A shameful recording of Ian Lavery has emerged claiming the global pandemic can be used to get more people to join the party.
Ian Lavery has said coronavirus is a “great opportunity” for the Labour Party
Mr Lavery told a video conference of young Labour Party activists they should use the outbreak of COVID-19 as an “opportunity”.
In the recording obtained by Guido Fawkes Mr Lavery said: “By the way when something like this happens, we’re going to see lots of our own dying as a consequence.”
“But, you know apart from that, it’s going to give the fantastic battalion of Labour Party members, community champions out there a great opportunity of showing how Labour, and why Labour, is best when it gets on the front foot.”
He repeats the shocking claim: “We need to make sure that we do that, and community organising – what a great opportunity it’s going to give us.”
The deadly coronavirus has already claimed 289 lives in the UK.
Confirmed cases have skyrocketed to 2,863 and experts have said a “best case” scenario could mean 20,000 Brits die.
The global death toll for coronavirus has hit a shocking 15,000 and 1 billion people have been put in lockdown to try and slow the spread.
Boris Johnson may be forced to bring in even more restrictive measures as people ignored social distancing guidance and flocked to Britain’s parks and beaches.
Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen slammed Mr Lavery’s comments.
He wrote on Twitter: ” Ian Lavery literally salivating at the thought of possibly tens of thousands of our vulnerable citizens perishing because he hopes it might breath life into the dead corpse which is the current Labour Party, I am disgusted, Labour must denounce his remarks immediately.”
Responding to the criticism, Mr Lavery said: “Intentionally misleading reporting is really disappointing at a time like this.
“I’ve spoken about the opportunity for people to get out there and help their local communities and those in need. Nonsense to suggest otherwise.
“We all need to do our bit to get through this crisis.”
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