-
Question
Mr Gullis asks about plans to protect ethnic minority communities from the virus, highlighting disproportionate infections and deaths in these groups. He raises concerns over potential vaccine hesitancy due to historical mistrust and asks how the minister intends to address this issue.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the importance of addressing disparities affecting ethnic minorities, including ensuring they have access to healthcare and encouraging vaccination through community engagement programmes.
-
Question
Ms Frazer inquires about support for businesses impacted by the pandemic, specifically asking if any additional financial assistance will be provided as restrictions are lifted.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that financial support packages remain under review and emphasises the importance of economic recovery while protecting public health.
-
Question
Mr Lucas questions the minister on whether a national framework for local lockdowns will be maintained, given the variability in regional infection rates.
Minister reply
The Minister responds that while the Government is moving towards lifting restrictions, they remain vigilant about local outbreaks and may reintroduce measures if necessary.
-
Question
Mr Morris asks for clarity on statutory sick pay support during isolation periods as people return to work.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the importance of supporting those in self-isolation and highlights ongoing discussions about enhancing this provision.
-
Question
Mr Twigg questions whether there will be a public health warning system to inform people of local outbreaks.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that guidance on localised measures remains under consideration, prioritising both freedom and safety.
-
Question
Mr Brennan inquires about the Government's plans for mitigating potential future surges or new variants, particularly concerning the risk to elderly populations.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges ongoing efforts to monitor and prepare for variant risks and stresses the importance of vaccination coverage in protecting vulnerable groups.
-
Question
The MP paid tribute to NHS on its 73rd anniversary and criticised the proposed real-terms pay cut. He questioned the strategy's acceptance of rising infections, hospitalisations, deaths, and long-term chronic illness despite low vaccination rates. The MP also asked about acceptable death and morbidity numbers when living with covid, risk assessments for new variants, and reasons for abandoning mask mandates.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged reassurance that decisions would be based on expert data. He emphasised the reduced link between cases and deaths due to vaccines and treatments despite rising case numbers. On masks, he encouraged voluntary compliance but not legal requirements, trusting people's sensible decisions. Regarding compensation and sick pay, he stated measures are in place and under review.
-
Question
The MP supported the Secretary of State’s approach due to vaccine effectiveness against delta variant but highlighted global case numbers rising. He suggested improving test and trace as crucial for preventing further lockdowns, citing Korean success. The MP asked for new advice on enhancing test and trace efficacy.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked Jeremy Hunt for support and acknowledged the need for improvements in test and trace despite past successes. He confirmed requesting such advice from officials.
-
Question
As cases soar across the UK due to the delta variant, criticises the Health Secretary's plan to end all COVID measures and raises concerns over vaccine resistance and long-term impacts of the virus.
Minister reply
Defends against accusations of irresponsibility and scaremongering; acknowledges higher case rates in Scotland but dismisses comparisons with flu, insisting on learning to live with the virus despite its serious impact.
-
Question
Welcomes the new Health Secretary and urges recognition for teachers during the pandemic; calls for international cooperation.
Minister reply
Acknowledges previous support for residential leaseholders, confirms plans to publish further guidance and engage in international efforts through G7 and COVAX.
-
Question
Asks about guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable individuals and pregnant women regarding the second dose timing.
Minister reply
Confirms publishing further guidance; agrees to take advice on adjusting second doses timing for pregnant women.
-
Question
Expresses concern about high case rates in his constituency, particularly among elderly and vulnerable groups.
Minister reply
Acknowledges concerns over worsening case rates but emphasises focus on hospitalisation and death rates; offers to meet for further discussion.
-
Question
Queries the alignment of Northern Ireland's approach with England’s cautious easing of restrictions.
Minister reply
Confirms ongoing close coordination between Health counterparts in Northern Ireland and commitment to regular discussions.
-
Question
Welcomes statement, focusing on the need for continued vaccine roll-out and addressing other health conditions like mental health and cancer.
Minister reply
Acknowledges increased non-COVID health issues; mentions evidence of 40,000 people missing out on cancer referrals due to pandemic.
-
Question
Asks about discussions regarding cross-border rail travel restrictions with the Welsh Government and Secretary of State for Transport.
Minister reply
Confirms ongoing coordination efforts between England, Wales, and transport authorities despite differences in approach.
-
Question
Acknowledges the vaccine's impact on breaking the link between cases and hospitalisation; asks about NHS resources to address cancer backlog.
Minister reply
Assures of continued focus and resource allocation for clearing the NHS backlog, highlighting ongoing government funding initiatives.
-
Question
All the warm words from the Secretary of State towards the NHS were demolished by his attitude towards a breast cancer surgeon. He should apologise to Dr Whitford for those comments and not use the escalation of cases in Scotland as a political tool.
Minister reply
I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman.
-
Question
The Prime Minister has confirmed there will be contingency measures for winter, even if they are not legal restrictions. Can the Secretary of State confirm what these measures are and publish them so Members can scrutinise them?
Minister reply
We will keep in place No. 3 regulations until the end of September to respond to local outbreaks. There is no intention at this point that those powers will be used, but it is necessary to have them in case.
-
Question
Why does the Health Secretary not apply the same logic to mask-wearing as he applies to restricting speed on motorways?
Minister reply
We need to learn to live with covid, which means removing restrictions. The vaccine programme is providing defence against the virus.
-
Question
Will we never again sacrifice free enterprise, freedom of association and freedom of worship in order to manage hospital admissions?
Minister reply
I take it from that that my right hon. Friend is pleased with today’s announcements.
-
Question
What advice has he received about the potential for new variants and what contingencies have been planned for containing an outbreak?
Minister reply
We will continue to monitor for new variants, have border restrictions, and keep test, trace and isolate procedures in place.
-
Question
Will swift action be taken to ensure children can return to school without further damage?
Minister reply
Yes, we plan to remove bubbles and end the requirement for early years settings, schools and colleges to carry out contact tracing routinely on 19 July.
-
Question
Is it important to avoid mixed messages and encourage everyone to continue good hygiene practices?
Minister reply
People have the freedom to wear a mask if they wish, but it will not be mandated by law. In certain settings, many people would choose to wear masks.
-
Question
What is the plan for the immunosuppressed? Will they be allowed tests for spike antibody levels on the NHS and a booster before September?
Minister reply
We are still considering what more we can do to give confidence to the immunosuppressed, and we will say more shortly.
-
Question
Wearing masks would make sense and reassure people. Will the Secretary of State accept that requiring them on public transport, in essential shops and similar locations would be sensible?
Minister reply
No one is suggesting that because of vaccines, the link between cases and hospitalisation has been completely broken. The data shows a significant weakening.
-
Question
Can the Secretary of State reassure voluntary and third-sector bodies such as Cheadle Together Trust that they will be included in the design of health and social care?
Minister reply
We will continue to work with them, and I think we should give them recognition at a suitable moment.
-
Question
Telling people to live with the virus while denying basic financial support is a dereliction of duty. What about the self-isolation payment?
Minister reply
We will continue to provide support, including financial support for those isolating and finding things difficult.
-
Question
What talks have you had with the EU to resolve issues regarding three batches of AstraZeneca vaccines affecting 5 million people?
Minister reply
All doses used in the UK are subject to rigorous safety and quality checks, including individual batch testing.
-
Question
When can British families expect to get back the same freedoms that other Europeans and Americans enjoy?
Minister reply
This will happen very soon, and the Secretary of State for Transport will have more to say on this.
-
Question
Asked the new Secretary of State for a change in policy regarding test and trace, specifically whether contacts of double-vaccinated individuals will continue to be forced into isolation for 10 days.
Minister reply
The minister indicated that he would make a statement to Parliament on the issue, likely the following day.
-
Question
Asked when the Health Secretary will deliver on the Prime Minister’s promise to implement Professor Sir Michael Marmot's recommendations to address structural socioeconomic inequalities that have exacerbated unequal covid death tolls across England.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged the importance of addressing inequalities and assured that Public Health England and the chief medical officer are looking into it, with a report to Ministers expected shortly.
-
Question
Asked for clarity on the government's guidance regarding face coverings in crowded spaces, whether this will be legally mandated or voluntary, and what private businesses can mandate outside of official guidance.
Minister reply
The minister stated that the guidance encourages common sense usage of face coverings based on personal judgment about surroundings and vulnerability. It is up to individual business owners to decide their own policies.