Priti Patel and Home Secretary’s Covid response – The Yorkshire Post says

PRITI Patel should, as Home Secretary and the occupant of one of the four great offices of state, be front and centre of the Government’s response to Covid-19.
Home Secretary Priti Patel was questioned by MPs yesterday.Home Secretary Priti Patel was questioned by MPs yesterday.
Home Secretary Priti Patel was questioned by MPs yesterday.
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She’s not been. She’s been entrusted with just two Downing Street press conferences, both low-key occasions, and tried to avoid scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee until yesterday’s inquisition.

Mrs Patel has clearly been distracted by the ongoing Cabinet Office inquiry into allegations that she bullied officials at three departments where she has worked.

Cases of domestic abuse and violence have risen dramatically during the Covid-19 lockdown.Cases of domestic abuse and violence have risen dramatically during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Cases of domestic abuse and violence have risen dramatically during the Covid-19 lockdown.
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Now it is being suggested that the report has concluded that her past behaviour is not tantamount to a resigning issue, even though it has still to be published. This won’t do. The findings do need to be published – it is in Mrs Patel’s best interests that they are – so the Home Office can fully focus on the steps that do need to be taken by the police, and others, to uphold emergency Covid-19 laws.

Such a necessity is made even more urgent by growing pressure, from Theresa May amongst others, for further action to support domestic abuse charities – calls for their services are reaching record levels as a consequence of the purgatory being endured by those living in close proximity to their tormentors during the lockdown.

Yes, the Home Secretary might have secured an extra £2m for such charities earlier this month, but it is small change compared to the amount needed. And it begs the question why is she only now lobbying the Treasury for further funds? These should have been sought weeks ago. Why not Home Secretary?

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson

Editor

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