Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to hold a press briefing later today on whether July 19th "freedom day" will still go ahead.
The conference will take place today from within Downing Street's press room, with the PM leading the latest Covid-19 briefing update.
The next stage of easing was expected to be confirmed by Johnson today, however other reports have quoted him as saying that 'caution is absolutely vital.'
Whilst this next stage of lifting measures is seen by many as a further move towards normality and out of the pandemic, public opinion does appear to be split on whether now is the right time for easing to go ahead.
Much of the British public seem particularly keen to keep mask wearing. A recent You Gov poll found 71% felt face masks should continue to be mandatory on public transport, as well as in shops and some enclosed public spaces (66%) after the expected lifting of restrictions on 19th July, dubbed "freedom day" by some.
However, Johnson has continually hinted that the lifting of all remaining restrictions is "tantalisingly close" - which would see an end to the legal requirement to wear masks in England.
Boris Johnson will host a press conference this afternoon, while Health Secretary Sajid Javid will reveal the plans to Parliament in the House of Commons.
“While the phenomenal vaccine rollout has offered every adult some protection against the virus, and the crucial link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths is weakened, the global pandemic is not over yet," said the Prime Minister.
“Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans today, our message will be clear. Caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress, ensuring we continue to protect our NHS.”
What time is Boris Johnson's Covid press conference?
The Prime Minister has previously held his Covid briefings at 5pm from the Downing Street press briefing room.
The Prime Minister will host a press conference this afternoon, while the Health Secretary Sajid Javid is due to reveal the plans to Parliament.
What is he expected to say?
According to statements from Downing Street the decisions around unlocking are made based on four tests - the vaccine rollout's success, a reduction in hospital admissions and deaths, whether infection rates risk a surge in admissions, and whether any new variants of concern are likely to throw England's progress off track.
Boris Johnson was initially expected to announce that mask-wearing can be completely dropped, however in an apparent U-turn last Monday he said that it would be a personal choice to wear a face covering.
It is likely people in England will still be expected to wear masks indoors and in enclosed spaces, said Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi on Sunday.
News
Leeds Bradford Airport set for complete ‘shutdown’ as 130 workers go on strike
Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers are set to take industrial action over pay.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Strikes will take place from 03:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
Strike will mean the entire airport will shut down.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Leeds Bradford Airport is very profitable and can more than afford to come back to the table with an offer that doesn't fall short of our members' expectations.
"Our hardworking members should not be paid less than those doing the same jobs at other airports. Workers taking action at Leeds Bradford Airport have Unite's full support in their fight for fairer pay."
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: "We know people who have flights planned to and from Leeds Bradford Airport will be concerned to hear of industrial action, however our members have no choice but to strike.
"The airport is profitable, passenger numbers are growing and our members are a major part of its success. They deserve a fair pay rise, and management must come back to the table to deliver this."
Leeds pizza shop hailed ‘exceptional’ and ‘best in the UK’ by major reviewer
Clementine Hall
A Leeds pizza takeaway has received a glowing review from popular review duo.
Edges Pizza opened up their first permanent spot in Leeds back in June this year, after making a name for themselves slinging out pizzas at multiple pop-ups across the city.
Owners Grace and Edge from Harrogate opened Edges Pizza two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their pizzas are a love letter to the class New York slice, think thin and crispy rather than chewy and floppy. But above all else, think absolutely delicious.
And now, they've caught the attention of a major review page, with Bite Twice Food Reviews (a page with almost 300k followers) paying Edges a visit.
The food review duo of Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany popped up in Holbeck beneath the arches to get their hands on a pizza, and the outcome is brilliant.
In the video, Bite Twice said that the pizza is 'f**cking exceptional' and up there with 'one of the best pizzas in the UK'.
Before even taking a bite, they said: "On aesthetic, I don't think anywhere in the UK is doing pizza like this".
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Then after the first bite, they go on to say: "There are very few pizzas in the UK that create this, I’m a little bit blown away".
As Londoners themselves, they go on to say that Edges is 'easily hitting with the best that we’ve got down south'.
And if that's not high praise enough, they sign off the video saying: "Leeds has got an absolute gem. I give this a stamp so hard my foot went through the pizza. Edges. Don Level."
Georgina Pellant -
12th July 2021 
