Common sense needed on Covid ‘rule of six’ as minister encourages reporting neighbours to police - The Yorkshire Post says

The crisis has now moved into a new phase - with lockdown eased but the concerning recent rise in cases resulting in new legislation that makes social gatherings of more than six people against the law.

While the law has been deemed necessary by the Government as a way of reducing Covid spread and hopefully preventing the need for another full lockdown, it is somewhat alarming to see Policing Minister Kit Malthouse suggest people should contact the police if they believe their neighbours may not be complying with the new restrictions.

While it is reasonable to report egregious breaches where people are holding large parties for example, as human rights barrister Adam Wagner has pointed out the regulations involve a series of complex exceptions such as for support groups of violence survivors and there are many reasons why people may be gathering in numbers slightly larger than six. Mr Wagner added: “Social cohesion and looking after each other is just as important as enforcement. We cannot turn into a state where everybody suspects and informs on everybody.”

That view appears to be shared by National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman Martin Hewitt, who has denied that enforcement of the rule of six relies on people “grassing up” their neighbours and said instead it is incumbent on us all to act responsibly. The initial spirit of lockdown was one of kindness and understanding; that should not be lost as we move into the next chapter of the battle against Covid-19.

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Thank you

James Mitchinson