The Prime Minister must reduce the two-metre social distancing rule to protect the economy, Tory MPs have said.

Boris Johnson has ordered a “comprehensive review” of the current guidelines, which a Downing Street spokesman said would be completed in the “coming weeks”.

Leading calls in the Commons to ease the rules, former cabinet minister Greg Clark urged the Government to publish the findings of its review well before July 4.

The Tory chairman of the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee added: “(Many) countries have a shorter distance rule but require face coverings to be worn. Why is it right for them but wrong for us?”

Responding for the Government, health minister Edward Argar said the review will “take advice from a range of experts” including “behavioural scientists and economists”.

He added: “Unless and until there is any change to the guidance everyone must continue to keep two-metres apart wherever possible and must keep following our Stay Alert guidance.”

Tory former minister Tobias Ellwood said “it’s now time for the Government to decide” not in two weeks.

He added: “He (Mr Argar) knows this will be game-changing for reopening our schools, reopening our economy but also impeding the spread of this pandemic.

“He speaks about making the right decision at the right time. One-metre is the right decision, now is the right time, not in two weeks.”

Mr Argar replied: “We are making good progress in tackling this disease but we don’t want to put that at risk, the review will give us the scientific evidence to make an informed decision on the way forward.”

Tory Bob Stewart (Beckenham) asked why social distancing is still needed if the R rate is falling.

He said: “As we approach the R figure being towards zero – some places it’s getting there – why the heck do we have to have social distancing, face masks on public transport or social isolating?”

Mr Argar said the latest figures show R is between 0.7 and 0.9, adding: “That is why we need to continue to keep the pressure up on this disease and keep transmission rates down.”

Former Tory cabinet minister Sir John Redwood called for greater clarity sooner on distance for the survival of the hospitality industry and jobs.

He said: “Given that the scientific advice is mixed and muddled and given that the economic and business advice is overwhelming and clear, why don’t ministers today announce the halving of the distance?”

Mr Argar replied: “I do hear his very clear plea that the sooner the better for the sake of businesses and I accept that.”

Tory MP Imran Khan (Wakefield) said 3.5 million jobs are at risk if the two-metre rule is not relaxed.

He added: “If it is safe to reduce social distancing measures then that’s the most reasonable thing to do.”

But Conservative Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) raised concerns about a potential second spike, adding: “He will be aware that in the United States, Sweden, Belgium and Germany and now China there has been a resurgence of Covid-19.

“And if we were to take any move too soon, nobody would thank us, including businesses, if we had to go back down into lockdown.”

Tory colleague Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) called on ministers to allow caravan parks to reopen immediately to “rescue the economy of coastal towns”.

He said: “Caravans and chalets on holiday parks have to be at least six metres apart so residents can easily observe current social distancing guidelines.

“So would my honourable friend (Mr Argar) ask the Prime Minister when undertaking his review to consider allowing holiday parks to open immediately because in doing so he would be helping to rescue the economy of coastal towns which are already some of the most deprived communities in the country.”

Mr Argar said he would pass the message to the Prime Minister.