We’re backing battle against fake news

Alie can be halfway round the world while the truth is putting its shoes on.

Such is the speed and prevalence of social media that this old expression is as true today as it was last century.

While the truth will out, in the case of covid lies and fake news, there is the real danger that the truth could arrive too late for some.

As we reveal today, there are fears that fake news and misinformation could account for people’s reluctance to be vaccinated. A recent poll from the Royal Society of Public Health found that just 57% of Black, Asian and minority ethnic people would be happy to have a covid vaccine, compared to 79% of white people.

Our Shot in the Arm campaign has not only called on the Government to enlist local pharmacies to help bring vaccines closer to people’s doorsteps, but we want to see more easy-to-access information on the vaccine programme to provide people with the reassurance that they’ve not been forgotten.

Which is why we welcome the government’s move to provide cash to tackle life-threatening fake news about the covid vaccine and encourage people to get the jab. The government pledged that a variety of communities would be targeted for support, including Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, people with learning disabilities, as well as faith groups.

We echo the words of local government secretary Robert Jenrick when he says: “It is vital everyone has access to accurate and up-to-date information about Covid-19. False information could cost lives.”