Speaking to Sky News' Niall Paterson on Tuesday, Stephen Barclay stressed vaccines were the "key" to get the UK out of the coronavirus pandemic but did not rule out that the roadmap is irreversible, despite what Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in February. He explained how "no one knows" what the jab's effectiveness could become later in the year but highlighted how the lockdown extension from June 21 to July 19 has allowed 7-million more jabs to be administered and allowed a "wall" to be built against the virus.

       Mr Barclay said: “We have been cautious in order to seek for it (lockdown easing) to be irreversible.

       “One never knows what it (the situation) will be in the winter.

       “The vaccine has provided that wall.

       “An extra 7 million vaccines have been delivered as a result of the extra four weeks.

       “And that is why we have taken that extra time but we need to learn to live with the virus, we need to get those businesses open.

       “So it is right we get the economy moving in that way but our message throughout and our message has been consistent - that the vaccine is key."

       The comments sparked the fury of Twitter users, hitting out at the apparent U-turn on an "irreversible" lockdown.

       One user wrote: "But I thought the Prime Minister had stated these measures WERE irreversible? Which one does not know what they are talking about? The PM or @SteveBarclay."

       Another wrote: "In other words, wait for the reversal."

       And one erupted: "If these crooks dare try to imprison us again England will burn. People have suffered too much already during this circus. Enough is enough."

       More to follow...