Coronavirus

Eleanor Laing Con

Epping Forest

Clarifies the business of the House motion and introduces motions for debate.

Mark Harper Con

Faversham and Mid Kent

Asks about the expected outcomes in four weeks, noting that 1.3 million people in priority groups one to nine have yet to receive a second dose of vaccination.

Chris Bryant Lab

Rhondda and Ogmore

Questions whether test and trace will remain mandatory beyond the current period despite comparisons with flu management.

Steve Brine

Confirms rearrangement of personal schedule in line with advice given by the Secretary of State, highlighting constituents' interest in understanding 19 July's significance.

Liam Fox Con

Wealden

Requests information on hospitalisation rates, particularly among younger and older individuals relative to vaccination status.

Andrea Leadsom

Argues that the government has no duty over vaccine uptake, emphasising personal responsibility for health decisions.

Robert Syms Con

Poole

Inquires about the status of individuals who participated in clinical trials for unapproved vaccines and their access to NHS services.

Andrew Murrison

Presses for clarity on why a two-week break point is necessary, questioning whether it reflects data uncertainty or vaccination figures.

Steven Baker Con

Wycombe

Questions the creation of false hope with the two-week checkpoint and its impact on public morale.

Alexander Stafford

Suggests reviewing restrictions for key life events like bar mitzvahs and baptisms at the two-week point to potentially ease regulations.

Peter Bone Con

Wellingborough

Proposes making the House a pilot project for easing restrictions, suggesting that testing facilities are available within Parliament.

Sammy Wilson

Inquires about proof of vaccination requirements for visitors to care homes and hospitals as well as delivery drivers and other service providers.

Mark Harper Con

Faversham and Mid Kent

Discusses challenges in ensuring high vaccination rates among domiciliary care staff, considering education, persuasion, or mandatory requirements.

Steven Baker

Suggests alternative measures like daily lateral flow tests instead of requiring proof of vaccination for certain workers.

Graham Stringer Lab

Blackley and Broughton

Supports mandatory flu vaccinations in care homes based on previous recommendations by the Science and Technology Committee.

Jon Ashworth Lab

Derby South

Emphasised the need for data-driven decisions regarding restrictions. Cited rising daily positive cases and hospital admissions due to delta variant. Highlighted NHS backlog issues, including over 5 million people on waiting lists. Criticised lack of clarity from Ministers about what 'living with the virus' entails.

Steve Brine Con

Winchester

Asked Jon Ashworth about his preferred timeline for ending restrictions, suggesting options like 19 July, September when everyone is double-jabbed, or next year when G7 thinks the world will be vaccinated.

Chris Bryant Lab

Rhondda

Called it misleading to refer to a 'terminus date' as some measures would still exist. Criticised constant emphasis on freedom days and terminus dates by government.

Desmond Swayne Con

New Forest West

Disagreed with Chris Bryant's comments but no detailed position provided in the given text.

Desmond Swayne Con

New Forest West

Swayne criticised the Government's handling of liberties during the pandemic, stating that even though it was believed to be in the public's best interest initially, freedoms are still withheld despite the emergency having passed. He mentioned that members of SAGE have been undermining public morale and shared a dystopian vision which is shocking and horrible. Swayne emphasised the disastrous precedent set by the Government regarding liberty and referenced Margaret Thatcher's views on indivisible liberty.

Owen Thompson

Thompson noted that the Scottish Government's approach to restrictions differs from England, focusing more on data than dates. He welcomed the inclusion of extending virtual proceedings, suggesting it aligns with the public and workplaces' adaptation due to the pandemic. Thompson urged caution regarding an end date for such provisions during recesses and highlighted the need to consider medical proxy voting under unique circumstances.

Charles Walker

Walker proposed reforms for SAGE, including greater financial transparency from members and elections for positions within it. He argued that constituents should know about significant shareholdings or other income sources of SAGE members to ensure they are not insulated from the consequences of their advice. Walker also suggested an alternative approach where experts advise either the Government or media outlets but not both.

Graham Stringer Lab

Blackley and Middleton South

Calls for transparency in the Government's handling of the pandemic, criticises lack of full disclosure on data from SAGE, demands more information on deaths in care homes and those triaged by age. Argues that the government should not use scare tactics to enforce restrictions.

Luke Evans Con

Hinckley and Bosworth

Supports opening up as planned but acknowledges risks, discusses data on cases, hospitalisations, vaccinations, and contagiousness of variants. Urges government to consider sector-specific support for industries affected by restrictions and calls for a debate on acceptable level of covid risk.

Chris Matheson

Critiques the Government's chaotic approach and lack of clarity in handling the pandemic, urges ministers to stand up to pressure from libertarian MPs. Calls for honesty from government and support for businesses affected by restrictions. Discusses need for longer-term support for specific sectors like aviation and tourism, and highlights local issues such as vaccine supply.

Steven Baker Con

Wycombe

The Government's vaccination programme is praised for vaccinating the over-50s and vulnerable, but this does not justify extending restrictions. He argues that liberties should not be used to manage NHS capacity and criticises the inconsistency of current measures like hugging allowed while dancing is prohibited. The speaker calls for a systematic way to assess policy costs and benefits, reform in modelling techniques, and an end to totalitarian-like approaches.

Munira Wilson Lib Dem

Twickenham

The Liberal Democrats will not vote with the Government due to the lack of support for businesses and individuals facing restrictions. Criticises the delay in placing India on the red list, leading to the spread of the delta variant. Stresses the need for robust border controls, test-trace-isolate measures, and financial support for those self-isolating. Calls for a proper strategy to live with the virus without blanket restrictions.

Andrea Leadsom Con

South Northamptonshire

Expresses deep concern about restricting people's liberties but will reluctantly support the Government, hoping for a potential lifting of restrictions after two weeks. Asks for relaxation of social distancing rules in hospitality and assistance to motivate workers returning to employment. Requests assurance that the British Grand Prix at Silverstone can proceed with full capacity. Urges reconsideration on wedding regulations and end-of-year celebrations for students.

Karen Bradley Con

Staffordshire Moorlands

Bradley acknowledges the difficult balance between scientific advice and public interest, emphasising that life extends beyond basic essentials. She praises the success of the vaccine programme but expresses disappointment in ongoing restrictions and their impact on people's joy and freedom. While appreciative of the government's efforts, she cannot support current measures due to lack of support for affected businesses.

Sammy Wilson DUP

East Antrim

Wilson criticises the fear-based messaging around restrictions and argues that following logic implies perpetual restrictions as new variants emerge. He highlights increased unemployment in his constituency due to ongoing restrictions, stressing that further restrictions such as mandatory vaccinations for care workers threaten livelihoods and will lead to more terminations of employment and businesses.

Richard Burgon Lab

Leeds East

Burgon argued that the extension is necessary due to Government failures, including mishandling last summer's low case levels and delayed lockdowns in autumn. He criticised the government for refusing basic public health measures such as decent sick pay and proper test and trace systems, leading to avoidable deaths and economic suffering.

Liam Fox Con

Wealden

Fox argued that society needs to learn to live with covid like other infectious diseases. He highlighted the need for divergence between medical advice and government considerations, emphasising the importance of hospitalisation data rather than variant transmissibility. He suggested that more time is needed for AstraZeneca recipients to receive their second dose.

Neale Hanvey SNP

Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath

The first motion under debate is indirectly relevant to Scotland, where travel agencies are losing money due to lack of government support. The UK Government's response has been chaotic and repetitive, ignoring public safety for political priorities. They failed on border control, vaccine distribution, and international cooperation with the WHO.

Liam Fox Con

North Somerset

Called a point of order to request that interventions be allowed during video speeches from Scottish nationalists, challenging their claims about UK government responsibility for Scotland's pandemic issues without considering Scotland's own powers.

Nigel Evans Constituency missing in text

Central Fylde

Ensured the request of Liam Fox would be presented to Mr Speaker, indicating a procedural matter regarding interventions during video speeches.

Robert Syms Con

Poole

Believes that despite challenges, Prime Minister and senior Ministers have done well in handling the pandemic. The vaccination programme was successful but delays in easing lockdowns are out of step with public opinion. The South-West has 5.6 million people.

Navendu Mishra Lab

Stockport

Critiques the Government's failure to provide meaningful support for businesses, schools, and health facilities during the pandemic. Stockport has seen high infection rates with insufficient financial aid leading to job losses and high street struggles. The NHS faces record waiting lists due to chronic underfunding. Workers lack proper sick pay for self-isolation which contributes to rising infections.

Simon Fell Con

Cumbria

We have a vaccination programme that is the envy of much of the world, with 30 million adults having had two jabs. Local health leaders in Cumbria and Barrow support this delay to prevent overwhelming the NHS due to potential hospitalisations from COVID-19 patients. The state's duty is to protect citizens, but zero deaths should not be our objective; we live to enjoy life and must make decisions based on that principle. People expect their liberty back as vaccinations increase, so after this final surge of vaccinations, freedoms should return on 19 July.

Peter Bone Con

Wellingborough

Asked for guidance on social distancing in the House due to lack of opposition members present. Inquired whether it would be appropriate for half of Conservative MPs to move to the other side of the chamber to improve social distancing.

Nigel Evans

Responded to Peter Bone, noting that there are green ticks on the Conservative benches indicating members' attendance and advised against moving to another side of the House for social distancing.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Believes we must live with COVID-19 as we do with flu, getting jabs every year. Expresses gratitude to the Government and Northern Ireland Health Minister for keeping people safe during the pandemic period. Requests easing of mask-wearing regulations in churches while maintaining social distancing. Pleads for clarity regarding travel restrictions and tests for tourists returning from abroad. Advocates for support for tourism businesses and live music venues as they struggle due to current restrictions.

Craig Mackinlay Con

Barham

Discussed science as both a liberator and captor. Emphasised new vaccine creation, testing regimes, hospitalisation rates, death statistics, and public trust in government decisions.

Chris Green Con

Preston North

Critiqued the Government's approach to managing the pandemic, suggesting it resembles a 0.1% covid strategy while acknowledging endemic status of the disease. Raised concerns about prolonged restrictions and their impact on NHS waiting lists.

Huw Merriman Con

Bexhill and Battle

Discussed the broader health impacts of lockdowns, focusing on elective surgery waitlists and mental health crises among young people. Highlighted successes in vaccination rates while questioning continued restrictions.

Peter Bone Con

Northampton North

Agrees with the previous speaker and emphasises that this debate is about the liberty of British people. He criticises current restrictions such as not being allowed to sing at church, dance at weddings, or go to nightclubs due to social distancing rules. He also mentions that he cannot run in parks or see a doctor for face-to-face appointments because of these restrictions. Peter Bone expresses his admiration for the Prime Minister but ultimately decides not to support him on this issue as he believes the Government has failed to make a convincing case for extending current lockdown measures. He notes that, despite better-than-expected outcomes during previous unlockings, the Government is now in a pessimistic stance. Furthermore, he criticises the use of propaganda and selective statistics by the government.

Mark Harper Con

Fittleworth

Mark Harper expressed concerns about the Government's strategy for managing the covid-19 pandemic, questioning the effectiveness of current regulations and the timeline for their conclusion. He highlighted that the documents before the House suggest a continuation of restrictions beyond 19 July due to supply constraints in vaccine distribution and ongoing review processes. Additionally, he criticised the current parliamentary proceedings as less effective than normal sessions in holding the Government accountable.

Steven Baker Con

Wycombe

Steven Baker apologised to Mark Harper for causing trouble during his tenure as Chief Whip but did not provide a substantial position or policy details.

Chris Green Con

Bolton West

Chris Green asked how long it would take the Government to vaccinate care workers, given that this is likely necessary for an exit from lockdown. This intervention highlighted concerns about the timeline and adequacy of the Government's vaccination plans.

Rosie Winterton Lab

Stockport

Rosie Winterton thanked Mark Harper for his kind words regarding their work together after the tragic murder of Jo Cox, acknowledging her appreciation for the advice given by Sir Roy Stone. She did not provide detailed arguments or statistics related to the debate topic.

Gareth Bacon Con

Orpington

The MP supports the Government's decision but with reservations. He is disappointed that stage four of the road map for reopening has been delayed until July 19 due to the delta variant, requiring two doses for full protection. While understanding this delay, he expresses concern about further delays and emphasises the need for transparency from the Government regarding their plans for a complete reopening on July 19. He highlights the success of the NHS vaccination programme in his constituency but calls for details on additional vaccine needs and economic support for businesses.

Edward Leigh Con

Gainsborough

The speaker criticises Labour's lack of interest in freedom, arguing that excessive control can lead to political shifts. He cites data showing high vaccination rates in Lincolnshire and questions the need for nationwide restrictions when his region is under no threat. He urges proportionality in government action and cautions against ignoring public frustration over rules based on populism rather than science. He emphasises the importance of allowing businesses to operate freely without constant state intervention, warning that ongoing restrictions could lead to societal rebellion. The speaker advocates for a policy focused solely on protecting the NHS from overload.

Tim Loughton Con

East Worthing and Shoreham

Called for an end to lockdown restrictions, citing data showing the effectiveness of vaccines and the low current death rate. Criticised the government's decision-making based on pessimistic modelling studies rather than optimistic real-world data. Highlighted the negative impacts of continued restrictions on businesses and mental health.

Jeremy Wright Con

Kenilworth and Southam

Acknowledged the difficulty of balancing risks between the delta variant and ongoing restrictions, supported the Government's decision to extend lockdown but expressed concerns about the economic cost and the need for a clear plan after 19 July.

Siobhan Baillie Con

Stroud

Called for an end to further delays in lifting restrictions, arguing that people are ready to regain their freedoms. Cited local vaccination rates and hospitalisation figures to support her view. Highlighted the negative impact on businesses and personal liberties.

Richard Drax Con

Mid Dorset and North Poole

Expresses concern over the current state of fear and submission in the country, criticising the media for contributing to this atmosphere. Acknowledges the threat posed by the pandemic but argues that a sense of proportion is necessary when considering the continued rollout of vaccines and the damage being done to businesses and jobs. Calls for a confident government to take a stand based on evidence.

James Sunderland Con

Workington

Supports the extension of lockdown restrictions due to concerns over the delta variant, despite calling for an end to restrictions earlier. Emphasises the need for decisions to be driven by science and acknowledges the cost of ongoing restrictions on businesses and mental health. Advocates for flagship global events to proceed when authorised pilots are released.

Miriam Cates Con

Penistone and Stocksbridge

Critiques the narrow focus on daily covid data while ignoring long-term consequences of lockdowns such as poverty, unemployment, and undiagnosed illnesses. Argues that with widespread vaccination, the balance of risk has shifted and it is now time to live with covid like other risks. Condemns psychological damage caused by testing children twice a week.

Kieran Mullan Con

Bexhill and Battle

Discussed the costs of lockdowns, highlighting the trade-offs between freedom, business impacts, children's welfare, and supporting NHS capacity to prevent overwhelmed healthcare services. Emphasised the need for a new discussion on lifting restrictions with clear communication from the Government.

Mike Wood Con

Kingswinford and South Staffordshire

Questioned certain aspects of the modelling used by the Government, pointing out potential discrepancies in vaccine effectiveness estimates. Advocated for a two-week break point to reassess the situation based on updated data.

Felicity Buchan

Acknowledged the need for restrictions but expressed concern about their impact on central London's economy and employment levels. Urged the Government to refine measures like encouraging work from home for double-vaccinated individuals.

Aaron Bell Con

North West Norfolk

Supported the Government due to the need for second vaccine doses, but expressed reservations about long-term restrictions and urged the Government to seriously consider data trends during the two-week review period.

Chris Loder Con

West Dorset

Criticised the extension of coronavirus restrictions due to low case numbers in his constituency. Highlighted the significant economic impact on small businesses and argued for giving them an opportunity during summer.

Neil O'Brien Con

Harborough, Oadby and Wigston

Emphasises the need to delay lifting restrictions due to the rapid spread of cases and the emergence of new variants. He supports delaying the end of restrictions by a few weeks to ensure more people receive their second dose of vaccine. Also urges Ministers to improve detection, border control against dangerous strains, and early prevention measures for future pandemics.

Rosie Winterton

No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.

Shaun Bailey Lab

Sandwell West

Highlights the unique challenges faced by his constituents who could not work from home during the pandemic. Advocates for using this additional time to address long-term issues in primary care, particularly GP access, and ensuring a long-term plan is put in place to support NHS heroes.

Justin Madders Lab

Ellesmere Port and Bromborough

The Member expresses his condolences to Jo Cox's family, highlights the disappointment in having to debate restrictions again, and praises several Labour Members for their speeches. He criticises the Government's repeated mistakes, particularly regarding financial support for those who self-isolate and the effectiveness of current isolation policies. Madders also raises concerns about vaccine supply not matching the surge in cases in Cheshire, and mentions the negative impact on hospitality due to new guidance without additional financial support. He urges the Minister to read a House of Lords report that warns against undermining legal certainty with guidance rather than laws. Additionally, he questions whether decisions are still based on data or dates, expressing scepticism about the Prime Minister's previous promises. Madders concludes by criticising the Government for delays in acting on the delta variant and blames the Prime Minister's incompetence and vanity for the current situation.

Edward Argar Con

Melton and Syston

The Minister argues for an extra few weeks delay in easing restrictions, highlighting the importance of getting second doses into more arms to protect against the delta variant. He notes that with 30 million people having received their second dose, 40 million could have done so by one month's time. The Minister also addresses concerns raised by other MPs and provides reassurance about upcoming reviews.

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