Face coverings are to be made compulsory on public transport from June 15 to help quell coronavirus, Grant Shapps announced tonight.

The Transport Secretary unveiled the new rule for train, bus and Tube travel as he told the Downing Street briefing that makeshift masks can reduce the spread - following weeks of accusations that ministers were dragging their heels on the issue.

Mr Shapps said the 'challenges' for the network were 'increasing' as more people go back to work and schools and shops reopen. 'We are doing what many other countries have asked transport users to do,' he said. 'The evidence is that wearing face coverings offers some, albeit limited protection.'

Mr Shapps said while the rules would be mandatory and 'ultimately' people could be fined, he did not believe they would need much enforcement. 'Wearing a face covering helps protect others,' he said. 'Why wouldn't people want to do the right thing? We are all desperate to get rid of coronavirus.'