What Powers Will The Police Have During Coronavirus Lockdown?

Last night Boris Johnson announced a virtual lockdown for 3-weeks when he said, 'You must stay at home.' The prime minister warned that people would only be allowed outside to buy food or medication, to exercise once a day (alone or with household members), or to travel to work, if absolutely necessary.

He said that if you don't follow the rules, 'the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings'.

The emergency Coronavirus legislation is expected to become law as soon as Thursday – the bill is to be debated in the House of Lords today and tomorrow, with the Government hoping that there will be no Lords amendments, so that it can promptly receive royal assent. It has been announced that the new powers within the Coronavirus bill will be in force for two years and subject to renewal every six months.