A Liverpool University scientist says it's now reasonable to reduce the 2-metre social distancing rule

A scientist advising the Government's coronavirus response says it would now be reasonable to reduce the two-metre rule to just one with "various caveats and other precautions".

The University of Liverpool's Professor Calum Semple is a member of the scientific advisory group for emergencies (Sage).

A review of the two metre social distancing rule is days away as ministers try to think up a new normal for pubs ahead of their planned reopening on July 4 in England.

With the coronavirus alert level having been reduced on Friday, the prime minister believes he has some space to relax measures in a boost for the sector.

Many pubs say the two metre rule must be reduced to one if they, along with cafes, restaurants and hotels, are to reopen in two weeks time.

Drinkers would be encouraged to order pints on smart phone apps and pubs could be patrolled to ensure social-distancing measures are enforced under plans to ease the lockdown for the hospitality sector.