Boris Johnson’s fiancee Carrie Symonds has signed a petition calling for a worldwide ban on “wet markets” where wildlife is sold for consumption.

Writing on Twitter, Ms Symonds, who is expecting her first child early this summer, said the current coronavirus outbreak was “a chance to start doing things better”.

The Covid-19 outbreak is widely thought to have originated in a “wet market” in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where it is believed to have made the jump from animals – possibly bats – to humans.

The End the Trade petition signed by Ms Symonds calls for governments around the world to take action to permanently end the trade in wild animals for consumption.

“Together we are urging the world’s governments to recognise that this is among the most important decisions that the global community can make to prevent future pandemics and global disruption,” it says.

“The emergence of novel pathogens from wild animals leading to another such pandemic must be prevented through the cessation of the commercial trade of terrestrial wild animals and closure of markets for consumption.”

Ms Symonds said: “Have signed this petition calling for an end to the global wildlife trade once and for all. Please do consider doing the same.

“This crisis gives us the chance to start doing things better. Let this be one of those things.”

Ms Symonds was previously forced to self-isolate after she came down with coronavirus symptoms.

She is currently with Mr Johnson at Chequers, his official country residence, where the Prime Minister is continuing to recuperate after being admitted to hospital with the disease.