PRIME Minister Boris Johnson is right to put his trust in the public by allowing eased restrictions over Christmas, says Workington’s MP Mark Jenkinson.

The Conservative politician said the relaxation will allow limited and “responsible” household mixing over the festive period, potentially helping to reduce the damage being done to mental health caused by isolation.

He said it should also be viewed in the context of west Cumbria having some of the lowest coronavirus infection rates in the country.

According to Government figures, Copeland this week had the UK’s fourth-lowest infection rate, with only the Isle of Wight and two remote parts of the Scottish Highlands having fewer cases.

Despite the wide variation in Covid infection rates, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Boris Johnson had failed to learn from past mistakes, and that easing restrictions over Christmas would cost lives. He cited a joint appeal from the British Medical Journal and Health Service Journal, urging the Government to rethink the decision.

But Mr Jenkinson said: “Sir Keir would love to cancel Christmas, as would Nicola Sturgeon.

“But we have to trust people; the vast majority of people have abided by restrictions in some form or other for the past nine months. Christmas is a special time for most of us, whether we identify as Christian or not. We have to recognise that for some people this may be their last Christmas.

“Some people will mix, regardless.

“We have to trust people’s own personal responsibility. Everybody needs to take the same precautions we’ve been taking for months now. Most people will be ultra-cautious. I haven’t seen my grandmother ­- other than on the step ­- in nine months. That takes it toll.

“We do that because we’re protecting her; she’d normally join part of our family on Christmas Day but won’t do that this year. She’s made a conscious decision not to do that; and most people will make similar decisions.

“I have absolute faith the people of Workington ­- and people generally­ - know what’s required. People mustn’t use it as a blowout, but I don’t think the majority will.”