UK Covid LIVE: Boris Johnson warns Indian variant could delay stage four in roadmap as second vaccine doses for over-50s and vulnerable accelerated

(AFP via Getty Images)

Boris Johnson has warned stage four of his roadmap out of lockdown could be delayed as Britain battles a rise in cases of the Indian Covid-19 variant of concern.

At a Downing Street press conference he also announced that remaining second doses for the over-50s will be accelerated so they come eight weeks after the first.

Scientists believe that vaccines will work on the new strain but they think the variant may well be more transmissible than the Kent mutation.

Meanwhile, people in Wales are being advised to only travel abroad for “essential” reasons for at least three more weeks. Residents in England have been told they may travel abroad for leisure from Monday.