Boris Johnson tells Nicola Sturgeon UK could exit lockdown at "different speeds"

Boris Johnson has told Nicola Sturgeon that different parts of the UK may move out of lockdown at “slightly different speeds” during a call between the two leaders today.

Nicola Sturgeon says she may ease exercise restrictions

It came after Ms Sturgeon hinted that she may be ready to ease restriction on daily exercise in Scotland in order to ensure a four nations approach is adopted.

But she insisted that she would not be “pressurised” into lifting other restrictions on the use of beer gardens, returning to work and the use of public transport, as well as moving away from the “Stay at Home” advice. It came amid reports Mr Johnson is considering this.

The two leaders spoke on the phone this afternoon.

A spokesman for Mr Johnson insisted that the call reflected the UK Government’s continued commitment to working in consultation with the devolved administrations in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“During the call, the Prime Minister emphasised that this is a critical moment in the fight against coronavirus and that the Government will not throw away the efforts and sacrifices of the British people,” the spokesman added.

“He was clear that we will not risk a second peak that could overwhelm the NHS, and we will act with maximum caution in order to save lives.

“He reiterated his commitment to continuing our UK-wide approach to tackling coronavirus, even if different parts of the UK begin to move at slightly different speeds. Those decisions will be made based on the science for each nation.

“They all agreed that continued engagement between our administrations is vital and to remain in close contact in the days and weeks ahead.”

Ms Sturgeon had earlier insisted that ditching the Stay at Home message would be “catastrophic” in the battel against the virus.

A spokesman for Ms Sturgeon said after today’s call: “The First Minister reiterated to the Prime Minister that the lockdown regulations in Scotland would remain in place and that the only issue under consideration at this time was in relation to outdoor exercise.

“The First Minister also made clear that the Stay at Home message remained crucial. While no specific detail of the plans under consideration by the UK Government was shared, the Prime Minister confirmed that there would be further discussion ahead of a meeting of COBRA on Sunday.”