Met Boss Urges Faith Leaders to Keep London’s Covid Fight Strong
The Met’s top cop, Commander Catherine Roper, has fired off a letter to faith leaders across London as Covid-19 cases surge again. She praised their role during the pandemic and called on them to help keep the city safe by sticking to tough new rules.
Faith Leaders Thanked but Warned Over Rule Breaks
Commander Roper said London’s faith communities have shown “enormous strength, compassion and hope” through the crisis. “Without them, many Londoners would have felt alone and vulnerable,” she added.
She also thanked them for supporting police efforts to stop the virus spreading further. But, Roper warned, “there have been small pockets where religious venues have breached the regulations – putting people at risk.” When rules have been broken, officers have stepped in to break up crowds.
Strict Limits on Worship – Only ‘Independent Prayer’ Allowed
London’s faith venues are now only allowed to open for “independent prayer” – no group services, no communal worship, and no services led by religious leaders. Venues must also carry out a risk assessment to keep all worshippers safe.
Police Back Faith Leaders Ahead of Festive Season
The Met is keeping close contact with faith leaders ahead of key religious festivals and will continue their “4 Es” policing approach:
- Engage
- Explain regulations
- Encourage compliance
- Enforce as a last resort
Enforcement action will only hit out at those deliberately flouting the rules and ignoring police advice.
Commander Roper urged everyone in London to keep up the fight. “We’re at a critical point – so let’s all take the right steps to protect each other and stop the virus in its tracks.”
