Scientists at the University of Oxford revealed that the vaccine currently on trial is safe and induces an immune reaction, according to their research.
The health secretary said he was 'cautiously optimistic' about the vaccine following the news, while the Prime Minister praised the scientists involved, but warned it was only the first step in a long process.
Health experts have long insisted that vaccination is the only long-term solution to the coronavirus pandemic, with many warning that social distancing will continue to be the norm until a vaccine in available.
But while findings from the Oxford trial are 'a step in the right direction', as Boris Johnson said, questions remain over the timescale of the trials.