Today we moved to step 4 of the Government’s Covid roadmap, meaning the vast majority of Covid restrictions are no longer in force. With Covid cases, hospitalisations and deaths all rising, many people will have concerns about the timing of this, especially as so many people still have not received their second jab.

Labour has been urging the Government to offer stronger guidance on areas like mask-wearing in shops and on public transport – it’s shocking that the Government has left it to individual businesses to choose whether to enforce these rules whilst cases are so high. Please do continue to socially distance from others and wear a mask in these settings if you can.

It is worth noting that some restrictions still apply, e.g. needing to self-isolate if someone has Covid or they have come into close contact with someone who has it. I was appalled to see the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer attempt to wriggle out of their mandatory self-isolation, before being forced into a U-tun following a public outcry. Once again, it’s one rule for them and another rule for everyone else.

For more and up to date information, visit Gov.uk