House of Commons · General Debate
04 May 2020 · 24 other contributors
Opened by Grahame Morris Lab Easington
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Grahame Morris raised concerns about cabinet office in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
A large number of UK companies came forward with offers to manufacture PPE, but many did not receive timely responses. The lack of efficient processing led some businesses to sell vital supplies abroad. Now that the Government have established a more timely system for responding to these offers, they must ensure it continues to be effective and responsive.
Assisted manufacturers in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Kirkburn and Denby Dale to register as potential PPE suppliers on the gov.uk portal. Confirms that Cabinet Office is now responding to businesses which registered on the site.
Asked for help from the Government to UK companies who wish to produce PPE but face difficulties in meeting medical standards required.
Thanked businesses and schools making PPE, requested relaxation of procurement rules to secure long-term contracts with manufacturers.
Emphasised shortages of PPE for health and social care workers. Questioned the number of face masks available and production levels compared to other European countries, asked for clear answers on distribution and procurement strategies.
Asked the Government to release figures from Cabinet Office dashboard showing stocks and quantities of PPE set against demand.
Inquired about steps being taken with UK manufacturers to increase supply of ventilators for NHS, praised efforts of companies like Dyson and Rolls-Royce in meeting the challenge.
Asked for an assessment on the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the Government’s ability to implement the withdrawal agreement by 31 December 2020.
He questions why the Government refuses to extend the transition period, suggesting it is due to dogma, vanity, or paranoia rather than a practical approach. Businesses need reassurance that they will not face additional economic difficulties caused by a no-deal Brexit.
He seeks assurance from the Minister on whether the Government will extend the transition period, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic which has disrupted normal processes and timelines.
He expresses concern about the potential for a no-deal Brexit at the end of this year, highlighting that businesses are already fragile due to the impact of COVID-19. He calls on the Chancellor to take steps to avoid further economic turmoil.
He argues that business certainty is crucial during a time of economic hardship caused by the pandemic. He urges the Government to extend the transition period to avoid no-deal Brexit, which he believes would be detrimental.
He inquires about the UK's decision not to join EU joint procurement programmes for personal protective equipment. He questions if this signals a broader ideological approach by the Government that prioritises ideology over public health.
He welcomes reports of international cooperation for finding a coronavirus vaccine and asks about participation in early warning systems and the European Medicines Agency. He emphasises the need for pragmatic co-operation despite ideological differences.
She questions the Government's stance on extending the transition period and criticises the current approach as potentially damaging to the economy. She highlights public opinion polls that show support for an extension.
She seeks reassurances regarding co-operation between central government and devolved administrations in responding to the pandemic, particularly concerning PPE provision and testing facilities.
He enquires about steps being taken by the Department to prevent false information on COVID-19 from spreading online.
He asks about support provided by the armed forces for NHS trusts in their response to the outbreak.
Similar to James Sunderland, he seeks information on support from the armed forces and civil authorities during the pandemic.
He provides details about Defence's role in supporting NHS trusts, including distribution of PPE, testing sites operation, and Nightingale hospitals construction.
Asked about steps being taken by the Cabinet Office to recognise key workers and whether a campaign medal might be considered.
Discussed careful consideration of ways to reward exceptional contributions, including the honours system and internal mechanisms like Captain Tom Moore's honorary colonel appointment. He also responded to John Spellar's concerns about military mobilisation.
Criticised inefficient Whitehall practices and suggested better use of the military’s resources for procurement, testing, and deployment.
Suggested a test, trace, isolate pilot in his area with help from the Faroe Islands and questioned about restrictions on early testing decisions.
Expressed concern over issues with Edenred's voucher system for free school meals and requested urgent action to address it.
Government Response
Confirmed that over 10,436 offers have been contacted regarding PPE provision. Emphasised necessity of ensuring appropriate standards for PPE in health settings. Stressed importance of flexibility in procurement rules and collaboration with UK manufacturers for long-term production. Addressed the issue of face masks available and ongoing efforts to increase domestic production. The Government is not extending the transition period at the end of this year. The UK will negotiate hard on behalf of its interests but also pragmatically co-operate where necessary, such as in vaccine research and procurement schemes. Discussed the role of implementation committees in co-ordinating the covid response, including testing. Acknowledged requests from Angus MacNeil and Catherine McKinnell's constituents, expressing confidence in protocols for procurement and transparency.