Sir Keir Starmer has addressed the nation following Boris Johnson's announcement that all over 18s would be offered the booster jab from Monday December 13. 

The statement from the PM, which was been pre-recorded, comes after the four UK chief medical officers announced the UK Covid Alert Level has been increased from Level 3 to 4 after a rapid increase in Omicron cases. 

Sir Keir Starmer said the Government had Labour’s support to accelerate the booster programme, as he urged the public to “protect our families, friends and the NHS” by getting a top-up jab amid fears over the Omicron variant.

Read more: Boris Johnson 8pm announcement: Booster jab target brought forward

The Labour leader said: “The arrival of the worrying new variant is a reminder that the pandemic is not over. And vaccines are the best weapon in our fight.

“The vaccine is safe and effective. It protects us and those around us. We will always support the NHS and act in the public interest.

“Therefore the Government has our support in the effort to accelerate the booster programme. It’s also vital that we use the Christmas holidays to get the vaccine out to eligible children.

“I urge everyone to get boosted as soon as you can – and if you haven’t had your first or second jab yet, now is the time to come forward.

“We have come so far since those darkest of days at the start of the pandemic.

“So much has been asked of the British people, and time and again you have risen to the challenge. So let’s keep our foot on the pedal and get Britain boosted to protect our families, friends and NHS.”