John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, responding to the announcement that the government will hold daily press conferences on coronavirus, said:

“It’s concerning that we seem to need huge public pressure for the government to act. It hardly inspires confidence in its approach to tackling this outbreak.

“Thankfully the government has listened to the call by Labour and others for regular press briefings so that people are properly informed. Yes, it’s important to be led by scientific advice, but it’s also vital that the political decisions that are being made can be properly scrutinised.

“The government must now agree to other vital measures to keep people secure and healthy: full and decent sick pay for all workers, rent and mortgage holidays for people affected, suspension of sanctions and the five week wait for Universal Credit, and support for foodbanks via local authorities.”