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Question
Ashworth questioned if the closure of pubs and hospitality sectors in Bolton has been discussed with the Mayor of Greater Manchester. He also raised practical concerns about enforcement, guidance for venues outside Bolton's hotspot area, and urged Hancock to set out evidence for the rule prohibiting congregation in private gardens.
Minister reply
Hancock responded by confirming discussions with local authorities but did not provide specific details on cross-border travel or enforcement measures. No further clarification was given on the evidence supporting restrictions on private garden gatherings.
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Question
Ashworth sought updates on when Leicester will be reviewed and requested an urgent national plan for reducing virus transmission in universities, along with clarity on school closure criteria.
Minister reply
Hancock did not provide specific dates or review timelines but stated a commitment to university safety measures and outlined current guidance for schools based on health advice.
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Question
Ashworth criticised the effectiveness of contact tracing, citing low percentages in various regions. He also highlighted testing issues such as insufficient PCR test availability and travel inconveniences for home careworkers.
Minister reply
Hancock acknowledged ongoing challenges with testing capacity but did not address specific shortcomings or propose immediate solutions to these issues.
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Question
Ashworth questioned the effectiveness of measures announced for Bolton and neighboring areas, the reach rates in contact tracing, financial support availability for self-isolation, and the clarity on circumstances under which schools should close. He also criticised the government's approach to testing and tracing, emphasising the need for investment in public health teams.
Minister reply
Hancock defended the current testing system and its effectiveness despite recent challenges, stating that they are working day and night to fix issues and expand capacity using new technologies. He clarified figures on contact tracing reach rates and noted financial support measures already in place. Hancock also addressed local lockdown reviews for areas like Leicester and emphasised collaboration with Bolton Council.
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Question
Hunt thanked the Secretary of State for recognising long-term effects of COVID-19 on patients and inquired about confidence levels regarding following low infection rate models seen elsewhere, to avoid another national lockdown.
Minister reply
The minister highlighted examples from countries like Belgium where local actions have been effective, emphasising the importance of social distancing as a first line of defence. He mentioned plans for stepped-up communication and enforcement, alongside efforts to build testing capacity and work on vaccine development.
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Question
As cases of covid-19 increase, people are being sent long distances to get tested. This is dangerous and inefficient. Would the Secretary of State consider additional funding for NHS laboratories to expand PCR testing capacity?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady is correct that expanding NHS capacity as well as pillar 2 capacity is right. The SNP spokesperson and I agree on this point. We are working with Jeane Freeman, my opposite number in the SNP Government in Edinburgh, to deliver an 'and/and together' strategy of mass testing across the board and expansion of NHS capacity.
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Question
The approach of ordering people about is not effective. We need a different approach based on appealing to the good sense of young people, rather than a nanny state approach. What are your thoughts?
Minister reply
Unfortunately, younger people may pass the virus to older individuals with more severe consequences. Without widespread social distancing, hospitalisations and deaths will inevitably rise. The evidence shows that relying solely on self-reliance is not effective in controlling the spread of the disease.
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Question
Local councils are being kept out of the loop regarding local testing problems, and this seems to protect private sector companies rather than public health. What can be done about this?
Minister reply
I will do everything possible to solve testing capacity issues everywhere in the country, including Hull. However, splitting people according to their employer will not help but make the problem worse. We need to work together to overcome operational challenges.
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Question
How can we provide further funding for rural healthcare networks as winter approaches, to ramp up testing and deal with undiagnosed cases and operations not undertaken due to the pandemic?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes an important point regarding rural communities. The NHS has set a goal of getting back to 95% of elective operations and has put funding in place to make that happen, especially in rural areas.
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Question
The director of public health in Sheffield says there are obstacles to making better use of local-level activity. These include a lack of resources and access to data under the contact tracing and advisory service system. What can be done about this?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman makes an important technical point, which I will take away and look at.
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Question
How will the Secretary of State overcome operational difficulties to ensure testing availability at local centres?
Minister reply
We are expanding capacity within both NHS and private sector, as well as bringing onstream innovative new tests. This combination is what we aim to achieve.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that the Prime Minister's exhortations to get people back into crowded transport systems and city centres is irresponsible at this time?
Minister reply
It is important for workplaces to be covid-secure, but it is a challenging balance between protecting livelihoods and keeping virus under control. We are targeting social activities where transmission increasingly occurs.
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Question
Asked about the impact of national lockdown on cancer referrals and care, seeking assurances that NHS will protect cancer treatment as local lockdowns are implemented.
Minister reply
Acknowledged concern; backlog halved; NHS split between covid-secure sites and others to ensure protection for cancer treatment.
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Question
Highlighted issues with test-and-trace system, particularly regarding students needing tests in distant locations.
Minister reply
Acknowledged challenges; largest testing system imaginable being expanded.
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Question
Concerned about restricted care home visits impacting residents' mental health and wellbeing.
Minister reply
Local directors of public health make decisions on visiting based on local risk; testing expansion aims to support safe visiting.
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Question
Asked about failure to meet 20% sugar reduction target for children's food products.
Minister reply
Agreed tackling obesity is critical; sugar tax effective; wider strategy outlined by Prime Minister.
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Question
Noted volunteers were able to help due to reduced red tape during crisis, seeking assurance it would not be reinstated.
Minister reply
Will not go back on changes made in the heat of crisis; examples highlighted include St John Ambulance.
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Question
Asked about support for universities and adherence to scientists' recommendations regarding remote learning.
Minister reply
Working closely with universities to ensure they open in a 'covid-secure' manner.
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Question
Thanked for allowing indoor gyms and dance studios to reopen, calling for adherence to basic rules.
Minister reply
Called for adherence to 'hands, face, space' rules.
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Question
Asked about national cancer recovery plan and response to her letter as chair of all-party parliamentary group on cancer.
Minister reply
Responded immediately; work ongoing with Under-Secretary for Health; backlog reduced by half.
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Question
Asked about steps being taken to explore benefits of repeat population testing and scaling up throughout the country.
Minister reply
Considering asymptomatic testing in areas with high virus incidence; prioritisation necessary based on capacity.
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Question
Expressed concerns about transmission of coronavirus among students living in shared houses, requesting comprehensive testing at universities.
Minister reply
Working extensively on the issue; social distancing rules apply to everyone off campus.
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Question
Praised minister for work during pandemic and asked about support available for community organisations providing mental health support, including junior doctors.
Minister reply
Will provide details on extra funding in west midlands; open to discussing further support.
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Question
The MP inquires about the lifting of restrictions in Halifax, emphasising that Calderdale has seen a significant reduction in infection rates and requests when these restrictions will be lifted.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the fall in cases in Calderdale and confirms that they are reviewing the situation again this Thursday. He expresses willingness to work with local leaders to lift restrictions.
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Question
The MP highlights concerns about delays and unavailability of testing services in recent days, urging for rapid scaling of testing capacity.
Minister reply
The minister assures the MP that they are working to expand testing capacity but acknowledges operational challenges due to increased demand.
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Question
The MP questions the guidance provided by the Department regarding employer actions concerning covid-related absence and occupational sick pay.
Minister reply
The minister states that employment law must be followed, indicating that the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is looking into the matter.
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Question
The MP commends scientific advances in the UK during the pandemic and emphasises the importance of using local lockdown measures to prevent a rise in infection rates.
Minister reply
The minister agrees with the need for strict social distancing rules, highlighting that younger individuals can pass on infections leading to hospitalisations among older populations.
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Question
The MP acknowledges the Secretary of State's efforts in sorting out testing issues and requests additional support for local contact tracing in Leeds.
Minister reply
The minister responds that they are putting more resources into local contact tracing but explains that comparing local to national results is not fair due to differences in settings.
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Question
The MP suggests managing the pinch point at laboratory end rather than limiting testing access, aiming to improve public confidence.
Minister reply
The minister understands the point but emphasises that lab capacity is crucial and taking more swabs locally without sufficient lab capacity could delay results.
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Question
The MP asks for extra assistance in Wirral to suppress the outbreak and questions the reorganisation of Public Health England during the pandemic.
Minister reply
The minister confirms that they will be vigilant about Wirral's situation and it will be reviewed in upcoming Joint Biosecurity Centre meetings.
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Question
The MP questions why the number of deaths is so low despite rising infection levels.
Minister reply
The minister explains that there is a lag between catching the disease and death statistics, highlights predominantly younger cases, and emphasises acting before broader community spread occurs.
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Question
Given the current situation with the pandemic, including lockdown delays and issues with PPE, testing, and tracing, how can we have confidence in the Government's ability to manage the upcoming flu vaccination programme?
Minister reply
We are committed to a historic flu vaccination programme. The Minister highlighted the country's significant progress in building capacity for testing and discovering treatments that reduce fatalities from coronavirus.
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Question
What direct support will be given to areas like South Shields, which is seeing a rapid spike in cases and approaching potential lockdown?
Minister reply
The Minister expressed willingness to work with the MP for South Shields to address local issues together. He emphasised the importance of unity over criticism from opposition parties.
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Question
What is the communication strategy to effectively convey personal responsibility regarding social distancing, particularly towards young people?
Minister reply
The Minister highlighted the importance of explaining that everyone has a responsibility for 'hands, face and space'. He emphasised the risks of transmission to others and long-term health impacts.
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Question
What measures are in place to ensure that everyone can get home testing kits, including those not on the public electoral register?
Minister reply
The Minister stated he would look into this issue to make sure that identity verification processes do not prevent access to tests for individuals who may be at risk.
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Question
How will the guidance on socialising in high incidence areas be turned into law, and what impact will it have on venues?
Minister reply
The Minister explained that the current guidance for Bolton will be made into law. He clarified that this is specific to Bolton's situation.
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Question
How will the Government ensure that future public statements are not followed by embarrassing U-turns?
Minister reply
The Minister dismissed the question, implying it was based on biased Labour party notes.
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Question
Can support bubbles be extended to allow two people per household in Bury where socialising is limited to households?
Minister reply
The Minister explained that while he understands the request, the current guidance aims to prevent transmission risks to grandparents who may be over 70.
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Question
Why is asymptomatic testing not applied consistently across residential care homes and airports?
Minister reply
The Minister explained that the timing of tests differs between care homes, where repeat testing is proposed, and border scenarios.
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Question
Will local resilience forums publish criteria for decisions on moving areas to higher or lower levels of restrictions?
Minister reply
The Minister agreed to take forward the proposal regarding transparency in decision-making processes for local restrictions.
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Question
Does Wales need more financial powers to support areas under necessary precautions like Caerphilly?
Minister reply
The Minister expressed willingness to speak with the Welsh Government about the suggestion, highlighting that local actions are taken carefully.
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Question
As the Secretary of State has just indicated, he is aware of the situation as it is developing in Caerphilly in my constituency, but will he give a commitment to work as closely as possible with the Welsh Government to ensure that they are effective in dealing with this situation?
Minister reply
Yes, I absolutely will. The UK Government and the Welsh Government working together is incredibly important. We have weekly calls, and Vaughan Gething and I speak and are in contact regularly. I support the action that he has had to take, as I say, with a heavy heart, but it is necessary action. My message to the people of Caerphilly, who are so ably represented in this House, is that this action and following the stricter local rules are absolutely critical to getting this virus under control locally, to protecting people themselves and to protecting their loved ones.