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Question
The shadow Secretary of State questioned why specific countries were added to the red list and not a wider group. He also asked whether further countries would be considered for addition over coming days, suggesting that PCR tests should be required on arrival from non-red-listed countries with detected cases.
Minister reply
In response, Javid acknowledged the complexity of the situation but did not provide specific details about future decisions regarding additional red-listing. He emphasised the collaborative approach and alignment with international partners.
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Question
Norris inquired about aid cuts' potential impact on vaccine distribution to low-income countries, the destruction of 600,000 expired doses in August, and measures ensuring stockpiles reach other countries.
Minister reply
The minister did not provide a direct response but reiterated the importance of global cooperation and ongoing efforts to manage vaccine supplies effectively.
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Question
He asked for assurances that testing would remain an integral part of the approach, refuting rumours about Test and Trace scaling down further.
Minister reply
Javid did not provide a specific commitment but emphasised the Government's continuous monitoring of the situation to ensure appropriate measures are in place.
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Question
Norris urged for addressing sick pay and revisiting cost-free measures like mask-wearing in public spaces, emphasising the need for support in schools and businesses.
Minister reply
The minister did not provide a detailed response but highlighted the ongoing importance of vaccination efforts and adherence to current health guidelines.
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Question
The shadow Minister questions why specific countries have been added to the red list and whether further additions are under consideration. He raises concerns about testing capacity and calls for more robust measures, such as mask-wearing in public spaces.
Minister reply
We are primarily considering where the new variant has been detected and will keep this under review. Testing remains a crucial part of our response. The minister also emphasises the importance of vaccinations and encourages people to get their booster shots.
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Question
My right hon. Friend questions the potential severity of the new variant on the health service.
Minister reply
The analysis is correct; however, we do not have enough information yet about the severity of the variant but are working with international partners to find out more.
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Question
The hon. Lady asks for clear leadership on ensuring face coverings, social distancing and high levels of hygiene are instituted.
Minister reply
The current policies remain in place but will be kept under review if further measures are needed.
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Question
My hon. Friend asks about bringing a nasal vaccine to market as trials show high efficacy.
Minister reply
Until such vaccines are approved by our independent regulator, we will not be able to pursue them.
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Question
The right hon. Gentleman raises concerns about vaccine inequality and asks if surplus doses should be distributed.
Minister reply
We have offered vaccines bilaterally or through the COVAX programme whenever we identify surplus ones, and will continue to urge international partners to do all they can.
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Question
The hon. Friend commends the Government for taking swift action and urges everyone to get vaccinated.
Minister reply
There has been excellent co-ordination across the UK on this matter and urges people eligible for a booster shot to go out this weekend and make it their booster weekend.
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Question
Recognises the Secretary of State's swift response to the new variant. Asks if there has been any information received from South Africa about the impact on children, and whether second doses will be offered for children in the UK.
Minister reply
Has not yet received specific information regarding the impact on children but is awaiting expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
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Question
Welcomes the Government’s swift response to the new variant and asks if they will continue moving at the earliest possible opportunity as the situation develops.
Minister reply
Commits to continuing actions swiftly, as evidenced by their recent measures taken only two or three days after identifying the variant's significance.
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Question
Acknowledges the importance of vaccinations and asks what is being done to increase vaccination rates in areas with low take-up, particularly in Nottingham.
Minister reply
Emphasises ongoing efforts including improved access points for vaccines, enhanced communication strategies, and continued work with community leaders.
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Question
Asks about the results of the PRINCIPLE trial involving Ivermectin as a potential treatment for covid-19.
Minister reply
Reassures that UK is actively engaged with ongoing trials but cannot provide an exact date for when the results will be available.
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Question
Thanks for the prompt statement regarding travel restrictions. Asks about assistance given to sports teams in South Africa, and coordination with devolved Administrations.
Minister reply
Explains that no action will be taken to bring teams back before the deadline but assures ongoing support for British tourists and athletes coming home.
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Question
Asks about an estimated timeline for how long the measures announced might be necessary.
Minister reply
Due to uncertainties around the variant, no specific timeline can currently be provided.
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Question
Questions why Ministers are opposing a WTO waiver of intellectual property rules for developing countries to produce vaccines.
Minister reply
Explains that such waivers could hinder vaccine development in future pandemics, and highlights importance of appropriate pricing and access policies by companies.
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Question
Asks for assistance in boosting the booster programme locally to ease accessibility issues.
Minister reply
Commits to reviewing local needs and suggests immediate meetings with local officials to address access points in Kettering.
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Question
Asks for strategies to persuade vaccine-hesitant individuals to get vaccinated.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the challenge and highlights ongoing community outreach, social media campaigns, and willingness to consider new ideas.
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Question
Confirms policy on banning flights from countries added to the red list until quarantine measures are in place.
Minister reply
Explains that temporary bans will be implemented to ensure effective quarantine systems, and similar decisions may apply to new additions.
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Question
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right to take the new variants as seriously as he does. Given the critical importance of the need to avoid damage to children’s education and development and the economic havoc that more lockdowns would bring, if the news from our world-class scientists who are analysing the effectiveness of our existing vaccines against the new variants is positive, what assessment has my right hon. Friend made of the ability to stretch the booster programme to bring it down through the age categories as we head into winter, thereby getting boosters into more arms sooner than the six-month gap?
Minister reply
Regardless of the news about this variant, the booster programme remains crucial. In fact, as I said earlier, it is even more important because of this news. My hon. Friend asked about whether the programme can be extended to lower age categories; as he knows, boosters were extended to the 40-to-49 age group on Monday, and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is already considering whether the programme can be extended further. I await its advice.