Dr Peter Drobac told Sky News’ Breakfast programme earlier today: “There are still over three billion people around the world who haven’t had access to a vaccine. In Africa only 5% of the population is fully vaccinated. The Prime Minister’s comments just aren’t true.”

“Botswana, a middle-income country, signed a deal with Moderna at a very high price – a higher price than we pay for vaccines – months ago and are still waiting for stock because they’re being prioritised to wealthier countries.”

He said this failure to ensure global distribution of vaccines has “created the perfect breeding ground” for new Covid variants.