New data suggests that an estimated 82.5% of all UK adults have now received a first dose of a Covid vaccine, which has prevented 14,000 deaths and 44,500 hospitalisations according to estimates. Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi has said, “the one thing you know, we know is that vaccines are making the real difference. The vaccines are our way out of this pandemic”. Mr Zahawi further praised the “Dunkirk spirit” shown by individuals who have received their jabs, and contributed to the UKs hugely successful vaccination programme.

A new ban on junk food adverts before the 9pm watershed will be implemented at the end of next year in efforts to tackle obesity. The move comes after pressure has been mounting on the government to tackle obesity, as NHS research figures have revealed that almost two-thirds of adults in England are overweight or obese. Small businesses with less than 250 employees will be exempt from the ban, but for larger firms, public health minister Jo Churchill has said, “these measures form another key part of our strategy to get the nation fitter and healthier”.

The government is set to deliver its latest updates on travel advice today, as health secretary Matt Hancock has given fresh hopes of summer holidays getting the ‘all clear’. In the briefing later today, ministers will reveal which, if any, countries will be moved onto the green list for travel which will require no quarantine period upon return to the UK. Certain reports have suggested that popular destinations such as Malta and the Balearic Islands could move onto the green list, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel still insists that travellers from the UK should isolate when arriving in the EU amid Delta variant fears.

Environment Minister George Eustice has said that once coronavirus restrictions are lifted on the proposed date of July 19th, there will be no “legal compulsion” to wear a face covering from thereon. Mr Eustice has made it clear that he wants “freedom day” to be taken quite literally, as he claims the government wants “all of the legal requirements to do things to be taken away completely”.