A LEADING Green MP has blasted the Prime Minister and his aide over fears of a second outbreak.

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas has linked a proposed mass gathering, set to take place at The Level this weekend, with the ongoing Dominic Cummings saga.

Organisers of the protest event claim the "lockdown is wrong" and "it is time, once again, to show that the people still have the power".

The former Green Party leader said this attitude has been exacerbated by Dominic Cummings’ mid-lockdown drive from London to Durham.

She said: "It's hard to overstate the damage done by Dominic Cummings' flagrant breach of the rules and the Prime Minister's failure to see why it matters.

"People's co-operation with the lockdown measures up to now has been based on trust and that has been shattered.

The Argus:

"Trust is equally important for the future, over the re-opening of schools and over the essential test. trace and isolate system which needs to work if further outbreaks of coronavirus are to be prevented.

"I'm deeply worried by how quickly co-operation and compliance is unravelling. Doctors have warned of the likelihood of a second peak. Thanks to Dominic Cummings and Boris Johnson, it will now be much more difficult to control this with potentially devastating consequences for many families."

A flyer which has been shared with The Argus states that those organising the mass gathering are looking to reject the idea of a "new normal".

The flyer reads: "All faith has been lost in our government. It is quite clear that it is one rule for them and one for us.

"So why should we trust what they say about the coronavirus?

"They have taken our freedoms and it is time, once again, to show that the people still have the power.

"This lockdown is wrong and we should not settle for a 'new normal'.

"So come along and be a part of this mass gathering."

Mass gatherings are still forbidden under the Government's lockdown rules and Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has said her officers will intervene and be “proactive” if they see large groups of people.

The Argus:

This is the second proposed mass gathering in the city, with an initial event being organised to take place on Brighton beach and Bevendean Down on May 16.

It claimed protesters would "say no to the coronavirus bill, no to mandatory vaccines, no to the new normal and no to the unlawful lockdown".

Ahead of the weekend, Sussex Police said they were aware of plans and "any participants may make themselves liable to police engagement and enforcement".

But the event proved to be a non-starter and no gathering materialised.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund