Dorset MP says "we must learn to live" with Coronavirus

South Dorset's MP Richard Drax is calling for 'common sense and pragmatism' regarding on-going coronavirus restrictions.

He spoke in Parliament's debate on Coronavirus on Monday evening.

Mr Drax said:

"We must deal with this virus proportionately.

"the NHS is more than capable of meeting a rise in demand should it happen."

He referenced former Pfizer scientific advisor Mike Yeadon who claims the virus is “both manageable and nearing its end.”

Mr Drax said:

"Encouragingly Dr Yeadon says that a lot has been learnt about treating the virus since its emergence … and doctors are now using more non-invasive ways of treating patients."

The South Dorset MP said that an open letter signed by nearly 400 Belgian doctors had questioned the current orthodoxy on whether lockdown works, on mortality statistics, on the effects of social isolation, on the usefulness of masks and on vaccine efficacy.

Mr Drax said:

"What are we doing to our country? Lives and livelihoods ruined, families torn apart, our economy falling into an abyss, students worrying whether they can go home for Christmas, curfews and restrictions … a major rethink is needed and fast, before we do irreparable harm."

"This disease is here to stay and …we must learn to live with it."

"Our resources must of course be aimed at the most vulnerable … including those over 75 but we must allow those who can make their own decisions to do so. My parents, who’ve sadly passed away, would have had no truck with these draconian measures."

Drax also said that SAGE itself estimates that interventions to tackle the virus could cause 75,000 avoidable, non-covid deaths.