West Yorkshire PCC’s statement following the introduction of Tier 4 restrictions in London and the South-East

Monday 21st December 2020,

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) said:

“While this weekend’s news around the introduction of Tier 4 restrictions in the South of England and a much shorter ‘Christmas bubble’ has understandably led to feelings of profound disappointment, frustration and upset, we must remember why we all need to follow the guidance. 

“While Tier 4 currently affects London and the South East, West Yorkshire remains in Tier 3 (Very High Alert). The Christmas period for the purpose of ‘Christmas bubbles’ has now been changed to Christmas Day only which is also the case for Tier 3 areas like West Yorkshire.

"We remain in Tier 3 for a very good reason and there is still a long way to go in overcoming this pandemic. Covid-19 is still a very real threat and it is incumbent upon us all to do the right thing. 

“That means managing our own behaviours and activities, although we know this is incredibly difficult after a really tough year and certainly as the Christmas season is upon us.  

“However, going against this latest guidance will only contribute to the problem and extend our recovery process as a region and country, so I would urge people to ensure they do the right thing, not only for themselves but for their loved ones and wider community. 

“West Yorkshire Police will continue to adopt the approach of Encourage, Explain, Engage and Enforce breaches where appropriate, please check latest guidance.

“We can and will get through this together, but we have to all do our bit to ensure we are doing whatever we can to reduce the rates of transmission to help come out more quickly and safely at the other end of this in 2021. 

“We also need to remember and support all our emergency service and key workers who are on the front-line of the response this winter, who are there on all our behalf’s doing their job to help protect us.”