LONDON - Boris Johnson’s cabinet is reportedly torn over when to end the UK’s lockdown – with some ministers arguing that is should continue for another six weeks.
The current social-distancing restrictions were put in place for a period of three weeks on March 23, with the last day due tomorrow. However, the government has already stated that these measures will continue past the deadline.
So-far 11,344 people have died from Covid-19 in the UK. A Cabinet source has now revealed that ministers are split between wanting to save lives and wanting to protect the economy, as some fear current action to keep the public safe could create bigger problems for the UK in the future. According to The Sun, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Priti Patel want the current lockdown to be extended by three weeks, while Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Michael Gove say the UK needs longer.
They are reportedly pushing for a six-week extension, meaning the measures will be lifted on May 25. The Cabinet source said: ‘It’s right and proper that we took action. But we must phase it out at the earliest opportunity.
‘It could lead to many more deaths than the virus itself as the economy tanks, people lose jobs and families get poorer and sicker. We need a game plan for ending this.’(FA)
