Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government on what evidence they based their decision to open non-essential retail, hairdressers, and beauty parlours no sooner than 12 April but not open museums, galleries and heritage buildings until 17 May at the earliest; and what plans they have to publish the data which supported that decision.

The design of the roadmap has been informed by the latest scientific evidence and seeks a balance between our key social and economic priorities, whilst preserving the health and safety of the country. The scientific evidence shows that opening too early or too quickly risks a further lockdown.

The Chancellor announced in the 2021 Budget an additional £300 million to support theatres, museums and other cultural organisations in England through the Culture Recovery Fund. The Chancellor also set out that we will provide £90 million funding to support our government-sponsored national museums in England due to the financial impact of Covid-19.