Covid-19 Update

The Speaker expressed concern over the late arrival of a speech copy, noting that it arrived at 16:59 and questioned whether the Opposition had received their copies in a timely manner. He urged for better preparation to ensure speeches are shared appropriately.

The Secretary of State for Health made a statement on actions against coronavirus, focusing on Leicester. He noted that the number of new cases had dropped since lockdown began but remained high compared to other cities. The decision was made with local leaders' agreement and has seen doubled testing in the city. From 24 July, restrictions on schools and early years childcare will be removed, while non-essential retail closures will remain as a local power measure based on data and public health advice. He acknowledged the efforts of people in Leicester who followed lockdown rules and thanked local leaders for their support. The statement also covered an issue regarding testing swabs that were paused temporarily as a precaution.

Asked the Secretary of State to update on Sir Patrick Vallance’s remarks regarding SAGE advice and questioned why there was a delay in implementing lockdown measures. Highlighted the efforts of Leicester's city council, health officials, and residents during 17 weeks of lockdown. Raised concerns about businesses unable to open, families affected by travel restrictions, and called for support from the Government or travel companies. Questioned the Secretary of State on child poverty, overcrowding, and implementation of Public Health England recommendations for minority ethnic backgrounds. Asked for clarification on inspections in textile factories, public health evidence behind decisions, and why lockdown applies to certain areas but not others. Criticised testing and tracing system’s performance, questioned Randox test kits' safety and usage.

Briefly interjected from a sedentary position that there is no health risk associated with the Randox test kits, but did not provide an elaborate contribution.

Responded to Jon Ashworth's questions regarding SAGE advice, testing delays, contact tracing performance, and public health decisions related to Leicester. Explained the reason behind pausing Randox test kits due to certification issues, reassured about alternative test kits availability. Discussed the impact of Leicester fortnight on school breaks and travel restrictions, acknowledged long-standing challenges with insecure work in Leicester, and defended geographic-based lockdown advice based on public health evidence.

Asked for a meeting to discuss the Getting It Right First Time programme's potential role in reducing coronavirus mortality rates across hospitals with varying performance levels. Highlighted the importance of addressing unjustified variation in hospital performance.

Directors of public health in England are still complaining they are not getting the information they need. She highlights issues with data availability for local public health teams and emphasises the need for daily, detailed test results to identify clusters and prevent further spread.

Questions whether the Government will hesitate in implementing local lockdowns if necessary in future, expressing appreciation for recent decisions by the Secretary of State regarding Leicester.

Raises concerns about learning from mistakes and improving test and trace capacity ahead of a potential second wave. Calls for an independent inquiry as committed by the Prime Minister to her right hon. Friend.

Inquires about vaccine security from cyber-attacks, emphasising that vaccines should be used globally and reassured by the National Cyber Security Centre's response.

Suggests the Minister table a written statement setting out key lessons learned from the pandemic response, to improve public confidence as we move into autumn.

Raises concerns about financial support for individuals who need to self-isolate and highlights a case where an individual would not isolate due to lack of financial support, questioning what the Government is doing to ensure people can follow guidance.

Asks for clarification on mask-wearing regulations in different public settings from next week.

Expresses concern about the reluctance of people with disabilities to leave their homes without a vaccine, asking what steps will be taken to protect and give confidence to this group.

Asks for assurance that lessons from local councils in Leicester and Leicestershire will be applied to ensure all local authorities receive necessary data in a timely manner to protect their populations.

Praised carers, key workers and NHS staff during the pandemic, referencing a petition for a national day of recognition on 26 March with over 100,000 signatures. Asked the Secretary of State to consider this proposal.

Acknowledged the idea of a national day of recognition for NHS and key workers proposed by Janet Daby's constituent Anthony Francis, praising the 'clap for our carers' initiative. Agreed to look at the proposal.

Celebrated the opening of a new isolation ward at Royal Surrey hospital in Guildford, which was built in four months with 20 rooms equipped for CPAP. Asked if the Minister would join her in congratulating the local council and hospital on their efforts.

Praised Royal Surrey Hospital for expanding its capabilities quickly during the crisis, emphasising the collaboration between NHS hospitals and local authorities. Suggested they should continue working together in the future.

Asked the Minister to prepare a national plan for recovery during the recess, suggesting it will be necessary to contain the virus while co-existing with it. Highlighted the economic challenges Britain faces over the summer.

Acknowledged the dual challenges of health and economy, agreeing they are at the heart of Government's work around the world.

Highlighted a report suggesting 100,000 modern-day slaves in Britain, with many in Leicester. Asked what measures the Government would take to investigate and address this issue.

Acknowledged ongoing operations regarding potential illegal employment practices raised by Peter Bone's concerns about modern slavery.

Asked the Secretary of State to clarify Government messaging on mask-wearing, particularly in shops and public transport settings. Suggested this would help bring clarity for the general public.

Announced mandatory mask-wearing in shops, public transport, and NHS settings from 24 July. Stated it was based on medical advice to increase confidence while shopping.

Discussed the importance of medical nutrition for covid patients in hospital and at home, highlighting issues with GP's inability to use electronic prescription service during remote working. Asked about measures to ensure supply continuity.

Agreed to look into specific examples where the electronic prescription service was unable to be used, noting it had been vital in many areas throughout the crisis.

Asked about data challenges faced by Leicester's public health officials and requested information on support for other boroughs facing similar demographics as Leicester.

Emphasised the importance of using data to inform decision making, stating that sophisticated systems were in place to provide necessary data to public health officials at both national and local levels.

Asked about support for care homes with high vacancy rates due to a lack of applicants, specifically mentioning the situation in Trafford where vacancies have increased by nearly 9% over a week. Asked for an update on when they could expect support.

Acknowledged Graham Brady's repeated push on this issue and stated it was ongoing work inside Government.

Referenced the Learning Disabilities Mortality Review Programme report, highlighting that nearly 40% of deaths since March were linked to covid-19. Asked the Secretary of State to urgently look at recommendations to improve conditions for people with learning disabilities.

Acknowledged the importance of the report and stated that decisions on vaccine priority would be made based on clinical evidence, but promised to ensure the latest information was considered in these decisions.

Asked if people with epilepsy could qualify for free flu and future covid vaccines as they are not currently classified as clinically vulnerable. Requested that the Secretary of State ensure this issue is remedied.

Promised to have clinical decision makers review evidence on epilepsy in relation to flu and covid vaccines, ensuring it was taken into account without breaking the principle that such decisions are based on clinician recommendations.

A learning culture is essential for robust patient safety. The Secretary of State must set a tone that encourages acknowledging and correcting errors, such as the delay in implementing lockdown measures suggested by SAGE.

Acknowledged learning from past mistakes, such as initial guidance on funerals. Emphasised the importance of a learning culture. Stated that while not all assertions were wrong, he is open about errors made.

Asked for commitment to use experience from Leicester to inform future measures in other areas, focusing on the ruling of essential workers and appropriate safeguards.

Questioned why the Government did not act when SAGE urged a lockdown earlier. Concerned about delay in implementing lockdown measures potentially costing lives.

Referred to Matthew Hancock's response as Orwellian, implying disagreement with his assertions regarding the start of lockdown measures.

Acknowledged actions taken by the Secretary of State. Asked about decisions being based on scientific data and involvement of city and county councils in decision-making.

Questioned Matthew Hancock about a report suggesting up to 120,000 hospital deaths due to a second spike. Asked if the Secretary of State had read it and what steps are being taken to prevent this scenario.

Asked for clarity on measures affecting people in Hinckley and Bosworth, specifically about the boundary of lockdown areas and implications of changes.

Critiqued the Government's decision to cut Health and Safety Executive’s budget by 48%, suggesting it contributed to challenges seen in Leicester.

Welcomed targeted approach to business closures but asked for additional support for businesses affected both within and outside the lockdown area.

Raised concerns about risks of covid-19 in York care homes, questioning poor decision-making and governance that led to increases in infection and mortality. Requested an urgent meeting with the Secretary of State or a Minister.

Expressed gratitude for Matthew Hancock's availability, and questioned him about ensuring testing capacity for winter as it was lacking in March. Asked to ensure this mistake is not repeated.

Thanked the Secretary of State for his statement and asked what steps are being taken to increase testing in areas with local rises in cases. Also enquired about additional resources for NHS support services for long covid recovery.

Expressed sympathy for a Member suffering from post-viral fatigue and announced an NHS service to help those affected. Mentioned investment of £10 million into research on the condition.

Asked for testing commitment from returning mariners and oil rig workers, highlighting a potential gap in asymptomatic virus carriers. Concerned about unchecked people being asymptomatic carriers.

Agreed to investigate the hypothesis proposed by Angus MacNeil and highlighted ongoing surveys to identify high-risk groups for asymptomatic testing, particularly in Scotland.

Asked about steps Public Health England is taking to prepare for a potential second spike of the virus during winter.

Responded by emphasising that preparation efforts are comprehensive and cover NHS, test and trace capacity across different sectors. Acknowledged Public Health England's role but noted broader responsibilities as well.

Expressed concern over data sharing with GPs in her borough, highlighting the importance of precise location data for handling local outbreaks effectively. Requested better data access from track-and-tracers.

Offered to personally ensure that all relevant data is made available to Hackney borough, subject to a data sharing agreement. Stressed transparency if necessary data isn’t currently accessible.

Commended the Secretary of State and local authorities for their efforts in Leicester but questioned levels of support from the Mayor and Labour-controlled city council.

Acknowledged close collaboration with the Leicester City Council, praising officers' work. Emphasised the importance of unity despite challenges in coordination.

Suggested offering migrants working in health and social care indefinite right to remain as a sign of appreciation for their efforts during the pandemic. Highlighted public gratitude towards frontline workers.

Announced extension of exemption from immigration health surcharge for all working in health and social care, demonstrating value placed on them.

Praised the efforts in north Wales to contain local outbreaks while maintaining low infection levels. Asked about opportunities for innovation stemming from the pandemic, citing historical examples of positive change following tragedies.

Acknowledged the tragic nature of the pandemic but highlighted optimistic advances in telemedicine and access to medicine through technology. Mentioned scientific progress led by British science, including discovery of a drug reducing coronavirus impact.