Jim McMahon MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on images of crowded train stations following the Prime Minister’s announcement, said:

“The chaotic scenes at train stations came hours after the Prime Minister ducked the question of whether people should travel.

“Weeks ago, Labour proposed a plan to make public transport safe before Christmas. The Government ignored it.

“The Prime Minister’s dither, delay and lack of clear guidance mean we have – yet again – failed to control the spread of the virus.”