[ad_1]
Sir Keir Starmer has attacked Boris Johnson’s speech to the nation on how to facilitate the blocking of the coronavirus, saying he raised as many questions as he answered.
The televised speech lacked “clarity and consensus,” while “it effectively told millions of people to go back to work tomorrow” without clear guidelines, the Labor leader said.
The prime minister told the public to remain alert to the threat of a second coronavirus spike, while describing several changes in lifestyle rules that limit the spread of the virus.
Download the new Independent Premium app
Share the full story, not just the headlines
People will be allowed to exercise for as long as they want and as often as they like, and workers in the construction and manufacturing industries will be “actively encouraged” to return to their jobs.
But Sir Keir said later: “What the country wanted tonight was clarity and consensus, and I’m afraid we have none.
“This statement raises as many questions as it answers, and we see the possibility that England, Scotland and Wales move in different directions. It’s a big gap here for the government to make up for. “
The leaders of Scotland and Northern Ireland maintain the “stay home” message that the Prime Minister has now moved from England.
Sir Keir, who previously vowed not to “score party political points” on the coronavirus, said the government’s latest strategy was not based on political consensus, and told Sky News: “What I really wanted, I put pressure on you this week. Lastly, I said ‘build consensus on the plan before delivering the plan’ which was delivered this afternoon.
“Because I think the public is very scared and anxious about what comes next. They want tranquility.
read more
“And if you can see political parties, employers, England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland in general on the same page, that helps with ease and confidence.
“But I’m afraid we have arrived tonight without it.”
Johnson said he was providing “the first draft of a road map for the reopening of society,” adding that he had consulted across the political spectrum and across the four nations of the UK and would give more details in Parliament tomorrow.
“And while it is correct to be flexible in our response, I believe that as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom – Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland – there is a strong determination to defeat this together. And today a general consensus on what we could do.” , said.
However, business leaders called for more clarity, with the British chambers of commerce said advice on personal protective equipment (PPE), distancing and government support schemes was vital.
Obtaining enough PPE for people in need was one of Mr. Johnson’s five tests that must be met for the blockage to be alleviated.
Unions quickly attacked the plans. The GMB said the workers needed strict rules on hygiene and social distancing and sufficient PPE.
The National Union of Education, representing teachers, said the idea of reopening schools with the infection rate, as it is “nothing less than reckless”.
The prime minister said that by June 1, at the earliest, the gradual reopening of stores and the return of primary students to schools may begin in stages.
