1/4 I’m aware that my comments from a recent interview on Times Radio have in some cases been taken out of context and I feel I need to clarify what was said. I definitely didn’t say that there will be no events happening in the next few years.

2/4 I said that “I can’t see us suddenly having another Cheltenham Festival with no regulations again”. The important part of that comment is the ‘with no regulations’. I want to see big events return like everyone, but my message was one of cautious and pragmatic optimism.

3/4 Events should return and hopefully they can this summer, once we get enough people vaccinated and cases down to very low level but they will need to return with regulations to keep us all safe whilst we learn to live with endemic low level COVID.

4/4 I’m sorry if the media articles that stated there will be ‘no events for years’ have caused harm to anyone, especially those planning weddings and other gatherings. We will get through this by being cautious and pragmatic, as well as optimistic. Stay safe !