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Covid-19 Update
06 December 2021
Lead MP
Sajid Javid
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Migrants & Borders
Other Contributors: 50
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
Sajid Javid announced measures against the omicron variant, including adding Nigeria to the travel red list and requiring pre-departure testing for those entering from non-red-list countries. He also highlighted progress in the booster vaccine programme and the approval of a new treatment. He emphasised that these are temporary measures to be reviewed next week.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Question
Asked when boosters will be rolled out to under-40s and if research has been done into vaccine hesitancy reasons, urging steps to increase take-up among less likely groups.
Minister reply
No specific answer provided.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Question
Asked about slow progress in vaccinating 12 to 15-year-olds and the initial target's miss, requesting a plan to speed up vaccinations.
Minister reply
No specific answer provided.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Question
Asked if stronger border controls will be standard for new variants and why pre-departure test window is 48 hours, demanding action on testing costs and quarantine accommodation.
Minister reply
No specific answer provided.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Question
Asked about ventilation support for schools, referencing a primary school closure due to suspected omicron outbreak and the impact on students' learning.
Minister reply
No specific answer provided.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Question
Asked about increasing sick pay levels, pointing out that low-paid workers face tough choices between work and health during the pandemic.
Minister reply
No specific answer provided.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Question
Asked for clarity on rule adherence regarding the Prime Minister's event in Downing Street, questioning if there is one rule for them and another for others.
Minister reply
No specific answer provided.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his kind, warm words of welcome and for advance sight of his statement. I intend to continue in a constructive approach similar to my right hon. Friend’s efforts during the pandemic. The goal must be living with the virus effectively through vaccines, treatments, and public health measures. In support of the Government's booster campaign targeting 500,000 daily doses, I ask when this target will be achieved and when under-40s will receive boosters. Concerned about hospital resources being diverted to unvaccinated individuals, I seek plans for persuading those who are eligible but not vaccinated to do so. I question the reasons behind slow vaccination rates among 12 to 15-year-olds and call for urgent measures to address them. Pre-departure tests have been reintroduced as requested; stronger border controls should be considered for new variants to prevent future outbreaks. The roll-out of ventilation support in schools is delayed despite earlier recommendations, which is disappointing given current school closures due to suspected omicron cases. Lastly, I urge the Government to address low sick pay levels and finally provide clarity on Downing Street's events during the pandemic rules.
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his support for the booster programme and general support for vaccines. The booster programme is steaming ahead with 2.6 million people boosted last week, and over 3.6 million booked to get their boosters this week, aiming to meet our commitment to offer all adults across the UK a booster by January end. We are focusing on reaching the remaining unvaccinated individuals through improved access and communications, and we have seen increased first-time vaccinations in recent days due to omicron concerns. On testing costs and hotel quarantine accommodation, tough measures are being taken against misleading providers, improving clarity on pricing and availability. The roll-out of ventilation support in schools is delayed but the Secretary of State for Education provided further information last week regarding improvements being made. Sick pay remains accessible from day one as was rightly kept during the pandemic.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming
Question
I strongly support the balanced and sensible way in which the Secretary of State is buying time until we find out how dangerous this new variant really is. How is he preparing the NHS for the potential worst-case scenario, particularly with regard to the 10,000 NHS beds occupied by people waiting for social care packages? Given that many sadly died at home from stroke and heart attacks in the first wave due to hospital hesitance, what are we doing for emergency care? Also, on cancer care, 45,000 fewer people started treatment in the first wave; how will the Secretary of State ensure switching the NHS on for omicron doesn't switch off other services?
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend for his support and comments about the NHS's need to prepare for the worst-case scenario, which has been ongoing since discovering omicron. The importance of discharges is highlighted now more than ever, especially as patients are ready to be clinically discharged from hospitals. The recent funding provided over this winter period aims at helping with these issues, almost £500 million in total.
Mid Fife and Glenrothes
Question
Asked about the proportion of labs in the UK assessing the S-gene, travel testing by private labs, reintroduction of pre-travel PCR, day 8 test for release, four-nation Cobra meeting to discuss response, support for travel sector, global response failure, UK's commitment to vaccine donations and intellectual property rights.
Minister reply
Acknowledged support for vaccination; most testing centres can detect S-gene dropout but will expand capabilities soon. Restrictions are temporary and will be lifted when possible. Pledged to meet the 100 million dose commitment by June 2022, with 22 million already delivered.
Theresa May
Con
Maidenhead
Question
Asked about long-term response to new variants, annual vaccinations and economic impacts.
Minister reply
Agreed that living with the virus means likely annual vaccines. Cautioned against jumping to conclusions about severity of omicron based on early data from South Africa; agreed that learning to live with the virus requires finding ways to continue normal life.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
Asked about confusion around third dose eligibility and online booking.
Minister reply
GPs make clinical decisions on third doses due to the unique circumstances of each case; online booking is not possible because of this complexity.
Liam Fox
Con
Question
Asked about rationale for 10-day quarantines post negative PCR tests.
Minister reply
Based on virus incubation period; policies will be updated as more data becomes available.
Vicky Foxcroft
Lab
Lewisham North
Question
Asked about antibody testing for immunocompromised individuals.
Minister reply
Immunocompromised people can have antibody tests under certain conditions; taking expert advice on broader availability.
Theresa Villiers
Con
Chesham and Amersham
Question
Asked about measures to help the travel sector.
Minister reply
Agreed on the challenge facing the travel sector; will review policies based on more data next week.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South East
Question
Asked about contradictory guidance for UK citizens who have recovered from covid.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the issue and said it will be looked into further.
Mark Harper
Con
Folkestone and Hythe
Question
Asked about assurance of parliamentary recall if restrictions are imposed during recess.
Minister reply
Pledged to update Parliament next week; assured that if necessary action is taken during the recess, it will be debated.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Question
Will the Health Secretary confirm that he expects next week’s update to contain more information about omicron variant, and comment on Government Members not wearing masks in the Chamber?
Minister reply
We expect to have more information by next week but no guarantees. Masks are required based on rules.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Question
Will the Health Secretary put emphasis on delivering booster jabs in rural areas such as Tenbury Wells?
Minister reply
Pharmacies, hospital hubs and vaccination centres are expanding across rural areas with 10,000 paid vaccinators recruited.
Question
With omicron's high transmissibility leading to more self-isolation instances, will the Government increase statutory sick pay?
Minister reply
Sick pay begins on day one and there is a hardship fund available for particular cases.
Question
Will the Health Secretary set out criteria for lifting travel sector restrictions which have been temporary measures?
Minister reply
The impact of these measures on the travel sector will be reviewed next week to provide more certainty.
Question
Can the Secretary of State issue guidance to care homes emphasising visits at Christmas for end-of-life patients?
Minister reply
Visits at end of life should always be supported; specific case details will help investigate this situation.
Question
Why has some of the NHS funding not been used to expand hospital capacity, and why were Nightingale hospitals not utilized?
Minister reply
Funding is deployed for discharge work between NHS and social care sectors.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
How many of those who have tested positive in the UK are ill?
Minister reply
There are 336 confirmed cases, some asymptomatic and others feeling ill; none has been hospitalized.
Question
Why is Rochdale receiving fewer PCR tests than before, and will the Health Secretary look at this issue?
Minister reply
Testing capacity is being increased due to concerns around omicron variant; UKHSA conducts approximately half a million tests per day.
Kate Osamor
Lab Co-op
Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Question
Why are African countries, especially Nigeria, on the red list when they have mild omicron cases?
Minister reply
Nigeria is included due to 21 cases linked to England; provision of testing support for other countries with limited ability.
Question
Should head teachers follow local authority guidance or national Government guidance regarding Christmas events?
Minister reply
National Government guidance should be followed as the virus likes colder winter days; continue to follow existing guidelines.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Question
Will the Secretary of State address severe capacity pressures in cancer services within the imminent elective recovery plan?
Minister reply
Yes, addressing these issues is committed to.
Question
Is getting a booster jab the best Christmas present anyone can get this year?
Minister reply
Agrees that getting a booster jab is one of the best presents.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Question
Will an economic support package be expected for tourism sectors if further restrictions apply, and how will vaccine provision be accelerated?
Minister reply
Referenced answers given previously on these topics.
Question
What is the quality of care provided in managed quarantine facilities compared to home quarantine?
Minister reply
Managed quarantines are required for public health reasons, and a decent standard of care should be maintained; will look into specific cases.
Lisa Cameron
SNP
Edinburgh East
Question
As chair of the all-party disability group, I have been hearing from people right across the United Kingdom saying that some of the individuals who have not yet been vaccinated have learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorders. They have a fear of going to large-scale vaccination centres but do not yet have adapted vaccination regimes with specialist learning disabilities nurses who can attend to them. Could the Secretary of State assure the House that this will be taken forward and that the most clinically vulnerable will not be left behind?
Minister reply
It is important that there is easy access for everyone to get vaccinated. The hon. Lady has given a really good demonstration of why that is so critical for every part of our community. If it is helpful, the Vaccines Minister will be pleased to meet her, as chair of the APPG, to see what more we can do.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Vaccines are clearly our way out of this, but does the Secretary of State agree that treatments are also important, and they have come on in leaps and bounds? Sotrovimab reduces the incidence of death or hospitalisation by 80% and molnupiravir got its approval last week. Does he agree that while we are very good at R&D we are less good at rolling out these extraordinary therapeutics? Will he do everything in his power to make sure that the NHS has access to those drugs as soon as possible since they reduce considerably the problem that covid and its associates will pose in terms of mortality and serious illness?
Minister reply
Yes. I know my right hon. Friend speaks with experience and I agree with him absolutely.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
If we are going to have to live with covid and given the high infection rates among young children, what possible justification can there be for delaying funding to schools to improve ventilation to reduce transmission?
Minister reply
I believe that my right hon. Friend the Education Secretary said something about the importance of ventilation last week.
Scunthorpe
Question
Many, many of my constituents in Scunthorpe have come forward and had their jabs and boosters, and I hope my right hon. Friend will thank them, as I do. But I still speak to a very small number of particularly younger people who are sincerely worried about having the vaccine. What can he do to reassure them that it is safe and effective and that they should come forward and take the opportunity to have theirs?
Minister reply
It is important that we do whatever we can through using the right communication channels. It is also important that we provide the easiest access possible. For example, some of the mobile vaccination units have had a disproportionately high success rate with younger people.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
Question
Luckily, the omicron variant was picked up quite quickly in South Africa due to its genome sequencing capability; otherwise we could be in a worse position. What are the British Government doing to support international efforts to enhance genome sequencing capability across the world so that the next variant of concern is identified as quickly as possible, wherever it comes?
Minister reply
I think we can say that we are leading the way on this. The UK Health Security Agency has established a database that is open for all countries to access to post their data. Even the discovery of the omicron variant and its potential risks was done here in the UK.
Chris Grayling
Con
Richmond Park
Question
I echo concerns about the travel and aviation sectors. This is a real blow for them. The Secretary of State will remember that back in June or July he took a decision to remove restrictions, in the face of heavy scientific advice that he needed to carry on with restrictions. That decision was the right one. Will he give an undertaking that this time round he will also face down the more conservative elements of the scientific community, do the right thing and keep the restrictions as minimal as possible?
Minister reply
Yes, I am happy to give that commitment to my right hon. Friend, for all the excellent reasons he gives. We were absolutely right, back at the start of the summer, to open up our country, including removing travel restrictions. That is one of the reasons, with regard to the dominant delta variant, why the UK is in a much better position than many other European countries today.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
When it comes to public health compliance, consistency and clarity of message is important. The variant does not understand the difference between an indoor setting on transport or another indoor sitting, so why can the Secretary of State not ensure that all indoor sittings have the same rules applied to them?
Minister reply
I believe that the response we have had is balanced and proportionate.
Andrew Bridgen
Con
North West Leicestershire
Question
My right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), who is no longer in her place, has already confirmed and reminded the House that the normal evolution of a virus is to increase in transmissibility, but reduce in pathogenicity over time. The Secretary of State has already informed the House that none of the 336 cases of omicron confirmed in the UK has yet resulted in hospitalisation. Does he agree that that is tremendously good news and that we should look forward next week to hopefully having all restrictions lifted?
Minister reply
Let us see what next week brings.
Martyn Day
SNP
Linlithgow and East Falkirk
Question
Several of my constituents have met difficulties in booking hotel quarantine for their return from South Africa due to problems with Corporate Travel Management being unable to verify certain card payments or with getting bookings, despite the website showing availability. As a result, they have missed flights and had to book others in their stead, which have had to be paid for. Will the Minister therefore commit to reimbursing such constituents for the failures of the system?
Minister reply
I am not aware of the details of the individual cases that the hon. Gentleman mentions, but a variety of credit cards and payment systems can be used. If he believes there has been a failure of the system, I would be happy to take a closer look at that.
Christchurch
Question
Can my right hon. Friend tell the House what he is doing to promote the availability of the vaccine damage payment scheme, and does he recognise that that could be a good counter against vaccine hesitancy? When, however, will the scheme be made fit for purpose?
Minister reply
We are reviewing that scheme, for reasons that my hon. Friend has brought up in the past in the House. I agree that it is important to have confidence in vaccines, and that scheme has a role to play.
South Shields
Question
Throughout this pandemic, while we have all made sacrifices, we have been watching those imposing the rules repeatedly breaking them. The final straw is that last Christmas, as families spent time apart and their loved ones died alone, No. 10 was in full party mode. Will the Secretary of State therefore confirm that the upcoming covid inquiry will include a thorough examination of any misconduct in public office?
Minister reply
The rules apply equally to everyone.
Paul Maynard
Lib Dem
Blackpool North and Cleveleys
Question
For what reason is the Department of Health and Social Care making an announcement on extensions to the red list, rather than the Department for Transport, as has been the case previously?
Minister reply
Departments across Government work together on the pandemic, and that means that my Department works very closely with the Department for Transport.
Karl Turner
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Question
Not all, but most Members of this House and the general public would support the Secretary of State when he says that he has to impose further curbs on people’s freedoms, but does he not accept that people would perhaps be a bit more enthusiastic if when he comes back to the Dispatch Box, he fesses up, accepts that there was a knees-up in No. 10 last year when people were dying without family members there present with them, and apologises on behalf of the Prime Minister?
Minister reply
I thought it was going to be a serious question.
Philip Hollobone
Con
Kettering
Question
I have a constituent who is stuck in South Africa and due to come back on Thursday. He has been given a medical exemption from hotel quarantine, so he has to have managed quarantine at home for 10 days, but there is a problem with Corporate Travel Management, because it will not let him book his PCR test for day two and day eight unless he also books a hotel quarantine package. Will the Secretary of State help to unblock the problem with Corporate Travel Management?
Minister reply
Yes, there are in certain cases, as my hon. Friend points out, medical exemptions to the hotel quarantine system. The problem that he points out should not be happening, so I will be happy to look at that case with some urgency.
Jack Brereton
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent South
Question
I very much welcome the measures taken to accelerate the booster programme. Will my right hon. Friend look at what more can be done to support our excellent vaccinators and volunteers in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to fully roll out as quickly as possible the increased capacity of vaccinations that we need to see?
Minister reply
Yes, there has been an excellent roll-out of the vaccine throughout Staffordshire. Alongside the rest of the UK, there is going to be a real step-up in the number of vaccination access points available.
Richard Drax
Con
South Dorset
Question
Different variants will keep coming at us in the years ahead. In that regard, I heard a very eminent physician on Radio 4 saying that one area of concern was our reaction to the new variants. Can my right hon. Friend assure the House and the country that we are absolutely on the ball when it comes to a new variant appearing and are ready to do all that is needed to keep us safe and safeguard our liberties?
Minister reply
I can give my hon. Friend that assurance. When it comes to genome sequencing, which is crucial to identifying new variants and any of the risks they may or may not bring, the UK is second only to the United States in our capability.
Laura Trott
Con
Sevenoaks
Question
Many of my constituents have been in touch to express concern that they cannot register the vaccination status of 12 to 15-year-olds on the NHS app. Can my right hon. Friend provide an update on when they will be able to do that?
Minister reply
Yes. That facility may not be in the app—it may be through a letter or a process—but it will still provide what is needed in terms of travel for that age group. That hopefully will start next week.
Craig Mackinlay
Con
Croydon South
Question
I fully understand that my right hon. Friend is treading water until we know more about the omicron variant, its response to the vaccines and its virulence, but can I press him on the nature of any likely Government response if those answers are poor? We know what lockdowns mean: damage to youngsters, damage to businesses, damage to lives and damage to liberties—not least the £400 billion while we waited for the vaccine and got it rolled out over a seven-month cycle. Can he please assure me that under no circumstance will we do the same all over again and hope for a different outcome? He knows as well as I that there will be yet another variant some time down the line.
Minister reply
I do not want to pre-judge the review, but I know that my hon. Friend would agree that our best form of defence is our vaccine programme, and the fact that we are doing better than any other country in Europe in our booster programme gives us a really strong level of defence.
David Johnston
Con
High Peak
Question
Over 90% of the people getting the most serious care for covid are unvaccinated. Does my right hon. Friend agree that if people are not getting a vaccine without good reason, they do just endanger themselves, but put a strain on the NHS that it does not need when trying to treat people for other conditions?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend. Taking a vaccine should be a positive decision. With the exception of NHS settings or social care settings, no one should be forced to take a vaccine, but people who have not yet taken a vaccine should know, as my hon. Friend said, that they are not only endangering themselves, but wider society. That hospital place that they might take perhaps would have been taken by someone else with a different illness. I urge them to please think of others.
Shadow Comment
Wes Streeting
Shadow Comment
Wes Streeting welcomed Javid's statement, supporting the focus on vaccinations but asked for updates on hitting the target of half a million booster jabs daily and vaccinating under-40s. He also questioned measures to combat vaccine hesitancy, progress in vaccinating 12 to 15-year-olds, border controls, testing costs, school ventilation support, sick pay levels, and the Prime Minister's rule adherence.
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