Sajid Javid refuses to deny plans for more Covid restrictions

Speaking to Sky News “Trevor Phillips on Sunday”, Sajid Javid refused to deny that ministers are planning for a two-week circuit breaker after Christmas, insisting that the government will “do what is necessary”, but that any change must be “backed up by the data”. 

“We are watching the data and discussing it with our scientists and our best advisers almost on an hourly basis. And we will monitor that very carefully. We will keep the situation under review”.

Mr Javid confirmed that Parliament would be recalled if the government planned to introduce further restrictions, saying that “it would have to be a decision for Parliament”.

These comments come after senior government scientists suggested that extra restrictions are needed “within days” to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by Omicron.

According to The Sun, possible tougher measures could be imposed after Boxing Day.

Mr Javid also accused those unwilling to have the vaccine of having a “damaging impact” on society. He added: “I just can’t stress enough, please do come forward and get vaccinated”.