The Mayor of London has continued to warn about the rapid surge in COVID-19 infections throughout London, demanding the Government impose new restrictions be imposed as a method of trying to get the pandemic under control in the city. Earlier this week, Mr Khan warned it is inevitable London would pass a “trigger point” to enter the higher Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions – a move that was confirmed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock just 48 hours later in the House of Commons.
The Mayor of London accepted the move for increased restrictions across the capital, warning it is “better to act earlier than to act too late”.
Now Mr Khan has aimed another subtle dig at the Government while again demanding additional targeted support to help businesses operating in the night-time economy.
He was reacting to a report 105 nightclubs in London have joined forced to warn the Government more than half of them could be forced to permanently close within a month if they don’t receive additional help.
The Mayor tweeted: “London’s nightclubs and night-time economy were thriving before COVID-19. As the Government impose new restrictions on London, I’m also calling for additional targeted support to help these vital businesses survive.”
But these comments sparked a furious reaction, with one person raging: “I gasp at the double speak.
“From a Mayor who’s pestered & pestered to increase restrictions in London. Now reacts against consequences & blames government.
“Tories have plenty we should hold them to account for, but Labour can’t squirm out of taking responsibility for this one.”
Another furious person tweeted: “The brightest and best live in London. They’ll see through this gaslighting.
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“It was you calling for tougher restrictions!
“About time you faced up to your responsibilities and look for an alternative solution instead of blaming others for your failures.”
Earlier this week, Mr Khan threw his support behind the Government’s decision to move London into Tier 2 of the new lockdown system.
But he also called for the Government to provide immediate financial support for affected businesses, local authorities and “vulnerable Londoners struggling to get by”.
The Mayor of London said: “Time and again it has been shown that it is better to act earlier than to act too late.
“I am not willing to put Londoners’ lives at risk and we must do all we can to minimise economic damage.
“I know these further restrictions will require Londoners to make yet more sacrifices, but the disastrous failure of the Test, Trace and Isolate system leaves us with little choice.”
