Today (22 February), the Prime Minister laid out his four-step plan for lifting lockdown in England. The news revealed the reopening of schools on 8 March, resumption of outdoor sports from the 29 March, and the reopening of hairdressers and gyms on 12 April.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s roadmap out of lockdown, Luke Pollard MP said:

“I cautiously welcome the roadmap but we have been here before. Ministers have made big promises only to U-turn. This has to be the last lockdown so we need Ministers to learn from their past mistakes and get this one right.

 

“This government has failed at so many crucial points in the pandemic. Too slow to get our doctors and nurses the PPE they need, to protect our parents and grandparents in care homes, and too fast in lifting restrictions in the past – putting so many more at risk. The government must act with caution.

 

“So many families in Plymouth are still uncertain after the Prime Minister’s announcement: about whether they will get their furlough extend, whether there will still be support for those who have to self-isolate, and what will be in place to help tourism and hospitality survive the next few months. The Prime Minister must clarify this as soon as possible so families and businesses in the South West can plan for the last leg of the lockdown.”