Today's Headlines

Govt must stick to science based approach

The Liberal Democrats have raised concerns about the lockdown lifting too early and warned the Government should make test, trace and isolation data available to the public.

• It is concerning that the Government has decided not to make the usual test, trace and isolation data available to the public.
• The Government claims to be 'led by the science' but with members of SAGE publicly warning against the government's policy and little access to data about test, trace isolate, a science led approach is looking like a threadbare claim.
• The Government approach to Coronavirus is becoming increasingly confused and chaotic, whilst the majority of people just want clarity so they can keep safe.

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Cover up of a review into Coronavirus deaths in BAME communities is deeply concerning

It has been reported that the Government would not release a Public Health England review into BAME people disproportionately being affected by COVID 19 because No 10 is "worried about current global events".

• People want clarity and transparency - hiding a report this important is disrespectful to BAME communities and tantamount to a cover-up.
• The Government should be standing alongside our BAME communities at this time - not hiding the truth.

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Govt must rethink plans to shut down virtual Parliament

The Procedure Committee issued a report this weekend recommending that a form of virtual Parliament is allowed to continue while coronavirus restrictions are in place. However, the House of Commons is due to sit from today.

• The Government's advice to the public is to work from home if possible. Parliamentary authorities have bent over backwards to ensure the House of Commons can sit remotely to help protect public health. There is no good reason not to continue to do just that.
• With only 50 MPs permitted in the Commons and virtual questions no longer allowed, Jacob Rees-Mogg is setting a dangerous precedent by blocking opportunity for full scrutiny. This is especially worrying for those Members unable to travel to Westminster for coronavirus-related reasons.
• What's more, the need for socially distanced votes will slow down Parliament and waste hours of time better spent debating legislation and questioning Ministers on pressing issues. This is no way to serve our constituents and the Government must think again about shutting down virtual proceedings.