Small print in legislation shows lockdown to last for months

Prime Minister Boris Johnson could extend the current lockdown until at least the end of March of even May.

On Tuesday evening Johnson was hit with a backlash from the 1922 Committee after they saw the newly published legislation, which states that the current lockdown regulations will expire on 31 March.

Tory backbenchers are fearing the third lockdown could last for three months, despite Johnson saying he will review the lockdown in six weeks time, which could end the lockdown in mid-February.

Speaking to Times Radio, Tory MP Nus Ghani, who is part of the Government’s Covid Recovery Group (CRG) said it appears that Johnson had asked MPs for a three month lockdown.

A senior Government official told the Financial Times, “Let’s be honest, it’s probably going to run till Easter.”

Another Conservative official added, “They’ve got such a win with the Oxford vaccine they’re going to blow it with over-expectations. Again.”

The Spectator’s Katy Balls said, “Opting for a flower analogy, Johnson promised that things would be better, in terms of restrictions being eased, by the time tulip season was over — perhaps even by daffodil season.

“This led to MPs frantically googling floral seasons for a clue as to when restrictions would end (Tulips: early May).

“MPs then made the point that the dates of each season could vary depending where in the country you were.”

Today MPs will vote on the new legislation in the House of Commons and Johnson will start with a statement around 11:30 this morning.