Oxford University is leading the race for a coronavirus vaccine. But ministers have been warned about the chances of a successful jab ever emerging.
day Times reported that a source involved in the search for a vaccine told ministers: “There is around a one in three chance that we get a vaccine at all.”
The warning comes as Boris Johnson is battling to reopen schools in September.
The Prime Minister is under pressure to shut pubs, restaurants and shops ahead of schools in the event of coronavirus flare-ups.
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7.35am update: Johnson says ‘moral duty’ to get all children back to school
Boris Johnson has spoken of a “moral duty” to get all children back to school in September.
Writing in the Mail on Sunday, the Prime Minister said it is the “national priority” to get all pupils back into classrooms next month.
He said: “This pandemic isn’t over, and the last thing any of us can afford to do is become complacent.
“But now that we know enough to reopen schools to all pupils safely, we have a moral duty to do so.”
He warned of the “spiralling economic costs” of parents and carers being unable to work, adding: “Keeping our schools closed a moment longer than absolutely necessary is socially intolerable, economically unsustainable and morally indefensible.”
7.30am update: PM to ‘head to Scotland’ for staycation
Boris Johnson is reportedly taking a two-week staycation in Scotland.
day Times reported the Prime Minister, fiancee Carrie Symonds and their son Wilfred would travel north of the border next weekend for a family holiday.
A Downing Street source declined to comment but did not deny the report.
Speaking last month, Mr Johnson said: “I would encourage people still to think of wonderful staycations here in the UK.
“There are all sorts of fantastic destinations, the best in the world, I would say.”
