Conservative Group statement

Councillor Steve Bell, leader of the Conservative Group, Brighton & Hove City Council, said:

“Some recent comments by one of our colleagues about coronavirus were reported in local media today. The comment and the context in which it was reported may have caused unnecessary and avoidable alarm. That was not the intention and I would like to apologise on behalf of our Group.

“We take our role as city leaders very seriously and we’ve been seeking information about the fast-moving situation. We’ve been fully briefed on the situation, including face-to-face by the Executive Director of Health & Adult Social Care .

“We are actively involved with reassuring residents and helping to share health advice to prevent the spread of the virus.

“There is no doubt the news that coronavirus is in our city is worrying and we need a proportionate response. We are looking to Public Health England for updates and health advice to help keep our city safe.”