New Forest MP Swayne slammed for comments NHS figures are 'manipulated'

NEW Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne has come under fire again for his approach to the pandemic after reportedly claiming NHS figures are being “manipulated”.

He also told a group – which has warned against the new vaccines – to “persist” with its campaign against Covid-19 restrictions, according to Sky News which said it obtained an interview he gave in November with Save Our Rights UK.

However, Sir Desmond told the A&T yesterday (Thursday) he was unaware of the organisation’s stance on the jab, and said he was an “enthusiastic supporter” of vaccinations.

According to Sky News, in the Save Our Rights UK interview Sir Desmond said of the pandemic: “It seems to be a manageable risk, particularly as figures have been manipulated... We’re told there is a deathly, deadly pandemic proceeding at the moment.

“That is difficult to reconcile with ICUs (intensive care units) actually operating at typical occupation levels for the time of year and us bouncing round at the typical level of deaths for the time of year."

He went on to tell the group to “persist” in their activity: “That’s my advice – persist,” adding: “And I'll persist too.”

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of deaths in the UK around the time of the interview was actually 14.3% above the five-year average.

Sir Desmond, who was among a small minority of MPs to vote in the Commons against the latest lockdown, has been a persistent critic of the strategy, and last year even called for the sacking of government’s top scientific advisors.

Responding, Sir Desmond told the A&T: “I have said nothing that I haven’t said on the record in the House of Commons and in the blogs on my website.

“My interview with the group concerned was exclusively about my opposition to lockdown. I was unaware of any position they may or may not have on vaccination.

“The most cursory examination of my blogs, my speeches in the Commons, and indeed my question to the PM in the Commons yesterday, will reveal that I am a most enthusiastic supporter of the vaccination programme.”

But his reported comments sparked a call for him to be ejected from the Conservative parliamentary party by Cllr Jack Davis, who stood for the Liberal Democrats against Sir Desmond in the 2019 general election.

Cllr Davies, who represents Pennington on New Forest District Council, said: “These latest comments prove that Desmond Swayne is unfit to represent the people of New Forest West.

“Instead of encouraging people to follow the rules so we might get out of this mess as soon as possible, he peddles conspiracy theories and undermines the valuable work being done by our healthcare workers on the frontlines.

“Enough is enough. He has to go. The Conservative party must remove the whip. It is long past time New Forest West had an MP worthy of the title.”