Minister caught out claiming Labour wanted a lockdown when they didn't
Nadhim Zahawi, proper, wrongly accused the shadow well being secretary of advocating for ‘stronger lockdown’ (Image: Rex/PA/Getty)

A Tory cupboard minister has been caught out wrongly claiming Labour known as for a lockdown within the run-up to Christmas.

Boris Johnson had confronted stress to tighten restrictions as Covid circumstances skyrocketed in December, fuelled by the Omicron variant, earlier than opting to stay to his current plan after a crunch knowledge overview.

Defending the federal government’s newest plans on the BBC’s Sunday Morning Reside, training secretary Nadhim Zahawi stated its document since Christmas had been vindicated by the statistics.

He contrasted it with ‘what Labour needed to do, which is lockdown earlier than Christmas’.

Challenged by presenter Sophie Raworth, Mr Zahawi added: ‘[Shadow Health Secretary] Wes Streeting, on December nineteenth, stated in case you act quick and onerous you do higher, truly advocating for a stronger lockdown.’

‘You'll be able to examine the interview, Sophie, he was advocating for stronger lockdowns. Within the new 12 months, he stated: “Isn’t it fantastic that we didn’t lock down?”‘

Mr Streeting later responded by sharing a clip of the interview in query, which appeared to contradict Mr Zahawi’s claims, tweeting: ‘Oh expensive, @nadhimzahawi.’

Requested by Sky Information if he would vote for a brand new lockdown if the info supported it, as was advocated by scientists on the time, Mr Streeting stated: ‘I don’t assume that a lockdown can be mandatory if the federal government takes motion sooner somewhat than later.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock (12749237bb) Secretary of State for Education NADHIM ZAHAWI is seen outside BBC after appearing on the show Sunday Morning. Nadhim Zahawi on Sunday Morning, London, England, United Kingdom - 09 Jan 2022
Mr Zahawi defended the federal government’s Covid coverage on BBC’s Sunday Morning Reside (Image: Rex)

‘We’re ready to do what is critical within the public curiosity.’

The shadow well being secretary had clarified that Labour needed the PM to ‘go additional’ on financial help measures however stopped in need of saying whether or not new lockdown restrictions had been wanted.

He burdened that ‘the federal government has entry to much more data, choices and avice than the opposition do’, including that he had but to satisfy the Chief Medical Officer for an replace briefing later that day.

Quizzed about whether or not he disagreed with points of Mr Johnson’s plan, Mr Streeting stated: ‘There are areas the place we expect the federal government can and may have gone additional already, which isn't about restrictions.

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Mr Streeting stated Labour needed the federal government to ‘go additional’ on financial help measures solely (Image: Sky Information)

‘Statutory Sick Pay must be greater as a result of there are many people who find themselves presupposed to be isolating who really feel they'll’t afford to take action.’

He additionally known as for extra help for business, suggesting the federal government might give companies a reimbursement break on Covid loans.

‘It’s not simply the case that we’re voting to help measures within the public curiosity, we're encouraging the federal government to go additional to assist people who find themselves feeling ache of their pockets.

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