Top cop urges Government to ‘get a grip’ as lockdown rules cause confusion
THE Government has been urged to “get a grip” over confusing lockdown rules after fed-up Brits headed out in droves over the weekend.
Ken Marsh, chair of the Met Police Federation, hit out as hundreds queued outside stores yet a lone sunbather was scolded by cops in Dorset.
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Mr Marsh’s intervention came as PM Boris Johnson returned to No 10 last night after recuperating from Covid-19 at his country home Chequers.
He is due to resume work today and will chair the morning meeting of the Government’s coronavirus “war cabinet”.
Mr Marsh said: “Why is it OK to queue with hundreds outside a B&Q but not to sit on a blanket in a park well away from other people?”
“It makes no sense whatsoever to my colleagues and I doubt whether it makes any sense to the public.”
He added: “What we are seeing at the moment is some stores reopening and people starting to go out more.
“Fair enough if the Government and advisers are OK with it. But my colleagues and I need clearer guidance.”
Mr Marsh said he was mystified by Home Secretary Priti Patel insisting lockdown measures were still in force.
He added: “We’ve been trying to enforce the emergency laws as they have been explained to us. But I’m at a loss why a DIY store or garden centre now counts as essential shopping.
“Some parks have never been so busy and there have been crowds of people heading to the beach.
“But in the meantime the death rate has not yet been properly abated.
“We, the police, are the fall guys for not properly enforcing the lockdown on one hand, and on the other doing too much to enforce it depending on who you are listening to. The Government needs to get a grip and issue straight-forward advice.”
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Scores of covidiots travelled miles to visit beaches and beauty spots as temperatures hit 19C (66F).
Many headed to Brighton beach and Bournemouth promenade plus Greenwich Park and Wimbledon Common in London.
A couple with no licence or insurance were fined after driving 300 miles from Kent to Cornwall.
Supt Adrian Leisk said he struggled to comprehend their selfishness. A covidiot stopped by officers in Gwent told them: “I’m taking my mate into Newport to buy drugs.”
Another said he was taking “my quad bike for a walk and promise I won’t ride it around a field”.
Ten people from London who travelled 245 miles to Snowdonia in North Wales were sent home and reported by police.
Cops had to clear travellers arriving with at least ten horses and carts at Roath Park, Cardiff.
Passer-by Tomos Davies said: “They were chatting and drinking. Most bolted when police turned up.”
Park users also tore down “do not use” signs on an outdoor gym.
Two couples from Slough, Berks, were sent packing by police after turning up at an Airbnb 100 miles away in Tewkesbury, Gloucs.
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Officers closed a hand car wash and warned about people attending BBQs and house parties.
Gloucestershire Chief Constable Rod Hansen said: “We also stopped four people in a car who were inhaling from gas canisters.”
And a diver was rescued in Lyme Bay, Dorset — then fined for breaching coronavirus rules.
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