reports the Mirror. Three separate Whitehall sources told the Financial Times that June 22 is the date being targeted in ministers' diaries.
And a group of ministers nicknamed the “Save Summer Six” had been reportedly pushing for the July 4 opening to be brought forward - amid hopes beer gardens or outdoor areas could reopen early.
Breweries were even getting ready to deliver 250 million pints next week.But Downing Street today insisted there is currently “no change” in the government's position on reopening pubs - which officially says July 4 is the earliest possible date in England.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the government was "continuing to follow the road map" for easing coronavirus lockdown measures.