I'm beginning to think we're going to need our own military intervention here to root out the criminals holding the UK to hostage. Hopefully it's all part of the plan.
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Priti Patel defends police over 'strong enforcement' of Covid rules as officers target a woman for 'sitting on a bench' and another for 'leaving her house more than once' - with Matt Hancock warning every 'flex' of restrictions 'can be fatal'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9131071/Priti-Patel-defends-police-strong-enforcement-Covid-rules.html
Priti Patel today defended police as they began strict application of Covid rules that includes £200 fines and less tolerance for rule-breakers.
The Home Secretary warned that officers 'will not hesitate' to take action because the increasing number of new Covid-19 cases proved there was a need for 'strong enforcement' in cases where people were clearly breaking the rules.
The UK's Covid death toll passed 80,000, after a further 1,035 deaths were recorded yesterday, increasing fears that the total will surpass 100,000 by the end of the month.
Police tactics have come in for scrutiny after Derbyshire Police handed out £200 fines to two women who drove separately to go for a walk at a remote beauty spot situated around five miles from their homes.
It comes as footage emerged showing three police officers surrounding a woman for allegedly leaving her house more than once in a day.
Another four officers appear to arrest a different woman for what she claims was 'sitting on a bench' on the seafront in Bournemouth.
Forces across England have urged people to stay home and avoid travelling as they continue to fine Covid rule-breakers.
Several constabularies issued the message on Saturday as doctors said pressure on the NHS from coronavirus could get worse in the coming weeks.
Ms Patel said: 'Our police officers are working tirelessly to keep us safe. Not only are they continuing to take criminals off our streets, but they are also playing a crucial role in controlling the spread of the virus.
'The vast majority of the public have supported this huge national effort and followed the rules.
'But the tragic number of new cases and deaths this week shows there is still a need for strong enforcement where people are clearly breaking these rules to ensure we safeguard our country's recovery from this deadly virus.
'Enforcing these rules saves lives. It is as simple as that. Officers will continue to engage with the public across the country and will not hesitate to take action when necessary.'
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky's Ridge on Sunday more people were obeying the rules than in the November lockdown, but added: 'Absolutely I'm going to back the police. The challenge here is that every flex can be fatal.
'You might look at the rules and think well it doesn't matter that much if I just do this or do that, but these rules are not there as boundaries to be pushed, they're the limit of what people should be doing.'