View from Westminster

Top Lines

Govt must act to strengthen NHS Test and Trace ahead of new school year

Scientists have today warned that current testing and contact tracing is inadequate to prevent a second wave of coronavirus when schools in the UK reopen.

• After months being cooped up at home, millions of children are looking forward to getting back to school in September, but safety must remain the top priority.
• In the absence of a vaccine, a comprehensive test, trace and isolate system is the only way to keep people safe as we reopen schools. The Government must do everything in its power to strengthen that system if we are to have any hope of a safe start to the new school year.
• Equally, the Government need to be honest about the very real risk that, if they do not get the NHS Test and Trace system in order, or in the event that we see a sharp rise in infections, children may have to go back to learning from home. Ministers must put in place safeguards now to ensure children are still able to get their education in this worst case scenario.

Local lockdown rules must be in lockstep with law

The Government have still not published the legislation for ongoing local lockdowns in some parts of the UK.

• It beggars belief that the Government still haven't put in place the legislation to underpin the local lockdowns in parts of the UK.
• This risks real confusion in the communities affected, as it's unclear how the new restrictions will be enforced. We need to see government announcements in lockstep with the relevant new laws.
• It is vital for both public trust and the rule of law that the Government issues clear guidance to police officers so they can do their jobs and keep us safe.

Case crystal clear for investigation into Russian interference

Reports yesterday suggest classified documents about US-UK trade talks were stolen from former Trade Minister Liam Fox's email account by Russian hackers.

• The case for a full review into Russia interference in the UK political system was crystal clear ahead of these revelations. But the Conservative Government seems to lack the appetite to tackle this head on.
• Instead, last weekend, the Prime Minister chose to elevate a key Russian backer to the Peerage.
• There is no way we can counter the threat posed by Russia if we do not fully understand it. We urgently need a wide-ranging and properly-funded investigation into potential Russian interference in our democracy, including the 2016 EU referendum. What's unclear is whether Boris Johnson's Government has the guts to deliver on this.

Govt approach to knife crime has failed

Analysis from the Labour Party released yesterday revealed that over the last 10 years offences involving a knife have increased in every police force in England and Wales.

• No one should feel unsafe walking down their own street, but - in the face of serious violence that has devastated our communities and destroyed so many young lives - many people do.
• The Conservatives' approach has failed. The Home Secretary is too busy trying to seem tough on knife crime to do the hard work to actually prevent it. They cut police numbers and failed to provide the services that help people build lives free from crime. The Government must restore community policing and youth services.
• Liberal Democrats are calling for a proper public health approach to tackle the epidemic of serious violence. We urgently need to bring police, teachers, health professionals, youth workers and social services together to prevent young people falling prey to gangs and violence. That's how we will make our communities safer and make sure people feel safer.