Seven weeks after the UK entered lockdown, Boris Johnson has announced the first relaxation of the rules. From Wednesday the public will be allowed to do unlimited daily exercise, drive for country walks, sunbathe and play sport with members of their own household.
Mr Johnson’s changes, which only apply to England, leave the UK divided on its lockdown strategy. And his decision to downgrade the Government’s “stay at home, save lives” slogan – asking the public in England to “stay alert” instead and to begin returning to work if safe – has been condemned.
It has been branded confusing and potentially “catastrophic”. Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “This statement raises more questions than it answers, and we see the prospect of England,