Bring Forward Our Independence Day

Pleas to end lockdown before July 4

- Alan Selby

Ending the lockdown on July 4 is too late for restaurants, hotels, and pubs to avoid being ruined by coronavirus, bosses warn.

Sources say Whitehall is in chaos as civil servants try to ease restrictions earlier for the hospitality industry and shops.

But guidelines for firms, including seasonal ones yet to hire staff for the summer, are in disarray as officials grapple with health and safety issues. And the British Retail Consortium said bosses are frustrated by the lack of progress.

Meanwhile, insiders say efforts could be hamstrung as many people will be too scared of infection to go outside when lockdown does lift.