There is currently no evidence to suggest the new strain of coronavirus will resist the vaccine or that it is more deadly, according to government data.
Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance told a Downing Street press conference this afternoon that while the mutant strain of the virus spreads "significantly" faster - there is no difference in how the disease affects infected patients.
In response to a question, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Patrick it's a relevant point isn't it, there's no reason to think that the new variant of the virus is any more dangerous than the existing strains."
Sir Patrick replied: "I think that's correct Prime Minister.
"There are three questions for the new variant; one is does it transmit more readily; the second is does it alter the disease course, and the third is does it alter the ability of the immune system to tackle it in some way, in people who have either been exposed to previous infection or those who are vaccinated.
"And where we are now is that the evidence that this can transmit more readily is becoming clear in terms of the data of the rapid spread of this virus across areas so the transmission is increased, we can't say exactly by how much, but it is clearly substantially increased, so it's more transmissible that's why it's spreading so fast."
However he said there is "no evidence" the disease course is affected.
Sir Patrick said: "In terms of the immune response, there's nothing to suggest this won't have the same susceptibility to antibody attack from pre-existing infection or vaccine as any other form. So no at the moment looks as though it should be as effective."
The Prime Minister also said there will be no changes to the way the coronavirus vaccine is rolled out in high risk areas badly hit by the new strain of the virus.
The idea was suggested in a question from a member of the public at a Downing Street press conference this evening.
Currently the Government's priority list of who will receive the vaccine first involves frontline health care worker, over 80s and those in care homes.
But Rachel from Kent asked Boris Johnson: "Given the new variant of the disease is spreading so rapidly in Kent, would consideration be given to rolling out the vaccine more widely in certain geographical areas and expanding the age range to include the working age population?"
Keep up to date with Covid-19 cases in your area by adding your postcode below:
Mr Johnson replied: "At the moment the joint committee on immunisation and vaccination is, I believe, sticking to its priority list, and what we and they want to do is to take out of the path of the virus as many targets as possible and people who might be likely to die from covid, and that is I think the sensible thing to do.
"That's why we're beginning by focusing on the 80 plus group, those who are particularly vulnerable, those in care homes and so on. "
