Is a second national lockdown in the works?

During the PMQs today, Boris Johnson stated “I rule out nothing” but he does want to “avoid the misery” of a second lockdown, after the Labour leader, Kier Starmer, challenged a circuit lockdown over England’s half term.

This PMQ saw a heated debate between the PM and Kier Starmer, as the Labour leaders idea of a “two to three week” circuit lockdown had been rejected by Boris Johnson. The PM thought that adhering to regional, local lockdowns would be much more beneficial, and “bring down the virus,” and that it would “avoid [the] misery” of another national lockdown.

In response to Mr Johnson, Keir Starmer said that “time is running out” as the country, as a whole, are at a “tipping point,” needing attention quickly. The PM ignoring advice from other parties could leave England in deep trouble but following similar footsteps of Northern Ireland and Scotland may be much more beneficial; by lowering the number of Corona Virus cases and by saving many lives.

Though this is a difficult choice for the PM to make, causing tension between the Conservative party if he listens to Kier Starmer, ultimately the choices he has need to be weighed out correctly so that the amount of cases are at the lowest possible point and are not rising across the country. If a national lockdown is to take place again, even if it’s only over October half term, 7000 deaths could be prevented in accordance to leading scientific advisors, thereby would be a vital idea to consider.

We are currently facing a tier split lockdown, where some regions are being hit hard with strict rules to combat the Covid figures, but will this be enough? The PM has the option to impose a second national lockdown if we see another spike in Corona Virus cases and if the local lockdowns aren’t proving to minimalise the current numbers.