Ex-Chancellor Philip Hammond has urged the government to publish a coronavirus exit plan as he insists Britons must go back to work to restart the economy.
The former Conservative chancellor has insisted a plan to allow the economy to escape the lockdown must be published next week, because the country will be “living with Covid” for a long time.
He said the government cannot wait until a vaccine has been developed, in an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“The reality is that we have to start reopening the economy. But we have to do it living with Covid,” he said.
“We can't wait until a vaccine is developed, produced in sufficient quantity and rolled out across the population. The economy won't survive that long.”
Mr Hammond said the strategy so far of “locking everything down and keeping everything locked down is relatively straightforward”.
“The challenge of how to carefully, progressively, methodically reopen, protecting both health and jobs, is much, much more challenging and calls for a really skilful political leadership,” he continued.
Answering whether he thinks this should be published soon, he said he hopes the Prime Minister’s return will signal change.
The comments coming after widespread criticism of the government for refusing to even discuss a plan.
The Scottish and Welsh governments have publicly discussed detailed options.
Brits could be allowed to meet up with 10 of their closest family or friends under one idea to relax the coronavirus lockdown, it was revealed today.
It is understood that the UK government is considering letting people socialise outside of their households in small "bubbles" as it plans an exit strategy.
The move would widen the current "stay at home" advice to include meals and other social activities with close relatives and friends.
It would also mean couples who do not live together can spend time together.
However, people would only be able to nominate one or two households to be part of their "cluster” and would not be able to mingle with anyone else.
The idea is also being considered by the UK Government, Mail Online reports.
A Whitehall source told the paper: "If we can find a way to allow a bit more flexibility without risking transmission of the disease running higher then we will do it."
A steady increase of traffic on the roads has added to the growing unease in Downing Street that the country is becoming restless under the restrictions to everyday life.
But Priti Patel is expected to hint restrictions could be tightened if Brits continue to breach lockdown.
The Home Secretary is set to hold a press conference later today where she will produce data showing there is a rising number of people flouting the rules.
Brits have been urged to obey lockdown and stay home this weekend, as temperatures are expected to remain high.
Forecasters have predicted warm conditions for most of the country over the weekend, prompting concerns about the "danger" that people may defy the lockdown which began on March 23.
