Jacob Rees Mogg MP writes :

This week, the Prime Minister delivered a speech outlining his roadmap for easing the lockdown in England.

Vaccinations have now been given to millions and in tandem with people following the lockdown guidance this has meant that the rates of Covid-19 transmission and resulting death have fallen significantly.

On March 8th, children will return to school. This was the Prime Minister's priority as children need to catch up on the learning that they have missed out on during the past year as well as having the opportunity to socialise with their classmates.

From 29th March, outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households will be allowed, providing greater flexibility for families to see each other, including in private gardens. Outdoor sports facilities will restart and the 'Stay at Home' order will end but with restrictions.

From 12th April, non-essential retail, personal care premises and public buildings will reopen. Indoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, are included but only for use by people on their own or with their household. Crucially, hospitality venues will be able to serve outdoors but customers must order, eat and drink while seated.

People will be allowed to holiday in self-contained accommodation, funerals can continue with up to thirty people and the numbers able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events will rise to fifteen. By 17th May, many of the social rules will be lifted with limitations still remaining.

These changes will, of course, be subject to the data but if the success of the vaccination rollout continues and people adhere to the rules there is no reason not to be hopeful for a more joyful and prosperous summer beyond 21st June.