England to enter lockdown as Boris Johnson faces criticism for not acting faster

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a media briefing in Downing Street. Picture: Alberto Pezzali/PA

Boris Johnson has announced a four-week national lockdown in England in a bid to control the spread of coronavirus, amid criticism that his delay in imposing restrictions will have a “very real” human cost.

The UK Prime Minister rejected calls last month for a short, sharp shutdown – but after local restrictions failed to sufficiently reduce infections, he was forced to tell the country once again to stay at home.