Calls go out for clarity as cross-border divide over lockdown exit widens

UK prime minister Boris Johnson has dropped his previous message urging people to stay at home as much as possible, replacing it with advice to stay alert.

Scottish Government first minister Nicola Sturgeon has rejected that change of tack and is continuing to urge Scots to stay at home to help keep coronavirus at bay, however.

Relaxation of the lockdown in force since Monday, March 23, is now beginning south of the border, with some businesses, including garden centres, being allowed to reopen and people being encouraged to go back to work if they can’t do so from home.

However, apart from allowing people to exercise more than once a day, the lockdown remains fully in place in Scotland for the time being.

That divide is sparking concerns of possible confusion among the public, particularly in the Borders, but there is consensus that any potential problems can be overcome by clear and consistent messaging.

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont said: “I would prefer consistency between the nations of the UK. However, devolution allows for each country to take a different approach.

“I am concerned about how these differences will affect Borders communities as people travel across the border regularly.

“It would now be very useful for residents and businesses to have a clear roadmap in Scotland as to how we exit lockdown.”

Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, is also concerned, saying: “The Borders is unique because people work on both sides of the border, where currently the guidance varies.

“We need to have confidence in Nicola Sturgeon’s plan for Scotland and why the stay-at-home message is being used.

“We still do not know accurately in Scotland what the infection rate is, and testing has fallen well below the levels seen in other parts of the UK.

“Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that essential journeys to work or for shopping and medicines can be made either side of the border.

“However, the different guidance means that there are two sets of rules for seeing friends, family and loved ones.

“The diverging exit strategies must be respected across the borderlands to protect our older and vulnerable population.”

David Mundell, MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, added: “So far, the differences between Scotland and the rest of UK have been relatively minor despite how they are sometimes presented, and the overall approach remains the same, but when there need to be differences, we should all know the science and data such decisions are based on.

“Let’s be absolutely clear that anybody living in the south of Scotland can continue to travel to the north of England for work, essential shopping and medical needs without breaking any of the guidelines issued by either the Scottish or UK governments.”

Christine Grahame, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, also believes clarity is crucial, saying: “It is the responsibility of all governments to make clear what the law is in their part of the UK.

“It is for the prime minister to make changes he sees as appropriate in England, just as it is for the first minister to make such changes as she sees appropriate in Scotland.

“The guidance in Scotland is only being changed to remove restrictions on exercise, with no limit to duration or how many times a day that can happen.

“All other lockdown restrictions remain in place.

“The Scottish Government has been clear that lockdown will not be kept in place for a moment longer than is necessary.

“Restrictions will be kept under constant review, and the Scottish Government will set out a phased approach to relieving some of the pressure of lockdown as soon as it can.”

Scottish Borders Council leader Shona Haslam added: “I am disappointed the UK is not following a collective path.

“This causes confusion for our many residents who live and work across the border.

“The council is doing all that it can to ensure the safety of residents.”