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Question
The MP inquired about infection peaks, long-term health impacts from infections, hospitalisation risks for vaccinated people, NHS capacity concerns, and the implications on waiting lists and patient care due to increased admissions.
Minister reply
The minister responded by emphasising the protective effects of vaccination but acknowledged ongoing risks. He did not provide specific percentages for bed occupancy before wider NHS compromise but focused on restoring freedoms based on current data.
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Question
The MP questioned the lack of financial incentive to stay at home during self-isolation and urged sick pay reform. He also raised concerns about immunocompromised individuals losing protections with mask removal.
Minister reply
The minister did not explicitly address sick pay reforms or specific messages for blood cancer patients but emphasised the importance of easing restrictions proportionately based on current data.
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Question
Inquired about the expected peak of infections, potential long-term health impacts of rising cases, concerns over hospital admissions affecting NHS backlog, and requested measures to incentivise sick pay. Also highlighted issues around mask-wearing for immunocompromised individuals.
Minister reply
Admitted that infections could reach 100,000 daily by summer but emphasised the protective role of vaccines in weakening links between cases and severe outcomes. Reiterated plans for a booster programme to maintain immunity. Addressed concerns over non-covid health issues exacerbated by pandemic restrictions and advised immuno-suppressed individuals to consult GPs for tailored precautions.
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Question
Asked about the workforce and capital requirements needed to address the cancer backlog resulting from delayed treatments during the pandemic.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the urgency of tackling the cancer backlog due to pandemic restrictions, noted prioritising both workforce and infrastructure needs. Agreed to appear before the Health Select Committee in September.
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Question
Criticised past government decisions on timing of lockdowns, border controls, red-listing India, and recent surge in cases despite incomplete vaccination coverage. Questioned the wisdom of lifting mask requirements.
Minister reply
Defended the decision to move from mandatory mask-wearing rules to guidance based on vaccine efficacy, emphasising that the government's approach remains informed by scientific advice.
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Question
Questions the Secretary of State about a case where an NHS intensive care doctor contracted covid-19, subsequently developed long covid, and was issued with papers to file for statutory sick pay at the jobcentre. Asks whether it is fair that frontline staff stand to lose their salary entirely.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the issue raised and offers to look into the case if provided details. Thanks NHS workers for their sacrifices during the pandemic.
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Question
Asks why vaccine take-up appears to be falling despite the UK's high success rate in comparison with other countries. Inquires about steps being taken to increase take-up.
Minister reply
States that four fifths of adults have had at least one jab and three fifths have had two jabs, and mentions plans such as shortening the gap between doses for under-40s.
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Question
Recognises the need for a risk-free approach but asks about steps to meet psychological needs of young people with cancer who have had their treatment delayed due to covid.
Minister reply
Acknowledges increased mental health issues and mentions providing more funding for mental health, though a long-term sustainable plan is needed.
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Question
Inquires about the negotiations with Europe regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine made in India and its implications on digital covid certificates for travel to Europe.
Minister reply
Confirms discussions with European friends are ongoing to ensure that they have all necessary facts.
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Question
Cites a Health Foundation report on the UK’s high and unequal covid death toll, highlighting disparities among ethnic minorities, disabled people, and those in poverty. Asks when Government will implement recommendations to address these inequalities.
Minister reply
States that he is looking closely at the recommendations and acknowledges disproportionate impacts on certain communities.
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Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Question
Asks if daily infection, hospital admission and death statistics can be broken down by age group and vaccination status to show benefits of vaccinations.
Minister reply
Confirms that providing more information on vaccine take-up could help people see the benefits.
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Question
Warns about a potential flu surge due to lack of recent exposure, asks if masks should be kept compulsory on public transport.
Minister reply
Announces plans for a booster programme in September starting with vulnerable groups and integrating flu vaccine.
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Question
Inquires about steps to encourage GPs to see patients face-to-face which would help address challenges.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need for GP access back to normal and announces that changes will be made as vaccine programme settles down.
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Question
Asks about where Public Health England’s public mental health and suicide prevention work will sit in the new arrangements.
Minister reply
Acknowledges rise in depression due to pandemic restrictions and plans to publish a statement on mental health.
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Question
Asks about role of booster vaccines in ensuring we do not go back into lockdown, specifically for the most vulnerable and those over 50.
Minister reply
Agrees that providing additional booster jabs will strengthen protection from the current vaccine programme.
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Question
Expresses condolences for Father Stan Swamy and criticises the Secretary of State's comments, requesting information from Porton Down and MHRA on lateral flow devices and exceptional usage authorisation.
Minister reply
Associates himself with the MP’s condolences. Acknowledges receipt of requested information but notes that he is not fully aware of it. He will look into the matter and write back to the MP.
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Question
Welcomes the statement from the Secretary of State, highlighting the UK’s portfolio of 517 million vaccine doses as evidence of world-leading effort in securing a route out of the pandemic.
Minister reply
Agrees with his hon. Friend's comments and acknowledges that the UK has been world-leading in terms of its vaccination programme.
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Question
Asks about contingency planning for new, more dangerous variants resistant to vaccines.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the risk of new variants. States that border controls are staying in place and test, track and isolate policies will remain to detect any changes in the virus.
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Question
Raises concerns for immunosuppressed individuals whose vaccines may not be as effective.
Minister reply
Commits to providing guidance on how those who are immunocompromised can protect themselves better through GP consultations and new guidelines.
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Question
Questions the aim of allowing a third wave now rather than in winter, requesting estimates on excess deaths and cases of long covid.
Minister reply
States that no one wants another wave of covid but argues that vaccine link between case numbers and hospitalizations has been weakened.
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Question
Confirms booster vaccines availability this winter for Southend residents, inquires about the efficiency.
Minister reply
Confirm that the booster programme will start in September. He mentions ongoing advice from JCVI on exact implementation.
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Question
Inquires about health officials' advice regarding ventilation measures for schools.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the question, mentions continued funding for adjustments and measures to help schools.
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Question
Asks about additional resources for NHS to manage increased emergency department attendances.
Minister reply
Explains that increased A&E demand is due to people not accessing GP services during the pandemic, indicating easing of restrictions can help.
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Question
Discusses vaccine hesitancy among young people and resources for those suffering from long covid.
Minister reply
Confirms over £90 billion in funding to NHS, including support for those with long covid. Shortens jab interval to ensure younger individuals get full protection by September.
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Question
Asks about vaccinating people under 18 and measures regarding social care and discharge pressures.
Minister reply
Acknowledges winter pressures, mentions ongoing plans in the Department to address medical evidence for under-18 vaccination.
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Question
The Secretary of State stated last week that he was looking at the numbers carefully after being appointed. No doubt he has looked at Japan and Korea, where death rates are lower than in the UK. In light of this success, what does the Secretary of State think we should be doing?
Minister reply
While it is true that some countries like Japan and Korea have lower death rates, these differences cannot solely be attributed to mask-wearing policies. The primary reason for our recent easing of restrictions was due to high vaccination rates, which are significantly higher in the UK compared to these other nations.
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Question
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on children's mental and physical wellbeing due to lockdowns. Will my right hon. Friend set out what measures he is taking, as we return to normal, to focus on the health of our young people?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend raises important points about the negative impacts of lockdowns on children. Reports of child abuse have increased dramatically during this time due to reduced in-person schooling and support systems for children. The measures announced yesterday aim to address these issues and improve children’s wellbeing.
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Question
Why has the Secretary of State ignored calls from the Labour party to put in place measures such as air filtration, improved ventilation and CO2 monitoring to reduce risk in indoor spaces, particularly in hospitals and care homes?
Minister reply
The Government have provided significant funding during the pandemic for measures like better air filtration and ventilation in care homes. Funding has been made available to providers to introduce and fund these safety measures.
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Question
In the event of a new variant leading to decreased vaccine efficacy, what extra steps is his Department taking to ensure this winter does not repeat last year's challenges?
Minister reply
A large number of tests are conducted daily and genome sequencing capabilities have improved significantly. This information helps in developing new vaccines as needed. A booster programme will continue into next year and beyond, ensuring we stay ahead of potential changes in the virus.
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Question
Medical professionals often find themselves pinged due to contact with an infected person and are required to self-isolate for 10 days. This can lead to a build-up of cases as medical staff become unavailable. Can he see whether there is some way, at least for medical staff, of bringing forward the August date?
Minister reply
The measures announced will help those who are pinged and include all healthcare workers. The decision to stick with 16 August was based on public health advice; by then, many more people will be double-vaccinated, providing an additional layer of protection.
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Question
Primary care has shouldered the brunt of vaccine deployment and many GP surgeries are not yet back to full capacity. Will my right hon. Friend do all he can to ensure that primary care services are able to recover fully?
Minister reply
Yes, I assure my hon. Friend. Extra resources have been put in place and measures announced today will help, including those for self-isolation policies which will benefit NHS and primary care providers.