What was claimed
Keir Starmer stated the UK could need to go into lockdown as early as May if meningitis cases proceed to escalate.
Our verdict
False. Number 10 confirmed Mr Starmer didn’t make these feedback, which seem to have originated from a satirical Facebook web page.
Amid the outbreak of invasive meningococcal illness in Kent, we’ve noticed social media posts falsely claiming that the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated the UK could need to go into lockdown if cases proceed to rise.
Number 10 confirmed to Full Fact that he didn’t make these feedback, and we traced the fake quote to a satirical Facebook page.
Posts shared hundreds of times on social media declare the PM “says the UK may need to go into lockdown as early as May if meningitis cases continue to escalate”.
Some include an additional quote, supposedly from Mr Starmer, that claims “I will do whatever it takes to keep the country safe over the election period, even if that means you can’t go outside”.
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Although many individuals appear to perceive the quote is a joke, a major variety of customers seem to assume it’s actual, with one commenting “If its that bad it needs a lockdown…. Why are we waiting a whole 6 weeks to allow it to spread further [sic]” and another saying “It’s an excuse to stop the votes in may”.
At the time of writing, there have been 27 confirmed or suspected cases of the disease and two individuals have died.
The UKHSA has printed a fact sheet about the outbreak in Kent, which says the risk of infection to the wider population remains low.
Posts like these being shared on social media could lead on to individuals making choices about their well being primarily based on false claims.
We’ve answered some questions readers have requested us about MenB here.
