Mail Online

Don’t let petty rules spoil the Jubilee

WITH the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend now less than a fortnight away, millions will wish to celebrate this extraordinary event with all their hearts, especially in harmless and happy street parties. But in modern health-and-safety Britain, with its armies of clipboard dictators, many may be hesitating to embark on such events.

To the rescue comes Michael Gove, Minister for Levelling Up. He has written to all the United Kingdom’s local authorities, sending them a mythbusting guide to the rules on street celebrations. Members of the public hoping to mark the Queen’s anniversary would be well-advised to arm themselves with this guidance, as officialdom has a sad habit of saying ‘no’ even when the correct answer is ‘yes’.

The key words are these: ‘You should not need a risk assessment – as long as consideration is given to the safety needs of all those attending, common sense precautions should be enough. A street party doesn’t need to be complicated.’

Even those who are only just getting started do not need to be despondent. Mr Gove has told town halls to take a ‘light touch’ approach and advises: ‘If your council asks for excessive information, you should challenge them.’

How right this is. We are celebrating 70 years of British freedom under the Crown. When the current Queen’s reign began, the country was throwing off the annoying controls of wartime. We, likewise, are rediscovering freedom after the pandemic. And the Queen no doubt remembers saying at her Coronation as she took the Sword of State in her hands: ‘Restore the things that are gone to decay, maintain the things that are restored, punish and reform what is amiss, and confirm what is in good order.’ These words are good guidance for us all. Break out the bunting, set out the tables, and let the rejoicing be unconfined by silly rules.

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2022-05-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

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