Experts have said that the B.1.1.529 variant could be the most lethal and worrying yet. This is because of its "awful spike mutation profile", which scientists fear could help it evade immunity. Early reports suggest it is capable of reducing vaccine efficiency to just 30 per cent.
There are already nearly 59 identified cases of the variant in South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana - which the World Health Organization is expected to name 'Nu' - but none have been reported in the UK.