Amy Lamé, London’s Night Czar, has commented on the news that the so-called Freedom Day has been pushed back from 21 June to 19 July.

Lamé said, “The delay to restrictions being eased is a real blow to many businesses and London’s night time economy.

“Many of our hospitality, culture and nightlife industries are struggling to survive with reduced capacities, while our world-renowned nightclubs have been completely closed for more than 15 months.

'They are all desperate for restrictions to be lifted as soon as possible to help get their businesses back on track.

“We are in danger of losing countless businesses, jobs and livelihoods so it’s absolutely essential that the Government provides urgent comprehensive financial support to help them through this further period of uncertainty.'

Lamé concluded, 'The sector needs to be supported so that they will be able to open their doors again when it is safe to do so.”

(source: London Mayor's Office, image: pexels)