Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, calls on Government to act with urgency following Coronavirus briefing

“The UK’s top scientists have presented a grim picture about the rise in coronavirus cases.

“This rapid spike in infections was not inevitable, but a consequence of the Government’s incompetence and failure to put in place an adequate testing system.

“The Prime Minister is making a statement later this week, but Labour’s priority is that there must be a national effort to prevent another national lockdown.

“The Government must do what it takes to prevent another lockdown, which would cause unimaginable damage to our economy and people’s wellbeing.

“We need an effective testing and tracing system with support for people to isolate. When testing breaks down we can’t track this virus and it quickly gets out of control.

“We are also calling for a COBRA of the nations and regions so that the Government acts with the urgency this demands.”