NEW UK Government guidance on easing coronavirus restrictions has urged people in England to respect devolution and stay away from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The 50 page roadmap, published yesterday, set out the three phases for exiting the lockdown.

While nearly all of it applies only to England, the Prime Minister yesterday said any divergence from a joint four-nation approach should only be brief.

Boris Johnson told the Commons: “The Government is today submitting to the House a plan which is conditional and dependent, as always, on the common sense and observance of the British people and on continual reassessment of the data.

“That picture varies across the regions and home nations of the United Kingdom, requiring a flexible response.

“Different parts of the UK may need to stay in full lockdown longer but any divergence should only be short-term because, as Prime Minister of the UK, I am in no doubt that we must defeat this threat and face the challenge of recovery together.”

Step one of the roadmap, which will kick in tomorrow, says anyone who cannot work from home should now consider travelling to work, though they should do so by bike, on foot, or by car. Public transport should be avoided if possible. It also makes clear employers’ duty to ensure workplaces are safe.

As in Scotland, the first phase also changes rules around exercise, allowing people to go out as many times in a day. However, the UK Government say it’s now safe for people in England to meet with one person from outside their household, as long as social distancing is adhered to.

It also says people can drive to an outdoor place no matter how far from their household, as they long as they don’t come to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

“Different parts of the UK have different R figures,” the strategy paper says. “The devolved administrations are making their own assessments about the lifting of measures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

The Government is also encouraging people to wear face coverings on public transport and in some types of shops.

Step two is due to kick in on June – if safe to do so – and would see a phased return for English schools, and non-essential shops.

Cultural and sporting events will be allowed to take place behind closed doors for public broadcast.

Step three, which would come into force on July 4, would see the reopening of pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, beauty salons, places of worship and cinemas.

During the Commons debate, the SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford called for Johnson to accept that Scotland will continue to follow the Government’s previous “stay at home” message.

He also urged the Prime Minister to respect “the legal right of all first ministers to set their approach” for their own countries.

The Tories had previously insisted on a UK-wide approach.