The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, met some of the traders returning to their market stalls today (1 June) as part of the government’s plan to gradually reopen the economy.

• from today outdoor markets will be able to trade again as the government starts to lift some lockdown measures
• the Chancellor shopped at Tachbrook Market in Pimlico, London to mark the first day many sellers have been able to open for business

The transmission of coronavirus is lower outdoors and it is easier to follow COVID-19 Secure guidelines in open spaces. This means we can allow outdoor markets to reopen in a safe way.

While buying lunch, the Chancellor met Mr Ratib Albudoor, owner of Falafel Rush at London’s Tachbrook Market, who had to close his stall because of the virus. Mr Albudoor is one of the many traders across England who can reopen their stalls today once they are COVID-19 secure and can show customers will be safe.

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak said:

From today, outdoor markets selling flowers, books, crafts, and fashion can start trading again, marking a major milestone in our plan to kickstart the economy.

We’re only able to take these steps because of what we have achieved together so far. If the scientific and medical advice allows, the next steps will be to reopen non-essential retail in mid-June, and then hospitality and leisure in early July, so these sectors can start trading once again.

Further information

• Pictures of the Chancellor’s visit are available on our Flickr page.
• In May the Prime Minister set out a timeline for the reopening of thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across England. Any business that is open must complete a risk assessment and take the necessary steps to manage those risks, as is their legal obligation.
• All other non-essential retail will be able to reopen from 15 June if the scientific and medical advice allows, provided they are able to follow the COVID-19 Secure guidelines. This will provide shops and other retail branches enough time to put in place the measures to meet the necessary social distancing and hygiene standards.