The British PM had hoped to start the new year with a reset of his embattled government, leaving behind the so-called "partygate" scandals that ratcheted up the pressure on his position, after a series of other claims of corruption.
Britain has suffered one of the highest tolls in Europe with nearly 138 000 Covid-19 deaths since March last year, raising questions about why it has fared worse than comparable nations.
Julian Assange will have to remain in custody in Britain, pending a US appeal of the decision to block his extradition to face charges for leaking secret documents, a judge in London ruled on Wednesday