AN MP has criticised the Prime Minister’s national lockdown branding it a “failed strategy” which will damage the economy and put people out of work.
Shipley MP Philip Davies believes Government should offer advice on what people should do to keep safe but allow them to use their own judgement and carry on with their lives, while protecting the most vulnerable.
Speaking in the Commons’ as the Prime Minister Boris Johnson updated MPs on plans for the month-long lockdown, Mr Davies said: “As a Conservative I do not believe collapsing the economy is ever a solution to any problem".
“Can the Prime Minister therefore tell me how many collapsed businesses and how many job losses he and his Government believe are a price worth paying to continue pursuing this failed strategy of lockdowns and arbitrary restrictions.”
Mr Davies has repeatedly spoken out against regional lockdowns and will vote against the national lockdown on Wednesday.
Mr Johnson in reply said: “I share his desire to protect the economy and I believe fervently we need to get as fast a bounce back as we possibly can. But I also think alas the data is inescapable and if we are to avert the loss of many thousands of lives this is the only option we face and I think if he looks at the statistics and the sheer number of fatalities we could incur I believe he will agree it is the right way forward".
Speaking after the exchange Mr Davies said lockdowns were not the cure and will cause more devastation than Covid itself through breakdowns of relationships, job losses, businesses closing, house repossessions and mental health problems.
Government claims the country faces a medical disaster unless action is taken to stop the spread of Coronavirus and every attempt had been made to stop the spread of the virus.