UK’s review of 2m social distancing rule completed

The UK government’s review of the 2m social distancing rule has been completed, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman has said.

A decision on whether or not the rule will be changed in England is due to be made later today.

The PM is expected to announce on Tuesday if the hospitality sector – for which the 2m rule is a key issue – can reopen on 4 July.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will make independent decisions on both social distancing rules and the reopening of the hospitality sector.

Asked whether England might follow Northern Ireland’s lead and allow groups of up to six to meet indoors, the spokesman added: “In terms of the next steps in the road map, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow when the PM will set out the detail to Parliament.”