According to the Sky News broadcaster, which cited an unnamed source from the government, Johnson will plead the country to make one 'last heave' before declaring what local press has dubbed as "Freedom Day" next week.

Asked about the government's plans, health minister Edward Argar refused "to pre-empt" what the prime minister might say at a televised press conference scheduled for later on Monday, but admitted that the so-called Delta strain is "highly, highly infectious."

Argar also confirmed that lawmakers will have the opportunity to vote in parliament on the eventual delaying of the final lockdown easing.

Under the government's road map out of the lockdown in England, all legal restrictions on social contact would be lifted, so an eventual delay would mean that everyone who can work from home must continue to do so, theaters and other indoors venues will have to operate at half capacity, while nightclubs will remain closed.