Police Federation criticise government over ‘wishy washy’ response

The Metropolitan Police Federation (MPF) who represent police officers have criticised the government’s response to the pandemic as “wishy washy.”

The comments come after concerns the public have started to ignore the governments lockdown measures as the mixed messages are coming out of Downing Street.

MPF’s Ken Marsh told BBC Radio 4 that authorities “needed to be firmer right from the beginning”.

Marsh said, “It’s been quite wishy-washy how we’ve gone about it.

“Had we been very stringent from the off, it is painful, but it’s not overly painful in terms of what you’re actually being asked to do, then I think we would have a better result now.”

Professor Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, said on Saturday’s press briefing, “there was a little bit of concern” after the warm weather drew big crowds to public spaces in London.

The Met Police said on Saturday that they are fighting a “losing battle” as “hundreds” of people were seen defying the lockdown measures in parks.

Furious police said that there are “literally hundreds of people sitting having pizza, beers, wines” whilst enjoying the sun across London’s parks.

Hackney Police thanked those who are “observing the guidelines” by staying at home, but warned those who are breaking the rules are not protecting frontline workers, as they will place avoidable pressure on the NHS.

The Coastguard have recorded their highest daily number of calls outs, with 97 incidents on Friday, which is up by 54% of the average of 63 in April.

Matt Leat, duty commander with the Coastguard said, “People are ignoring the measures put into place by the government.”