Distancing rule decision ‘crucial’ to UK economy

After this morning’s news of a 20% drop in GDP in the UK economy Sir John Timpson – a shoe repair chain owner and the head of an expert panel looking at UK high streets – says he is not “not surprised” but the important thing is where “we are in September.”

Speaking to the BBC, Sir John said the government was being cautious at the moment in reducing lockdown measures because of the fear of fresh spikes in infections.

“A second wave would be a complete and utter disaster,” he said. “We’ve now got to the stage where we are getting our businesses up and running and we don’t want to go backwards again.”

The government is under pressure from MPs and the hospitality industry to amend the 2m (6ft) rule for social distancing, to help businesses after they reopen.

“The distancing rule of one or two metres is a crucial decision,” Sir John said. “I am glad I am not the prime minister having to make it. But it is going to make a big difference to the economy.”