Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes MP, has welcomed the announcement that an agreement has been reached between the UK Government and the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on arrangements for the Christmas period.
The UK Government and the devolved administrations agreed on 24th November at a meeting of COBR to a time-limited change to social contact restrictions over the Christmas period to enable people to meet more of their family and friends at home.
It was agreed that:
- Travel restrictions across the four administrations and between tiers will be lifted to provide a window for households to come together between the 23rd and 27th of December.
- Up to three households can form an exclusive ‘bubble’ to meet at home during this period. When a bubble is formed it is fixed, and must not be changed or extended further at any point.
- Each Christmas bubble can meet at home, at a place of worship or an outdoor public place, but existing, more restrictive rules on hospitality and meeting in other venues will be maintained throughout this period.
In addition, students who have moved home from university for the holidays will count as part of their family’s household, and in England an existing support bubble will count as one household.
Simon Baynes MP said:
“Christmas is an important time of year for many people in the UK. Regardless of faith, the Christmas period is a time many of us choose to spend with family and friends while schools and offices are closed.
“Whilst COVID-19 means it will not be possible fully to take advantage of the winter holiday season and celebrate Christmas in the “normal way,” I very much welcome that the UK and Welsh Governments have worked together and agreed to this arrangement which will allow people in Clwyd South to celebrate the Christmas period with their family and friends at home.”
