Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called for a two- to three-week 'circuit-breaker' lockdown in England in an effort to bring coronavirus cases down.
Speaking at a press conference, he said: “Three things are now clear. The Government has not got a credible plan to slow infection. It has lost control of the virus.
“And it is no longer following scientific advice.”
He said the Sage scientific advisory committee had stressed the need for a circuit breaker.
Sir Keir Starmer said: “There’s no longer time to give this Prime Minister the benefit of the doubt. The Government’s plan simply isn’t working. Another course is needed.
“That’s why I am calling for a two to three-week circuit break in England in line with Sage’s recommendation.”
The restrictions would not mean closing schools – but the Labour leader suggested it could be timed to coincide with the October half-term to minimise disruption.
Sir Keir Starmer said schools would not need to close but household mixing would be restricted, pubs, bars and restaurants would be shut and non-essential offices forced to close under the proposed “circuit breaker”.
The Labour leader said: “This would not mean closing schools. But if this happens imminently, it can be timed to run across half-term to minimise disruption. But a circuit break would require significant sacrifices across the country.
“It would mean only essential work and travel. That everyone who can work from home should do so. Non-essential offices should be closed.
“Household mixing should be restricted to one household except for those who’ve formed support bubbles.
“And all pubs, bars and restaurants would be closed for two to three weeks – but compensated so that no business loses out because of the sacrifices we all have to make. It should also mean that the UK Parliament moves to remote working.”
