Politics latest news: Businesses will 'disintegrate' if Freedom Day is delayed until July 19, Boris Johnson warned

• 6pm: PM's roadmap decision press conference; 8:30pm: Matt Hancock addresses Commons - watch live

• Why is roadmap delayed from June 21? ​

• Raab lashes out for 'offensive' attitudes about UK

• Johnson well aware of 'incoherences' in Brexit deal, says Macron

• Downing St defends G7 beach barbecue

• PM to highlight security threats at Nato summit

• Coronavirus latest news: Bringing second dose forward four weeks 'makes sense'

Boris Johnson’s decision to delay the final stage of his roadmap until July 19 has been attacked across the board, with Tory backbenchers and industry bosses joining Labour in condemning the move.

The Prime Minister is this evening expected to confirm a four-week extension to lockdown, killing hopes that June 21 would be “freedom day”. Matt Hancock is due to appear in the Commons at 8:30pm, following Mr Johnson’s 6pm press conference.

But Tory MPs have already attacked the decision, with one former minister saying there was “massive upset” among colleagues, while another said the mood was “low”, with annoyance at Number 10's "mystery".

Sir Charles Walker, vice-chairman of the 1922 Committee, told the BBC he felt "overwhelming pessimism", adding: "If you can't lift restrictions at the height of summer, and we are in the height of summer, then you almost certainly are looking at these restrictions persisting and tightening into the autumn and winter."

Stephen Hammond told The Telegraph it was "extraordinary that we have more restrictions in place now than when we did not have the vaccine" while Caroline Nokes said clarity on the number of people double jabbed was "what has been lacking all along - what's the equation?"

Sir Keir Starmer blamed the Government’s “pathetic” border controls for the delay, while small businesses around the UK have said Boris Johnson is "barking mad" to delay the final stage in his roadmap by a month, and warned that the hospitality industry will "disintegrate" as a result.

Jace Tyrell, chief executive of New West End Company, said: “A month's delay with just a week's notice will have heaped extra costs on already vulnerable businesses".

​​Follow the latest updates below.

02:02 PM

Don't tell Biden: 'UK has no better friend than Australia', says Foreign Secretary

Last week it was the UK's relationship with the US that was special (or indestructible, depending on who you ask).

This week, our best friends are Australia - according to Dominic Raab.

01:58 PM

Major supermarkets in Northern Ireland are invincible in face of EU sausage ban threat

Northern Ireland’s most popular supermarkets will be unharmed by any EU ban on British bangers, the Telegraph can reveal, as London and Brussels teeter on the brink of a sausage trade war.

The row totally dominated the G7 meeting in Cornwall, was mentioned at Monday’s NATO summit and risks stoking tensions in Northern Ireland ahead of the marching season.

But Tesco, which boasts 50 stores in Northern Ireland, has only stocked sausages from local suppliers for several years. Marks and Spencer, which has about 20 stores in the country, also gets its entire chilled sausage stock from Northern Ireland.

Other major supermarkets operating in Northern Ireland, which has a proud sausage making tradition, are believed to source most of their bangers domestically.

Read more here.

01:56 PM

'Record-breaking enthusiasm' sees England pass 60m Covid vaccinations

More than 60 million Covid vaccinations have been given out in England, NHS figures show, as younger people clamber to get their jab.

There were more than one million bookings through the NHS website in just 24 hours - a record high figure - on the first day it was open to over-25 year-olds.

More than half of adults are now fully vaccinated - however this morning Edward Argar, the health minister, suggested the Government is now targeting 81 per cent before restrictions are relaxed (see 9:01am and 8:49am).

Dr Emily Lawson, NHS England’s lead for the NHS vaccination programme, said: “Hitting 60 million vaccinations is an incredible achievement for the NHS Covid vaccination programme...

"The biggest vaccination drive in history, fastest in Europe and most precise in the world has entered the home straight, as we last week opened up bookings to people aged 25 to 29, and it was fantastic to see the offer was received with record-breaking levels of enthusiasm."

01:50 PM

Disturbing and concerning: Culture committee reacts to BBC probe into Martin Bashir

The Commons' culture committee is "deeply concerned" by revelations in the BBC's report into the decision to rehire Martin Bashir, chairman Julian Knight has said.

The investigation found "no evidence" that Martin Bashir was rehired to cover up the events around his interview of Princess Diana, but said there were "some shortcomings" in the process.

But Mr Knight, a Conservative MP, said it "stretches incredulity to breaking point", noting that "senior members of the BBC knew that Bashir had lied about the use of faked bank statements to gain access to Princess Diana".

He added: "What is disturbing is that it appeared the BBC wanted to interview Bashir at the outset, regardless of who else applied for the job. And, not only did they re-employ him, they promoted him.

"We look forward to getting answers tomorrow when former director-general Lord Hall comes before our committee along with the former DG Lord Birt, the BBC's current DG Tim Davie and its chair Richard Sharp."

01:44 PM

BBC's Martin Bashir Diana interview investigation finds 'no evidence' of cover-up

A review into the decision to appoint Martin Bashir as religious affairs correspondent at the BBC following his Panorama interview with Diana, Princess of Wales found "no evidence" that the journalist was given the job to "contain and/or cover" up the events surrounding the 1995 programme.

Ken MacQuarrie, who conducted the review into the re-hiring of Martin Bashir, said: "In my view, the recruitment process for the religious affairs correspondent was targeted at finding the right person for the role.

"Although there were some shortcomings in the process by which he was re-employed, I am satisfied that he was ultimately appointed because his knowledge and experience were considered to be the best match to the requirements for the role at that time.

"I have found no evidence that Martin Bashir was re-hired to contain and/or cover up the events surrounding the 1995 Panorama programme. In my view, that theory is entirely unfounded."

01:39 PM

Have your say: Is the Prime Minister right to delay his roadmap?

Boris Johnson is expected to confirm a four-week delay to his roadmap, extending the final day of lockdown from June 21 to July 19.

The delay does not come as a huge surprise: ministers have been deliberately vague and pointedly cautious in recent days as the Indian variant surges in parts of the country.

But that doesn't mean that people like it. Tory MPs are up in arms, and have called for rolling reviews or a 'break clause', as well as greater clarity about what the ultimate goal is.

So what should the Prime Minister do? Have your say in the poll below.

01:29 PM

Natural England calls for 10pc net biodiversity gain on HS2

The Government’s adviser for the natural environment has welcomed the commitment to "deliver a net gain in biodiversity" in new infrastructure projects including HS2 (see 1:27pm), saying there should be a 10 per cent increase across the scheme.

Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, said: "I am delighted that DfT and HS2 have acted on our advice and committed to ensure that the Crewe-Manchester leg of HS2 aims to deliver an overall improvement for biodiversity.

"We acknowledge that HS2 will result in the loss of areas of irreplaceable ancient woodland, which cannot be recreated through new woodland planting.

"We will continue to work closely with HS2 to secure additional benefits for biodiversity, and encourage them to go further and commit to a 10 per cent gain in replaceable habitats for all phases of the scheme."

01:19 PM

Ross Clark: How many times will it be 'one last heave' until we're free?

One of Boris Johnson’s gifts is his ability to turn a pithy and memorable phrase, writes Ross Clark.

But it is a talent which has deserted him in appealing to us to tolerate “one more heave” for freedom by delaying the end of Covid restrictions until 19 July.

Not only is it unoriginal, it is associated with one of the most notorious political implosions in British political history. “One more heave” was the slogan used by the Liberal party in the October 1974 general election when leader Jeremy Thorpe sensed a great breakthrough into power. Instead, the party lost one of its 14 seats and Thorpe himself departed for ignominy soon afterwards.

Read the rest of Ross's column here.

01:11 PM

Sir Charles Walker: Roadmap restrictions could be reversed over autumn and winter

Sir Charles Walker has said he believes Boris Johnson's roadmap could be reversed and the country will "probably end up with some form of lockdown" over the autumn and winter.

"Eventually, if you say you are going to live with Covid-19, ultimately at times you are going to have to tough it out. Existing isn't living," the Conservative MP and vice-chairman of the 1922 Committee told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme.

"We were told we were going to live with Covid-19 and it now looks like most of the remaining of this year, and certainly the first half of next year, will probably end up with some form of lockdown."

Asked if he thought the easing of restrictions could be reversed he said: "Yes I do."

01:08 PM

Sir Charles Walker: We face further lockdowns if roadmap is delayed today

Sir Charles Walker said he fears "further lockdowns" could be ahead, when asked if he would vote against any delay to the final lifting of coronavirus restrictions in England.

The vice chairman of the 1922 Committee, and a long-time sceptic of the lockdown, told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme: "I just have an overwhelming sense of pessimism now.

"If you can't lift restrictions at the height of summer, and we are in the height of summer, then you almost certainly are looking at these restrictions persisting and tightening into the autumn and winter.

"I don't think the July 19 date will be met. If it is, it will be met for weeks before we enter further lockdowns."

01:06 PM

Sajid Javid: We stand with Grenfell survivors

Sajid Javid has said "stands with" the survivors and bereaved of Grenfell, as he marks the fourth anniversary of the tragic fire that took place when he was communities secretary.

"We remember the 72 people who lost their lives that night, and stand with the bereaved, survivors and the local community," the former Cabinet minister said. "It must never happen again."

Boris Johnson made a similar tribute this morning (see 10:46am).

01:02 PM

Salami wars? Boris Johnson raises Northern Ireland issues with Spanish PM

Boris Johnson has discussed the so-called sausage wars with Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez, whom he met in the margins of the Nato summit today.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "They agreed that the political agreement on Gibraltar, reached on 31st December, provided a framework for a future agreement with the EU and the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Sanchez for his pragmatic approach on this issue.

"The leaders also agreed that the UK and Spain both have a role to play in bringing prosperity to the whole region.

"On the Northern Ireland Protocol, the Prime Minister said a constructive way forward needs to be found which preserves both the Belfast/ Good Friday Agreement and the territorial integrity of the UK."

12:59 PM

Large anti-lockdown protest gathers outside of No 10

A large group of anti-lockdown protestors have gathered outside of Downing Street and Parliament Square amid reports that Boris Johnson will push back freedom day by up to four weeks, writes India McTaggart.

Mr Johnson is due to update the nation on whether all Covid restrictions can be lifted, in line with the final stage of his roadmap out of lockdown, at 6pm this evening.

His message to the nation is expected to be that an extension of the current restrictions in place will be necessary to avoid another lockdown in the future.

Among the signs being displayed by protestors are ‘say no to the Covid vaccine’, ‘experimental Covid vaccines kill’ and ‘jabs are gene therapy’.

Unsuccessful London mayoral candidate Laurence Fox, who ran his Reclaim Party campaign on a platform of being “anti-woke” and scrapping all coronavirus restrictions, is among those protesting.

12:57 PM

Wales' economy minister calls for further support ahead of roadmap delay

Businesses will be forced "make choices" about whether to shut down or lay off staff if restrictions are extended without support, Wales' economy minister has warned.

A four week delay may have a "material impact on the world of business" in the country, Vaughan Gething told a press conference in Cardiff.

He added: "Changes will be made so we can expect some businesses to make choices and to have less workers and that's going to be a real challenge.

"We know that at some point furlough will come to an end... but we don't want to have a cliff-edge approach that doesn't take account of the reality of the pandemic, and the trading conditions that will face businesses in Wales," he said.

"I do think it would be helpful and sensible to reconsider and potentially to improve the support available if England does delay matters by a further month because of the impact of the Delta variant in particular."

12:47 PM

Priti Patel: Footballers taking the knee are engaging in 'gesture politics'

Priti Patel has said she does not support England's footballers taking the knee in protest against racial injustice, labelling the act "gesture politics".

The Home Secretary told GB News: "I just don't support people participating in that type of gesture, gesture politics, to a certain extent... I just don't subscribe to this view that we should be rewriting our history, pulling down statues, the famous Colston statue, and what's happened there."

Asked whether England fans were right to boo the national team, she said: "That's a choice for them, quite frankly."

Her comments have been seized on by Labour's David Lammy, saying it was "a shocking attempt to stir up division... We should all get behind the team - politicians included.

12:39 PM

Northern Ireland Secretary urges Sinn Fein and DUP to protect power-sharing agreement

The Northern Ireland Secretary has urged Sinn Fein and the DUP to protect the region's power-sharing institutions as he praised outgoing First Minister Arlene Foster as a "truly dedicated public servant".

Brendon Lewis stressed the need for the transition to new leadership to be "as smooth as possible", amid fears the Executive at Stormont could collapse on her departure.

"The people of Northern Ireland need strong political leadership," he added. "It is paramount that there remains a functioning Executive that is able to work in the best interests of all the people and communities of Northern Ireland, delivering on the issues that matter to them most."

Mr Lewis said he was committed to "doing everything I can to ensure that a stable and functioning Executive continues to be in place", adding: "Political stability cannot be taken for granted and we all have a responsibility to protect it."

12:27 PM

HS2 to set tone as Government commits to 'net gain in biodiversity' for all mass projects

Fast-speed rail line HS2 will "deliver a net gain in biodiversity", the Government has said, as part of its commitment to "leave the environment in a better state than we found it".

In response to the Dasgupta Review on the economics of biodiversity, which was published earlier in the year, all future infrastructure projects will need to provide a net gain in biodiversity and habitats for wildlife. This will be made a legal commitment through an amendment to the Environment Bill.

George Eustice, the Environment Secretary, said: "If we want to realise the aspiration set out in Professor Dasgupta’s landmark Review to rebalance humanity’s relationship with nature, then we need policies that will both protect and enhance the supply of our natural assets."

HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson said the rail network would be "the spine of our modern, greener transport network".

12:10 PM

Labour frontbencher signals support for lockdown delay - but calls for support to be extended

Businesses face "a cloud of deep anxiety" over whether support will be extended in line with restrictions, Ed Miliband has said.

The shadow business secretary gave an indication that Labour will back Boris Johnson's delay to the roadmap, saying it is " right we remain guided by the science in the decisions that are made today", but stressed that "the price of any delay to the roadmap must not be paid by businesses".

He added: "There is a cloud of deep anxiety and uncertainty hanging over many businesses worrying about their futures and whether economic support will be removed whilst they are still unable to trade or profit... Night clubs and live music venues, many restaurants and bars, the events, arts and wedding industries are still seriously affected by restrictions, but they have repeatedly been left in the dark about economic support.

"Economic measures must remain in step with public health restrictions. The Government must treat businesses with respect and provide the detail and clarity they are crying out for today."

12:01 PM

Number crunching: the new vaccine target requires (another) big push

Edward Argar, the health minister, this morning suggested that the month-long delay to the roadmap is down to a new target - ensuring 81 per cent of the adult population have been fully vaccinated against Covid (see 9:01am and 8:49am).

Pushing back by four weeks allows for another 10 million people to receive their second jab, he told the BBC,

"If we are going at a run rate of about 250,000 to 300,000 second jabs being done each day, a month gives you roughly that 10 million, which closes the gap... 10 million you have got to do to get from 29 million to 40 million, so that all 40 million have had their second jabs."

This would mean another massive push in the vaccination programme - here is how it would look.

11:54 AM

Boris Johnson braced for backlash over expected June 21 delay

Boris Johnson is on a collision course with his backbenchers today, as the Prime Minister prepares to delay his roadmap by a month.

The much-heralded ‘freedom day’ scheduled for June 21 is now due to be pushed back until July 19, with health minister Edward Argar telling the BBC this would allow authorities time to “close the gap” in the number of adults who have had their second jab.

Conservative MPs are pushing back strongly on this last-minute extension of the lockdown, with some threatening to rebel amid fears it is the thin end of the wedge.

Stephen Hammond said it was "extraordinary that we have more restrictions in place now than when we did not have the vaccine".

He called for a weekly assessment of delays based on hospitalisation rates and "a pledge to reconsider all travel restrictions" on June 28, with those who have been double vaccinated or a clear test being allowed to travel.

Caroline Nokes said clarity on the number of people double jabbed was "what has been lacking all along - what's the equation?"

11:53 AM

Delaying roadmp will 'rip away' chances of survival for night-time economy

Delaying the final stage of the roadmap until July 19 will 'rip away' a key foundation for businesses looking to recover after months of surviving restrictions, the Government has been told.

A number of state financial support measures are due to alter at the end of this month, having been devised on the basis that all restrictions would be eased on June 21.

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said: "We should not underestimate the importance of June 21 to these businesses, employees, entertainers and freelancers.

"It's a day when they should be given back their opportunity to trade, regain their livelihoods, careers, social wellbeing and the day that the Government is due to give culture back to the UK.

"Many of these businesses and individuals have adapted, overcome and survived for an exceptional length of time with the bare bones of support, and have arrived at this opportunity to find that it could be ripped away from them."

11:40 AM

Last-minute delay to unlock will hamper 'meaningful recovery', warns West End chief

A delay to final stage of unlocking will prevent "any meaningful commercial recovery" for London's West End, the head of the representative body has warned.

Ahead of Boris Johnson's expected announcement today Jace Tyrrell, chief executive of New West End Company which represents 600 businesses in the area, said while the decision was understandable "a month's delay with just a week's notice will have heaped extra costs on already vulnerable businesses".

He added: "Across the West End we are seeing around 50 per cent of usual footfall but, until restrictions are fully lifted, workers return in force to the capital's offices and international travellers are welcomed back to British shores, any meaningful commercial recovery will have to wait.

"If businesses are to survive this latest blow, the Government must commit to extending business rates relief to at least October, and must consider relaxing Sunday Trading laws. It is vital that we give businesses the best possible chance to survive and thrive once shoppers can return to the high street."

11:23 AM

Arlene Foster urges successor not to 'waste a moment in frivolous brinkmanship' as she bows out

Arlene Foster has urged her successor not to "waste a moment in frivolous brinkmanship" as she gives her final statement to the Assembly.

The outgoing First Minister confirmed her resignation was "effective from 1pm today" as she thanked colleagues and promised "not to sing". Ms Foster had given a rendition of 'That's Life' at the press conference for the British-Irish Council on Friday.

She told MLAs: "When we are privileged and honoured with holding such a position, we must not waste a moment in frivolous brinkmanship but rather forge ahead on behalf of those we represent."

Ms Foster wished Edwin Poots and Paul Givan, respectively DUP leader and incoming First Minister, good luck as she thanked "politicians from across the political spectrum for their good wishes".

"I've been overwhelmed - even some in the naughty corner found something good to say. If only you had said all those nice things a few years ago, it would have saved us all time."

11:14 AM

'Barking mad': Hospitality will 'disintegrate' if roadmap delayed, warn small businesses

Small businesses around the UK have said Boris Johnson is "barking mad" to delay the final stage in his roadmap by a month, and warned that the hospitality industry will "disintegrate" as a result.

Karen Watkins, founder of Somerset-based Rowan Consulting: "There's a chance some businesses will throw in the towel if the easing of restrictions is further delayed. After a rollercoaster year, I wouldn’t blame them."

Ali Fleming, an independent celebrant at Derbyshire-based Cariad Personal Ceremonies, added: "This Government is barking mad... Boris Johnson needs to listen to the sobbing I hear over the phone daily, as people once again have to reschedule their big day."

Jo Ferreday, director of Market Harborough-based events company, Sheer Edge warned the delay would cause "countless problems for businesses up and down the country", adding: "At the current rate, big parts of the hospitality sector could disintegrate before our eyes. "

11:09 AM

Macron and Merkel follow up G7 with Berlin dinner

Emmanuel Macron will have dinner with Angela Merkel in Berlin on Friday - the first time this year the German Chancellor has received a foreign leader in person, her spokeswoman said.

The working dinner at the chancellery will focus on "European policy issues", a government spokesman said.

Talks will focus on the "coordination between Germany and France" ahead of an EU summit in Brussels on June 24-25, she said.

The dinner meeting comes after G7 leaders gathered in England at the weekend for their first in-person summit in almost two years.

11:01 AM

Covid rule-breaching BBQ was 'bad optics' ahead of roadmap delay, says Keir Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer has condemned a beach barbecue with G7 leaders apparently in breach of Covid-19 rules, saying "the optics of that did not look good".

Speaking to LBC, he said it was right to open the borders to world leaders, but said the barbecue was "frustrating" in light of an expected extension to lockdown.

"I think the optics of that just a few days before (lockdown is extended) were not good, and a lot of people are going to be pretty frustrated, I think, having seen that and then hearing what we are going to hear tonight," he said.

Sir Keir said it would be particularly tough for people who may have to delay their wedding days yet again, saying: "In the hearts of those people they would have looked at that and said that's just one rule for them and another for me."

10:44 AM

Matt Hancock to give Commons statement at 8:30pm

Matt Hancock will be giving a statement to MPs at 8:30pm tonight, Labour's whips office has announced.

It is expected he will tell the Commons about the four-week delay to the Prime Minister's roadmap.

The Speaker is likely to make his displeasure clear because the Health Secretary will be speaking after Boris Johnson has addressed the nation.

10:42 AM

Tory MP told to apologise for 'bullying' staff

A Tory MP should apologise to the House of Commons for bullying parliamentary staff as they tried to set up a virtual committee meeting, a disciplinary panel said.

Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski acted in an "intimidatory and threatening manner" towards the staff as they failed to resolve technical difficulties which prevented him from attending a committee meeting.

The Independent Expert Panel (IEP), which decides on punishments in cases of breaching Parliament's Bullying and Harassment Policy, ordered the MP to apologise in the Commons.

Sir Stephen Irwin, chairman of the IEP said: "We accept that the circumstances which arose on 27 April 2020 were difficult. But they were difficult for everyone.

"Whilst we fully grasp that the life of an MP can be highly pressurised, these responsibilities and stresses do not justify a loss of courtesy, an exaggerated sense of importance or entitlement, or bullying."

10:34 AM

Roadmap delay will have 'seismic impact' on music sector, warns industry chief

The delay to the final stage in Boris Johnson's roadmap will have a "seismic impact" on the music sector, the chief executive of trade body Live has said.

The Prime Minister is expected to give a press conference setting out the four-week extension to lockdown at 6pm this evening.

Greg Parmley told the PA news agency: "Our initial estimates show that a delay of up to a month would lead to the cancellation of around 5,000 planned events. That's everything from festivals to grassroots music gigs.

"We think it will cost the industry tens of millions of pounds and take work from thousands of people who have been without it for more than a year now. It is a seismic impact on the whole sector."

10:31 AM

Boris Johnson trying to 'test' Europe over sausage wars, claims French minister

Boris Johnson is attempting to "test" Europe over Brexit and the sausage wars, a junior minister in the French government has said.

Clement Beaune, the outspoken European Affairs minister, hit back at criticism of Emmanuel Macron who appeared to suggest Northern Ireland was not part of the UK.

But Mr Beaune said: "In Northern Ireland there are sausage import problems... Why? Because when you leave the European Union, you have necessarily some barriers.

"I cannot tell the French or the Europeans that Britain can export via Ireland some products such as meat without any control... That is what it is all about. Brexit has consequences."

Speaking to Europe 1 radio, Mr Beaune added: "Mr Johnson thinks that you can sign deals with the Europeans and not respect them and that Europe will not react. It is a test for Europe.

"I am telling the British people, commitments must be respected... If it is not the case, retaliatory measures could be taken."

10:26 AM

How far off the (new) vaccine target are we?

Boris Johnson is expected to delay the final stage of his roadmap by a month today - amid calls from MPs and others for greater clarity around exactly what his new goal is.

The Prime Minister has repeatedly said he will be led by "data, not dates", but has been less forthcoming on exactly what that data must look like.

Caroline Nokes said clarity on the number of people double jabbed was "what has been lacking all along - what's the equation?"

Another Tory said the mood among colleagues was "low", with annoyance at Number 10's "mystery".

This morning Edward Argar, the health minister, appeared to suggest that the Government is aiming at a new target of 81 per cent of the adult population being fully vaccinated. Currently estimates put that figure at just 57 per cent.

https://particles.eip.telegraph.co.uk/particles/edit?particleId=99a93db5-8990-4db1-a950-eeda5ebd7a9e

10:21 AM

Keir Starmer criticises BBC for broadcasting collapse of footballer

Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the BBC for continuing to broadcast as Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen received emergency treatment during his country's Euro 2020 game against Finland.

Cameras showed medics desperately trying to stabilise the former Tottenham player, as his teammates formed a protective circle around where he lay on the pitch. The BBC has apologised following complaints, and said the footage is controlled by Uefa.

Speaking on LBC, the Labour leader said: "I watched this live and it was awful. There are those rare occasions where you know it's serious from the start - the players' expressions who are on the pitch, the fans' expression - it becomes very sombre very, very quickly.

"I really feared the worst. I thought I was watching something no football fan ever, ever wants to watch.

"I thought they could have cut away sooner and I think his partner [ Sabrina Kvist Jensen] came onto the pitch at one point and I don't know why they had the cameras on her at all," he added.

10:19 AM

London's 'heartbeat' to suffer with roadmap delay, says theatre impressario

Theatre impresario Sir Howard Panter has said the industry will suffer "significant damage" if the final lifting of coronavirus lockdown restrictions in England is put on hold.

Sir Howard, co-founder of theatre operator Trafalgar Entertainment, said theatre producers had "mobilised a whole industry" on the condition they would be able to reopen on June 21, but "now we are being told, apparently: 'Oh no, it's not that date. It may be some other date, we don't really know'.

"The ramifications for the theatre industry are extremely serious," he added. "But also the ramifications for all the industries which frankly work with and collaborate with the theatre - restaurants, hotels, hospitality, transport, taxis - you name it. There is a huge industry that relates to theatre.

"Theatre is the heartbeat of London and of many major cities. You take that away and those places may not open anyway, but they certainly not going to open without theatres."

09:59 AM

Have your say: Is the Prime Minister right to delay his roadmap?

Boris Johnson is expected to confirm a four-week delay to his roadmap, extending the final day of lockdown from June 21 to July 19.

The delay does not come as a huge surprise: ministers have been deliberately vague and pointedly cautious in recent days as the Indian variant surges in parts of the country.

But that doesn't mean that people like it. Tory MPs are up in arms, and have called for rolling reviews or a 'break clause', as well as greater clarity about what the ultimate goal is.

So what should the Prime Minister do? Have your say in the poll below.

09:46 AM

Never again: Boris Johnson marks fourth anniversary of Grenfell

Boris Johnson has said he is thinking of "the survivors, the bereaved and the wider community affected by this devastating fire", as he marks the fourth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower tragedy today.

"This government is committed to ensuring this never happens again," he added.

However just this morning survivors of the disaster accused his Government of playing “Russian roulette” by failing to fix hundreds of thousands of high-rise homes with similar fire safety defects.

09:36 AM

'Chancellor needs to step up', says Labour MP

Labour's MP for Bolton has called on Rishi Sunak to "step up" and ensure people are properly supported, ahead of the anticipated extension of lockdown.

Yasmin Qureshi said: "This situation was entirely avoidable – yet Conservative incompetence has delayed the lockdown reopening significantly. A delay now seems inevitable with the spiralling case rate, but the Government cannot leave people in Bolton in the lurch, as a range of deadlines loom."

Noting key dates, including the ending of the ban on residential evictions earlier this month, and others including the start of employers contributing to furlough from July 1, Ms Qureshi said the Government must ensure support is rolled over.

Edward Argar, the health minister, has already indicated that would be the case (see 9:07am).

09:18 AM

Nato recognises need to defend 'territorial integrity' of UK, Boris Johnson says

Boris Johnson has suggested Nato should back the UK in the so-called sausage wars, as he stresses the importance of the "territorial integrity" of Northern Ireland to the union.

Asked why he should be trusted on the global stage if he was willing to break international law over the Northern Ireland protocol and Withdrawal Agreement, the Prime Minister said: "Most people around the table understand the vital importance of a country looking after the territorial integrity of that country.

"That is one of the things Nato is there to do."

09:13 AM

President Biden to take 'some pretty tough messages' to Putin, says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has said the UK is "ready to do things differently" when it comes to dealing with China, but insisted there are "opportunities" as well as challenges.

Speaking in Brussels for today’s NATO summit the Prime Minister said the superpower was a "new strategic consideration" for the organisation,

But he added: "I don't think anybody around the table want to descend into a new Cold War with China. They see challenges, they see things we have to manage together, but they also see opportunities."

Mr Johnson also highlighted the 2018 Salisbury poisonings, saying "that's no way to behave", saying: "Nato allies stood by Britain then and I know President Biden will be taking some pretty tough messages to President Putin in the next few days ."

08:58 AM

'People are paying the price' over Indian red list delay, says Labour MP

Labour's attack line for the anticipated delay in unlocking is clear - the Government is to blame for having failed to prevent the Delta/Indian variant into the country.

Alex Cunningham, shadow justice minister, draws a straight line between the two things, saying: "It's people who are paying the price for his mistakes."

08:53 AM

DUP leader attacks Emmanuel Macron for not knowing 'historical fact' on Northern Ireland

Tinkering around the edges of the Northern Ireland Protocol is not the solution to post-Brexit trade issues, DUP leader Edwin Poots has said.

He told BBC Radio Ulster: "Ultimately the protocol is the problem. Tinkering about at the edge of the protocol is not the solution.

"Whenever we have people like Emmanuel Macron, who tells us we need the protocol to deliver the Belfast Agreement on one hand but he doesn't even recognise that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, doesn't actually realise, doesn't know that historical fact... If the people who are dictating the rules in Northern Ireland don't even know that it belongs to the United Kingdom, we can't have that.

"The biggest issue that I have for the protocol is that rules will be made in Brussels which impact people in Northern Ireland, and there's nobody there from Northern Ireland."

08:52 AM

Government's 'pathetic' border policy to blame for roadmap delay, says Sir Keir Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer has blamed the delay to the final stage of unlocking on the Government's "pathetic" border policy and the "inexplicable" delay to adding India to the red list.

The Labour leader told LBC: "That is why we are here. The Delta variant has got in because of the Government's pathetic control of the borders. Why on earth did they delay in relation to putting India on the red list, why on earth the ridiculous amber system?"

He added: "The net result of his pathetic approach is that we are going to have four more weeks of this... He is not going to have a strong borders policy, apparently because he wants businesses to thrive- he has ended up with businesses now having to face four weeks of further restrictions".

08:36 AM

Labour leader fails to criticise Macron for Northern Ireland comments

Sir Keir Starmer has failed to criticise Emmanual Macron for his reported comments, suggesting that Northern Ireland is not part of the UK.

When asked about the comments made during the G7 summit, the Labour leader said "this mess is the one the Prime Minister negotiated and mis-sold", but did not criticise the French President.

He told LBC radio "It is really important we remind PM that the agreement he is arguing about is the one he negotiated... he either didn't understand it or he didn't tell us the truth about it when he signed it.

"It wasn't imposed on him.. but we have got to make progress. We have used up six months got nowhere."

08:33 AM

Wedding restrictions to be lifted, minister hints

England's restrictions on weddings are set to be eased, a health minister has suggested, as he said couples waiting to wed are "very much" in the mind of Boris Johnson at the moment.

"There will be a lot of couples who planned, hoped, to do it, put a line through it, done it again and rescheduled again," Edward Argar told Sky News.

"Not only does that cost money, but emotionally that is incredibly difficult for couples who want to have their special day and want to get married.

"Again, I'm not going to pre-empt what the Prime Minister will say later, but I know that weddings and people in that particular situation will be very much in his mind at the moment, it's one of the things he has been looking at."

08:24 AM

Boris Johnson 'well aware of incoherences' in Brexit deal, says Emmanuel Macron

Emmanuel Macron has declared that Boris Johnson was “well aware” of “incoherences” in the Northern Ireland Protocol when he signed up to it, as the sausage trade row deepened on Sunday.

The French President told the Prime Minister to act “professionally” and respect the terms of the controversial mechanism, saying: “For a number of years after Brexit we’ve established certain rules and a protocol of agreement and commercial treaty for future relations. We just want them to be respected seriously, calmly, professionally – that’s all.”

Mr Macron added: “One mustn’t make the EU deal with certain incoherences that the UK was well aware of at the beginning.”

His intervention came after it emerged that he had suggested Northern Ireland was not an integral part of the United Kingdom during bilateral talks with Mr Johnson on Saturday morning.

08:17 AM

Test and Trace failure to blame for delay in roadmap, claims health expert

A senior health expert has said he is "quite angry" about the Government's "failure" to bolster Test and Trace, blaming the expected delay to the roadmap on the inability to get the system right.

Anthony Costello, professor of global health and sustainable development at University College London, told Sky News: "Our failure to do that three times in the past has led to three national lockdowns and 150,000 deaths.

"I'm quite angry about this. Where is the £38 billion going into Test and Trace for local public health? Why are the test results so slow? Why haven't we got (an) adequate army of contact tracers? We're in a war, we should have an army on the ground."

Prof Costello added that there has been a "failure to invest in isolation".

"I feel that, if we had the public health measures to compliment the vaccination programme, we would be in a much safer place, we would have our economy able to open now. and we wouldn't have all of these pressures on livelihoods."

08:10 AM

Roadmap should only be delayed if there is 'very clear danger to society', says Tory MP

A delay to so-called 'freedom day' should not happen "without really good reason" and that currently he "can't see the evidence why we should be postponing our freedom", Peter Bone has said.

Asked if he would vote against a delay if put to a vote in Parliament, the Tory MP told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "What I would do is listen to what the Prime Minister says, listen to the arguments, and if I'm not convinced that these restrictions are necessary then I would of course vote against it and I hope every member of the House of Commons will listen to the argument and make their minds up.

"There has to be a vote in the House of Commons. This can't be decided by a few ministers sitting behind closed doors. It has to be an open and transparent decision."

He said there should only be restrictions "if there is a very clear danger to society".

08:07 AM

Boris Johnson to 'address' furlough extension in roadmap announcement, says minister

Boris Johnson will extend support for businesses should the June 21 easing be delayed during a press conference today, health minister Edward Argar has said.

Asked if the furlough scheme would be extended, Mr Argar told Sky News: "I know that when he addresses his decision, sets out what he intends to do around the easing on the 21st, he will address those points as well.

"I think he is very mindful of the need for businesses and others to get the support they need if they continue to be locked down or unable to open.

"But I don't want to pre-empt what he will say, but I know he is very sensitive to those factors."

08:01 AM

Government targeting 81pc fully vaccinated, health minister hints

A health minister has hinted that the Government is targeting a higher threshold of second-dose protection before relaxing restrictions, suggesting he would be "more comfortable" with 81 per cent of the adult population being fully jabbed.

Edward Argar told Sky News: "We are seeing the numbers in hospital creeping up a bit, I think they were just over 1,000 at the weekend. But when you look back, it was something like 38,000 at the peak in January. So we are seeing that severing of the link between the disease and hospitalisations and death.

"I think that on that basis, everyone will recognise that there comes a point where we do have to live with this disease and recognise that you cannot go for a zero Covid approach, you have to live with it, and vaccination is the key to that.

"So I think once we have got those second doses in people's arms, once we have got that level of protection up to around that 81 per cent, then I think people will be more comfortable with it."

07:58 AM

Boris Johnson to announce June 21 decision at 6pm

Boris Johnson will announce the decision on the June 21 easing of restrictions at a press conference at 6pm on Monday evening, Downing Street has confirmed.

The Prime Minister will be joined by England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, and the Government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance.

07:57 AM

Two Cities MP backs 'short delay' to June 21 roadmap

Nickie Aiken, MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, has said a "short delay" to the final stage of reopening is the right thing to do, as it will prevent any return of restrictions.

The MP, who is also vice chairman of the Conservative Party, told the Telegraph that despite representing one of the areas most affected by a delay to June 21, she was backing the move.

"I’ve see the infections data everyday and in Westminster it’s quadrupled in just a few weeks. The vaccine programme is obviously having a positive effect but we just can’t afford to be complacent at this stage," she said.

"Although I know full well how disappointing it is for the hospitality and leisure sectors, I do think having a short delay to full reopening to avoid a further major lockdown is a sensible approach.

"We must do all we can to avoid a repeat of the situation at the beginning of the year when the NHS in London become very close to falling over. Avoiding another big wave of Covid admissions also allows the NHS to begin to tackle the huge backlog of treatments for other illnesses."

07:50 AM

Delaying lockdown 'buys time' on second doses, says Sir Mark Walport

Delaying lockdown "buys time" to ensure more of the population has had their second dose, a former chief scientific adviser has said.

Professor Sir Mark Walport told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The more people we get vaccinated, the better chance we have of not having serious hospitalisations and deaths.

"The vaccine isn't perfectly effective and a lot of younger people, in whom the infection is very much milder but nevertheless occasionally it does put people in hospital... there are a lot of people still to vaccinate - 50% of the adult population hasn't had their second dose.

"So it buys time if we prolong the current state of social distancing."

He added: "Well, it is a race between the vaccination and virus, and another four weeks makes a significant difference, but I think it also will help us to really establish the extent to which the vaccination breaks or weakens the link between getting infection and getting the sort of serious effects of ending up in hospital, or potentially dying.

"Also, we'll get a lot more information - we'll see what's happening with hospital admissions, which, of course, lag infections."

07:49 AM

Delaying June 21 will 'close the gap' in double doses, says minister

Edward Argar said that if the June 21 lockdown easing were to be delayed for one month, another 10 million second coronavirus vaccine doses would go into arms in this time.

"Were there to be a delay, were that to be what the Prime Minister announces, we will see what he says and he will make a judgment if he were to delay it on how long by," he told BBC Breakfast.

"If we are going at a run rate of about 250,000 to 300,000 second jabs being done each day, a month gives you roughly that 10 million, which closes the gap... 10 million you have got to do to get from 29 million to 40 million, so that all 40 million have had their second jabs."