Inside Politics: Boris Johnson hails ‘fantastic’ vaccine breakthrough

The prime minister wants us to stay focused on lockdown, but struggled to contain his enthusiasm over Pfizer’s announcement, writes Adam Forrest

Boris Johnson at Downing Street (Getty)

Let the trumpets sound and the angels sing! Donald Trump will soon be gone and the Covid vaccine will soon be here! Joe Biden’s victory appears to have broken some terrible curse and parted the clouds to heaven. Much of the planet is already in a better mood at the news of Pfizer’s breakthrough (apart from the Trump clan, who are skulking around and crying conspiracy). Boris Johnson hailed the “toot of the cavalry’s bugle” – as he tried in vain to keep everyone’s feet on the ground. The prime minister said there is still work to be done, but couldn’t hide his own excitement at the big news.

Inside the bubble

Chief political commentator John Rentoul on what to look out for today: