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Covid-19: Government Response
21 October 2021
Lead MP
Jon Ashworth
Leicester West
Lab
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 29
At a Glance
Jon Ashworth raised concerns about covid-19: government response 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 Response
Government Response
Defended plan A, highlighted vaccine uptake statistics, and emphasised the importance of encouraging unvaccinated individuals to get their first jab. Emphasised the effectiveness of vaccination programmes and the importance of individual decision-making on non-pharmaceutical interventions like masks. Reaffirmed commitment to plan A with no need for further restrictions at this stage. Provided responses to questions about vaccine eligibility, progress reports for Novavax trials, public health measures, support for frontline workers, and plans to address waiting lists.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Leicester West
Asked the Government about its response to pressures on the NHS, vaccine uptake rates, and the criteria for triggering plan B. Emphasised concerns over hospital backups, patient wait times, cancelled operations, exhausted staff, and stalling vaccination programmes.
Maggie Throup
Con
Charnwood
Responded to questions about the Government's response to covid-19. Defended plan A, highlighted vaccine uptake statistics, and emphasised the importance of encouraging unvaccinated individuals to get their first jab.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming
Acknowledged the success of the vaccine roll-out but raised concerns about current vaccination rates compared to other countries. Suggested flexibility in booster timing and questioned the need for a vaccines Minister at Cabinet level.
Questioned the credibility of not implementing plan B, highlighting infection levels and calls from NHS leaders for reintroduction of restrictions similar to those in Scotland.
Mark Harper
Con
Fareham
Supported the current stance on plan A but questioned the Secretary of State's implication that there was public reluctance towards booster doses, suggesting it might be a problem with administration rather than public compliance.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Compared UK infection rates to France and Italy, questioning if public health measures in those countries have contributed to lower infection rates compared to the UK.
Maggie Throup
Con
North West Leicestershire
The Minister laid before the House their autumn and winter plan, emphasising people's ability to make informed choices about non-pharmaceutical interventions like mask-wearing.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Stressed the importance of vaccination programmes over non-pharmaceutical interventions and urged for more evidence-based treatments such as monoclonal antibodies and antivirals to be rolled out.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Critiqued the Government's complacency in improving vaccination rates, particularly among under-30s in Nottingham, and asked for specific actions to boost uptake in such areas.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Questioned the effectiveness of face masks given their material's large pores compared to the virus size, but did not provide a full argument against mask-wearing policies.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Challenged the Government’s approach as being similar to herd immunity and criticised them for announcing major policy changes in press conferences rather than in Parliament.
Disapproved of the government's communications strategy, particularly regarding the timing and method of announcing significant policy decisions like antiviral announcements outside of parliamentary procedures.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Pressed the Minister on why infection rates are lower in France and Italy despite similar vaccination levels, questioning if the UK should adopt more restrictive measures as seen abroad.
Asked for reassurance that Parliament would have a proper opportunity to debate any necessary further restrictions under plan A, emphasising public concern and trust in democratic processes.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Expressed concerns about the NHS's pressure and urged for mandatory mask-wearing guidance to be re-emphasised, questioning why it is not made compulsory.
Discussed parents' confusion regarding vaccine advice for young people aged 12-15, stressing the importance of clear communication and vaccination drives in schools.
Peter Grant
Lab
Hemel Hempstead
Critiqued the notion that vaccination and mask-wearing are alternative protections, questioning Conservative MPs for inconsistent mask-wearing practices.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Asked about collaboration with local government bodies regarding potential plan B measures to ensure successful public health roll-out strategies.
Andy Carter
Lab
Warrington South
Asked the Minister to clarify who is eligible for a booster vaccination and how constituents can check their eligibility.
Responded that individuals are eligible if they had their second jab six months ago, plus one week for admin. They may receive a text or letter from the NHS, or book their jab online or by phone 119.
Alex Cunningham
Lab
Stockton North
Asked about the progress of the Novavax vaccine trials and approval process in his constituency, expressing concern over delays and lack of transparency from the Government and Novavax.
Thanked volunteers for participating in clinical trials but needed to write to the MP for detailed information on specific trials.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Critiqued the Government's reliance solely on vaccines without implementing public health measures and restoring contact tracing in local authorities.
Responded that the Government has a range of measures including vaccines, antivirals, and encourages personal choices based on current circumstances.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Questioned whether low-paid frontline workers would suffer due to complacency in addressing the pandemic's impact on them.
Replied that the Government has been and will continue to be generous in supporting those affected throughout the pandemic.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked about plans to reduce waiting lists for treatments like breast reconstruction, hip replacements, and tonsil operations through additional funding for private hospitals.
Confirmed that investment is being put into the health service to tackle backlogs created by the pandemic.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Raised a point of order regarding stress caused by changes in the morning's parliamentary timetable, including late provision of statements on New Zealand trade deal and the Trade and Agriculture Commission.
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