Covid-19: Strategy

The Speaker interrupted Boris Johnson's statement, requesting him to conclude within a specified timeframe.

The Prime Minister acknowledges the complexities in moving from a strict 'Stay at home' advice to more nuanced guidance. He emphasises that people should stay at home if they can, but go to work if their job does not allow for working from home. The reproduction rate of the disease is now between 0.5 and 0.9, allowing limited steps towards easing restrictions. Guidelines for places of employment will be published tonight, with transport guidelines out tomorrow.

The MP thanks the Prime Minister for his leadership during challenging times and asks him to outline a post-Brexit and post-covid economic plan. He suggests prioritising plans to boost domestic output in manufacturing and agriculture, reducing reliance on imports, supporting British business growth, and job creation.

Expressed concern over the confusion caused by recent changes in government messaging regarding coronavirus restrictions. Called for clarity from the Prime Minister on several points including the new slogan, quarantine measures following travel, adherence to public health advice in devolved nations.

Defended the government's approach to handling the coronavirus crisis, emphasising the difference from the 2008 financial crisis. He highlighted the support provided through the furlough scheme for low-income workers and businesses in retail and hospitality sectors. Reiterated commitment to uniting and levelling up across the country.

Welcomed the Prime Minister's statement on starting to reopen the economy while controlling virus spread, stressing the importance of rapid turnaround times for testing.

Asked the Prime Minister to confirm that the chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser signed off on the shift in public health message from 'Stay at home' to 'Stay alert'.

Suggested looking into tapering job support rather than withdrawing it overnight, proposing more flexibility such as the ability to re-furlough for a week at a time.

Questioned whether the Prime Minister is acting solely as the Prime Minister of England, given the three-nations approach adopted by Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Asked for confirmation on the fine structure for those flouting rules and requested a greater deterrent to serve as a reminder that danger from the virus has not yet passed.

Inquired about careful management of the economy off the job retention scheme, specifically for hospitality and tourism sectors in Northern Ireland facing potential redundancy.

Asked for more support details for the aviation sector critical to Crawley's economy, which faces significant impacts due to the crisis.

Expressed concern over high coronavirus infection rates in deprived areas of Newcastle and questioned whether everyone has a duty and right to stay safe as Prime Minister is asking people back to work.

Asked for clarity on what changes the Prime Minister envisions post-covid, expressing hope for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Critiqued the Prime Minister's statement as exacerbating inequalities and potentially worsening the situation for vulnerable groups without proper safety measures in place.

Complimented the Government's approach, asking if it is flexible enough to reopen different businesses at different times based on local conditions and public health needs.

Asked for assurance that reports of plans to cut furlough support were not true, expressing concern about potential negative impacts on public health.

Inquired about the Government's guidance for parents needing childcare as schools remain closed while restrictions ease.

Questioned the wisdom of easing lockdown when daily deaths persist and testing/tracing is inadequate, urging caution to avoid more fatalities.

Asked for assurance regarding continuing support for small businesses like guest houses and restaurants in seaside resorts as restrictions ease.

Requested clarity on the easing of lockdown measures for Greater Manchester given its high R rate, stressing the importance of increased testing/tracing efforts.

Asked if face coverings should be mandatory on public transport to ensure safe return to work and maintain public health during easing restrictions.

Asked what steps the Government will take to expedite loan applications for small businesses through schemes like Bounce-Back Loans and CBILS.

Asked the Prime Minister to recognise and reward civil servants who are processing payments during the pandemic.

Inquired about the new testing and tracing systems, asking if they will be able to detect local flare-ups of the virus.

Critiqued the Prime Minister's communication with devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland over his new plan stages.

Asked if there is no intention of changing rules on benefits conditionality which could pressure people to attend unsafe workplaces.

Called for a catch-up premium and a national education volunteer force to support vulnerable pupils who missed schooling during the lockdown.

Asked if the Prime Minister will instruct site managers to stagger their operating times in construction sites near tube stations to reduce pressure on public transport.

Inquired about travel restrictions and second home usage due to differing R numbers across the country under the new changes announced by the Prime Minister.

Shared his personal loss from the pandemic and asked the Prime Minister to take similar steps for hospital-based virus transmission as he does for community spread.

Asked the Prime Minister to report openly on how numbers of PPE, tests, and temporary hospitals compare with what is actually needed in tackling the virus.

Inquired about public accounts controls for increased public sector spending due to the pandemic and urged for social distancing encouragement where possible.

Asked if Liverpool City Council and Knowsley Borough Council will receive full reimbursement costs for their efforts during the outbreak, as initially promised.

The Prime Minister emphasised the government's £3.2 billion investment in local councils and clarified that 'stay alert' means encouraging those who cannot work from home to do so safely, while observing social distancing rules.

Questioned the Prime Minister about conflicting statements regarding travel and meeting others during the 'stay alert' phase, asking for clarity on what measures are expected to keep families safe.

Reiterated that 'staying alert' means people should go to work if they cannot work from home, provided their workplaces adhere to strict social distancing and safety measures.

Asked the Prime Minister for assistance in allowing universities like Loughborough University to bring back students for essential training and study sessions while maintaining social distancing protocols.

Agreed to work with universities, including Loughborough, to ensure they can safely operate within the guidelines of social distancing and safety measures.

Expressed concerns from workers about returning to work without clear guidelines and questioned how the government will enforce these rules and provide a way for workers to voice their safety concerns.

Stressed the importance of making calibrated changes while respecting scientific advice, encouraging those who must return to work to do so safely under strict social distancing rules and with further guidance being published soon.

Asked for assurances that the government will address concerns about reopening primary schools, particularly regarding safety measures in classrooms and at school gates.

Confirmed the conditional plan to reopen primary schools on 1 June if conditions allow, based on scientific guidance, while publishing new guidelines for ensuring safe operation of schools.