“We demand legislation to make the wearing of face masks in public mandatory in the UK; and to provide for the allocation of UK government funds to subsidise the production of comfortable and effective masks.”

We request a more effective strategy to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearing masks protects us, protects our families, protects our community, prevents another lockdown and the collapse of the UK economy; and, most importantly, saves lives. Individual liberty has to be balanced against fair play: the concept of one person’s freedom does not stretch to jeopardising others’ lives.

A combination of wearing masks and keeping a physical distance of two metres is a simple and highly effective means to reduce germ transmission close to zero and actually provides freedom to see family, freedom to see friends and freedom to enjoy life with others.

NO NEED FOR ANOTHER LOCKDOWN. Lockdowns are detrimental to mental health and to the economy. Complex rules are difficult to understand and implement, so they are not effective. Clear messages must be delivered.

We call on the government to implement a simple and highly efficient ‘rule of three’: wear masks in public, keep physical distance (instead of ‘social distance’) and wash hands often.

LET’S END THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. At 100,000 signatures, this petition will be considered for debate in Parliament. Help us to protect your family and our economy.

Professor Wagner Marcenes (Chair Affordable Health initiative)