Boris Johnson has today warned that the Covid-19 coronavirus is once again starting to 'surge' across Europe.
Writing in The Telegraph, the Prime Minister said: "We can see the signs of a surge of Covid among some of our European friends, and we remember how we in the UK have tended to follow that upwards curve, if a few weeks later."
And he admitted that children returning to school is likely to increase the risk of new infections.
"We know how fast this disease can take off," wrote the PM, "and that Monday's successful return to school will inevitably add to the budget of risk."
Mr Johnson said it was not possible to "get back to normal" just yet, with the levels of infection around the UK still 'much higher than last summer'.
However, he said: "I share your desire to get back to normal" and admitted he was under pressure to ramp up the pace of unlocking England's lockdown, as new infections and deaths continue to fall.
"The overwhelming majority of people - and businesses - would prefer us to take steps that are cautious but irreversible, rather than go backwards again."
It comes after Nicola Sturgeon said she is stepping up the loosening of restrictions in Scotland.
As well as being under pressure to loosen lockdown more quickly, the Government is facing increasing scrutiny over its £37billion test and trace scheme.
A cross-party group of MPs have said there is “no clear evidence” the scheme contributed to a reduction coronavirus infection levels.
And Meg Hillier, the chair of the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) behind a critical report, urged the Government to justify the “staggering investment of taxpayers’ money”.
