SAJ IN ‘COWERING’ TWEET RETREAT

He writes we must no longer hide from virus – but is forced to say sorry after backlash from victims’ families

SAJID Javid was forced to apologise yesterday for saying the nation should no longer ‘cower’ from coronavirus.

The Health Secretary deleted the offending tweet yesterday after he was accused of being insensitive by relatives of Covid victims.

On Saturday, Mr Javid said he had made a ‘full recovery’ from a Covid-19 infection and his ‘symptoms were very mild, thanks to amazing vaccines’, of which he has received two doses.

On Twitter, he added: ‘Please, if you haven’t yet, get your jab, as we learn to live with, rather than cower from, this virus.’

The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group joined opposition MPs in branding his ‘cower’ remark as insulting to those who have shielded or stayed at home to protect society.

Co-founder Jo Goodman said Mr Javid’s comments were ‘deeply insensitive on a number of levels’, adding: ‘Not only are they hurtful to bereaved families, implying our loved ones were too cowardly to fight the virus, but they insult all those still doing their best to protect others from the devastation this horrific virus can bring.

‘Words matter and the flippancy and carelessness of this comment has caused deep hurt and further muddied the waters of the Government’s dangerously mixed messaging.’ Mr Javid said: ‘I was expressing gratitude that the vaccines help us fight back as a society, but it was a poor choice of word and I sincerely apologise. Like many, I have lost loved ones to this awful virus and would never minimise its impact.’

Labour justice spokesman David Lammy questioned the use of the word cower, as did party deputy leader Angela Rayner.

Mr Lammy wrote: ‘129,000 Brits have died from Covid under your Government’s watch. Don’t denigrate people for trying to keep themselves and their families safe.’

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Munira Wilson said Mr Javid’s tweet was ‘outrageous’, adding: ‘His careless words have insulted every man, woman and child who has followed the rules and stayed at home to protect others. He owes them all an apology.’

Public health expert Devi Sridhar said the remarks would be ‘painful to read for those who were severely ill’ and those who lost loved ones to Covid-19.

She added: ‘It wasn’t because they were weak, just unnecessarily exposed to a virus. And wanting to avoid getting Covid isn’t “cowering” – it’s being sensible and looking out for others.’