Covid-19 Update

Provided an update on the UK's progress in controlling the virus, highlighting a significant reduction in new infections and deaths. Announced easing of social distancing measures from 4 July, allowing two households to meet indoors or outdoors. Reopening of restaurants, pubs, hairdressers, hotels, leisure facilities, tourist attractions, and places of worship was also announced. Emphasised continued caution and the need for people to follow guidance on social contact.

I thank the Prime Minister for advance sight of his statement. I join him in sending our condolences to the families and friends of those who died or were injured in Reading on Saturday. This was a truly appalling attack, and I extend our thanks to the police officers and members of the public who showed incredible bravery in response... When I was elected leader of the Labour party, I said that I would offer ‘constructive opposition, with the courage to support the Government’ where they are doing the right thing. We will, of course, scrutinise the details of the announcement and study the guidance, and there are obviously a number of questions that need to be answered, but overall I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement... There are no easy decisions to be made here. Any unlocking carries risks... On protection of those working, particularly on the frontline, we all want people to go back to work, but it has to be safe and standards have to be enforced... On support for businesses, these changes are necessary, but they will be complex... On test, track and trace, the Prime Minister will know that we have very serious concerns about the gaps in the current system, including the absence of an app... Today is an important step in the fight against this virus. We will scrutinise the detail, and we do want more clarity, but we welcome the thrust of the statement.

I am grateful to the right hon. and learned Gentleman for the spirit, the manner and the constructive way in which he has responded... On his points, we do believe that all five tests have been met. That means that the chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser have been intimately involved in every stage of developing the programme, and they believe it to be a step in our plan that allows us to go ahead while meeting that crucial test of not triggering a second wave... The right hon. and learned Gentleman asked about support for local councils, and I have said that we are putting in another £3.2 billion to support them, as well as £600 million to support their responsibilities for social care... The right hon. and learned Gentleman mentions track and trace and isolate. Of course it is perfectly true that it would be great to have an app, but no country currently has a functioning track and trace app. The great success of NHS test and trace is that, contrary to some of the scepticism that we heard—alas—from those on the Opposition Benches, so far it has contacted 87,000 people who have been in contact with those who have coronavirus, and they have elected voluntarily to self-isolate and stop the disease from spreading in the community... I welcome the spirit and the manner in which he has responded to this statement today.

U-turn!

I do not want to accuse the right hon. and learned Gentleman of making a U-turn, but there is more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth and so on. It is good to have his support on that matter today.

With continuing relatively high rates of infection across Bedford borough, I welcome the Prime Minister’s balanced transition from over-reliance on regulation to greater reliance on the common sense of British businesses and employees. Will the Prime Minister now build on the exceptional programme of economic support provided to businesses with an ambitious acceleration of his levelling up programme, in particular drawing on and unlocking the creativity of our entrepreneurs, our small businesses and our innovators?

My hon. Friend is on the money on that point. He will be hearing a lot more about exactly that in the course of the next couple of weeks, not only from me, but from my right hon. Friend the Chancellor.

May I associate myself with the remarks of the Prime Minister and the leader of the Labour party on the outrage that took place on Saturday in Reading? Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of James Furlong, of Joe Ritchie-Bennett and of David Wails. We give grateful thanks to all our emergency services for the work that they continue to do... On this day, we also acknowledge the sad death of Harry Smith, the former political reporter for ITV and Scottish Television. He will be sadly missed... Today’s announcement will be understandably welcomed by many, but for every word of welcome, there must follow words of caution. The virus has not gone away... We know that a review of quarantining measures following foreign travel was due next week. Will the Prime Minister confirm that the introduction of any air bridges will be based on public health assessments, not economic assessments? Can he also confirm that the devolved Governments will be closely involved and party to any arrangements with any country on air bridges? Finally, to maintain full clarity, will he reaffirm that the announcements today are solely for England and that the citizens of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland should continue to follow public health advice from their own Governments?

Welcomed the changes to social distancing rules, which he believed would be beneficial for pubs and restaurants. Asked the Prime Minister to visit his constituency to have a pint.

Asked the Prime Minister to set up an urgent independent inquiry into the Government’s handling of the pandemic, emphasising the importance of learning from the situation.

Welcomed the formation of a new advisory group and asked about the lifting of restrictions on cricket. He noted that this would be important for players and spectators, but acknowledged the need to ensure safety given how the ball can spread disease.

Asked the Prime Minister to share data, scientific evidence, and advice with the Northern Ireland Executive to maintain a coordinated approach as decisions are made regarding easing lockdown measures.

Acknowledged the importance of relaxing social distancing rules for pubs and restaurants. Asked the Prime Minister to work closely with local authorities to allow businesses to utilize outdoor spaces.

Critiqued the Government's handling of contact tracing and financial support for workers required to self-isolate. Questioned whether local lockdowns or a second peak would be beyond the Government’s ability to manage.

Congratulated the Prime Minister on easing lockdown measures and reducing social distancing rules, which he believed would save hundreds of thousands of jobs. Suggested ensuring future guidance is clear, simple, and understandable.

Asked about the Government's response to localised outbreaks in meat processing factories and requested an investigation into why such outbreaks are common. Highlighted concerns regarding budget cuts to the Health and Safety Executive.

Called on people from the 4th of July onwards to go to pubs, which he considered a great British institution vital for economic recovery. Encouraged responsible behaviour while enjoying hospitality again.

Highlighted the abuse of the job retention scheme by companies to make employees redundant before August or threatening mass layoffs with rehiring under worse conditions. Supported an Employment Bill addressing this issue.

He highlighted the success in preventing NHS from being overwhelmed and warned against a potential second wave, advising that flare-ups could occur as seen in Germany. He emphasised the importance of adhering to measures to prevent widespread lockdowns.

She raised concerns about localised lockdowns and asked for contingency plans, particularly regarding job retention schemes in such scenarios. She pointed out the necessity of support measures for localised outbreaks.

He questioned why college students were omitted from education catch-up plans and called on the Government to ensure equal attention is given to colleges as to schools, highlighting a significant number of 16 to 18-year-olds studying in colleges.

Welcoming the news regarding tourism, he asked for confirmation that full guidance will be published today to ensure businesses can operate safely while controlling virus spread. He mentioned East Devon as an example of a region well-received by these measures.

He requested an unambiguous commitment from the Prime Minister regarding support for those penalised by reintroducing restrictions and inquired about continuing furlough and self-employment schemes beyond October if necessary.

She brought attention to the lack of similar outpouring of support for young citizens who had babies during lockdown, questioning what the Government was doing to assist them. She sought clarity on face-to-face support availability.

She raised concerns about premature removal of support for shielded people and poor communication with disabled groups during lockdown transition, asking the Prime Minister to commit to working closely with these communities.

He welcomed the reopening of the hospitality sector and questioned if all children, pupils, and students at FE colleges and universities would be able to return safely in autumn. He suggested that this statement paves the way for a bounce back.

She criticised the Prime Minister's actions as leading to a disjointed rather than united Union and questioned if he should be following the strategy championed by the Labour Government of Wales, citing recent data on public confidence.

Thanking the Prime Minister for clarity to hospitality and tourism sectors in South-West, he asked if the Government would look sympathetically at more support over winter, especially for seasonal businesses. He highlighted business rates relief measures.

Welcoming the announcement as beneficial to hospitality businesses in her area but concerned about workers returning only when children are back at school, she asked for confirmation that people can start asking friends and family for help with childcare.

Expressed concern about outbreaks in meat processing plants and questioned the Prime Minister's decision to reduce social distancing measures.

Welcomed the statement on easing lockdown restrictions, but urged for air bridges to be established no later than 4 July to avoid blanket quarantine policies.

Challenged the Prime Minister's claim that other countries do not have a functioning track and trace app, urging him to scrap his blanket quarantine policy.

Welcomed the statement on reopening theatres but urged for specific support until viable reopening is possible due to economic struggles.

Asked about the public health message conveyed by opening pubs before schools fully reopen, questioning the Prime Minister's logic.

Encouraged the Prime Minister to allow spas and nail bars to reopen without returning to collective punishment in case of flare-ups.

Asked how destination communities like Brighton and Hove can be kept safe given the difficulties of tracking customers and gatherings, questioning reliance on an app.

Welcomed the statement but criticised Scotland's First Minister for delaying reopening measures compared to the rest of the UK.

Asked about support for local authorities facing severe flooding and requested urgent funding for repairs to avoid future disasters similar to Aberfan.

Requested measures to help hospital trusts catch up on routine appointments missed during lockdown, inquired about upgrading Scunthorpe General Hospital.

Criticised the Prime Minister's decision to reduce social distancing measures before test, trace, and isolate system is fully operational.

The operators of pubs, hotels and restaurants in England will be relieved by the Prime Minister’s statement. However, this relief is not shared in Wales due to a lack of a statement from the Welsh Government, causing despair and frustration among hospitality businesses there.

The Prime Minister assures that the UK Government is in regular contact with devolved Administrations to secure a more uniform approach. He emphasises that measures are sensible for protecting the population from disease vectors coming from abroad.

The Prime Minister must realise recent events have damaged public confidence. Ending the quarantine period would help repair this damage by showing a more open approach to international travel.

Welcomes measures for hospitality and town centre traders in Rugby, including easing of social distancing rules from 2 metres to 1 metre on 4 July. This change will prevent necessary but unwelcome one-way systems and removal of parking.

Welcomes easing of restrictions for hospitality, leisure and cultural sectors in the constituency. Businesses need detailed guidelines now to adjust premises safely, with significant costs involved, and asks what support is available.

Welcomes the Prime Minister’s statement and looks forward to visiting local businesses. However, concerns remain for creative industries such as exhibitions and small theatres that may still be held back.

Questions the contradiction between encouraging people to return to work while Government Departments launch redundancy schemes. Asks what message this sends to HMRC staff facing redundancy.

Endorses the announcement on hairdressing and calls for further measures like reducing VAT and national insurance contributions for employers in order to support businesses and encourage economic recovery.

Asks about reopening of The Deep, a landmark centre for marine research in Hull. Requests reports from the taskforce and asks when aquariums can reopen or receive specialised financial support.

Supports continued development of technologies like apps and QR codes to help companies, especially in arts and hospitality sectors, benefit from the measures announced.

Concerned about small businesses reopening when furlough scheme closes for new entrants this month. Asks if there could be flexibility such as a two-week trial to test viability of reopening.

Invites the Prime Minister to Fylde to get his hair cut and appeals for support for projects like the Lytham St Annes M55 link road, which will boost visitor economies.

Expressed concern about the financial impact on hospitality and leisure workers who are currently furloughed, questioning how businesses can contribute to the scheme without causing mass redundancies.

Emphasised the government's efforts in setting up taskforces to support reopening of businesses while ensuring covid-compliance. He also highlighted the importance of coastal communities in promoting staycations for economic recovery and acknowledged steps being taken to address concerns raised by MPs.

Welcomed measures that will aid local businesses but urged for further investment as part of the levelling-up agenda to ensure long-term bounce back in coastal areas like North West Norfolk.

Asked the Prime Minister what personal steps he would take to stop black and minority ethnic communities from contracting covid, given their overrepresentation in high-contact professions. She highlighted the diversity within her constituency.

Suggested a meeting with Professor Roger Koppl to discuss improving decision-making processes during uncertain times, acknowledging that experts may disagree when information is incomplete.

Asked about the delay in allowing large leisure facilities to open despite meeting social distancing regulations. He expressed frustration with apparent inconsistencies regarding facility openings.

Inquired if the Prime Minister would look again at social distancing rules for public transport, given that they currently restrict passenger numbers significantly and could be adjusted further as demand rises.

Questioned whether the decision not to sack Dominic Cummings had undermined confidence in England's public health messaging, asking what steps were being taken now to repair this damage.

Asked for continued close cooperation between the UK Government and devolved administrations in Wales regarding hospitality sector reopening measures like social distancing rules.

Inquired about guidance for businesses that have spent money on implementing 2-metre guidelines now the rule is changing to 1 metre-plus in specific circumstances.

Welcomed the Prime Minister's statement and highlighted the importance of local authorities using available street space creatively to support reopening of hospitality businesses.

Called for additional funding from UK Government to Welsh councils facing financial shortfalls due to the crisis, urging commitment to preventing service cuts in a time of need.

Shared his personal experience with covid-19 testing and echoed support for increased identification of those who have had the disease to improve tracking and testing efficiency.

Critically questioned whether today's announcement was politically motivated, suggesting it could be gambling with people’s lives rather than a measured response based on scientific advice.

Welcomed the statement and its caution but also its optimism, expressing concern for the independent festivals sector which is worth about £2.6 billion to the economy each year.

Expressed support for the Prime Minister’s statement on hospitality but raised concerns about schools reopening, particularly in small Victorian school buildings with limited outdoor space.

Asked about guidance for pleasure cruises and charter angling vessels to operate safely with 1 metre social distancing. The Prime Minister confirmed the sector would be helped to become covid-compliant.

Criticised the exclusion of a greater number—3 million—of self-employed entrepreneurs, taxpayers and owners of small companies from Government help. Asked for an urgent financial lifeline.

Inquired about advice on working from home to avoid unnecessary travel on public transport. The Prime Minister confirmed people should work from home if possible and employers should discuss it with employees.

Welcomed the statement, expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister for a bold recovery plan to safeguard jobs, opportunities and livelihoods in Telford and across the country.