Boris Johnson unveils plan for 'significant return to normality' by Christmas

17 July 2020, 12:32 | Updated: 17 July 2020, 12:43

By Polly Foreman

The Prime Minister has announced the next steps of the easing of lockdown in England.

Boris Johnson today expressed his hope for a 'significant return to normality' by Christmas, announcing plans for further easing of coronavirus restrictions in England.

In a press conference this morning (Friday 17 July), the Prime Minister announced that employers will be able to use discretion to bring workers back from 1 August, and that public transport may be used for all journeys immediately.

Read more: Schools and shops to reopen in Leicester as Matt Hancock announces an easing of some lockdown measures

When announcing the measures, he said: "While planning for the worst, I strongly mean we should also hope for the best. That means looking forward with optimism."

Mr Johnson said that he hoped we would return to a sense of normality "possibly in time for Christmas", adding that the plan "remains conditional" on the UK pulling together to win its "long fight" against coronavirus.

Read more: Government's new interactive map reveals number of coronavirus cases in your postcode

He said: "It is my strong and sincere hope that we will be able to review the outstanding restrictions and allow a more significant return to normality from November at the earliest - possibly in time for Christmas."

Speaking about the return to work, he said: "Instead of government telling people to work from home, we are going to give employers more discretion, and ask them to make decisions about how their staff can work safely.

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The devolved nations of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all have the power to make their own decisions on lockdown easing.

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