Rishi Sunak looks increasingly certain today to slash VAT in a bid to kickstart the economy amid coronavirus meltdown. Downing Street insists no final decision has yet been taken on restarting the £130billion-a-year domestic tourism industry, but the Mail on Sunday has been told an announcement could come along with a raft of other moves on Tuesday. As ministers' attention turns from wrestling down the virus to rescuing the economy, they are poised to revise the two-metre rule down to 'one-metre-plus'. Mr Johnson's relaxation of the draconian restrictions will provide a lifeline to the beleaguered holiday industry, which will open for business also on July 4 - America's Independence Day. The encouraging signs have fed a growing clamour from the tourism industry for a clear date from which it can start accepting bookings again – and clear guidance about how it will have to operate.

Source: Daily Mail June 21, 2020 07:03 UTC