However, he has concerns about the idea of making consumers shop around for Covid tests: "It's reducing competition in the industry - really, you need to have cheaper tests available to all consumers, not just if they book through a big holiday company."

Association of Convenience Stores chief executive, James Lowman, said: "We strongly welcome the inclusion of local shops and other small businesses into the successful plastic bag charging scheme, which not only helps the environment, but is also a great way for...

GFG has been scrambling to raise new financing since its major financial backer Greensill Capital went bust in early March, which threw the future of Liberty Steel and its 3,000 workers into doubt. A further 2,000 people work at other GFG steel sites in the UK.