Covid-19

Acknowledged the efforts of officials in ensuring PPE procurement during the pandemic without running out, despite potential process issues. Emphasised that the government's primary goal was to protect frontline workers and save lives.

Asked for a commitment from the Minister regarding public awareness campaigns for people who cannot wear face coverings due to legitimate medical reasons, to prevent them from facing abuse or verbal attacks.

Questioned the mixed messaging about data-driven decisions versus setting timelines and 'no earlier than' dates in the road map out of lockdown. Suggested confusion over whether decisions were based on actual data or predetermined timetables.

The UK has seen a significant impact from the pandemic, with over 120,000 deaths. The speaker acknowledges the NHS vaccine rollout as commendable but questions why more cannot be done to vaccinate hard-to-reach communities. They also raise concerns about PPE availability and staff shortages in healthcare facilities, advocating for improved protection measures and a recovery plan for frontline workers who have been working tirelessly for over a year. Additionally, they critique the government's handling of procurement during the pandemic, calling for transparency and accountability. The speaker emphasises the importance of following scientific advice to avoid future setbacks.

Welcomed the Minister's remarks and acknowledged that a zero-covid Britain is not credible. Emphasised the need to explore with the public how many deaths they are prepared to accept from the virus each year, referencing 28,000 seasonal flu deaths and 78,000 smoking-related deaths annually. He urged for preparing for future crises by maintaining a workforce that can handle vaccinations and therapeutic treatments as viruses evolve.

Celebrated the progress of the vaccine roll-out but expressed concerns over lower uptake in vulnerable groups, particularly BAME communities. Highlighted the reduction in hospitalisations and deaths among elderly care home residents following vaccinations in Scotland. Raised concerns about the importation of more vaccine-resistant variants due to limited border quarantine measures and urged for mandatory quarantine for arrivals from all countries. Criticised the Prime Minister's road map out of lockdown, arguing that current restrictions should remain until case levels are driven low enough.

Expressed a desire for urgency in lifting lockdown measures. Criticised the data-driven approach to easing restrictions as lacking clarity, arguing that hospital admissions rather than daily infections should be the key metric. Emphasised the potential negative impact of lockdowns on new virus variants becoming more potent and hospitalizing patients.

Expresses sympathy for vaccine roll-out efforts but highlights economic and social issues. Mentions the mental health of business owners, schoolchildren falling behind, and difficulties faced by dementia sufferers. Urges the Government to maintain scrutiny and balance in lockdown measures.

Raises concerns about 200 bar workers in Glasgow who have not received furlough payments since October due to an unresolved issue between their business and HMRC. Urges the Government to intervene and provide financial support.

Praises the vaccine roll-out but expresses concern over specific dates mentioned by the Prime Minister for easing restrictions. Suggests that data should guide decisions rather than fixed dates, referencing expert opinions supporting earlier unlocking.

Highlights disparities in vaccine uptake between white people and BAME communities. Expresses concerns about potential consequences of relaxing lockdown before achieving widespread coverage among at-risk groups, questioning the Government's efforts to address misinformation.

Ms. Antoniazzi raised concerns about unacceptable working conditions at the DVLA and urged for more staff to work from home due to fears of job insecurity and retaliation. She also highlighted the urgent need to address the disproportionate risk faced by individuals with learning disabilities living in care homes, who are up to six times more likely to die from coronavirus compared to their peers.

Mr. Byrne stressed the importance of making detailed ward-level data on vaccinations publicly available to address stark differences in vaccination rates between rich and poor areas in Birmingham, with richer wards having over 90% vaccination coverage compared to under 60% in poorer ones. He called for community pharmacies to be used more effectively in poorer places for vaccine roll-out.

Mr. Levy highlighted the severe impact of the pandemic on mental health, particularly among children and young people, noting increased risks such as depression, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. He expressed concern over prolonged lockdowns affecting mental well-being across generations and urged for guidance based on science to ensure this is truly the last necessary lockdown.

Calls for an immediate extension of furlough support, business rates holiday, VAT reduction, and access to financial support for excluded taxpayers. Urges the Education Secretary to engage constructively with educators over school reopening plans.

Expresses anger at high death toll and inequality in her local authority due to decades of neglect and austerity policies. Supports key workers' rights and the need for investment in infrastructure projects that provide well-paid jobs. Calls for an end to tax evasion by the rich and fair work and pay initiatives.

Praises Ministers for their work on the vaccination programme but criticises the cautious approach to easing lockdown measures. Argues that reopening outdoor activities now would ease pressures on people's mental health and help rebuild finances.

Welcomed cautious optimism but called for stronger border measures, comprehensive hotel quarantine rules, extension of economic support schemes, and specific aid for kennels and catteries.

Paid tribute to NHS staff in Buckinghamshire; criticised the government's roadmap based on modelling assumptions, called for a new public health Act to assess policy benefits and harms properly.

Addressed inequality issues, advocated for improved workplace safety, called for continuation of the £20 uplift in universal credit, raised concerns about cancer services and vaccine efficacy.

Discussed the impact on communities hit hardest by the pandemic; highlighted job losses in aviation industry and called for continuation of the £20 uplift in universal credit; emphasised the struggles of new parents and need for specific support.

The Government’s policy should continue to be based on data rather than dates. The strategy has been to prevent the medical services from becoming overwhelmed, and with increased immunisation, decisions can be made accordingly. The UK's vaccine programme is a success, enabling us to distribute vaccines across the country efficiently. There must be flexibility in lifting restrictions as data improves. He suggests sharing vaccines with developing countries due to interconnectedness. It is time for Parliament to return to full functionality.

People with learning disabilities have faced marginalisation in health and care services, with a life expectancy 20 years lower than the general public. During the pandemic, they were six times more likely to die from covid-19 than their peers. Only those with severe or profound learning disabilities are currently eligible for vaccines in cohort 6, despite GP records being insufficient. The Government should update their vaccine delivery plan and ensure all people with learning disabilities receive the necessary support. There is concern over inappropriate 'do not resuscitate' orders based on learning disability status.

The travel industry, employing nearly a quarter of a million people and accounting for almost two pence in every pound spent, needs continued support beyond 21 June. Businesses are facing significant financial challenges due to the pandemic's prolonged impact on international travel. They need assistance with fixed costs and access to government loan schemes. Support should remain until businesses can operate profitably again.

Colleagues have highlighted medical advances on both vaccination and treatment fronts. However, there is concern about the slow unwinding of lockdowns and their ongoing costs to education, health, employment, and civil liberties. The Prime Minister announced a potential role for covid status certification in helping venues open safely, which may mean mass testing and vaccinations dependent on a national database, potentially linking test and trace data with various Government Departments. This raises questions about how the data will be used, monitored, and if it means prioritising access to certain activities based on one's status.

Coronavirus has had a profound impact, leading to over 120,000 covid-19 related deaths in the UK. The Government failed at locking down early and providing financial support for low-income workers who do not qualify for statutory sick pay or the £500 Test and Trace support payment. They also prioritised private companies for test and trace systems over local authority public health departments, leading to wasted money on contracts with Conservative friends and donors. The Government's White Paper proposals for major changes in the way health and social care are delivered during the pandemic are unacceptable; I call on them to pause these plans until all covid restrictions have been lifted.

The communication strategy of maximum compliance has been effective but brutal, leading to children too frightened to go outdoors, adolescents isolated at home suffering from anxiety and eating disorders, parents battling depression, and many old people fading away from loneliness. This will create a deep well of anxiety visible in schools, workplaces, homes, streets, and police stations for years to come. The ethicality of creating such fear is questionable; did anyone ask if it was ethical before implementing this strategy? It strikes at the heart of state morality.

Celebrates the vaccination programme rollout in Wales, acknowledges ongoing struggles of constituents due to lockdowns, highlights issues around education and qualifications for young people, raises concerns about mental health support, discusses difficulties faced by asylum seekers, criticises the decision to scrap the £20 a week universal credit uplift from April.

Welcomes Government's decision to prioritise reopening schools on 8 March, cites studies showing harm caused by lockdowns and school closures, urges the Government to consult parents' groups, teachers, and unions to develop catch-up plans for children, raises awareness of severe mental health impacts on children due to lockdown.

Praises vaccination programme but calls for more clarity in government communication regarding the criteria and data points used to judge success in easing lockdown measures based on four tests outlined by the Prime Minister.

Hardy praised the new vaccination centre in Hull and called for reprioritisation of vaccine distribution to people with learning difficulties. She expressed concern over high youth unemployment rates and advocated for changes to work practices to create more accessible jobs, especially in her constituency. She also criticised the lack of focus on place-based strategies in education policies.

Afriyie welcomed the Government's road map and timetable for easing restrictions but expressed concerns about the timelines for reopening sectors such as hospitality and care homes. He questioned why the R rate was still being discussed if vulnerable groups were protected.

Wilson highlighted the impact of school closures on children's mental health and wellbeing, calling for a ring-fenced resilience fund to support mental health needs alongside academic catch-up. She emphasised the need for holistic support that prioritises students' overall well-being.

Edwards welcomed the road map and praised the UK's vaccine roll-out, highlighting its impact on restoring freedoms. She acknowledged the hard work of those involved in vaccination centres and expressed optimism about overcoming remaining challenges.

Critiques the lack of urgency from the Government regarding a vaccine passport, emphasising its importance for reopening venues such as aviation, hospitality, and leisure. He suggests that technology advancements make it feasible to issue vaccine certificates or passports securely.

Highlights the local situation in Peterborough, which has recently seen high infection rates but argues that opening up sooner is essential for people's livelihoods and mental health. He criticises the cautious approach to reopening as it causes poverty, hopelessness, and despair.

Raises concerns over the Government's procurement process during the pandemic, particularly regarding the unlawful conduct of the Secretary of State. He argues that withholding information about companies linked to Ministers is a breach of ministerial code and risks democratic principles.

Emphasises the need for earlier reopening based on data, particularly highlighting outdoor activities such as golf courses. She also advocates for the opening of wedding venues, noting significant financial impacts on related businesses and individuals.

Pays tribute to NHS staff during the pandemic, emphasises disproportionate impact on black and minority ethnic groups, highlights local efforts in Tower Hamlets for vaccine roll-out, calls for increased support from GP surgeries to reach under-vaccinated communities.

Welcomes the Prime Minister's statement on moving towards living with the virus via vaccinations; criticises Labour for 'throwing caution to the wind', praises frontline workers and stresses economic impact of continued restrictions, calls for ambitious approach beyond current roadmap.

Praises vaccine roll-out in Wales, thanks Ministers for decisions on vaccine access for people living with HIV, questions the UK's ability to scale up supply faster, calls for economic support measures including extension of furlough scheme and VAT cut.

Welcomes return to school on 8 March and steady lifting of restrictions; highlights local vaccination efforts, calls for a long-term plan to live with the virus and support NHS, especially concerning winter pressures and staff shortages.

The UK has one of the highest death rates and worst economic downturns in G7 countries, with over 120,000 deaths due to lack of timely quarantine measures. Ryan, a pub manager, praises local NHS but is concerned about economic reassurance; calls for extension of furlough scheme, VAT reductions, and support for low-paid workers and key workers who cannot afford self-isolation. Requests reform in isolation payments and sick pay for the 3 million excluded from any support.

Welcomes the Prime Minister’s roadmap but highlights ongoing concerns regarding financial support for excluded groups, urging the Chancellor to address the plight of the self-employed and small business owners. Requests better response times from government departments and support in distributing grants swiftly by local councils. Advocates for clearer communication on vaccine appointments and raises issues about how coronavirus deaths are recorded.

Welcomes the vaccine roll-out progress but criticises the UK Government's decision to reintroduce international holidays from 17 May, arguing for stricter quarantine measures. Highlights the need for financial support for excluded groups and calls for extension of furlough scheme without repeating October’s chaos. Urges pragmatism in bounce back loans and fire and rehire banishment. Emphasises investment in renewable energy for economic recovery.

Highlights the significant impact of the pandemic on farmers' mental health, with 88% of young farmers now considering it a major issue. Discusses financial and social separation stresses affecting farmers, including market destabilisation and labour shortages due to travel restrictions and quarantine requirements. Advocates for support measures and recognition of existing challenges in the agricultural sector.

Emphasised the hospitality sector's struggles, highlighting a sales drop of 53.8% and a revenue loss of £72 billion. He also called for continued rates reduction and help to retain staff in beauty and close contact industries. Additionally, he advocated for addressing families' inability to visit elderly parents and partners in hospitals and homes.

Welcomed the Prime Minister's statement on a road map to reduce lockdown restrictions but urged the Welsh Government to provide further clarity and transparency. Highlighted the success of the UK’s vaccine roll-out, with all top priority groups having received their first dose by 15 February, and called for similar ambition from the Welsh Government.

Emphasised the critical importance of accurate information on local surge testing. She highlighted issues with communication causing uncertainty in her constituency, affecting schools, nurseries, key workers, and local businesses. Additionally, she stressed that people need financial security to self-isolate.

Critiqued the Government's handling of the pandemic from the outset, noting failures in planning and PPE procurement. He praised the vaccine roll-out but criticised the appointment of a private company to run a mega-lab for the NHS. He also called for more certainty regarding economic support for businesses.

Welcomes the Prime Minister's roadmap for lifting lockdown restrictions, particularly the ambition to have no social contact restrictions by June and July. Praises community efforts in East Surrey during the pandemic, including a befriending system and skincare packages for nurses. Also highlights the success of the national vaccination programme in her constituency.

Critiques the Government's response to Justice Chamberlain's ruling regarding public money allocation transparency. Expresses concerns about the catch-up plans for children returning to school, suggesting a phased approach might be safer and more effective. Raises issues related to economic support for businesses struggling with rent and cash flow after reopening. Calls for reconsideration of the minimum income floor policy due to its negative impact on those claiming universal credit.

Praises the vaccine rollout in Derbyshire, highlighting it as one of the best in the country. Advises against prioritising teachers for vaccination unless there is a clinical basis. Mentions difficulties faced by sectors such as hospitality and aerospace industries due to lockdown measures. Emphasises the importance of ensuring young people have opportunities to catch up academically after months of disruption.

Acknowledges the NHS's efforts in vaccine rollout but criticises the Prime Minister for failing to learn from previous mistakes by not adopting a phased approach for reopening schools. Questions the scientific basis behind the decision and calls for evidence to be published. Stresses the risks of full school reopenings without proper monitoring, citing advice from teachers and scientists.

Welcomed the Prime Minister's statement and expressed concerns about the reopening process being too slow for constituents. Highlighted the need to support the hospitality sector, suggesting an extension of VAT and business rates relief until next year. Emphasised the importance of supporting young people entering the job market through lower taxes and kickstart schemes. Advocated for MPs to return to work physically to set a good example.

Expressed concern over the high death toll and economic damage caused by the pandemic in Scotland, criticising the SNP's portrayal of success. Urged for a bold recovery plan from the Chancellor to support small businesses affected by lockdowns, such as retailers, florists, cafés, bars, taxi drivers, and others. Called for an extension of furlough and recognition of people who received no financial support during the crisis.

Welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement on a clear route out of lockdown, praising the rapid vaccine roll-out. Noted that Teesside lacks its own mass vaccination centre and urged for more centres to be created to accelerate protection. Supported the reopening of schools and care home visits as positive steps towards normality.

My constituency has the highest proportion of its workforce on furlough, with a sixfold increase in unemployment due to the impact on hospitality and tourism. I urge the Government to extend business rates holiday, VAT cut, furlough, and provide specific grants for businesses lacking income or savings. Additionally, I call for support for those self-employed under two years, directors of small limited companies, taxi drivers, hairdressers, personal trainers, and others excluded from any kind of support.

The wholesale sector is vital to our health service, care homes, schools, and beyond. Despite losing 10% of workforce, food service members lost 80-95% business during first lockdown. The Scottish Government’s resilience fund was a lifeline but needs immediate top-up due to ongoing restrictions. Lifelines like furlough scheme and grants are crucial as we near the end of pandemic.

Acknowledging cautious optimism from the Prime Minister's statement, I thank everyone involved in vaccine rollout. Schools reopening is vital for children’s mental health and learning; additional funding needed to tackle mental health issues post-lockdown.

Highlighted the success of the vaccination programme and its impact on communities. Emphasised the importance of lifting restrictions early, especially regarding outdoor sports which provide a lifeline for those struggling with mental health issues. Called for data-driven decisions to unlock earlier if justified.

Mr. Fuller critiques the Government's handling of lockdown measures and emphasises the need for legislative scrutiny, questioning whether the sacrifices in personal liberties were justified by the reduction in covid deaths.

Ms. Saxby welcomes the cautious unlocking roadmap but highlights the economic impact on her constituency's tourism industry and calls for additional support from the Chancellor in next week’s Budget.

Mr. Hunt expresses hope for a pathway back to normality and stresses the importance of addressing special educational needs in catch-up strategies, while praising Ipswich’s successful vaccination programme.

Mr. Carter welcomes the return of children to schools and praises teachers' efforts during remote learning, calls for mental health support funding flexibility, and requests an extension of business rates holiday for small businesses.

The speech concludes with points about inequalities in society caused by the pandemic, stressing that profound inequality affects everyone. It calls for a break from past decade's choices and demands a different approach to recovery highlighted by addressing social inequalities.

Thanked Members who contributed, recognised key workers and volunteers during the pandemic. Addressed issues regarding people with learning disabilities and carers. Mentioned the Care Quality Commission’s review on DNRs due in March. Raised concerns about unlocking too early based on SPI-M SAGE modelling. Emphasised the importance of vaccine uptake among BAME communities. Highlighted ongoing support for businesses, particularly those in Glasgow South's constituency. Acknowledged the role of private and social sectors alongside NHS. Addressed ethical considerations by chief medical officers. Mentioned mental health support for young people affected by the pandemic.