Boris Johnson is to give more detail on his plan to ease the coronavirus lockdown amid criticism that his TV address was confusing.
A 50-page document will be published in parliament later to add detail to the prime minister's "first sketch" on how the restrictions in England could be eased over the next three months.
Sunday's announcement included measures taking effect this week, such as removing the limit on exercise and allowing people to sunbathe in parks, as well as a potential return for some schoolchildren in June.
Mr Johnson also told the nation that anyone who cannot work from home should now be "actively encouraged" to go to work.
The PM stressed his plan was conditional on meeting five government tests to ensure the virus is under control and said it would be "madness" to risk a second spike in cases.
Advertisement
But political opponents, businesses and unions have urged more clarity.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Johnson's statement raised "more questions than answers".
More from Boris Johnson
"I think what the country wanted tonight was real clarity and a sense of consensus – and I'm afraid we haven't got that," said Sir Keir.
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford told Sky News it had caused "confusion" and "broken" the lockdown consensus in the four UK nations.
The leaders of the devolved administrations have already said they will not use this updated message – telling people to simply "stay at home" instead.
The prime minister's suggestion that pupils in reception, year 1 and year 6 may be able to return "at the earliest by 1 June" was also criticised.
The teachers' National Education Union called it labelled "nothing short of reckless" and said a snap poll had shown 85% of its 49,000 members disagreed with the idea.
It is also "imperative" that businesses get detailed advice on how to keep people safe and the use of PPE if more employees are to return to work, said the British Chambers of Commerce.
During Sunday's address, the prime minister also said:
- A "phased reopening" of shops may be able to start in June
- Some of the hospitality industry and other public places could begin to reopen in July at the earliest
- "It will soon be the time" to impose quarantine on people coming into the UK by air
- A five-level Covid Alert System will judge how strict lockdown measures and social distancing rules should be locally
- People can drive to another destination for exercise, and play sport with people from the same household
- The UK's COVID-19 reproduction rate, also known as R, is between 0.5 and 0.9, "but potentially only just below one"
- The government's key message is now: "Stay alert, control the virus and save lives"
Mr Johnson said that from Wednesday: "You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household."
However, he warned fines would increase for the "small minority" who break the social distancing rules, rising from £60 to £100.
The changes also allow people to meet one person not in their household when out in parks, said a government official.
It gives people the chance to see friends for the first time in almost eight weeks – but the two-metre rule must still be adhered to.
Tennis courts and golf clubs will also be allowed to reopen Read More – Source
[contf]
[contfnew]
sky news
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]
