'Government not trying to tell public who they should kiss or where', minister says

2 December 2021, 08:32

What's your stance on mistletoe kisses this Christmas?

EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

A Government minister said he has cancelled his in-person Christmas party with staff this year but that he did not want to be telling businesses what "they should or shouldn't be doing" in terms of festive celebrations.

Asked what he made of Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey advising people to avoid "snogging under the mistletoe" this Christmas, business minister George Freeman joked with LBC's Nick Ferrari, saying: "I haven't been kissed under the mistletoe for years."

He added: "We're trying not to tell everyone who they should kiss or where they should go.

"I think Therese Coffey was making the point that we're all going to have to exercise some common sense and I think the British public know that, in the end, it is up to all of us.

"If we can prevent the virus from spreading, we'll all be able to enjoy more freedoms and that's why we have taken the steps we have.

"I can tell you that my parliamentary team and I normally have a Christmas party. We've decided this year that it is probably sensible to do it by Zoom and wait for the spring. It won't be the best party in the world.

"But ... we don't want to be telling every individual business what they should or shouldn't be doing. It is a matter for them."

More Nick Ferrari

See more More Nick Ferrari

LBC callers react to Israel’s ‘risky’ strike on Iran

LBC callers react to Israel’s ‘risky’ strike on Iran

Caller in Israel warns against Iran becoming a nuclear-armed state

Caller in Israel warns against Iran becoming a nuclear-armed state

Caller points out that Israel denied entry to Labour MPs as UK comes under fire for new sanctions

Caller points out that Israel denied entry to Labour MPs as UK comes under fire for new sanctions

Caller Layla

Caller Layla fears for her daughters following Kemi Badenoch's Burqa comments

Caller Barry

LBC caller backs the government's reversal on the winter fuel allowence

Nick Ferrari is unsure about caller Bill's proposal to turn migrant hotels into prisons

Nick Ferrari is unsure about caller Bill's proposal to turn migrant hotels into prisons

Call the Cabinet: Nick Ferrari is joined by Environment Secretary Steve Reed to take your calls

Call the Cabinet: Nick Ferrari is joined by Environment Secretary Steve Reed to take your calls

LBC reaction: 1200 Channel migrants arrive in a single day

LBC reaction: 1200 Channel migrants arrive in a single day

Exclusive
'Elite mindset' and ‘left-wing opinion’ fuelling migrant crisis says Nick Ferrari as he slams government

'Elite mindset' and ‘left-wing opinion’ fuelling migrant crisis says Nick Ferrari as he slams the government

Reform, racism and ‘a perverse Batman’ | LBC’s best callers of the week

Reform, racism and ‘a perverse Batman’: LBC’s best callers of the week

'Farage is a media-made man'

David and Nick debate whether 'tiny and ridiculous' Reform gets too much airtime

Tube worker John

Tube worker shares his close encounters with fare dodgers

LBC callers react to Netanyahu calling out Starmer for being on the 'wrong side of humanity'

LBC callers react to Netanyahu calling out Starmer for being on the 'wrong side of humanity'

LBC callers react as the UK suspends trade talks with Israel

LBC callers react as the UK suspends trade talks with Israel

LBC callers react: UK, France and Canada threaten Israel with sanctions

LBC callers react: UK, France and Canada threaten Israel with sanctions

LBC caller ‘annoyed’ by reaction to UK-EU deal

LBC caller ‘annoyed’ by reaction to UK-EU deal