Written question asked by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Monday, 12 April 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 April 2021. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Monday, 26 April 2021 on behalf of the Home Office.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the (1) organisation, and (2) advertisement, of all-night parties during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the ones in Primrose Hill in March; what assessment they have made of the impact of such events on (a) drug dealing and use, (b) nuisance noise for local residents, and (c) littering; and what steps they are taking with police forces to prevent such events taking place.

Answer: The vast majority of the public have complied with the measures the Government has put in place during the pandemic, and we expect everyone to continue to do the right thing and follow the rules and guidance that will help keep us all safe. Our police forces face unprecedented challenges as they play the critical role of maintaining public order during this public health emergency. We have moved quickly to give the police the powers and guidance they need to support compliance with essential social distancing measures, this includes quadrupling the penalty for attending an illegal gathering of over 15 people in England to £800, doubling on each successive offence up to a maximum of £6,400.

Secondary information