Freedom Day: Boris Johnson set to announce if restrictions can be lifted

Boris Johnson at Downing Street
Boris Johnson at Downing Street
Daniel Leal-Olivas
Gareth Milner

By Gareth Milner


Published: 11/07/2021

- 22:30

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:06

Downing Street press conference to be held Monday 12th July

Boris Johnson is set to hold a press conference on Monday 12th July to announce whether coronavirus restrictions can be lifted in England a week later on 19th July, labelled by many as 'Freedom Day.'

While the Prime Minister is making the announcement in Downing Street, the Health Secretary Sajid Javid will deliver remarks in the House of Commons.


The move to ‘Step 4’ was initially delayed by up to four weeks so more adults could be offered a vaccine. GB News understands that 6.8 million first and second doses have been administered so far in England during the delay.

Analysis from Public Health England (PHE) and the University of Cambridge suggests that vaccines have so far prevented an estimated 8.5 million infections and 30,000 deaths in England alone.

Boris Johnson will urge the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution, praising the efforts of the country for the progress made so far while warning that the pandemic is not over and that caution will be key in the coming weeks.

The Prime Minister is expected to say:

“We are tantalisingly close to the final milestone in our roadmap out of lockdown, but the plan to restore our freedoms must come with a warning.

“While the phenomenal vaccine rollout has offered every adult some protection against the virus, and the crucial link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths is weakened, the global pandemic is not over yet.

“Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans today, our message will be clear. Caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress, ensuring we continue to protect our NHS.

Restrictions will only be lifted on 19th July if the four tests set by the government are met, these are:

1. The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.

2. Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.

3. Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations.

4. The government’s assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern.

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