Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“This morning’s intervention by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, is highly significant. He has said it is“absolutely appropriate” that the scientific advice which he provides to the Executive is shared with the public.
“Public confidence in Executive decisions being taken on a sound scientific and medical basis is key to people continuing to support the suspension of their personal liberties. We now know that there is no scientific, medical or professional reason for the advice of the Chief Medical Officer not to be published. If it isn’t published that is because it is being withheld for a political reason.
“Furthermore, with the UUP (who hold the Health Ministry), Alliance and the SDLP saying they have no problem with the advice being published it is clear where the reluctance lies. It is incumbent on the DUP and Sinn Fein to spell out if they disagree with there being transparency about the medical advice the Executive is receiving.
“Enough of this cliched talk of ‘following the science’, when it really means ‘following the hidden science’. Let’s see the medical and scientific advice and see it now.”