Coronavirus: Ministers could overrule scientists on social distancing as PM urges public to ‘shop with confidence’

Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Trouble viewing? [View in browser]( [Image]( [Image] Daily coronavirus briefing Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Ministers could overrule scientists on social distancing as PM urges public to ‘shop with confidence’ The government could [overrule its scientific and medical advisers]( to relax the two-metre coronavirus social distancing rule, the chancellor has said – as Boris Johnson urged Britons to head back to the shops. Rishi Sunak pronounced on Sunday that “advisers advise ministers, who are elected to make decisions” after he was asked whether it would be politicians or senior experts like Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty who would have the final say on what was safe. Senior figures within the Conservative Party and business lobby groups have been urging the government to relax the rule for fear it could make reopening their premises unprofitable, but Labour warned that the government should follow the science and ensure that workplaces are safe before people return. Mr Johnson has announced he will establish a cross-government commission to [examine “all aspects” of racial inequality in the UK]( in the wake of recent Black Lives Matter protests. The prime minister acknowledged that Britain had much more to do to tackle racism and said the commission on race and ethnic disparities would look at “all aspects of inequality – in employment, in health outcomes, in academic and all other walks of life”. Police leaders have meanwhile urged Priti Patel to [impose an emergency ban on all further public demonstrations]( during the coronavirus pandemic, warning officers are being put at risk. John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation, called on the home secretary to implement tougher restrictions after dozens of officers were injured in violent clashes with far-right agitators over the weekend. “In normal times, the principle of having the right to peaceful protests is an important one,” he said. “However, we are not in normal times, we are tackling a deadly virus which is indiscriminate in who it can affect.” Podcast [Image]( The Independent Coronavirus Podcast Subscribe now wherever you listen for all the latest coronavirus news. [Listen now]( There's now three ways to support independent journalism. Why not explore our [subscription options](, [choose to donate]( or simply [register for free](? Top stories [I'm an image]( PREMIUM [Shops on the high street have opened up again – but are we ready?]( [I'm an image]( [WHO warns England's lockdown should not be lifted further]( [I'm an image]( [Pressure grows on PM to explain gagging of chief nurse over Cummings]( More news [BLM activist who saved injured ‘far-right’ protester speaks out]( [Man charged over urinating on PC Keith Palmer memorial]( [Officer who shot Rayshard Brooks could face murder charge DA says]( [Trump blames 'slippery' ramp for trouble walking - live]( [Gatwick Airport drone arrest couple to receive £200,000 police payout]( [ ]( Suggested for you [I'm an image]( [WHO warns against further lifting of UK lockdown as shops open - live]( [I'm an image]( [Grenfell survivors and supporters unite online to mark anniversary]( [I'm an image]( [Police call for protests ban during pandemic after weekend of rallies]( [I'm an image]( [New York governor says not wearing face masks 'disrespectful']( Follow us [Twitter]( [Facebook]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's News email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent News email and Breaking News alerts, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.