UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is “determined” that the remaining coronavirus restrictions in England will be lifted on 19 July, Downing Street has said.

Johnson confirmed on Monday that restrictions would remain in place until then because of the rapid spread of the Delta variant. “That would be the “terminus date” for the remaining restrictions on social contact,” he said.

However some Conservative MPs are concerned they could remain for longer.

Scientists advising the government had warned of an “essential resurgence” in people needing hospital treatment for Covid-19 if stage four of easing the lockdown went ahead as planned on 21 June. The prime minister said a four week delay would allow more people to get inoculated.

However, a few restrictions are being lifted on 21 June, including the limit on wedding guest numbers – although venues will still have to adhere to social distancing rules.

Hospitality, wedding and night-time entertainment businesses are among those to have criticized the delay.