Just weeks ago Boris Johnson had proudly boasted things would return to normal by Christmas as he threw open bars, cafes, restaurants and hairdressers.
But the PM’s optimism took a massive dent tonight as he slammed the brakes on lifting more lockdown restrictions because coronavirus rates had soared by 50% in just a week.
It sparked fury among businesses such as bowling alleys, ice rinks and casinos, which were expected to reopen today but were then given just a day’s notice they could not.
And the move comes a day after No 10 imposed further lockdown curbs on four million people in the North. It will lead to accusations Mr Johnson lifted restrictions too early in a bid to kickstart the economy.
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