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Covid-19 Update
19 April 2021
Lead MP
Matthew Hancock
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSSocial CareEmploymentStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 43
At a Glance
Matthew Hancock 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 Minister of State for Health, Mr Matthew Hancock, made a statement on the progress against coronavirus in the UK. He noted that while cases, hospitalisations, and deaths are back to September levels, they remain significantly down from their peak. With fewer COVID-19 patients in hospitals, the NHS is now focusing on tackling the backlog of work caused by the pandemic. The vaccination programme has been successful, with over 94% uptake among those aged over 50 and nearly all individuals aged between 70 and 84 having antibodies due to vaccinations. The government aims to offer vaccines to all adults by July's end, and is considering requiring care home staff to be vaccinated unless they have a medical exemption. Additionally, preparations for booster shots are underway to address potential new variants. Mr Hancock also announced the rollout of Pharmacy Collect, which allows free test collection from pharmacies, enhancing the national testing programme. He discussed the detection and containment of two new variants of concern, including adding India to the red list to prevent further spread. Finally, he highlighted efforts in PPE procurement and distribution, appointing a new chief scientific adviser, and addressing an error in the Coronavirus Act 2020 report.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Question
Mr Morris asked about sick pay for workers who have to self-isolate or care for loved ones. He pointed out that many low-paid and gig economy workers are financially affected by the current measures and questioned if the government would address this issue.
Minister reply
The Minister responded by acknowledging the challenge of ensuring adequate support for those unable to work due to the virus, including providing Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) to individuals who need to self-isolate. He emphasised the importance of the SSP and mentioned ongoing discussions about expanding its eligibility criteria.
Leicester South
Question
Mr Ashworth questioned why mandatory vaccination for care home staff had been proposed despite past failures in implementing such policies. He highlighted the importance of community testing to control variants and urged action on sick pay reforms.
Minister reply
The Minister responded by stating that while mandatory vaccination has not previously succeeded, this variant poses a unique threat necessitating new measures. He emphasised the government’s commitment to monitor the situation closely and take necessary actions swiftly.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Question
Mr Philp enquired about the current status of NHS PPE stockpiles and the potential for future shortages, particularly in light of global demand.
Minister reply
The Minister replied that extensive efforts have been made to secure a steady supply of PPE. He assured that ongoing manufacturing capabilities and strategic reserves would ensure sufficient supplies as needed.
Leicester South
Question
Mr Ashworth raised concerns about the potential for a third wave due to variants and lack of sick pay support, specifically mentioning the endemic nature of the virus in urban areas.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the risk of new waves but stressed the importance of continued vaccination efforts. He emphasised the need for caution and adherence to public health guidelines.
Jon Ashworth
Labour Co-operative
Delyn
Question
The Secretary of State is thanked for advance sight of his statement. The MP expresses support for the decision to cancel the Prime Minister’s trip to India due to variants, and acknowledges the importance of vaccination efforts but notes that uptake levels are still too low in some minority ethnic communities. He questions whether extra resources will be provided to local communities to drive up vaccination rates.
Questions are raised about mandatory vaccination being counterproductive historically, despite the Secretary's belief in its precedent for certain professions like surgeons needing hepatitis B vaccines. The MP also queries about vaccine passports and their implications for events such as the FA cup final, as well as the latest Sunday Times revelations on Greensill Capital lobbying the NHS. He asks for transparency regarding text messages, emails, and correspondence with David Cameron.
Minister reply
The Secretary confirms surge testing will be carried out for B1617 variant cases not linked to international travel. He notes that mandatory vaccination has precedent in certain professions like surgeons needing hepatitis B vaccines. Regarding vaccine certification, a review is ongoing under the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. The Secretary emphasises sticking to rules and getting vaccinated as crucial to avoiding a third wave.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming
Question
The MP congratulates the Health Secretary on putting India on the red list and considers mandatory vaccination for certain frontline workers. He notes the NHS waiting lists have risen significantly due to the pandemic, expressing concern over capacity issues. The MP questions whether there should be a statutory duty for Health Education England to publish regular, transparent workforce projections.
Minister reply
The Secretary acknowledges the importance of preparing for future healthcare needs and aims to ensure that 50,000 more nurses are delivered in the NHS over this Parliament. He agrees to consider the proposal and looks forward to giving a substantive response.
Central Ayrshire
Question
While welcoming the measures taken to reduce importation of variants from India, will the Secretary of State consider extending hotel quarantine to all arrivals to prevent more infectious or vaccine-resistant variants emerging in any country and posing a threat to UK residents?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agrees on international collaboration but emphasises that testing for every passenger entering the UK has been effective so far. He introduces new technology to detect known variants faster, reducing turnaround time.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Given the long turnaround times for test results of suspected variant cases in Harrow, what measures will be taken to speed up these processes?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State introduces a new type of test that can detect known variants without full sequencing within hours, starting in Glasgow and rolling out across the system.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
When will the Government share their plans for vaccine ID cards with this House?
Minister reply
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is leading a review on the matter which will report in due course.
Pauline Latham
Con
Mid Derbyshire
Question
With huge swathes of villages and towns with no covid cases, when can hospitality businesses start operating indoors again?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State wants to see the impact of step 2 before taking the next step; they are but one week on from reopening significantly.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
What steps have been taken to address eye-wateringly long waiting lists for routine operations such as hip replacements and tonsil operations?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State confirms that extra funding has been put in place, an additional £7 billion in total for next year in England and through the Barnett consequentials to the three devolved Administrations.
Question
What is being done to encourage take-up among care workers, particularly domiciliary care workers who go from house to house providing essential care?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State urges all care workers to take up the jab and considers that people can be deployed in a care home only if they have had the jab.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
As the UK rolls back lockdown restrictions, with a global death toll reaching 3 million and the World Health Organisation warning of increased infection rates and new variants in three continents, asks for an update on the Government's response to the WHO consultation on global co-ordination of surveillance.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of the issue. Announces the creation of a new variant assessment platform offering sequencing capability to any country worldwide. The borders testing system also provides data from around the world via travellers to the UK. Emphasises the need for multilateral global efforts, such as those led by the WHO.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Question
Congratulates on over 10 million vaccinations and inquires about research on vaccine efficacy against variants, specifically regarding vaccinated individuals' daily life restrictions and how such certification work ties into the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster's responsibilities.
Minister reply
States that there is no distinction currently between vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals for rules domestically but research on second dose effectiveness in field tests will provide richer data soon. The vaccination certification work is a matter for the Chancellor.
Feryal Clark
Lab
Enfield North
Question
Highlights the success of the vaccination roll-out, yet notes concerns about postcode lottery issues where vaccine uptake rates are stubbornly low in some areas. Asks what is being done to combat this.
Minister reply
Acknowledges efforts made by Enfield and others but states there is more work to be done to ensure accessibility and address hesitancy. The Minister for Covid Vaccine Deployment, Nadhim Zahawi, leads on these efforts including innovative approaches like multigenerational household vaccinations.
Question
Thanks the Health Secretary for the statement and vaccination roll-out. Asks about availability of rapid testing to identify new variants and confirms that a booster programme will be rolled out similarly to the vaccine programme.
Minister reply
Confirms there will be availability of rapid testing and the booster shot programme will begin later this year, with considerations regarding interaction with flu vaccinations.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
Raises concerns about managed quarantine hotel system issues including stranded families in airports and lack of food for guests in hotels. Asks what the Health Secretary is doing to urgently resolve these issues.
Minister reply
Acknowledges individual concerns but states that the majority have a good experience. Offers to meet with Minister for Public Health, Jo Churchill, to address specific problems including ensuring appropriate Ramadan fasting provisions.
Question
Notes the seven-day rolling average of covid deaths at 24.9 and daily cancer death toll over 450 due to pandemic disruption. Asks what the Government is doing to catch up with the cancer screening and operations backlog.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the backlog but notes that during winter's second peak, cancer work continued closer to normal levels compared to first peak. Emphasises the need to address the backlog created by the pandemic.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
Challenges the delay in adding India to the red list of countries, welcomes the announcement but seeks assurance it is not another 'stable door' moment. Asks for a similar 20% uplift in NHS England funding as proposed by SNP.
Minister reply
Responds that the proposed increase in Scotland's funding is lower than in England and criticises wasteful projects funded by money given to Scottish Government from UK taxpayers.
Robin Millar
Con
Aberconwy
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for the foresight and the early investment decisions made on vaccines 12 months ago. Here in Aberconwy, the result is falling infection rates and a tangible sense of hope, albeit one coloured with frustration as we watch businesses in England open ahead of us. We have the second-oldest demographic in Wales, and it is right that their environment is protected to ensure their wellbeing. That is properly a priority. However, can my right hon. Friend give the elderly and the vulnerable, and their loved ones, assurances that they will one day be able to leave their accommodation to visit family, resume employment and otherwise pick up their old routines?
Minister reply
Yes, of course. We want to get back to normal for care home residents—of course we do. We are taking steps in the right direction in England. I cannot comment on the situation in Wales; that is rightly a responsibility for the Cardiff Administration. As we progress down the road map, I hope we will be able to make further progress.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Question
At today’s meeting of the all-party group on myalgic encephalomyelitis, we discussed the overlaps between ME and chronic fatigue syndrome and long covid. Obviously, there are some striking similarities. What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the impact that contracting covid can have on people with ME/CFS? Given their vulnerability, will he now do a bit of a U-turn and make them a priority for vaccination?
Minister reply
Of course, the prioritisation for vaccination when it comes to those who are vulnerable is clinically determined. I know that this question has been looked into. We are also looking into work on the links between ME and long covid, which share some similarities but are different conditions. It is an area that needs further work and further research—there is no doubt about that.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Question
I was really pleased to hear my right hon. Friend reference the appointment of Professor Lucy Chappell and the work on vaccines in pregnancy. Will he please update the House on what is being done to reassure young women that there is no plausible way that vaccination can affect fertility? Will he also let us know how quickly he expects pregnant women, who we know might be immunosuppressed, to be called forward for their vaccination, or will they have to wait for the age band that is appropriate?
Minister reply
I was absolutely delighted that on Friday, following the work of Professor Chappell and others, we were able to make the announcement with respect to the vaccination for those who are pregnant. The prioritisation remains as with people who are not pregnant, so it will essentially be by age unless there is another reason that one might be in a higher group.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Scott Morrison, the Australian Prime Minister, has just announced that he has no plans to open up his borders. Of course, he is absolutely right. I am speaking—I apologise—completely with the benefit of hindsight, but I am sure everybody would agree that if we had done what Australia had done, we could have opened up our economy months ago. It has had only 910 deaths and only 29,000 infections. What I want to hear from the Secretary of State is that he will resist the very powerful lobbyists from the travel and airline industries and from airports, and that he will be absolutely determined to follow the evidence, not allow unnecessary travel—we do not know what variants are out there in the world—and be really tough with the red list.
Minister reply
That is the approach we have taken so far since the introduction of the red list and the hotel quarantine. Through the testing of every single passenger who comes here, we essentially now have a survey of the world. We can see where the new variants are from the people coming through the testing regime.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Question
The Health Secretary is clearly right to put India on the red list and to safeguard the vaccine programme from new variants. However, the India variant has been under investigation for three weeks, and other neighbouring countries with lower and slower covid rates were put on the red list 10 days ago. This week, Hong Kong identified 47 covid cases on a single Delhi flight. Before Friday, we still had 16 direct flights from India and many more indirect ones. Can he explain, contrary to his previous answer, why India was not put on a red list 10 days ago, when other countries were? Can he publish the Joint Biosecurity Centre’s assessments, recommendations and criteria and also publish a full genomic analysis of which countries all the new variant cases are arriving from, so that we can see where the border gaps still are in the measures that he has in place and make sure that we do not keep having these delays?
Minister reply
We keep all these decisions for each country under constant review. The challenge of the genomic data is that some countries have excellent coverage of genomic sequencing and others do not. Actually, that is not particularly correlated with their income.
Question
May I add my congratulations to all those who have been involved in the fantastic vaccine roll-out that the Secretary of State set out in his statement? It is obviously breaking the link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths, as we are seeing dramatically from the figures. Many members of the public and businesses, having looked at the road map, which he also mentioned, will have seen that as of 21 June, the Government and the public are expecting the country to be broadly back to normal, but, of course, there is the small print about the reviews on social distancing. Will he confirm to the House and the public that as of 21 June, he expects us to be broadly back to normal, without social distancing? If that is not the case, will he set out what the evidence base will be for that decision?
Minister reply
Any decisions like that would be based on the evidence, and we have far more evidence now than we did when making these decisions previously. I fully expect that there will be some areas of life, without the need for laws in this place, where people will behave more cautiously than previously.
Question
I add my praise to the team rolling out vaccines in Salford, led by Salford Primary Care Together, which is doing a remarkable job. The current guidance on visits out from care homes says that any resident who makes a visit outside a care home must self-isolate for 14 days on their return, even if all they have done on their visit is to sit outside with a family member. This is longer than people have to quarantine when returning from red list countries, including India, which has the most cases in the world. This is clearly disproportionate, so will the Secretary of State set out what he is doing to enable regular testing to be used to cut this self-isolation requirement for care home residents?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady raises an important point on a subject that she knows extremely well. If I may, could I give her the respect of considering the question and writing to her with a full reply, because it is a very important question and I want to make sure that we get it right?
Question
The UK’s vaccination programme has been an international trailblazer, the strategic aim of preventing the NHS from being overwhelmed has clearly been met, and I am delighted that my right hon. Friend, who has done a tremendous job as Secretary of State throughout the pandemic, appears determined not to allow a shift in the goalposts and to follow the cautious pathway out of lockdown. But can we please, and can he please, ensure that we have a rational and balanced discussion about viral variants? Viruses always mutate and there will be an unavoidable level of risk that we will have to get used to post pandemic, unless we are to become a perpetually frightened, introspective nation—the opposite of global Britain?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend has deep experience in this area, and I am very grateful for what he said—that was very kind.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Question
The gradual easing of restrictions has come as a relief, but the pandemic has caused a colossal backlog in dental care. What steps is he taking to enable dentists to clear this backlog and ensure people do not miss out on vital preventive check-ups due to financial hardship?
Minister reply
We have maintained access to urgent dental treatment throughout the pandemic and introduced an incentive for dental practices to continue operating. The minister supports fluoridation of water as a measure to improve oral health.
Ellie Reeves
Lab
Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Question
The NHS staff deserve more than the proposed 1% pay increase after their heroic efforts during the pandemic. Will he commit to getting a pay rise that truly reflects the value of their work?
Minister reply
The question of pay is for the independent pay review body, and the minister looks forward to its publication.
Question
Will my right hon. Friend thank the remarkable NHS staff and volunteers at Harlow Leisurezone and Lister House for vaccinating 40,000 residents in Harlow with their first jab? Will he meet me to discuss the exciting proposals for Public Health England to ensure that Harlow becomes a public health science capital of England?
Minister reply
The minister praises NHS staff at Harlow Leisurezone and adds Essex County Council to his long list of praise. He is happy to have discussions with Mr Halfon on this topic.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
What vetting does the Department undertake before listing companies for testing under the test-to-release scheme? Will he look into cases of delayed tests and results?
Minister reply
The minister confirms that two suppliers have been kicked off the list for not meeting service obligations. He is willing to review individual evidence sent by Munira Wilson.
Question
Following the important announcement last week, will he confirm that he will continue to take every precaution to ensure pregnant women have the support they need to make informed decisions about vaccination?
Minister reply
The minister confirms that decisions are based on best possible science and significant amounts of data from vaccinated pregnant women.
Question
Will he confirm that he supports a full public inquiry into the UK Government’s handling of all aspects of the pandemic in England as well?
Minister reply
This is a matter for powers greater than the Health Department, and the Prime Minister has clearly set out his views on it.
Question
Will the Health Secretary work with the Secretary of State for Transport to allow patients such as David Hopkins to use free NHS tests for medical travel purposes?
Minister reply
The minister is happy to look into this issue and mentions that test costs are coming down.
Southgate and Wood Green
Question
Despite raising the matter previously, including once with the Prime Minister, when will an awareness campaign happen for people with hidden disabilities who cannot wear face coverings?
Minister reply
An awareness campaign is under way. The minister will write to Bambos Charalambous with full details.
Question
Will he briefly update us on better air extraction, cleaning and other measures to control infection in hospitals?
Minister reply
The minister mentions that good ventilation is now embedded in infection prevention and control. Hospitals are separating those who might or do have covid from others.
Question
Is an email between David Cameron and Matthew Gould correct, which says NHS leaders were extremely positive about the Greensill payday loan app? Does he think there is something morally wrong with using poorly paid and struggling NHS staff for a financial bond?
Minister reply
The minister's approach was and is that local NHS employers are best placed to decide.
Question
What can the Secretary of State do to facilitate GPs vaccinating groups 10 to 12 in their surgeries, rather than closing a primary care network-led vaccination centre?
Minister reply
The minister will look into this question and ensure it is looked at properly.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
The Prime Minister today cancelled his planned trip to India this week, and the Health Secretary has just announced that India has been placed on the Government’s travel red list amid a devastating surge in coronavirus cases, with well over 200,000 detected on a daily basis. A new double-mutation variant is reportedly more potent, and dozens of cases have been detected here in the UK, too. To assuage community concerns, will the Health Secretary clarify that our vaccines are effective against this new variant?
Minister reply
We simply do not know that. We are acting on a precautionary basis. I cannot give the hon. Gentleman that assurance, but we are looking into that question as fast as possible. The core of my concern about the variant first found in India is that the vaccines may be less effective in terms of transmission and of reducing hospitalisation and death. It is the same concern that we have with the variant first found in South Africa and is the core reason why we took the decision today.
Question
May I add my thanks to the NHS in Amber Valley, which has been moving through the vaccines so fast that it had even done more than 70% of the 40 to 50 age group by last week? What is my right hon. Friend’s message, though, to those who are saying that, based on media reports, we have now reached the herd immunity level and therefore this problem has all gone away?
Minister reply
We do not think that that is true.
Question
Stoke Mandeville Hospital in my constituency is home to the National Spinal Injuries Centre. Despite continuing to do excellent work throughout the pandemic, a particular challenge arose when it came to providing support to relatives of patients who need to learn together how to adapt when back at home. Can my right hon. Friend assure me that planning for a third wave of covid-19 will give full consideration to the needs of spinal injuries patients and their families?
Minister reply
Yes, of course, I will give that matter consideration. I also make the case that while, as we open up, there may be more transmission, I very much hope that that does not lead—in fact we know from the data that that is highly unlikely to lead—to the same impact in terms of hospitalisations and deaths, because we know that the vaccine is incredibly effective against the variants that are at large here in this country. That is another reason to be cautious against the incursion of new variants for which we cannot give that assurance.
Question
Lateral flow testing is really important in our continued fight against the pandemic. I am really pleased that many of my constituents have been able to access asymptomatic testing since Friday of last week, but, for residents in Wales, these tests are not yet available to order online through the gov.uk portal. Will my right hon. Friend confirm whether that will be the case shortly?
Minister reply
We are working closely with the Welsh Government to ensure that the testing offer in Wales is as rich and as easily accessible as the testing offer in England. Testing has been a UK-wide programme, but, of course, the more we get it into local communities, the more it must be delivered through the NHS locally—for instance, through pharmacies, as announced today. That needs to be done by the Welsh Government. We are working closely together to try to make sure that people can get access to these tests as easily as saying “Jack rabbit”, wherever they live in the United Kingdom.
Shadow Comment
Jon Ashworth
Shadow Comment
The shadow Minister of State for Health, Mr Jon Ashworth, welcomed the government's measures but expressed concerns about mandatory vaccination for care home staff and its potential counterproductivity based on historical evidence. He urged the Secretary of State to address health inequities by improving sick pay and expanding its scope. Regarding India’s situation and the B1617 variant, he questioned the delay in designating it as a variant of concern and surge testing. Ashworth also asked about vaccine passports for events such as football matches and concerts. Lastly, he pressed the Secretary of State on the Greensill Capital lobbying affair involving NHS officials, seeking transparency over text messages, emails, correspondence with David Cameron, and the total number of NHS trusts approached.
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