Minister admits even she doesn't know details of north-east lockdown pub meet ban

A Government minister has admitted that even she does not know the details of tightened local lockdown rules in north-east England.

Skills minister Gillian Keegan was unable to give an answer when she was asked whether the new rules would stop residents from separate households meeting in pub gardens.

Tough restrictions banning "indoor mixing between households in any setting mixing", such as pubs and restaurants, are being enforced on Tuesday evening. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the existing measures – for Northumberland, Newcastle, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham – are being tightened at the request of local councils because coronavirus is still spreading.

It had been illegal for two households to mix inside or in a garden, but it was only guidance that they should not meet at public venues, including restaurants and pubs.

Asked about whether the ban would extend to pub and restaurants gardens, Ms Keegan told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I’m sorry I can’t clarify that."

She added: "I don’t know the answer to that question... but I’m sure they can find out the answer to that question."

Pressed on how people are meant to keep up to date with the latest restrictions when ministers cannot, she said: "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."

Labour quickly seized on the failure to clarify the confusion over the laws, set to be imposed after midnight on Wednesday.

Shadow health minister Alex Norris said: "It speaks volumes that even the Government’s own ministers don’t know what’s going on.

"This will do little to inspire public confidence in the north east and across the country.

"The Conservatives’ incompetence is hampering our response to this pandemic."

The measures in the north-east will come into force from midnight on Wednesday and will be enforceable with fines, the Department for Health and Social Care said.

Making the announcement in the House of Commons on Monday , Mr Hancock said: "Unfortunately the number of cases continues to rise sharply.

"The incidence rate across the area is now over 100 cases per 100,000. We know that a large number of these infections are taking place in indoor settings outside the home.

"And so at the request of the local councils, with whom we have been working closely, we will introduce legal restrictions on indoor mixing between households in any setting."

He said these steps are not taken "lightly" but they must happen now as swift action is more likely to bring the virus under control.

Read more

New 'draconian' rules prompt backlash amid fresh local lockdowns-LIVE