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Deferred Divisions
13 July 2021
Lead MP
Steven Baker
Debate Type
General Debate
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Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Steven Baker raised concerns about deferred divisions in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Questioned the motives behind mandating vaccinations for care workers, expressing confusion about why it is being made a legal requirement now when similar health and safety measures have not been mandated as law previously.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Argued that the statutory instrument is reasonable given the impact of covid on vulnerable people in care homes. He highlighted the importance of vaccinations for health staff and acknowledged potential staffing issues but called for monitoring and engagement with social care sector to address any retention problems.
Expressed deep concern about the lack of impact assessment, impracticality of the measures due to workforce concerns, and the insult to care workers. He emphasised that mandating vaccination would undermine public goodwill towards vaccines and likened it to practices in a communist country.
Mark Harper
Con
Nottingham East
He finds it offensive to suggest that expressing concerns about the regulations implies wanting to do away with or risk the lives of people in care homes. He argues there is ample time to review, publish an impact assessment and decide before winter onset.
Charles Walker
Con
Thirsk and Malton
He raises a point of order regarding the misleading nature of the explanatory memorandum that states an Impact Assessment has been prepared when it had not yet been completed, suggesting this might mislead the House.
As Deputy Speaker, he acknowledges the dissatisfaction with the situation and agrees to raise Charles Walker's concern regarding misleading documentation with Mr. Speaker at a prayer meeting the next day.
Christchurch
He raises a point of order suggesting that Ministers should offer to write to Members who had their questions unanswered during debates, as it is a matter of courtesy. He refers specifically to his hon. Friend Sir Graham Brady whose question was not answered.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.