MP demands Health Secretary to review wedding restrictions to protect local jobs

On the floor of the House of Commons this week, South Lakes MP Tim Farron urged ministers to rethink restrictions which are crippling local jobs and businesses in the wedding industry.

Speaking in Parliament, Tim said: "Will the Secretary of State agree that the inconsistent and sometimes nonsensical application of some of the rules is doing damage to some of the businesses that he talks about?

"In particular I am thinking of the wedding industry and the many families who have been affected by that.

"The rule of six surely can apply so that a place that can take many multiples of six could host weddings and give people their special day, and so that it does not kill a vital industry not just in the lakes and the dales, but across the country?"

In response, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "I think we have shown throughout that we are always willing to try to improve the way the rules operate in a way that is safe.

"At weddings, of course people tend to come together physically. It is a time of celebration of love, and that is in its nature, so we make restrictions with huge regret, but we always keep an open mind on the public health evidence."

Speaking afterwards, Tim said: "From photographers to caterers, from florists to bridal shops - people working in the wedding industry in Cumbria tell me that times are really tough for them right now.

"I want to support the Government in the measures they are taking to prevent the spread of the virus, but this particular rule seems to me to have no impact on protecting lives - but it is having a devastating impact of many people's livelihoods.

"I will continue to urge the Government to think again."