← Back to House of Commons Debates
Public Health
26 April 2021
Lead MP
Nick Thomas-Symonds
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 14
At a Glance
Nick Thomas-Symonds raised concerns about public health 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The UK is facing a critical moment in the battle against coronavirus. Despite optimism from vaccine rollouts, very real dangers remain, particularly regarding importation of new strains via international travel. The Government's approach to protecting borders against these threats has been inadequate since the start of the pandemic, leading to millions entering the country without proper checks and tests. Labour Members have consistently called for a comprehensive hotel quarantine system but such measures were only partially implemented on 15 February. The current red list policy is limited and ineffective, with significant outbreaks in countries not included. The Government's system fails to ensure that 99% of visitors entering the country are uncontrolled, making it ineffective and dangerous.
Torfaen
The UK is facing a critical moment in the battle against coronavirus. Despite optimism from vaccine rollouts, very real dangers remain, particularly regarding importation of new strains via international travel. The Government's approach to protecting borders against these threats has been inadequate since the start of the pandemic, leading to millions entering the country without proper checks and tests.
Asked how long Labour would propose their regime should be in place, suggesting it might need to last indefinitely until all countries are vaccinated.
Inquired further about the specifics of Nick Thomas-Symonds' proposal and highlighted that groups 1 to 9 on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation list account for 99% of hospitalisations and deaths from covid, suggesting this addresses many concerns.
Jo Churchill
Con
Basingstoke
The Minister emphasised the UK's approach to managing quarantine and testing for travellers from countries on the red list. She highlighted the introduction of managed quarantine services, mandatory testing, and specific exemptions for essential services and compassionate cases. The Minister also addressed concerns regarding accommodation in hotels during Ramadan and the provision of halal food options. Furthermore, she provided information on genomic sequencing to detect new variants and mentioned that 132 cases of the Indian variant have been identified recently.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
The Member raised concerns about the treatment of Muslim guests in quarantine hotels during Ramadan, specifically mentioning issues with halal food provision and appropriate feeding times.
Charles Walker
Con
Broxbourne
The Member asked for detailed statistics on testing outcomes within quarantine hotels, including the percentage of tests that detect traces of covid-19 and the proportion of cases involving specific variants such as the South African, Indian, or Brazilian variants.
Mark Harper
Con
Falmouth and Camborne
Asked questions regarding the timeline for easing international travel restrictions, the implications of waiting for global vaccination completion versus UK-specific vaccination roll-out, naming conventions for virus variants, automation of port entry processes, vaccine passports for domestic and international use, adherence to WHO guidelines on vaccine requirements for travel, and transparency in policy decisions.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
Suggested that the Government should set a threshold level of reduced efficacy at which it would consider vaccine mandates necessary due to public health concerns.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Highlighted difficulties faced by UK businesses due to poorly drawn-up covid self-isolation and quarantine regulations, causing a disadvantage compared to EU companies. Mentioned David Fletcher from GEV Group as an example, noting that the company's technicians are at a significant disadvantage because of different approaches taken for travel among frontier workers between the UK and the EU.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Described a tragic situation involving a constituent who could not see her dying mother due to strict quarantine regulations. Criticised the lack of support for mental health, highlighting that while others she mingled with were free to travel anywhere in the UK, she was isolated in a poorly ventilated room and only allowed out for 20 minutes daily.
Jo Churchill
Con
Brycliffe
Responded to questions from her right hon. Friend the Member for Forest of Dean about international travel restrictions, explaining that specific details will be provided by the global travel taskforce in three weeks' time. She outlined current quarantine requirements and port entry rules, emphasising that measures are under constant review based on the best evidence available.
Mark Harper
Con
Forest of Dean
Pressed Minister Jo Churchill for assurance that a statement will be made in Parliament after its reopening regarding the results of the global travel taskforce. Asked whether travel restrictions would be determined by domestic vaccination progress or the global pandemic situation.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
Asked Minister to ensure that evidence for red listing decisions is clearly presented to the public, emphasising fairness and transparency in treatment of countries.
Torfaen
Thanked contributors to the debate and urged the Government to introduce a comprehensive system of hotel quarantine. Indicated no intention to push the motion to a vote.
Government Response
Government Response
The Minister responded to interventions by acknowledging concerns regarding Muslim guests' needs during Ramadan in quarantine hotels and emphasised the importance of adhering to Government policy on food provision and testing times. She did not provide specific statistics as requested but stated that genomic sequencing is used to identify variants and mentioned recent findings of 132 cases involving the Indian variant. Explained current travel restrictions, including designated ports for entry from high-risk countries, and emphasised that all measures are under constant review based on evidence. Refused to pre-empt the global travel taskforce's recommendations.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.