Health Secretary Sajid Javid said there are no UK cases of the new coronavirus variant, found in South Africa, Botswana, Hong Kong and Israel, but that the Government is concerned it could “pose a substantial risk to public health”.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid updated MPs on a new Covid-19 variant called B.1.1.529, which is “of huge international concern”.

He said it “is highly likely that it has now spread to other countries”.

Mr Javid went on: “We are concerned that this new variant may pose substantial risk to public health. The variant has an unusual large number of mutations. Yesterday the UK Health Security Agency classified B.1.1.529 as a new variant under investigation and the very technical group has designated it as a variant under investigation with very high priority.”

The Health Secretary added early indications show the current vaccines “may be less effective against it”.

Sajid Javid said there are “very live” discussions over the prospect of adding further countries to the red list following the emergence of a new variant of the virus which causes Covid-19.

The Health Secretary told MPs: “We are going primarily by where the new variant has been detected at this point, and that’s been confirmed in two countries in southern Africa – South Africa and Botswana.

“We’ve included the four other countries I mentioned earlier in southern Africa as a precaution.”

He added: “We are keeping this under review and there’s very live discussions going on about whether we should and when we might add further countries, and we won’t hesitate to act if we need to do so.”

Sajid Javid said of the new coronavirus variant: “Early indications show this variant may be more transmissible than the Delta variant, and current vaccines may be less effective against it.

“It may also impact the effectiveness of one of our major treatments Ronapreve.”

The Health Secretary added: “We are working quickly and we are working with a high degree of uncertainty. We are continuing to make assessments, including about those countries with strong travel links to South Africa.

“And we’re working with our international partners, including South Africa and the European Union, to ensure an aligned response.

“But this variant is a reminder for all of us that this pandemic is far from over. We must continue to act with caution and do all we can to keep this virus at bay, including once you’re eligible getting your booster shot.

“We’ve already given over 16 million booster shots. The booster jab was already important before we knew about this variant, but now it could not be more important.”