Government minister makes big rule of six Christmas ‘promise’

A government minister has ‘promised’ the ‘rule of six will not ‘cancel Christmas’.

Following the introduction of the latest lockdown measures that make it illegal to meet in groups over six, many people were concerned about what it would mean for Christmas celebrations. 

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has now denied that the restriction will ‘cancel Christmas’.

Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby expressed concerns that the rule is ‘damaging’ and ‘impacts on family life’.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4 the Cabinet minister said: “Archbishop Justin (Welby) makes an important contribution to this debate and he is right to point to the huge spiritual and social significance of Christmas.

“I don’t think any of us in government want to be Oliver Cromwell-esque about this – we want to see families celebrate Christmas in a safe and happy way and we want to see our churches and indeed our other places of worship joining in that celebration.”

Mr Buckland added: “We are not going to cancel Christmas but the ‘rule of six’ is something that is clear and important and I do think we’ve committed to that and we need to stick to it.”

The law, which includes children under 12, has also raised concerns in the House of Commons on Tuesday. 

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock was pressed on whether it would be lifted ahead of Christmas.

Hancock said: “We will keep the rule of six in place only as long as it is absolutely necessary for health reasons, and the vaccines and treatments I spoke about, the mass testing regime, all of these are important to try to find a way through this virus with the minimal impact on the economy, education and people’s social lives.”

Hancock also added that children do transmit the virus and the rule in place is ‘as simple as possible’. 

Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has also called for the public to ‘call the police’ on neighbours if you see them breaking the rules. 

Those found in groups of seven or more face on the spot fines of £100, which double on each repeat offence, to a maximum of £3,200.