Coronavirus: London 'increasingly likely' to face lockdown restrictions, says Sadiq Khan

London mayor Sadiq Khan said he was of the “firm view” that action should be taken before the virus spirals out of control. Credit: PA

Lockdown measures in London are "increasingly likely" due to the rising numbers of coronavirus cases, the capital's mayor has said.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said he was of the “firm view” that action should be taken before the virus spirals out of control and measures imposed in other parts of the UK are being considered.

In a statement, he said he had held an emergency meeting with London council leaders, the Government and Public Heath England (PHE) to discuss the next steps.

Mr Khan said: “The Prime Minister has said that we are now seeing the start of a second wave of Covid-19 across the UK.

“Londoners should also know that I am extremely concerned by the latest evidence I’ve seen today from public health experts about the accelerating speed at which Covid-19 is now spreading here in London.

“It is increasingly likely that, in London, additional measures will soon be required to slow the spread of the virus.

“We will be considering some of the measures which have already been imposed in other parts of the UK.

“I am of the firm view that we should not wait, as happened six months ago, for this virus to again spiral out of control before taking action.

“The best thing for both public health and the economy is new restrictions imposed early, rather than a full lockdown when it’s too late – but the Government must urgently ensure there is a fully functioning testing system.”

Sadiq Khan said London is two weeks behind other areas of the UK where restrictions have been imposed. Credit: PA

Councillor Peter John, chairman of the cross-party London Councils group which represents all 32 boroughs and the City of London Corporation, said authorities “will not hesitate” to take measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

He said: “With tighter restrictions being brought in across parts of the country, it is clear the situation around Covid-19 is worsening.

“It is essential that all Londoners pull together and take action to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe.

“We are alert to the ongoing situation and will not hesitate to take extra measures if necessary.”

The number of cases per 100,000 people over seven days is reported to have increased in London from 18.8 to around 25.

Earlier on Friday, Mr Khan expressed concern about the rising number of cases in London and has said the capital is "two weeks behind" other parts of the UK which have seen tighter coronavirus restrictions enforced.

Asked about the possibility of a 10pm curfew on the capital’s bars and restaurants, he said: “We’re looking into all possibilities in London and we’re looking to see which policies across the country are successful.

“According to the latest evidence I’ve seen, we’re about two weeks behind some parts of the country.

“That’s why I’m saying to Londoners please follow the advice.”

He was speaking as he visited Air Edel Studios in Marylebone as part of an appeal to the Government to extend the business rates holiday, amid fears thousands of jobs could be lost in the capital and across the country.

He went on to hit out at the Government over delays in the coronavirus testing system.

Mr Khan said: “I’m angry at the incompetence of the Government that has led to Londoners being refused a test.

“Those that get a test are sent miles and miles away, and those that have done the test aren’t getting their results for days.

“I’m also angry that those who have given their contacts to the authorities, many of them aren’t contacted, aren’t told to self-isolate, which could lead to the virus spreading.”

However, Mr Khan said he is “working with the Government” and gave ministers his backing over the rule of six restriction on gatherings.