WORCESTER'S MP says he hopes the easing of Covid restrictions at Christmas is not scrapped, as he says there would be "significant upset" for people who have already made plans.

The relaxed rules allow up to three households to mix between December 23 and 27.

But the Health Service Journal and British Medical Journal have released a joint statement saying it will be a "major error that will cost many lives".

Robin Walker said: "I think the proposal for Christmas was a reasonable one that allows people to get together, but encourages them to think about how to do it safely.

"It's not saying you have to do this - if people choose to have Christmas in a smaller group of course they can, and that maybe is the safest thing to do.

"But it is saying where people want to get together as a family don't do it with more than three households.

"I would hope this (the relaxation) stays in place. If it was to change at this stage there will have been a lot of people who have already made plans, and that would disrupt them."

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Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, said: “Throughout this global pandemic we’ve had to balance the risks to the NHS, the risks to public health and the risks to our economy as we balance the right government response.

“Personally, I am looking forward to Christmas and spending time, whilst following the rules, with a few close members of my family.

"I know local people have been really good at following the national guidelines and helping to slow the spread of the virus locally.

"Testing is now widely available locally, the vaccine is being rolled out to the most vulnerable and I know people will make prudent decisions based on their own individual situation.”

Readers were split on their thoughts on whether the rules should be scrapped.

John Smith said: "It is never worth it for one day."

June Binyon said: "Of course the rules should be changed.

"It doesn't take a genius to work out that people mixing will increase the number of cases."

Louise Griffiths said: "People are going to do what they want anyway.

"This Christmas for me is about my family all under one roof, and breaking no rules."

But Albert Ross said: "I've got my own rules and I'll stick to them."