Questions raised after PM’s lockdown changes speech

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled new plans to begin easing lockdown in the UK, but questions have been raised over its detail and suitability.

Johnson told the nation in a special Prime Ministerial broadcast that people who could not work from home should return to the workplace, some as early as from 11 May, but avoid using public transport to do so. This includes those working in manufacturing and construction.

A new Covid Alert System with five levels will govern how quickly lockdown restrictions could be eased, with Johnson hoping that the next step of this procedure will be on place ‘at the earliest by 1 June’, a move which could see some primary pupils return to school in England.

From 1 July, some hospitality businesses and other public places could then begin to reopen, in what the government is labelling a ‘first sketch of a roadmap for reopening society’.

The announcement also included allowing people to take unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise, sit or sunbathe in parks and play sports with household members (from 13 May). The changes in guidelines will also allow two people from different households to meet in a park if they stay two metres apart.

In an address to the nation, Mr Johnson said this stage would also involve reopening shops - but he cautioned this would only happen if supported by science. Further details are to be published in guidance on 11 May, with a 50=page official document being presented to Parliament.

However, the announcement, which has been criticised for lacking clarity, has been refused by the devolved Parliament’s and criticised by opposing political parties. The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - which have their own powers over lockdown measures - have refused to adopt England's new message of ‘stay alert, control the virus, save lives’, and have stressed that members of the public should maintain the ‘Stay Home’ mantra.