On Monday, the Prime Minister announced that Step 4 of the Roadmap will proceed as planned on Monday 19 July.
Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire, said:
The government has again struck a cautious balance even as it confirms that all domestic legal restrictions introduced in efforts to combat COVID come to an end.
In place comes guidance and common sense, albeit that the “guidance” comes with a heavy dose of recommendation.
Listening to constituents I am aware that there is a wide range of emotions with the country taking this step, but I am convinced it is the right thing to do.
My hope is the government will now move to remove the laws we introduced last year that gave the state truly unprecedented powers over our lives. These can always be considered again if needed but they should no longer sit on the law books as potential powers to be drawn on again at any time of a future choosing. To those concerned about the guidance on face masks or working from home, for me this is an appropriate action for government to take, and courtesy combined with judgements made in each circumstances, are the best way to continue this collective effort.
The move to Step 4 was delayed by 4 weeks so more adults could be vaccinated. Nearly 7 million vaccines have already been administered during the delay. By 19 July two thirds of adults will have received two doses and every adult will have been offered a first dose. The delay to Step 4 has also moved the end of restrictions closer to the school summer holidays.
For more details on what this latest stage means, please visit this government page.
