Michael Gove suggests face masks will not be mandatory in shops

Senior minister Michael Gove has said he does not think face coverings will be compulsory in shops in England, saying he "trusts people's common sense".

The suggestion directly contradicts Prime Minister Boris Johnson's previous hints that the introduction of stricter rules on the wearing of face coverings, for instance in shops, would be considered.

Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Marr, Gove said: “I don’t think mandatory, no, but I would encourage people to wear a face mask, where they are inside, in an environment where they are likely to be mixing with others and the ventilation may not be as good as it might.

"It is basic good manners, courtesy and consideration to wear a face mask if, for example, you’re in a shop."

Senior government sources have said the issue is being kept under review, as Labour calls for clarity on the issue.

According to some reports, the Prime Minister was due to make a further announcement on the topic this week before it being scrapped.

Johnson said last week in an online question and answer session with the public, that after months of lockdown people should “try to lead their lives more normally” but said that wider use of face coverings in confined spaces might be necessary as people come in to more contact with people they don't know.

In Scotland, people are legally obliged to wear face coverings inside shops and on public transport. It is understood that the issue is being looked at inside Number 10.

Face coverings are currently compulsory on public transport and in hospitals in England, but are only advised in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing is not possible and where “you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet”.