Today Seema Malhotra MP wrote to the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick regarding the newly announced lockdown restrictions for places of worship.

In the letter, Malhotra wrote, “I have been contacted by a large number of my constituents who have expressed deep concern about the impact of the decision to restrict the opening of places of worship to individual prayer, funerals and other selected support activities.”

“They have raised with me how places of worship have already been taking responsible precautions in terms of social distancing, wearing of masks and sanitation to protect against the spread of the virus.”

“As I am sure you will agree, faith communities make a huge contribution to our society not only in their spiritual leadership, but in the way they serve the most vulnerable members of our community.”

“I would be grateful if you could update me as to how faith communities and the Government’s own Taskforce of faith leaders was involved in the development of guidance, and what evidence was shared with them regarding the decisions on the restrictions applied to places of worship. I would appreciate it if you could send a reply which I can share with my constituents.”

A copy of the letter can be seen below.