Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen says he does not want to see anyone wearing masks after July 19.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson updated the nation today (Monday) with Sky News by saying how he plans to "restore people's freedoms" in England ahead of the final stage of his roadmap out of lockdown.

Rules on the wearing of masks are to be relaxed in favour of personal choice.

Downing Street said the Prime Minister wants to give the public and businesses more time to prepare for the easing of restrictions on July 19, ahead of a formal announcement next week.

But Mr Bridgen, Conservative MP for North West Leicestershire, has already voiced his opposition to a delay in lifting restrictions - which was due to happen on June 21.

Speaking at the Ashby Sport Fun Day at the Bath Grounds on Saturday, he told Ashby Nub News: "I definitely don't want people wearing masks any more.

"That's the biggest symbol that we're not back to normal.

"I think they're of limited use - especially the way most people use them, and I'm as guilty as anyone of using an old mask I have in the car to go into the shop.

"Unless you change them very regularly, they're not much use.

"I think it's terrible for our young people, I have a little boy who's nearly three years old - and he hasn't seen anyone's face for a long time. That's not normal."

Mr Bridgen says his optimism has been fuelled by the success of the vaccines in this country.

He added: "Thank goodness, through the use of the vaccination programme, which has been very well taken up, we have now broken the link between infections, serious illness and hospitalisation.

"I had a meeting with Leicester Royal Infirmary on Friday, they're only getting one or two patients with Covid symptoms going in per day, they're generally much younger people and they're not in for very long.

"Thankfully, they're not having any fatalities.

"And that's what I want to hear, we've got to learn to live with this virus. But living with this virus is not the same as being completely controlled by it.

"I didn't vote for the extension to lockdown measures, we'd broken the link then.

"However, I've told the Government that, whatever happens, don't think about extending these restrictions on freedoms any longer than the 19th because I won't wear it.

"They're unnecessary, we've got to let people have their freedoms back - not least of all, for our young people.

"They will be scarred by this if we're not careful. There is a cost to the lockdown of mental wellbeing and health.

"And as the risk of covid has diminished, the risks from lockdown are higher now.

"The damage it's doing to people is the same as it's always been, but Covid's not the risk it was now."

But Mr Bridgen accepts that, what applies here, may not be the case in other countries - and that means East Midlands Airport is likely to continue to feel the effects from that point of view.

He added: "Clearly, there'll be restrictions around the world we can't rule what other governments will do about running their countries and obviously that's a big worry for the Airport and all the people employed there.

"They'll be the last to get out of this.

"But we almost got the whole population vaccinated, we have huge vaccine facilities in the UK for three vaccines and we'll be exporting those around the world, and with AstraZeneca, it'll be at cost price."

BBC News detailed the Prime Minister's news conference and what it means going forwards.

This is due to take place on July 19 - although this will only be confirmed on July 12.

From step four:

• Face masks will no longer be legally required

• The 1m-plus social distancing rule will end

• All legal restrictions on numbers meeting indoors and outdoors will be removed

• All businesses, including nightclubs, can reopen

• Table service rules at bars and restaurants and venue check-in requirements will be scrapped

• The limit on the number of named visitors to care homes will be lifted

• Capacity limits for concerts, theatres and sports events will also be removed

• Guidance instructing people to work from home where possible will be lifted

• Council powers to enforce rules will expire