"It will be almost impossible to justify having any restrictions in place at all by that point."
The Prime Minister has vowed to set out his roadmap to ending lockdown the week beginning February 22.
It is thought outdoor team and individual sports, as well as outdoor gatherings, could be possible within weeks of a planned return of schools from March 8.
However, further relaxations may remain for months longers, with some scientists even suggesting social distancing will be required until spring 2022.
He is facing the challenge of keeping his own MPs happy while also sticking to the guidance of the scientists based on the latest data.