Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the adequacy of the powers of the police to enforce provisions related to COVID-19, in particular in relation to (1) mass gatherings, and (2) large celebrations.

Under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020, it is against the law to gather outdoors in groups of more than 30 people.

The police have powers to break up groups larger than 30 in certain circumstances, through dispersal and removal powers, as well as through issuing Fixed Penalty Notices.

The Police will continue to follow the four-step escalation principles of engaging, explaining, encouraging, with enforcement as a last resort.

The Government will continue to work closely with the police on any future changes to the regulations and guidance.