- Government must act to strengthen NHS Test and Trace ahead of new school year
- Liberal Democrats back calls for Magnitsky-style sanctions against Hong Kong human rights abusers
Government must act to strengthen NHS Test and Trace ahead of new school year
Responding to news that scientists have warned that current testing and contact tracing is inadequate to prevent a second wave of coronavirus when schools in the UK reopen, Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Layla Moran said:
After months being cooped up at home, millions of children are looking forward to getting back to school in September, but safety must remain the top priority.
In the absence of a vaccine, a comprehensive test, trace and isolate system is the only way to keep people safe as we reopen schools. The Government must do everything in its power to strengthen that system if we are to have any hope of a safe start to the new school year.
Equally, the Government need to be honest about the very real risk that, if they do not get the NHS Test and Trace system in order, or in the event that we see a sharp rise in infections, children may have to go back to learning from home. Ministers must put in place safeguards now to ensure children are still able to get their education in this worst case scenario.
Liberal Democrats back calls for Magnitsky-style sanctions against Hong Kong human rights abusers
The All Party Parliamentary Group for Hong Kong has published the findings of its inquiry into violations of human rights and humanitarian principles by the Hong Kong Police Force, including a series of recommendations.
Following the publication of the report Alistair Carmichael, Chair of the APPG for Hong Kong and Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said:
The APPG’s first inquiry into the situation in Hong Kong has vital findings that the Government must sit up and listen to.
Among other things, implementing Magnitsky-style sanctions against those who have committed human rights violations in the territory must be an absolute priority.
The Government have kicked the can down the road long enough on this. If they are serious about promoting human rights abroad and about our legal duty to the people of Hong Kong then it is time to act.
Carrie Lam and the Commissioner of Police must be two of the first individuals up for consideration under these sanctions. With the situation in the region still deteriorating there’s no time to lose and no excuse for delay.
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6 Comments
A vaccine, is not the magic bullet the government keeps trying to prove. Children are unhappy with the lock down, as one of my granddaughters said, it’s sad and serious. A highly intelligent child who at 7 years of age, tells us she is going to be a doctor.
More wise, than you would expect for such a young age. She needs her education, she needs to fully understand the problems this government is not tackling.
Well Mim, your grandmother speaks for you, I’m sure she could write her feelings here, in a logical way.
Anne Longfield, The Children’s Commissioner for England, questions, the attitude towards children, and the present educational government guidelines. What is more important, children have an education or opening up pubs, and other forms of food choices.
Baby Supplies Banks, it seems this too is in a desperate place, as the furlough continues.
There has been, a continuous muddled approach to how the lock down is lifted.
My granddaughter kissed the top of my arm yesterday, desperate to have contact with me. Is this acceptable?
There have been accounts, of certain government employees, doing what they wish.
One thing, I always employ in my comments, is how it is. I may be a user of a wheelchair, but I can employ logic and compassion into what I see needs a lot more thought.
A granddaughter to be very proud of, Helen.
Yes, she is. It’s a joy to watch her read and write. Athletic she loves gym, and wanted one of those cups. She got herself one of those cups. I remember her mother saying you have to earn them and she did.
Very unhappy, with just staying home day after day. I’m concerned about the mental health of our children, the isolation is difficult to cope with. All of sudden, granny was a no go. Schools and summer camps are no go, parks have been.
Where do we go from here? That’s a good question that should be on the top of the list.
The most moving and impressive thing I’ve seen for a very long time on TV was the funeral of John Hume today. A great man and a Nobel Peace Prize Winner.
So very disappointed that nobody in the Liberal Democrat Party has seen fit to pay tribute to him today. If they have, please correct me.,
David Raw, I see you have no replies.
Anyone, who supports peace should be respected.
I was told when I asked about writing an article on the problems with the stay at home children, members may not be interested. Mental health is being generated, it’s not simply politics.
I know I mentioned my religion once, and I got insulted where I was.
This is the problem we have in society, we can’t discuss issue’s openly.
May John Hume rest in peace, peace is a gift we can all appreciate.
Compassion and respect.