Caution and balance the key for coronavirus road map, Shropshire MPs say

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will prioritise the full reopening of schools and safely reuniting loved ones in his speech to Parliament today.

His road map will contain four tests for easing the measures, with the Government set to examine the data at each stage before unlocking further.

Ministers will assess the success of the vaccine rollout, evidence of vaccine efficacy, new variants and infection rates before proceeding to the next step.

The tests are currently being met, the Government said, allowing the first relaxation to take place on March 8 – when more children are widely expected to return to schools.

Mark Pritchard, MP for the Wrekin, said that the right balance must be struck to avoid going back into lockdown further down the line.

"Everyone is wanting lockdown to end but similarly no-one wants future lockdowns. I hope there will be an easing of some restrictions whilst bearing in mind the need not to rush anything.

"The balance between lives and livelihoods has to be got right given families do need to meet and businesses do need to reopen."

Caution

Meanwhile Philip Dunne for Ludlow said: "I think the Government needs to be cautious in its approach and I look forward to seeing as much clarity as possible this week on the steps that will be taken to ease restrictions – but I would advise caution."

Mr Johnson said: "Today I'll be setting out a road map to bring us out of lockdown cautiously.

"Our priority has always been getting children back into school which we know is crucial for their education as well as their mental and physical wellbeing, and we will also be prioritising ways for people to reunite with loved ones safely.

"Our decisions will be made on the latest data at every step, and we will be cautious about this approach so that we do not undo the progress we have achieved so far and the sacrifices each and every one of you has made to keep yourself and others safe.

"We have therefore set four key tests which must be met before we can move through each step of the plan."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Sunday that there will be "weeks between the steps" so ministers can "watch carefully" the impact of each relaxation of the restrictions.

Restrictions will be eased step-by-step across the whole of England at the same time, Downing Street said, due to the current uniform spread of the virus.