Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 before restrictions would need to be implemented again.

Our approach has always been focused on data, not dates, in determining whether it is safe to proceed. In order to pass the tests and proceed with Step 4, we will need to be confident that easing will not lead to a surge in infections that could put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

However, we have seen time and time again that the virus is unpredictable, and circumstances can change. We know there are risks ahead, not only from new variants, but also seasonal changes in transmission. We will continue to monitor the data closely and take action if needed to keep the public safe and prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS.