By London Mayor calls on government to rethink its relaxation of coronavirus rules over Christmas
This comes after a minister told Britons they should “do the minimum” if they visit family over Christmas, despite the COVID-19 rules being relaxed.
London Mayor, Sadiq Khan stated:
“What I’d say to the government is I’m not sure you’ve got it right, in fact I’m sure you haven’t got it right in relation to the relaxations over Christmas”.
As previously reported, up to three households will be able to form a ‘Christmas bubble’ and meet between the 23rd and 27th of December.
Mr Khan added:
“If they don’t change the rules, my message to the public is we’re under no obligation to do all that’s allowed, there’s no reason you have to kiss or hug an older relation”.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay, said we “shouldn’t misinterpret” what the guidelines say.
He emphasised:
“It’s not saying that people must go and see family”.
“It’s saying that where families want to see each other, they won’t be criminalised for doing so”.
Critics of the government’s approach have also queried why the capital is being moved into Tier 3, just days before the rules are relaxed again over Christmas.
Mr Barclay, when asked if Christmas could be “cancelled”, replied a straight forward:
“No”.
Mr Barclay added that there was:
“Balance to be struck, as many families have not seen each other all year”.
“It is important for people’s wellbeing, for their mental health”.
He added:
“We don’t want to criminalise people for coming together as family over Christmas”
England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has admitted that the relaxation of rules will lead to a rise in infections.
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