British Prime Minister Boris Johnson got tangled up on Tuesday, September 29, over new restrictions imposed locally in the face of the coronavirus resurgence, fueling accusations of confusion aimed at his government's handling of the pandemic.
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Hoping to avoid national re-containment, the United Kingdom is stepping up local actions to try to control the spread of the virus, which has already killed more than 42,000 people, the heaviest toll in Europe.
Early closure of pubs here, ban on leaving the city, limitation on meetings between homes ... The rules vary not only between Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England, but also even within these different provinces.
These differences are causing confusion among the British, more than a quarter of whom are now affected by local restrictions.
"
(I) expressed myself poorly
"
Asked at a press conference about the restrictions coming into effect at midnight on Wednesday in the North East of England, Boris Johnson was wrong himself when he said that outdoor meetings there will not be limited to six people, unlike in pubs, bars, restaurants or at home.
The Conservative leader then apologized on Twitter, admitting to having "
misspoken
", since meetings with more than six people, both indoors and outdoors, are now banned throughout England.
Read also: In the UK, supermarkets are rationing certain products to avoid shortages
The new rules in the North East “
mean you can't mix two homes in the pub, restaurant or home.
You should also avoid meeting outside members of other households,
”he added.
"
Not understanding your own rules when you are Prime Minister is serious incompetence
," tackled the number two of the Labor opposition, Angela Rayner.
The British Prime Minister is also criticized by his own Conservative MPs, who blame him for the lack of parliamentary control over these restrictions which hinder freedoms and can lead to hefty fines.
As parliament is due to consider the renewal of the government's exceptional powers to deal with the outbreak on Wednesday, more than 40 "
Tories
" have signed an amendment to make MPs' approval mandatory for any new nationwide restrictions.
