Following the social distancing measures announced by the
Prime Minister yesterday (16 March), Liberal Democrat Acting
Leader has called for the government
to bring in "much, much more extensive support for individuals
and for businesses at every single level".
Liberal Democrat Acting Leader said:
"People are afraid for their health, but also for their
livelihoods. The financial package the Chancellor is expected to
announce today must include much, much more extensive support for
individuals and for businesses at every single level and across
every single region of the country.
“The Government bailed out the banks and the financial
sector with hundreds of billions back in 2008. The Government
must now be there for millions of businesses, employees
and the self-employed - Britain’s real economy.
"The Prime Minister was right to advise social distancing, but to
do so without formally closing pubs, restaurants, theatres and so
forth, he is undermining many firms’ insurance cover and writing
these businesses into history. The Government’s current approach
will prevent many businesses from claiming for any losses, which
could lead to widespread collapse.
"People want to know that - in the face of this extraordinary
crisis - their livelihoods and businesses are secure. It is in
the government's power to provide that certainty and the Liberal
Democrats urge the Prime Minister to do so with
immediate effect."
