Leading doctors have said it is “vital that lessons are learned” from the pandemic as the UK’s official coronavirus death toll exceeded 50,000.
The British Medical Association (BMA) said the figures were a “terrible indictment” of the Government’s lack of preparation and organisation with regard to handling the virus.
The latest Government data showed 50,365 people had died in the UK within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19, making it the first country in Europe to exceed 50,000 deaths.
The number of deaths from Covid-19 has exceeded 50,000 in the UK – a figure that could and should have been avoided.
— The BMA (@TheBMA) November 11, 2020
We're calling for a robust public enquiry, so that lessons are learned – read our full statement: https://t.co/5KHTPeWZNd
A “terrible indictment of poor preparation and poor organisation“
Responding to the news, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chairman, said: “This is a point that should never have been reached.
“In March, Professor Steve Powis said that if the public adhered to the nationwide lockdown the total toll could be kept below 20,000.
“Today’s figure is a terrible indictment of poor preparation, poor organisation by the Government, insufficient infection control measures, coupled with late and often confusing messaging for the public.”
He added: “As we look towards the hope of a vaccine, it’s vital that lessons are learned from the last nine months to ensure that nothing on this scale ever happens again.”
Reaction
The reaction to the grim milestone has been quite explosive so far.
We’ve picked out the best bits:
BREAKING: The UK becomes first country in Europe to surpass 50,000 covid-19 deaths, with 595 new fatalities reported.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 11, 2020
A shocking & sobering milestone that shames Britain & exposes – again – our Government's woeful mishandling of this crisis.
Our government:
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) November 11, 2020
◾️First country in Europe to pass 50,000 deaths
◾️£12bn spaffed on failed test and trace
◾️Billions given to pals for dodgy PPE
◾️Failed to support low paid
◾️Refused to feed hungry kids
◾️Ignored scientists leading to 1000s more deaths
Resignations: 0
Britain becomes first European country to register 50,000 COVID19 deaths while Johnson’s Downing Street is engulfed in civil war, instigated by Cummings, as to who should hold which post
— Andrew Adonis (@Andrew_Adonis) November 12, 2020
Nero fiddling while Rome burns
A grim milestone. The UK has become the first country in Europe to pass 50,000 Covid-19 deaths. How it happened will be the focus of the public inquiry we expect next year.
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) November 11, 2020
Related: Dominic Cummings 50/50 to walk following explosive Lee Cain resignation
