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‘Principalities are out of step with England’ on Covid restrictions says Tory MP

27 Dec 2021 2 minute read
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown by Chris McAndrew (CC BY 3.0).

Wales has long chafed against its description as a ‘principality’ in the English press – but has now been joined by Scotland and Northern Ireland, according to a Conservative MP.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, treasurer of the 1922 Committee of backbench Conservatives, told Times Radio that he thought “the principalities are out of step with England” on Covid restrictions.

Parts of west Wales and the north-east of Wales constituted the Principality of Wales after the country’s conquest in 1284, but this arrangement ended in the 16th century.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP for The Cotswolds, was responding to the suggestion that Prime Minister Boris Johnson could introduce new restrictions to tackle the rising wave of Omicron variant Covid cases in England.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have already introduced some restrictions, including a ban of crowds at sporting events in Wales.

In Northern Ireland, as in Wales, nightclubs have been closed, table service is required in pubs and restaurants, and a maximum of six people can sit together at hospitality venues.

In Scotland, indoor events have been limited to 100 people standing or 200 people seated, and groups meeting inside must be limited to three households.

Asked whether he was concerned that England was “out of step” with the rest of the UK in terms of Omicron restrictions, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: “I think it is the other way round.

“I think the principalities are out of step with England. I think they have been overly cautious. I think they are doing more damage to their economies than they need to.

“I think they are doing more damage to people’s liberties than they need to – I just don’t think the evidence, unless the data coming out today looks very different, is there for any further measures.”

Boris Johnson is expected to announce any changes to restrictions for England before the New Year after receiving his first comprehensive data briefing since before Christmas today.

He would probably have to announce any news measures by the end of tomorrow if they were to have any impact before New Year’s Eve.


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Christopher
Christopher
2 years ago

From a few days ago:

Scotland – 1 in 65 have Covid.

Wales – 1 in 45 have Covid.

England – 1 in 35 have Covid.

London – between 1 in 20 and 10 have Covid.

Sir Geoffrey – “Unless the evidence…”

Just sit yerself down, pal!

David Simpson
David Simpson
2 years ago
Reply to  Christopher

This Tory has the equation the wrong way around as England is out of step with the other three nations (and also the scientists), so out of the window goes we always the science!

Richard
Richard
2 years ago

JCB – in touch as usual with the ‘ man ‘ on the Stroud omnibus 🤔

Paul Hoskins
Paul Hoskins
2 years ago

It has to be asked why do the media consistently give these clowns the ‘oxygen of publicity’? However, a consequence is that many more cymro are viewing independence much more positively by the day!

Aubrey Roberts
2 years ago
Reply to  Paul Hoskins

The only media giving them attention is Nation.

They read obscure articles and listen to Times Radio in order to file up the sake five people.

Richard
Richard
2 years ago
Reply to  Aubrey Roberts

An interesting and alternative point of view Aubrey – also a welcome set of additional thoughts 💭

Howard
Howard
2 years ago

The only way to protect our economy IS to protect public health.
If you only protect the economy you get neither.

Ed Jones
Ed Jones
2 years ago

Sorry ladies, he’s married…

Welsh_Siôn
Welsh_Siôn
2 years ago
Reply to  Ed Jones

Sorry to you, too, Mrs Clifton-Brown.

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
2 years ago

As usual more ignorance of Wales and its native history by these English fascist Conservative MPs with as much brain power as an AA battery.

Firstly, Wales is a Kingdom of Kingdoms not a Principality. That description came about when the waring kingdoms of Wales United under one King and that term used denoted one Principal ruler.

Last edited 2 years ago by Y Cymro
Argol Fawr
Argol Fawr
2 years ago
Reply to  Y Cymro

It’s not ignorance, it’s strategy. Continually repeating the Principality disinformation suits their propaganda of further duping those who blindly want to believe Imperialistic Tory mantra.

Quornby
Quornby
2 years ago

Just call us a Republic. And close the door on your way out.

Argol Fawr
Argol Fawr
2 years ago

I’d like to know the cost of fabricating that grin.

Ceri
Ceri
2 years ago

Boris will do what he always does. Fall in line with the other nations once he realises he has got it wrong again.

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