← Back to House of Commons Debates
Covid-19 Inquiry 2025-01-16
16 January 2025
Lead MP
Pat McFadden
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHS
Other Contributors: 29
At a Glance
Pat McFadden raised concerns about covid-19 inquiry 2025-01-16 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
In his statement, Pat McFadden acknowledged Baroness Hallett's report on the UK's preparedness for the pandemic and committed to implementing improvements based on her findings. He highlighted the Government's efforts to strengthen national resilience through reviews, cabinet committees, training academies, and emergency alerts. McFadden also announced new commitments such as a full national pandemic response exercise, a national vulnerability map, and an updated national risk register.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Mr Richard Holden acknowledged the Government's efforts to improve cross-governmental communication and data sharing in response to Baroness Hallett’s report. He supported the direction of the Government's actions, particularly their intention to strengthen Cabinet Office leadership in crisis coordination.
Supports Government direction and acknowledges mapping improvements for vulnerabilities. Mentions positive spirit among devolved Governments in public protection efforts. Stresses importance of accountability, challenge groups, and timely publication of findings from pandemic exercises.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Questions the Minister about readiness for senior Ministers to act quickly during a crisis, based on past recommendations.
Mid Sussex
Welcomes pandemic response exercise but seeks further clarity on frequency of future exercises and funding plans. Emphasises importance of public health investment and legal rights for family contact in healthcare settings.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Expresses skepticism about the report's value, questioning its cost-effectiveness and whether it addresses fundamental questions such as the origin of the virus or cost-benefit analysis of lockdown decisions.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Expressed concerns about the length of time taken by the public inquiry, suggesting that it is taking far too long. He questioned whether there could be a quicker way for the state to admit when it is wrong and get justice for victims.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Echoed concerns about the length of time taken by the inquiry. He asked how the Government could learn from other countries' lessons-learned exercises to ensure quicker urgent responses in future emergencies.
Responded to questions raised by the shadow minister, discussing the balance between admitting when the state is wrong and ensuring that inquiries remain independent and provide a voice for victims. Emphasised the need for accountability within Whitehall while also recognising local successes during the pandemic.
Ben Coleman
Lab
Chelsea and Fulham
Welcomed the idea of creating a national vulnerability map and expressed relief at the orderly approach being taken to address past chaos. Asked whether the Minister would come regularly to the House to update on implementation progress.
Danny Kruger
Con
East Wiltshire
Agreed with the need for a stronger centre and more accountable Cabinet Office but also highlighted the resilience shown by local communities during the pandemic. Asked whether the focus would be on improving Whitehall's response while ensuring local community resilience.
Lizzi Collinge
Lab
Morecambe and Lunesdale
Called for accountability regarding the former Government’s actions, noting that a global viral pandemic was long anticipated by public health experts. Emphasised the need to ensure support reaches vulnerable people more quickly in future incidents.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Asked for assurance of clear chain of command during future crises, highlighting previous difficulties with devolved Administrations. Emphasised the importance of public protection over political considerations.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Welcomed the Minister's statement and highlighted that vulnerable groups were disproportionately affected by the pandemic, asking what steps are being taken to ensure quicker support for them in future.
Cheltenham
Asked about the approach to risk during future pandemics and whether children's voices would be heard more in such discussions. Emphasised the mental health impact on children from pandemic restrictions.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Welcomed the Minister's statement, highlighting the lack of preparedness due to ignored exercises and declining national public health. Asked about the relationship between the centre and local public health teams.
Speaker
not named
Opened the debate with comments on political attacks on the Conservative Party and the need for MPs to have better access to information.
Defended the Government's handling of the pandemic, emphasised the importance of holding the Government accountable for resource allocation decisions, welcomed a national pandemic response exercise, committed to reporting outcomes and ensuring oversight, sought recovery of funds lost through dodgy contracts, reaffirmed the importance of key workers in future pandemics.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Welcomed the national pandemic response exercise but questioned whether it would be effectively implemented and pressed for an update on recovery from wasteful PPE contracts.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
Pressed for reassurance that devolved Governments will be consulted and involved, questioned the effectiveness of efforts to recover funds lost through dodgy contracts during the pandemic.
Andrew Lewin
Lab
Welwyn Hatfield
Highlighted the value of key workers during the pandemic and called for measures in future pandemics to ensure their protection and support.
Christchurch
Raised concerns about victims of covid-19 vaccines and questioned the effectiveness of the vaccine damage payment scheme.
Allison Gardner
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent South
Emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary research, particularly in developing risk prediction models, and asked about the assessment of current government-funded projects.
Solihull West and Shirley
Highlighted the need for robust epidemiological research and asked for a detailed assessment of current research projects commissioned by the Government.
Antonia Bance
Lab
Tipton and Wednesbury
Asked for assurances that insecure workers would be treated as vulnerable in crisis planning and resilience building, and called for unions to be key stakeholders in this process.
North Norfolk
Inquired about the specifics of the Government's response to module 1, particularly concerning Chris Whitty’s report on coastal communities' vulnerabilities and the opportunity for better citizen data storage and use.
Helena Dollimore
Lab/Co-op
Hastings and Rye
Expressed concern over the UK's underpreparedness for the covid pandemic, citing dengue fever as a potential threat due to climate change. Asked about steps taken by the Government to improve preparedness.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Critiqued the length and cost of the inquiry, suggesting it is not asking the right questions. Requested full transparency for the results of a pandemic exercise.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
Emphasised the role of faith communities in supporting vulnerable individuals during the pandemic and urged involvement in local resilience planning.
Jo White
Lab
Bassetlaw
Paid tribute to those who lost their lives due to the pandemic, including volunteers who stepped up to support others. Asked for recognition of volunteer efforts from Parliament.
Government Response
Emphasises improved data gathering for vulnerability mapping. Reports positive co-operation among devolved Governments on public protection issues, stressing that accountability lies with the Government despite independent input from advisory groups. Acknowledges plans for further pandemic exercises and highlights Budget investments in NHS to strengthen national resilience. Responded to concerns raised, emphasising the importance of balance between admitting when the state is wrong and maintaining inquiry independence. Discussed the need for a stronger centre and accountable Cabinet Office while also recognising local community resilience during the pandemic. Defended the Government's handling of the pandemic, committed to reporting outcomes from national pandemic response exercise, reaffirmed efforts to recover funds lost through dodgy contracts, emphasised the importance of key workers during the pandemic and called for measures in future pandemics to ensure their protection and support. Acknowledged concerns about preparedness and transparency. Stated that findings from future exercises will be made public and expected to highlight areas needing improvement. Pledged involvement of faith communities in resilience planning and praised volunteers' efforts during the pandemic.
Shadow Response
Richard Holden
Shadow Response
Mr Richard Holden commended the Minister for his statement and acknowledged the challenging nature of the pandemic response. He expressed support for the Government's direction on strengthening cross-governmental communication and coordination, building upon previous work initiated by the last government.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.