Retired doctors will be brought back into service under UK proposals to set up a ‘Dad’s Army’ of medical professionals to fight the coronavirus.

The UK Government was expected to announce more details of its “battle plan” to contain the spread of COVID-19 on Tuesday.

A statement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office said the government was “looking at emergency registration of health professionals who have retired”.

In addition, it would consider introducing emergency indemnity coverage for healthcare workers in providing care or diagnostic services.