Forcing older people to isolate for longer would be 'unfair,' warns Sheffield's Sir Michael Palin

Baroness Ros Altmann told Sky News such measures would represent "age discrimination".

She said: "Using an age-based criteria would be fundamentally wrong and could potentially cost the lives of many people, and risk social unrest."

The life peer and former Conservative MP claimed "many" older people have told her "they would rebel and they would risk going to prison" if they were asked to isolate for longer than the rest of the country.

It comes as speculation continues over how the UK will begin easing lockdown measures. One suggestion has been that over 70’s could be told to stay at home for their own safety.

Actor Sir Michael Palin, who was born in Sheffield, also told the BBC’s Andrew Marr such measures would be “unfair”.

He said: “There are a great number of of people in their 70’s who are very active […] can contribute" to the UK’s recovery

“To treat them all as people who have to be kept out of sight is going to be very difficult and very wrong and very unfair”.

The Mail on Sunday reported that under Government plans countryside walks, sunbathing and picnics are all set to be given the green light as part of the first phase of lifting lockdown.

Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, warned that prolonged lockdown would “impact” the “physical and mental health” of the over-70s