RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Red herrings, circuit-breakers and ageism in the COVID-19 debate JF Journal of Medical Ethics JO J Med Ethics FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics SP 645 OP 646 DO 10.1136/medethics-2020-107115 VO 47 IS 9 A1 David R Lawrence A1 John Harris YR 2021 UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/47/9/645.abstract AB In their recent paper ‘Why lockdown of the elderly is not ageist and why levelling down equality is wrong’ Savulescu and Cameron attempt to argue the case for subjecting the ‘elderly’ to limits not imposed on other generations. We argue that selective lockdown of the elderly is unnecessary and cruel, as well as discriminatory, and that this group may suffer more than others in similar circumstances. Further, it constitutes an unjustifiable deprivation of liberty.