Anger has erupted as shocking footage shows Londoners gathering on Westminster Bridge to applaud the NHS as lockdown rules are not being implemented.
Six feet was a lot bigger when I was a lad..#SocialDistancing …NOT pic.twitter.com/CLpjdYxXKW
— Mr H. (@hillb0y) April 23, 2020
NOT AGAIN?!?! #WestminsterBridge https://t.co/gEXUqQlKWY
— Natalie Howes (@nahowes) April 24, 2020
For the second week running large numbers of people can be seen gathering on Westminster Bridge with police walking around flouting social distancing, yet again.
Public gatherings of only 2, some of us haven’t seen our parents in weeks, our children not at schools, nearly 14,000 dead as @metpoliceuk allow this madness on Westminster Bridge pic.twitter.com/paLl5N80MS
— Aamer Anwar🎗✊🏽#BlackLivesMatter (@AamerAnwar) April 17, 2020
A Twitter user wrote, “Regardless of the time, and your clapping for NHS staff, you don’t get immunity in this period!
“Police are NOT enforcing social distancing AT ALL; they are complicit.”
Last week Downing Street was forced to intervene over the footage as doctors and nurses complained and were in “shock” with what they saw.
Conservative MP Lucy Allan wrote on Twitter, So if you want to say goodbye to your loved ones you can’t…”
Lizzie Cundy a TV presenter said, “These idiots on Westminster bridge !!
“You are risking lives !!!” She also asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to step in.”
These idiots on Westminster bridge !! You are risking lives !!! Have a word @BorisJohnson #SocialDistancing #stayhome https://t.co/sDN1udra7Z
— Lizzie Cundy (@lizziecundy) April 23, 2020
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said, “We are aware a number of members of the public and other emergency services stopped on Westminster Bridge for a short period of time last night.
“A small number of our officers were present as part of their local patrols. We continue to encourage people to adhere to social distancing guidance.
“Our officers will engage, explain, encourage and only enforce as a last resort.”
Let me be perfectly clear about social distancing on Westminster Bridge and elsewhere in the UK #ToryShambles #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/AeiiF7IOmY
— Parody Matt Hancock (@ParodyHancock) April 17, 2020
Despite this statement the Met Police have failed in their duty to enforce social distancing measures in what amounts to a dereliction of duty.
The governments guidelines are quite clear, people are only allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons, and must stay 2m apart from others.
A person asked on Twitter, “Why have we reached a stage where it is more important to be seen to care (usually filming yourself clapping) than to actually care?”
Two people: *eat some chips together on a deserted beach*
Police: *take out batons and teach them a lesson they won’t soon forget*
Hundreds of people: *gather on Westminster Bridge so people can see how great they are for clapping*
Police: *join in*pic.twitter.com/8LXOP4SsRh
— 🏳️🌈 Max 🏳️🌈 (@SpillerOfTea) April 17, 2020
Last week the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said, “We would ask that everyone takes responsibility and adheres to social distancing rules so that we can safely show our appreciation for those who are working so hard to fight coronavirus.”
He added, “We would ask that in showing their appreciation for those who are working so hard as carers, they do so in a way which adheres to the social distancing rules.”
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