Yahoo News Military could be drafted in to enforce new coronavirus rules, Boris Johnson says
The military could be drafted in to free up police so they can focus on enforcing tougher coronavirus rules in a bid to slow the spread of the pandemic, Boris Johnson has warned.
The Prime Minister hinted at military support for police officers as he announced tougher measures which could be in force for up to six months.
"We will provide the police and local authorities with the extra funding they need, a greater police presence on our streets, and the option to draw on military support where required to free up the police," Mr Johnson told MPs.
Among the tougher penalties for those who “brazenly defy” the restrictions, Mr Johnson said businesses could face £10,000 fines for breaking the rules and the penalty for failing to wear a mask will double to £200 for the first offence. The same fine will apply for breaching the so-called rule of six.
Downing Street said the military would be able to help fulfil certain police duties such as office roles and guarding protected sights to free up officers and would not be granted “additional powers”.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “To further free up the police to have a greater presence on our streets they will have the option to draw on military support, where required, using tried and tested mechanisms.
"This would involve the military back-filling certain duties, such as office roles and guarding protected sites, so police officers can be out enforcing the virus response.
"This is not about providing any additional powers to the military, or them replacing the police in enforcement roles, and they will not be handing out fines. It is about freeing up more police officers."
During his speech, Mr Johnson warned the UK was at a "perilous turning point" in the battle against coronavirus as he abandoned efforts to get more workers back into offices, ordered wider use of face masks and imposed a 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants.
He warned that the new curbs could last for six months – taking them well beyond Christmas – "unless we palpably make progress”.
He set out measures for England in the Commons but stressed that all parts of the UK were united in the need for decisive action to prevent the virus getting out of control.
"We always knew that while we might have driven the virus into retreat, the prospect of a second wave was real," he told MPs.
"I’m sorry to say that, as in Spain and France and many other countries, we have reached a perilous turning point."
Measures set out by Mr Johnson to limit the spread of the virus included:
Asking office workers who can to work from home, although construction workers, retail staff and people performing essential services should continue to attend their workplaces.
From Thursday, pubs, bars and restaurants will be table service only and hospitality venues will be subject to a 10pm closing time.
Face coverings will be required for retail staff, taxi passengers and hospitality customers except where seated.
Covid-secure guidelines will become legal obligations for retail, leisure and tourism firms, with businesses facing the risk of fines or closure for failing to comply.
From Monday, a maximum of 15 people will be allowed to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions.
The rule of six will be extended to cover indoor team sports, such as five-a-side football games.
Plans to allow business conferences and sporting events from October 1 have been shelved.
The Prime Minister insisted the measures did not amount to a second lockdown.
"This is by no means a return to the full lockdown of March, we’re not issuing a general instruction to stay at home, we will ensure that schools, colleges and universities stay open because nothing is more important than the education, health and wellbeing of our young people," he said.
But he warned that tougher measures may be needed if the virus continues to spread with the R number remaining above one.
"I must emphasise that if all our actions failed to bring the R below one then we reserve the right to deploy greater firepower with significantly greater restrictions," he warned.
The Prime Minister said the Government was taking "decisive and appropriate steps to balance saving lives with protecting jobs and livelihoods".
But he acknowledged "this will have profound consequences" for people across the country.
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