West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has joined a group of MPs urging the Government to publish its strategy for re-opening schools and the economy as more and more people get their first jab.

The national vaccination programme hit its first target over the weekend with 15 million vulnerable people and key workers being offered their first jab. The programme is now being extended to the further groups in line with the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunizations.

Harriett was signatory of a letter sent to Prime Minister Boris Johnson urging him to set out the plan for the re-opening of schools, shops and hospitality venues as more people are vaccinated.

Harriett said: “It is amazing news that so many people have already received their first jab and I pay tribute to everyone involved in making this happen.

“Alongside this very positive news I have joined a group of MPs urging the Government to lay out a plan to allow children to get back to school and to unlock the economy.

“Lockdown is so tough and lots of people are already contacting me setting out their views on what we need to re-start and I am keen that the Government sets out a clear plan to allow us to get back to as much of our normal way of life as possible.

“All the studies show that we need to get children back into the school setting and the fast speed of vaccine roll out should allow us to reopen the economy safely without risking the NHS being overwhelmed, which was the reason for the lockdown.

“I hope the Government’s blueprint for unlocking will be outlined when Parliament returns next week, and businesses can plan ahead.”