South Tyneside MPs react to Boris Johnson's speech as they call on Government to clear up guidelines 'before more lives are lost'

In a series of tweets in the wake of Boris Johnson’s statement on Sunday, May 10, the Jarrow MP Kate Osborne has accused the Prime Minister of “confusing a nation” and has called on him to provide clarity.

Ms Osborne revealed that she has been “inundated” with queries from constituents asking for advice after Mr Johnson announced the latest adjustments to the lockdown measures.

In his Downing Street broadcast the Prime Minister instructed that employees should be “actively encouraged” to return to work on Monday, May 11 if they cannot work from home – but advised them not to use public transport and guidelines for employers are yet to be published.

The Government’s “stay at home” and “protect the NHS” slogan has also been altered to “stay alert” and “control the virus”.

Ms Osborne urged her constituents to continue to stay at home where possible and advised anyone who has been asked to return to work and does not feel it is safe to contact her office.

In a post on Monday, May 11, the MP said: “I’ve been inundated with queries from concerned constituents asking for advice due to the bewildering statement last night.

“Boris Johnson has confused a nation. Needs rectified ASAP before more lives are lost.”

She added: “To my Jarrow constituents, I understand that the PM’s statement last night was confusing & raised a lot of questions on what we can & cannot do.

“To any workers that have been asked to return to work today, if you do not think it is safe or you have any worries surrounding this, please get in touch with me and my team by emailing [email protected] and we will look into cases individually case by case.”

South Shields MP, Emma Lewell-Buck also reacted to the announcement last night, saying the Prime Minister failed to provide the “clarity” and “detail” needed.

She said: “Tonight was an opportunity for the PM for to offer some clarity and assurances for the coming months, he did neither. He intensified ambiguity and lacked the detail we needed right now.”

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