• “Overpromising but underdelivering” on testing will damage public trust in Government
• Davey: PM must protect lives and livelihoods ahead of second wave

“Overpromising but underdelivering” on testing will damage public trust in Government

Responding to reports that the R rate has risen to between 1.1 and 1.4 in the UK, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Munira Wilson MP said:

Figures showing the rapid spread of COVID will cause untold worry to families across the UK. Many will be disheartened to see the return of necessary restrictions on their daily lives.

We were promised a “world-beating” test and trace system to prevent a second wave. Instead we’ve seen a chaotic system, beset with shortages and unable to reach large numbers of close contacts.

We need rapid action to scale up testing once again, in a sustainable way, and to ensure resilience in the test and trace system as a whole. If Ministers keep over promising but underdelivering, they will continue to lose the trust of the public at this critical time.

Davey: PM must protect lives and livelihoods ahead of second wave

Responding to the Prime Minister’s comments that the United Kingdom is “now seeing a second wave” of COVID-19, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:

People will be incredibly worried following the Prime Minister’s comments confirming the UK is heading towards a second wave of coronavirus.

Boris Johnson must now take immediate steps to improve our failing test and trace system as an urgent priority. It is also vital Ministers ensure the NHS is prepared, with health and care workers having access to all the PPE they need.

With further disruption to people’s businesses and livelihoods ahead, those who have been excluded from support or received very little will be especially anxious. Now is the time for the Government to make more economic support available by extending the furlough scheme and including people they previously refused to help.

Ahead of what will be an incredibly challenging time for people across our country, the Government must urgently take every step to protect lives and livelihoods.