Govt must ensure robust test, trace, isolate approach to keep people safe 

Responding to the Transport Secretary's update at today's coronavirus press conference, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:

"Given that we cannot hope to return to business as usual on our transport networks in the near future, the announcement of measures to allow more people to travel by bicycle and on foot are welcome. However, any roadmap out of the current lockdown must put safety first. We must test, trace and isolate to keep people safe. Ministers must prove that robust systems are in place to facilitate this.

"Yet again the Government has missed its own testing target and has yet to demonstrate its NHSX app will be effective. Unacceptable shortages of personal protective equipment continue to undermine the safety of many of those working in health and social care.

"Any steps to move out of lockdown will be dangerously premature if an effective test, trace and isolate system is not in place to keep people safe, and if Ministers cannot guarantee adequate supplies of protective gear."