Liberty responds to Government lifting COVID restrictions

Liberty, the human rights organisation, has called for clarity and proper support so people can follow public health advice after the Government confirmed it would lift most Covid restrictions from 19 July.

A spokesperson for Liberty said: “We all want to stay safe through this pandemic and Liberty has always supported proportionate action to protect public health.

“This Government has however always reached for coercive blunt powers, delivered via chaotic communications. Its approach not only threatens public health, but also public understanding of our basic rights and freedoms. It create a situation ripe for our rights to be permanently damaged, as demonstrated through the opportunistic Policing Bill following the deliberate confusion about protest rights throughout the pandemic.

“This same approach is now being applied to everything from vaccine passports to isolation rules. This will inevitably lead to discrimination and division.

“This is a Government that is actively trying to make itself unaccountable at every turn. Rather than more half-measures and confusion, we need clear public health advice and real support so everyone can stay safe.

“By protecting everyone, particularly the most marginalised, we can build a roadmap out of the pandemic where everyone’s rights are respected.”

The human rights organisation has consistently criticised Ministers’ reliance on criminal justice measures in the face of the pandemic. Prioritising coercion and criminalisation, while failing to communicate clearly to the public, has put rights at risk.

Liberty has campaigned for the Government’s Coronavirus Act to be replaced with alternative legislation that would prioritise support over punishment, and protect everyone.

Contact the Liberty press office on 07973 831 128 or pressoffice@libertyhumanrights.org.uk