Analysis: Sturgeon moves away from Johnson’s ‘Freedom Day’

All of Scotland will move to level 0 on July 19. But Nicola Sturgeon has tightened this new level from what was originally planned, with requirements on face masks and social distancing to remain, and working from home to be encouraged.

The First Minister appears to be attempting to distance herself from Boris Johnson’s “Freedom Day”. While Scotland’s Covid restrictions have been markedly different to those in England and the rest of the UK, there has been a noticeable shift closer in recent months.

After it became clear that differences in international travel requirements are easily undermined, with many travellers simply flying into an English airportandcrossingtheborder bycar,scotlandisnowpartytoa four-nationapproachontravel.

This will continue, with Scotland joining England in scrappingisolationrequirementsfor double-jabbed arrivals from Amberlistcountriesfromnext week.

And the next stage of restrictions easing in both countries will take place on July 19.Previous language from the Scottish Government – of a “change in approach”, easing being linked just to vaccine success, and a move from “data not dates” to the opposite - has suggested much more alignment with England than previously.

But while the easing will still take place, Ms Sturgeon has now taken a firmer stand to keep some restrictions. Face masks will still be mandatory, gatherings will be limited, hospitality will be restricted and nightclubs will not be allowed to open.

The messaging has also become very different from Mr Johnson’s. “We will not abandonyou,”mssturgeontoldclinically vulnerable people yesterday, having previously said she will not use young people as “guinea pigs”.

The increased similarities betweenscotlandandengland may make it harder to enforce tougherruleshere.theamended level 0 has already been called “0.5” and some may be lessconvincedby“beyondlevel 0” than the “freedom” message pushed south of the Border.

As the gap widens between Scotland and the rest of the UK, andpeopleandbusinessescontinuetotireofrestrictions,clear messagingwillbemoreimportant than ever.