THE UK Government’s new Health Secretary wants to end lockdown “as soon as possible” due to fears over its impact on the economy, it has emerged.
Former chancellor Sajid Javid took on the role at the weekend following the resignation of Matt Hancock. Lockdown-sceptic backbench Tory MPs are hoping Javid will differ from his apparently more cautious predecessor.
In his first comments in the job, Javid said his most immediate priority is to see “that we can return to normal as soon and as quickly as possible”.
England’s remaining lockdown measures are set to be eased on July 19 – the date was pushed back from June 21 as the fast-spreading Delta variant caused concern.
READ MORE: Appointment of Sajid Javid 'awful for NHS', Dominic Cummings says
A source close to the new Health Secretary says he would be “extremely reluctant” to back any extension to that mid-July easing. “He’ll be looking and seeking to justify ending it as soon as possible,” The Telegraph reported.
The source also said Javid has “concerns about the costs of it and the effects” of lockdown, with the economy and wider society both in mind.
READ MORE: New Tory Health Secretary told to match Scottish NHS and social care funding
A Sky News interview with Javid from May 2020 resurfaced yesterday, showing him question lockdowns and their impact on the economy.
Javid will give a statement in the House of Commons after about 3.30pm today, making clear his position on restrictions and the likelihood of easing them next month.
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