I am delighted that the UK and EU negotiating teams met face to face in Brussels yesterday, with both sides having agreed to intensify talks on securing a new trade agreement before the end of 2020.
The Prime Minister has set out further changes to lockdown measures in England to enable people to see more of their friends and family, help businesses get back on their feet and get people back in their jobs.
This week, the Prime Minister will announce which parts of the economy can reopen from 4 July, as we continue to restart our economy safely, under phase three of our COVID-19 roadmap.
The Prime Minister has commissioned a comprehensive review of the two-metre social distancing rule which will examine how the two-metre rule works in practice, the scientific evidence and international comparisons among other factors.
From today, shops will be able to reopen their doors in the next step in our careful easing of lockdown – provided they are meeting robust safety guidelines, so we can keep staff and customers safe as we get our economy moving again.
Like many others, I am appalled to see the dreadful scenes of racist thuggery and attacks on our police over the weekend. I condemn this unacceptable behaviour, anyone attacking our police will be met with the full force of the law/
Today, the Government will start negotiating a free trade agreement with Japan, which will provide more opportunities for businesses and individuals across every region of the UK and help boost our economies.
I support the Prime Minister's call on the British public to work peacefully and lawfully, to defeat racism and discrimination wherever we find it, as we continue to work together across all communities of this country to put Britain back on its feet.
Although the Government continues to announce further ways that the coronavirus restrictions can be eased it is vital that we all stay alert to control the virus and save lives.
