Thread by @EdwardJDavey

Dealing with #covid19UK should be govt’s top priority.

I’ve called on #Johnson to pause Brexit trade talks and extend transition period so Ministers can focus.

Failure to prioritise is a recipe for disaster.

Thread...
theguardian.com/world/2020/mar…

UK faces a gathering storm of managing #Coronavirus, dealing with ongoing #FloodingCrisis, whilst attempting most complicated negotiations and supply chain restructure for generations.

Govt couldn’t manage #floods crisis on its own, so how can they tackle all 3 massive threats?

#Johnson has been conspicuous by his absence during #flooding crisis and failed to show the leadership required over a threat as serious as #Coronavirus.

He’s out of his depth.
And we’re out of time.

https://twitter.com/edwardjdavey/status/1232574496374239237?s=21

When situations change, priorities change

A threat on this scale demands upmost focus. From food to masks to medicines, we need full cooperation with neighbouring countries; govt resources need targeting at the frail & susceptible.

Prioritise the people, not the Brexit policy.

We are not prepared.

Health Sec admitted stockpiles for mitigating damage of “No deal Brexit” were being re-directed for #Covid19 threat, even though last wk Ministers confirmed a “No Deal Brexit” could come as early as June.

#NHS & medical supplies could snap under pressure.

The plan is simple...

Rather than obsessing with his own self-imposed Brexit deadlines, #Johnson must wake up, and do what’s wise now the context has radically changed.

✅Ask to extend Brexit transition period
✅Pause trade talks
✅Focus govt on #covid19UK

Lives are at risk

Following this approach means #NHS, local councils & local communities can get the funds and the focus they deserve, and UK can talk to our European neighbours about how we can co-operate against #Covid19

Move fast, pause the non-essential, focus on the problem, get ahead of it.

So Dept of Health wanted to stay in pandemic Early Warning & Response System (EWRS). Sensible, even without #covid19UK.

Yet #Johnson said no.

You couldn’t make it up.
telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/…

I trust experts; I trust our doctors.

We should all be concerned when just 8 out of 1600 medics surveyed say our #NHS is “ready for #Covid19UK”

NHS already in crisis
Funding urgently needed
Leadership urgently needed

🔶Policy recommendations in thread👆
theguardian.com/society/2020/m…