Boris Johnson Apologises As He Does U-Turn On Household Mixing Rules

The Prime Minister made the apology after he wrongly suggested the rule of six still applies to indoor meetings in the region, adding confusion.

In fact, it was announced on Tuesday that members of different households will be banned from mixing inside or outside in some areas.

While answering questions following a speech in Exeter, the PM said: "Outside the areas such as the north-east where extra measures have been brought in, it's six inside, six outside."

He added: "In the north-east and other areas where extra tight measures have been brought in you should follow the advice of local authorities; but as I understand it, it's six in a home or six in hospitality but, as I understand it, not six outside."

The 'rule of six' - limiting public gatherings both inside and outside to six people by law - was implemented across the UK two weeks ago.

However, new stricter rules have been laid out for some areas in the north-east of the country where Covid-19 cases are rising more rapidly.

From midnight on Wednesday, it will be illegal for people of different households to mix inside or outside in some areas of the region.

Boris quickly made a U-tun on his remarks on Twitter, writing: "Apologies, I misspoke today."

He then clarified: "In the North East, new rules mean you cannot meet people from different households in social settings indoors, including in pubs, restaurants and your home. You should also avoid socialising with other households outside."

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has since called the PM "grossly incompetent" for not knowing the rules.

She said: "These new restrictions are due to come into force across huge parts of the country tonight. The government needs to get a grip."