As the nation seethes at a leaked video showing 10 Downing Street staff joking about holding an illicit Christmas party during lockdown last year, there’s more bad news on its way. Boris Johnson and his senior ministers are expected to agree to introduce tighter ‘Plan B’ restrictions today, in response to new Covid variant Omicron. There’s likely to be a snap press conference called later today to announce the new measures, which will include guidance to work from home where possible, maybe the extension of face-covering rules and the introduction of Covid passes for nightclubs, larger theatres and other venues where crowds gather.
Insiders have suggested that the timing of this meeting has been chosen to distract the angry public from the revelations around Johnson’s secret Christmas party, which was infuriating news for pretty much anyone who made sacrifices last Christmas to help keep their family and friends safe.
Will it work? Arguably, today’s announcement will compound rather than diminish any frustration people are feeling with the government’s handling of the Covid crisis. But it’s undeniable that with Omicron on the rise, action may be necessary to slow its spread, however weary and frustrated Londoners feel about it.
There won’t be free TfL travel this New Year’s Eve.
Some amazing London refugee projects, as chosen by you.
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