SIR Keir Starmer will make a televised address to the nation in response to Boris Johnson’s coronavirus statement.
The Labour leader is to get a “right of reply” on Wednesday evening to the Prime Minister’s address in which he warned tougher restrictions could be imposed if the rate does not fall.
Starmer's speech will be aired on BBC One in the same primetime slot of 8pm given to Johnson a day earlier, the broadcaster said.
A Labour source said: “He will support what the Government’s announced but also state that another national lockdown isn’t inevitable and what we need to do is follow the rule of law and fix issues such as testing.”
In Johnson’s new strategy for England, office staff will once again be told to work from home, the use of masks will become more widespread and a 10pm curfew will be enforced on pubs and restaurants.
But experts have warned the measures will not go far enough in halting the spread of Covid-19, as ministers try to prevent a second wave causing another massive loss of life in the UK.
Labour has made a concerted effort recently to boost its profile on the airwaves, with senior figures taking up radio slots and Sir Keir planning monthly press conferences.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel