This is the time for swift, decisive national action - Keir Starmer

“I am deeply concerned about the sharp rise in coronavirus cases and the difficulties people across the country are facing getting a test.

“There is mounting concern about whether we have got the virus sufficiently under control.

“This is the time for swift, decisive national action. We cannot afford to be too slow.

“That’s why I’m asking the Prime Minister to convene a COBRA meeting and to update the country on the measures the Government is taking to keep the virus under control, including to fix testing.

“The British public want to know what the situation is and what the Government is going to do about it.

“I want to make clear too that Labour will continue to act in the national interest. We will support whatever measures the Government take to protect the NHS and save lives.”