Indian variant: Should young people get jab ahead of schedule?

The health secretary has told the Commons that a fifth of all cases of the Indian variant are in just two areas: Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen.

Despite successfully speeding up the rate of vaccination in the area, the government has so far resisted calls for younger residents to be made eligible for the jab ahead of schedule.

Downing Street has urged local public health officials to abide by the guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.