We know that this government lies about just about everything. They are entirely shameless. They know that a vast number of people either mistakenly or out of choice choose to believe their lies. They are ahead in the polls and Keir Starmer’s appeal appears to be as much use to Labour (at this time) as a papier mache umbrella in a monsoon.
However, when the prominent fact checkers are having to formally write and ask why the government’s public data is total bollox then a few other eyebrows should be raised.
‘Full Fact raises concerns with regulator over inaccurate coronavirus testing data
This week we wrote to the UK Statistics Authority about concerns over the way in which statistics about coronavirus testing in the UK are being presented and communicated to the public.Â
In June, when asked in Prime Minister’s Questions about how quickly coronavirus tests were being turned around, Boris Johnson said that all tests at testing centres and mobile testing units at the time were turned around within 24 hours.
Recently published data shows that the actual number of tests turned around in that timeframe was much smaller. When we asked the Department of Health about the figures, we were initially told they were correct. After we put the newly published data to them, they didn’t respond directly, sending us some background points instead.
Back in April, the government set itself a target of conducting 100,000 tests a day by the end of the month. We’ve written about the fact that this target was missed, but the government claimed it was achieved. Data published on 4 July shows that fewer than 100,000 tests were actually processed by laboratories on 30 April. The government also counted those that were only posted.
We understand that there are significant pressures on the government at this time, and that mistakes will inevitably be made when providing data. But there must be a willingness to correct inaccurate claims once they are identified, no matter who said them.
When we’ve had an answer to our letter, we’ll update you again.’
https://fullfact.org/blog/2020/jul/inaccurate-testing-data/
At the end of the day if the public disrespect facts and believe nonsense there is not much that those who prefer reality can do. However, when they also determine who governs us the majority are well and truly f*****.
James Finlayson
