Keir Starmer: It's Labour's patriotic duty to vote for Plan B Covid restrictions

Sir Keir Starmer has backed moves to ramp up the Covid booster jab programme as he warned the NHS is in danger of being “overwhelmed” by the emergence of the new Omicron variant.

The Labour leader said that it was essential to put the national interest first as he urged people to “stick to the rules” and get their top-up injections.

Boris Johnson announced on Sunday that every eligible adult in England was to be offered a third dose of the vaccine by the end of December.

In a televised address in response, Sir Keir said ministers should have acted sooner in the face of the threat from the fast-spreading Omicron strain.

“We may not be certain how dangerous it is but we do know that lives are at risk and again our NHS is at risk of being overwhelmed,” he said.

“If that happens more people will die.

“So we must do everything that we can to protect the NHS.”

The Labour leader said: "Christmas is a time for family, for friends and for neighbours. To be with them, yes, but also to care for them and protect them. This Christmas once again, we're at a critical moment in our fight against COVID. The new variant Omicron is spreading fast."

"We may not be certain how dangerous it is. But we do know that lives are at risk. And again, our NHS is at risk of being overwhelmed. If that happens, more people will die. So we must do everything we can to protect the NHS," urged Keir Starmer.

Sir Keir Starmer said: "The scientists are clear, our best defence is the booster jab. The vaccine is safe and effective, it protects us and those around us. That's why Labour support the government's plan to get every adult boosted by the end of the month. And personally, I want to urge every one of you to book an appointment or go to a walk in centre as soon as you can"

The Labour leader also called for people to "use this Christmas break to vaccinate children over 12 and stop the spread in schools. If you haven't had your first or second job, now is the time to come forward. It matters more than ever. And let's face it a booster for every adult before the end of the month is a big challenge."

Sir Keir Starmer thanked "our brilliant NHS workers for their dedication, their skill and their sheer hard work. We're so fortunate in this country to have the NHS we must do."

"Now our shared national duty is to stand shoulder to shoulder with our NHS heroes and the committed volunteers supporting them. The Labour Party that I lead will always act in Britain's best interests. The Labour Party that I lead will always do everything within its power to protect the NHS. The NHS that's done so much good. Since labour founded it almost 75 years ago."

"As leader of Her Majesty's opposition. It is my solemn duty to challenge the government where necessary. The health, safety and security of our nation and its people must always be the first priority. That's why we will always support measures designed to protect public health. That includes the measures in plan B."

The Labour leader announced "We are a Patriotic Party, and it's our patriotic duty to vote for these measures to ensure that they go through. In doing so we are supporting the NHS and supporting our country."

Sir Keir Starmer also insisted "I will still hold the government to account in the coming weeks. That is also in the national interest."

The leader of the Labour party finished his statement with a message to "Get Britain boosted, protect the NHS and save lives. from my family to yours I wish you a very happy Christmas."