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
After footage and images from the event circulated on social media, many hit out over the clear breach in lockdown rules.
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?
People clap on Westminster Bridge last night, in clear breach of social distancing guidelines
After footage and images from the event circulated on social media, many hit out over the clear breach of lockdown rules
‘No wonder we are having hundreds of deaths day after day from #coronavirus #ClapForCarers should only be a doorstep thing.’
And Thomas Hunter added: ‘Westminster Bridge tonight. Yet they’re telling us all we cant even put our kids on the swings at the park….’
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.’
Last week Cressida Dick (pictured at the event) was blasted for joining in with applause that appeared to breach social distancing guidelines
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.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their children clapping for NHS and frontline workers last night
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall joining in ‘clapping for our carers’ outside the front door of their home at Birkhall in Aberdeenshire
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.’
Meanwhile Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children all wore NHS blue as they led the latest week of Clap for Carers.
The royal couple stood alongside Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to put their hands together for the weekly event.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson – who is still recuperating from the virus at Chequers – also joined in with fiancee Carrie Symonds.
Dominic Raab, who is First Secretary with Mr Johnson away from duties, was also filmed clapping, as was Labour leader Kier Starmer.