Let’s raise a glass to our new freedoms but keep in mind lives are at stake

AWAVE of hope crossed England yesterday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the relaxation of a raft of lockdown measures. Simple pleasures are now within touching distance. From July 4, it will be possible to get a haircut, go to a restaurant and visit a pub.

A look of sheer excitement crossed the PM’s face as he talked about going out for a meal. He longs for the day when he can play village cricket.

That same sense of anticipation will be shared by families across the land.

Many people will be thrilled that two households will be able to meet indoors and stay the night. Social distancing rules will still apply but the agony of isolation is easing.

Friends will relish going for a pint but not many champagne corks will be fired. The battle against coronavirus is far from over and local outbreaks are expected.

At yesterday’s Downing Street briefing, Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty were cautious.The country is about to embark on a giant experiment as it battles a deadly virus. These two men of science know lives are at stake.

We have a new appreciation of the vital role scientists play in guarding us against catastrophe, and this pair has earned deep respect. True normality may be many months away but we should take encouragement from the latest progress.

During the darkest days of the outbreak it would have seemed highly optimistic to think that so much of our economy could be unlocked on July 4, and that we can start thinking about holidaying in England.

The risk to family livelihoods should not be underestimated. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has a financial and moral responsibility to ensure as many jobs as possible are saved.

There will be excitement at the return of shopping and socialising in the weeks ahead but the country will also shudder as the true scale of trauma and grief experienced by so many becomes fully apparent. Emergency workers who have given their all to saving lives will mourn departed colleagues. Tens of thousands of households will look ahead to a Christmas without the company of a loved one.

We will never forget the heroism of those who risked their lives for others, and we will honour the memory of all who are lost.

This pandemic has been a terrible ordeal for Britain, but the people of this nation have shone with our land’s finest qualities of courage and compassion.

All of us are marching to ultimate victory, that is assured. Let us raise a glass to a magnificent country and a better future.