Sir Keir Starmer has called for a ‘circuit break’ lockdown for two or three weeks at a press conference responding to the government’s new lockdown plans.
Prime minister Boris Johnson set out a new three-tier system which will see the worst-hit areas in England put under the strictest measures from tomorrow (October 14).
The Labour leader will comment on the government’s actions in a televised press conference due to begin at around 5pm.
It comes after ministers faced criticism today for not introducing a ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown as recommended by the government’s scientific advisory group.
Official papers published last night show the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) suggested a short national lockdown was needed in England three weeks ago.
Labour has branded the failure to act on the advice as “alarming”, saying that current measures need to go further.
Downing Street issued a lengthy defence for not adopting the measures laid out in the document, saying the scientists agree that the economic impacts and harms of restrictions must also be considered.
Sir Keir is set to speak at 5pm and we will have live updates below.