UK Covid LIVE: Sajid Javid says ‘immediate priority’ is to end Covid pandemic as soon as possible as half of under 30s get jab

Incoming Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said his "most immediate priority" will be ending the Covid pandemic as soon as possible.

Speaking to the media for the first time since becoming Health Secretary on Saturday, Mr Javid said: "I was honoured to take up this position. I also know that it comes with a huge responsibility and I will do everything I can to make sure that I deliver for this great country.

"We are still in a pandemic and I want to see that come to an end as soon as possible and that will be my most immediate priority, to see that we can return to normal as soon and as quickly as possible."

It comes as half of all adults aged under 30 in England have received a first dose of a Covidvaccine by Sunday, the NHS has said.

More than 4.2 million people aged between 18 and 29 have received a jab in the three weeks after the coronavirus vaccination programme was opened up to those in their 20s.

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