Boris Johnson ‘very optimistic’ about ending lockdown restrictions on June 21

Boris Johnson said he is "very optimistic" he will be able to ease all covid restrictions by the June 21 date set out in his road map.

The Prime Minister made the comments the day after he revealed his long-awaited four-phase exit strategy.

The roadmap gives an outline of when the Government hopes to give the green light to normal life – with June 21 earmarked for a full opening up of the economy.

On visit to a south London school, the PM said: “I’m hopeful but obviously nothing can be guaranteed and it all depends on the way we continue to be prudent and continue to follow the guidance in each stage.

"Genuinely because of the immense possibilities of the rollout, because science has given us this way of creating a shield around our population, we can really look at that June 21 date with some optimism.

"I think that’s how I would put it. I’m very optimistic that we’ll be able to get there."

June 21 is the final step on Mr Johnson’s roadmap and should include the reopening of certain sectors that stayed closed even during last summer, such as nightclubs and live events.

The Government also hopes to be able to lift restrictions on live events and make a decision on whether limits can be removed on weddings.

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