MP: Why was decision taken to close to Eid?

ROCHDALE MP Tony Lloyd voiced his support for the Muslim community and questioned why an announcement to impose restrictions being imposed was not made earlier with Eid being celebrated over the weekend.

Mr Lloyd said: “We can imagine what the impact would be if this kind of announcement was made on Christmas Eve, when families have been preparing for weeks to come together and mark what is a very special time. I don’t know why the announcement came so suddenly the night before when it had been known for a week before that Eid would be celebrated on Friday. In fact families from all backgrounds had made plans for Friday and the weekend by the time this announcement was made.

“There will also be a big impact on families who rely on grandparents and other family members for childcare - now it seems they can only do that if they are outside the whole time.

“I do feel sorry for those families and those who will still be trying to work from home through this big change.”

Observer readers shared their reaction to the new rules, with some saying the rules were ‘as clear as a brick wall.’

Lynn Smith said: “They are not giving a chance for cases to go down... what are they going to do at Christmas, do the same and everyone spends Christmas alone?”

Jane Slater said: “It doesn’t make sense that I can’t go into my family’s home or garden and social distance to see them. However I work as a cleaner for domestic properties and I’m still allowed to go into people’s homes for work provided I socially distance.

“It’s no wonder there’s so much confusion! I’m all for public safety but if you’re going to adjust restrictions you need to be absolutely clear on what is and isn’t allowed and cover this in an FAQ document.”

Several people questioned why families in separate households were being told they could not meet indoors, while in theory they would both be allowed to go to a pub at the same time with social distancing rules in place.

Louise Thomas wrote: “How come my children can’t see their grandparents, yet I can go the pub?”