Labour calls on the Prime Minister to hold a press conference today to address latest Covid findings

Labour’s call follows the latest interim findings from the Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI Covid-19 study show that between 16th and 25th October: 128 people per 10,000 were infected in England, up from 60 per 10,000; the virus was doubling every 9 days; and the national R rate increased to 1.6.

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on the findings, said:

“This study reveals just how serious the situation we are now in is. The virus is growing nationwide. This will inevitably lead to more loss of life, more serious harm, immense pressure on the NHS and a slow, damaging drag on the economy.

“Boris Johnson should have used the school half term to implement a time-limited circuit breaker to push infections down, fix test and trace and save lives.

“People will be alarmed and worried and looking for reassurance from ministers. Businesses are fearful that a delay in taking decisive national action will create further, deeper uncertainty for the economy.

“Boris Johnson must hold a press conference later today to update the nation and outline what steps he will now take to get control of the virus and save lives.”