Today's Headlines

 

Govt's NHSX app must meet highest privacy and security standards Yesterday the Health Secretary announced that the NHSX app is being piloted on the Isle of Wight. We must test, trace and isolate to keep people safe. Mass testing, contact tracing and isolation at the community level for those who test positive is the only safe way out of lockdown. While technology can help the tracing work, much of it must inevitably be people-based. Apps like NHSX may help but they carry risks, not least in terms of privacy and efficacy. Many will be understandably concerned and, given the sensitivity of data being recorded, it is imperative the Government ensures that any NHSX app meets the highest security and privacy standards. The Liberal Democrats demand absolute transparency when it comes to what information is collected, how long it is stored for, and who has access to this data. When it comes to contact tracing, outsourcing this process to private companies like SERCO fails to capitalise on local knowledge, which will be crucial in tackling future outbreaks at a local level. The Government must do more to harness local public and environmental health expertise to inform the tracing process. We know contact tracing will only be effective if we are also testing at scale. The Government must be frank with the public about the number of tests conducted each day, and the levels of testing needed to ensure the success of a test, trace, isolate approach. Govt must invest now to meet tidal wave of mental health needs ONS figures released yesterday showed that, between 20 March and 30 March 2020, almost half of people in Great Britain reported "high" anxiety. The COVID-19 crisis has led to a tidal wave of anxiety. Today's figures reveal the scale of the mental health crisis that is unfolding as people face additional stress due to health concerns, fears over job security and the detrimental effect of long periods of isolation. On top of the terrible loss of life, COVID-19 will leave a deep scar across our society in terms of its mental health impact. That is why the Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to set up an expert-led taskforce responsible for mapping out a route to rapidly scale up mental health support in the wake of this crisis. Support must be there for all who need it, from frontline workers to those who have had to isolate. This is uncharted territory and the Government must invest now to ensure it can meet this surge of needs. Govt must not rush toward bad deal with US US-UK trade talks are set to get underway today. With the NHS and carers under pressure, supply chains stretched and widespread economic damage, the government must focus on the national interest. Instead of rushing towards a bad deal with the US, the government should extend the EU transition period so that business can have a breather, and we can get on with the most important thing - helping the vulnerable in our society. Brady remarks outrageous and insulting Yesterday in the House of Commons Sir Graham Brady suggested that "it may be that the public has been a little bit too willing to stay at home". It's appalling to hear a senior Conservative MP criticising members of the public who are following the vital public health guidance to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. These people are doing the right thing, and it is outrageous and insulting for Graham Brady to suggest they are being lazy.