Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to (a) ensure that police officers are aware of the covid-19 guidelines on religious services and (b) prevent religious services from being shut down unlawfully under those guidelines.

The Government continues to work with the police to ensure that the law is being correctly enforced. The National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing develop and disseminate guidance for forces in England and Wales on enforcing the rules and this is updated as regulations are changed.

Enforcement of the restrictions is an operational matter for the police. As they have done throughout the pandemic, the police continue to utilise the 4Es approach: engaging with individuals who are not following the rules, explaining the rules to them, and encouraging them to comply before moving on to enforce the law. Police officers have received clear guidance that they should use their common sense, discretion, and experience in enforcing coronavirus regulations, and we expect enforcement activity to be proportionate and within the law.

Government guidance provides a set of key principles for both those wishing to attend a place of worship and venue managers, these principles enable a safe opening of these venues and allow individuals to congregate in a Covid-secure environment. Further information on guidance on attending and managing a place of worship can be found here; www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-from-2-december