Boris Johnson visits Oxford coronavirus vaccine lab

Pictures show him getting a tour of the leading coronavirus research at the Jenner Institute. 

The Prime Minister was shown around by Professor Kate Ewer, a senior immunologist at the labs. 

He was given a tour through the laboratory and met scientists who are leading the COVID-19 vaccine research.

He is pictured here as he washes immunological assay.

He was also shown samples stored in liquid nitrogen. 

The Oxford Mail and other local media were not informed about the visit nor allowed to quiz the PM about his response to the pandemic and new restrictions.

Pictures of the visit were later released through the Press Association.

Last week vaccine trials were restarted after being suspended for an investigation when somebody fell ill. 

In a statement, Oxford University said: “The ongoing randomised controlled clinical trials of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine CHAdOx1 nCoV-19 will resume across all UK clinical trial sites.

“Globally some 18,000 individuals have received study vaccines as part of the trial. In large trials such as this, it is expected that some participants will become unwell and every case must be carefully evaluated to ensure careful assessment of safety."

It added: “We cannot disclose medical information about the illness for reasons of participant confidentiality. We are committed to the safety of our participants and the highest standards of conduct in our studies and will continue to monitor safety closely.”