AIBU to think Angela Rayners comments are very unhelpful?

[Smileyaxolotl1]

Angela Rayner has said today that it is unreasonable of Matt Hancock to say people shouldn’t sunbathe in parks etc as some people live in flats/ don’t have any outside space.
While I’m sure it is very hard for those in this position, I think her blatant attempt To undermine the guidelines and turn it into a class issue is unhelpful and encourages people to gather outside in public areas directly contravening guidelines.

There's a big difference between walking outside in the sun for exercise and lolling about in a park getting a suntan. Some people just can't help looking for some social point to make.

glowcat
I totally agree but she could have made that point without suggesting that difficult circumstances should mean it is ok to ignore guidelines.

Yes, I think she was trying but vapid ^

This must be very difficult for those with small/no gardens. Throw children into the mix and it’s almost impossible. I think the default should be to give people the benefit of the doubt before passing judgement. The vast majority of people are trying to do the right thing in very difficult circumstances.

I wholeheartedly agree with following the guidelines but think there is a huge distinction between a family having a walk to the park then sitting for a short while before returning directly home, and a group of friends from different households meeting there.

She does make a good point though, that it is fine for those of us with gardens and space to criticize others who don't, and who to to parks to get fresh air / space / a chance to escape

I find her unpleasant and aggressive in tone and these comments further entrench my (already) low opinion of her.

Oh do give over. Really, you people do need to find something to do with yourselves. It is beyond wearisome.

@TrentBridge has it.

Well, it is a class issue, is it not? The underpaid key workers keeping the country going are the very same ones who are unlikely to be able to afford housing that comes with a garden. Especially in London.

misomer yet you found the time to put a pointless, irrelevant comment. ODFOD.

I kind of understand where you're coming from but I think, when you're in a position of privilege (i.e. having a garden), you should just keep judgy opinions to yourself.

I am so grateful for my garden right now. I really feel for those in high rises and densely populated areas where you'd have to walk at least a mile to get to some place where the air is actually fresh. It's bound to do a massive number on mental health. And having someone being snappy about staying inside when they live in a house with a garden, whilst you're stuffed up in a flat comes across as massively ignorant.

I'd say a walk to the park and a sit-down when they get there is essential in their case

A walk to the park is fine, they can have a run round when they get there - no need to have a sit down if they have gone out for their exercise.

trent yes it is unfortunate that it is much harder for those in small accommodation with no outside space
Just as it’s a lot harder for those in standard houses Than celebrities in mansions with Pools but the guidelines are there for a reason.

I live by the Rhine

Elderly people in the village walk here and sit on the benches - alone - for up to an hour

It's allowed / encouraged atm
the German police don't move them on, probably because Vitamin D is thought to be helpful

We get people in wheelchairs who park here for the same reason

What would get stopped is groups of young people sunbathing together, because they might not keep their distance

FTMF
So to be clear- you think it’s fine for the 2nd most important member of the opposition to encourage people to disregard government guidelines?

smiletho but she didn’t talk about exercise/ getting fresh air. She specifically said that people should be allowed to sunbathe in public areas.

This crisis highlights the class / quality of life divide

If there is a tighter lockdown,
it will not be so much of a problem for the mc who can sunbathe in their big leafy gardens
but it will be hell for those stuck in pokey tower blocks

The problem isn't the act of sunbathing..

The issue is that the more people sit down and hang around in parks, the busier the place gets, the harder it then is to socially distance..

If people KEEP MOVING, and keep their distance, we can all get out.

If people go out, sit down, stay put... places fill up, and some of us can't get out at all!

bigchocfrenzy
Absolutely. Which is exactly why she should not be encouraging people to flout the guidelines. At the moment everyone can go for a walk/ ride etc for an hour. That has nothing to do with having a garden etc.
If idiots continue to hang around in parks then everyone will be stuck at home all day where the exact people she is concerned about will be in a much worse position.

I think people with gardens should not sunbathe outside their gardens,
so that there is more space for those who have none of their own

If someone has no garden, then they could legally spend some of their "advised / permitted" exercise time sunbathing, keeping 2m from anyone else

especially if they are too old / disabled / injured to walk the whole time

smiletho can they not feel the sun while out walking then?