Corbyn escapes fine for breaking rule of six
JEREMY CORBYN, the former Labour leader, will not face a fine for breaking the rule of six, after Scotland Yard said it did not retrospectively enforce coronavirus laws.
The 71-year-old MP has apologised after he was photographed attending a dinner party in London last weekend with eight other people.
Dr Rosena Allin-khan, the shadow minister for mental health, said the former Labour leader ought to be fined. She said: “Of course he should pay a fine. Anyone that breaks the law should pay a fine. I am glad that he has apologised. That was the right thing to do.
It also emerged that Stanley Johnson, the Prime Minister’s father, had broken the restrictions after entering a shop without a mask.
George Eustice, the Environment Secretary, suggested that such breaches should be a matter for the police with both men facing a possible fine.
He said: “We have the rule of six and there are fines that can be put in place, but police will apply this in a proportionate way. The police will look at this and take a proportionate approach.”
But a spokesman for Scotland Yard said it did not issue fines retrospectively for Covid breaches because people ought to be given the chance to listen to and follow advice. The spokesman said: “As a matter of course the MPS [Metropolitan Police Serevice] is not investigating Covid-related issues retrospectively.
“Where we become aware of a breach occurring, officers will seek to engage, explain and encourage people to follow the rules, only enforcing as a last resort. Where alleged breaches are brought to our attention after the event, officers will not have not had the opportunity to engage, explain or encourage, and those involved will not have not had the opportunity to respond positively to that process – as most people do.
“Therefore, it would not be appropriate or an effective use of resources in most circumstances to investigate or pursue enforcement. We encourage everyone to make themselves aware of, and to follow, the rules.”
Mr Corbyn was at a dinner party with his wife, Laura Alvarez, and friends, when more people arrived, taking the number above the limit of six set in law.
Mr Johnson was photographed entering a newsagent’s in Maida Vale. west London, without a mask.
The 80-year-old apologised and suggested he had not been “up to speed” with the restrictions as he had been out of the country.
Face coverings have been compulsory in shops and on public transport since July 24, and last week the Government guidance was extended to hospitality venues, theatres, restaurants, bars and pubs unless people need to remove them to eat or drink.