As the MP for North Down and a long-standing advocate for the rights of my constituents, I feel compelled to voice my opposition to the Northern Ireland Health Bill currently under consideration.
The extensive powers proposed in this Bill, particularly those that allow for sweeping ‘special restrictions’ on individuals, represent a significant overreach by the state. Provisions that enable authorities to compel individuals to undergo medical examinations, be vaccinated, quarantined, or restricted from working and moving freely are deeply concerning. These measures, while potentially intended to safeguard public health, risk undermining personal freedoms and civil liberties without adequate checks and balances.
As the MP for North Down, it is my duty to ensure that the laws we pass protect both public health and the fundamental rights of every citizen. The provisions in this Bill, however, tilt too far in favour of government control, and I fear they could lead to misuse or disproportionate responses.
While I fully support a robust response to public health threats, any such response must strike the right balance between protecting society and safeguarding the freedoms we hold dear. This Bill, in its current form, fails to achieve that balance, and I therefore cannot support it.
I will continue to advocate for a more measured and proportionate approach, ensuring that public safety is maintained without compromising individual rights.
Alex Easton MP
