What time is Boris Johnson’s speech today and what will he say?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will deliver an announcement today outlining how and when the easing of lockdown will begin – here’s all you need to know.
Anticipation has been rising over the last few days that the PM’s speech will see an easing of lockdown restrictions in England and Mr Johnson will address the nation tonight to detail the Government’s next phase in dealing with the coronavirus crisis which has so far claimed more than 31,000 lives in the UK. Nicola Sturgeon has already stated that Scotland may move at a different pace and insisted the message remains ‘Stay at home’.
The UK has been in lockdown since March 23 and Mr Johnson said last week that he had a ‘road map’ on how the restrictions could end or be eased.
While some restrictions may ease following the speech, others will remain firmly in place.
The restrictions will be lifted in phases with some likely to begin as early as Monday south of the border.
Before lockdown measures can be eased, the government outlined five tests which need to be met.
They are: The NHS has the capacity to provide critical care right across the UK, a sustained and consistent fall in daily deaths from coronavirus, the rate of infection decreased to manageable levels across the board, operational challenges including testing and PPE are in hand with supply able to meet future demand, confident that any adjustments to the current measures will not risk a second peak of infections
The speech will take place at 7pm on Sunday.
It will be broadcasted on television channels including BBC and Sky News.