Responding to confirmation by the prime minister of the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions from next week, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson, said:

"After such a difficult year, the continued easing of lockdown restrictions will be welcomed by many.

"The roll out of the vaccination programme has been hugely successful so far, thanks to the efforts of NHS staff and volunteers who are working hard to help keep us safe.

"Trust leaders have been greatly encouraged by the fall in the number of coronavirus cases and hospitalisations in recent weeks, but we continue to urge caution to make sure that this national lockdown is the last. The latest data is a reminder there can be no room for complacency with the threat of new variants."