PRIME Minister Boris Johnson was faced with a grilling from Slough’s MP Tan Dhesi over “last-minute U-turns”.
MPs returned to Parliament to vote and debate on the new lockdown measures, which will become law in England as of Wednesday (January 6).
Mr Johnson announced a third national lockdown on Monday in hopes tighter restrictions will reduce the spread of the new variant of coronavirus, which more transmissible, and hospital admissions.
Speaking in Parliament, Tan Dhesi criticised the Prime Minister for “looking into the eyes of the British people” and telling worried parents it is safe for children to return to school, only later to promptly close schools down.
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Mr Dhesi accused Mr Johnson of later announcing that it was not safe for children to return to school.
The Slough MP asked Boris Johnson: “Does the Prime Minister agree that these constant last-minute U-turns and this erratic approach to policymaking is not conducive to assuaging anxious people, who are desperately seeking stability, certainty, and assured leadership?”
In response, the Prime Minister demanded the Labour Parliamentarian to “withdraw” his comment, saying: “I did not at any stage say that schools were not safe.
“That is absolutely not what I said and in all fairness, he should correct.”
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When given the opportunity to respond, Tan Dhesi said: “The Prime Minister closed down schools, so, therefore, they are not safe for people to return,” which was met with laughter from some Tory MPs.
Boris Johnson told worried parents it’s safe to send children to school, but next day, after scientists, experts and Opposition pressure, he closes schools and so not safe for children.
— Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (@TanDhesi) January 6, 2021
Constant last minute U-turns and erratic approach to policymaking is why we’re in this mess. pic.twitter.com/6ckdMCs2qw
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