UK lockdown: How do rules vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Devolved governments are taking slightly different approaches to the pandemic

The leaders of the four nations of the UK are choosing different ways to ease the coronavirus restrictions using their devolved powers.

Attempts to maintain a unified UK-wide response faltered after first ministers Nicola Sturgeon, Mark Drakeford and Arlene Foster all rejected Boris Johnson’s new “stay alert” slogan.

They will retain the original “stay at home” message, while lifting selected parts of the lockdown at their own pace.

So, after the prime minister’s speech, how does the lockdown now vary across the four nations?

England

From Wednesday, people will be allowed to take an unlimited amount of outdoor exercise.

You can sunbathe in a local park, but you must only do so with members of your own household and remain socially distanced from others.

Driving to other destinations in England and playing sport is also permitted with members of your own household.

However you can still be fined if you breach social distancing rules.

Boris Johnson also said that people who cannot work from home should be encouraged to go to work from Monday — but advised against using public transport.

The phased reopening of schools and shops is due to begin in June, followed by the hospitality industry in July.

Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon announced that people in Scotland can exercise outdoors as often and for as long as they want as long as they follow social distancing guidelines.

However, she made it clear that other measures mentioned by Boris Johnson only applied to England.

Ms Sturgeon said the change in advice on exercise did not mean the Scottish public could sunbathe or have picnics and barbecues.

Wales

First minister Mark Drakeford said people in Wales will be allowed to exercise more than once a day from Monday.

Garden centres will be able to open with social distancing guidelines, and local authorities can begin planning how to safely open libraries and recycling centres.

However, Mr Drakeford indicated that Welsh schools will not open in June.

Northern Ireland

First minister Arlene Foster said minor adjustments would be made to lockdown rules next week.

They are expected to include advising the public they can go out as much as they want for exercise.

The coalition administration also agreed to recommend the wearing of face coverings in enclosed spaces where social distancing is difficult