Ministers Ignored Plea To Lock Down London Because It's A Labour City, Hints Sadiq Khan
London mayor Sadiq Khan has suggested the government ignored his pleas for stricter coronavirus measures in the capital because of party politics.
Khan also said ministers lack the humility to change their approach to tackling the outbreak despite it clearly being unsuccessful.
When asked why the government had not placed London into lockdown despite his calls for stricter measures, Khan told HuffPost UK: “What the government needs to realise is we’re all on the same side; it’s not a Tory government versus a Labour mayor.
“It’s actually all of us on the same side fighting this virus and what I’m saying to the government is: ‘Let’s work together to take preemptive action to avoid the need for a national lockdown.’ I do not want that and it’s really important we do what we can to avoid it.
“I think the government has been slow throughout this pandemic. They were slow in February and March – and they tend to be slow now. It’s inexcusable.
Khan’s comments come as local leaders in the north of England hit out at the government over lockdown restrictions set to come in on Saturday.
Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston has vowed to “defy the government” over the restrictions in his town, accusing ministers of “monstrous ignorance”. His stance was backed by Hartlepool Council leader Shane Moore.
Last week, Khan spoke with prime minister Boris Johnson to seek approval of new local lockdown measures in the capital.
That did not happen but London was placed on the government’s coronavirus local lockdown watchlist following a surge in cases – meaning stricter restrictions could be imposed if cases continue to rise.
“The government doesn’t appear to be nimble and quick at responding to this virus or have the humility to realise when they’ve got things wrong and change course,” Khan continued.
“I’ll continue to engage with the government and work with the government when I can. But the government needs to work with regional and local...
