Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reassured the public that the vast majority of food imported from the continent is unaffected by the border disruption in Dover. 

In a briefing at Downing Street, Mr Johnson addressed the situation surrounding the delays at the border after France was among more than 40 countries to ban travel from the UK.

"Only 20 per cent of food arriving from or deporting to the continent is affected. The vast majority of supplies coming in and out of the continent are unaffected," said Mr Johnson. 

"We want to resolve the problems as fast as possible."

Speaking about supplies in supermarkets, Mr Johnson added: "Supermarket supply chains are strong and robust so everyone can continue to shop normally."

Transport secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that there were 500 lorries queuing at the border overnight, with the number now between 170 and 174.

Work to prepare for a possible no-deal Brexit is "coming to fruition" and "we are ready", he added.

The Prime Minister also confirmed more than half a million people in the UK have now received their first vaccine against coronavirus