Boris Johnson laid out the framework of a prospective timeline to ease lockdown restrictions on Sunday evening, which included the reopening of some shops and schools in June.

Johnson stressed, however, that this proposed schedule depended on the rate of infection of coronavirus – which he referred to as the R – staying below current levels.

“In step two – at the earliest by June 1, after half-term – we believe we may be in a position to begin the phased reopening of shops and to get primary pupils back into schools, in stages, beginning with reception, year one and year six,” he said.