• The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that over 10 million people have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
• At today's Downing Street press conference, the prime minister Boris Johnson, was joined by chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty.

Responding to today's Downing Street press conference, Chris Hopson, NHS Providers chief executive, said:

"It’s fantastic to hear that over 10 million of the most vulnerable people in the UK have now received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This is a monumental milestone in our fight against COVID-19.

"It is also good news that the latest data shows a single dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine offers sustained protection against COVID-19 while also helping to reduce transmission.  

"But the fight is not over yet.

This is a monumental milestone in our fight against COVID-19.

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"As the prime minister and Professor Chris Whitty said today, the situation for the NHS remains extremely difficult, with staff working under immense pressure.

"And it is a huge tragedy that we have now seen more than 109,000 deaths from COVID-19.

"The virus has the potential to destroy many more lives. This is why we must all remain vigilant and meticulously follow the rules restricting social contact, however onerous they may seem.

"While the vaccine offers real hope for the future, we must not let our guard down or lift lockdown restrictions too soon."