NHS faces significant pressure in coming weeks, says Boris Johnson

PM rejects claim relative lack of restrictions in England is a gamble but says it would be absolute folly' to believe threat has passed

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The NHS will face significant pressure in the coming weeks from the nationwide spread of the Omicron variant, Boris Johnson has said, while rejecting the idea that England's relatively limited Covid restrictions amounted to a gamble.

Speaking to reporters on a visit to Buckinghamshire, the prime minister also had strong words for Conservative MPs and others seeking a swift relaxation of the rules, saying it would be absolute folly" to believe the threat had passed.