Boris backed by Dewsbury MP as town's Blueprint sidelined

PM Johnson urged the public to remain on lockdown for an eighth week in order to control the spread of Covid-19, as his government sets out how the country’s restrictions will be eased in coming months.

PM Johnson said the UK is beggining to take steps towards opening up again, but only when it is clear virus infection rates are decreasing.

Conservative Mr Eastwood said: “He was clear in stating the vast majority of current guidance and rules remain in place.

“Stay alert, control the virus, save lives, means people will need to take a common-sense approach.

“The reason we must stay alert is if infection rates increase, we’ll have to go back to square one.

“The Government has outlined a phased approach to give an idea as to when different things might open up again, and that’s the right approach.

Mr Eastwood commented on the £200m Dewsbury Blueprint vision, which was put on hold due to Covid-19 lockdown.

“We can take heart that we have some exciting projects on the horizon, such as the Dewsbury Blueprint which is continuing as quickly as circumstances allow.

“The Blueprint will be vital in helping Dewsbury’s economy recover and grow once the pandemic is over, and help Dewsbury prosper.”

Eric Firth, chair of Dewsbury Forward, said: “We need to control this virus before re-launching Dewsbury Blueprint.

“Infection is still rising and people need to stay safe, that is priority, then we can start thinking about kickstarting the economy again.”

Tracy Brabin, MP for Batley and Spen and Shadow Minister for the Cultural Industries, said: "The Government's new message is unclear and raises more questions than it answers.

"The Prime Minister has told thousands of people to go back to work, but without a clear plan to ensure their safety in the workplace or guidance on how to get to work without using public transport.

"This is a critical time for our country and I'm worried this message from Government has just created more confusion at a time when the public wanted clarity."