Coronavirus UK: What time is Matt Hancock's press conference and what is he set to say?
25 January 2021, 14:20 | Updated: 25 January 2021, 14:24
Matt Hancock will lead a Downing Street press conference today amid the UK's rapid rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine and plans for quarantine hotels - but what time is it and what is he expected to say?
The health secretary will take his place at the No10 podium at 5pm this afternoon to outline the progress of the ambitious NHS vaccination programme.
He is also expected to update the country on the latest pandemic data and the effect lockdown is having on case numbers, hospitalisations and deaths.
Read more: Government will 'look at potential' of easing lockdown measures within weeks
Read more: Pressure grows on PM over plans to reopen England's schools
The number of new infections has dipped slightly in recent days, but hospitals and mortuaries continue to struggle with an overwhelming amount of people.
Speculation is mounting about the possible easing of restrictions next month after Boris Johnson hinted at “looking at the potential of relaxing some measures” by February 15 during an outing on Monday morning.
PM 'keen to restart face to face learning as quickly as possible'
But a No10 source said moments after that the PM's comments had been "misinterpreted".
"That remains the earliest point at which we could change any of the rules," they said.
There is also growing pressure from Conservative backbenchers about reopening schools, with some demanding the Government set out a "pathway" to let pupils return to the classroom.
Reports and stories from parents and teachers have revealed how children from vulnerable and low-income households are struggling with remote learning due to a lack of equipment or internet.
Read more: Quarantine hotels to be given the go-ahead by Boris Johnson for all UK arrivals
Mr Hancock will face questions on these issues from the public and journalists.
It comes after a record-breaking 491,970 people were injected in a single day over the weekend.
LBC will be streaming the conference from 5pm - watch live on our website or listen on Global Player.
