while just 15% believe it is right to start easing restrictions now A new opinion poll found three out of four Britons oppose easing Covid-19 rules One in five Britons still oppose easing the restrictions in three weeks' time The SkyNews YouGov poll found 46 per cent want Covid-19 rules eased in June PM Boris Johnson is expected to outline the government's plan on Sunday night Three out of four Britons believe lifting the lockdown now would be a bad idea, although almost half believe it would be the correct decision in three weeks' time. Just 15 per cent of the public, according to a new opinion poll, believe Prime Minister Boris Johnson should immediately lift the Covid-19 restrictions. The YouGov poll questioned 1,644 British adults between May 7-8. Environment Secretary George Eustice, pictured today during the daily Downing Street Covid-19 press conference tempered expectations of a dramatic easing of restrictions next week Prime Minister Boris Johnson, pictured today in Downing Street, will address the nation on Sunday where he is expected to outline the government's plan to deal with the next stage of the Covid-19 pandemic which has so far claimed more than 31,000 lives A new poll by YouGov and Sky News found only 15 per cent of Britons believe Mr Johnson should ease the lockdown restrictions this week The poll was commissioned by Sky News. According to the figures, the public are 'very opening' to easing the restrictions in June. One in five Britons would oppose lifting the lockdown in three weeks' time, though almost a third of the population are undecided. The poll shows that 46 per cent believe it would be a good idea to ease restrictions in three weeks' time. Mr Johnson is planning to address the nation on Sunday to outline the next stage of his government's plan. The contents of his address have been widely briefed in advance, drawing criticism from the police who are finding it difficult to continue to enforce the current guidelines. Ministers have looked to downplay differences emerging between UK nations on lockdown measures and warned there would be no 'dramatic overnight change' to the restrictions in England. Police officers have privately complained about the mixed messages coming from government over the need to stay at home, especially ahead of this Bank Holiday Weekend which has brought good weather and warm temperatures Some 46 per cent of Britons believe the lockdown restrictions should remain in place for another three weeks, pictured here is Westminster Underground Station, which is normally packed with commuters and tourists Environment Secretary George Eustice, speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, said the UK was still 'not out of the woods' when it came to the coronavirus threat. He became the latest minister to temper expectations regarding the alterations the Prime Minister is likely to make to social distancing rules when he addresses the nation on Sunday. 'We have to be realistic that there isn't going to be any dramatic overnight change, we will be very, very cautious as we loosen the restrictions we have, as the data that we're outlining on a daily basis shows we are not out of the woods,' said Mr Eustice. 'There are still major challenges, we will be living with this virus for some time to come and it's therefore important to avoid that second peak that could overwhelm our NHS.' His comments came after the devolved administration in Wales announced 'modest adjustments' to the restrictions on movement, put in place across the UK to stem the transmission of coronavirus. First Minister Mark Drakeford said the three changes, coming into force on Monday, included allowing more than one form of exercise per day and permitting garden centres and public libraries to reopen. But in Scotland, only alterations to exercise guidance are expected, while those in Northern Ireland have been told there will be just 'nuanced changes' to the clampdown on movement. The announcements came around 48 hours before Boris Johnson is due to declare the result of the UK Government's review into what rule changes should be brought in for England. The PM has promised to exercise 'maximum caution' when tinkering with the restrictions but paved the way this week for the devolved nations to move at 'different speeds' when releasing the lockdown as long as 'there is evidence that supports' the decision. Mr Eustice, in a bid to combat fears that UK leaders were fracturing in their approach to dealing with Covid-19, said the public should not get 'worked up' that the four nations were choosing to announce changes at different intervals. The Cabinet minister said: 'Generally speaking we've taken similar approaches, even though there have been slight differences. 'I don't think we need to get too worked up about timings of different announcements, Scotland made some comments last week, Wales has today. 'The Prime Minister will be setting out his approach and that road map and how we intend to evolve these restrictions on Sunday.' He also reiterated calls for people to stay at home, despite the VE Day bank holiday, marking the 75th anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in Europe during the Second World War, proving to be one of the hottest days of the year. The PM is set to unveil his 'road map' for easing the lockdown in a broadcast to the nation on Sunday after he has convened his Covid-19 war cabinet. The use of masks, PA understands, is expected to be referenced in the new guidance for England, which will be published in full on Monday. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden looked to dampen public expectations for the announcement during his morning broadcast round, stating that 'limited moves' will be made to ease the restrictions. Official data suggests more than 36,000 people have died with coronavirus in the UK since the pandemic broke. Source
