatened to 'stab' her

Shopper walking through the aisle of a supermarket.

Deadly disease outbreak linked to 'contaminated' UK supermarket item

Demonstrators gathered outside Stoke Newington Police Station in protest against police in schools, after it emerged that a 15-year-old Black girl ('Child Q') was strip-searched by police at a Hackney school, which is thought to be racially motivated.

Officer who strip-searched black schoolgirl while she was on her period admits failings but denies racist motivation

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England

My mum finds Jude Bellingham’s on-field antics repulsive, says Thomas Tuchel

The jury found him not guilty of an additional sexual assault charge and have not yet returned a verdict on a charge of rape.

Harvey Weinstein found guilty in New York sexual assault retrial but acquitted on second charge