‘The Government has lifted lockdown too early’ – says MP

By Claudia Webbe MP 

The Labour Leicester East MP has responded to the spike in coronavirus cases

“Like many Leicester residents, I am concerned about the increase in Coronavirus cases in our city.

“I am particularly concerned about the impact this is having on my own constituency of Leicester East.

“My thoughts remain with the loved ones of Leicester residents who have sadly died from the virus and with those who are suffering as a result of contracting it. “We are all immensely grateful to Leicester’s amazing NHS staff and social care workers who are working tirelessly to help us deal with this pandemic.

“I will be monitoring the track and trace system as it is developed in Leicester to ensure that it operates effectively and transparently.

“I have been concerned with the delays, detail and quality of data, and inefficient involvement of private companies in the Government’s national testing plans.

“At every step in this crisis – from lockdown delay, equipment shortages, care home neglect, testing lies and much more – the Government has failed to adequately protect our communities.

“That is why the UK has the worst coronavirus death rate per capita of any country in the world.

“This Government has lifted lockdown measures prematurely when compared to public health indicators in other countries.

“It is alarming that news of a spike in Leicester arrived on the same day the national Covid-19 threat level has been lowered.

“We know that existing racial and class inequalities, coupled with inadequate government support, mean that working-class people, migrants and African, Asian and minority ethnic communities are at greater risk of and exposure to Covid-19.

“As Leicester East is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse places in the UK, we disproportionately suffer from these discrepancies.

“42 per cent of our children live in poverty.

“Our average weekly income £130 less than the entire East Midlands and £160 less than the U.K average.

“This is the context in which the coronavirus crisis is operating.

“The virus itself may not discriminate, but our economic and social system certainly does.

“I strongly encourage everyone to keep taking the safety precautions that they have been, including washing our hands regularly throughout the day, wearing a face mask in public, keeping two metres away from anyone we don’t live with and minimising contact with others.

“I have been meeting with the Government about the situation and spike in infections

“I will keep fighting for the safety and wellbeing of everyone in Leicester East 

“I am working tirelessly to lobby the government, public health officials and local stakeholders to ensure that Leicester receives the best possible protection from this virus.”

Claudia Webbe MP is the member of Parliament for Leicester East. You can follow her at www.facebook.com/claudiaforLE and twitter.com/ClaudiaWebbe