Coronavirus: More than two million vulnerable 'shielders' will be allowed to meet loved ones from Monday

Boris Johnson is easing more lockdown rules, this time allowing those vulnerable to coronavirus who are shielding to leave home and go outdoors.

The change will coincide with other rules being eased on Monday and comes despite a backlash from leading scientists who claim the government is moving too soon.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has accused the prime minister of making difficult decisions more risky because of his mistakes over the past week.

The latest relaxation of lockdown rules will allow 2.2 million at-risk people shielding in England to go outside with members of their household, while continuing to follow the two-metre rule.

Those who live alone can meet outside with one other person from another household, according to the new rules.

People who are shielding are classed as extremely clinically vulnerable and include some cancer patients, organ transplant recipients and those with severe respiratory conditions.

The government claims the change will provide a much-needed boost to those most at risk who have been staying inside their homes to protect themselves and the NHS.

This includes many who have not had any face-to-face contact since they were first advised to shield.

Wales has also issued similar advice. Its Chief Medical Officer , Dr Frank Atherton, said: "Risk can never be completely eliminated but we advise those shielding to exercise at times that are less busy, so the risk of contact with others is reduced."

Announcing the latest easing of the rules, Mr Johnson thanked those who have shielded and praised their "sacrifice".

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"I do not underestimate just how difficult it has been for you, staying at home for the last 10 weeks, and I want to pay tribute to your resilience," he said.

The change comes at the same time as groups of six people will be able to meet outdoors, either in public spaces or in gardens, provided they observe the two-metre rule.

Both changes come on the day the government hopes many children will return to school, despite fierce opposition from teachers' unions and some parents.

Urging parents to send their children back to school, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson writes in The Sun on Sunday: "It's only natural for people to feel nervous about sending their kids back to school.

"That's why this first step back is such a cautious one - and it's not one that we make lightly."

England's deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van Tam, urged restraint ahead of the easing of lockdown rules.

"I believe this is also a very dangerous moment. We have to get this right," he said.

And he warned the public: "Don't tear the pants out of it, and don't go further than the guidance actually says."

The Labour leader was critical of the government's plans, saying its "actions over the past 10 days have made difficult decisions more risky".

"First, ministers have not yet got a fully functioning test, track and trace system in place; and second, the government's public health message has been undermined because the prime minister was too weak to take firm action against Dominic Cummings for breaking lockdown," Sir Keir said.

"Ministers need to accept that mistakes have been made and do everything they now can to reduce the risks to public health."

He said the government should listen to scientists if they begin to raise the alarm and be prepared to reintroduce measures quickly if necessary.

The prime minister's announcement to allow at-risk people to go outdoors has been welcomed by the leading cancer charity, Macmillan, however.

"This is a step forward for people who are most vulnerable to coronavirus, a group who have felt left behind and forgotten as lockdown eases," said policy chief Steven McIntosh.

But he raised concerns that existing support for extremely vulnerable people is not getting through and some are not having their needs met.

Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.

We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.

If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk