A British multi-millionaire has launched a legal challenge to the 'draconian' coronavirus lockdown.
More than 27,000 people in the UK have died after contracting Covid-19.
But Simon Dolan says Boris Johnson should ease restrictions and allow the UK economy to return to normal.
He has accused the Government of "paralysing the country" and causing "long term damage".
Lawyers for Mr Dolan, worth £141m according to the Sunday Times Rich List, have formally notified ministers that he will pursue them through the High Court unless they end the “draconian” national quarantine.
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Mr Dolan, 50, said: “The lockdown is paralysing the country, wrecking the economy and causing long-term damage.
“Boris Johnson has hinted at an exit strategy but he has offered no timeframe and given himself a get-out with the five tests.
“I want the government to explain and justify its decisions.
"I want to be assured that these measures are proportionate and lawful.
“It is vital that the frightening restrictions to our liberties are carefully thought through."
He added: “Every life lost is a tragedy.
"But we have seen other nations deal with the pandemic effectively without such draconian measures.
“We are depriving children of a proper education and instead teaching them to hide away from uncertainty rather than to confront it.”
Mr Dolan urged Mr Johnson to start by re-opening schools and allowing gatherings of up to 100 people.
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His lawyers are challenging the government on three points: the legality of lockdown under UK law, whether it breaches human rights law, and if an exit strategy has been properly considered.
As part of the application, Mr Dolan is also requesting the minutes of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings this year.
The letter reads: “Failure to do so [release the minutes] will result in an application for disclosure if proceedings have to be issued."
A crowdfunding page has also been set up, with aims to raise £30,000 to go towards legal fees.
The government has said it will not ease lockdown until it is sure the NHS can cope, there is a “sustained and consistent” fall in daily deaths, the rate of infection has decreased, there is enough PPE and there is no risk of a second wave.
Mr Dolan owns the Mandalay Estate, a luxury villa designed by David Bowie on exclusive Caribbean island Mustique.
He made his fortune with SJD Accountancy, which he sold in 2014 for £100m, before founding Dolan Accountancy three years later.
He now owns 10 UK businesses and employs 600 people.
Mr Dolan is represented by Michael Gardner of law firm Wedlake Bell LLP and barrister Francis Hoar of Field Court Chambers.
