‘Confusion’ over lockdown rules
MP wants clarity as Ministers defend changes
MINISTERS HAVE defended the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions which came into effect in England yesterday, amid signs of confusion and anger over the new rules.
Moves to unlock the property market meant that, from yesterday, people were able to invite prospective buyers into their homes but will still be unable to visit family or friends.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insisted the Government is taking a “common sense” approach, gradually easing the restrictions as the outbreak is brought under control.
But with Ministers encouraging employees to return to work where possible, he urged people not to “flood back” on to public transport, warning that the system will not be able to cope.
Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron called on the Government to release the scientific advice behind the changes to the lockdown. He said: “Recent announcements about easing lockdown have created more confusion than clarity and today’s is no exception.”
And a poll from YouGov on Tuesday found that only 30 per cent of respondents said the new instructions were clear, while 91 per cent agreed the Government’s former “stay home” messaging was clearer.
In other changes – which have not been adopted by the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – people are now allowed to take unlimited outdoor exercise and to sunbathe in parks and public places.
They can also meet one other person from another household in a public space, as long as the two-metre rule is respected, while golf clubs, tennis courts and angling have also been given the green light.
Restrictions on how far people can travel to get to the countryside, National Parks and beaches in England have also been lifted – but people have been warned to respect local communities.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick yesterday defended the Government’s policies to restart the housing market in England.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing, he said: “People have asked why would they be able to look around a stranger’s home but not visit their parents or loved ones at home?
“I understand why this may seem confusing at first glance, especially when people have been separated from their loved ones for so long.”
He said there was a “clear plan to ensure the safety of everybody involved in the property” with stringent hygiene guidance.
It comes as a further 494 deaths were recorded yesterday of people who had tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the total across the UK to 33,186. At least 2,191 of these were in Yorkshire,
with an additional 32 recorded yesterday.
The easing of lockdown measures in England appears not to have triggered an immediate surge in travel as some people returned to work and previously restricted leisure activities.
Initial data indicated small increases in road traffic across the country, but concerns were raised about crowding on public transport in London. An official spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there had been no “significant” increase in travel on the capital’s network.
Officials at the Lake District, Peak District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks were asked if visitor numbers had changed as measures eased. They said it was either too early to tell or they were waiting to speak to rangers.