Skip to main content

Will Santa Sunak let family groups of 12 join together over Christmas? ‘Rule of Six’ restriction may be lifted temporarily by Chancellor over festive period

The 'Rule of Six' restriction on social mixing could be lifted temporarily for Christmas to let family groups of up to 12 enjoy the festive period. 

If approved, the limit on meetings of more than six people would be doubled during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to allow inter-generational celebrations. 

The temporary total of 12 was chosen because it would allow two sets of grandparents and parents, three children and an aunt or uncle to meet without flouting the law. 

Those two days were suggested because, typically, they are when families spend the most time indoors together – and by Boxing Day are keen to escape outside. 

Business Secretary Alok Sharma is understood to be the leading Cabinet advocate of the plan – assuming Covid infection rates have been broadly kept under control by mid-December. 

The 'Rule of Six' restriction on social mixing could be lifted temporarily for Christmas to let family groups of up to 12 enjoy the festive period. Pictured: Instagram snap of Rishi Sunak at Christmas last year

The 'Rule of Six' restriction on social mixing could be lifted temporarily for Christmas to let family groups of up to 12 enjoy the festive period. Pictured: Instagram snap of Rishi Sunak at Christmas last year

The temporary lifting is regarded as a better option than the alternative plan, which would be for families to isolate for a fortnight before Christmas to allow them to gather on the day. 

Mr Sharma is one of the ministerial 'hawks' who believe No 10 should put a greater emphasis on protecting the economy when considering Covid-19 restrictions, alongside Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Home Secretary Priti Patel and International Trade Secretary Liz Truss. 

Health Secretary Matt Hancock leads the economy 'doves' who believe that even a two-day relaxation of the rule risks creating a mid-winter increase in Covid numbers at a time when hospitals are traditionally under the greatest strain. 

The rule of 12 plan is being hatched as Tory MPs grow increasingly restive about the rule of six and the 10pm pub curfew.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma (pictured) is understood to be the leading Cabinet advocate of the plan – assuming Covid infection rates have been broadly kept under control by mid-December

Business Secretary Alok Sharma is understood to be the leading Cabinet advocate of the plan – assuming Covid infection rates have been broadly kept under control by mid-December

A slew of them voted against the six limit last week, while a second rebellion is brewing over the curfew. 

Boris Johnson has promised that the Government will do 'everything we can to make sure Christmas for everybody is as normal as possible' – despite the situation 'continuing to be bumpy' during the next two months. 

The Prime Minister has urged people to 'save Christmas' by working together to bring down the infection rate. 

A source said: 'Alok thinks people will need something to look forward to after the next couple of difficult months, and doubling the rule for a couple of days allows that with only a limited extra infection risk attached. 'It hasn't been formally considered by the Treasury yet as a proposal, but it is in line with Rishi's world view.' 

Last night, Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee – who voted against the rule of six – said it should be axed altogether rather than be subject to a specific exemption that could create its own anomalies – such as for family groups of up to 13. 

Sir Graham added: 'This rule is an intrusion into the liberty and private life of the British family.

'We should be relying on people's common sense and judgment instead and ditch the rule completely rather than adding another layer of complexity to the existing rules, which would simply lead to fresh problems.' 

Popular posts from this blog

Study Abroad USA, College of Charleston, Popular Courses, Alumni

Thinking for Study Abroad USA. School of Charleston, the wonderful grounds is situated in the actual middle of a verifiable city - Charleston. Get snatched up by the wonderful and customary engineering, beautiful pathways, or look at the advanced steel and glass building which houses the School of Business. The grounds additionally gives students simple admittance to a few major tech organizations like Amazon's CreateSpace, Google, TwitPic, and so on. The school offers students nearby as well as off-grounds convenience going from completely outfitted home lobbies to memorable homes. It is prepared to offer different types of assistance and facilities like clubs, associations, sporting exercises, support administrations, etc. To put it plainly, the school grounds is rising with energy and there will never be a dull second for students at the College of Charleston. Concentrate on Abroad USA is improving and remunerating for your future. The energetic grounds likewise houses various

Best MBA Online Colleges in the USA

“Opportunities never open, instead we create them for us”. Beginning with this amazing saying, let’s unbox today’s knowledge. Love Business and marketing? Want to make a high-paid career in business administration? Well, if yes, then mate, we have got you something amazing to do!   We all imagine an effortless future with a cozy house and a laptop. Well, well! You can make this happen. Today, with this guide, we will be exploring some of the top-notch online MBA universities and institutes in the USA. Let’s get started! Why learn Online MBA from the USA? Access to More Options This online era has given a second chance to children who want to reflect on their careers while managing their hectic schedules. In this, the internet has played a very crucial in rejuvenating schools, institutes, and colleges to give the best education to students across the globe. Graduating with Less Debt Regular classes from high reputed institutes often charge heavy tuition fees. However onl

Sickening moment maskless 'Karen' COUGHS in the face of grocery store customer, then claims she doesn't have to wear a mask because she 'isn't sick'

A woman was captured on camera following a customer through a supermarket as she coughs on her after claiming she does not need a mask because she is not sick.  Video of the incident, which has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on Twitter alone, allegedly took place in a Su per Saver in Lincoln, Nebraska according to Twitter user @davenewworld_2. In it, an unidentified woman was captured dramatically coughing as she smiles saying 'Excuse me! I'm coming through' in the direction of the customer recording her. Scroll down for video An unidentified woman was captured dramatically coughing as she smiles saying 'Excuse me! I'm coming through' in the direction of a woman recording her A woman was captured on camera following a customer as she coughs on her in a supermarket without a mask on claiming she does not need one because she is not sick @chaiteabugz #karen #covid #karens #karensgonewild #karensalert #masks we were just wearing a mask at the store. ¿ o