Gloucestershire MP Mark Harper is continuing his fight for 'Freedom Day' on June 21.

The Forest of Dean MP has spoken out against a delay in easing restrictions following reports that leading scientists want them delayed as a precaution against the Delta variant from India.

Yesterday, Mr Harper, who is chairman of the Covid Recovery Group of Conservative MPs, was in the House of Commons to ask Health Secretary Matt Hancock for answers on vaccine efficacy.

Mr Hancock reported that a single dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca jab offers protection of 75 per cent to 85 per cent against hospitalisation, while data on two doses, which is currently available only for Pfizer, indicates 90 per cent to 95 per cent effectiveness against hospitalisation and 95 per cent to 99 per cent effectiveness at preventing death.

Mr Harper said afterwards on Facebook: "The Health Secretary confirmed to me today just how effective our vaccines are at preventing hospitalisation and serious disease. No evidence exists of any significant difference in their performance against the Delta variant.

"If the vaccines are effective, why would we delay 21 June?"

For months Mr Harper has spearheaded calls for an end to all coronavirus restrictions and he has vowed to continue standing up for local businesses in the House of Commons.