Public Urged To Respect Lockdown & Social Distancing During Bank Holiday
Usually a sunny weather forecast and an imminent bank holiday guarantees the country goes into a frenzy of beer, sunbathing and ill considered dance moves.
But with the current lockdown, Dominic Raab (foreign secretary) noted how “important” it was for the public to follow the current “stay at home” guidance.
The Welsh and Scottish governments have thrown shade by accusing No 10 Downing Street of sending “mixed messages”.
The PM Boris Johnson will make a televised speech this weekend to outline the plans for the next stage of England’s lockdown.
Wales are also due to announce their plans for lockdown this Friday. Scotland have recently extended their lockdown and Northern Ireland said there is “no headroom” to ease the lockdown as of yet.
Parts of the UK this Bank Holiday expect to see temperatures exceeding 24C (75F).
Police warned that beauty spots such as local parks and town squares will be patrolled and those not abiding by the lockdown regulations can be sanctioned.
On Thursday, Mr Raab said: "For the moment it is really important, particularly as people look towards a warm bank holiday weekend, that we continue to follow the guidance in place at this time."
He was then asked if that meant "don't sunbathe this weekend", to which he replied: "If you want to put it like that."
Police warn public not to break lockdown rules.
Clarity In Communication Is Needed
The rumors being circulated in newspapers as of late are that the PM could ease lockdown measures and even lift them entirely with a few small rule changes.
Some tabloids suggested the rules on exercise could be more lenient and more of the public would be encouraged to return to work.
Nicholas Watt, BBC News night's political editor said the government “had a wobble” after the PM “gave the impression to some people that more significant changes were on the way”...
Boris Johnson said he wanted to possibly “get going”with some measures to ease lockdown on Monday.
After the PM “gave the impression to some people that more significant changes were on the way”...
Boris Johnson said he wanted to possibly “get going”with some measures to ease lockdown on Monday.
The Welsh government hit back saying they were likely giving “mixed messages”.
David Lidington the former conservative minister told BBC Newsnight that "there needs to be a clear but above all a consistent message".
"Not only every minister needs to be saying the same thing but 'sources close to, advisers, confidants of' need to be repeating what the ministers themselves have decided."
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all within their rights to make their own decisions regarding the lockdown and its level of enforcement. According to Downing Street Mr Johnson is in favour of a uniform approach to lockdown by all members of the UK, even if that means different sections ease lockdown measures at different points in time.
Mr Johnson will speak to the nation about the lockdown at 19:00 BST on Sunday.
