When Boris Johnson stands at the despatch box on Monday afternoon to unveil his roadmap for ending the lockdown, those hoping for a big bang moment in ending restrictions will be left disappointed. Instead, the Prime Minister will announce a very gradual easing of the lockdown stretching to the summer – with Johnson reserving the right to make it even slower should the data go the wrong way. Having been stung by previous promises to avoid further lockdowns, the roadmap will be more cautious than members of the Conservative party’s Covid Recovery Group would like.
The plan is to be signed off by ministers ahead of Johnson announcing it in the Chamber and addressing the nation on Monday evening. The first priority will be schools – with Johnson to announce the reopening of all schools on March 8. Outdoor recreation will also be among the first things to be eased – with the rules relaxed to allow individuals to meet up outside for leisure rather than simply exercise.
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