According to Therese Coffey on the radio this morning the rationale is as follows:
The prime minister set out that we need to take extra caution in certain areas regarding the Indian variant. It is good practice to formally put that guidance on the record affecting those communities.
We have been working in close contact, so I’m surprised to hear that people think this has come out of the blue – it hasn’t.
It is about formalising on the record the guidance which we believe people can and should follow in order to make sure we tackle and don’t have more spread of the Indian variant.
The PM's speech last week advised people in Bolton which, along with Blackburn, at least got specific mention to be cautious. The 'Lockdown Lite' advised on the website goes some way beyond that and extends to places like Leicester that the PM never mentioned.
Apparently no discussion with/notice to Local Government or Local Health Chiefs in the areas concerned. Certainly no public announcement.
It's hit the media today because somebody noticed the actual words on .gov.
The vaccines minister has now made a statement to the house but it appears to contradict 'Lockdown Lite' and allow travel to visit friends etc so long as you don't go inside.
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