Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Wuhan Coronavirus

03 February 2020 · 26 other contributors

Opened by Matthew Hancock Con South Basildon

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Matthew Hancock raised concerns about wuhan coronavirus in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Secretary of State updated the House on the Wuhan coronavirus, including details about two patients in England who tested positive and were transferred to Newcastle for care.
  • A Foreign Office-chartered aircraft brought back 83 British nationals from Wuhan.
  • The statement highlighted international efforts through the G7 and additional funding for vaccine development.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Matthew Hancock Con South Basildon

The Secretary of State updated the House on the ongoing situation with the Wuhan coronavirus, including details about two patients in England who tested positive and were transferred to Newcastle for care. He also mentioned a Foreign Office-chartered aircraft that brought back 83 British nationals from Wuhan, and further measures taken by Public Health England such as testing and quarantine arrangements. The statement highlighted international efforts through the G7, additional funding for vaccine development, and public health advisories.

Other contributors (26)
  • Jon Ashworth Lab Delyn

    The Member expressed gratitude to the Secretary of State for updates on the virus situation, thanked NHS staff for their dedication, and inquired about future plans for evacuating British nationals from China. He also discussed the importance of supporting weaker health systems abroad, asked about Public Health England’s contact tracing efforts, and questioned the rationale behind hospital quarantine versus self-quarantine at home. The Member requested further information on specialist bed availability within the NHS to manage potential cases and stressed the need for protecting NHS staff over time. Additionally, he condemned racism towards Chinese and east Asian people.

  • Richard Graham Con Gloucester

    The Member commends the Secretary of State’s decision to deploy extra funding through CEPI and enquires about China's involvement in this coalition. He also asks for publicisation of numbers available at the Foreign Office crisis team.

  • Chris Stephens SNP Glasgow South

    The Member thanks the Secretary of State, questions discussions with devolved Administrations and real-time updates, seeks clarity on providing medical equipment to China based on its requests, and asks about conflicting advice regarding border closures.

  • Angela Eagle Lab Wallasey

    The Member criticises the decision-making process that led to learning of quarantine measures from BBC News rather than Departmental briefings. She calls for better communication with MPs, thanking the Under-Secretary and CMO for subsequent briefings.

  • Henry Smith Con Crawley

    The Member welcomes the Secretary of State’s confirmation on £20 million funding towards vaccine development and seeks assurances that the UK will continue playing a key role in combating both coronavirus and other global health threats.

  • Alison McGovern Lab Birkenhead

    The Member, noting Merseyside's oldest Chinese community in Europe, enquires about visiting Wirral to thank local police and NHS staff for their support during quarantine measures. She highlights the potential lessons to be learned.

  • Ben Everitt Con North Cornwall

    The Member asks where people can find information regarding symptoms of coronavirus, what they mean, and next steps if infected.

  • Patricia Gibson SNP North Ayrshire and Arran

    Agrees with the Secretary of State on a coordinated global response but expresses concern about reports in The New York Times regarding countries where China holds sway, specifically mentioning Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen’s remarks about mask-wearing.

  • Matthew Hancock Con Chesham and Amersham

    Acknowledges the speaker's concerns but has not seen the specific report mentioned. He states that collecting accurate information is difficult in a crisis, and emphasises the importance of following scientific guidance.

  • Tim Loughton Con East Worthing and Shoreham

    Compliments the Secretary of State's response but expresses serious concerns about potential under-reporting by China regarding fatalities and cases. Asks if the Chinese authorities have been completely transparent.

  • Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op York Central

    Thanks Public Health England for advice given throughout the weekend but notes that levels of concern remain high in York, impacting both the economy and public morale. Requests a meeting to discuss the situation.

  • Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth

    Appreciates the Secretary of State's update and asks about guidance for GPs when dealing with worried patients. Inquires if funding will be made available if the situation worsens.

  • Maria Eagle Lab Liverpool Garston

    Thanks the Secretary of State but expresses concern over lack of communication from Public Health England regarding treatment plans for those in quarantine at Arrowe Park. Requests a briefing with key Ministers and officials to address these issues.

  • Bob Stewart Con Beckenham

    Asks about the mortality rate associated with coronavirus, noting that it appears lower than other recent diseases but higher in terms of transmission rates. Requests reassurance regarding survival chances for those who contract the disease.

  • Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South

    Asks about the contingency funding allocated to address the public health challenge posed by coronavirus, beyond the £20 million already mentioned in the statement.

  • Julian Sturdy Con York Outer

    Requests a precise timeline for identifying and contacting all those who have had close contact with patients in York. Asks when this process will be completed.

  • Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre

    Thanks officials for their support in repatriating her constituent from Wuhan, asking about lessons learned regarding the repatriation of older or more vulnerable citizens.

  • Pays tribute to staff members who go above and beyond to assist quarantined individuals at Arrowe Park, including delivering a birthday present across two counties.

  • Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham

    Questions the Secretary of State about changes in the government's stance regarding vaccine development and investment. Asks for an update on the realistic timeframe for developing a vaccine.

  • Discussed the cautious approach towards developing a vaccine, mentioning £20 million contribution to global efforts. Acknowledged progress in scientific understanding and expressed slight optimism. Emphasised ongoing communications campaign with £500,000 allocated for immediate actions including social media, newspapers, and radio.

  • Expressed gratitude to the Foreign Office staff and NHS personnel for their efforts. Asked about the Government's social media campaign aimed at disseminating information and advice promptly.

  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore

    Inquired whether face masks are effective in preventing the spread of coronavirus.

  • Complimented the Secretary of State's work on addressing the virus and asked about the role of local government, directors of public health, and health and wellbeing boards in prevention.

  • Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central

    Highlighted contradictory advice given to constituents returning from mainland China compared to central Government’s statement. Requested clear and consistent guidance moving forward.

  • Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

    Discussed communication with the public regarding local hospitals’ involvement in managing coronavirus cases, suggesting more clarity might be needed.

  • Provided figures on diagnoses, deaths, and recoveries from China. Questioned whether similar measures like flight blocks or road closures would be implemented in Britain if cases increase significantly. Inquired about plans to restrict people’s movements.

Government Response

Responded to questions regarding vaccine development, communication campaigns, mask efficacy, and local government roles. Emphasised ongoing efforts to ensure clear public health advice through social media collaboration with major platforms.

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