Face masks could be ­compulsory in shops until a vaccine is found – next year at the earliest. Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Tuesday confirmed they will be mandatory from July 24. But stretched police chiefs warned imposing the law would be “nigh-on impossible”. Government insiders suggested the»»»

Making facing coverings in English shops mandatory had increasingly appeared an inevitable next step in the government’s campaign against coronavirus after the prime minister appeared wearing one on Friday, and mused about taking a stricter approach. On Sunday, Michael Gove denied this was the plan»»»