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Government's emergency virus Bill a 'drastic reimagining of state powers'

HUMAN-rights campaigners and opposition figures warned of a “drastic reimagining of state powers” in the guise of the Emergency Coronavirus Bill announced in Parliament today.

The Bill gives emergency powers to the government to take urgent action on the Covid-19 outbreak.

Tabled by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, the measures are expected to last for two years and will be rushed through the Commons on Monday.

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