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Covid-19 Update
17 December 2020
Lead MP
Matthew Hancock
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSEmployment
Other Contributors: 46
At a Glance
Matthew Hancock raised concerns about covid-19 update 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
As we approach winter, the UK faces a significant surge in coronavirus cases. Yesterday saw 25,161 new cases reported and 18,038 hospitalisations due to the virus across the country. The minister emphasised the importance of adhering to tiered restrictions and accelerating vaccine deployment while respecting safety measures. He highlighted the necessity for reviewing data every two weeks in each region and tightening restrictions where necessary to prevent overwhelming NHS resources. In areas like London, Essex, and parts of Hertfordshire, cases have risen sharply, prompting a review leading to stricter tier 3 measures across wider regions including Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Peterborough, and much of the east and south-east of England. The minister also announced that Bristol, north Somerset, and Herefordshire can move down tiers due to reduced case rates. He stressed the importance of public cooperation in reducing transmission and acknowledged progress made through vaccination programmes, with over 200 sites now open for vaccinations across the UK.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that allowing three households to mix indoors for five days over Christmas is too risky given current case numbers and hospital pressures?
Minister reply
The minister responded by emphasising the need for caution and personal responsibility during the holiday period, acknowledging that while indoor mixing might seem inviting, it could lead to a significant rise in cases if not carefully managed.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Question
What additional measures will be taken for the roll-out of the vaccine programme in primary care?
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged technical issues and promised improvements to software systems to ensure efficient data capture, aiming to streamline processes for GPs involved in vaccine administration.
Philip Hollobone
Con
Kettering
Question
What is the timeline for mass vaccination centres opening in all constituencies?
Minister reply
The minister confirmed ongoing efforts to open more vaccination sites across the UK, with an emphasis on accelerating deployment through mass vaccination centres as soon as logistics are in place.
Lucy Frazer
Con
Weston-Super-Mare
Question
How will the government ensure equitable vaccine distribution to remote and rural areas?
Minister reply
The minister assured that a comprehensive approach is being taken, including mobile units for hard-to-reach communities and adjustments to mass vaccination sites to cater to diverse geographic needs.
Jon Ashworth
Labour Co-op
Dartford
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for advance sight of his statement. These past 12 months have seen covid spread with speed and severity... [omitted long text]
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman rightly asked about the arrangements in place for Christmas, which the Prime Minister set out yesterday very clearly... [omitted long text]
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Question
In the past week, I have received unexpectedly joyful emails from residents of South West Surrey who have been among the first in the world to receive a clinically approved vaccine for coronavirus. I thank my right hon. Friend for that early Christmas present... [omitted long text]
Minister reply
People should act with great caution in this pandemic, because doing so protects them, protects their families and protects their loved ones... [omitted long text]
Question
It is important that the festive days ahead do not become a five-day mass get-together. Therefore, we should use as little of the flexibility as possible, spread over several days, while ensuring that no one is facing Christmas alone... [omitted long text]
Minister reply
This has been an incredibly difficult year for so many people and so many families. The fixed numerical limits place a particular burden on very large families... [omitted long text]
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
Wished NHS staff, local authorities in Essex a happy Christmas for their contributions to test, track and trace operation. Noted the case contact rates are now around 87% and 90%. Asked the minister to congratulate local authorities on this effort.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the efforts of Essex County Council and congratulated NHS Test and Trace system partners. Highlighted that 96.6% of people were reached and told to self-isolate due to improvements in contact tracing and testing.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Question
Expressed concern over NHS England’s new activity target for dentists, which threatens patient safety and could lead to the demise of NHS dentistry. Cited a backlog of more than 19 million appointments.
Minister reply
Reassured that the agreement reached with dentists ensures they can look after patients while helping them get treatments needed under new conditions.
Question
Welcomed North Somerset moving from tier 3 to tier 2 as a reward for efforts of constituents and community. Emphasised the need to consider age and vulnerability when meeting.
Minister reply
Praised the effort in reducing case rates to 120 per 100,000, allowing North Somerset to move down from tier 3. Stressed personal responsibility continues despite easier conditions.
Karl Turner
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Question
Asked for financial support for hospitality businesses in Hull affected by measures to control the virus.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the challenge and committed to working with local representatives to get hospitality open again as soon as possible.
Question
Inquired about funding clarity for asymptomatic community testing in Burton and Uttoxeter.
Minister reply
Agreed to review the letters sent by Staffordshire County Council regarding funding and promised to provide clarification urgently.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Asked for real-time data publication about A&E capacity, ICU occupancy, and cancelled surgeries due to rising infections.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the pressure on Whipps Cross Hospital and published additional data in the Library of the House.
Question
Suggested that complying with existing restrictions is more important than introducing new ones to get out of tier 3.
Minister reply
Agreed, emphasising personal responsibility for avoiding virus spread as the key to getting areas out of higher tiers.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Asked about plans and provisions for vaccine distribution to unregistered populations such as homeless people.
Minister reply
Stressed the importance of reaching everyone, including those without formal registration status. Mentioned collaboration with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and local authorities.
Mark Harper
Con
Filton and Bradley Stoke
Question
I welcome the fact that Gloucestershire is remaining in tier 2 and thank the Secretary of State for his engagement with me and my Gloucestershire colleagues this week—it was very much appreciated and it was very much a team effort to get to where we are. May I press him a little on what he said about vaccines? Will he confirm that the data that is going to be published from next week will have enough detail in it that we will be able to see clearly the vaccination roll-out by age and by area? Will he set out, early on when we return in January, the Government’s thinking about how far the vaccination programme needs to have gone and the level of risk that we will have reduced for the country such that we can start to release the restrictions that are so burdensome on our population?
Minister reply
We are committed to setting out weekly updates on the vaccination programme—we released the first data yesterday, on the 137,000 number—and increasingly with the sorts of breakdowns that my right hon. Friend asks for, as more and more groups are reached. We do not yet know the impact of the vaccine on transmission, so we cannot yet have a concrete answer to his question, but it is precisely the question that we are asking.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow North East
Question
Recent studies have shown that vaccine hesitancy is highest among the black, Asian and minority ethnic community and low-income groups, and there is a real fear that these groups are being deliberately targeted with misinformation. Will the Secretary of State tell us how his Department is going to counter that so that people can make informed choices, and to avoid covid health disparities going forward?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise this issue. We need to reach all those who need vaccinations according to clinical need and persuade them to take the vaccine. There is a huge amount of work on tackling misinformation. The most important thing is to have the positive information out there, including public figures going public about their vaccination.
Graham Brady
Con
Altrincham and Sale West
Question
This statement will be greeted with dismay in Greater Manchester, where we have had severe restrictions for nine months and where rates in nine of the 10 boroughs are below the national average. My constituents have behaved responsibly and our rates are lower than those in neighbouring Warrington or Cheshire, which have been put into tier 2, and they are also lower than they are in Bristol, which has been moved from tier 3 to tier 2 today. What exactly do we have to be moved out of tier 3?
Minister reply
We looked very closely at Trafford, Stockport, Tameside, and nearby High Peak, but the challenge is that each time we have done that in the past, we have then seen cases rebound, and there continues to be significant pressure on the NHS in the north-west.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South
Question
We need to make sure that schools continue to be a safe environment for students and staff, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank all school staff and headteachers across Luton. I note the point made by the Secretary of State about the announcement later regarding testing in schools, but will the Government be publishing the evidence to support the use of lateral flow tests for serial testing of students?
Minister reply
We are working on exactly that proposal because the need to use testing and use the easily available and rapid-return lateral flow devices is incredibly important. They have an important role to play in the right settings.
Greg Clark
Con
Islington North
Question
I asked my right hon. Friend to consider restrictions on a more local level than county-wide, and I am grateful that he has done so across the country today. Infections in Tunbridge Wells are rising, but pressure on the local NHS is also significant. Will the Secretary of State commit to apply the five tests fortnightly, and to reduce our level of restrictions as soon as they are met?
Minister reply
Yes, we will look at local areas, and Kent has a very serious problem in terms of case rates. We have to work hard to bring it under control.
Kevan Jones
Lab
Durham North
Question
On Monday, I asked the Secretary of State when care home residents in County Durham would get the vaccine and he did not answer the question. GPs in Chester-le-Street have been first promised the vaccine on 16 December, then put back to 21 December. Now they are told that the vaccine will not be available till the new year. So when will residents in Chester-le-Street get the vaccine?
Minister reply
We are opening more and more GP vaccination hubs each day. The answer specifically on Chester-le-Street is as soon as we practically can, but it has to be done in a safe way.
Neil O'Brien
Con
Harborough
Question
Will my right hon. Friend confirm that if people in Harborough and Oadby and Wigston continue to drive down rates of infection locally, the different districts and boroughs in Leicestershire can be put in different tiers if the data supports that? Will he join me in congratulating our local NHS here in Leicestershire on the efficient way in which it is rolling out the vaccine across the county?
Minister reply
Yes on both counts. We looked at Leicestershire in great detail and I wish that we could have taken the county and the city out of tier 3, but unfortunately the data did not support that conclusion.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon
Question
I start by thanking the people of my constituency and across Gateshead who have worked really hard to get the figure down. Professor Michael Marmot’s covid-19 review, which was published this week, shows that the pandemic has exposed long-standing health inequalities, particularly in the north. Public health teams play a vital part in this pandemic and are core to addressing those longer-term health inequalities. What has the Secretary of State done to ensure that public health teams are properly funded so that they can address those inequities and, as Professor Marmot says, “build back fairer”?
Minister reply
We are absolutely determined to build back better by tackling long-term underlying health inequalities after the pandemic has demonstrated those inequalities.
Julian Sturdy
Con
York Outer
Question
There will naturally be disappointment across Yorkshire as many areas stay in tier 3. I appreciate that York’s tier will be affected by the current virus picture, but which of the five criteria will the city of York have to improve on to stand a good chance of moving down a tier in future reviews? Will that depend significantly on how our neighbouring local authorities perform against the five criteria?
Minister reply
We do look at those human geographies because many people commute from North Yorkshire into York, but York and many of the local authorities around it have done an absolutely fantastic job of bringing the virus under control. In York, the case rate is 65 per 100,000—a bit higher than we typically take places into tier 1. For instance, Herefordshire is 45, which is the same level Cornwall was when it was put into tier 1, but York is moving in the right direction. The over-60s case rate is also low. There has been some pressure, as my hon. Friend knows, on the hospital, but that is abating. Therefore, York and large swathes of North Yorkshire are moving in the right direction.
Barbara Keeley
Lab
Worsley and Eccles South
Question
The Secretary of State will remember that he has agreed to meet me and my constituent Kellie Shiers to discuss the issues that she has had accessing cancer services during the pandemic. During the pandemic, Kelly worked on the frontline with her ambulance service in Greater Manchester, despite her history of breast cancer, but she could not have her check-up and mammogram when it was due. When she did have it, the cancer had returned and spread to her bones. She is now having chemotherapy and may need surgery. I understand that the Secretary of State has many demands on his time, but can he ensure that this meeting is able to go ahead in early January as these matters are time-sensitive?
Minister reply
Yes, I can. I am very sorry that that meeting has not happened yet and we will get right on to it for early January.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Question
The changes for Bedfordshire announced by my right hon. Friend will be disappointing to residents and businesses, but it will be helpful for them to understand that, in setting up the tier system, my right hon. Friend established clear criteria, and he is publishing the data and has said that he will be open to regular reviews. On those criteria, when it comes to the issue of hospitals and pressure on the NHS, that is not a data-driven criterion; it comes with statements that the NHS is under considerable pressure, which is very difficult for people to understand, because we always hear, during pre-covid times and now, that the hospitals are under pressure. So will he commit to producing projections of occupancy rates and acute bed occupancy rates across the NHS and, if possible, on a local hospital system basis?
Minister reply
Yes, we are working exactly on how to demonstrate that in a numerical rather than a narrative form, not least for the reasons that my hon. Friend sets out. We have seen a very sharp rise in cases across Bedfordshire, especially in the more rural areas, including North East Bedfordshire, so it is so important that people across Bedfordshire take that personal responsibility and follow the new tier 3 rules.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Question
People across Chesterfield will be very disappointed that, with all the work that they have done and with Chesterfield having lower transmission rates than some of the areas in tier 2, they remain in tier 3. They will be especially disappointed by the Health Secretary’s suggestion that the communities that have worked hardest and been the most disciplined are the ones that are in tier 2. We know that that is not the case. Does he not realise that, if the Government could offer a support package that supported our hospitality sector, and if they were not, at the very last minute, announcing changes to our schools just two days before they break up, there would be more credibility to the sense that it is personal responsibility that is the problem here, rather than the ineptitude of this Government?
Minister reply
No.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Sir John Hayes), may I thank the Secretary of State for meeting us and for promising that he will adopt a more granular approach? We can assure him that we will work hard in Lincolnshire to try to get our tier, and that of the neighbouring cities, down. May I also thank him and the Prime Minister for resisting pressure from the Opposition and from Wales and Scotland to change the rules on Christmas? That is an entirely right approach. I also thank him for the tone that he has adopted today that, if we are to defeat this, it is a matter of self-responsibility and personal ownership of our health.
Minister reply
That is right. We looked very closely at the southern end of Lincolnshire, which is a long way from where the rates are incredibly elevated around Lincoln, the coast and West Lindsey, but unfortunately it was not possible to bring any of the lower-tier local authority areas in Lincolnshire out of tier 3, and over the border in Peterborough we have seen a very sharp rise. So we are not there yet, but I hope that we can make significant progress, especially if everyone listens to my right hon. Friend and takes personal responsibility for their actions.
Jack Dromey
Lab
Dudley North
Question
Jane Roche is a great champion of her community of Castle Vale. Her dad, Vincent, died of covid. Her sister Jocelyn died five days later of covid. They are two of the nearly 10,000 in the west midlands who have died of covid. Jane and her family are devastated. They grieve for the loss of their loved ones who will not be with them this Christmas. She asks the Secretary of State this: why have we had the largest number of deaths in Europe? Can we be confident that lessons are being learnt and that the mistakes made will not be repeated? She also asks: when will the inquiry into what happened over covid be established and, crucially, will the Secretary of State meet her and other relatives of those who have sadly died from across Birmingham?
Minister reply
Yes, I am very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman and constituents to hear their stories. Many of us have lost those close to us in this terrible pandemic. We are constantly learning how to do things better, and we are constantly learning more about the disease.
Rob Butler
Con
Aylesbury
Question
The news that Buckinghamshire is going into tier 3 heralds the bleakest of midwinters, especially for local hospitality businesses, and it is imperative that they get extra help and that this lasts for as short a time as humanly possible. Given that Stoke Mandeville Hospital is currently under intense pressure, with many staff off, either with covid or self-isolating, it is alarming that Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust has been given no date for when it will get a supply of vaccines, especially when neighbouring Oxfordshire is in a lower tier and already has them. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that residents and healthcare staff can get the vaccine locally in Buckinghamshire before Christmas?
Minister reply
I will write to my hon. Friend immediately with our plans for the roll-out of primary care-based vaccination facilities in Aylesbury. I regret having to put Buckinghamshire into tier 3 measures, but unfortunately it was absolutely necessary on the numbers.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Question
Secondary schools in south Manchester are worried about the extra pressure of running a mass testing regime on top of the contact tracing they are doing, on top of the online learning they are enabling and on top of their normal, everyday school responsibilities. We really need to know what support they are going to get to do the testing, so why does the Secretary of State for Education not come to the House to set out the plans and answer questions, as the Secretary of State for Health rightly does?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State for Education will be setting out these plans. We need to get them out as soon as possible so that people have the last couple of days of term to work on them.
William Wragg
Con
Hazel Grove
Question
It being Christmas, and given the circumstances that we are in, covid-compliant carol singers in Stockport have been heard singing the words of that well-known epidemiologist Mariah Carey, “All I want for Christmas is tier 2”, but sadly their entreating that outcome has not been successful at all. Can my right hon. Friend explain, further to the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale West (Sir Graham Brady), precisely what more residents in Stockport need to do in order to regain some relative freedom?
Minister reply
Yes. We have to keep getting the case rate down. In Stockport it is still over 100. There is further to go. Right across Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas, I would urge people to do as they have been doing, because the case rates have come down really quite significantly.
Ellie Reeves
Lab
Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Question
UK and EU pharmaceutical companies have warned that no deal will lead to delays of up to six weeks in obtaining vital medicines. Given the Pfizer vaccine's complex distribution from Brussels at -70°C, does the Health Secretary agree a no-deal scenario would be catastrophic and everything should be done to secure access to vital medicines?
Minister reply
We have plans in place to ensure that the vaccine can continue to be distributed regardless of the outcome of future trading discussions with the EU.
Question
Paying tribute to a vaccination centre in Harlow, will the Health Secretary thank those involved and outline a route map for Harlow to return to tier 2? Additionally, can he confirm that school openings will not be delayed in January?
Minister reply
Thanked GPs, volunteers, and staff organising vaccinations; confirmed case rate concerns mean Harlow remains in tier 3. Reiterated need for people to bring down the virus locally.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Question
With scientific advisers warning of higher infection rates due to Christmas, will the Secretary of State admit that harsher restrictions may be needed in January and end uncertainty for families and businesses?
Minister reply
Emphasised public responsibility and acknowledged their adherence to previous measures. Stressed approach is about keeping Christmas safe while recognising necessity.
Question
Cases have plummeted in Kirklees, with rates below the English average; can the Secretary of State clarify when the next review will be and what more constituents need to do to exit tier 3?
Minister reply
Reviews occur legally every two weeks but practice weekly reviews. Will not wait longer than necessary to move places out of tier 3 if safe.
Feryal Clark
Lab
Enfield North
Question
Unpaid carers in Enfield North have concerns about vaccine access; can the Secretary of State clarify when they will be given the vaccine?
Minister reply
Guidance from Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation must be followed.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Question
Thanked for actions, but local hospitality sector is fed up; can the Secretary of State commit to a fortnightly review and allow County Durham and parts of the north-east to go their separate way if case rates come down?
Minister reply
Will write on vaccine roll-out; acknowledges progress in reducing case rates and pressure on NHS.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
Over 23,000 deaths in the past 100 days were unnecessary due to a second wave caused by Government failing to prioritise public health; will the Secretary of State disclose how many lives may be lost under current plans?
Minister reply
Hoped for as few losses as possible, noting vaccine rollout impact.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
A café owner closed and self-isolated after a waitress tested positive but has not been contacted by test, trace and track; can the Secretary of State assist?
Minister reply
Will look into case details immediately to provide clinically approved recommendation.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Question
Concerned about care home vaccination delays due to licensing conditions preventing dose splitting; is this the case and why?
Minister reply
Safety concerns ensure vaccine delivery at sites; progress being made.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Question
Paying tribute to efforts in Cumbria, will the Secretary of State agree that actively taking up invitations for the vaccine is crucial for a positive 2021?
Minister reply
Agreed; when invited, taking up the vaccine helps protect individuals and communities.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Question
Yesterday, I met members of the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group and they delivered a 200,000-strong petition to Downing Street asking for an immediate public inquiry. May I ask whether the Secretary of State has read the APPG’s interim report and engaged with its findings?
Minister reply
I look at all these sorts of reports constantly to try to learn from them. The UK health authorities are continuously talking and sharing insights, which is why contact tracing in the UK now reaches over 90% of contacts.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for his hard work this year to combat the virus and for updating the House regularly. As we approach Christmas, may I ask him to reiterate the key message: that anyone who shows any signs of having the virus must get a test and isolate if positive?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend's words completely. Over this Christmas period, people should be very careful as one in three people with the disease do not know they have it due to no symptoms. They need to take tests when they show any signs of symptoms and self-isolate if positive.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I wish you a very merry Christmas, Madam Deputy Speaker. I congratulate the Secretary of State on his energy and dedication this year. What discussions has he had with Northern Ireland's devolved Administration to ensure travel can continue within regulations?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind words. We have spoken with Robin Swann, Health Minister for Northern Ireland, about ensuring people can travel across the UK as much as is safely possible over Christmas while urging caution and personal responsibility.
Shadow Comment
Jon Ashworth
Shadow Comment
The shadow secretary acknowledges the need for stringent measures to control the virus but questions the timing of easing restrictions around Christmas when cases are rising. He highlighted that England reported its highest number of cases in a month and hospital admissions are at their highest since April, urging the government to reconsider indoor mixing arrangements during the holiday season. The response also pressed the minister on the adequacy of funding and staffing for vaccine roll-out, pointing out that £11.7 billion and 46,000 extra staff will be required, along with concerns over software issues in primary care. He further requested clarity around testing plans for schools reopening in January and thanked NHS workers for their efforts during a challenging year.
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