We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Ministers feared the UK’s food supply supply would soon collapse following the French President’s threat to close the borders. Mr Macron had become increaingly frustrated by the delay in the UK going into lockdown early into the coronavirus pandemic. Due to Boris Johnson’s delay, the President then forced his hand and three days later, the UK too was placed into a nationwide lockdown. 

Such was the concern over the lack of food reaching the UK, Mr Hancock was told the supple chain would “fall over”. 

One official told The Times that it wasn’t certain the UK would have enoguh food to last that weekend. 

The official said: “None of the workers in the French ports were turning up that first weekend.

“It wasn’t clear we were going to have enough food for the week ahead.”

Currently, the UK has recorded 45,273 deaths from the virus after a further 40 were reported in the last 24 hours at the time of writing. 

With the number of deaths now remaining at a low level, Mr Johnson announced more restrictions will now be lifted in England. 

Crucially, Mr Johnson has now chnaged the Government’s guidance on working from home. 

Previously, employers were advised to allow employees to work from home where possible. 

JUST IN: Pubs across UK will be lost forever unless ‘unfair’ rates scrapped

This has now changed to give employers the power to ask workers to return if it is safe to do so. 

Although this will be seen as a major concession, Mr Johnson did add this was conditional on the UK making continual progress against the virus.

These changes will come into effect from August 1. 

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will have the power to set their own timelines on the easing of lockdowns. 

DON’T MISS

Concerns raised over Putin’s role in COVID-19 vaccine hacking bid [Latest]
Coronavirus ‘game-changing’ antibodies test unveiled [Update]
EU on the brink: Michel’s desperate bid to salvage coronavirus plan [Insight] 

Mr Johnson said: “So in England, from July 17 we are making clear that anybody may use public transport, while of course encouraging people to consider alternative means of transport where they are available.

“From 25 July, we have already committed to reopening the indoor gyms, pools and other sports facilities.

“From 1 August, we will update our advice on going to work.

“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.”

Mr Johnson also announced a £3billion package of extra funding for the NHS in ENgland to prepare for a winter outbreak. 

This came on top of the £30billion of funding for health and social care which was announced earlier this year. 

Source: Read Full Article