Matt Hancock has told MPs he “cannot answer” whether the Coronavirus Act will be retired in six months or rolled on as he debated lockdown sceptic MPs in the Commons.
The Health Secretary, speaking before a six month extension of laws was approved by parliament, said: “There are parts of this Act that have allowed us to do good things that everybody would like to see like that.
“But I cannot answer whether we will be retiring it in six months. My preference would be yes, but given the last year, I think a prediction would be hasty.”
It came as AstraZeneca says its vaccine has 76% efficacy against symptomatic Covid-19, after the firm updated analysis of the third phase of testing.
The revised number follows figures released on Monday reporting the jab was 79% effective, which US federal health officials expressed concern were based on “outdated information”.
Pub landlords could be allowed to bar drinkers who have not had a Covid vaccine, the Prime Minister has suggested.
Boris Johnson told the Commons Liaison Committee it may be left up to “individual publicans” as to whether they can ask punters for domestic vaccine passports to enter venues.
