Coronavirus: Emergency laws give powers for fines up to £1,000 for refusing virus test

The Coronavirus Bill - introduced in the House of Commons today - gives wide-ranging powers which allows the Government to take drastic action to try and control the crisis caused by the virus.

It includes ministers being able to shut down ports, order events to be cancelled, and local authorities being able to decide what happens to dead bodies to ensure mortuaries are not overwhelmed.

The Bill, which runs to 329 pages, also enables action to increase the available health and social care workforce, ease the burden on frontline staff, slow the spread of the virus, manage the deceased with respect and support people through the crisis.

Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg told MPs that all stages of the Bill would be considered by members on Monday, before it progresses to the Lords later in the week.

Under the new laws both the police and health officials could force suspected patients into testing, and they would be compelled to disclose their travel history and provide biological samples.

Not all of the measures will come into place immediately and they can also be switched off when no longer needed

But the Bill itself gives the scope for the powers to be available for two year.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously said they “will only be used when it is absolutely necessary and must be timed to maximise their effectiveness”.

He added: “Crucially they give the Government the powers it needs to protect lives.”

Labour has called for the legislation to be renewed by a vote in Parliament every six months.

But instead Mr Hancock must only report to MPs on its progress every two months.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “People understand the need for temporary restrictions to our way of life.

“But given how far-reaching these are proposed to be, people’s elected representatives must be able to decide whether to renew the legislation at least every six months, up to its expiration after two years.

“We will carefully scrutinise the Bill in areas that affect our civil liberties.”

The Liberal Democrats have also called for more safeguards.

Acting leader Sir Ed Davey said: “While emergency powers are clearly necessary to deal with this emergency, Liberal Democrats have serious concerns about Parliament handing over such far-reaching powers to Ministers for a full two years.

“That is why Liberal Democrats are seeking to ensure the legislation includes provision for Parliament to have a future vote on whether it is necessary for the Government to retain these powers beyond a year.”