Fury over ‘secret’ Covid laws

MINISTERS were accused last night of acting like ‘communist China’ after slipping out Covid regulations which ban singing in the pub.

Laws requiring virus sufferers to comply with self-isolation rules came into force in England yesterday.

But, in a surprise move, the regulations published on Sunday night also contained new powers not made public in advance. These include a ban on singing, dancing and loud music in pubs and restaurants plus a string of new offences linked to self-isolation.

They also give powers to police and council officials to use ‘reasonable force’ to enforce the new laws. The move fuelled Tory calls for ministers to be forced to secure the support of Parliament before bringing in further curbs on freedoms.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: ‘These sort of regulations are what happens when ministers do not face the discipline of having to win the support of Parliament... You get sloppy, unaccountable laws.

‘We have to get back to Parliament fulfilling its proper role of holding the Government to account. We are not communist China, where you have rule by decree.’

Former Tory chief whip Mark Harper said he broadly supported the measures but they should have been debated first by MPs. He said ‘very few’ people would be aware of the new regulations, which include a £4,000 fine for a first offence for those who flout the law ‘recklessly’ – this could include going into an office or crowded place after being told to self-isolate.

Pubs, restaurants, cafes and members’ clubs will be barred from playing music which exceeds 85 decibels, although live performances are exempt.

Landlords must take ‘all reasonable measures’ to stop singing on the premises by customers in groups of more than six, and dancing.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: ‘We know the vast majority of people want to do the right thing.’