Health minister Edward Argar dismisses two-week national lockdown as Chris Whitty claims withdrawn

Health Minister Edward Argar has rejected reports that the Government is considering a two-week national lockdown. Former World Health Organisation director Anthony Costello, who sits on the independent SAGE panel, sparked concern by suggesting that Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty was advising Boris Johnson on blanket restrictions. The Prime Minister has insisted he is doing 'everything in my power' to prevent a second national lockdown, but has acknowledged that he could not dismiss the possibility. Cases have been rising over the last month with the UK recording nearly 4,000 Covid-19 cases in a day for the first time since the start of May.