Responding to Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup’s comments this morning – in which she could not say how NHS trusts have declared a ‘critical incident’, nor how many former teachers have returned to teaching – Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP said: “If ever proof was needed that the Government is asleep at the wheel with this staff shortage crisis, the Vaccine Minister’s non-answers this morning just about sum it up.

“Our hospitals are at breaking point and schools are spread thin, yet hapless Ministers haven’t got a clue about the true extent of the problems in these settings.
“It’s high time the Government gets a grip on this. Families deserve reassurance that their children’s education won’t be disrupted and that loved ones can get the care they need, when they need it.”