We cannot continue with the current lockdown restrictions while waiting for a vaccine - there may never be one. That’s why we need a recovery plan. Some observations for @ConHome 👇 conservativehome.com/platform/2020/…
It will be a long process for the UK to return to its pre-coronavirus state - better to think in terms of a ‘recovery plan’ than an ‘exit strategy’ 👇 conservativehome.com/platform/2020/…
As the Government develops a coronavirus recovery plan, it needs to be as open as possible with the public about the trade-offs we face. The Government will stand a better chance of taking the public with it if it keeps them informed 👇 conservativehome.com/platform/2020/…
The Government must be careful to only make promises - whether on PPE, testing or any other matter - it is confident it can keep. If it can’t make a promise, it should explain why not 👇 conservativehome.com/platform/2020/…
A significant testing, contact tracing and isolation programme will be a key part of any coronavirus recovery plan. We need to rapidly increase our testing capability and our ability to link this to a contact tracing system 👇 conservativehome.com/platform/2020/…
In order to recover from the downturn, we will need to increase economic growth by investing in R&D, education and skills. The last thing we want to do is increase the cost of living for people by putting up their taxes. 👇 conservativehome.com/platform/2020/…
Until we have a vaccine, we are going to have to live with this virus while enabling economic recovery. Ministers will need to exercise political judgement and take a series of tough decisions - sooner rather than later 👇 conservativehome.com/platform/2020/…
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The Commons will tomorrow be asked to vote on ‘draft Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021’
Sounds fairly innocuous, no?
These are actually the Regulations to bring in compulsory vaccination - not just for care staff…
…but based on preliminary intentions I am aware of in @DHSCgovuk, this will also mandate vaccination for those eg carrying out deliveries/servicing the boilers at such care homes…
Now, I’m sympathetic to ensuring frontline care workers protect their vulnerable patients, but…
…dramatically widening the scope of this to cover more than frontline care staff is troubling. I’m pro-vaccine, but where does this end?
Especially when these Regulations, raising hugely important questions, are trying to be snuck through the Commons with only 90 minutes debate
If you manage to avoid a ping by the NHS Covid app, or legally instructed by Test & Trace to self-isolate, enjoy a summer that’s as close to normal as can be.
However, it’s only a number of weeks until the autumn arrives and the inevitable, seasonal, rise in respiratory diseases
Unlike last winter, we have very effective vaccines, the vast majority of the adult population will be fully vaccinated & booster jabs will be there if needed – so no more Covid restrictions, right?
After all, we were told the removal of restrictions would be “irreversible”…
With the Labour benches empty, it’s up to MPs on my side of the House to hold Govt to account.
Here’s why I will be voting against the renewal of Covid restrictions, including information that leads us to conclude it’s unlikely 19 July will see restrictions end 👇
The explanatory memo accompanying these regulations - approved by @dhscgovuk - shows that the 1st dose vaccinations Govt wants to get done ASAP won’t take place until August, so people not protected until 2/3 weeks after that.
That implies a further delay way beyond 19 July 👇
PM has said that 19 July is a ‘terminus’ date…
…but, as the clip in my previous tweet & this image shows, the explanatory memo says the purpose of the delay past 21 June is to collect more data to see if the tests are met
It’s clear that a further delay is entirely possible
We have a rapid rollout of effective vaccines and are heading into summer. If, even at this point, the Govt won’t release restrictions, this points to restrictions in the autumn and winter, when respiratory diseases increase and the NHS is always under more pressure…1/8
…Indeed, that’s what one unnamed Minister fears might happen on the cover of today’s Sunday Telegraph.
This would be devastating for business confidence, people’s livelihoods and wellbeing..2/8
Delaying 21 June will send a clear message to employers and workers that, when Covid cases increase this (and every) autumn and winter, they cannot rely on Govt to keep our society open.
Catastrophic for many businesses currently on life support..3/8
🤔The limit on funeral attendees has been lifted over a month earlier than planned. Why stop there?
👉 Social distancing should be completely scrapped from 21 June so businesses can plan to fully reopen & ensure that we are truly on the “one way road to freedom” the PM promised
💉 The Covid Recovery Group position is clear and based on science & data: we can safely unlock domestic restrictions faster than the roadmap
📊 The data we see now proves we’re right
👉 The ONS said last week that even reopening schools didn’t lead to a spike in infections