Since then Liberty has repeatedly warned that marginalised communities would be worst hit not only by the pandemic itself, but also by the Act’s powers. Nevertheless, the Act was rushed through Parliament in just one day. Liberty briefed MPs on the dangers of the 329-page Coronavirus Act when it was introduced, warning the powers were too broad and could be in place for far too long. But the Coronavirus Act has failed to uphold people’s rights while leaving the most marginalised worst affected. Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak people everywhere have shown they are willing to change the way they live to protect one another, and Liberty has always supported proportionate action to protect lives. Borders can be closed and some elections suspended.Dangerous restrictions on the right to protest have been created.Safeguards for disabled people, people with mental health issues and those who rely on social care have been stripped away just when people were most at risk.Powers have been created to forcibly test, question and isolate people indefinitely – with criminal sanctions if they don’t comply.Police forces have been granted sweeping and unworkable powers to detain anyone who could be infectious.It’s now calling for the Act to be scrapped entirely and for Government to focus on a response to the pandemic which protects human rights and leaves civil liberties intact. Now that lockdown is easing Liberty is highlighting that the stranglehold on civil liberties is far from over. But Liberty criticised this approach, warning that the Act prioritised criminal justice over public health and would inevitably harm people’s rights, particularly the most marginalised. The Act was central to the Government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. The Coronavirus Act was passed exactly 100 days ago today, on 25 March, as the pandemic gripped the country. No time limit on powers despite Government easing lockdownĪs England prepares for the start of a new normal, Liberty has warned that laws which set out a drastic re-imagining of state powers are still on the statute book.Most marginalised communities continue to be hardest hit.Greatest limitation on liberty of a generation still in force after 100 days.
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