Nadine Dorries calls on people to remain vigilant amid concerns over possible increase in Covid variants

The government will advise cautious cuddling when hugging is permitted in the next phase of lockdown easing in England, amid concerns over the possible increase in Covid variants.

With the data looking “extremely positive” and the roadmap “on course”, the health minister Nadine Dorries suggested friends and family would be allowed to hug when the next stage of easing restrictions goes ahead from 17 May, but called for cautious optimism.