Fixing test and trace must be priority for Government during national lockdown

The Liberal Democrats are calling on Ministers to use the lockdown period in England to "get a grip" on the test and trace system and ensure the right financial and practical support is in place for people isolating.

The call follows a vote in the House of Commons today on the new lockdown measures in England, which were approved by 516 votes to 38.

Speaking after the vote, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:

It is deeply frustrating that we must now enter a national lockdown. If Boris Johnson had not dithered and delayed and had instead followed the scientists' advice, this could have been shorter and less damaging.

Now it is essential that Ministers use this time to get a grip on our broken test, trace and isolate system, and ensure people have the practical and financial support to isolate if asked to. Failure to get that right would mean people making yet more sacrifices in vain, further delay in relaxing restrictions, and risks additional lockdowns in the future.

With the festive season just weeks away, the Liberal Democrats will continue to push the UK Government to deliver a plan to ensure rules on travel are aligned across our family of nations. We also need to see real clarity on support for people and businesses in the hard weeks ahead.