Mayor of London and council leaders call for new coronavirus restrictions

Sadiq Khan will speak to the government tomorrow

The Mayor of London has said he will ask the government to impose new restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus in the capital.

Sadiq Khan met with council leaders from across Greater London today to discuss concerns about growing numbers of cases in the region.

The chief medical officers for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have today recommend that the UK’s alert level should rise from three to four, suggesting that the virus is growing exponentially.

We are currently seeing a rising tide of coronavirus cases in London. Professor Kevin Fenton gives an overview of the latest situation and advice. #KeepLondonSafe #Covid19 pic.twitter.com/G4ROqASSB2

— PHE London region (@PHE_London) September 21, 2020

Mr Khan said: “The Government’s Chief Medical and Scientific Advisers made clear today that Covid-19 is now spreading exponentially, in all age groups, across the UK. The evidence from elsewhere in the world, and what we know about this disease, shows that this will lead to significant increases in hospitalisations and deaths without further action.

“Without adequate testing or contact tracing in London we have no choice but to look at other measures to slow the spread of the virus. I firmly believe that acting early, rather than having to impose more stringent measures later, is the right thing to do both for public health and the economy.

“I have just met with local council leaders from all parties and public health experts to agree a new London plan to slow the spread of the virus and save Londoners lives. This includes some new restrictions. We will collectively be asking the Government to implement this plan as soon as possible and I will be discussing it with the Prime Minister tomorrow morning.

“I will be as clear as possible with Londoners about the full details and what it means for them as soon as it is agreed with Government.

“The Prime Minister is also expected to announce new national rules tomorrow. Given the huge impact these will have on London, I expect to be invited to the Government’s Cobra meeting to discuss his plans tomorrow morning. We must learn from the mistakes of the first wave.

“I know that many Londoners, like me, will be deeply frustrated at the likelihood of imminent new restrictions. Londoners have shown incredible resolve by steadfastly following the rules and doing the right thing – at great cost. However, taking firm action now to prevent a deeper and longer lockdown in the future is without a doubt the best thing to both save lives, and protect jobs and our economic recovery.”

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