Prime Minister praises ‘heroic effort' of hospitality businesses ahead of reopening

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has praised the "heroic effort" of hospitality businesses in preparing their venues for reopening tomorrow.

Speaking at today's daily political briefing, he said: "The success of these businesses and livelihoods of these that rely on them, equally the health of the whole country, is dependent on every one of us acting responsibly. We must not let them down."

He urged people to "work together", adding: "We will only succeed in reopening if everyone works together again, because we're not out of the woods yet".

Johnson said the government would not hesitate in "putting on the brakes" and reimpose restrictions should coronavirus cases begin to rise again; England will begin to move from national restrictions to more targeted, localised restrictions should there be second waves of the virus, as seen in Leicester this week.

Johnson added that anyone flouting social distancing would not only be putting their own and others' health at risk but "letting down those businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare for the new normal".

Further details on timelines for reopening those sectors still closed are expected next week.

A minute's silence will take place tomorrow to remember those who have lost their lives to coronavirus.