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Covid-19 Update
28 June 2021
Lead MP
Sajid Javid
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSSocial CareEmployment
Other Contributors: 41
At a Glance
Sajid Javid 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
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid paid tribute to NHS staff and thanked his predecessor, Matt Hancock. He highlighted the success of the UK's vaccination programme, noting that over 84% of adults have received at least one dose and 61% have had both doses. The statement acknowledged the challenges posed by the delta variant and explained the Government’s decision to pause step 4 on the roadmap until July 19th. Javid committed to ensuring around two-thirds of all adults in the country will have had both vaccine doses by that date, with additional measures being implemented to increase vaccination rates among over-40s. He emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to vaccinate more people and manage hospitalisations while aiming for an irreversible end to restrictions on July 19th.
Nigel Huddleston
Con
Ealing North
Question
The MP asked how many over-40s had received both doses at the time of the statement and inquired about the impact on hospital admissions for those who have been vaccinated against the delta variant.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid responded by stating that 61% of adults overall, including over-40s, had received both vaccine doses. He emphasised that two doses are just as effective at preventing hospitalisation due to the delta variant compared to the alpha variant.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Leicester North
Question
The MP questioned whether 19 July was a realistic goal given current trends and asked if there would be any further restrictions imposed, especially in areas like Leicester.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid reassured that the Government is not planning to impose additional restrictions beyond those currently announced. He stated that the decision on July 19th is irreversible based on the current data.
Leicester West
Question
The MP inquired about the effectiveness of the vaccine against hospital admissions for the delta variant and asked if mixed schedules could be considered.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid confirmed that two doses are as effective at preventing hospitalisation with the delta variant as they were with the alpha variant. He also mentioned new data suggesting that a mixed schedule might offer better immune responses and flexibility for the booster programme.
David Linden
Lab
Wrexham
Question
The MP asked about hospital admissions in Wrexham over the past month, particularly due to the delta variant.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid responded by stating that the number of hospitalisations has indeed increased since the start of May and noted that admissions are most clearly rising in certain regions like the north-east and south-west.
David Hare
Con
Hampstead and Kilburn
Question
The MP asked how many patients over 40 had not received a second dose by June 14th.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid clarified that the figure of over-40s who had only received their first dose has decreased from around 4.3 million on June 14th to approximately 3.2 million currently.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Cardiff Central
Question
The MP asked how many adults over 40 had not received both doses by the deadline of July 19th.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid stated that the goal is for around two-thirds of all adults to have had both vaccine doses by July 19th, and he emphasised the ongoing efforts to vaccinate more people.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Question
The MP asked about the effectiveness of mixed schedules in preventing hospital admissions due to the delta variant.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid confirmed that two doses are as effective at preventing hospitalisation with the delta variant as they were with the alpha variant and noted new data suggesting potential benefits from a mixed schedule.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
Question
Ashworth expressed concern over the decision to lift all coronavirus restrictions by July 19th, questioning if this is premature or too confident given current case trends. He asked about long covid cases and potential disruptions to schooling. He inquired whether lifting restrictions was irreversible and what plans existed for winter.
Minister reply
Javid thanked Ashworth for his comments and pointed out that the decision was based on the success of the vaccination programme which has broken the link between case numbers and hospitalizations or deaths.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
Question
Ashworth inquired about funding beyond September for NHS recovery efforts, asking when hospitals would guarantee meeting pre-pandemic targets such as the 18-week waiting time standard and cancer treatment target. He also raised concerns over the GP data transfer initiative.
Minister reply
Javid confirmed that dealing with the backlog remains a priority and announced plans to listen to frontline staff for further ideas on how to address it efficiently. He defended the need for NHS integration as outlined in the reform Bill.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
Question
Ashworth questioned whether social care reforms would be launched and raised concerns over propriety of ministers using personal email accounts for government business.
Minister reply
Javid stated that social care remains a priority, emphasising the Prime Minister's commitment to it. He defended his ministerial team, highlighting their talent and experience.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Ash
Question
In welcoming the new Secretary of State to his post, he asked whether Sajid Javid would also give thought to how to prepare the NHS and care system for future pandemics, including making sure that local authorities have long-term stability in funding to ensure they can look after every older person with dignity and respect.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid thanked Jeremy Hunt for his remarks and welcomed the scrutiny from the Health and Social Care Committee. He confirmed ongoing work on future pandemics, including discussions with UKHSA and use of knowledge gained during time at Harvard Kennedy School. Sajid Javid also acknowledged the importance of social care reform and sustainable funding.
Question
Philippa Whitford inquired about reviewing or modifying current covid policy, specifically quarantine and traffic light system to avoid importing dangerous variants. She also raised concerns over the NHS Test and Trace system's effectiveness and isolation payments.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid assured that border control is under review continuously for protection from new virus variants. He acknowledged the importance of test and trace but noted it as the largest diagnostic exercise in British history, having carried out more than 200 million tests.
Lucy Allan
Con
Question
Lucy Allan expressed delight at Sajid Javid's return to the Front Bench and sought confirmation that all restrictions will be lifted on July 19th.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid confirmed his intention for step 4 commencement on July 19th with removal of restrictions, but noted further data review before final decisions.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Wilson welcomed Sajid Javid to the role and requested cross-party work on social care reform as promised in manifestos.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid thanked Munira Wilson for her comments, acknowledging previous support from the government before the pandemic. He agreed to meet with her to discuss further.
Alberto Costa
Con
South Leicestershire
Question
Costa welcomed Sajid Javid and asked if he would meet him regarding the future of Feilding Palmer Hospital in Lutterworth.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid thanked Alberto Costa for raising the issue, recognising the importance of local hospitals and their contributions. He agreed to meet Costa.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Shannon congratulated Sajid Javid and asked when people would be able to attend worship without masks as diners can in restaurants.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid thanked Jim Shannon for his remarks, agreeing that churches should have parity with restaurants regarding mask restrictions.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Question
Mullan asked if Sajid Javid would meet him urgently to discuss the proposal of a Cheshire-Merseyside Integrated Care System.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid thanked Kieran Mullan for his work in support of the NHS, acknowledging the importance of ICS decisions and agreeing to meet Mullan.
Question
Welcomes the Secretary of State to his new role and calls for investment in social care, highlighting the £8 billion lost over a decade. Requests the minister to bring forward proposals by Christmas.
Minister reply
Agrees on the importance of social care but disputes underinvestment by the Government, citing previous funding increases.
Question
Welcomes the Secretary of State and asks about speeding up trials for new drugs and improving air extraction systems to combat covid-19.
Minister reply
Confirms a positive approach to both questions raised.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
Suggests cross-party work on social care reform and inquires about the National Audit Office report's findings regarding test and trace data availability for local directors of public health.
Minister reply
Agrees to discuss social care reform but defers a detailed response on NAO reports.
Question
Welcomes the Secretary of State and asks about allowing congregations in church to sing hymns together.
Minister reply
Intends to allow singing in churches as soon as possible.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Question
Raises concerns about cases rising due to schools and asks whether wearing masks should become mandatory in schools.
Minister reply
Requests fresh advice from the Department on testing policies in schools.
Question
Welcomes the Secretary of State and asks for closer cooperation between Health and Social Care, local councils, social care providers, businesses, and community representatives.
Minister reply
Agrees to work closely with all relevant parties.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
Raises concern about the Secretary of State's outside earnings during the pandemic and asks for NHS staff pay rise support.
Minister reply
Deflects criticism without specific commitment to a pay rise.
Question
Welcomes the Secretary of State and requests assistance in bringing back physical GP meetings.
Minister reply
Intends to seek advice on this issue.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Question
Asks for assurance that NHS will remain public, particularly regarding practices leased to private US healthcare companies.
Minister reply
Reassures the NHS's status as a public service.
Question
Questions about returning maternity services at Stafford’s County Hospital after being suspended during the pandemic.
Minister reply
Aims to return normal services and suggests setting up a meeting for detailed discussion.
Question
Inquires whether he will deliver a pay rise to NHS staff in England, at least matching Scotland’s rates.
Minister reply
Commits to ensuring a fair pay settlement for all NHS workers.
Question
Welcomes the Secretary of State back and asks about data-driven decision-making in the pandemic response.
Minister reply
Reassures that granular data is being used to make decisions and will look into sharing more data.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Question
Despite the best efforts of our hard-working NHS staff, covid-19 has created a backlog in cancer care. Macmillan estimates that the backlog of people receiving their first cancer treatment stands at 37,000 people across England. Will he commit to addressing the cancer backlog and investing in the NHS workforce?
Minister reply
Cancer diagnosis and treatment has remained a top priority throughout the pandemic. Some 2.47 million urgent referrals have been made and over 618,000 people have been treated between March 2020 and April 2021. Following the “Help Us, Help You” symptom awareness campaign, many of the so-called missing patients are starting to come forward.
Question
Is the Secretary of State aware that Professor Sir Andrew Pollard recently told my Committee that we need to be aware that new variants are likely to infect even the vaccinated, but high protection against hospitalisation continues despite spread of cases in the community. What will my right hon. Friend do to inform the public?
Minister reply
I agree with my right hon. Friend's point and it is one that I referred to earlier. With the vaccine breaking the link between case numbers and hospitalisation, we are seeing very positive indications.
Question
The Home Office recently updated its visa guidance to say that new international students and those returning to the UK must be here by 27 September or lose their post-study work rights. Will the Secretary of State urgently meet his successor as Home Secretary to seek this change?
Minister reply
I was not aware of this issue, but I will certainly raise it with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
Question
One of the big challenges in my area is parents, grandparents and guardians having to deal with children and students from local schools and colleges who have to isolate for sometimes a third or fourth time. This is having a huge impact on education, mental health and wellbeing. What extra PCR testing and new approach to isolating can be introduced?
Minister reply
I am aware of the issue and I want to see if there are any more flexibilities that we can provide through tests in lieu of isolation, similar to the pilot programme currently in place.
Question
In Bexley borough we have some of the highest-performing vaccination teams in the country. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the vaccine roll-out remains his top priority?
Minister reply
I can certainly confirm to my right hon. Friend that the vaccine is our way out of this pandemic, with four fifths of adults having had their first jab and three fifths both jabs.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Question
In Newcastle, infection rates are doubling every week and are now at over 400 per 100,000. More people are being asked to self-isolate. Does the Secretary of State recognise that this is one reason for higher rates in areas with high levels of low-paid and insecure work? As a former Chancellor, will he fight for more support?
Minister reply
We will absolutely keep under review how much further support can be provided to help with issues such as those mentioned by the hon. Lady.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
Does my right hon. Friend share my concerns regarding this winter, when we predict that an increase in covid hospitalisations may be superimposed on normal NHS winter pressures? Can he confirm that plans and preparations are being put in place now to support our NHS?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to raise the issue. Plans are being put in place for winter, including dealing with the backlog.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
The Prime Minister told us that he had a ready-made plan back in July 2019. What has changed? Does the plan exist?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister has a plan, and we are working on the detail of that plan.
Question
Does his optimism on the end of domestic restrictions extend to those who want to take up international travel again or work in the industry? Is he also confident that the three fifths he mentioned who have been double-jabbed will be able to go to amber list countries without quarantine?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend should know that it is my intention, and the Government’s intention, as I have said from day one on this job, to remove all restrictions as quickly as possible.
Question
There are those in government who are preparing the ground for the return of restrictions in the autumn and winter. Will he rule out the use of lockdowns and restrictions in the winter?
Minister reply
I am very happy to meet with him to discuss the issues in more detail and listen to his views.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
Question
I give a warm welcome to my right hon. Friend. I wish him very well. I am looking for a change in policy as much as a change in tone. I return him to the subject of education. Estimates suggest that a quarter of a million children are missing school today due to precautionary isolations, the vast majority of them sequential due to the bubbles they are caught in. Under the current rules, 10 days of isolation is then unavoidable, even with a negative PCR test. Have our young people not suffered enough? Are we really going to continue to do this to ourselves? Is this not an area, given the availability and reliability of testing now, where I might find the change of policy that I am looking for?
Minister reply
Other hon. Members have rightly raised this very important issue, and my hon. Friend is right to draw attention to it once again. It is something that I have focused on from day one on the job. That is why I have asked for fresh advice on it. As he knows, that decision was made with the data that was available at the time. Clearly, data is changing all the time, and we must ensure that we keep that under review for exactly the reasons that he has just set out. As I say, I have asked for advice on that and will hopefully be able to say more on it as soon as possible.
Shadow Comment
Jon Ashworth
Shadow Comment
Shadow Secretary of State Jon Ashworth welcomed Sajid Javid but expressed concerns about the Government's confidence regarding lifting all restrictions by July 19th. He warned against premature optimism based on past false promises and highlighted potential risks such as an increase in long covid cases, hospitalisations, and disruptions to schooling due to rising infections. Ashworth questioned whether there were plans for winter restrictions and pressed Javid about the funding and resources required to support the NHS through the backlog of care following the pandemic. He also inquired about the future of social care reforms, GP data transfer policies, and the propriety of using personal email accounts for Government business.
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