James Cleverly has praised residents for their "incredible strength" throughout the pandemic.

In his latest column the Braintree MP said it is great to see so many people in the district vaccinated but urged everyone to book their appointment.

Mr Cleverly said: "The British public have shown patience, resilience, and incredible strength throughout the pandemic.

"Thanks must go to you and all those involved in the heroic vaccination rollout as we can now lift Covid restrictions.

"The vaccines work - we can see it in the data. It is great news that over 83 per cent of adults in the Braintree district have had their 1st jab, with 64 per cent now fully vaccinated.

"I want to stress how important it is that you book your jabs and remember to go to your 2nd appointment as it is simply the easiest way to slow the spread of the virus.

But Mr Cleverly went on to say we must "learn to live" with the virus.

He added: "It would be irresponsible to keep restrictions in place that continue to prevent people from earning a living in our hardest hit industries, disrupt education at all levels, and delay vital hospital appointments.

"I am pleased that the new Health Secretary is taking a hands-on approach to tackle the backlog in hospital appointments.

"Our NHS has done a phenomenal job keeping us well throughout the pandemic, however, it is concerning to hear that hospital waiting lists could reach 13 million in a matter of months.

"Her Majesty the Queen very rightly awarded the NHS with the George Cross in recognition of their 73 years of service to the nation.

"Our healthcare workers are outstanding and are ready to help you whenever you need medical support, so please step forward if you are unwell."