Responding to the Prime Minister outlining measures to be taken as part of step 4 of the government’s lockdown-easing roadmap, Richard Burge, Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said:

“Businesses will welcome the ability to either reopen their doors, increase their capacity, or kickstart their chosen future ways of working plans, from July 19.

For London this is all hugely significant and is a further placing of the ‘open for business’ sign on the front door.

Next up needs to come systems to enable the safe return of more international visitors and outbound business travel.

“In the immediate term all those involved must double-down on raising London’s vaccination rate. And whilst good work is being done to reassure about hygiene standards, we must also now hear clarity regarding face covering usage on London’s transport network. Confidence in public transport is key to both commuter and visitor return to London.

“Business also needs to hear an update from government regarding the future of the Test and Trace system, and self-isolation support. Many people are still not fully vaccinated at this point, and we also cannot be complacent regarding potential emergence of variants, or indeed future viruses.”