Agencies get the go-ahead to reopen doors

Boris Johnson confirmed non-essential shops would be able to reopen from next Wednesday along with an end to the “stay at home” restriction.

Addressing parliament via video link, Johnson said: “For the first time since this wretched virus took hold, we can see a road out of this pandemic.”

He added: “By spring, the concept of a Covid lockdown will be redundant.”

New tiered restrictions will also see the return of live business meetings such as conferences.

These will be permitted for up to 1,000 people indoors in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas across the UK providing social distancing rules are followed.