UK Foreign Secy defends relaxation of lockdown rules

Speaking to the BBC, Raab said the government had been listening to the views of different scientists who did not all agree.

He said the country was now transitioning from level four to level three of the COVID-19 alert system, adding that the easing of measures was only being taken because the government had met its five targets.

The government "wanted to avoid a re-entering of the lockdown", he told the BBC, but with the track, trace and test system a targeted approach could be taken.

"We have definitely got the ability and we will target specific settings or particular regions or geographic areas - and that gives us the confidence to take sure footed steps forward."

Scientists who advise ministers have voiced concerns about easing the rules. Professor John Edmunds, from the London School of Tropical Hygiene and Medicine and also a member of Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said it was a "political decision" to ease measures, adding that the levels of coronavirus were still "very high". (IANS)

Also watch: Zero Tolerance for Corruption: Assam CM on flood-related work