London Mayor blasts Government's continued curfew

Khan said he has long believed the 10pm curfew needed reviewing, especially as its implementation resulted in large gatherings on the streets of London and on public transport.

The Mayor also called on the Government to put a more robust support package in place for workers affected by the pandemic.

“I have said for a while that the current curfew rule needs to be rapidly reviewed,” Khan said in a statement.

Worrying consequences​

“We saw the worrying consequences of increased social mixing on the streets and on public transport in the capital around 10pm immediately after its introduction.”

Since London and other parts of England entered Prime Minister Boris Johnson’ tier two restrictions, meaning households are no longer allowed to mix, the curfew “makes even less sense and should be scrapped”, he continued.

“Immediately scrapping the 10pm curfew would allow more sittings of single households in restaurants throughout the evening, helping with cashflows at a time when venues need all the support they can get.”

The Government has failed to get a grip on the virus and provide a functioning test and trace system, Khan explained.

Business support needed​

“Ministers must give businesses the support they need to survive while restrictions remain in place.

“This includes access to a proper job retention scheme in line with the 80% furlough scheme in place at the start of the pandemic.”

His calls follow a protest outside the Houses of Parliament by influential hospitality leaders in Parliament Square yesterday (19 October).

Hundreds of chefs, pub and restaurant owners gathered safely and under social distancing rules to vent their frustrations at, among other issues, the 10pm curfew and how the tier system was damaging the hospitality sector.

Watch The Morning Advertiser’s ​Ed Bedington speaking to protestors at the event​ yesterday.