Gove says hospitality businesses will be 'among the last' to exit lockdown

Michael Gove has said hospitality businesses “will be among the last to exit the lockdown”, speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show this morning.

Gove, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, did not comment on whether hospitality venues could reopen before the winter, but said the government was taking a “deliberately cautious and measured approach, guided by the science”.

He added: “When we have the data that allows us confidently to relax those restrictions, we will do so, however that data, that information, is not yet in place.”

The UK is to remain in lockdown for at least a further three weeks after foreign secretary Dominic Raab announced an extension to the existing limits on daily life earlier this week, continuing the restrictions announced on 23 March.

Pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants across the UK closed on 20 March to prevent the spread of coronavirus. This closure was extended to hotels a few days later, however takeaway and delivery services can remain open.

Photo: Shutterstock

Coronavirus: at least three more weeks of lockdown announced >>

Lockdown: closure extended to hotels; takeaway and delivery remain open >>

Tears and cautious celebrations as government pledges to cover 80% of wages through enforced closure >>