As health workers we will be fighting to protect the health and wellbeing of millions in the coming months. 

We cannot win this fight if we fail to address the underlying social and economic issues trapping people, families and communities in cycles of poverty, poor health and despair. 

As the people on the front line against Coronavirus, we call on all party leaders and all MPs to work together to ensure legislation is passed that protects everyone’s  wellbeing now and through the duration of this crisis. 

Please ensure the COVID19 response bill provides for:  

Secure Housing 

• Rent amnesty 
• End of evictions 
• Support to self-isolate safely 

Secure Incomes 

• Immediate cash payments for those who need it
• Guaranteed minimum income 
• Job security for people self-isolating and need to take time off sick
• Amnesty on utility bills and debt repayments

Access to care 

• End all Hostile Environment measures, including NHS charging and data-sharing 
• Conduct public information campaign to ensure people feel safe and able to access care 

International Solidarity 

• End to trade sanctions that prevent countries responding effectively
• Cooperation to produce and supply medicine and equipment
• Cease all arms sales - conflict will only exacerbate the coronavirus crisis

We need to create social immunity by rethinking the ways we interact and care for one another.

Our public health is only as strong as our economic and social fabric. 

Yours sincerely,

 

The undersigned