EMMANUEL Macron is expected to tell France the country’s coronavirus lockdown will be extended.

The President is due to address the nation tonight and comes as Brits brace themselves for the restrictions here to remain in place.

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The French to extend its lockdown is likely to shape whether or not the UK will continue with its lockdown as Boris Johnson's cabinet weighs up its decision.

Spain has begun to partially east restrictions on some non-essential workers, who have been confined to their homes since the end of last month.

Macron announced strict confinement measures on March 17, which have already been renewed once.

The French have been confined to their homes for almost a month and only brief trips allowed outside for buying food and essential errands.

The death toll from the pandemic has now reached 14,393 though there have been signs it could beginning to plateau.

Tonight’s address will be the fourth live one he has made since the coronavirus pandemic took hold of France.

The Elysées Palace has already said the President will be announcing that the lockdown will be extended past its current end date of April 15.

Macron’s administration has come under fire for underplaying the usefulness of coronavirus tests as well as face masks because critics say they knew France did not possess enough of either.

For the fourth consecutive day in a row, the number of patients in intensive care fell but officials have warned that the situation remains serious especially around Paris.

Meanwhile it has emerged the senior cabinet members are torn over how and when to end the lockdown now costing Britain £2.4billion a day.

They are trapped in a “lives versus money” row with just 24 hours to go before the three-week restrictions ordered by Boris Johnson ends.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Priti Patel are among those who fear the action to halt the spread of coronavirus is worse than the disease.

They are pushing for a three-week extension, with an easing of restrictions as early as Monday May 4.

But Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove warn this could end the treatment just as it starts to work.

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