U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is coming under pressure from lawmakers in his own party to roll out a plan to lift the COVID-19 lockdown amid growing concerns about its economic impact.

The U.K. lockdown has been in place since March 24, with the government imposing a ban on public gatherings and ordering the closure of non-essential businesses.

Some leaders now want the restrictions lifted and the public to take responsibility and prevent the spread of the virus.

Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith told the Times the government shouldn't treat the public like children, while Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Thursday called for a "grown-up" conversation with voters.

While the lockdown is seen to have contributed to lower COVID-19 figures, some people see it as an impediment to economic progression.

"The way that people are framing it, as a question of life versus business, isn't true; it's life now versus life in future," Bob Seely, a Conservative who represents the Isle of Wight, said in an interview. "There is a horrible balance. All of us need to be having a conversation."

Boris is yet to return to work after his recovery from COVID-19, and ministers have been reluctant to discuss when they will relax the restrictions.

Other countries are also mulling a reopening of their economies, but the World Health Organization has warned against rushed decisions.

France President Emmanuel Macron said he would announce a plan to scale back on the country's lockdown from May 11.

U.S. President Donald Trump is also keen on reopening the country's economy as soon as May.

Source(s): Bloomberg