Restrictions lead to fears of a summer of unrest
HUDDERSFIELD MP CALLS FOR CALM AFTER SAGE WARNINGS
HUDDERSFIELD MP Barry Sheerman has called for calm after fears that a combination of factors could spark trouble over August and lead to a repeat of the riots witnessed in 2011.
These include illegal raves, job losses and deprivation in many of the northern towns and cities affected by the new restrictions.
Under the new restrictions, residents in all of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Greater Manchester, Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale, are now banned from mixing with any other households indoors or in a garden to reduce Covid-19 infections.
Next week meetings between local officials and Public Health England are scheduled to take place which could see the imposition of even more restrictions.
Last month a report by the Government’s
Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) warned that the army may have to be called in because of a potential summer of unrest caused by the social and economic impact of coronavirus.
Hussain Akthar, a Labour councillor in Blackburn with Darwen told MailOnline: “There is growing unemployment, economic uncertainty and illegal gatherings, where people have little regard for law and order.
“Add to that a growing resentment within the Muslim community, particularly our young men, that they are being victimised by the new coronavirus situation and you have a very dangerous cocktail. It could lead to serious problems.”
Professor Clifford Stott, a member of Sage, also warned that trouble would escalate if ‘localised lockdowns’ brought tougher rules for people living in poorer areas than in affluent neighbourhoods.
But Mr Sheerman said that while there are challenges ahead in Kirklees and other parts of West Yorkshire, it is vital that community spirit prevails.
He said: “I think we have to get back to that feeling of national and community partnership that we all experienced earlier this year.
“This is a horrible virus, it’s still rampant and it’s still killing people. And, personally I am sad that the banging of saucepans and clapping for the NHS workers stopped. We must all work together to defeat this virus.
“And of course we are facing hard times and we must ensure people get their flu jabs otherwise it could really knock the NHS out. We do have some real challenges ahead of us.”