Boris Johnson was at the centre of a furious row today after a minister advised people to snitch on neighbours who break the new legal ban on gatherings of more than six people.
As the Prime Minister arrived in Downing Street juggling a baby bottle, Dilyn the dog, his red box and a folder under his arm, policing minister Kit Malthouse told the morning media round that residents should “absolutely” call the police if they see neighbours holding gatherings of seven or more next door.
The rule of six came into force overnight despite claims that it will keep families unfairly apart and wreck Christmas. Rule-breakers can be fined £100, with penalties doubling for every further offence up to a maximum of £3,200. Some Tory MPs want children under 12 to be excluded from the calculation of group sizes, while the former Supreme Court justice Lord Sumption today warned that the law will be “unenforceable”.
Read More: Outcry over Covid ‘Stasi snoop’ as Kit Malthouse says home-owners should snitch on neighbours
