Shadow home secretary calls for public debate on lockdown S

Shadow home secretary calls for public debate on lockdown

Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said there should be a "public debate" about how the UK could lift the Covid-19 restriction.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, the Labour MP for Torfaen said: "The government needs to be open about its approach to the different options for easing the lockdown, to be transparent about how the different options are going to be considered and how they are going to be evaluated.

"What I would like to see then is a real public debate, looking at the public health options, looking at the economic impact.

"This is so important because the British public are making great sacrifices every day and deserve a government that is open about its future plans."

Should some parts of UK lift lockdown earlier?

First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster has said there could be a recognition that some parts of the UK should be allowed to emerge out of the coronavirus restrictions earlier than others.

She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I heard Matt (Hancock) saying 'It is my preference we should work together' and of course it is my preference absolutely as well.

"We have been working together as four nations, continuing to decide what is the best way forward.

"But the two positions are not mutually exclusive because the point I've been making is that we may decide, as a United Kingdom, on criteria which will mean that different regions will move at different times.

"And just to be clear, I wasn't suggesting that Northern Ireland would be the first mover - we're not out of the woods, we are not making a dash for the exit, not in any way.

"What I was suggesting was that we may, as a country, decide that there are different regions that will move at different times."

MPs launch inquiry into Covid impact on Wales

A group of MPs has launched an inquiry into the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy in Wales.

The Welsh Affairs Committee, which scrutinises the impact of the UK Government's policies on the country, said the coronavirus outbreak was the most "challenging" period for Wales since devolution.

There have been 774 deaths and 8,900 people who have tested positive for the virus.

The lockdown has seen the Welsh public told to stay at home as the economy grinds to a halt, with thousands of workers furloughed.

Concerns have been raised about how the Welsh economy - heavily reliant on the seasonal economy - survives and recovers, particularly if restrictions remain in force.