A Lockdown Sceptics reader has emailed all the anti-lockdown candidates in the London mayoral election with a questionnaire, trying to work out just how “anti” they are. They all come out pretty well, although some are more sound than others. Here, for instance, are the answers of Steve Kelleher, the SDP candidate.
Should London be opening quicker than the current roadmap?
Yes. On the data there is no reason why we can’t open the economy and society in general immediately. This country has lent immense trust to the Government during this pandemic. That trust is beginning to fray.What changes would you like to see immediately?
London’s economic and social institutions should be reopened. The vaccine programme has successfully protected the overwhelming number of vulnerable citizens. If the Government genuinely backs the vaccine it should re-open society and the economy.What do you think have been the biggest mistakes of the lockdown?
A total failure by the Government to properly assess the social and economic costs of the suppression measures. From the start the Government has failed to acknowledge the cost-benefit trade-offs associated with its lockdown measures. Like Tony Blair and Iraq – this Government will never acknowledge its staggering mistake.Do you support vaccine passports for international travel?
The SDP is not keen on vaccine passports in principle. However, I believe the market will decide. Vaccine passports will emerge for international travel irrespective of UK public policy because airlines, some nation states and other organisations will mandate it. You can’t gain entry to Ghana without a yellow fever certificate.Do you support vaccine passports for domestic use?
In general, a strong no. The idea of having to produce a vaccine certificate to obtain goods and services or to enter public facilities is totally wrong, in principle, in a free society.When do you think Londoners should return to the office?
As soon as possible. Let’s get London buzzing again.When should international travel be restored?
The Government should be very careful in permitting unlimited travel to known pandemic hotspots this summer. Many states in continental Europe are suffering steepening viral curves and while that is the case the UK should act cautiously. It is far better to prioritise and re-open the domestic UK economy than to prioritise international travel.
Read the responses from Lawrence Fox (Reclaim), Dr Peter Gammons (UKIP), Piers Corbyn (Let London Live), Brian Rose (London Real Party) and David Kurten (Heritage) here.
Worth reading in full.
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Almost totally irrelevant of course, since Khant will win easily just on postal ‘votes’!
“Reason has only ever been with the few.” Friedrich Schiller
Brain Rose seemed a bit lukewarm as a sceptic, otherwise there doesn’t seem to be much to choose between them. If I was a Londoner I’d be happy with any of them on lockdown and look at their other policies.
is there a website listing anti lockdown candidates standing in the local, mayoral and devolved nations elections ? – so that we can at least protest vote
Shaun Bailey is “frit”!
Yep, typical of the current line of Tories I’m afraid. Non comital in case he looses a vote. Should pole last!
David Kurten (Heritage)
‘I would I operate a policy of the non enforcement of lockdown regulations . . .’
So he means keep them in place to be switched on and off at the his/the Police/ Govts whim ?
As Matt Dalby says above Brian Rose does appear lukewarm at best.
Overall a shame the sceptic vote will be split so making opposition to lockdown appear minimal.
Pretty poor that the candidate you feature is a lukewarm sceptic!
Another useless politician who believes we can be protected from outside dangerous variants.He has no clue at all about living with an endemic virus and endorsing C-19 vaccine passport as a yellow fever vaccine define him as another moron. Another low IQ specimen.
I’m wondering why Toby has given such prominence to the manifesto of the SDP candidate.
The SDP are all in favour of communitarianism, which is the antithesis of libertarianism and, suspiciously, a key facet of the WEF agenda.
https://sdp.org.uk/sdptalk/the-waning-of-the-common-life/
Besides, I’m afraid I couldn’t vote for anyone who signals via that suit and accessories.
I think the chap pictured is Brian Rose.
Just learned that. Weird juxtaposition then! My SDP comment still applies.
Steve Kelleher (SDP candidate) will NOT get my vote.
No clear answer on vaccine passports. Yellow fever certificate in Ghana cannot be compared to an experimental ‘vaccine’ for a respiratory disease with a 99.7% survival rate
From Brian Rose’s manifesto:
“London must have a plan that recognises the importance of balancing the significant direct risks from Covid ……”
Oh dear!!
I will definitely vote for Laurence Fox!!
Laurence wants to open all business and getting back to normal
https://twitter.com/LozzaFox/status/1382755408121630721
I agree. I don’t live in London but Laurence would get my vote every time if I did.
It’s unfortunate in a way that there are so many standing opposed to lockdown and passports. What we really need is for one strong candidate to stand to combine the votes!