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Covid-19 Update
05 January 2022
Lead MP
Boris Johnson
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSEmployment
Other Contributors: 65
At a Glance
Boris Johnson raised concerns about covid-19 update 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:
Government Statement
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, made a statement on the omicron variant of the coronavirus. He acknowledged the efforts of NHS staff in vaccinating over 10 million people since the launch of the Get Boosted Now campaign. The UK has now administered more than 34 million booster doses across all nations and 90% of those aged 70 and above have been vaccinated, compared to just over 85% of those aged 50-69 years. Despite this high vaccination rate, hospital admissions are increasing rapidly, with over 15,000 patients in hospitals in England alone as of the statement date. The Prime Minister decided to extend plan B measures for another three weeks until January 26th to manage NHS pressures and allow boosters to take effect.
He also highlighted that free lateral flow tests will be provided to critical workers from January 10th, including those in national security, transport, food distribution, and processing. The Government will suspend the need for a PCR test following a positive lateral flow test to ease testing capacity. Regarding travel restrictions, Boris Johnson announced plans to scrap pre-departure testing and self-isolation requirements on arrival, returning to previous measures from October last year. He called upon both parties in the House to encourage their constituents to take up booster shots.
Angela Rayner
Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Question
The shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care urges the Prime Minister to give a frank assessment of the state of our NHS. She mentions hospital trusts declaring critical incidents, asking how many and what plans are in place. Additionally, she criticises the Government's handling of testing capacity and their reliance on Chinese tests.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister responded by emphasising that the UK has the largest booster campaign in Europe and is taking balanced measures to protect NHS while allowing people to live with covid without shutting down the country completely. He also acknowledged the need for more robust testing infrastructure and mentioned investments made in antivirals and Nightingale hospitals.
Angela Rayner
Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Question
The MP questioned the Prime Minister's approach to handling the omicron wave, expressing concern over NHS strain and the lack of preparedness for such scenarios. She also criticised the government’s testing regime and accused it of underestimating test shortages.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister defended the government's testing capabilities and investments in healthcare services, emphasising that more tests were being conducted than anywhere else in Europe. He highlighted increases in staff numbers across various medical sectors and criticised the opposition for opposing funding measures.
Theresa May
Con
South West Norfolk
Question
The MP praised the Prime Minister's approach to handling the omicron variant, questioning whether future variants would be met with similar caution or if more restrictions would be considered.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister affirmed his government’s cautious but balanced approach and highlighted ongoing investment in vaccine research for future mutations.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye & Lochaber
Question
The MP criticised the Prime Minister's decision to 'ride out' the omicron wave rather than implementing more restrictive measures. He pointed out that hospitals were already overwhelmed and questioned the government's ability to act decisively.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister rejected the criticism, suggesting that it was unhelpful for the opposition to make such accusations.
Bob Seely
Con
South Wight
Question
Expressed concern about the use of modelling and forecasts in response to the pandemic, citing comments from scientists who described them as 'almost hysterical,' 'lurid,' 'spectacularly wrong,' and 'consistently overconfident.' He asked whether the Prime Minister trusts the current models being used and if an inquiry into their accuracy would be considered.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of understanding the limitations of models, which are not forecasts but projections based on available data. Emphasised that when overly pessimistic assumptions were fed into models about disease severity during the Omicron surge, results were exaggerated. Stressed the usefulness of projections and the need to support independent scientists.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
Called for measures to address NHS capacity issues, including rewarding staff who work until retirement or return from it, dealing with gender pay gaps that affect retention, providing sabbaticals, and addressing the issue of overtime compensation.
Minister reply
Announced efforts to ensure flexibility in the NHS workforce by facilitating easier movement between different healthcare settings. Mentioned initiatives such as recruiting more staff and bringing retired doctors back into service. Highlighted a significant increase in NHS staffing numbers this year.
Greg Clark
Con
Islington North
Question
Inquired about the possibility of providing fourth booster doses to healthcare workers based on recent UK Health Security Agency findings that suggest waning protection against infection after 10 weeks from a third dose.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is continuously reviewing the need for additional booster doses.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Question
Expressed worry about children missing out on learning due to school closures amid high infection rates, and proposed a catch-up programme funded by £30 vouchers per day of missed schooling.
Minister reply
Stressed the importance of keeping schools open and investing in comprehensive catch-up programmes. Mentioned an existing £5 billion investment aimed at helping pupils who have fallen behind.
Maria Miller
Con
Basingstoke
Question
Asked for consideration regarding younger individuals who were eligible but unable to receive their booster doses due to delays, and whether any new measures could ease access restrictions.
Minister reply
Agreed it would be unfair to insist on boosters as proof of full vaccination until younger people have had a chance to get boosted.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Question
Questioned the Prime Minister’s call for extensive testing without ensuring adequate supplies were available.
Minister reply
Defended the NHS's efforts to increase testing capacity threefold, despite initial shortages. Emphasised that Britain is now testing more per head than any other European country.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
Question
Asked for a plan detailing when normality might be restored and restrictions eased.
Minister reply
Reiterated the current plan of implementing 'plan B' measures to boost vaccination rates, aiming for a return to near-normal conditions once omicron has run its course. Assured that businesses will regain confidence.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Question
Inquired about steps being taken to ensure proportionate visiting rules in care homes, following concerns raised by the Joint Committee on Human Rights.
Minister reply
Reiterated sympathy for those unable to visit loved ones in care homes. Described a system allowing unlimited-duration visits for three nominated persons as an improvement over earlier restrictions.
Robert Buckland
Con
South Swindon
Question
Expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's statement and asked for assurance that his local hospital, the Great Western Hospital, would receive necessary support during a critical incident.
Minister reply
Offered full support to the hospital leadership during this difficult period, emphasising funding and resources made available through government initiatives.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
Will the Prime Minister take this opportunity to join me in thanking the Welsh Labour Government for sharing 4 million tests with England?
Minister reply
Actually, the UK Government have supplied tests to the whole country. We are very proud to collaborate with people and testing organisations throughout the country.
Robert Jenrick
Reform
Newark
Question
What assurance can my right hon Friend give to me and parents throughout the country that masks in schools will be constantly reviewed?
Minister reply
I can give my right hon Friend a categorical assurance that masks in schools will last not a day longer than we need them.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
What additional steps will the Prime Minister take to ensure that Greater Manchester’s hospitals do not become critically overwhelmed?
Minister reply
What we are doing is supporting hospitals in Greater Manchester and up and down the country with record investment. We supplement staff by calling doctors back to the colours, using volunteers, new therapeutic treatments, and all the extra things that we are doing.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Question
What can we do to boost vaccination rates around the world?
Minister reply
The UK has put £478 million into COVAX and pledged to deliver 100 million surplus vaccines around the world by June this year.
Kim Leadbeater
Lab
Spen Valley
Question
Can the Prime Minister admit that communication with schools needs to be better and more could have been done before schools returned?
Minister reply
I share what the hon Lady said about the amazing work being done by teachers. We communicate with them the whole time.
Question
Will the Prime Minister look closely at possible future reward and recognition payments to NHS staff for their extra efforts this winter?
Minister reply
I thank my hon Friend very much. He makes an important point about the record of the Opposition, because the pressure on the NHS is caused by the limit to the number of beds.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
Given the changes to testing arrangements announced today, does the previous advice for care homes still hold?
Minister reply
No, it does not, and I will make sure that the right hon Gentleman is advised on the new arrangements.
Question
Will my right hon Friend enact big Nightingale centres like we had in Preston?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon Friend, but what we are doing is ensuring that we support hospitals up and down the country with more staff and facilities.
Question
Will the Prime Minister throw his weight behind calls to modernise Parliament's remote provision?
Minister reply
I am grateful to the hon Lady. I think I speak for everybody here when I say what we want to see is the House getting back to normal business as fast as possible.
Question
What is the long-term plan for living with covid in 2022, and could it include changes to mandatory isolation?
Minister reply
We will continue to keep isolation timings under review. As I said earlier, we have a good chance of getting through this difficult wave and getting back to something like normality as fast as possible.
Question
May I ask what percentage will report their positive lateral flow test results, and what impact non-reporting will have on our ability to analyse new variants?
Minister reply
Throughout the pandemic, the public has continually surprised on the upside with their determination. A very high proportion of them continue to do the right thing.
Question
When will he set out a plan to live normally with this virus forever?
Minister reply
If my right hon Friend looks at what we are doing, he will see that measures expire on 26 January. Whatever the situation may be then, we will continue with vaccination, therapeutics and testing.
Helen Morgan
Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Question
Inquired about the Prime Minister's commitment to support a full and proper review of ambulance services by the Care Quality Commission due to the crisis in emergency care.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the need for the ambulance service but highlighted that £55 million has been invested and 500 more staff have been added since 2018.
none provided
Question
Asked about international recognition of Britain's handling of the omicron variant and expressed concerns over the accuracy of statements made by Labour Members.
Minister reply
Stressed that Britain was praised for its approach to omicron, emphasising that it is because of extensive vaccination, testing, and antiviral measures. He also defended against accusations of cancelling cancer operations.
Zarah Sultana
Your Party
Coventry South
Question
Called for better support and protection for NHS workers, including proper PPE and a significant pay rise.
Minister reply
Responded that the government has invested record sums in the NHS and there are more doctors and nurses now than last year. Suggested that opposition members voted against necessary measures.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Question
Asked for assurance of support for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust during a critical incident.
Minister reply
Expressed gratitude to the staff at United Lincolnshire Hospitals and promised continued support, acknowledging the difficult circumstances.
Barnsley South
Question
Asked about increasing statutory sick pay levels in light of low income impacting isolation compliance.
Minister reply
Stated that sick pay for isolating individuals starts on day one, equivalent to a 75% increase. Increased the £500 million hardship fund to help people during tough times.
Bill Wiggin
Con
none provided
Question
Asked about providing better stats to encourage vaccination and address concerns of those with medical reasons not to vaccinate.
Minister reply
Emphasised the importance of understanding vaccine benefits, noting that 90% of ICU patients have not had their booster shot.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
Inquired about steps taken to ensure test availability before the holiday period and asked when it was known tests would be locked away in a warehouse.
Minister reply
Stated that supplies were tripled, with 900,000 tests delivered daily. Suggested Labour is refusing to give credit for increased testing.
Damian Green
Con
none provided
Question
Asked the Prime Minister to redouble efforts to persuade unvaccinated individuals to take the jab.
Minister reply
Enlisted community leaders and spent £675,000 on outreach to hard-to-reach groups.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
Asked about concerns regarding staff shortages due to isolation needs when the vaccine mandate applies to health service staff.
Minister reply
Noted positive signs of take-up in the health sector and social care.
Shailesh Vara
Con
none provided
Question
Asked about any analysis regarding omicron's impact on black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Minister reply
Said there is currently no evidence but noted that differences in vaccine take-up are affecting outcomes.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Question
Disraeli gave his one nation speech in Manchester in 1872; I doubt he would recognise the party political knockabout that the Prime Minister is engaging in over a national crisis. What I will say about the situation is that tonight, with case rates rising in Greater Manchester, there are 600 patients across GM who cannot get out of hospital due to social care staff shortages. About half of care homes are not currently accepting anyone. That is not just to do with the pandemic; it is historical under-investment in our social care sector. Surely the Prime Minister sees that.
Minister reply
I have a couple of points—I do not think the hon. Gentleman knows much about Disraeli, by the way. The Mayor of Greater Manchester actually just said that the Government are taking the right approach. To the hon. Gentleman’s point about fixing the problems of the social care sector, which is valid, it is this Government, after decades of failure by Labour to do it—[Interruption.] Absolutely true. We are fixing social care, and they would not even support it.
Question
Mr Speaker, I hope you had a good Christmas break—a better break than the shadow Health and Social Care Secretary, who, since we last met, has taken a number of positions. On 19 December, he said that the Government need to “act now” and Labour called for actions before Boxing day. On 20 December, he said that the British public know that “additional restrictions are inevitable”. On 21 December, he criticised the delay. On 27 December, he said that “people will be relieved to see no new restrictions”. We all want a responsible and constructive Opposition, but does the Prime Minister agree that that is not opposition, but opportunism?
Minister reply
That sums up all people need to know about the Labour party. It instinctively reaches for measures to lock down the UK economy and do huge damage. We are taking a balanced and proportionate approach. There are difficulties ahead, but we are taking the right approach. If the Opposition are now saying that they support it—[Interruption.] Are they saying they support it? I do not know. Let us wait for Captain Hindsight to come back.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Question
The Prime Minister has made his position clear in saying that the Government will see out the current wave with no further restrictions or new support for businesses, but, as he will know, the Government in Wales have implemented new measures to limit the spread of the virus. Does he not agree that it would be better for Wales to be afforded the fiscal powers required to support those public health measures, so that the Welsh Government’s response can be as flexible and effective as possible?
Minister reply
The UK Government have supported Wales, and the UK as a whole, throughout the pandemic to the tune of billions and billions of pounds. We supply the vaccines, we supply the testing kits, and furlough will continue to do everything to support the whole of the UK.
Question
On Friday, I will be holding my team meeting in the local pub because under Welsh Government rules we are not allowed to go to our socially distanced office. We cannot do parkrun and we cannot watch outdoor sport on the touchline—but we can cwtch up together in the clubhouse to watch it. May I commend the Prime Minister for his bold decisions, and ask whether he agrees that the inconsistencies in the rules in Wales are not just ludicrous, but are harming the Welsh economy?
Minister reply
I have tried to be consensual across the House—[Interruption.] I have, and I have tried to build on those aspects of our handling of covid—[Interruption.] I was very consensual to the right hon. Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber (Ian Blackford), and, frankly, I thought he was rather rude. Let me put it this way. There is much, much more that unites all parts of the UK in our handling of covid than divides us. In comparison with any other European country, we are moving virtually in lockstep. There are some baroque eccentricities in various other parts—in Wales—and I will make no comment on those, but I will repeat what I have said: we will continue to provide support throughout the UK.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Question
Many of my constituents who were doing the right thing and self-isolating are becoming frustrated on days six and seven because they cannot gain access to the lateral flow tests that they need to be released early, although just three weeks ago the Health Secretary told the House that the country had tens of millions of tests. Can the Prime Minister tell us what has gone wrong, and will he apologise to my constituents for putting them in this position?
Minister reply
I certainly share the frustrations of everyone who has found it difficult to get a test during a time of unbelievable demand. We have taken responsibility by tripling supply and creating our own home-grown UK lateral flow testing manufacturing capability, of which the Labour Front Bench was in unbelievable ignorance when this debate began.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Earlier this week the Lincolnshire hospitals declared a critical incident, and people in Lincolnshire no doubt thought that they were being overrun with covid. However, NHS officials told the Lincolnshire MPs yesterday that of all the intensive care beds in Lincolnshire, only two were taken by people because of or with covid, and although there were large numbers of staff absences, a quarter could be accounted for by staff being absent because they were isolating. The suspicion is that the NHS is being brought to its knees not by covid, but by the rules that require people to isolate for so long. What is the road map for shortening the period of isolation?
Minister reply
What we are doing is supporting the NHS, supporting staff and making sure that we have as much capacity as possible, and absenteeism, although high, is not as high as it has been at some other points during the pandemic, although that is no cause for complacency. What we will do is keep the period of isolation under constant review, and if we think we can bring it down without increasing infection, of course we will do so.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
The Prime Minister is right to laud our life science industry, as British universities and British scientists have helped us to get through covid; so why, after developing the UK’s Vaccine Manufacturing and Innovation Centre with taxpayer money alongside British universities, have the Government decided to sell it off so that in future pandemics future vaccines will be held not in public for all of us, but in a few private hands?
Minister reply
What we are doing is investing hundreds of millions to make sure that we have a dynamic vaccine industry. Clearly the Government need to work hand in glove with the private sector, as we have done. No matter how deep the abhorrence of the private sector on the Opposition Benches, it was private-sector private capital that produced the vaccine success.
Question
At the beginning of 2020, Stepping Hill Hospital in my constituency was under such severe winter pressures that it was reaching critical OPEL, or operations pressure escalation level, 4. Since then, doctors, nurses and staff have worked tirelessly during the course of the pandemic, but covid is now taking its toll, particularly the omicron virus, and it is one of 17 hospitals that have said they will be taking a pause on non-urgent surgery. Will my right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care work with the Greater Manchester hospital trusts to ensure that they get all the support they need through this critical time?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for all the support that she gives to hospitals in the Greater Manchester area, which I know well, in which she knows we are investing hugely. I thank them for the care and the trouble that they are taking in a very tough time. They will get all the support that they need.
Question
The Prime Minister has to make decisions based on evidence. However, reinfections are not included in the UK Government covid cases figures, despite warnings by scientists at Imperial College London that up to 15% of omicron cases could be of people who have had coronavirus before. So can the Prime Minister assure us that reinfections will be tracked and recorded on the UK Government’s dashboard, and if so, when?
Minister reply
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, but the decision is up to the UK Health Security Agency.
Question
I welcome the ongoing support, financial and otherwise, for our hospitality sector, particularly in cases where it is a critical lifeline, even still. Of course, the best thing we can do for them is to take away all restrictions that remain in place, but we also have to recognise that there may be an opposite scenario where new restrictions are considered in the future. To that end, can my right hon. Friend confirm that weddings and funerals would be exempt from any further restrictions?
Minister reply
There are no restrictions on them at the moment, and that is certainly the way we wish to keep it.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Question
In Warwickshire last year, there were 436 excess deaths caused by covid in care homes. Currently, 77% of residents and staff in care homes are boosted; the other 23% are not. What are the Government doing to ensure that they get the booster vaccination, so that we do not repeat the mistakes of last year?
Minister reply
Often the problem in care homes is that someone may have had covid recently and therefore is not eligible for the booster, so people have to come round, but we are doing that as fast as we possibly can.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Question
It was welcomed by both sides of the House when, in the summer, the Prime Minister came to the Dispatch Box to announce that an inquiry would take place on the lessons learned. Just before we broke for the recess it was announced that Baroness Hallett would be leading that inquiry. Can the Prime Minister give us an update on how the panel is forming, the timings of when that will happen and the terms of reference, if they should appear?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend. Under the Inquiries Act 2005, as the House knows, it is up to the chair of the inquiry to begin framing the terms of reference herself.
Ellie Reeves
Lab
Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Question
Asks about the out-of-stock lateral flow tests in pharmacies and cites The Sunday Times report of British manufacturers' kits failing to be cleared for use despite being available in Europe. Asks when the Prime Minister will boost testing capacity.
Minister reply
States that kits need to be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), but clarifies that 15% of lateral flow tests are supplied from within the UK.
Question
Congratulates the Prime Minister for not bringing in additional restrictions over Christmas. Asks for assurances on prioritising mental health in future decisions.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the impact of lockdowns, particularly on mental health.
Question
Requests clarification that a strategy for living with covid will include resources to ensure hospitals can deliver elective surgery.
Minister reply
Confirms NHS and social care fund is in place to address capacity issues.
Question
Thanks the Prime Minister for the new vaccination hub in Scunthorpe and requests recognition for volunteers and staff.
Minister reply
Expresses gratitude towards NHS staff and volunteers.
Lisa Cameron
SNP
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
Question
Asks about difficulties in accessing GP appointments during the pandemic and requests more support to increase capacity.
Minister reply
Acknowledges GPs' role in vaccine rollout and cites 1300 additional GPs this year along with £250 million of funding.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
Asks for clarification on the use of lateral flow tests for diagnostic purposes.
Minister reply
Encourages but does not make it compulsory to use LFTs for symptomatic testing.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Question
Responds to the Prime Minister's dismissive attitude towards lateral flow test shortages and provides an example of a constituent in need.
Minister reply
Acknowledges difficulties people face getting tests but assures that supply is increasing.
Question
Welcomes the changes to travel regulations and requests for work-from-home guidance to be dropped as soon as possible.
Minister reply
States measures will expire on 26 January but will drop them earlier if safe.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
Inquires about the vaccine rollout for five to eleven-year-olds, specifically mentioning vulnerable children.
Minister reply
Announces that vaccinations are being rolled out later in the month based on JCVI advice.
Question
Asks what message should be given to immunosuppressed individuals previously shielding due to Omicron.
Minister reply
Reiterates that 1.3 million people have been contacted about receiving antiviral treatments.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Question
Questions the Prime Minister's support of British manufacturing in testing and cites previous statements.
Minister reply
Claims Britain now has Europe’s largest single plant for LFTs, addressing concerns about approval delays.
Question
Asks about the assessment made by Government regarding digitally excluded individuals' struggle to access lateral flow tests online.
Minister reply
Responds that many pharmacies are willing to distribute tests without an online booking system.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
Cites a previous report about empty promises made by the Prime Minister regarding British manufacturing of rapid covid tests.
Minister reply
Responds that Opposition members do not have an understanding of current capabilities in Britain and states that the UK has Europe's largest lateral flow testing facility.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
Question
In his statement, the Prime Minister indicated that lateral flow tests would be given to 100,000 critical workers, but the national railways alone employ almost double that number. GPs and pharmacists in St Albans are wondering why they have not been included as critical workers, and supermarket workers should also be considered. Would the Prime Minister explain where that number of 100,000 came from?
Minister reply
The targeted group of 100,000 includes railway signalling hubs and other crucial services such as HGV drivers, who have access to tests. All public sector workers also have free access to testing.
Question
Thanking the Prime Minister for recognising the effort at Redbridge town hall in Ilford South where 1,700 people were vaccinated on Christmas day and Boxing day, the MP asks when NHS workers across the country who are unable to work due to a lack of tests will be sorted out. He also questions why frontline staff such as transport workers have not been prioritised for testing.
Minister reply
NHS staff absence is attributed to various reasons rather than a lack of testing kits, as they can access NHS and community supplies.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Inquiring about the rationing of tests and the doubling of contact tracing time for local authorities, delaying rapid lockdown measures. The MP raises concerns over rising infection rates in York.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister maintains a balanced approach to tackling the pandemic without resorting to further lockdowns.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Acknowledging the duration of questioning, the MP thanks the Prime Minister for his statement and seeks clarity on whether the Chancellor and Treasury will work to provide a scheme for small businesses employing fewer than five people that must close due to contagious omicron cases or contacts.
Minister reply
The Government provides significant support to businesses during the pandemic and continuously reviews this support. Releasing employees back to work prematurely would lead to further infections.
Shadow Comment
Angela Rayner
Shadow Comment
In response, Angela Rayner praised the Prime Minister's statement and urged people to get vaccinated while stressing that plan B measures must remain in place. She highlighted that despite recent efforts by NHS staff, trusts across Greater Manchester have halted non-urgent surgeries, and some are declaring critical incidents due to the pandemic pressures.
Rayner criticised the Government for not providing a frank assessment of the state of the NHS before the omicron wave hit, noting record-high waiting lists and major staffing shortages. She also questioned why the Health Secretary claimed there was no shortage of tests when many suspected heart attack or stroke patients waited over an hour for ambulances due to the lack of available staff.
The Shadow Minister pointed out that the Government's delivery service had gone on holiday without contingency plans, leading to a critical situation with essential services under pressure. She commended Welsh Labour for sharing 4 million tests with England and questioned why two years into the pandemic, Britain remains reliant on Chinese-made tests despite earlier promises to build domestic capacity.
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