THE roadmap out of national lockdown, expected on February 22, could be delayed as the Government broadens its deadline. 

Downing Street has broadened the deadline for delivering the plans to ease the lockdown, in a move that could see the day earmarked for the reopening of schools delayed.

Previously Boris Johnson and other ministers have said that the “roadmap” will be published on February 22.

But on Thursday the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We’ve been clear we will publish the roadmap on the week of the 22nd.

“We will set out the roadmap that week but you’ve got what we’ve said previously about trying to give schools as much notice as possible and we’ve said we’ll give at least two weeks.”

A date any later than the previously outlined Monday could delay the reopening of schools after Mr Johnson said headteachers would be given at least two weeks notice.

March 8 is the current target for getting pupils back in class after a period of remote learning. 

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Johnson must meet his commitment to get children back in England’s schools on March 8, while Prof Edmunds also said it would be “touch and go” whether the R value would rise above one if schools reopen.