Home Secretary pledges to back police enforcing Covid-19 rules after Derbyshire Constabulary scrap fines to women on walk

In a Downing Street Press Conference yesterday (January 12), the Home Secretary confirmed alongside Martin Hewitt, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS medical director for London that she will back officers issuing fines against Covid-19 breaches.

Priti Patel said in the briefing that police in England are “now moving more quickly to issue fines where people are clearly breaching coronavirus regulations".

The Home Secretary added: "If you do not play your part, our selfless police officers, who are out there risking their own lives... they will enforce the regulations.

"And I will back them to do so."

Martin Hewitt, of the National Police Chief Council also defended officers who he said had been helping to defeat the virus by ensuring people comply with the rules designed to slow the spread of Covid-19.

He added that while in most cases “common sense and discretion” had been used to make sure that the restrictions are abided by there were still a “stubborn minority” of the population that were breaching the measures.

It comes after Derbyshire Constabulary withdrew fixed penalty notices that they handed to two women taking a walk five miles from their home at a nearby beauty spot, following a review.

Jessica Allen and Eliza Moore were initially ordered to pay £200 each for allegedly breaching lockdown rules when they travelled separately from Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire to Foremark Reservoir in South Derbyshire to exercise together.

Derbyshire Constabulary first defended their officers’ actions before then promising to review those and other fixed penalty notices (FPNs) issued after guidance confirmed that the law does not restrict the distance travelled for exercise.

On Monday evening, (January 11) Derbyshire Constabulary Chief Constable Rachel Swann said: “I can confirm that a review into FPNs issued by my officers last week has been completed.

“Two FPNs which were handed to two women who had travelled to Foremark Reservoir on Thursday have been withdrawn and we have notified the women directly, apologising for any concern caused.

“I support the fact that the officers were trying to encourage people to stay local to prevent the spread of the virus – this is a responsibility for all of us.

“All of our FPNs issued in conjunction with the Covid guidance are subject to review.

“Having received clarification of the guidance issued by the National Police Chiefs’ Council on Friday, these FPNs, as well as a small number of others issued, were reviewed in line with that latest advice, and so it is right that we have taken this action.

“We have been working hard to understand the ever-changing guidance and legislation and to communicate this to our officers in a way that makes it clear what is the right course of action to take.

“At present there is no clear limit as to how far people can travel to exercise – but Government guidance strongly requests people do not leave their local area.”

During yesterday’s press conference Ms Patel added that there is debate within government on the lockdown restrictions but would not comment on whether restrictions would be tightened.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.