Boris Johnson apologises as PM says he 'misspoke' about new North East lockdown law

There has been rising anger and confusion since Health Secretary Matt Hancock spoke in the House of Commons yesterday afternoon, Monday, September 28, to say households in seven north east areas will be banned from mixing indoors in any setting, although schools and workplaces are not affected.

Tougher measures were brought in earlier this month due to rising Covid-19 cases in Sunderland, South Tyneside, Northumberland, County Durham, Newcastle, North Tyneside and Gateshead.

Some north est council leaders have said they were not consulted on the latest decision while both Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council have said they will issue a reaction to the new ruling once they have been informed about the details. That is due to be later today, although no time has been confirmed as yet.

The PM was today asked to issue some further detail about whether people will still be allowed to meet in pub beer gardens following confusion over the rules.

In reply, he said: “In the North East and other areas where extra-tight measures have been brought in, you should follow the guidance of local authorities but it is six in a home, six in hospitality but as I understand it, not six outside.”

But he later took to Twitter to say: “Apologies, I misspoke today.

“In the North East, new rules mean you cannot meet people from different households in social settings indoors, including in pubs, restaurants and your home. You should also avoid socialising with other households outside.

“This is vital to control the spread of coronavirus and keep everyone safe. If you are in a high risk area, please continue to follow the guidelines from local authorities.

The confusion comes after his education minister Gillian Keegan was unable to explain the rule when she was asked if people from separate households could meet outdoors at venues

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I’m sorry I can’t answer that question.

"I’m sure there are many people who could. I don’t represent the North East.”

Earlier, Downing Street was unable to clarify whether households could mix in pub and restaurant gardens under new regulations due to be imposed on large parts of north-east England.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The Department of Health are setting out the full details of the steps they announced last night later on today.”

Pressed about the confusion, the spokesman said: “It is the case that events are moving at speed and it’s right that we can move quickly in relation to localised outbreaks working with local leaders to ensure that we have steps in place to help to slow the spread of the virus.”

Local leaders however have criticised the Government for not giving sufficient advance notice of the restrictions.

“I think that the Department of Health have been engaging with local authorities, local public health bodies for a number of days in advance of the announcement being made,” the spokesman said.

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner had branded the PM “grossly incompetent” after he failed to clarify the rules around meeting outside in pubs and restaurants in north-east England.

“For the Prime Minister to not understand his own rules is grossly incompetent,” she said.

“These new restrictions are due to come into force across huge parts of the country tonight. The Government needs to get a grip.”

And Jarrow’s Labour MP Kate Osborne said: “For the Prime Minister to not know the latest rules that his government set is an outright disgrace.

“He’s not fit to be Prime Minister.”

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