Covid-19

While acknowledging the extraordinary measures taken during the pandemic, Karin Smyth questioned why tried and tested processes were not used, leading to 11 ministerial directions by May. She also inquired about lessons learned from this period.

Chris Bryant highlighted the lack of preparedness for the pandemic, noting that running NHS at high capacity leaves little room for additional demands such as those imposed by covid-19. He emphasised the need to nearly double capacity in certain areas like intensive care, neuro-rehabilitation, and radiotherapy.

He emphasised the importance of addressing the cancer backlog, citing that leading clinicians predict it will take five years to catch up. He also mentioned that Cancer Research UK had recognised 35,000 avoidable deaths from cancer over this period and The BMJ reported 60,000 lost life years due to cancer. While acknowledging progress in diagnostics, he questioned whether sufficient progress is being made in treatment. He asked the Minister if her Department was urgently bidding for spending review funding for smart radiotherapy, delivery at satellite sites, and digital technology to clear the backlog.

He informed the House that there were several Members wishing to participate in the debate. He set a six-minute limit for non-Front-Bench contributions but mentioned that this might be reduced later depending on the number of interventions.

Mr. Norris criticised the current test and trace system for failing to meet government targets, with only 37.6% of tests results coming within 24 hours and tracing rates below the recommended level. He suggested three immediate actions: better use of NHS lab capacity, local authority control over tracing operations, and comprehensive support packages for those who need to isolate. The MP also addressed the inequality issues highlighted by the pandemic, urging for a fair settlement addressing these inequalities.

Mr. Farron intervened to highlight a local success story in Cumbria where public health achieved a 97% tracing success rate but noted that those contacted by this body do not qualify for isolation grants, which prevents people from isolating while ensuring they can feed their families.

Ms. Smyth expressed concern over the Minister's response to a National Audit Office report, suggesting that it failed to acknowledge potential issues in early procurement processes and did not outline measures for future improvement.

As MPs, it is our duty to make difficult decisions when facing life and death challenges. The response to the pandemic requires a careful reflection similar to that of other complex issues like war or Brexit. Acknowledging the complexity of balancing health risks and economic impacts, Adam Afriyie highlights the initial necessity of the first lockdown due to uncertainty about the virus. He notes significant progress in understanding the virus now, including better PPE availability, treatments, vaccines, and data showing that tiered local measures are effective. However, he also points out uncertainties remain. He urges the Government to prepare a clear cost-benefit analysis of future proposed regulations, ensure latest NHS data on hospitalisations, ICU beds, death rates is available, and reflect on the real data carefully.

The global pandemic has caused widespread economic and social disruption. The speaker paid tribute to the NHS staff, local media outlets, and community groups in his constituency for their efforts during the crisis. He criticised the UK Government's policies, particularly regarding support for key sectors and individuals excluded from government schemes. He emphasised the need for a fairer, greener recovery focused on building back better after the pandemic. The speaker also discussed the lack of confidence in the UK Government among Scottish people and highlighted economic mismanagement during the crisis, including inappropriate procurement practices. He called for transparency and urged the Minister to support an inquiry into cronyism within the government. Additionally, he raised concerns about social care reform, NHS staff pay awards, and PPE shortages. The speaker also criticised the 'fire and rehire' practice in various sectors and expressed disappointment with the lack of action on these issues. He emphasised Scotland's different perspective and highlighted economic impacts due to Brexit, advocating for independence as a solution.

Intervened by criticising the lack of transparency in government contracts awarded during the pandemic. He pointed out that £10.5 billion worth of contracts were given without proper tender processes, while millions of self-employed people have been excluded from support. He argued that a small fraction of this amount could have helped those struggling to make ends meet.

Called for further consideration on refining current arrangements and regulations regarding the virus. Highlighted the heroic efforts of NHS staff battling rising bed occupancy and fluctuating staffing levels in hospitals such as Dewsbury Hospital, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Pinderfields Hospital, Leeds General Infirmary, and St James’s Hospital. Emphasised the need to consider calling fourth-year medical students for short placements in hospitals to help alleviate pressure on local hospitals. Also raised concerns about extremely clinically vulnerable parents being compelled to send their children to school.

Critiqued the Government's handling of the NHS during a 10-year period, citing cuts that reduced staffing levels and bed capacity. Emphasised how poverty and deprivation have exacerbated the spread of COVID-19 in poorer communities. Highlighted statistics showing higher mortality rates among the most deprived communities compared to least deprived ones. Called out the Government's awareness of these issues prior to the pandemic, as noted by Sir Michael Marmot’s report. Criticised policies such as denying food support for children during school holidays.

Siddiq raised concerns about the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on BME communities, noting that black individuals are twice as likely to be affected compared to whites, with Asians being 50% more at risk. She pointed out that only 0.5% and 4% of those registered for vaccine trials were from black, Caribbean or African heritage and Asian backgrounds respectively. Siddiq questioned the Government's actions to address low sign-up rates among BME communities, urging them to look into root causes such as mistrust in the system. She proposed that the Government engage with local charities and influencers within these communities to improve outreach.

Gibson discussed the impact of the national lockdown on Darlington, noting a high infection rate of 337 cases per 100,000 last week. He welcomed additional tests but expressed hope that the town could remain in tier 2 as restrictions ease. Gibson highlighted the economic support provided to businesses and individuals during the pandemic, including furlough schemes, self-employment grants, bounce back loans, and rate exemptions. He emphasised ongoing investments like a £100 million expansion of Darlington’s mainline train station and over £23 million through the towns fund for development projects. Gibson praised recent economic recovery in the north-east region and expressed confidence in future job creation through green initiatives such as hydrogen buses, carbon capture, and offshore wind investment.

Healthcare workers, teachers, support staff, and key workers have kept us supplied during the pandemic. The north-west has seen a decline in cases from a peak of 586.9 to 473.8 per 100,000. There is concern about products meeting safety criteria for protection. Concerns are raised about care homes where families cannot visit due to lockdown restrictions. Rapid testing for visitors moving forward from December should be considered. Vaccines offer potential good news but need a plan B if they do not come to fruition. The events and hospitality sector have been struggling the most and places of worship need reopening for communal prayer.

Chope disagreed with the notion of restricting free speech and questioned the Government's handling of evidence. He cited examples from Sweden, suggesting that recovered individuals should be exempt from regulations due to T cell immunity. He highlighted discrepancies in death rates between the UK and Sweden, criticising the lack of evidence provided for restrictions on religious practices and outdoor activities. Chope also raised concerns over hospital-acquired infections and questioned the criteria for moving out of lockdowns.

While acknowledging the successes in PPE manufacturing and mass testing during the pandemic, Sally-Ann Hart emphasises the heroic efforts of frontline NHS staff and care workers. She calls for an extension of free hospital car parking for NHS staff as a Christmas gesture and suggests considering free local authority car parks for them during this period to ease their burden.

Ms. Smyth criticises the UK Government's response to the pandemic, stating that best practices were not followed and proper scrutiny was not conducted. She highlights issues such as a lack of transparency in contract awards for free school meals, inadequate planning, and the exacerbation of inequalities among vulnerable groups. She also emphasises the importance of learning from past mistakes and adopting better data utilisation methods.

Mr. Fletcher commends the Government's swift response to the pandemic but calls for urgent support for sole directors of limited companies, who have received minimal assistance compared to large supermarket chains that have benefitted from business rate relief despite strong sales during lockdowns. He suggests evaluating how funds can be redirected based on a company’s turnover to provide adequate support.

Pays tribute to constituents who have faced challenges during the pandemic, highlighting businesses that adapted and cultural organisations struggling due to lockdowns. Expresses concern for those on contracts or self-employed without adequate support and raises issues about school disruptions and exam clarity. Advocates for more support from HMRC for affected individuals and calls for clarity on vaccine rollout plans.

Tributes key workers and local people in the Cities of London and Westminster, highlighting community spirit and voluntary work such as food banks. Acknowledges Government efforts in testing, PPE provision, NHS support, and the Everyone In scheme for rough sleepers. Supports financial schemes like furlough but calls for extensions to business rate holidays and VAT cuts for affected industries. Suggests changes to curfew timing and planning ahead regarding tier restrictions.

Critiques recent appointments by the Government as an example of cronyism, using Dido Harding’s appointment as a case study. Emphasises the need for transparency in public appointments and contracts during crises. Advocates for clearer communication around exam decisions for teachers and better scrutiny of Ministers’ responses to parliamentary questions and constituents' issues.

Expressed concerns about rising case rates in his constituency, praised the NHS and scientists for their work on vaccines, criticised the current isolation policy as unrealistic and not rooted in probability or human behavior, called for use of lateral flow testing to enable people to test out of isolation, and welcomed the establishment of long covid clinics.

Called for action against rising cases, emphasised the need for a living wage and support for undocumented workers, criticised the Government's handling of test, track and trace system procurement, highlighted the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on African, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Welcomed preliminary results from Pfizer and Moderna vaccine trials, acknowledged economic costs of lockdowns, called for a more holistic approach to decision making with consideration of economic impacts, supported calls for a COVID commission, emphasised the need for an enduring plan to live with the virus.

Thanked NHS staff, care staff and key workers for their efforts during the crisis. Criticised the government's delayed response to the pandemic, citing SAGE recommendations and international evidence. Called for prioritisation of testing home care staff who visit vulnerable people daily but have no access to regular testing. Highlighted the lack of support for small businesses and called on the Chancellor to address this issue affecting 3 million people.

Discussed the higher risk faced by black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals during the pandemic, mentioning structural factors such as differential attainment and PPE distribution issues. Challenged the notion that the NHS is structurally racist despite its diversity.

Asked other Members to refrain from making interventions so others could speak.

Expressed gratitude towards NHS workers and highlighted the national scrubs crisis affecting frontline staff. Criticised the Government for providing inaccurate information regarding the availability of scrubs, urging the Minister to address the issue by meeting with local volunteers and examining procurement processes.

Called for certainty in guidelines affecting retailers and the hospitality sector as well as the education system. Emphasised the need for clear communication regarding exam systems and business operations for December. Highlighted compliance issues with test and trace protocols due to financial hardship and living conditions.

Mr. Moore emphasised the need for a risk-based approach to easing restrictions, highlighting the importance of reopening gyms, dance studios, outdoor sports facilities, and non-essential retail businesses that have invested in covid-secure measures.

Mr. Simmonds urged the government to share data widely to build public confidence in lockdown measures while praising those keeping nurseries, schools, and childcare settings open. He also raised concerns about soft play centres and other venues for children, asking ministers to prioritise financial support for these businesses that are crucial for working parents.

Ms Hayes emphasised the severe impact of the ongoing pandemic, noting that over 2,900 people have died from covid-19 in the UK within a week. She paid tribute to NHS staff and other key workers while highlighting the exhaustion of NHS personnel due to staffing cuts. The MP also addressed issues such as vaccine access for black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, the isolation of care home residents, misinformation on social media, the national scrubs crisis, and the lack of Government action in response to these problems. She raised concerns over procurement practices and contact tracing system failures, urging the Government to review their outsourced systems and adopt local insourced programmes as seen in Wales.

Thanked hon. Members for their contributions and acknowledged the resolve of constituents during the pandemic. Emphasised that procurement processes were followed, with value for money as a priority. Stressed that 0.5% of PPE was faulty or not up to spec and clarified there is no 'high-priority lane' for companies seeking contracts. Reiterated transparency through public domain reporting and independent review by the National Audit Office. Addressed concerns about ministerial directions, Test and Trace, data provision, exit from lockdown, and inequality issues. Highlighted cross-party cooperation while rejecting stereotypical claims of Government motives being evil or stupid.

Asked for a response to letters sent by three Hull MPs and the leader of the council regarding covid-19 issues in Hull, disappointed that it was not addressed in the Minister's winding-up speech.

Responded directly to Diana R. Johnson, committing to a meeting with her and others via the Cabinet Office's covid-19 taskforce to address issues raised in Hull. Promised action on notes provided by Hull MPs regarding further logistical support.