What was the bit about the military? Was distracted.....

[OldQueen1969]

Was trying to watch the Boris waffle while working and half heard something about military back up in areas without enough police to enforce new sanctions.

Can anyone clarify exactly what was said please?

Oh!! Apologies. I see what you mean. The word white was supposed to appear just in front of BAME!

No excuse for it, I just didn't proof read it before posting!

Mea culpa. All admonitions accepted!

If the military can help to back up police, I don't see a problem with that.

@CuriousaboutSamphire I share your frustration about selfish people ignoring the rules/guidelines, but it might be a good idea to calm down a bit, because it seems like you're getting really angry about all this and it won't do you any good. At least now the govt is on the case, tightening up the rules a bit and using the military if needed, so hopefully the selfish minority will be pulled into line. I think most people have done their best, so I try to ignore the thoughtless minority and just get on with my life.

Government departments call on the military for all sorts of things, from foot and mouth. via sandbagging flood defences to Olympic security. Not to mention running Covid testing centres.

It’s really unlikely that they’ll be given proper policing powers, but could assist on all sorts of tasks - after the London attacks they were used alongside police (one bobbie plus one squaddie was essentially doubling the numbers you can deploy)

What @iVampire said. They provide extra bodies if required, as they don’t have any of the arrest powers the police have it’s just for numbers / presence. They have quite strict guidance on what UK civilian matters they can / would support.

That’s reassuring. It sounds like it’s not a bad decision.
Dh works somewhere that has armed police on site. He was basically saying the same as you. The army might come and take over the duties of the police so that they can be redeployed.

@CuriousaboutSamphire you seem to have forgotten all those who did exactly as they were told by the government to do in your rants. Those who ate out to help out, went back to school, went back to the office on crowded public transport, went shopping/socialising to boost the economy... All things which just a few weeks ago we were not only told were safe to do, we were positively encouraged to do. I do hope at least some of righteousness indignation and ire is directed at the government.

Also, please don't forget that the virus is just doing what viruses do. Ultimately it will spread, as soon as restrictions are eased even slightly.

This 'blame the naughty public' line is getting dull beyond words.

Is it going to be like the UK Quarantining - A mirage ? I don't believe Boris is capable if mobilising the army. It's all talk as usual.