<p>A Conservative MP has said the government’s advice on face masks is “mumbo jumbo”. </p><p>Desmond Swayne said the different approaches taken in England and Scotland had served as a useful experiment to test how effective they are.</p><p>On Saturday, Boris Johnson announced masks would be compulsory in shops and on public transport to counter the threat of the new omicron variant.</p><p>Prior to that, there were no requirements to social distance or wear masks in England, though masks have been recommended.</p><p>In Scotland masks have been required in public indoor spaces and on public transport, as well as in schools for staff and secondary pupils for some months.</p><p>Swayne is one of a handful of ‘libertarian’ Conservative MPs angry at face coverings being made compulsory in England in some settings.</p><p>In October, UK health officials said: “The current evidence on face coverings suggests that all types of face coverings are, to some extent, effective in reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in both healthcare and community settings.”</p>
