Responding to the results of the vote on the Coronavirus Act extension, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey MP commented: “This vote hands Conservative Ministers a blank cheque to use draconian powers they don’t need. I am proud that Liberal Democrats voted against it.
“We continue to support all necessary measures to contain the spread of the virus and keep people safe, but none of them rely on the Coronavirus Act. The Prime Minister even had to resort to lies to persuade MPs to back him today.
“Despite all their talk about freedom, the Conservatives have shown they have no intention of restoring people’s civil liberties once the need for restrictions has ended.
“Liberal Democrats will remain vigilant to stop the Government abusing these powers, and to make sure that everyone’s rights and freedoms are fully restored once this crisis is over.”