The Prime Minister will set out his 'levelling up' plans later this week, including unveiling a new High Streets Strategy.

Boris Johnson is expected to put high streets at the heart of the plans, including making al fresco dining permanent and allowing takeaway alcohol for another 12 months.

Mr Johnson is also due to announce support for grassroots football, investment in infrastructure and skills, and measures to tackle the inequalities highlighted by the pandemic.

A Government spokesperson said: 'The Prime Minister is determined to level up the UK and deliver a fairer, stronger society - one where whatever your background and wherever you live, everyone can access the opportunities they need to succeed.

'While talent and potential is distributed evenly across this country, opportunity is not.

'That’s why as we emerge from the pandemic, it’s vital that we do not make the mistakes of recovery from the financial crash and seize this moment to ensure a better quality of life for people in every part of the UK.'

Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, said: 'The Conservatives have choked the life out of our high streets, slashed funding for our young people, and acres of playing fields and football pitches have been dug up and concreted over.

'We all want life to get back to normal, but a few chairs outside cafes isn’t going to fix the glaring inequality that scars our communities because of the Tories’ wrong priorities.'

Photo: Michael Tubi / Shutterstock.com