PM wants UK back to ‘near normality’ by mid-July
Boris Johnson has admitted his government’s plans for easing the coronavirus lockdown are causing “frustration”, as he faces a growing revolt from doctors, nurses, teachers and regional councils.
The prime minister acknowledged the situation had become more “complex” but said he would trust what he called “the good sense of the British people”.
But the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, warned the prime minister of a “fracturing of national unity” if he ignored the concerns of the regions over his roadmap out of the COVID-19 crisis.
Writing in the Mail on Sunday, the prime minister said: “I understand people will feel frustrated with some of the new rules.
“We are trying to do something that has never had to be done before – moving the country out of a full lockdown, in a way which is safe and does not risk sacrificing all of your hard work.
“I recognise what we are now asking is more complex than simply staying at home, but this is a complex problem and we need to trust in the good sense of the British people.”
Mr Johnson said he wants the UK to return to “near-normality” by July.
He said the British public’s “fortitude” would enable them to survive the crisis and regain “the freedoms they hold dear” and that people’s “perseverance” and “good common sense” will enable the country to “inch forwards” out of lockdown.
