‘More stupidity!’: Social media users blast ‘idiots’ for smashing social distancing rules by cramming onto London’s Westminster Bridge to clap for NHS workers
- Hundreds have been blasted over ‘shambolic’ scenes on Westminster Bridge
- Shocking photographs showed members of the public defying guidelines
- They clearly defied guidelines to stay 6ft apart during the Clap for Carers salute
- Last week Met Police chief Cressida Dick was slammed for attending event on London landmark
Hundreds of people have been blasted after ignoring social distancing rules to applaud NHS workers in ‘absolutely shambolic’ scenes on Westminster Bridge.
Shocking photographs showed members of the public clearly defying guidelines to stay 6ft apart as they took part in the Clap for Carers salute to frontline staff.
Just a week ago Met Police chief Cressida Dick was slammed on social media after joining huge crowds at the central London landmark to take part in the weekly event.
She was branded the ‘worst commissioner of all time’ after the failed photo opportunity became a public embarrassment.
Last night’s ‘sickening’ scenes took place while the rest of the country stood out on their doorsteps to clap for a minute as a thank you for the brave NHS staff for the fifth consecutive week.
Hundreds again gathered on Westminster Bridge, London, for the ‘Clap for Our Carers’ initiative which sees members of the public applaud NHS staff
These were the scenes on Westminster Bridge last night as people came out to show their support for NHS workers and other frontline staff
Last night, similar scenes took place on the bridge, next to St Thomas’ Hospital, in clear breach of coronavirus lockdown rules and Twitter was yet again deluged with outrage.
MP for Telford Lucy Allan wrote: ‘How did this happen again? You can’t comfort your loved one on their death bed, but it’s fine to go Westminster Bridge and party on a Thursday.’
Another wrote: ‘More stupidity on Westminster Bridge. Please explain Matt Hancock’
Bryn Jones said: ‘Can you explain why this was allowed to happen this evening on #WestminsterBridge? Were no lessons learnt from last week’s fiasco @metpoliceuk @MayorofLondon?
‘No wonder we are having hundreds of deaths day after day from #coronavirus #ClapForCarers should only be a doorstep thing.’
People clap on Westminster Bridge last night, in clear breach of social distancing guidelines
Last week, junior doctor Damir Rafi captured footage of Westminster Bridge that was watched more than 10 million times and caused outrage on social media.
Dr Rafi, who works at St Thomas’ hospital, said: ‘I’m a doctor working at the hospital that’s right there. And yes, I was also somewhat perplexed by the lack of social distancing.’
In the video, crowds were within touching distance of each other, seemingly oblivious to the government’s rules on social distancing.
Police watched on and joined in with the applause instead of breaking up the crowd, which is in clear violation of lockdown policy.
People carrying babies and looking after young children were also there, as one man snaked through the crowd with a bike.
One critic said on social media: ‘Beyond a joke. But that’s Cressida Dick for you. Worst commissioner of all time.’
Another added: ‘Met Police Chief Cressida Dick was on Westminster Bridge last night and did nothing!’
Daniel Aherne wrote: ‘Hope this brings a long overdue end to Cressida Dick’s career.’
Downing Street responded by urging people to follow social distancing guidance.
Number 10 said: ‘We would ask that everyone takes responsibility and adheres to social distancing rules so that we can safely show our appreciation for those who are working so hard to fight coronavirus.
‘We would ask that in showing their appreciation for those who are working so hard as carers, they do so in a way which adheres to the social distancing rules.’