CITY politicians have said a 'Covid coalition' is not needed during the pandemic.

But many have welcomed the cross party working so far, and the constructive opposition that has been in the spirit of communities coming together.

Earlier in the week national media spoke to senior Conservatives who speculated that Prime Minister Boris Johnson may need a national unity government to deal with the coronavirus crisis, should the situation worsen.

The city's Conservative MP Robin Walker said: "I think with all the parties there has been a recognition that this has transcended party politics.

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"This is an unprecedented challenge, it is like a wartime. But we are doing what we can to keep the business of politics going."

Nigel Huddleston, Conservative Mid-Worcestershire MP, said: "I think you have seen cross party cooperation and are not seeing party politics. But the opposition is asking questions, as it should.

"I don't think national unity government has been considered - it is important you have an opposition, to hold the government to account."

Lynn Denham, who stood for Labour in the city seat last December, said: "Cross party working has been essential, but that also requires the government to listen. I have spent my whole working life in the NHS, and that is what has driven my politics.

"Cross party working together is not the same as saying the opposition should automatically agree with those in power."

Mike Foster, Labour's former MP for Worcester, added: "I don't think we need a government of national unity.

"But I do think there is an argument for (opposition) attendance at Cobra meetings.

"For example attendance for London major Sadiq Khan, and the other regional mayors.

"If you exclude people from the decision making process, you can't then criticise them.

"No individual ever would want see the government having to grapple with a challenge (like coronavirus).

"You have to engage in constructive criticism.

"The availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical staff, the number of ventilators and staff to operate them - those are all valid questions the opposition should be pressing the government on."