Boris Johnson fiercely rejected suggestions the British Government had stopped looking at other countries to create a successful response to the coronavirus pandemic. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer challenged Mr Johnson on the decision to remove a comparative graph showing contagion trends across the world. But the Prime Minister insisted his Cabinet remains committed to learning as much as possible from neighbouring countries to ensure the reproduction (R) rate of the coronavirus is kept under control while the economy is partially re-opened.

Responding to Sir Keir’s claims, the Prime Minister said: “On his point earlier about not learning from other countries.

“Nothing could be further from the truth.

“We’re watching intently what is happening in other countries and it is very notable in other countries, where relaxation have been introduced, there are signs of the R going up again.

“That is a very clear sign to us not to proceed too fast or too recklessly. I hope the country does understand that.”

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Responding to concerns about parents being forced to go back to work despite lacking childcare, Mr Johnson said: “On the specific point he raises about people’s anxieties about going back to work without having adequate childcare.

“I think I was very clear both with him and with the House earlier in the week that insofar people may not be able to go back to work because they don’t have the childcare that they need, then their employers must be understanding.

“It is clearly an impediment, a barrier, to your ability to go back to work if you don’t have childcare.”

The Prime Minister announced on Sunday some workers unable to work from home, such as those in the construction industry and manufacturers, would be able to return to work this week as the first step in plans to relax the lockdown.

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