Video
Jeremy Corbyn says coronavirus response shines spotlight on austerity in UK
Jeremy Corbyn is interviewed by Sky News' Sophy Ridge. Photograph: Sky. - Credit: Archant
Jeremy Corbyn believes the coronavirus crisis has shone a spotlight on just how damaged the NHS has been by austerity.
Corbyn was unrelenting in his criticism of the government, condemning their lack of preparation for, and response to, the pandemic.
The leader of the Labour party highlights the current issues — including the shortage of beds, ventilators, protective equipment and staff — as an indication of 'just how damaged our NHS has been by the loss of beds over the past ten years.'
He paid tribute to the NHS staff who are 'working unbelievably long hours' to stem a crisis that 'is not of their making', before criticising the number of tests administered as 'far too low.'
Corbyn condemned the lack of preparation for such a threat, and says the pandemic must act as a message to 'properly fund our public services.'
You may also want to watch:
According to the MP for Islington North, the political choice of austerity has made the majority more vulnerable, given its impact on both the quality of healthcare and the standard of living in the UK.
The difficulties surrounding covid-19 are compounded by the existence of an already-precarious society. As Corbyn explains, self-isolating is more difficult for those who live in inadequate accommodation, and absorbing the crisis is almost impossible for certain groups who the government are not protecting with their recently-announced economic packages.
Most Read
- 1 Leave EU website suspended after EU registry blocks move to Ireland
- 2 The greatest failure of government in our lifetime
- 3 Comedian wins praise after shaming No 10 during Dancing on Ice appearance
- 4 Television drama to focus on Boris Johnson's first year in Downing Street
- 5 Boris Johnson claims Labour supporters using Universal Credit vote to incite hatred
- 6 The bigot we should have called out on day one
- 7 The polling that signals the plight of the Union
- 8 Progressive alliance could see Labour win 351 seats at next election, new analysis reveals
- 9 Dominic Raab 'not convinced' collapse of fishing businesses would be result of Brexit deal
- 10 Boris Johnson blames seafood companies for post-Brexit sales slump
He was reluctant to credit the government for these measures, though he largely welcomes their contents.
Corbyn claimed that they were the result of pressure from Labour and trade unions, and that they still don't sufficiently protect self-employed people.
He described it as a 'very marginal existence' which often does not allow for the time required to access Universal Credit (around six weeks).
Though reflective of the dire situation, Corbyn was quick to laud the 'greatest sense of community spirit I've known for a long time', citing examples of the gestures of volunteers in his own constituency.
He refused to be drawn into a discussion on whether Labour had — to quote the leader himself — won the argument. Rather, he urged unity as the country battles coronvirus, saying 'we are all the frontline now.'
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.