Labour calls on government for clarity on public health messaging and impact on economic activity

Anneliese Dodds MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, has written to the government over plans to return to normal levels of economic activity.

In a letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Ms Dodds says she is “deeply concerned that the last 48 hours have presented a confused picture” in relation to whether those with suspected Covid-19 should self-isolate. The shadow chancellor has asked the government to state “unequivocally that those with Covid-19 must self-isolate at home, with the rest of their household.”

The Shadow Chancellor has requested that the government share details of their modelling on the impact to population incomes, business solvency, and levels of UK economic activity if there are delays in the reopening of sectors due to any potential increase in the ‘R’ statistic or ineffective introduction of ‘test, track and protect’.

Noting that the country is facing the deepest recession in 300 years, Ms Dodds emphasises the “additional economic impact of [public health] measures being undermined and the contraction being unnecessarily prolonged.”