PM promises 'incomparably better' summer in England after lockdown

Four-stage plan could pave the way for nightclubs to reopen, sports fans to fill stadiums and holidays in UK to return

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Boris Johnson promised spring and summer would be incomparably better" than life in lockdown as he set out a four-stage plan for England that could pave the way for nightclubs to reopen, sports fans to fill stadiums once again and staycations to return.

But announcing a cautious phased easing of curbs, the prime minister ruled out reopening shops, pubs, gyms and holiday lets until at least 12 April, after Easter. By 21 June, the government hopes to be able to lift the restrictions on socialising that have been in place for much of the past year, and reopen venues that have remained closed since last March.