There needs to be a “level playing field in terms of enforcement” between different types of venues with the Covid-19 rules, Home Office minister Kit Malthouse said.

During Home Office questions today, Conservative MP Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley) said: “There are widespread reports in West Yorkshire of people breaking restrictions when in gyms. This is incredibly frustrating for pubs who are forced to close, with many on the brink of extinction.”

Mr Malthouse replied: “We should, where at all possible, try and maintain a level playing field in terms of enforcement.”

Conservative former minister Sir Desmond Swayne said: “Is he aware that police have been visiting restaurants and demanding people’s names and addresses. What is happening to our country?”

Responding, Mr Malthouse said: “While the enforcement from place to place is obviously an operational matter for the chief constable in that particular locality, we are trying where at all possible in close conjunction with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to maintain a sense of fairness and proportionality.”