Omicron variant: Expert calls for mask wearing in enclosed spaces

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Ex-Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis, 62, challenged Tory MP Maggie Throup, 64, over measures introduced earlier this week, including imposing mandatory mask-wearing measures in certain settings. The Government introduced new measures, including mandatory mask-wearing in shops and on public transport, on November 30.

Ms Throup had said the Government mandated face coverings in an attempt to “keep the economy going”.

However, Mr Paphitis questioned why this should be restricted to just shops and public transport.

He asked the Conservative MP for Erewash: “That doesn’t make sense, does it?”

“You’re a scientist, Maggie you’re a scientist.

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“You know that’s nonsense.”

After Ms Throup attempted to justify why measures weren’t extended to pub-goers, Mr Paphitis said: “You’re normally sitting down next to somebody for half an hour, 10, 15, 20 minutes.

“When you pop into a shop, you’re popping in quickly, why would you then put masks on when you’re going somewhere quickly but when you’re going to be sitting next to someone, for possibly hours, the whole group of unventilated premises over Christmas, cheek to jowl, you don’t have to wear a mask.”

Ms Throup, who succeeded Nadhim Zahawi as Vaccines Minister in September, went on to claim Brits should get their booster jabs to protect the economy.

She said: “The best way we can protect ourselves and travel and keep our economy going is for everybody to get boosted.”

Data from the UK Government indicates one-in-three Brits aged 12 or over have received their booster or third dose of the COVID-19.

Ms Throup and Mr Paphitis joined Ms Bruce, 57, in Weston-super-Mare on the broadcaster’s flagship current affairs panel programme.

The trio also appeared alongside Labour’s Shadow Commons leader Thangam Debbonaire, 55, Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain, 44, and Professor Peter Openshaw, 67.

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Next week’s episode of Question will be in Hendon.

The show will air on BBC One at 10.35pm on Thursday.

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