One of Britain’s most eminent scientists has resigned from Sage, after calling for stronger action to prevent the spread of Covid.

Sir Jeremy Farrar, the director of the Wellcome Trust, has quit the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), warning that the situation in the UK is “concerning”.

Two weeks ago, he called for a “Vaccine Plus” strategy, urging the public to wear masks in shops and on public transport, and to reduce the numbers at work at any one time. 

Now it has emerged that Sir Jeremy resigned from Sage at the end of last month.

In a statement, he said government scientists had come under “huge pressure” during the pandemic.

Sir Jeremy has previously said that he “seriously considered resigning from Sage” a year ago, after the Government went against its advice to introduce a lockdown as cases rose last autumn.

In his book, published earlier this year, he wrote: “That was the darkest moment of the pandemic. I began to question the point of giving advice to a body that chose not to use it. There comes a time when you have to ask yourself, and the people you trust, whether you are complicit with the decisions that are made as a result.”

In a statement to Sky news on Tuesday night, Sir Jeremy said: “The Covid-19 crisis is a long way from over, with the global situation deeply troubling.

“The high levels of transmission seen in the UK remain concerning, but I stepped down as a participant of Sage knowing ministers had been provided with most of the key science advice needed over the winter months.

“Throughout this crisis Sage has provided vital evidence, and independent, expert, transparent advice to support the UK response, often under huge pressure.”

He said his focus would now be on his work at Wellcome, supporting the international research effort to end the pandemic.