Turning point after lockdown

PM: It’s safe to lift restrictions

IT WAS the tone of Boris Johnson’s statement to the House of Commons over the lifting of the lockdown which suggested that Britain might – at last – have reached a turning point in its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ebullient at the prospect of the leisure and hospitality sectors opening up from July 4, he was also measured with his repeated warnings of caution if the easing of restrictions does, in fact, lead to a spike in cases.

And the fact that the Prime Minister was backed – in principle – by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, subject to further scrutiny of the Government’s plan, was a significant show of unanimity after weeks of political division.

Acutely aware that the recovery will be a long, and slow, one, Mr Johnson left no one in any doubt that the decision to reduce social distancing to one metre was only advisory and that he wanted as many shops, and businesses, to continue to adhere to the two metre rule.

Yet the PM did offer some further encouragement when he confirmed that there is no evidence that Britain is at risk – for now – of a resurgence in Covid-19 cases which would have the potential to overwhelm the NHS, and that local lockdowns will be an essential strategy if there are flare-ups in certain communities.

But one of the most effective constraints on the virus, stressed a seemingly bullish and poised Mr Johnson, is the common sense of British people and this trait needs to underpin the country’s approach to the next phase of the scaling back of restrictions.

Any recklessness now risks putting the recovery at peril just when it is deemed safe to open pubs, cinemas and other outdoor attractions after three months like no other. In this endeavour, Mr Johnson and the Government will still need the public’s continued support, forbearance and compliance despite any wider misgivings about Covid strategy.