Shapps criticised for remarks on wearing masks in enclosed spaces

Covid experts warn against complacency after transport secretary hails lack of face coverings at Tory conference event

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Vaccinations have made people more confident to sit in enclosed spaces without masks, Grant Shapps has said, prompting scientists to warn that such messages risked complacency, and that mask use was vital in limiting the spread of Covid.

Speaking at a packed fringe event about the rail industry at the Conservative party conference, where many people in the room did not have a face covering, the transport secretary noted the return of confidence of people to travel.