The social distancing rule may be halved to one metre this week in an effort to kick-start the economy. The move is part of Boris Johnson ’s plan to end the “big national lockdown” with a raft of measures to reopen the country over the next two weeks.
Lockdown has left the UK £2trillion in debt, with the country now owing more than it produces in wealth. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said reducing distancing to 1m would “make an enormous difference” to businesses.
PM Mr Johnson has been under huge pressure from industry and his own Chancellor to loosen the economic vice. With the public mood turning away from lockdown, pubs were preparing to open early in July whatever No10’s advice.