Covid-19: Road Map

Keir Starmer Lab

Holborn and St Pancras

Question

Will the Prime Minister confirm that the chief medical officer supports full reopening of schools on 8 March? Will he commit to publishing all relevant medical evidence on this issue?

Minister reply

The minister did not provide a direct answer in the given excerpt, but the focus was on reiterating the cautious approach and following data.

Keir Starmer Lab

Holborn and St Pancras

Question

What is the Prime Minister doing to address logistical challenges for school reopening? Is there any update on Nightingale classrooms?

Minister reply

The minister did not provide specific updates in the given excerpt, but he emphasised the importance of considering data and evidence before making decisions.

Keir Starmer Lab

Holborn and St Pancras

Question

How will the Prime Minister ensure better vaccination support for teachers and school staff?

Minister reply

The minister did not provide specific measures in the given excerpt, but he stressed the importance of following medical advice.

Keir Starmer Lab

Holborn and St Pancras

Question

Will the Prime Minister consider extending isolation support to more workers to ensure proper compliance with self-isolation rules?

Minister reply

The minister did not provide a direct answer but reiterated the importance of test, trace and isolate measures being effective.

Keir Starmer Lab

Holborn and St Pancras

Question

What additional economic support will be provided to businesses and self-employed individuals beyond mid-April?

Minister reply

The minister did not specify new measures in the given excerpt, but he emphasised the importance of supporting livelihoods through ongoing packages.

Keir Starmer Lab

Holborn and St Pancras

Question

Expressed concerns about previous government approaches towards easing lockdowns, emphasising the need for caution this time around. Asked for confirmation on medical support for reopening schools on March 8th, requested additional logistics support, called for faster vaccination of teachers and staff, raised issues with self-isolation support rates and economic impacts, questioned why immediate economic support measures weren't announced alongside the roadmap, highlighted the lack of support for self-employed individuals.

Minister reply

Acknowledged the shadow Secretary's concerns about school reopenings and medical support, confirmed backing from chief medical officer and scientific adviser. Stated intention to continue supporting those who must isolate, promised more details on economic support in the upcoming Budget.

Theresa May

Question

Welcomed the statement but raised concerns about the aviation industry needing more certainty for summer planning, asking for the taskforce report deadline to be brought forward.

Minister reply

Acknowledged the importance of the aviation sector and promised continued support. Stated that setting a 12 April deadline would give time for proper summer plans, aiming for an aviation recovery later in the year.

Ian Blackford SNP

Ross, Skye and Lochaber

Question

The success of the vaccine roll-out has led to hope that an end to lockdown is in sight. However, new international variants pose a significant threat, which requires stronger quarantine measures for all international travellers as per Scotland's approach.

Minister reply

We have among the toughest quarantine measures worldwide, including mandatory hotel isolation for those arriving from red list countries. We are confident that our vaccines are effective against new variants and plan to introduce new ones.

Jeremy Hunt Con

Godalming and Waverley

Question

In the face of caution due to new variants, will he recognise the brilliant work of health and care staff by building back better for them in next week’s Budget?

Minister reply

Yes, we pay tribute to our NHS and social care staff. We are bringing forward reforms and massive investments in social care.

Edward Davey Lib Dem

Kingston and Surbiton

Question

When will everyone with a learning disability have been offered their first jab, as they have died at rates more than three and half times those for the rest of the population?

Minister reply

Those with learning difficulties appear high up in the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation priority list.

Iain Duncan Smith Con

Chingford and Woodford Green

Question

The hospitality sector, a big employer of the poorest in society, is talking about closing. Will he review again the nature of opening up inside those restaurants and pubs?

Minister reply

We understand the urgency but aim for certainty with outdoor hospitality on 12 April and indoor hospitality on 17 May.

Liz Saville-Roberts PC

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

Question

Workers across the UK still face a choice between self-isolating with loss of earnings or going to work risking spreading the virus. Will he commit to raising and expanding statutory sick pay?

Minister reply

We continue to look after people throughout the pandemic, increasing benefits and providing payments for those who are self-isolating.

Julian Lewis Con

New Forest East

Question

Can he confirm that his key scientific advisers now accept a practical vaccine-based method of controlling covid?

Minister reply

We have this vaccination programme and the capability to evolve our vaccines, which allows us to say we must learn to live with covid like any other serious respiratory virus.

Caroline Lucas Green

Brighton Pavilion

Question

There is a lack of sufficient financial support for self-isolation and the High Court’s ruling on publishing covid contracts. Will he respond seriously to these issues?

Minister reply

We will continue to look after those who are self-isolating and improve their support, all details regarding contracts are on record.

Imran Ahmad Khan Lab

Middlesbrough Sedgefield

Question

Thanking the medics and volunteers for their hard work in vaccinating over 87,000 people in Wakefield clinical commissioning group area alone, the MP asks about steps taken to encourage ethnic minority groups to receive the vaccine when offered.

Minister reply

The Prime Minister acknowledges the importance of promoting vaccinations within these communities and recognises the role played by community groups. He also highlights previous joint efforts made with the MP in Batley.

Jeremy Corbyn Ind

Islington North

Question

Critiques the lack of transparency regarding NHS contracts awarded without tender, stressing concerns over job losses and economic impact on constituents. Requests an end to privatisation of the NHS.

Minister reply

Defends Government's actions during the early stages of the pandemic, criticising Labour for their suggestions at that time.

David Simmonds Con

Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner

Question

Questions whether measures will be put in place to keep schools open without further disruption once all reopen on 8 March.

Minister reply

Reaffirms the Government's determination to ensure children’s educational opportunities are safeguarded by taking a cautious but irreversible approach.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Question

Inquires about supply issues and confirms that there is no adverse impact on first vaccines for informal carers of those who are shielding.

Minister reply

Confirms no supply issues at present, expressing confidence in meeting vaccination targets.

Bernard Jenkin Con

Harwich and North Essex

Question

Asks how the Government plans to minimise threat of another lockdown through improvements such as track, trace and isolate operation, testing capacity and other measures.

Minister reply

Acknowledges suggestions for improving test, track and trace operations including lateral flow testing in schools.

Ruth Jones Lab

Newport West

Question

Raises concerns over accountability of public money usage and the legality of NHS contracts being signed without proper publication.

Minister reply

Defends decisions made to secure PPE quickly, reiterating that it was done in the interest of the country.

Mark Logan Con

Wolverhampton South West

Question

Asks for assurance on providing enough time and operating data for businesses post-lockdown.

Minister reply

Thanks MP for helping local businesses, stating that the reopening roadmap provides certainty for hospitality to return on specific dates.

Clive Efford Lab

Eltham

Question

Questions support from chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser regarding full school reopening on 8 March and importance of vaccinating staff.

Minister reply

Asserts that both CMO and CSA approve of the decision to reopen schools fully, despite previous disagreements.

Andrew Griffith Con

Arundel and South Downs

Question

Emphasises importance of businesses needing certainty in planning, asking whether we should proceed sequentially as fast as possible.

Minister reply

Uses navigation metaphor to emphasise the need for a cautious but irreversible approach.

Debbie Abrahams Lab

Oldham East and Saddleworth

Question

Inquires about transparency around NHS contracts, suggesting an end to emergency procurement powers and reintroduction of tendering process.

Minister reply

Reiterates the importance of securing PPE quickly and highlights current capabilities for domestic production.

Craig Whittaker

Question

It is brilliant news that we have now vaccinated one in three adults in the UK—it is a huge testament to British science; to the NHS; to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my right hon. Friend the Member for West Suffolk (Matt Hancock) and his whole team; and to everybody involved in the vaccination programme, not least my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. Does the Prime Minister agree that because of his swift roll-out of the vaccine programme, we are now in a much stronger position to start to ease restrictions and put ourselves back on the path to some form of normality much sooner than we would have been able to without a vaccination roll-out programme?

Minister reply

Yes, of course. My hon. Friend is completely right and I thank him very much for what he just said. The only reason why this road map is possible—we are one of a tiny number of countries around the world that have been able to set out a road map with dates and milestones this far ahead—is the vaccination roll-out programme.

Neil Coyle

Question

The people of this country have endured so much in the past year, including personal tragedies among the highest excess death toll and job losses under the worst damage to any major economy. But they have also seen the Prime Minister’s closest adviser, Dominic Cummings, break the covid regulations, the Home Secretary break the ministerial code and now the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care break the law to hide crony contracts—all without consequences. Will the Prime Minister end this system of one rule for his Tory pals and another for the rest of us?

Minister reply

Contained within that question was possibly another suggestion that we could have done things differently with the procurement of PPE. All I will say is that the contracts are there on the record for everybody to see. I think most people in this country will understand that in very difficult if not desperate times last spring, we had to work as fast as we possibly could.

Greg Clark

Question

I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement, especially the announcement on schools. He is right to be driven by the evidence. Last week, Professor Mark Woolhouse told the Science and Technology Committee that during the whole year there has been very, very little evidence of any transmission outdoors happening in the UK. Will my right hon. Friend continue to look at the evidence and see whether it is possible to bring back outdoor activities such as sports during the weeks ahead? With the spring weather coming, that would be a great boon to millions of people throughout the country.

Minister reply

Of course my right hon. Friend is right to raise the point about outdoor transmission. That is why, on 8 March, with the return of schools, we are also going to be seeing school sport, which is great, plus outdoor recreation one on one in the way that I described earlier on, and then on 29 March it is the rule of six plus two households together, plus more sport outdoors of all kinds, up to and including, I think, rugby with tackling but without the scrums, as I understand the guidance.

Allan Dorans

Question

Analysis by the Royal College of General Practitioners of NHS England’s covid-19 vaccination figures shows that people of black ethnicity are half as likely as people of white ethnicity to get vaccinated and people of Asian ethnicity are under two thirds as likely as their white counterparts to accept vaccination. What additional specific steps will the Prime Minister take to encourage greater uptake of the vaccine in those communities?

Minister reply

The number of people receiving the vaccine is actually increasing in all communities on roughly the same gradient, but the hon. Gentleman is quite right to raise the concern that I think everybody has about uptake in some communities. It is now going faster. We have rolled out a network of community champions. I think we have put about £23 million into supporting community champions for hard-to-reach, vaccine-resistant communities. The most important thing is for everybody to get across the message that the vaccine is a wonderful thing and everybody should get it: “Get your vaccine when you get your message from the NHS.”

Graham Brady

Question

I welcome very strongly the reopening of schools. After what we have put them through over the past year, it is time we prioritised the interests of our children and young people. The Prime Minister sets out a programme based on data, not dates, and that must be right, but will he please publish the precise criteria for each of those stages to be met? Finally, when the renewal of emergency powers is due, will he undertake to bring that vote to the House before the Easter recess and not after?

Minister reply

Yes indeed: there is going to be a massive data dump—I think that is the word I have been quoted today. Some colleagues may already have seen some of the data that is available, underpinning the road map that we have set out. There will of course be another vote in this House about these measures before Easter, and then those measures, in turn, elapse on 21 June in the way that I have described.

Rachel Hopkins

Question

Local council public health teams will continue to be pivotal in controlling the virus, but the Government’s decade of austerity and cuts has damaged their capacity, and the public health grant last year—2020-21—was 22% lower per head in real terms compared with 2015-16. Will the Prime Minister tell the House when the public health grant allocation for this year will be announced and whether it will include a significant real-terms increase to ensure that councils can continue to keep our communities safe?

Minister reply

I am very grateful to councils, and particularly public health officials, for the incredible work that they have done in the past year—the absolutely amazing work that they have done. We are supporting them with another £4.7 billion, as the hon. Lady knows, to support local councils in everything they do, and we will continue to offer support throughout the pandemic.

Peter Aldous

Question

I thank the Prime Minister for his statement and for the precautionary approach that he is pursuing to lifting the lockdown. It is clear that the impact of covid will be with us for some time, and I would thus be most grateful if he could confirm that this plan is co-ordinated and synchronised with the measures that the Chancellor will announce in the Budget, and that there will be ongoing support both for badly affected businesses in sectors such as hospitality and for those people who are relying on the £20 uplift to universal credit.

Minister reply

Yes, of course we will make sure that we continue to look after people throughout the pandemic, as we have done since the beginning. The Chancellor will be setting out next week exactly what we are doing.

Andrew Gwynne

Question

Greater Manchester has been under local restrictions since the end of July, and it has been a long few months, so I welcome the road map out of lockdown and also the success of the vaccine. As somebody who has just about shaken off long covid symptoms 11 months after contracting covid, can I urge the Prime Minister not to forget those still struggling and the many more who will develop long covid as a consequence of the latest wave of the virus? As the economy switches back on and as lives return to normal, will he also commit to doing more for those who still do not have access to long covid clinics and who still do not have access to support or help, so that nobody is left behind?

Minister reply

I am delighted to see the hon. Gentleman back on fighting form. Having enjoyed lively on-screen debates with him in the past, it is good to see him back in shape. He is right to draw attention to the long-term consequences of the disease, and we will do everything we can to alleviate suffering and to continue to invest in support for those who need it.

Mark Harper

Question

First, I thank the Prime Minister for the measures to get our children back to school on 8 March, which is very welcome—it is something we have called for, and I think he should be congratulated on that—and also for the speed of the vaccine roll-out. Could I just press him a little on the thoughts behind vaccinating groups 1 to 9, which is everyone over 50 and those aged 16 to 64 with a health condition that makes them vulnerable to covid? Those groups account for 99% of deaths and around 80% of hospitalisations, so for what reason, once they have been vaccinated and protected from covid by the end of April at the latest, is there any need for restrictions to continue?

Minister reply

My right hon. Friend makes an excellent point. The difficulty is that, of course, there will be at least a significant minority who either have not taken up the vaccine in those vulnerable groups for the reasons that the House has been discussing or who, having had the vaccine, are not given sufficient protection. We believe that the protection is very substantial, but there will be a large minority who will not have sufficient protection. The risk is that letting the brakes off could see the disease surge up in such a way as again to rip through a large number or rip through those groups in a way that I do not think anybody in this country would want. I am afraid it is pure mathematics; there is still a substantial body of risk. We also need to wait and see exactly what the effects of the vaccine are. There is some promising data, but I think what the country would want at this stage is caution and certainty and irreversibility, and that is what we aim to provide.

Barbara Keeley

Question

Throughout this crisis, the Government have been slow to offer the financial support that people need. From 3 million people excluded from any support, to thousands of people failing to self-isolate because they cannot afford to miss work, it is clear that we need to do more. Will the Prime Minister confirm that, to get through the next few months, the Budget will bring forward adequate financial support for everyone who cannot work due to the pandemic, including those who are self-isolating, rather than the current system, which sees too many people fall through the cracks?

Minister reply

Yes, I certainly can confirm that, and the hon. Member should wait to see what the Chancellor has to say next week. I think colleagues on all sides of the House would concede that the programmes of support that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has brought forward have been extremely effective and generous by virtually all international comparisons.

Huw Merriman Con

Midi constituency

Question

Welcomed the Prime Minister's statement regarding domestic holidays and travel taskforce. Asked for details on testing, vaccination certificates, social distancing, face masks, and quarantine measures.

Minister reply

The global travel taskforce will look into all considerations including quarantine, destinations, willingness of countries to accept British tourists, and more.

Emma Hardy Lab

Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice

Question

Asked about the accuracy of lateral flow testing in schools after the student asymptomatic testing programme in Scotland showed 30% false positives.

Minister reply

Rejected the figure, emphasising that lateral flow tests are crucial for isolating asymptomatic positive cases and aiding school reopenings.

Suzanne Webb Con

Stourbridge

Question

Expressed gratitude to constituents for their efforts in combating the virus and asked the Prime Minister to echo this sentiment.

Minister reply

Echoed the sentiments of his hon. Friend, thanking people across Stourbridge and the country for their patience and resilience.

Munira Wilson Lib Dem

Twickenham

Question

Called for a ring-fenced resilience fund to support young people's mental health after noting issues with self-harm, eating disorders, and demand for acute beds.

Minister reply

Acknowledged the stress caused by pandemic disruptions and highlighted investments in mental health provision including appointing Alex George as youth mental health ambassador.

Sarah Dines Con

Derbyshire Dales

Question

Asked to encourage booking staycations this summer, particularly for self-catered accommodations.

Minister reply

Confirmed that booking of staycations is possible from 12 April and encouraged exploring destinations like Derbyshire Dales.

Neale Hanvey Lab

unknown constituency

Question

Asked for the publication of names of companies awarded contracts introduced to high-priority vaccine lanes by Ministers, hon. Members, peers, and officials.

Minister reply

Reiterated that all contracts are published in the normal manner.

Bob Neill Con

Bexley Heath and Crayford

Question

Asked why some dates for easing restrictions were set as “no earlier than” rather than based on data.

Minister reply

Explained the need to assess data after each relaxation, requiring four weeks of observation before any further decisions are made.

Tracy Brabin Lab

Batley and Spen

Question

Asked for confirmation that funding packages will address inequalities in recovery from heightened restrictions since last summer.

Minister reply

Suggested waiting to hear what the Chancellor will announce next week regarding national recovery.

William Wragg Con

Crewe and Nantwich

Question

Asked for publication of data thresholds that determine easing of lockdown measures, after volunteering at a vaccine centre.

Minister reply

Confirmed the criteria have been published and thanked the MP for his work at the vaccination site.

Christina Rees Lab

Cardiff North

Question

Asked about including sepsis linkage in long covid research projects.

Minister reply

Confirmed that links between sepsis and long-term conditions, including those related to covid, will be considered.

Kate Griffiths Con

Wirral South

Question

Asked about allowing pubs to reopen gardens for consumption of takeaway drinks.

Minister reply

Confirmed that 12 April is the target date for such relaxations.

Chris Matheson Lab

Gower

Question

Asked about continued support for sectors like aerospace, which are suffering despite lifting of restrictions.

Minister reply

Acknowledged the difficulties faced by these sectors and highlighted measures including Time to Pay schemes.

Bill Wiggin Con

English Penwith

Question

As an animal welfare champion, I was delighted to hear the Prime Minister mention zoos, but in terms of being able to get out there and visit these places and go to pubs, he described certainty as more important than urgency, and mentioned his concern for the unprotected, unvaccinated element of the population, who could be holding the rest of us back. What more can we do to encourage people who might not have taken up the vaccine to make sure that they get jabbed and let the rest of us out?

Minister reply

Of course, we must encourage everybody to take the vaccine, which is a wonderful thing. One of the problems is that, at the moment, we are not, as my hon. Friend knows, vaccinating children—children are not approved for the vaccine, although they may be possible vectors of the disease. As he knows, there are also people who are vulnerable to the disease even though they may have been vaccinated—there will be a percentage—so we have to make sure we proceed with caution and in a way that means we do not have to go back.

Drew Hendry Lab

Inverness Nairn Badenoch

Question

Do the Prime Minister and his Government intend to do anything at all for the 3 million or so people who have been excluded from financial support since the start of this pandemic?

Minister reply

We have provided about £15 billion for the self-employed and will continue to look after them in any way we can.

Craig Tracey Con

North Warwickshire

Question

I welcome the Prime Minister setting out the road map as promised, and it is great that schools will be returning, including, importantly, with their sporting activities. However, with that in mind, 8 March would also have been the optimal time to reintroduce for every one non-contact sports such as golf, which it is scientifically proven can be participated in safely during the pandemic. Will the Prime Minister set out why it has not been possible to reintroduce those sports at this stage, given that that will leave millions of people having to wait for another five weeks before they can return to their favourite form of exercise?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend is quite right to vent his frustration. I share his frustration; as somebody who yearns to go out and play sport myself, I understand completely how he feels. We must face the fact that, by comparison with any period last year, the virus remains very prevalent in our country, and we have to continue to keep it under control.

Emma Lewell-Buck Lab

South Shields

Question

The Prime Minister’s handling of this pandemic has been marked by false promises and inconsistent messaging. Hospitality was covid-secure, yet it had an arbitrary curfew imposed on it and it was then closed down. Today, that industry, which is the lifeblood of coastal tourist towns such as mine, has heard that people can meet outside in a park, yet outdoor areas of safe, regulated pubs, bars and restaurants cannot open until April. It simply cannot see the logic behind that. Can the Prime Minister explain where he found it?

Minister reply

The logic lies in containing a pandemic, and I think people in this country understand that. I deeply sympathise with the businesses in the hon. Lady’s constituency. The wonderful hospitality sector across the country now has a date to work for—to look forward to—for outdoor hospitality and for indoor hospitality, and I think people would rather have certainty than anything else.

Rehman Chishti Con

Gillingham

Question

Further to my question to the Prime Minister on 27 January and representations from Medway MPs, Medway will now have a mass vaccination centre, and I thank the Prime Minister and the Government for that. The impact of covid-19 on the mental health and wellbeing of young people has been raised with me repeatedly by local schools and the local university. The Children’s Commissioner, Anne Longfield, has suggested that all schools should have a dedicated mental health worker. Is that something that the Government will look to take forward, or will there be specific alternative support for young people? With that, I thank the Prime Minister for his recent response to me with regard to the report that I sent him from Professor Young at King’s College London on mental health and covid-19.

Minister reply

I congratulate my hon. Friend and the people of Rainham on the vaccine centre and everything that they are doing. He is completely right to raise mental health. That is why we are investing massively in supporting children’s and adult mental health, and I recently appointed Alex George to be mental health ambassador for young people.

Tan Dhesi Lab

Slough

Question

As the Prime Minister charts his road map out of this third national lockdown, he has undoubtedly presided over a disastrous response to the pandemic—one of the worst in the world. The sluggishness, double-mindedness and mixed messaging has led to billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money going into crony contracts with firms with links to the Tory party. We have one of the worst economic crises of any major economy in the world, and we have the worst death toll in Europe: more than 100,000 people have died, including members of my family. Would the Prime Minister like to take this opportunity to apologise to the British people and reassure them that the steps he is now taking will not lead us into yet another lockdown?

Minister reply

The purpose of this road map is to be cautious but irreversible, and if I take it from what the hon. Gentleman has just said that he supports the road map, then I am glad to have his support.

Martin Vickers Con

Brigg and Immingham

Question

I fully support my right hon. Friend’s cautious approach. However, he will know that coastal resorts have been particularly badly hit, as they rely to a considerable extent on the hospitality sector. That said, northern Lincolnshire and the Humber can play a major part in the post-pandemic economic recovery. Will the Prime Minister give an assurance that the Government will continue to support established and new businesses in the area?

Minister reply

Yes, indeed. We will ensure that we support businesses throughout the pandemic. I am absolutely certain that the hospitality industry in Cleethorpes and the surrounding area will bounce back very strongly indeed.

Bambos Charalambous Lab

Southgate and Wood Green

Question

The Prime Minister indicated in his statement that wearing face masks will still be a factor in the fight against covid over the months ahead. Many people with hidden disabilities are unable to wear face masks, yet many of them face abuse when they go out in public and people do not realise that they are exempt from wearing face coverings. Will the Prime Minister commit to a public awareness campaign for people with hidden disabilities so that they do not face abuse in public?

Minister reply

The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point. I will make sure that we do even more to get that point over to people, so that people who cannot wear face masks because of their disabilities do not face that kind of abuse.

John Redwood Con

Wokingham

Question

Will the Government do more to improve air flow, control and extraction in health settings, and to make more safe use of powerful ultraviolet cleaners to reduce cross-infection further?

Minister reply

My right hon. Friend raises a very interesting point. Our scientific advisers are looking at everything we can do, including the means that he suggests, to reduce transmission of the disease.

Steven Bonnar Lab

Glasgow

Question

Scientific research from leading Scottish universities has today shown substantial reductions in serious covid-19 hospital admissions following the administration of the first dose of the vaccine. Given this success, does the Prime Minister agree that it is now time to prioritise critical public servants, such as teachers and other key workers, to ensure that maximum protections are in place as we begin to ease our way out of this lockdown?

Minister reply

I think that most people in this House would agree that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation was right in its prioritisation of those who are most vulnerable, and that our ambition in the vaccine roll-out programme should be to vaccinate first those who are most at risk of serious disease and death; that is the right approach.

Andrew Bowie Con

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

Question

I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement this afternoon and very much hope that it is matched by the First Minister’s statement to the Scottish Parliament tomorrow, because it is better for business—not least the tourism and hospitality sector—that the whole country moves at the same pace. In that vein, does the Prime Minister agree that the incredible success, pace and take-up of the vaccine just shows what this country can achieve when we do it together?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend is completely right. It has been a stunning example of the whole of the UK working together to roll out a programme that has been absolutely vital for our whole country. Co-operation with the devolved Administrations has been terrific on this, but it is something that could not have been achieved without the UK working together.

Stephen Kinnock Lab

Aberavon

Question

The Prime Minister should know that there can be no post-pandemic economic recovery without a strong and healthy UK steel industry, but he should also know that our steelworkers are having to compete with one hand tied behind their backs because electricity costs our steelmakers 86% more than in Germany and 62% more than in France. What steps will the Prime Minister be taking to reduce British electricity costs to internationally competitive levels so that our steel industry can thrive in the wake of the pandemic?

Minister reply

The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point. Of course, that was one of the consequences of some of the taxes and some of the skewing of the prices that have been chosen over many years by Governments. We want to ensure that we have a steel industry in this country that is able to compete, and we must indeed address the discriminatory costs of energy; he is completely right to raise this point.

Andrew Selous Con

Carole

Question

Thank you very much on behalf of Whipsnade zoo, but will the Prime Minister now instruct that a further test case be taken to the courts so that those hospitality businesses whose business interruption insurance is still not paying out can get the relief that they need, having paid thousands in premiums, for decades in some cases?

Minister reply

I do hope that the businesses concerned receive the compensation that they are owed and deserve from their insurance packages, but in the meantime I urge my hon. Friend to look out for what the Chancellor is going to say next week about continued support.

Naseem Shah Lab

Bradford West

Question

Welcomes the roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions but urges the Prime Minister to reconsider opening wedding venues earlier than June, highlighting their economic importance in Bradford.

Minister reply

Acknowledges the request and indicates a willingness to revisit the decision based on further evidence but maintains that the current timeline is necessary for larger weddings due to safety concerns.

Richard Fuller Con

North Bedfordshire

Question

Questions the Prime Minister's tough border control policy, suggesting it may not be right despite being popular.

Minister reply

Defends the strict quarantine measures as necessary during a pandemic to prevent new variants and protect public health.

Janet Daby Lab

Lewisham East

Question

Asks if there are any plans for the Government to recover funds from contracts that failed, particularly in relation to PPE procurement.

Minister reply

Confirms that measures will be taken to reclaim money paid for poor quality or ineffective pandemic-related products.

Paul Bristow

Question

Compliments the success of the vaccination programme and asks if the Government might review restrictions more frequently based on data if progress is better than expected.

Minister reply

Explains that fixed intervals are necessary to evaluate the impact of easing lockdowns, providing certainty for businesses and individuals.

Andrew Slaughter Lab

Hammersmith and Chiswick

Question

Highlights disparities in vaccination rates among different demographics and asks what steps can be taken to improve take-up.

Minister reply

Acknowledges the issue and notes that efforts are underway, including through community champions, to boost vaccine uptake across all communities.

Mike Wood Con

Kingswinford and South Staffordshire

Question

Suggests reviewing later stages of easing restrictions if vaccination proves more effective than anticipated.

Minister reply

Explains that the roadmap is designed for certainty, providing clear dates for businesses to plan against.

James Wild Con

North West Norfolk

Question

Pays tribute to local medical staff and volunteers involved in the vaccination programme.

Minister reply

Commends those involved in North West Norfolk's vaccination efforts, highlighting their contribution to easing restrictions.

Alison Thewliss

Question

Requests a meeting for representatives from Maternity Action and other organisations to discuss support for women affected by the pandemic.

Minister reply

Agrees to ensure that relevant Ministers meet with these groups to address their concerns.

Julian Sturdy

Question

Asks if there is flexibility in the roadmap based on data showing increased vaccine effectiveness.

Minister reply

Explains that while the timetable is fast, it is necessary for evaluating each easing of restrictions and providing certainty.

Ben Bradshaw

Question

Questions why the Prime Minister does not bring forward dates in the roadmap based on improved data.

Minister reply

Reiterates that fixed intervals are needed to assess impacts, given the highly contagious nature of the disease and ongoing risks.

Geraint Davies

Question

Requests guidance on restricting travel from more infectious areas in England to Wales.

Minister reply

Stresses that restrictions apply uniformly across all UK regions for the duration of the pandemic.

Robert Halfon

Question

Welcomes school reopening plans and asks about assessing children's educational loss and offering additional support.

Minister reply

Announces the appointment of Sir Kevan Collins as educational recovery commissioner to address these issues, including extending the school day for catch-up.

Joanna Cherry SNP

Edinburgh Napier University

Question

Although the Government’s announcement that indoor care home visiting for one named person—one named relative—is to be permitted from 8 March sounds like progress, the fact that this remains a matter for guidance only is very concerning. The Joint Committee on Human Rights has heard too many examples of previous guidance on this issue not being followed, denying meaningful visits when they might safely be facilitated. The Joint Committee has drafted regulations that would ensure that nobody in a care home was denied a face-to-face visit without a carefully thought through, individualised risk assessment. Will the Prime Minister commit to bringing these regulations into force?

Minister reply

I direct the hon. and learned Lady to what I said earlier about ensuring that people get the ability to see a nominated visitor, and I remind her of the sad reality of the infection that we have seen in care homes and the need to protect against it. There is a balance to be struck, as she knows.

Richard Holden Con

Basildon and Billericay

Question

I thank the Prime Minister for his statement. Everyone—especially young people, small businesses and the hospitality and pubs sector—in North West Durham and across the country have made massive sacrifices to achieve the huge progress in tackling the pandemic. As long as the Government’s world-leading vaccine programme continues, the road map means that we will be out of almost all restrictions by late June, with the certain approach that the Prime Minister is pushing for. May I extend an invitation to the Prime Minister, his fiancée Carrie, Wilfred and Dilyn to visit North West Durham this summer, to see some of Britain’s most beautiful but least well-known countryside?

Minister reply

I thank my hon. Friend. Wild horses would not keep me away from North West Durham.

Afzal Khan Lab

Manchester Rusholme

Question

Earlier this month, nearly half the constituents I surveyed reported severe financial insecurity. Shockingly, almost a third also said that they struggled to afford daily living costs. That is the financial reality of millions around the country. One respondent told me that they feel utterly hopeless about their financial situation. The Prime Minister could now deliver some peace of mind for my constituents by agreeing to extend the support schemes that have kept many families afloat during this crisis, including payments for people self-isolating. Will he do so?

Minister reply

We will continue to look after people throughout the pandemic.

Jacob Young

Question

Our vaccine roll-out has been an amazing success so far, and I want to thank those in the Eston primary care network, Redcar Hospital, James Cook University Hospital and the Government for their efforts in delivering it. We are hitting targets and reaching new milestones each day, and soon we will have the Novavax vaccine, made in Teesside, to help us as well. When does the Prime Minister expect this new Teesside vaccine to be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency?

Minister reply

I was thrilled to go up to Teesside to see the site where the Novavax vaccine will be made and look at one of the bioreactors that will be used. I cannot give my hon. Friend an exact date by which the MHRA will give approval, but we are pretty confident that it will be forthcoming before too long.

Grahame Morris Lab

Easington

Question

Is the Prime Minister aware of the Catch Up With Cancer campaign and the urgent need for funding to clear the cancer backlog? Otherwise, we risk turning the covid crisis into a cancer crisis, with tens of thousands more lives lost. Will he commit to the funding to create a world-class cancer service and work with the Catch Up With Cancer campaign to deliver the investment in the cancer workforce, new equipment and IT networks that we urgently need to tackle this backlog?

Minister reply

Yes, and the hon. Gentleman makes a very important point. That is why we are investing an extra £52 billion into the NHS but also tackling the backlog caused by the pandemic in cancer and many other conditions. The point he makes should be attended to by all those who think that another wave of covid is something we can simply put up with easily. The NHS is already under terrific pressure, and the more covid we have, the more it displaces other vital treatments, as he rightly points out.

Ben Bradley

Question

This morning I visited Manor Academy in Mansfield Woodhouse to see the amazing job it has done in setting up covid testing for pupils and staff. It is very keen to see its children back in school, as it knows that the inequalities that existed pre covid will only have been exacerbated by closures. Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that wide-ranging support will be offered to schools to address not just academic issues but the social and emotional challenges that many children will face as a result of those closures?

Minister reply

Yes. One of the most important things we can do is not just support kids’ mental health, address those issues and help teachers to address them, but also invest in one-on-one tutoring, which will be of massive value to kids who have come under particular stress and who have fallen behind but who may show great potential that needs to be unleashed. One-to-one tutoring is something we will be investing in heavily.

Rupa Huq Lab

Ealing Central and Acton

Question

To add to the helter-skelter of various pending cliff-edge dates—stamp duty, the eviction ban, business rates, universal credit, the furlough—a little known one ended yesterday, with the expiry date on those who are shielding being able to claim a four-month supply of free vitamin D. Will the Prime Minister tell us whether the 1.7 million new shielders just added to the list will be eligible? Will he advertise this more widely, and, given how vitamin D builds immunity to all viruses, even for people who are not yet eligible for their vaccination, will he commit to a year-long advertising campaign for all? Kellogg’s is on board; will he do it?

Minister reply

I thank the hon. Lady very much for what she says about vitamin D. She is right about the value that that vitamin can have and we will make sure that we give it due publicity.

Mark Menzies

Question

I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement today and acknowledge the tremendous leadership that he has shown in driving forward the vaccine programme. As my right hon. Friend is aware, the tourism and hospitality sectors are vital to the Fylde economy and they are ready and willing to trade their way to recovery. Will he assure me that he will keep the sector at the front of his thoughts both ahead of next week’s Budget and when implementing his road map?

Minister reply

The tourism sector is absolutely vital for our country and the faster that we can get it open, the better, but the best way to open it up fastest is to have a road map from which we do not deviate and on which we are not forced to go backwards. That is what we are setting out today and I am glad that we have my hon. Friend’s support.

Ruth Cadbury Lab

Brentford and Isleworth

Question

The Prime Minister has today acknowledged the importance of holidays abroad but also that strict quarantine is essential to address the global transmission of covid. The aviation sector has estimated that, at best, aviation will return in UK to only a third of 2019 levels this year and that full recovery could take five years, so when will the Government release their delayed aviation recovery plan, and what additional support will they provide for communities such as mine and the Prime Minister’s, who are dependent on the aviation sector for employment?

Minister reply

The hon. Lady will be hearing a lot more about that and other matters on 12 April.

James Davies

Question

My right hon. Friend has quite rightly placed emphasis on the reopening of schools, with the return to school of all children in England on 8 March. In Wales, primary schoolchildren aged seven and under will return this week, while it is hoped that the remainder of primary schoolchildren and some older pupils taking qualifications may return on 15 March. However, there appear to be no plans until after Easter in Wales—beyond the reopening of some non-essential shops—for most secondary school pupils to return. Will the Prime Minister urge the Welsh Government to reconsider their approach, given the harm that young people have already endured during the pandemic?

Minister reply

I thank my hon. Friend. Obviously, that is a matter for the devolved authority, but I am sure that he shares my hope that all pupils will be back in school as fast as possible and that we will hear from the Labour party in Wales that schools are safe.

Maria Eagle Lab

Liverpool Garston

Question

In Liverpool, only 23% of those who applied for a test, trace and isolate payment received it, and over two fifths of them received a discretionary payment from money that is now exhausted. Effectively facilitating isolation will be key in preventing the resurgence of the virus via new strains that might compromise the vaccine, so does the Prime Minister accept that eligibility for the test, trace and isolate payment is not drawn widely enough to provide support to those who need it and who cannot afford to stop work without extra help? Will he agree to extend it to include all those people who have no access to statutory sick pay?

Minister reply

We will continue to support all those who are isolating. Indeed, we will do what we can to increase our support for them, but we will also support everybody throughout this pandemic. The hon. Lady should wait for the Chancellor to announce his Budget next week.

Steve Brine

Question

I want to welcome and to raise a hallelujah, along with parents and children, for the good sense of schools returning for all pupils from 8 March. It is the right thing to do on so many levels. May I ask the Prime Minister, however, what evidence has driven his decision that outdoor sport—not in-school outdoor sport, but wider outdoor sport—for those same children cannot go ahead for another month? Furthermore, can he say why, after all the good work that they did last year to create covid-secure environments, restaurants and cafés face another three months before they can open in any meaningful way? What is the evidence that he has seen that has convinced him to make that decision today?

Minister reply

Outdoor sport for schools can go ahead from 8 March, as I said earlier. The evidence for all the decisions that we have taken—a massive quantity of scientific evidence—has been deposited today with the House.

Yvette Cooper Lab

Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley

Question

Our covid rates in Yorkshire have fallen much more slowly than in London and the south-east. Workers are not getting sufficient support for self-isolation, particularly hitting manufacturing towns. Will he think again? Will he extend that support?

Minister reply

We are increasing support for people who are self-isolating and continue to look after workers throughout the pandemic. The best thing is to get the disease down and keep it under control.

Vicky Foxcroft Lab

Lewisham North

Question

Disabled people have been one of the hardest hit groups during this pandemic with poor communication, late information and inaccessible formats. Will he provide a clear road map for those shielding so they know when it is safe to rejoin society?

Minister reply

The road map is here online and measures specifically for disabled people and those shielding are clearly set out.

Simon Clarke

Question

Children and parents will be delighted that schools across England will return on 8 March. May I urge a specific focus on targeted support for white working class children as we rebuild our country?

Minister reply

We are supporting all pupils who have suffered loss to their learning with the distribution of 1.3 million laptops and £1.3 billion into catch-up programmes.

Cat Smith Lab

Lancaster and Wyre

Question

University students were not eligible for furlough and are struggling financially due to being legally prevented from returning to accommodation they are obliged to pay for until after Easter. Does the PM think this is fair?

Minister reply

We sympathise deeply with their sense of unfairness and will do whatever we can to support them, working with the university sector.

Mark Fletcher

Question

I very much welcome the Prime Minister’s statement and prioritising reopening schools. Does he agree it is now essential to develop a long-term plan for pupils to catch up on missed education?

Minister reply

Sir Kevan Collins has been appointed as the education recovery commissioner, setting out plans not just to remediate loss but to take our educational system forward.

Alec Shelbrooke Con

Wetherby and Easingwold

Question

When does he envisage indoor activities like Zumba classes will be allowed again in village halls?

Minister reply

Outdoor Zumba can start on 29 March, while indoors is down for 17 May.

Navendu Mishra Lab

Stockport

Question

Macmillan Cancer Support warns that over 100,000 people who live with cancer are struggling to cover basic living costs due to the impact of covid-19. Will he commit to making the £20 per week universal credit increase permanent and extend it to legacy benefits?

Minister reply

We will do everything we can to clear the backlog as fast as possible.

Edward Leigh Con

Gainsborough

Question

Why did severe quarantine measures not start from the very beginning, similar to Australia and China?

Minister reply

We have a tough regime on international travel—one of the toughest in the world—and will learn all lessons about the early handling of the pandemic.

Kerry McCarthy Lab

Bristol East

Question

Events and exhibitions companies are still struggling to get any support for lost business. What reassurance can he give that there will be help in the Chancellor’s Budget next week?

Minister reply

Extra discretionary funding is available for councils to support such businesses.

Anthony Mangnall

Question

Millions of young people have had their lives put on hold. What can we do to help those university students entering the job market and those leaving school?

Minister reply

We have the £2 billion kickstart fund in addition to many other schemes to help young people into work.

Patrick Grady

Question

The German equivalent of furlough will be accessible until at least the end of this year. Why cannot his Government provide that level of certainty and support?

Minister reply

He will hear a lot more next week about the support being given throughout the UK.

Peter Bone

Question

A wonderful young couple in my constituency had to cancel their wedding due to covid. Can he guarantee that Briana and Jordan’s wedding can go ahead on 1 July?

Minister reply

If we stick with the road map, all is set fair for them.

Zarah Sultana Your Party

Coventry South

Question

We have more than 120,000 covid deaths and the deepest recession of any major economy. Government scientists warn that reopening schools on 8 March could lead to an infection rate rise above 1, triggering an exponential increase in cases. Will the Prime Minister listen to teachers and scientists and follow devolved Administrations with a phased return to schools?

Minister reply

The hon. Member should direct her criticism at her own Front Bench as well; the Leader of the Opposition has just supported those plans for reopening schools.

Robin Millar

Question

The success of our north Wales economy is critically dependent on visitors from the rest of the UK and the world. Will my right hon. Friend continue his good work with the Welsh Government to ensure no obstacles are put in the way of visitors, and will he confirm that shared prosperity funds will be used for economic recovery in places like Aberconwy?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend mentions Llandudno, where I spent a wonderful new year’s eve in 1997; we wish all hotels in Llandudno the best and aim to open them as soon as possible.

Richard Burgon Lab

Leeds East

Question

Since lifting lockdown prematurely in December, there have been 60,000 deaths. Does not reopening schools on just one day pose a risk of the virus running out of control?

Minister reply

Most people understand that schools need to go back; the Leader of the Opposition supports schools returning on 8 March.

Alberto Costa Con

South Leicestershire

Question

Fosse Shopping Park in my constituency is expanding with a £168 million investment. Will you come and cut the ribbon to boost consumer confidence?

Minister reply

Non-essential retail will reopen on 12 April; I am sure my hon. Friend can do an excellent job of opening Fosse Park.

Mohammad Yasin Lab

Bedford

Question

Many care home staff in BAME groups are not taking the vaccine, and local authorities need detailed data to identify non-compliance. Will the Prime Minister make this data available today?

Minister reply

We aim to provide as much data as possible while respecting patient confidentiality; take-up among some groups and care home staff is increasing.

Desmond Swayne Con

New Forest West

Question

Lockdowns reverse the natural selection process, favouring more potent variants. Therefore, in addition to economic and social costs, there is a scientific urgency to lift lockdowns.

Minister reply

Our vaccines are effective against known variants; scientists can evolve new vaccines for any emerging ones.

Tim Farron Lib Dem

Westmorland and Lonsdale

Question

Outdoor education is an industry of vast importance, but 6,000 people have lost their jobs. Will the Prime Minister reopen outdoor education or residential stays from summer term or provide a bespoke financial package to support this sector?

Minister reply

Given that transmission is less likely outdoors, outdoor education should be able to open on the same date as indoor; I will ensure we get back to him if there are any issues.

Jason McCartney

Question

Will the Prime Minister thank volunteers, GPs, pharmacies and nurses for administering vaccines in my area? Will he also ensure that the Chancellor announces support for the wedding, hospitality and events sectors in his Budget?

Minister reply

I echo my hon. Friend’s thanks to these groups; I look forward to being able to use hair salons again soon.

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