New Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said lifting coronavirus restrictions as soon as possible is his “absolute priority”, but stressed the need for caution in order to make sure changes are “irreversible”.
During a visit to St Thomas’ Hospital in London, he told broadcasters: “I want to see the restrictions lifted and life going back to normal as quickly as possible.
“Right here and now that is my absolute priority. I want to see those restrictions lifted as soon as we can, as quickly as possible.
“In terms of the road map to that you’ll have to wait for my statement to Parliament later today.
“It’s going to be irreversible, there’s no going back. That’s why we want to be careful during that process.”
Restrictions in England were due to be lifted on June 21 but had to be delayed after a surge in cases.
Mr Javid will today announce whether they could be lifted on July 5.
It is more likely they wil be lifted on July 19, although a Government scientist has said they may need to be delayed again.
