Today in PMQs leader of the opposition, Keir Starmer, chose to focus on the furlough scheme that is due to come to an end at the end of October.
Calls to extend the furlough scheme were echoed across multiple parties, with Ian Blackford seconding Mr Starmer’s calls.
Mr Blackford claimed that up to a million jobs could be lost as a result of not extending the furlough scheme.
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is due to make an announcement to the Commons tomorrow (Sept 24) which is expected to set out some form of support businesses and workers that have been affected by the latest restrictions that have been put into place, however it is unclear whether he will address the extension to the furlough scheme.
Sir Keir also took aim at the head of NHS Test and Trace, Dido Harding and Health Secretary Matt Hancock during his questions, he said.
“Pretending there isn’t a problem is part of the problem, prime minister.”
He added:
“Is the explanation from the PM that we haven’t got enough capacity because nobody could have expected the rise in demand? That’s the Dido Harding defence - or is it we’ve got all the capacity we need, it is just that people are being unreasonable in asking for tests? That’s the Hancock defence. So which is it?”
