ANALYSIS DAN O’DONOGHUE

“Hallelujah!” Tory former minister Sir Desmond Swayne cheered as Boris Johnson announced restaurants and bars could once again open their doors south of the border.

Ever the Churchill superfan, the prime minister chose to announce the latest easing of lockdown restrictions with somewhat of a Victory in England (VE) Day address. His Commons speech was littered with war language, we were “defeating” the virus, we would soon “vanquish” this foe, we must be cautious not to give the virus “opportunities to recapture ground”.

Mixed in with the Second World War tribute act was of course the usual flourishes and jokes from Johnson.

“Almost as eagerly awaited as a pint will be a hair cut, particularly by me,” he said to laughs from backbenchers.

Outside Westminster, many will struggle to crack a smile – especially on a day when another 171 people died from coronavirus in the UK.

Of course, further lifting of restrictions to allow people to stay over with family will be welcomed as many have struggled with prolonged periods away from loved ones, but we’re in no way clear of this crisis.

The prime minister at one point did appear to acknowledge this, telling MPs that “the virus has not gone away”, that “there will be flare-ups for which local measures will be needed”.

And he promised to “not hesitate to apply the brakes and reintroduce restrictions if required”.

With press conferences cancelled, the daily scrutiny of decisions by press and public has been brought to an end at a very precarious moment.

So, it’s hallelujah for some today – but for how long, who knows?

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It’s hallelujah for some today – but for how long, who knows?