Downing Street has condemned a Tory MP, who attacked Professor Chris Whitty following his advice to people to be more social in the days leading up to Christmas.
Joy Morrissey stated on Twitter that England’s Chief Medical Officer should defer’ to Boris Johnson and MPs when it comes slowing Omicron’s spread.
Ms Morrissey, who is a Government parliamentary private secretary (PPS), the lowest rung on the ministerial ladder, suggested Prof Whitty was behaving like the UK is a ‘public health socialist state’.
The Labour Party demanded an apology for her comments, while Tory counterparts said that it was unacceptable to criticize civil servants.
Ms Morrissey deleted her tweet and was later accused of ‘doubling-down’. She tweeted that she is “increasingly concern at public healthcare pronouncements made in media that already seem exceed or contradict decisions by our elected representative’.
Number 10 supported Prof Whitty, stating that he was a “hugely respected public servant and trusted individual who offers independent, evidence-based advise.”
Joy Morrissey stated on Twitter that England’s Chief Medical Officer should defer’ to Boris Johnson and MPs when it comes slowing Omicron’s spread
Ms Morrissey (a Government parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS), at the bottom of the ministerial ladder) suggested that Prof Whitty was acting like the UK is an ‘public-health socialist state’.
Professor Whitty stated at the Downing Street press conference that social contacts should be limited and prioritized amid an increasing number of coronavirus-related infections.
Professor Whitty stated at the Downing Street press conference that social contacts should be limited and prioritized in light of the growing number coronavirus epidemics.
The Prime Minister’s comments were more extensive than what Johnson had said. He advised that the country be careful during this festive season.
Responding to a tweet about Prof Whitty’s call to reduce social interactions, Ms Morrissey said: ‘Perhaps the unelected covid public health spokesperson should defer to what our ELECTED Members of Parliament and the Prime Minister have decided.
It’s not easy to remember, but democracy is how it works. This is not an socialist state of public health.
Downing Street dismissed the claim that Prof Whitty was acting as if Britain is a ‘public health socialist state’.
When asked if Johnson was okay with his comment, the Official Spokesman for the Prime Minister said that he did not. Professor Whitty has a great reputation and is trusted by many. He provides impartial, evidence-based advice.
I believe that he is clear in his advice. It’s up to elected politicians and ministers to decide.
“He was a highly trusted and valuable part of our pandemic response, and remains so.”
Wes Streeting, Labour’s shadow secretary for health, called Ms Morrissey’s remarks ‘outrageous’ and said that the Tory MP ought to apologise.
Julian Smith, a Tory ex- Cabinet Minister and Conservative minister Julian Smith seemed to be criticizing his Conservative counterpart. He said that ‘personal attacks by any political figure’ against members of civil service were ‘completely unacceptable.
Ms Morrissey deleted her original tweet but sent another this afternoon which stated: ‘I am increasingly concerned at public health pronouncements made in the media that already seem to exceed or contradict decisions made by our elected representatives.
After Ms Morrissey removed her original tweet, she later stated that she was ‘increasingly worried’ about public health pronouncements in the media. These pronouncements already appear to contradict or exceed decisions made by elected officials.
“Expert opinion is valuable, but the decisions should be made only by elected officials who will hold themselves democratically responsible.”
Mr Streeting accused Ms Morrissey of ‘doubling down’ on her earlier post as he said: ‘The Conservative Party has spiralled into disarray and Boris Johnson is too weak to act.’
The Ministry of Justice and Labour has a PPS named Ms Morrissey. She is calling for Justice Secretary Dominic Raab’s apology and/or her dismissal.
Steve Reed, Labour’s shadow secretary of justice, stated that it was vital during this pandemic that scientists are allowed to freely give advice and offer expertise to the public in public health.
“As Omicron spreads quickly through Britain, there should not be any indication that the Government is censoring our top scientific experts or intimidating them.”