Matt Hancock loses his cool as he tells radio interviewer that the government won't release exit plan

Matt Hancock today insisted the public cannot be trusted with a coronavirus 'exit strategy' as they might stop obeying lockdown rules.

In a bad-tempered interview as the government prepares to extend draconian curbs for another three weeks, the Health Secretary said he recognised that 'everybody wants to know what the future looks like'.  

But he flatly dismissed calls for the government to flesh out how the restrictions will finally be eased, despite mounting fears that they are wreaking havoc on the economy. 

Mr Hancock said the 'clarity of messaging' had a 'direct impact on how many people obey' social distancing rules.

In bruising clashes with Nick Robinson on BBC Radio 4''s Today programme, Mr Hancock angrily told the interviewer to stop interrupting. 
 

'The communications are part of the policy. That is why we will not be distracted in to confusing that messaging. The scientists can say what they like, the commentators can say what they like,' he swiped. 

The bitter spat came as one of the government's own key experts condemned the response from ministers and warned curbs cannot be eased until mass testing is in place.  

Professor Neil Ferguson insisted schools and more shops should not be open until everyone with symptoms, and everyone they have come into contact with, can been screened. Even then, he warned there is no possibility of the country returning to 'normal' until a vaccine is produced. 

The epidemiologist - who has been modelling the outbreak for the government - delivered a withering verdict on the performance of ministers, urging them to 'accelerate action'. He suggested the organisation in Whitehall was not on the same scale as the effort on Brexit, despite the crisis being much bigger. 

Dominic Raab is set to confirm that lockdown will stay in place until at least mid-May after a Cobra emergency committee meeting this afternoon. 

Meanwhile, a report sent to ministers has suggested coffee shops, restaurants and estate agents should be among the first to reopen on Britain's high streets, as they are the businesses most likely to boost the economy and pose the smallest risk of spreading the virus. 



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