Nick Ferrari challenges Business Secretary over Covid funeral mourner limits

22 April 2021, 08:24

Nick Ferrari questions the Business Secretary over limits on mourners

EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

Watch the moment Nick Ferrari confronts the Business Secretary over the 'draconian' limits on mourners at funerals due to Covid rules.

With newspapers reporting tens of thousands of families will suffer under Covid funeral rules which limit mourner numbers, charities have called for a review of the 30-person limit.

This led to LBC's Nick Ferrari questioning Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng on the matter.

The Daily Mail reporter funeral directors expect at least another 80,000 cremations and burials to fall under Covid curbs between now and June 21 – the earliest date for easing under Boris Johnson's roadmap.

Nick asked the Business Secretary if he was aware of the campaign, and if it was something he would look at.

"Absolutely," was Kwasi Kwarteng's immediate reply. He went on to acknowledge it was a "very difficult thing to say goodbye to loved ones in a very restricted environment."

But, he pointed out the "duty" to ensure the coronavirus is suppressed.

Nick pressed the Secretary of State again.

"So thousands of people can go to the FA Cup semi-final, thousands can attend the Crucible Sheffield to watch the snooker. I could get on an aeroplane and sit next to somebody who I have never met before in my life, but I can't go to my auntie's funeral? Explain how that works."

Mr Kwartengs' response did "not add up" according to Nick, who again pressed the Secretary of State.

"You know this is wrong," Nick said, urging the Government representative to review the limit now.

The Mail reported that Dr Shelley Gilbert, founder of the charity Grief Encounter, estimated 750,000 Britons have been 'deeply impacted' by grief following the death of a loved one in the past year.

The Good Grief Trust also called last night for a relaxation of the funeral restrictions so bereaved families can be given greater support.

More Nick Ferrari

See more More Nick Ferrari

Exclusive
Nick Ferrari Challenge: Can LBC’s Henry Riley recreate Daniel Khalife’s prison escape?

Nick Ferrari Challenge: Can LBC’s Henry Riley recreate Daniel Khalife’s dramatic prison escape?

Exclusive
Mandy Damari, the mother of Emily Damari - the last remaining British citizen being held hostage in Gaza - has pleaded with Sir Keir Starmer to help bring her daughter home as she looked back on the harrowing events of October 7.

'It nearly broke my heart': Mother of British hostage Emily Damari blasts Downing Street over vetoed Gaza deal

Exclusive
Jane Rubens, 73, from Edinburgh was hit by a large vehicle in early November and remains in a coma.

Insurance firm gave Brit 'less than 24 hours' to make a decision against doctors’ advice after mum suffered brain injury

Exclusive
LBC’s Nick Ferrari has remembered being spiked while at a party.

‘The whole world was spinning’: Nick Ferrari candidly recalls drink spiking as he shares 'appalling' side-effects

Exclusive
‘The storm of war is gathering’: Defence cuts leave UK critically unprepared for a 'bumpy decade', warns ex-minister

‘The storm of war is gathering’: Defence cuts leave UK 'woefully unprepared' for a 'bumpy decade', warns ex-minister

Education Secretary Bridget Philipson 'hasn't changed her mind' and will vote against assisted dying bill

Education Secretary Bridget Philipson 'hasn't changed her mind' and will vote against assisted dying bill

Nick Ferrari takes to the streets of the US to ask Americans: 'Can you identify these British politicians?'

Nick Ferrari takes to the streets of the US to ask Americans: 'Can you identify these British politicians?'

Why did Trump win and why did Harris lose? Nick Ferrari asks American voters

Why did Trump win and Harris lose? Nick Ferrari asks American voters in the wake of US election results

Nick Ferrari attends his first Trump rally in Pennsylvania as he meets the crowd in 'the poorest city in the United States'

Nick Ferrari attends his first Trump rally in Pennsylvania as he meets the crowd in 'the poorest city in the US'

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said she strongly disagrees with a tweet that a backbench MP appeared to have reposted saying Kemi Badenoch represents "white supremacy in blackface".

Cooper condemns 'appalling' tweet shared by Dawn Butler labelling Kemi Badenoch 'white supremacy in blackface'

Exclusive
Cumberland County: Where the US election could be won or lost

Nick Ferrari travels to America for the US Election: Watch the best bits here

Exclusive
The Chancellor was speaking to LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast

Chancellor ‘doesn’t know’ salary of new chairman tasked with ensuring government ‘value for money'

Transparency over Southport stabbings key to avoiding 'deep public mistrust in the criminal justice system', says Jenrick

Transparency over Southport stabbings key to avoiding 'deep public mistrust' in criminal justice system, says Jenrick

Exclusive
The government has introduced its football governance bill.

'We're on the same side': Minister denies feud with Premier League over Football Governance Bill

Exclusive
Protest sign reading Danger water pollution, this water is polluted with raw sewage. The responsible party is Thames Water. River Wey, Guildford, UK

Government warns demand for water could outstrip supply as they launch review into 'broken' sector

Nick Ferrari.

'He'll look over his shoulder for the rest of his life': Concern for Martyn Blake's privacy long overdue