• WE all agree, now is not the time for political point-scoring – we must be doing everything in our power to save lives. That’s why we need to talk about Brexit.

I was shocked to hear that the government missed the offer from Europe to participate in the joint procurement schemes for urgently needed medical supplies like ventilators, overalls and masks.

I am pleased to hear ministers have begun talks with the European Union, but it is not enough.

Our amazing and selfless National Health Service staff urgently need this equipment to care for us and safeguard themselves.

We should be working with Europe’s Early Warning and Response System for disease control across borders.

The United Kingdom withdrew from EWRS this year, despite warnings from the NHS that this would make it harder to tackle a pandemic.

That’s why I’m supporting Best for Britain’s campaign to extend the Brexit transition period until after we have dealt with the coronavirus crisis.

With heroes in the NHS working tirelessly to save us, putting themselves in harm’s way, we should do our part to ensure they have the equipment and international support they need.

JO PEARL
N19