Emergency SAGE meeting needed, say Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats have demanded that the government hold an emergency SAGE meeting to discuss climbing Covid cases.

The committee which dropped its weekly meetings over the summer, most recently met on 14 October, 9 September and 22 July.

These figures come as it emerges that government scientists have not met to discuss Covid for weeks and cases are running at nearly 50,000 a day.

Matthew Taylor, the chief executive of the NHS Confederation this morning called on the government to implement tougher restrictions as UK Covid deaths hit their highest figure since March.

On Tuesday 223 deaths were recorded within 28 days of testing positive for Covid, the highest since 9 March.

Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Munira Wilson MP said: “Covid cases are surging and millions of vulnerable people are yet to receive their booster jabs, yet ministers are burying their heads in the sand.

“The Government cannot simply ignore the scientific advice and act as though this pandemic is over.

“Boris Johnson must call an emergency meeting of SAGE, resume weekly meetings and follow the expert advice provided on how to protect the NHS and keep schools open this winter.

“We cannot risk a fourth wave because the Prime Minister refuses to learn the lessons from the terrible mistakes throughout this pandemic.”

Labour said yesterday that it “beggars belief” that the critical forum had “effectively stood down” as cases and deaths continue to rise.