Responding to reports that the R rate has risen to between 1.1 and 1.4 in the UK, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Munira Wilson MP said: “Figures showing the rapid spread of COVID will cause untold worry to families across the UK. Many will be disheartened to see the return of necessary restrictions on their daily lives.
“We were promised a “world-beating” test and trace system to prevent a second wave. Instead we’ve seen a chaotic system, beset with shortages and unable to reach large numbers of close contacts.
“We need rapid action to scale up testing once again, in a sustainable way, and to ensure resilience in the test and trace system as a whole. If Ministers keep over promising but underdelivering, they will continue to lose the trust of the public at this critical time. “