Covid: Boris Johnson to focus on ‘data, not dates’ for lockdown easing

Boris Johnson accepts the findings, as report reveals 12 lockdown events are being probed by police.

There is “increasing confidence” Covid vaccines are effective against the variant, Matt Hancock says.

The health secretary’s comments prompted criticism from Labour who said people wanted clarity.

Villagers dig by hand to find those still trapped, with few signs of an official response in some areas.

The £10bn support package is expected to be largely funded by a windfall tax on oil and gas firms.