The Coronavirus Act, passed in March 2020, contained some very concerning clauses. At the time, the country was in a panic and it seemed like it was the kind of emergency legislation needed to put the country on a "wartime" footing. Theoretically, there could be martial law, but I think we Brits never thought that it would come to that.
That was six months ago and I don't think many of us believed what kind of havoc would be wreaked by incompetence, cronyism and corruption.
Children and adults with special needs or vulnerabilities are particularly at risk from the Act.
There are two especially disturbing features:
1 Local authorities have been relieved of their responsibilities with regard to the education of children with special needs, which us why school places for them are not available during the pandemic.
2 Vulnerable patients can be discharged from hospital without a suitable care package in place. The aim was to stop "bed blocking" for acute patients, but has meant that some vulnerable people have been left with absolutely no support in the community.
It is as serious as it appears. The Act is intended to last two years with the option to extend. We need to be very careful that it doesn't become the "new normal".
I haven't been personally affected, but those who are, need to lobby their MPs. Various disability rights groups are aware and will do what they can, but they need support. Hopefully, the media will support them