CNBC reports that the U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Monday that the government will push ahead with the next stage of lifting lockdown in England, but a renewed bid for an independence vote in Scotland threatens to overshadow Westminster in the weeks and months ahead.

Johnson’s Cabinet is expected to sign off on Monday the further relaxing of lockdown measures from May 17, when international travel can resume in most circumstances although quarantines and testing will be required on return to the U.K., for the most part.

Ministers will meet on Monday morning to agree on the next steps, the BBC reported Monday. Johnson is expected to say the data supports a further relaxation of measures and the public could be advised on whether more close personal contact with friends and family, such as hugging, is allowed, the broadcaster added.

The expected announcement on a further lifting of lockdown comes at a time when a political storm is brewing north of the border after Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon vowed on Saturday to press ahead with plans for a new referendum on independence from the U.K.