Hugs And Indoor Pints On UK 'Freedom Monday' Despite Variant Fears By Anna MALPAS 05/17/21 AT 7:26 AM From pints indoors to cinema screenings and hugs with loved ones, most of Britain on Monday saw a significant easing of coronavirus restrictions, despite new fears over a more transmissible Indian variant. The widely welcomed lifting of many curbs on indoor mixing across England, Wales and most of Scotland was dubbed "Freedom Monday" by The Sun tabloid. Across England, Wales and most of Scotland, indoor hospitality in pubs will return despite concerns over the spread of a more transmissible variant Photo: AFP / Oli SCARFF