Boris Johnson’s sombre ‘freedom day’ press conference

On the day that nearly all legal Covid restrictions go, one could be forgiven for presuming ministers would be in the mood for celebration. Instead the press conference Boris Johnson led this afternoon to mark so-called freedom day proved a sombre affair. The Prime Minister was forced to dial in remotely after having to self isolate as a result of coming into close contact with the Health Secretary last week, who has since tested positive for Covid. From his self isolation, Johnson went on to unveil plans for vaccine passports for nightclubs and contingency plans to keep the country moving as millions face self isolation in the coming weeks.

Johnson began the press conference by offering a justification for his decision to lift nearly all restrictions despite rising cases. Echoing his previous comments on the matter, the Prime Minister said it was a matter of ‘if not now, when?’.