British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said sporting and cultural events could be held again in the UK starting as soon as next month if conditions allow for a move into 'step two' of the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday (May 11), Johnson said such events would be held behind closed doors and could be broadcast to the public adding that he thought it could provide a "much needed boost to national morale."

The English Premier League has been in talks with the government on how and when soccer matches could resume with the hopes that the season, which was interrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak, could still be finished this year.

That goal was given a boost by government guidance that elite sport could return from June 1 as part of 'phase two' of Johnson's cautious plan to get Britain back to work.

Last week clubs were told any return to complete the season would have to be with games played behind closed doors and at neutral venues -- to limit the risk of supporters turning up outside grounds.