A POLICE leader has said Tier 4 rules “don’t make sense” and they “won’t be knocking on doors” to check Brits are following lockdown rules on Christmas Day.

Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation – which represents thousands of rank and file officers – slammed the new restrictions as “baffling” after festive bubbles were axed for millions in London and the South East.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

Christmas plans were plunged into chaos amid warnings from medical experts of a "frighteningly transmissible" new variant of the bug in London and the South East, which can spread up to 70 per cent more easily.

Rules were previously due to be relaxed across the UK from December 23 to 28 to allow families to spend Christmas together.

But the emergence of the new strain led Boris Johnson to cancel celebrations for millions of Brits living in London and the South East – with the regions plunged into Tier 4 lockdown from midnight tonight.

Festive bubbles have also been cut to Christmas Day only for Brits living in other tiers.

Click the links below to find out more…

• Boris Johnson today cancelled Christmas for millions as he put London, the South East and East in Tier 4 lockdown
• A new mutant strain of Covid-19 is becoming the "dominant variant" of the disease and may be up to 70% more contagious
• All Brits have been told to stay local during the festive season
• Christmas bubbles in Tiers 1, 2 and 3 have been cut to just 24 hours on December 25
• Non-essential shops and gyms in Tier 4 areas must be closed from midnight
• Those in Tier 4 will be able to meet only one other person outdoors – but must not stay overnight from home
• Wales will go into lockdown from tonight and people can 'bubble' for Christmas day only
• Scotland banned travel from the rest of the UK to stop the new strain spreading and will go into the toughest lockdown measures on Boxing Day

Just days ago, Boris Johnson insisted shutting down celebrations would be "frankly inhuman".

Ken Marsh told MailOnline that the PM had “lost the good will of the people” over the festive period, after promising Brits they would be able to enjoy Christmas with family members.

He said: “It doesn’t make sense. It’s going to be no different now from how it was. 

We’re not going to be knocking on people's doors on Christmas Day

“We’re not going to be knocking on people's doors on Christmas Day. We have no power of entry.

“'It’s just a shame because I don’t think people are going to take much notice.

"You’ve lost the goodwill of the public. They’re so frustrated.”

It comes after Brits reacted with fury as Christmas was cancelled after millions shelled out on booze, food and presents.

Many have taken to social media to vent their anger, with one devastated user writing: "I'm sorry but my family have spent money on food for my family who are all coming in the next few days.

"I see my family twice a year and I am absolutely devastated like I cannot explain how upsetting and disheartening this is."

Another added: "If you lock us all over over Christmas – meaning families who have spent hundreds of pounds preparing to see loved ones – then you have proven what an utterly incompetent leader you and your cabinet are.

"Shame on you."

Most read in News

Meanwhile, Scotland will ban travel from England over the festive period to stop the spread of the highly contagious new strain.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also announced the country would go into lockdown on Boxing Day – as Wales was plunged into Tier 4 restrictions from midnight tonight. 

Source: Read Full Article