Thread by @simonbolger

I am so disappointed by @RishiSunak ‘s announcement for the self employed.

I don’t have a loud voice like @piersmorgan @MartinSLewis or @BorisJohnson - but that doesn’t mean I cannot express my voice about the #selfemployed during this #CoronavirusLockdownUK

The most vulnerable people within that group are the recently self employed. They are a group who have slipped through the net and not covered by any support.

It’s not about a sense of entitlement. It’s that this government has decided some people are worthy and some are not.

Either support nobody or everybody.

Those self employed in the last year can’t access any support. This is a financial death sentence to some families.

Some will be forced to find alternative work - and directly go against staying home, protecting the NHS and saving lives.

This government policy will almost certainly contribute to deaths.

If the government offered fair support to all - then fewer people will be outside of their homes.

If further support is coming - then fine. But take the time to reassure the people.

Something any citizen of a *wartime* government wants to hear is “We care about you. We will help you”.

In this crisis, no British citizen should be left behind. Ever.

So @BorisJohnson has written a letter saying "The government will do whatever it takes to help you make ends meet and put food on the table." Just not if you became self employed in the last year. @RishiSunak @BBCBreakfast

Could this economic plan have worked?

(1/3)

✔️Freeze all mortgages and rent
✔️Freeze all utilities
✔️Freeze all other bills like TV licence, broadband and council tax
✔️The government to sort out payment of this with the individual companies at a later date
✔️Every house to receive a weekly/monthly food allowance

(2/3)

Could this have been simpler, leveraged the work out to businesses, and excluded nobody?

(3/3)

#coronavirus