WORCESTER MP Robin Walker has said that the four week delay to lockdown restrictions being lifted is the ‘sensible decision’.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed yesterday that most remaining restrictions on social contact will continue beyond June 21.

The limit on wedding guest numbers will be removed but venues will still have to adhere to other rules.

Following the news, Worcester MP Robin Walker said: “I think clearly we would all love to see the unlocking going ahead, but I think it is the sensible decision at this stage with the number of cases that we’ve seen of the Delta variant to hold off, recognising that we don’t want to see a rise in hospitalisations that unfortunately we have seen in some parts of the west of England.

“I think this was a necessary but tough decision, but I am pleased to see some of the rules being relaxed particularly among weddings.

“I think the reason why the Government has had to take this tough decision to postpone the ending of restrictions is to keep the variant at bay and make sure we can continue with the vaccine rollout to make sure people are double vaccinated by the time when we can remove all restrictions.

On balance I think that’s the sensible thing to have done particularly given the evidence that vaccines do work against the Delta variant which is really welcome news, but the fact is not enough people yet are double vaccinated to make the maximum number of people safe."

The final stage of easing lockdown restrictions in England is to be delayed until July 19.