No 10 contradicts minister’s warning against large Christmas gatherings

No 10 has pushed back against a minister’s suggestion that the Government could revamp ‘rule of six’ style rules on Christmas gatherings, after science minister George Freeman argued that gatherings of just four to five people was “sensible”.

Quizzed on the remarks, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson told journalists: “I think, as you know, Government advice does not set any limits on numbers (in the) guidance.

“There is nothing in the rules to prevent anyone from having Christmas parties or gathering in that way. There are a limited number of restrictions that we have set out on a precautionary basis while we do further investigation into this variant.

“Beyond that, the position has not changed since we moved past Step 4.”