Tories urge first minister to follow Johnson’s lead

Pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and hotels to reopen from early July south of the border

Nicola Sturgeon has been urged to follow Boris Johnson’s decision to allow pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers to reopen from early July.

The prime minister, announcing a relaxation to social distancing rules south of the border, said the “national hibernation” was beginning to end and that “life is returning to our streets”.

Mr Johnson said “all parts of the UK are now travelling in the same direction” as senior Scottish Tories urged the first minister to take similar action.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said the Scottish Government “must start looking at how to open our economy safely”.

He said: “I would urge the Scottish Government to also act quickly and decisively to help Scottish businesses get back on their feet.

“Scotland’s hospitality sector – such a crucial part of our economy – is crying out for a reduction in the ‘two-metre rule’ and certainty about when it can reopen.”

North-east MP Andrew Bowie added: “Nicola Sturgeon must now do her part in getting Scotland back to work.

“That is not just my opinion, but that of educators, businesses and the SNP’s own advisers.”

Ms Sturgeon has confirmed a review of social distancing rules is under way, but said the current position in Scotland “remains the same”.

Under Mr Johnson’s changes in

England, indoor gatherings involving two separate households will be permitted – including the possibility of staying overnight in homes, hotels or B&Bs.

However “close proximity” businesses including nightclubs, soft play centres, indoor gyms, nail bars and beauty salons will remain shut, as will bowling alleys and water parks.

Live performances at concert halls and theatres are also still banned, partly due to the risk posed by singing in spreading the virus.

Where the two-metre rule cannot be applied it will be replaced with a “one-metre-plus” measure, with the protection offered by other mitigation measures such as the use of face coverings, increased hygiene or layout changes in premises.

The prime minister said “difficult judgements” had to be made and “every step is scrupulously weighed against the evidence”.

He added: “Our principle is to trust the British public to use their common sense in the full knowledge of the risks, remembering that the more we open up, the more vigilant we will need to be.”

Mr Johnson said the measures will help restore a sense of normality after “the toughest restrictions in peacetime history”.

Picture: PA. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said “life is returning to our streets”.