Portsmouth politicians united alongside government's plans to end Covid-19 lockdown

For decades the Conservatives, Labour Party and Liberal Democrats have rowed over countless issues, with each party believing their policies are the correct ones for the country.

But after prime minister Boris Johnson announced his roadmap for the end of the Covid-19 lockdown measures, politicians from all sides have rallied together to show their support.

Conservative MP for Gosport, Caroline Dinenage, said: ‘After a tough year it's encouraging that the PM has set out our ‘one way road to freedom’.

‘We are the first country in the world to publish a comprehensive route out of lockdown, thanks to our successful vaccine programme.

‘This clear approach, led by data not dates, will cautiously but irreversibly see our society and economy reopen over the next few months and most importantly, reunite us with those we love.’

In the House of Commons, Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said his party would stand alongside the Conservatives in bringing lockdown to an end.

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth's Guildhall reopens as Covid-19 testing centre for asymptomatic critical workers

Labour MP for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan, added that there is now a ‘clear route’ to restrictions being eased.

He said: ‘After a long and difficult winter, our city will breathe a sigh of relief – the progress we have made to date is thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of our frontline healthcare staff and service personnel, but also the many ways in which our city has pulled together.

‘Children learn best in the classroom, so the confirmation of a return on 8 March is welcome.

‘Ministers must now make sure the testing announced works on the ground and speed up the vaccination of teachers and staff.

‘The hospitality and retail sector have been among the hardest hit by this pandemic, and many will be unable to open until mid-April at the earliest.

‘I will continue to push ministers to announce support for these sectors – as well as those who continue to be excluded – in the budget next week.’

Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, believes the government is moving in the right direction.

The Liberal Democrat said: ‘I will say when the government gets things wrong, so it’s only fair to say when they get things right.

‘It’s a good idea to have something where people know what the steps are and when they could happen.

‘The problem we’ve had in the past is that the government has relaxed things too quickly – but it appears they might have learned their lesson.

‘What I am worried about is the return of university students, because that was a driving force behind the spike in infections last October.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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