Prime Minister warns “extreme caution” needed as Covid restrictions ease over Christmas
The four UK nations have agreed “in principle” to continue with plans to ease restrictions for the festive period
Last updated 20th Apr 2021
Boris Johnson has informed MPs that the leaders of the four UK nations were in "unanimous agreement" that plans to ease Covid measures between 23-27 December should continue, but with a stronger focus on the potential dangers this might bring.
While the initial UK-wide agreement would allow three households to form a Christmas bubble, Wales has now reduced this to two households.
"exercise extreme caution"
During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday lunchtime, Mr Johnson told MPs: “We should exercise extreme caution in the way we celebrate Christmas.
“We can celebrate it sensibly but we have to be extremely cautious in the way we behave.”
He continued: “We don’t want to criminalise people’s long-made plans,” he said.
“But we do think it’s absolutely vital that people should – at this very, very tricky time – exercise a high degree of personal responsibility, especially when they come into contact with elderly people, and avoid contact with elderly people wherever possible.”
Labour leader accused PM of "ignoring" medical guidance
Mr Johnson's announcement drew criticism from Labour leader, Keir Starmer, who claimed the Prime Minister was "ignoring" medical advice by allowing plans to continue.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there would be update Christmas guidance published later on Wednesday afternoon.
However, she urged people to think carefully about their festive plans: "Firstly and unequivocally the safest way to spend Christmas this year for you and for those you love is to stay within your own household and your own home."
"only two households should meet"
On his decision to limit household meetings to two in Wales, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The top message is as clear as it can be. Here in Wales over the Christmas period the clear message from the Welsh Government is that only two households should meet.
“That is how serious things are in Wales. Whether that is guidance, whether that is regulation, the message is the same."
The results of the discussion between the four Governments are expected to be published later today.
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