HEXHAM'S MP Guy Opperman has paid tribute to the hospital staff treating Boris Johnson as the Prime Minister battles coronavirus.

Mr Johnson was moved to the critical unit at St Thomas' Hospital on Monday evening as part of his ongoing treatment for Covid-19.

He was understood to be conscious when he was moved to intensive care at about 7pm, as a precaution should he require ventilation to aid his recovery.

Mr Opperman, who was treated at the hospital in 2011, said the Prime Minister couldn't be in a better place.

He said: "‘My thoughts and prayers are with the Prime Minister and his family at this time.

"When I collapsed in the House of Commons in 2011 with symptoms from a brain tumour, I was taken to intensive care at St Thomas' Hospital.

"I owe my life to the team there and I know that Boris Johnson could not be in better hands.

"My sincere hope is that the PM is soon back in No. 10 and leading the national effort to beat Covid-19."