The last time a daily Covid death figure so close to (and, indeed, above) 400 was reported was February 2021, almost 11 months ago.

       While higher than anybody would hope, the latest Covid death figures are far lower than some predicted.

       In December, Imperial College London’s Professor Neil Ferguson is reported to have suggested Britain could see up to 5,000 Omicron deaths a day in January.

       He expressed concern that this could result in a “loss of trust in governments and public institutions for crying wolf”.

       Professor Ferguson’s suggestion early in the pandemic that around 500,000 people could die during Covid’s first wave has likewise been widely ridiculed.

       Close to 130,000 Covid cases were reported on Wednesday.

       READ MORE: British businesses tear into Boris

       Since then, there appears to have been a downward trend in daily case figures.

       This comes amid calls for Boris Johnson to resign as Prime Minister over allegations of illegal parties at Downing Street during lockdown.

       Number 10 has not ruled out Mr Johnson’s resignation if an independent investigation finds him responsible.

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       Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross noted that “his position is no longer tenable”.

       Controversy was sparked during today’s session of Prime Minister’s Questions when Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked: “Can't the Prime Minister see why the British public think he's lying through his teeth [over evidence of lockdown-breaching parties]?”

       He ruled: "It was what the public thinks not what the member is saying."