Responding to Michael Gove’s appearance on the Andrew Marr Show this morning, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: “Michael Gove’s comments this morning are just more evidence of a government in utter denial. The continued refusal from Ministers to overhaul the failing test, trace and isolate system is not only pig-headed, but incredibly reckless.
“If the Government does not prioritise fixing the broken test, trace and isolate system, the new restrictions being put in place around the country will do very little on their own to help the Government get a grip on this second wave. An effective test, trace and isolate system is fundamental to keeping people safe.
“The decision to hand over people’s coronavirus test data to the police will just further undermine the test and trace system, deterring people from registering their symptoms. It’s time the Government stopped playing politics with public health and focussed on ensuring we can effectively stop the spread of this virus.”