A live music sector chief executive has accused the Government of imposing a “lockdown by stealth” which is pushing the industry “to the edge”.
Greg Parmley, chief executive of industry body Live, said: “The current lockdown by stealth is quickly pushing the live music sector to the edge.
“We are now facing a crippling blow as individual venues scramble to cover the spiralling costs of Covid-related cancellations, which will inevitably result in permanent closures.
“The Government must step up to the plate and provide a raft of financial assistance now, if it is to avoid much-loved live music venues and businesses closing up shop for good.”
The prime minister said he was not telling the public to cancel events, but urging them to exercise “caution”.
Conservative MP Steve Brine accused the government of “putting hospitality into effective lockdown”.
Mr Brine said Prof Whitty’s comments meant businesses were facing “complete ruin” and more government support was needed.
The PM’s spokesman denied Number 10 was sending out mixed messages about socialising over Christmas, saying that both the prime minister and the chief medical officer “were making the point that given the current infection rate people should be cautious and think carefully before mixing with others”.
When asked if the government was imposing a lockdown by stealth, Mr Johnson said the situation was “very different” from last year due to the existence of vaccines and testing.
“If you want to go to an event or a party… the sensible thing to do is to get a test and to make sure that you’re being cautious.
“But we’re not saying that we want to cancel stuff, we’re not locking stuff down, and the fastest route back to normality is to get boosted.”
A number of Conservative MPs have questioned Prof Whitty’s role in offering advice to the public.
In a tweet she later deleted, Conservative MP for Beaconsfield Joy Morrissey said: “Perhaps the unelected Covid public health spokesperson should defer to what our ELECTED members of Parliament and the prime minister have decided.
“I know it’s difficult to remember but that’s how democracy works. This is not a public health socialist state.”
Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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