A Treasury minister has insisted he will take his team out for lunch after the public were advised to consider cutting back socialising around Christmas.

In yesterday's Downing Street press conference, December 16, England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty suggested people cut down on Christmas parties over the risks posed by the new Covid variant, Omicron.

But Tory MPs criticised Professor Whitty’s for this announcement as there was no Commons vote to impose restrictions.

Conservative frontbencher John Glen told MPs today, December 16: “I think the advice is clear. One should get boosted as quickly as possible as I did on Saturday. 

“Take the lateral flow tests and act responsibly, and I should be taking my team out in Salisbury on Monday for lunch.”

The MP for Salisbury was replying after Conservative former cabinet minister Theresa Villiers urged the Government to provide clarity about how people should plan for Christmas “in terms of their social contacts”.

Conservative former minister Steve Baker said he was reassured that Mr Glen is still taking his team for Christmas dinner, adding: “Like him, I took a lateral flow test this morning.”

However, Mr Baker insisted: “What happens when officials give their advice is it has a massive capacity to herd the public into particular behaviours.

“So, while the Government has formally allowed hospitality businesses in particular to stay open, the reality in my constituency is that fantastic businesses… have seen massive cancellations."

READ MORE: Waiting with 'bated breath': Local venue shares take on new Covid restrictions

Mr Baker then asked what reassurance John Glen can give him that announcements stay within the 'bounds of the policy that ministers have decided.

Mr Glen replied: “Of course, it is really important that we follow the best advice to get jabbed, to take those lateral flow tests, to wear masks, but we should also, where we possibly can, continue to engage with our local communities, to engage in businesses and to support those businesses at this difficult time.

“But of course, that does mean judgments have to be made and people need to take responsibility for their decisions in the light of that guidance.”

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