Boris Johnson says no evidence to delay England reopening

Scientists say UK faces perilous moment' as Delta Covid variant now makes up 75% of cases

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Boris Johnson stands by his comments that there is nothing in the data to suggest a deviation from England's reopening on 21 June, Downing Street has said, as scientists said the UK was facing a perilous moment.

The business minister Paul Scully also said on Tuesday there was cautious optimism" that the date for the final lifting of restrictions could go ahead as planned. He told Times Radio the government did not want to have to roll back restrictions again.