The Rt Hon Nigel Evans MP, Member of Parliament for the Ribble Valley, has strongly welcomed the Government’s ‘roadmap’ that will as he says, “allow our lives to return to something resembling normalcy”, and which is “a balanced approach between unlocking the economy, and ensuring that we don’t have to return to another nationwide lockdown”.
The ‘roadmap’, which was set out by the Prime Minister on 22nd February announced that schools and colleges will reopen on March 8th, along with allowing individuals to meet outside with one member of another household for recreation.
From March 29th people will be able to meet outside following the rule of 6, some outdoor sports facilities and organised outdoor sport will resume, and the stay-at-home orders will come to an end.
Nigel has welcomed the return of schools and colleges, saying “Getting our children back into the classroom has always been a priority, and I welcome the Government’s announcement which will undoubtedly be of huge benefit mentally, physically and educationally to our children”.
No earlier than 12th April will see the reopening of non-essential shops, personal care and outdoor hospitality. Then from May 17th at the earliest, the rule of six will apply indoors, along with the reopening of indoor hospitality and the return of some spectators to large events.
The Prime Minister hopes step four will begin no earlier than June 21st, which would see all legal limits on social contact removed, and remaining businesses reopen.
Speaking about the ‘roadmap’, Nigel has said:
“I welcome the cautious steps being taken by the Prime Minister, which will allow our businesses and economy to slowly re-open along with allowing for loved ones to once again safely meet”
“I would like to thank my constituents in the Ribble Valley who have continued to follow the restrictions to help suppress the spread of Covid-19. Without these sacrifices we would not be in a position to start re-opening our society”
“I recognise the significant difficulties businesses across the Ribble Valley have faced over the past year, and whilst I welcome the cautious approach to reopen our economy, I recognise for many the coming months may seem far away. I will continue to work with the Government to ensure businesses receive the support they require, and I look forward to the hearing the Chancellors plans in the budget next week”
Speaking of the progress of the vaccination programme Nigel said:
“With now over 17 million people having received their first vaccination dose, many of our most vulnerable are becoming protected. I would like to thank all those involved and our brilliant NHS for this momentous achievement and encourage all those being offered a vaccination to receive it as a way of protecting themselves and others around them.”
“After an incredibly difficult year for so many whilst there is great optimism and months to look forward to, in the meantime we must remember the great threat the virus poses, and continue to follow the guidance in place, to protect our NHS and to ensure the path we now have to normality does not get derailed”.