The freedom genie is out.

We’ve been told by the Prime Minister, no less, that his roadmap is irreversible and it must be.

The latest data showing 2,763 infection cases and 45 deaths in the whole of the UK (source: coronavirus.data.gov.uk) is convincing evidence we’re winning the battle against this virus. However, the hard-hit hospitality sector wants restrictions lifted sooner.

Two prominent businessmen will be fighting in court to have the roadmap expedited.

Sacha Lord and Hugh Osmond hope a successful challenge will enable pubs and restaurants to reopen fully before 17 May.

They argue that non-essential shops, open from 12 April, pose a greater danger of transmission than hospitality venues, which have already spent millions to ensure their premises are Covid-secure.

The judge has given the Health Secretary a week from today to explain his thinking.

It’ll have to be sound if the Government’s mantra of “data, not dates” is not to look illogical.

The staggering success of the vaccine roll-out has already seen almost five and a half million people receive their second jab and the entire population projected to be covered by August. With international travel on the cards from 17 May, and the Prime Minister promising “a semblance of normality” from 21 June, I was disappointed that on Monday Government scientists were warning of new spikes, based on the very worst scenarios the modellers could devise.

Then twice weekly home testing and vaccine passports were mooted, the goal posts being shifted once again.

Enough!

Our lives back, please.

RICHARD DRAX

MP for South Dorset