Richard's views on the Government's strategy on Covid:
"During this long, and extending, period of returning to “normal” I am conscious of the wide range of views of my constituents on the various measures that the UK government has taken to fulfil the stated public health objectives of controlling the spread of the virus and saving lives. As the months have passed, the range of views has widened, views have become more entrenched and perspectives on the “public good” have been reinterpreted from the simple Lockdown message of “Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives”.
My own views tend to the more liberal end of this spectrum. I acquiesced to, rather than fully supported, the enforced lockdown in March, but I respected the rules and wish to protect any public health gains that may have resulted from that period.
Similarly, I support the measures that have been taken to liberalise society and to restore all the civil liberties that have been restricted by the state. This liberalizing path should not be reversed by the anti-social actions of a small minority for whom “common sense” and “common courtesy” are too complex or irritating or who, like those who persistently litter, are immune to any sense of personal responsibility.
I am aware that a very large number of my constituents hold views that are more precautionary than my own and I will continue to respect this in my role as Member of Parliament, aware also that the government has access to much more information about the risks of this virus than I do. I will continue therefore to give the benefit of my doubt to the government’s overall approach but must make the case for an alternative, more liberal, set of policies that it could follow."
