Facts

When asked if people should call the police to report their neighbours' lockdown breaches, Police Minister Kit Malthouse said: “It’s open to neighbours to do that through the non-emergency number and if they are concerned and they do see that kind of thing then absolutely they should.” 

The presenter then clarified: “So they should ring in and report that neighbour?”

Mr Malthouse responded: “Yes.” 

Verdict

Police Minister Kit Malthouse encouraged people to report lockdown breaches to the police. The same strictures did not apply to the Prime Minister or fellow ministers. Mr Malthouse was not lying - indeed he was making an important moral point - but his government was applying one rule for ordinary people and another for ministers.

We approached Kit Malthouse and the Home Office for comment but received no response.