Rutland MP Alicia Kearns is backing calls by the vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi to give some priority to police officers, teachers and other workers in phase two of the vaccines roll-out.

The minister said the move could also include hundreds of thousands of shop workers and others whose jobs place them in close contact with the public.

However, such a move would be controversial and it would leave other groups waiting longer.

Last night Health Secretary Matt Hancock called for a national debate on which groups should gain priority.

The decision on who will get the jab and when will be taken by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. to date, it has outlined only phase one of the rollout, covering all those over 50, those with clinical vulnerabilities, care home residents and NHS and social care staff.

This is due to be completed by early spring and the committee is now deciding who should gain priority in phase two.

Mr Zahawi told Times Radio yesterday: 'Teachers, police officers, shop workers, those who through no fault of their own, other than the work that they do, may come into contact with the virus at much greater volume [should be] the top of the list.'

England has 408,615 teachers aged under-50 employed in state-funded schools, so they would not have been offered the jab in phase one. The statistics do not include teachers in the private sector.

Mrs Kearns said on social media yesterday: "Would absolutely support this - all those who on daily basis protect us, & those who play critical roles to enable us to keep fighting COVID-19 & working whilst coming into contact w/high numbers of people

"Police, prison officers & staff, shop workers, teachers & numerous others."

She added: "Once we've finished vaccinating the priority groups according to risk of Morbidity from the virus."

The minister and the MP made their comments as the government announced yesterday that people in England aged 70 and over, as well as those listed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, will begin receiving their vaccinations this week.

Mrs Kearns said on Facebook: "More than five million people – from priority groups three and four – will be invited to have their jab from today.

"The over 80s will continue to be prioritised and contacted by clinicians in our area.

"I completely understand the anxiety to get vaccinated as soon as is possible, but it is important to remain patient at this time and wait to hear from your Primary Care Network. Clinicians are working to contact everyone as soon as practicable, and my thanks go to everyone involved in this incredible effort."

The national priority list which health providers must follow is as follows:

1-residents in a care home for older adults and their carers

3-all those 75 years of age and over

5-all those 65 years of age and over

7-all those 60 years of age and over

9-all those 50 years of age and over

More information about the prioritisation can be found here.