Minister can’t rule out change to Christmas bubble rules as fears grow over festive dangers

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A MINISTER today refused to rule out changes to the Christmas bubble rules today – as fears grew over the rise of cases ahead of the holidays.

Steve Barclay urged people to “do the minimum” seeing family and friends this Christmas, a stark watering down of the Government’s message.

Steve Barclay said people should be doing the minimum they can over Christmas

Under plans agreed across the UK, up to three households will be able to form a “Christmas bubble” and meet between 23 and 27 December.

But Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay told Sky News today: “It’s not saying that people must go and see family.

“It’s saying that where families want to see each other, they won’t be criminalised for doing so.”

Chris Whitty has repeatedly stressed that just because people are allowed to travel to see family over Christmas, it doesn’t mean they should.

A UK Government source stressed this morning there were “no plans” to change the Christmas rules.

And yesterday Downing Street insisted that the bubbles plans would go ahead – even for areas in the toughest tiers.

But it comes as other European countries have announced stricter rules over the Christmas break than the UK – and some worry the rules may be too lax.

One MP told Playbook: “I am kept awake at night imagining the nightmare of every other European country locking down much more severely over Christmas, while we don’t and end up with thousands more deaths.” 

It came as:

  • Schools were ordered to remain open until the end of the week – facing court action if they close early
  • London, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire will be plunged into Tier 3 tonight
  • Matt Hancock revealed a fresh strain of coronavirus could be spreading more quickly, and helping lead to an increase in cases in the South East