Keir Starmer delivers brutal attack on Sunak as he blames Chancellor for lockdown delay
KEIR STARMER delivered a brutal attack on Rishi Sunak as he blamed the Chancellor for the Government's delay in calling for a national coronavirus lockdown.
Keir Starmer says Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak ‘have failed’
Speaking at the CBI conference, the Labour Party leader blamed Rishi Sunak for the delays to a national coronavirus lockdown his party has been calling for since September. Sir Keir Starmer said: “Make no mistake, the Chancellor’s name’s all over this. His decision to block a circuit breaker will now mean that businesses have to close for longer.
"More people will lose their job. And the public finances will be worse than they needed to be.”
He added: "One of the things I've learnt from this crisis is that it exposes leadership like nothing else.
"On that count, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor have failed.
"They failed to learn. They failed to listen. And they failed to lead.
READ MORE: Rishi Sunak dismisses fears lockdown will be extended past December 2
"The result is tragic - but all too predictable."
The Labour Party leader urged the Government to use the four-week lockdown announced by Boris Johnson on Saturday and starting on Thursday, to improve its Test, Trace and Isolate programme.
He said: "The Government was slow to act - again.
"But, it can't now waste these four weeks.
Rishi Sunak grilled on possible extension of national lockdown
"They must be used to fix Test, Trace and Isolate - and to give control to local authorities
"To get a grip on messaging and rebuild public trust.
"And to provide a clear and transparent road map to protect businesses and the NHS over the months to come.
"I know how difficult this next month will be, and the months to come.
"Now, more than ever, we need to stand together as a country, as families, and as communities.
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"And to show - once again - that at a moment of national crisis, the British people always stand by those in need."
Sir Keir confirmed Labour will vote in favour of Mr Johnson's plan for a second national lockdown when it is put before parliament on Wednesday.
"Labour will provide the votes the prime minister needs to be sure of getting this through parliament, but we will also be clear: It must be accompanied by a comprehensive economic support package," Keir Starmer said in his speech.