Boris Johnson’s plan for ‘freedom day’

Four weeks later than planned, ministers are preparing to lift nearly all Covid restrictions from 19 July. This afternoon, Boris Johnson will lead a press conference in which he will unveil plans for so-called freedom day later this month. At the same time, the new Health Secretary Sajid Javid will address MPs in the Commons. The announcement doesn’t mean 19 July is definitely going ahead; that will be confirmed next week. However, the mood music in government is very optimistic with ministers taking the view that rising cases aren’t an issue as the vaccine has successfully weakened the link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths. 

When it comes to the rules that are on course to be lifted, nearly all legally binding Covid restrictions are due to go. In their place, will be a focus on personal responsibility rather than state interventions. The two metre-rule will be axed which means ordering at the bar will return, number caps will be lifted on socialising while rules on mandatory face masks will go.