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Sadiq Khan has called on the government to reconsider its relaxation of coronavirus rules over Christmas.
“What I would say to the government is that I am not sure that you have done well, in fact I am sure that you have not done well in relation to the Christmas breaks,” the mayor of London told Sky News. .
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‘Balance to be achieved’ on Christmas guidelines
According to plans agreed with the decentralized administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, up to three households will be able to form a “Christmas bubble” and meet between 23 and 27 December.
Khan added: “If the rules don’t change, my message to viewers is that we have no obligation to do everything that is allowed, there is no reason why you should kiss or hug an older relative.”
It comes after a minister told Britons that they should “do the bare minimum” if they visit family over Christmas, despite COVID-19 the rules are relaxed.
Treasury Chief Secretary Steve Barclay told Sky News that people “must not misunderstand” what the guidelines say.
“He’s not saying that people should go see family,” he said.
“He is saying that when families want to see each other, they will not be criminalized for doing so.”
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Rising infection rates in some parts of the country, including London, have made some question festive relaxation.
Critics of the government’s approach have also asked why the capital is moving to Level 3, the highest level of coronavirus restrictions, just days before the rules are relaxed again over Christmas.
When asked if these plans were being reviewed, Barclay told Sky News that “everything is always kept under review.”
But when asked if he could “cancel” Christmas, he replied, “No.”
Barclay said there is a “balance to be struck” as “many families have not seen each other all year.”
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Hancock defends easing restrictions during Christmas
“It is important for people’s well-being, for their mental health,” he said. “We don’t want to criminalize people for coming together as a family over Christmas.
“But it’s important that people do as little as possible. Then people will make their own judgments.”
Barclay said he wouldn’t see his parents for Christmas.
Professor Devi Sridhar, president of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, told Sky News that it is a “bad idea” to relax restrictions for Christmas.
“Scientists can only present that evidence … and in the end it is up to political leaders to balance that with other considerations,” he said.
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Families seek to minimize the risk of COVID at Christmas
Professor Sridhar added that “mixing at Christmas is a terrible idea and that should be the message,” adding: “We are going to pay for this at some point.
“It is not that it can just happen and that we will not bear the consequences in January and February.”
Professor Stephen Reicher, University of St Andrews, said: “Right now we are headed for disaster.
“Given the high levels of infection across the country and rising levels in some areas [such as London] it is inevitable that if we all decide to meet at Christmas, we will pay the price in the new year. “
England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has admitted that loosening the rules will lead to an increase in infections.
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“This is all about balancing the broader needs of society with the need to keep the virus under control,” he told a news conference in Downing Street on Monday.
“Relatively modest relaxation actually over Christmas will undoubtedly put upward pressure on the virus.
“We know … but the feeling is that this is a very important moment for many families.”
Professor Whitty urged people to use the relaxation of the COVID rules during Christmas in a “minimalist and responsible way” to keep the number of cases low in early January, adding: “The key is that people have to be sensible. “
