Govt "will not pull the rug out" on COVID-19 support

Addressing the House of Commons on the subject of the UK's roadmap out of lockdown, Johnson stated that the government would continue to provide support for the duration of the pandemic.

Govt "will not pull the rug out" on COVID-19 support

Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured) has confirmed that, despite laying out plans for the UK's emergence out of lockdown, he does not plan to "pull the rug out" when it comes to the financial support in place for businesses and individuals during COVID-19. 

 

Addressing the House of Commons on the subject of the UK's roadmap out of lockdown, Johnson stated that the government would continue to provide support for the duration of the pandemic.

He stated that Chancellor Rishi Sunak would be providing further information regarding the types of support available in the Spring Budget, set to take place on 3 March.

Johnson said: "We will continue to do whatever it takes to protect jobs and livelihoods across the UK."

Kier Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, responded by questioning why Johnson was unable to confirm the details of this continued support immediately.

Starmer said: "Health restrictions must be accompanied by proper economic support, and it makes no sense to announce today that businesses will be closed for many more weeks or months, without announcing new economic support at the same time."

He added: "Businesses are crying out for that certainty, so give it to them today."

The Labour Party leader went on to state that more clarification was needed around support for self-employed individuals, three million of whom are thought to have been omitted from much of the support systems provided by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic.