Video
Coronavirus restrictions are a 'failure of government', says Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer addresses the nation in a televised address - Credit: BBC
Coronavirus restrictions are a "failure of government", Labour's Keir Starmer has claimed as he called for a 'Plan B' for the economic response.
The Labour leader used a televised address to the nation on Wednesday to stress he supports new restrictions being brought in by the government, but that help aimed at keeping people in employment also needs to be prioritised.
Sir Keir said: “We need a ‘Plan B’ for the economy. It makes no sense to bring in new restrictions at the same time as phasing out support for jobs and businesses.”
He also pointedly criticise prime minister Boris Johnson’s handling of the crisis, stating that while new restrictions “are now necessary, they were not inevitable”.
The Labour leader said the increased restrictions are due to a “failure of government”.
You may also want to watch:
Sir Keir said: “Despite all the sacrifices and heroism of the British people, it’s clear we are not through this yet.
“The picture presented by the government’s medical advisers this week was stark and clear.
Most Read
- 1 Minister terminates interview after suggesting public's age and weight to blame for UK's high death toll
- 2 European parliament agrees to add British overseas territories to post-Brexit tax haven blacklist
- 3 This picture of Boris Johnson on the phone to Joe Biden has caused a stir
- 4 Telegraph columnist blames Angela Merkel for Brexit
- 5 Nigel Farage loses nearly 50,000 followers after Twitter suspends QAnon accounts
- 6 Pro-Brexit fishing campaigner says Boris Johnson's deal has left her with 'no fish'
- 7 Former Brexit Party MEP dies in diving accident in the Bahamas
- 8 Brexiteer calls for UK to save Eurostar - by buying it and renaming it 'Britstar'
- 9 Bob Geldof takes swipe at No 10 saying 'lying is second nature' to them
- 10 The greatest failure of government in our lifetime
“Infections are rising. Hospital admissions are increasing. And we know from bitter experience where that could lead.
“That’s why the government had to introduce further restrictions last night.
“We support this.
“And I urge everyone to follow the new guidance and the rule of law.
“While these restrictions are now necessary, they were not inevitable.
“The return of this virus, and the return of restrictions, are not an act of God.
“They’re a failure of government.
“The British people have done everything asked of them.
“But I’m afraid the government has not.
“We’re a great country.
“We shouldn’t have one of the highest death rates in the world, or one of the worst recessions.
“It’s a national scandal that we still don’t have a testing system that works.
“People shouldn’t have to travel hundreds of miles to get a test for their child, for themselves or for their relatives.”
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.
