{salutation~Default salutation Supporters}

MPs returned to work this week – well, by video link at least – and the message to our elected representatives couldn’t be clearer: scrap the Coronavirus Act.

The Act was rushed through Parliament in just one day, creating radical new policing, border control and data collection powers, and watering down fundamental human rights protections – hitting some of the most marginalised people hardest.

And the public has noticed. Today we’ve released damning research with nfpSynergy that shows the majority of people are concerned about key parts of the Government’s pandemic response and want a strategy that protects human rights.

• More than three quarters (76 per cent) of respondents want their human rights protected during a national crisis.
• 73 per cent are concerned about homeless people being fined during lockdown. Many rough sleepers received fines for being outside.
• Two thirds (66 per cent) believe everyone should have access to state support during a pandemic – which contrasts with the Government’s response that cut off support for some people, even at the height of the outbreak.
• Nearly two thirds (64 per cent) are concerned about Government data collection.
• Almost three fifths (58 per cent) were concerned about the “heavy-handed” policing of lockdown.
• Less than two in five (38 per cent) trust the Government and private companies with their medical data.

The Government has opted for a criminal justice response to a public health emergency. It has prioritised immigration policy over saving lives. And it has abandoned already marginalised communities.

We all want a new direction. This starts with getting rid of the Coronavirus Act.
Parliament has until Saturday 3 October to decide whether to keep it or scrap it. Sign and share our petition calling on MPs to repeal this dangerous Act today.

Thank you for your support. Stay safe and stay well.

Martha Spurrier
Director

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