Thread by @NadiaWhittomeMP

2,294 new Covid-19 cases were recorded in Nottingham in one week, up from 407 the week before.

This situation was avoidable - but the government continues to ignore warnings and put my constituents at risk.

Thread 👇🏽

We know that reopening universities before it was safe significantly contributed to the outbreak.

Student areas have been most affected, and 82% of new confirmed cases have been 18 to 22-year-olds.

Had the government listened to @UCU, we'd be in a much better position today.

If we add to this inconsistent messaging and the fiasco of the privatised test and trace system, it's clear that it's government incompetence and not the public that is to blame.

You can't tell people to be fearless and go to the pub one day, and blame them for it the next.

I'm disappointed that MPs and ministers have been left in the dark about the government's plans, finding out about possible lockdowns from the media.

I'm also concerned that the measures have been delayed until next week, allowing more people to become infected over the weekend.

I am speaking to the council and other Nottingham MPs about how we can best protect residents. I have also reached out to Public Health England.

Next week, I'll be hosting a Zoom meeting for my constituents to discuss the outbreak and answer questions.

Finally: lockdowns only work if people can afford to stay at home.

We urgently need a local furlough scheme to protect jobs, and a ban on evictions.