Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the scientific basis for their current rules on the maximum number of people allowed to attend (1) christenings, (2) weddings, and (3) funerals.

Infections are rising across the United Kingdom, and the seven-day average number of cases has nearly quadrupled from 21 August to 21 September, and that is why the Government has to provide restrictions to limit transmission.

We recognise that weddings, christenings and funerals are significant events for different reasons in difficult times. From 28 September, there should be a maximum of 15 attendees at a wedding or civil partnership ceremony or wedding reception with a sit down meal in a COVID-secure setting. Allowing funerals up to 30 will balance the needs of the bereaved to mourn appropriately while minimising the spread of the virus.

We understand that people may want to gather in larger groups, however we have to balance this against the risk of transmission in large groups.

These measures are continually under review.