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Covid-19 Update and Hospitality Curfew
01 October 2020
Lead MP
Matthew Hancock
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyTaxationEmploymentForeign AffairsLocal Government
Other Contributors: 48
At a Glance
Matthew Hancock raised concerns about covid-19 update and hospitality curfew 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
Mr Speaker, I am making a statement about the Government's efforts to combat coronavirus. The virus is spreading across England, with 7,108 new cases recorded yesterday. However, there are early signs that our collective actions may be starting to have an impact, according to today’s Real-time Assessment of Community Transmission study from Imperial College. The R number remains above 1 but appears to be falling slightly. We must not let up and continue to follow the rules until a vaccine is available.
In Liverpool, where cases are particularly high at 268 per 100,000 population, we have extended measures similar to those in place in the north-east since earlier this week, providing £7 million of funding for local authorities. The new rules include restrictions on social mixing and attending sporting events, as well as guidance against non-essential travel.
The hospitality sector has been impacted significantly by these measures but will receive ongoing support through VAT cuts, staff pay support, rates relief, tax deferrals, and loans. Our goal is to balance reducing social contact that the virus thrives on while allowing people to continue socialising safely where possible. We are closely monitoring the impact of our policy and keeping all measures under review.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
Question
What action will be taken to prevent large crowds from leaving pubs at closing time? Are there plans for financial support for Merseyside, given its reliance on hospitality and leisure?
Minister reply
The Government is considering ways to manage the closure of premises at 10 pm. We have provided £7 million in funding to affected areas, including Merseyside, to support local authorities with their efforts to combat the virus.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
Question
What additional help will be given to areas struggling with high infection rates despite existing restrictions? Will backward contact tracing data be published?
Minister reply
We are working closely with local authorities and health officials to address the situation in areas with rising infections. We are reviewing our approach to testing and tracing, including the importance of backward contact tracing.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
Question
What is being done about test kit turnaround times? Is there sufficient flu vaccine supply?
Minister reply
We are addressing issues with testing and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Regarding flu vaccines, we have taken steps to ensure supplies are adequate for this winter.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
Question
Thanking the Secretary of State for advance sight of his statement, he expressed concerns over people piling out of pubs at closing time and causing crowding in city centres. He also questioned the financial support for areas under local restrictions, especially Merseyside. Ashworth raised issues about a circuit break during the October half-term, the effectiveness of test-and-trace interventions, backward contact tracing, testing problems, Deloitte's business opportunities, and flu vaccine supplies.
Minister reply
Hancock welcomed Ashworth’s support for measures and announced £7 million in financial aid to affected councils. He highlighted the success in areas like Leicester where case rates have stabilised after local lockdowns. Hancock confirmed increased testing capacity in Merseyside and acknowledged backward contact tracing's importance but defended Deloitte's role despite criticism. Regarding flu vaccines, he assured a record roll-out with sufficient supplies for priority groups.
Philip Davies
Con
Shipley
Question
Questioning the effectiveness of arbitrary curfews on businesses such as pubs and restaurants in Bradford, Philip Davies argued that these measures are detrimental to the economy and freedoms without purpose.
Minister reply
Hancock defended the strategy of suppressing the virus through necessary measures like curfews to protect public health. He emphasised the importance of individual responsibility but noted the necessity to prevent harm caused by the virus' spread.
Martyn Day
SNP
Linlithgow and East Falkirk
Question
Day stressed the need for balancing virus suppression with protecting jobs and livelihoods, inquiring about compliance with hygiene measures and curfews in pubs and restaurants. He questioned Parliament’s bars being exempt from these rules and called for co-operation between the UK Government and devolved administrations.
Minister reply
Hancock clarified that Parliament's bars are not exempt from these measures, inviting confirmation from Mr Speaker. He agreed on avoiding mixed messaging and affirmed the strategy of all four Governments to keep measures under review while ensuring safety.
Sherwood
Question
The Government have already made more than £190 billion of support available to protect lives and livelihoods. Last week I spoke to Tom and Lindsey, the landlords of the Clumber Inn in Ordsall, to discuss the impact that these lockdown measures are having on the hospitality industry. Can he confirm that Ministers will continue to work closely with the sector, to look at what further support can be provided?
Minister reply
Absolutely. He is right and makes a very important and serious point. Of course we will keep working with the hospitality industry and do everything we can to support it through these times.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
Question
The original urgent question was about the 10 pm pubs curfew, and after this statement it is clear that the Government are simply not listening. They seem to be covering their eyes and ears and singing “La, la, la, la.” The Secretary of State says that this is under review, but the evidence is clear: the 10 pm pubs curfew has been a hammer blow to hospitality, and turfing crowds of people out of covid-secure venues on to the streets is putting lives and livelihoods at risk.
Minister reply
I just want to correct the hon. Lady on the point that she made about outbreaks. The measures that have led us to understanding that the virus spreads most outside of households, when other households meet together, including in hospitality venues, comes from the very backward contact tracing that the hon. Member for Leicester South (Jonathan Ashworth) asked about.
Paul Bristow
Con
Peterborough
Question
My city has been following the rules. Thanks to the people of Peterborough and excellent council leadership, we came off the watchlist last week. I know that the data can change, and I also know that my right hon. Friend appreciates the issues around the 10 pm curfew, but will he keep the policy under review so that those who are doing the right thing, like the people of Peterborough, can get back to something like normality?
Minister reply
Absolutely. My hon. Friend is an incredible voice for Peterborough. We discussed the local lockdown having its effect in Leicester, and the Prime Minister mentioned Luton yesterday; the work of the people of Peterborough is another example that we could cite.
Barry Sheerman
Lab
Huddersfield
Question
The Secretary of State knows that I can get passionate and even angry with some of my questions to him, but not today. He will know that as a West Yorkshire MP I will support anything—any measure—that stops this virus spreading at this perilous time when tens of thousands of students are moving around our county and our country. Will the Secretary of State give me his word that he will keep it under review, because there seem to be some problems with it?
Minister reply
It is constantly under review. We have shown that we are willing to change the measures to follow what works. This is an unprecedented crisis.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Question
I recognise, of course, the value of simplicity on issues such as the curfew for the hospitality industry, but will my right hon. Friend accept that we should allow economic activity where it does not cut across public health objectives? Will he therefore apply an imaginative approach to doing that—for example, looking at how we might be able to allow hotel guests to stay in hotel bars where they are resident in the hotel later than 10 o’clock?
Minister reply
I am always happy to look at, as my right hon. and learned Friend calls them, imaginative ideas like that.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
The imposition of a 10 pm curfew on the hospitality industry was entirely avoidable, but became an inevitability because of the Government’s shambolic handling of their privatised test and trace system. Last month, I highlighted to the Health Secretary that locals in Slough were being forced to drive hundreds of miles, including catching a ferry to the Isle of Wight, just to access a test.
Minister reply
We have got this record testing capacity and I am incredibly grateful for all the people who work to deliver it. I will not have this divisive language; I just won’t have it.
Question
Restricting hospitality hours and venue capacity, although not ideal, can present us with a good opportunity to explore and support our local businesses such as Griffiths Brothers, the excellent gin distillery in the village of Penn in my constituency. What can the Government do to encourage people to visit these local distilleries and breweries, which are a vital part of the hospitality industry?
Minister reply
I will do everything I can, both policy-wise and personally, to support our great distilleries, including in my right hon. Friend’s part of the world.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Question
Asked the Secretary of State for his stance on bringing new restrictions back to the House of Commons.
Minister reply
Of course, all nationally significant measures will be brought forward for a vote before implementation. Yesterday's renewal of the Coronavirus Act received overwhelming majority support.
Question
Inquired about the impact of the 10 pm curfew on wet-led pubs.
Minister reply
Acknowledged that the curfew is better than a complete closure and will look at whether certain parts of the sector need more support.
Karl Turner
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Question
Pressed the Secretary of State on the lack of an effective test and trace system.
Minister reply
Emphasised that record numbers of tests are being done, with results available within a day for most people. He highlighted the biggest contact tracing programme ever seen in the country.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Question
Asked the Secretary of State to remind everyone about breast cancer awareness.
Minister reply
Agreed and emphasised the importance of checking for symptoms, seeing a GP if necessary, and the need for screening programmes.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
Suggested devolving power to impose curfew locally.
Minister reply
Welcomed the constructive suggestion and stated that policies are constantly under review, aiming to suppress the virus while minimizing negative economic impact.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
Expressed disappointment from hospitality businesses over the 10 pm curfew.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the negative impact but emphasised that measures are taken to save lives and stressed the importance of following rules.
Question
Questioned the scientific basis for the 10 pm curfew.
Minister reply
Explained that later at night, social distancing becomes harder. Outside is safer than inside establishments during late hours.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Question
Asked for evidence on the number of transmissions linked to pubs based on test and trace data.
Minister reply
Confirmed that 25% figure is correct, noting it applies to those catching the virus outside their household.
Question
Inquired about financial support for businesses affected by tighter restrictions.
Minister reply
Acknowledged increased pressure on local hospitality and highlighted the critical issue of reduced inhibitions later at night. Emphasised that transmission is much lower outside than inside.
Caroline Ansell
Con
Cotswold
Question
My constituency thrives on hospitality, and many jobs are dependent on it. It is also low-incidence when it comes to the virus and high-compliance when it comes to the safety measures around being covid secure. My right hon. Friend said in his opening remarks that the second peak is highly localised. In that light, how quickly can we look to move to a more localised, regional approach to the 10 pm curfew?
Minister reply
We are taking a more localised approach to tackling this second peak than we did to the first, for two reasons. The first is that the evidence is that it is much more localised in terms of where the virus is concentrated. The second is that we know far more about where the virus is concentrated, but that extra information also tells us that the number of transmissions is much higher in hospitality than in many other settings—for instance, workplaces. That is why we have made the decision that we have, but the core of my hon. Friend’s point, which is that it is safer in places such as Eastbourne because there are fewer transmissions, is reasonable, and we keep all of this under review.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Question
Last week, I spoke to a lady whose husband has dementia. He was in a care home, and she was unable to visit him. He deteriorated rapidly, until he was deemed a risk to himself and others, and he was eventually sectioned, at which point she was allowed to visit him. Of course I completely understand the difficult balance the Minister must make between protecting our health and the health of others, but could he please look specifically at what guidance can be given on rights to visit loved ones who have dementia?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady makes an incredibly heart-rending and important point. The balance in terms of the rules around visiting those in care homes is one of the most difficult to strike. On this, I rely heavily on the clinical evidence of Jenny Harries, the deputy chief medical officer, who works with the four nations to try to make sure we get this balance right. It is very difficult, and the guidance we have put out includes the permissive ability to allow directors of public health to take decisions that are appropriate in local circumstances. However, this issue is a very difficult consequence of the virus.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
I have spoken to landlords and landladies around my constituency, and they have all been incredibly grateful for the unprecedented support that the Government have provided to them, but they have been equally clear that that has just about kept their heads above water, especially at a time when there was warmer weather. I very much welcome my right hon. Friend’s commitment to keep this issue under review, but what reassurances can he give landlords and landladies that, as we head towards Christmas and the nights get colder, there is a timescale on this and they can have hope that they will still be trading at Christmas and not, sadly, closing down for Christmas?
Minister reply
The truth is that the more we all avoid close social contact, the harder the virus will find it to spread and the easier it will be to lift measures. It is as straightforward as that. From that logic, obviously, come many difficult consequences, including the ones my hon. Friend spoke to. However, I am happy to keep talking to him to make sure that we get this balance right in his area and across the country.
Sarah Dines
Constitutional
Derbyshire Dales
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for his updates, which are always very useful. May I ask him to think for a minute about places with low infection rates, including the Derbyshire Dales? We have some fantastic wedding venues such as Shottle Hall and Eyam Hall, and some great historic pubs that have been around for hundreds of years, such as the Rutland Arms, the Peacock at Rowsley, the Devonshire Arms at Baslow and the Old Dog at Thorpe. Will my right hon. Friend consider opening locally early where people can prove good compliance and where there are very low infection rates, because we have to allow the economy to get up and running again?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to support her local pubs and in what she said about keeping the economy going while we deal with this problem. She is also right that there are large swathes of the country with very low infection rates, including Derbyshire. Our approach is to take the minimum national action necessary to ensure that the rates stay low in Derbyshire and other areas with low rates, while also taking more action in places where the virus is rife. That is an approach that we will be strengthening over the weeks to come.
Karl McCartney
Con
Lincoln
Question
Although I am sure there is some logic behind the recent 10 pm curfew, other changes put in place, including table service, have led to small hospitality businesses such as the Treaty of Commerce pub on Lincoln High Street in my constituency having to increase staffing overheads, which they can currently ill afford. Will my right hon. Friend acknowledge that the latest changes to the guidance are not entirely suitable for all businesses? I have heard what he has said this morning, but will he commit to reviewing the regulations regularly and at the earliest opportunity to ensure that we protect jobs, the wider economy and the important freedoms of businesses and individuals while also remaining covid-secure?
Minister reply
A hundred per cent; my hon. Friend speaks with great wisdom.
Alan Brown
SNP
Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath
Question
I have been known to enjoy pubs and hospitality myself, but the reality is that if this sector—in particular, nightclubs and the entertainment industry—is to survive, it is going to need much greater Government support. Does the Health Secretary accept that, and is he having those discussions with the Chancellor? Does he also accept that if Scotland wants to go its own way with a different level of curfew, the Scottish Parliament needs to have, at the very minimum, borrowing powers so that it can make changes for public health benefits and provide the necessary support for these businesses?
Minister reply
As the hon. Member knows, although public health measures are devolved, it is only because we are one United Kingdom that we are able to have the strength of support that is in place right across Scotland. He and his party would do well to recognise that and to welcome the support that the UK has been able to provide in Scotland during these very difficult times.
Dehenna Davison
Con
Bishop Auckland
Question
When my right hon. Friend visited Bishop Auckland during the election campaign, we spent our lunch break in a pub called the Merry Monk. Since then I have been in regular contact with the landlord, Christian Burns, who, alongside a lot of other pub landlords, has written to the Prime Minister expressing concerns about some of the lockdown measures that have been introduced. I recognise and welcome the unprecedented support that the Government have put in place—more than £190 billion is not small fry—but will my right hon. Friend please confirm to Christian and other landlords that Ministers will continue to work with the hospitality industry, particularly pubs? We need to save our pubs, because they are a lifeline for our local communities.
Minister reply
Absolutely. I really enjoyed my trip to the Merry Monk with my hon. Friend. We left before 10 pm, even though at that time we could have stayed longer. Of course we will keep working with the hospitality industry. I wish all the pubs in Bishop Auckland all the very best. We will support them as much as we can.
Emma Lewell-Buck
Lab
South Shields
Question
We are in a never-ending cycle of repeated lockdowns that are deferring the problem because they are not matched by robust testing and clear messaging. It is clear from the Health Secretary’s responses this morning that the 10 pm curfew is yet another example of the Prime Minister plucking ideas out of the air to be seen to be doing something. It has already caused significant damage to the hospitality industry, and, as predicted, is doing nothing to stop the spread of the virus. When will this Government start to understand that a balance needs to be struck to protect those most at risk without complete societal shutdown?
Minister reply
I would urge the hon. Lady to support her constituents and the public health measures that are necessary to get this virus under control in order to protect this country, to protect her constituents and to save lives.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Question
Pubs, such as the New Cross in Ashfield, run by Jay and Mathew, are losing revenue due to the 10 pm curfew. They fully understand the rules that need to be in place to keep us safe, so can my right hon. Friend please explain to the staff and regulars at the New Cross how science has guided the decision to close pubs at 10 pm?
Minister reply
I want to say to all the staff and all the regulars at the New Cross that we would not have this in place unless we thought it was needed. The science is about how, late at night, people end up closer together and therefore spread the virus more, and this will not stay in place one minute longer than it needs to.
Geraint Davies
Lab
Cel-y-Bont
Question
If the Government decide to restrict trade or close down trade for pubs or particular businesses for good public health reasons, surely it is for all of us, through the Government, to pay that cost—through borrowing, at historically low interest rates, paid back over time through our progressive tax system—not for individual pubs and businesses to pay it, possibly with bankruptcy, as at places such as Brains brewery in south Wales. Will the Secretary of State therefore have a word with the Chancellor to ask that he provides adequate financial support for both sustainable businesses and good public health?
Minister reply
Of course, this measure is for England, and it is up to the devolved Welsh Administration to decide public health measures in Wales, but the principle that we as taxpayers, as a whole country, should shoulder as much of the economic burden as possible is what underpins the absolutely unprecedented £190 billion of extra support that this Government have put into the economy to get us through these very difficult times.
High Peak
Question
This week, Burnley recorded the highest covid-19 rate in England, and that has understandably caused concern to residents who are worried not just about the virus, but about the impact on the local economy. Could the Secretary of State reassure them and me that, when we look at further interventions that might be needed, we will keep them as targeted as possible so we can fight the virus where it is really spreading?
Minister reply
Absolutely. There is a lot of virus spreading in Burnley, and we need to all come together to tackle that spread. I know that my hon. Friend has been fighting as hard as possible for the people of Burnley. He has been making this argument to me in private, as well as in public, that we need to make sure that the measures are as targeted as possible and have as low a negative impact as possible, but we do need to get the virus under control in Burnley and across the country. I pay tribute to him for the work that he is doing in supporting and representing his constituents.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
The hospitality sector struggled to recover from lockdowns when the 10 o'clock curfew was introduced. The MP asks if staggered exit times and a more intelligence-led approach could be considered, as well as reviewing off-sales' role in community transmission.
Minister reply
We review all measures regularly. The £190 billion support package has been provided to help the sector, but these measures are under constant review.
Tom Hunt
Con
Ipswich
Question
The MP refers to low covid levels in Ipswich and highlights how local pubs are losing business due to off-licence sales. He asks for a review of the curfew measures.
Minister reply
We will lift these measures as soon as it is safe, and we keep all options under consideration.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Question
The MP expresses concern over inconsistent local lockdown rules between Wales and England, questioning the frequency of discussions with devolved administrations.
Minister reply
We maintain regular dialogue to minimize confusion across borders.
Zarah Sultana
Lab
Coventry South
Question
The MP urges for new economic support measures alongside public health restrictions to prevent unemployment and business bankruptcies.
Minister reply
£190 billion has been allocated for job support, which is under review.
Question
The MP suggests extending closing times in venues where customers are still eating hot meals to promote staggered exits and better social distancing.
Minister reply
We will consider all options as we keep measures under review.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Question
The MP discusses the impact of 10 pm curfew on night-time entertainment businesses and public health principles.
Minister reply
We regret the necessity but must prioritise safety.
Question
The MP requests a review of measures at an early opportunity, considering the impact on central London's businesses and residents.
Minister reply
Measures are kept under constant review.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Question
The MP highlights the struggle of publicans and asks for financial support to remain open post-covid.
Minister reply
We have provided £190 billion in support, which is under review.
Question
The MP raises concerns about the impact of 10 pm curfew on casinos and gambling industry after-hours business.
Minister reply
Willing to discuss with the hon. Friend.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
The MP references the Prime Minister's statement on local leaders' requests for measures, asking about targeted support for pubs and restaurants.
Minister reply
£10 million funding has been provided; more compliance leads to quicker easing of restrictions.
Question
The MP inquires about guidance and support offered to police enforcing the curfew measures.
Minister reply
Additional guidance is provided, with tribute paid to the work done by the police.
Steven Bonnar
Lab
Cumnock and Doon Valley
Question
The MP questions if Dominic Cummings's disregard of rules has undermined compliance and added pressure on frontline staff.
Minister reply
No recognition of the link is made.
Question
The MP highlights concerns about 10 pm curfew measures, asking for a commitment to review and keep restrictions in place only as necessary.
Minister reply
Agrees to keep measures under close review for the shortest time needed.
Question
The MP asks if future significant measures should be debated, scrutinized, amended and voted upon in Parliament first.
Minister reply
Agrees with the proposal and announces a new process for parliamentary scrutiny of nationally significant measures.
Shadow Comment
Jon Ashworth
Shadow Comment
I thank Matthew Hancock for his statement but express concerns about pubs closing at 10 pm, potentially leading to crowded city centres. The financial support for Merseyside is important given the region's heavy reliance on hospitality and leisure. People in local lockdown areas need clarity on when they can visit loved ones during school holidays.
I question why infections are rising despite restrictions being in place and ask what additional help will be provided. Testing and tracing must improve, including backward contact tracing, which is crucial for controlling outbreaks. Serco's failure to maintain testing centres highlights ongoing issues with testing turnaround times, which still take days rather than weeks as promised.
Deloitte’s attempt to sell contact tracing services to local councils during a public health crisis is an utter scandal and undermines trust in the system.
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