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Question
Does the Secretary of State accept that we could have avoided this situation with better border control and prompt action in response to the B1617.2 variant? What is his plan now to contain it urgently?
Minister reply
The government acknowledges the urgency of addressing the B1617.2 variant, including surge vaccination efforts in hotspot areas like Bolton and Blackburn, increased testing, and continued monitoring of evidence regarding vaccine efficacy.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that rapid response teams are essential for tackling variants such as B1617.2? How will he ensure these teams continue to have all necessary support and resources?
Minister reply
Rapid response teams have been effective in containing outbreaks, and they will receive ongoing support through surge testing units, additional vaccinators, and increased capacity at vaccination centres.
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Question
What measures are being taken to ensure that vulnerable groups receive their second vaccine doses within the new eight-week schedule?
Minister reply
The NHS will reiterate JCVI advice on prioritising second doses for those most at risk, and directors of public health will coordinate efforts to adhere to this clinically approved approach.
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Sadiq Khan
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care what steps his Department is taking in relation to coronavirus disease 2019 variants that are emerging internationally
Question
What steps is the government taking in relation to new coronavirus variants emerging internationally, especially regarding vaccine development?
Minister reply
The UK's surveillance systems monitor international developments closely, and efforts continue towards developing vaccines effective against multiple variants. Collaboration with global partners remains crucial.
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Sarah Owen
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care if he will make a statement on the Government’s plan to roll out vaccination in local areas experiencing higher levels of transmission due to B1617.2
Question
What is the government's plan to roll out vaccinations in local areas with high transmission rates, such as Bolton and Blackburn?
Minister reply
Surge vaccination efforts are underway in hotspot areas, including quadrupling vaccination rates in Bolton through additional resources like rapid response teams, testing units, and vaccinators.
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Question
Ashworth congratulated Leicester City on their FA Cup win, then criticised the Government for its handling of the B.1617.2 variant and delays in adding India to the red list as a 'catastrophic mis-step'. He urged the Secretary of State to consider surge vaccination in hotspots, increase testing support with proper sick pay and isolation support, improve air filtration systems in venues, prepare NHS for potential surges, questioned the UK's decision to cut aid budgets and support patent protections for vaccine production.
Minister reply
Hancock addressed Ashworth’s points, explaining that surge testing worked effectively in south London previously. He confirmed plans to vaccinate all over-18s eligible but prioritised vulnerable groups and those under 50. Regarding children, Hancock mentioned Pfizer's safe and effective results for ages 12-18 and readiness should clinical approval be given. On ventilation, guidance was provided for businesses. Hancock defended the UK’s quick action in restricting flights from India before other countries. He highlighted the significant contribution of AstraZeneca vaccines to low and middle-income countries.
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Question
Hunt asked for clarity on travel advice to amber-listed countries, inquiring if constituents should proceed with holidays to these destinations.
Minister reply
Hancock advised against travelling to amber or red-list countries unless there is an exceptional reason. The Government's priority is protecting domestic progress and constantly monitoring the safety of listed countries.
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Question
Covid cases in India began to soar at the start of April, so why were Pakistan and Bangladesh added to the red list at that time but not India? Was it because of the Prime Minister’s planned trade visit? After India was finally added to the red list on 19 April, the restrictions did not take effect until 23 April. How many people arrived from India in those days, trying to escape having to go into hotel quarantine? When I previously raised the issue of applying hotel quarantine to all travellers, the Secretary of State claimed that the current system was protecting the UK; does he now accept that the entry and community spread of the Indian variant shows that that simply is not the case and that having a negative test does not rule out the possibility that travellers are carrying covid?
Minister reply
When Pakistan and Bangladesh were added to the red list, positivity among those arriving from these countries was three times higher than it was among those arriving from India. Decisions were based on evidence available at the time. The Scottish Government took similar decisions regarding India as did the UK Government. Surge testing, door-to-door virus finding, and using military support are considered effective measures to control the spread of variants like B1617.2.
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Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree with Sir Patrick Vallance, who told my Committee that new variants will arise all the time and that border restrictions will only slow, not prevent, those variants that originate overseas? What level of vaccination protection do we need to get to in this country before my right hon. Friend is in a position to rescind the rather strange advice he gave recently and allow people who have been tested three times and quarantined for 10 days to travel to places such as France and Spain?
Minister reply
We do not know the level of vaccination needed to withstand new variants, but we are vigilant. The approach involves surge testing, door-to-door virus finding, military support, and constant review.
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Question
Having reached this tremendous milestone today, and given the sacrifices that the British people have made through lockdown and the fantastic successes of the vaccination programme, will the Secretary of State listen to his own colleague, the Minister for Covid Vaccine Deployment, who said last week that, with the new variant, we must ‘isolate, isolate, isolate’ every single case and its contacts? Will he finally commit to paying people’s wages to stay at home to self-isolate, and provide practical support in terms of accommodation and support for dependants if necessary?
Minister reply
The approach taken in Bolton was effective. We are piloting new approaches to ensure that people can isolate effectively.
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Question
Part of our fight against covid, and indeed against future viruses, is to improve our domestic vaccine manufacturing capability. To that end, the Government are fast-tracking the Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre at Harwell in my constituency. I will be visiting it in a few weeks, but could my right hon. Friend provide an update on the progress so far?
Minister reply
We are making significant progress with onshoring vaccine manufacturing capability in places like Harwell, Teesside, and other locations across the UK.
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Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his statement and for his comprehensive answers. I know that he has regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Assembly Health Minister, Robin Swann. There has been a surge in the Indian variant in Donegal in the Republic of Ireland and in the maiden city of Londonderry in Northern Ireland. Can the Northern Ireland Assembly Health Minister call upon the UK for expertise from Westminster to assist us, which I believe will show once again that we are always better together with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?
Minister reply
The UK fights this together. The benefits of working together across the UK have been demonstrated by our ability to tackle variants like B1617.2.
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Question
More than 20 million people have now received their second dose of the vaccine, an achievement that demonstrates the phenomenal pace at which we are delivering vaccine across the UK. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this incredible milestone demonstrates what our Union can achieve when we work together?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend and I am proud of the collaboration between different parts of the UK in vaccinating millions, including Wales which contributes significantly to vaccine manufacturing.
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Question
Today sees the long-anticipated lifting of many of the restrictions on our life and social life. At the same time, this strain of the virus reminds us that we need to be cautious in how we mix and how we hug our loved ones. It is important that we have clear messages about interaction, so will the Secretary of State ensure that Government messages are clear, unambiguous and not mixed, as at present?
Minister reply
The lifting of restrictions means reliance on people's personal responsibility. We provide advice such as cautious hugging in ventilated spaces and encourage those who have had two vaccines to be safer.
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Question
I have constituents living in England but registered with GPs in Wales, who are unable to register their vaccination status on the NHS app. Can you urgently fix this issue?
Minister reply
Work is underway to ensure interoperability between data systems across the UK to resolve the issue of registration difficulties faced by individuals vaccinated in different nations.
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Question
Was the decision not to place India on the red list influenced by political interests rather than public health data?
Minister reply
The decision was based on positivity rates from testing, with higher positivity rates in Pakistan and Bangladesh compared to India at that time.
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Question
Will the Government commit to first-dosing the entire population of Bolton before May's end and getting second doses out to vulnerable groups? What message should be stressed for opening up safely?
Minister reply
Commitment is made to support efforts in Bolton. The Secretary encourages vaccinations and testing for safety.
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Question
What is the status of the planned PCR mega-laboratory project in Leamington Spa, and when will it open?
Minister reply
The project is important, but specifics regarding opening date are not disclosed.
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Question
What further steps can be taken in the global fight against covid-19?
Minister reply
Focus on allowing replication and manufacturing of vaccines globally, maintaining intellectual property rights while ensuring widespread vaccination.
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Question
What discussions have you had with the Treasury for a comprehensive funding settlement for NHS recovery?
Minister reply
Willing to meet her and discuss the recovery of cancer services, which is progressing well beyond 2019 levels.
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Question
How many hospitalised in Bolton had been vaccinated? What proactive steps can be taken to reduce infections?
Minister reply
Five out of 18 were partially or fully vaccinated, reinforcing the message for unvaccinated individuals to come forward.
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Question
What proactive steps will be taken to prevent a rapid spike in infections due to the Indian variant?
Minister reply
Emphasis on vaccination uptake as it leads to significant reductions in mortality rates.
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Question
The Health Secretary can be proud of his role in the vaccination programme, and I welcome the further reduction in the age of eligibility. May I urge him to favour a surge in vaccination rather than local restrictions?
Minister reply
We will not rule out local lockdowns but our approach has worked and we have significant testing capacity now compared to earlier stages.
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Question
What further action do the Government wish to take against those who deliberately spread lies about vaccines on social media?
Minister reply
We have not danced to the tune of anti-vaxxers and instead focused on telling a positive, science-based story across all parts of the House.
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Question
Given that he has effectively turned the amber list red, can I ask him what is the point of me having my passport anymore?
Minister reply
The red, amber and green lists reflect risks in other places around the world. People should quarantine based on where they are coming from but can travel to countries on the green list.
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Question
Can he confirm that he will act now to protect people in Salford by curbing any spread beyond surge hotspots and accelerating the vaccine roll-out programme?
Minister reply
We are opening up vaccinations for those aged 37 tomorrow, and anybody eligible who has not been vaccinated should come forward. We have a surveillance system to see cases day by day.
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Question
Will my right hon. Friend join me in encouraging residents across Lancashire to come forward for their jab when eligible, and reiterate how important this is in protecting our local communities?
Minister reply
Yes, people should come forward to get the jab if they are eligible. Twice-weekly testing is also available to everybody now.
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Question
Thanks to the Prime Minister’s delaying travel restrictions, an estimated 20,000 people arrived in the UK from India before restrictions were put in place. Can the Secretary of State inform the House how many of those arrivals were covid positive and were subsequently quarantined?
Minister reply
We publish that data on the gov.uk website.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State publish a plan so that hospitality businesses, events, festivals and conferences can reopen?
Minister reply
We are working on a plan for that with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and we will look at the data up to 14 June and make an announcement.
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Question
Now is not the time for a major reorganisation of the NHS. Will the Secretary of State pause the entire process until after all covid restrictions have been lifted, and then carry out a full public consultation?
Minister reply
The proposed reforms will help deal with the backlog and make sure that the NHS is ready for the rest of the 21st century. They have been welcomed by the Health and Social Care Committee.
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Question
As of last week, over 82,000 doses of the covid vaccine have been administered across High Peak. It is an amazing achievement and I urge the Health Secretary to focus on surge vaccinations and testing in areas with growing cases.
Minister reply
Yes, this is our planned approach. The number of cases in High Peak is very low, and vaccination rates in Derbyshire are high.
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Question
Given the Indian variant being a variant of concern and linked to several school outbreaks, why have face masks been abandoned in secondary schools?
Minister reply
The decision not to require face masks is based on balancing educational needs with scientific advice from SAGE. Local directors of public health retain discretion for where necessary.
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Question
Today’s measures are welcome in Aylesbury, and will my right hon. Friend reassure local residents that health services will return to normal as businesses reopen?
Minister reply
Yes, people can continue to have face-to-face GP appointments when clinically appropriate.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State confirm figures related to positivity rates for those arriving from India, and how many new variant cases are linked to travel?
Minister reply
The positivity rate was low in April but rose by end-April; UK took precautionary measures before other countries.
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Question
More than 70,000 people in Redcar have had at least one jab. Can my right hon. Friend confirm Novavax vaccine testing against the Indian variant and availability?
Minister reply
Yes, Teesside is playing a part with manufacturing; we will study its impact on new variants.
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Question
Following President Biden’s announcement, can the Secretary of State explain why the British Government are still blocking TRIPS waiver at the World Trade Organisation?
Minister reply
Our UK approach has led to vaccination of 400 million people while protecting intellectual property rights and delivering vaccines at cost.
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Question
London has a younger cohort with hesitancy due to past pharmaceutical activities in their countries. Will he look into aspects of control for vaccine choice?
Minister reply
We have nuanced the principle and are willing to look at more creative solutions to tackle hesitancy.
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Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Question
Hull Royal Infirmary, a tower block, has higher number of transmissions despite the excellent work being done. Will the Secretary of State look at funding to improve the building?
Minister reply
We are building 48 new hospitals over this decade and tackling infection within hospital is incredibly important.
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Question
Welcomes the relaxation of restrictions but asks for support for local businesses and caution in adhering to safety measures.
Minister reply
Agrees with Kate Griffiths, emphasising cautious steps towards normal life due to low virus levels and successful vaccination efforts.
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Question
Concerned about the increase in cases due to the Indian variant affecting Glasgow's ability to relax restrictions.
Minister reply
Defends pre-emptive action of placing India on the red list before the variant was classified as a variant of concern.
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Question
Concerned about NHS backlog and requests resources for Blackpool Victoria Hospital's pilot project.
Minister reply
Reassures that Blackpool Victoria Hospital will receive necessary resources to address the backlog efficiently.
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Question
Inquires about flu vaccine availability, uptake by vulnerable groups, and timing of potential co-administration with a covid booster.
Minister reply
Confirms work on trialling co-administration of flu and covid vaccines and encourages discussion with the Minister for Covid Vaccine Deployment.
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Question
Questions the decision to place India on the red list based on Johns Hopkins University data.
Minister reply
Defends decision using positivity rates of people travelling from India, showing three times higher rate compared to other countries.
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Question
Welcomes the relaxation of restrictions and asks about global efforts against new mutations.
Minister reply
Agrees on shared global adversary, confirms vaccine support from excess doses will be provided to countries around the world.
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Question
Highlights health inequalities in covid death tolls and asks about implementation of Professor Sir Michael Marmot’s recommendations.
Minister reply
Discusses the office for health promotion's role in addressing these issues, led clinically by the chief medical officer.
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Question
Praises vaccination programme and asks if it is possible to increase vaccine rate.
Minister reply
Acknowledges supply as limiting factor but emphasises importance of vaccines in defeating the pandemic.
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Question
Asks about Department's actions to ensure timely face-to-face consultations with GPs.
Minister reply
Reassures that guidance was sent out last week encouraging use of technology and ensuring appropriate access for patients.
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Question
Last week, I met the Taskforce for Lung Health, which raised a concern about an increased occurrence of lung scarring in long covid sufferers. What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the impact of this on potential resources for the health service?
Minister reply
We are worried about long covid and its various impacts, including lung scarring and neurological effects. The services, response, and research need to be targeted at different types of long covid symptoms. I am happy to arrange a discussion between Mike Amesbury and our clinical leaders on this topic.
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Question
When will we find out the results of the test event at Wembley for sports events like the Euros in the future?
Minister reply
The results of the test event at Wembley will be known in the next few weeks. We are working with the Culture Secretary and Minister for Sport to assess the data from this pilot, along with other pilots such as the Brits and snooker at the Crucible.
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Question
What is being done about concerns raised by Hounslow director of public health regarding covid-infected seafarers being transported to hotels without quarantine or prompt notification to local teams?
Minister reply
I pay tribute to the team who have put together the managed quarantine service, which has run smoothly. We are always happy to hear feedback and improve the system.
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Question
Can you set out more detail on how the move toward some second doses after eight weeks will be implemented for those who have already booked their 12-week appointment?
Minister reply
We are inviting people over 50 to rebook their vaccination from eight weeks after—not before eight weeks. They can do this through the national booking system or by calling 119, and we are texting them if we have their numbers.
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Question
Can you confirm that there were no discussions about economic consequences when deciding to put India on the red list later than Pakistan and Bangladesh?
Minister reply
The decision was based purely on health considerations, as recommended by the Joint Biosecurity Centre. The increase in overall rates of positivity from these countries led us to take a precautionary approach.
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Question
What is considered good practice for persuading hard-to-reach groups to get vaccinated?
Minister reply
There are numerous examples, including setting up vaccination centres near communities with doctors and clinicians from those backgrounds, such as the work done in Leicester. People from around the world have been coming via Zoom to talk about these innovative practices.