Essential that this lockdown is the last one, says High Peak MP

The roadmap includes four stages for easing restrictions, striking a balance between social and economic impacts, and protecting the health and safety of our country.

Before progressing through each step of the plan, the Government will examine the latest data to ensure four key tests are met.

These tests include the vaccine deployment programme continuing successfully, evidence showing vaccines are effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths of those vaccinated, infection rates not risking a surge in hospitalisations and risk assessments not being fundamentally changed by new variants.

With the four tests currently met, the Government is going ahead with the first step, getting all children back into schools from March 8.

The Government will also prioritise ways for people to safely reunite with their loved ones and the return of outdoor organised sports towards the end of March.

It’s essential that this is the last lockdown, so a cautious approach is the prudent one.

Further support to businesses and people affected will be announced by the Chancellor in next week’s Budget.

I strongly believe the Government has a duty to continue standing by local businesses and workers and helping the High Peak to bounce back.

The UK’s vaccination programme continues to pick up pace, with more than one in three adults having received a vaccine dose already.

I’m incredibly proud that the High Peak vaccine rollout is one of the most advanced anywhere in the country.

We are all grateful to those who are working so hard to make it happen.

But there is a lot more to do.

The Government has announced an ambitious target to offer a coronavirus vaccine to every adult in the country by the end of July.

That means all vulnerable people in categories one to nine and those over 50 being offered a vaccine by April 15.

Every jab helps protect the most vulnerable and takes us a step closer to easing restrictions.

With the roadmap announced this week, the end is finally in sight.

Robert Largan is MP for High Peak.