Voting down the #CoronavirusAct would give the Government 21 days to propose a new framework that MPs can actually scrutinise & amend.
The current legislation gives the Government sweeping powers, without placing obligations on them to support the public.
Let's fix this. 1/8
Under Sec 98(1) if the #CoronavirusAct is voted down this leaves 21 days until its provisions expire.
After 6 months, we know what’s working and what isn’t.
21 days is enough time to put down new provisions with proper scrutiny. 2/8
Under the current Act, the Government has given itself extraordinary powers without accountability & set no provisions for those in need.
New economic packages are announced like gifts, when at a time like this support packages & relief measures should be the law. 3/8
Most #coronavirus regulations have been passed using the Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act 1984 (i.e. lockdowns) rather than the #CoronavirusAct
Important measures like #StatutorySickPay & removing barriers to retired NHS staff returning to work can be laid down. 4/8
The #CoronavirusAct weakens social care protections – allowing local authorities to apply “easements”, stripping away vital safeguards from those experiencing mental health problems, disabled people & older people – in other words, those most at risk during this pandemic. 5/8
A CPS review found that all 121 charges made under the notorious Schedule 21 of the Act were incorrectly charged because there was no evidence for arrests #CoronavirusAct
BAME people were 7 times more likely to be fined during #lockdown. 6/8
An equality impact assesment on the Act was finally published this Summer.
But we are yet to hear from the @EHRC as to whether it complies with equalities law #CoronavirusAct 7/8
Tomorrow, MPs are being given a binary vote: a simple 'yes' or 'no' on renewing the #CoronavirusAct
This leaves us unable to speak up for our constituents.
Let’s #VoteItDown and fix it to to see the UK through this pandemic and ensure that everyone is properly protected. 8/8
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