Yesterday in the House of Commons, Munira called again on Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to consider the 3.8 million most clinically vulnerable people in society. Many clinically vulnerable people are increasingly worried what ‘Freedom Day’ might look like for them, when most mandatory Covid restrictions will end.

Last week, Munira had been promised that guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable would be published. Despite others also pushing for this to be addressed, it had not, leaving the most vulnerable without support to be “thrown to the wolves”. 

Speaking in the Chamber Munira asked:

“For the 3.8 million clinically extremely vulnerable people, the prospect of a so-called freedom day next week is actually anything but. They and many clinically vulnerable people, such as pregnant women, are living in fear of what living with covid means for them. Last Monday, the Secretary of State promised me that guidance was forthcoming. Last Wednesday, Members in the other place and charities met his ministerial colleague Lord Bethell and officials, who admitted that this was not good enough and that something more had to be done. Can the Secretary of State tell us today what support and guidance will be forthcoming and when, or is he pursuing a survival-of-the-fittest policy, whereby the most vulnerable will be thrown to the wolves?”

The Secretary of State for Health responded:

“This is one of the most important issues. As the hon. Lady says, many people are immuno-suppressed or severely clinically vulnerable. It is important that at every stage of dealing with this pandemic we are thinking of them and having them at the front of our mind. That is what I believe we have done. Of course, when people in that category are able to take the vaccine they should, but not all are able to do so. She asks about advice, and I can tell her that we are publishing it today.”

“It is vital that proper support and guidance is available to protect the clinically most vulnerable in society from next Monday. 3.8 million people should not have to be living their lives in fear.

Throughout the pandemic, the clinically extremely vulnerable have been overlooked by this Government. The guidance that has finally been made available has come far too late. It is unbelievable that a week ago, the Government even admitted, in a meeting with one of my colleagues in the House of Lords, that not enough had been done to provide support and guidance to these people.

This is woefully inadequate. The Liberal Democrats and I will continue to push the Government to provide the support and assurances the clinically extremely vulnerable need as restrictions are eased.”

Following the exchange, Munira said:

“It is vital that proper support and guidance is available to protect the most vulnerable in society from next Monday. 3.8 million people should not have to be living their lives in fear.

Throughout the pandemic, the clinically extremely vulnerable have been overlooked by this Government. The guidance that has finally been made available has come far too late. It is unbelievable that a week ago, the Government even admitted, in a meeting with one of my colleagues in the House of Lords, that not enough had been done to provide support and guidance to these people.

This is woefully inadequate. The Liberal Democrats and I will continue to push the Government to provide the support and assurances the clinically extremely vulnerable need as restrictions are eased.”