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Coronavirus
15 September 2020
Lead MP
Matthew Hancock
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Social CareEmployment
Other Contributors: 48
At a Glance
Matthew Hancock raised concerns about coronavirus 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
Yesterday, the World Health Organisation announced a record number of global cases, with France and Spain reporting over 10,000 daily positive cases. In the UK, around 2,600 new cases were reported yesterday, and medical advisers noted that R is above 1. The government implemented the rule of six to control the spread. Testing has been expanded; over 20 million tests have been carried out in this country. Despite operational challenges, testing capacity is at a record high. Priority is given to acute clinical care and social care, with over 100,000 daily tests sent to care homes. The minister emphasises the importance of prioritisation to ensure that those who most need the tests can get them. He also announced trials for a new antibody treatment on coronavirus patients in the UK.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Question
The shadow raises concerns about test shortages in hotspots, staffing shortages in Lighthouse labs, and backlogs in pillar 2 labs. He questions the government's failure to expand NHS lab capacity during summer and fix contact tracing.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the challenges but highlights that testing capacity is at a record high, with over 9,000 tests processed in top local authorities yesterday alone. He emphasises prioritisation for those who need it most. The backlog is falling and is less than one day's processing capacity. Expansion of testing technologies will help reopen parts of the economy.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming
Question
The MP asks if the Secretary of State remains confident that test issues can be solved in a week, given recent instances where residents had to travel long distances for tests.
Minister reply
The minister expresses confidence that the problem will be resolved within weeks. He notes high demand and prioritisation to ensure those most in need receive tests.
Central Ayrshire
Question
With covid cases doubling every week, is the Secretary of State concerned that laboratory capacity for diagnostic testing is not keeping pace with demand? Can he confirm whether he plans to increase NHS funding for hospital laboratories across the UK?
Minister reply
Yes, expanding NHS labs and working together across the whole of the UK to get necessary testing capacity is important. The UK delivered more tests per head of population in Scotland than the rest of the country last month.
Huw Merriman
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Question
Why can five people play football but two connected families cannot meet, despite local rates permitting? Will the Secretary of State look at flexibility when local rates permit and also exclude under-12s from the rule?
Minister reply
Children transmit this virus; therefore, we have decided to keep the rule simple. The Government takes a different approach in different areas based on case numbers locally.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
How is the Secretary of State addressing issues with testing centres turning people away due to lack of communication between Deloitte and local authorities?
Minister reply
I will look at that individual case to ensure necessary communications occur. There are many hundreds of tests being done in constituencies across London.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Question
What measures is the Secretary of State taking to improve access to testing for people who need it? When can those with symptoms expect to get tests when and where they need them?
Minister reply
The vast majority of people are getting tested. In Luton yesterday, 484 people got tests. We should follow the data.
Mary Robinson
Con
Cheadle
Question
How will the Government look at guidance for schools to access testing as children return and flu season begins?
Minister reply
Yes, we have put more testing into Manchester. Schools should send pupils only when they have symptoms of coronavirus.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Question
How can the Secretary of State ensure people in Rhondda and Ogmore can get tests despite high infection rates? What reassurance can he give disabled constituents who need home tests?
Minister reply
Tests are available, but challenges exist. We understand these challenges and are working hard to fix them. Disabled people should be at the top of prioritisation.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey
Question
What reassurance can the Secretary of State give a disabled constituent who cannot drive, has symptoms but no home test available? What priority will be given to such cases?
Minister reply
Such cases should be prioritised. We set out prioritisation and update it regularly based on latest science.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
What steps have been taken in cooperation with the Department for Education to ensure school bubbles are returned to school as soon as possible if they test negative?
Minister reply
If someone tests negative, schools can carry on normally. I will check that guidelines around this circumstance are clear.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
To what extent is there a possibility that it is the exponential increase in testing itself, in identifying genuine new cases, and the very significant possibility of false positives, that is giving a distorted impression of the trajectory of the disease?
Minister reply
The Minister explained that while false positive results are an important consideration, the Office for National Statistics conducts surveillance testing to accurately reflect case rates. The ONS survey accounts for these factors.
Question
Work is under way to set up a walk-through testing centre at Glasgow Caledonian University in my constituency, but with universities now returning, what additional capacity is being put in place to deal with what could be an additional surge of tests that need to be processed?
Minister reply
The Minister stated they are working with universities to ensure testing availability and prioritisation based on wider needs.
Question
My constituents are sharing the same experiences as those of my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Jeremy Hunt), so I encourage my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to do everything he can on testing capacity. May I ask him about the rule of six? If someone is lucky—or unlucky—enough to have four very young children, under the rules they are not allowed to meet another household at all. I do hope that the Government will keep the rules under careful review and look at every possible way to make them as fair as possible for every family.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the impact of the rules but explained that they are necessary to save lives, despite being unpleasant.
Rosie Duffield
Ind
Canterbury
Question
Although I am sure that many ordinary people were thrilled to learn that the Government’s rule of six does not apply to so-called sports such as grouse shooting, for which up to 29 people can mingle, expectant mothers in my constituency and throughout the country are unable to take their partners to crucial checks during pregnancy. Currently, individual health trusts are left to make decisions on this issue, leading to a postcode lottery. Is it not time that the Government stopped passing the buck, as they did to school leaders, and instead provided national leadership across the country on matters as vital as maternity care?
Minister reply
The Minister expressed sympathy with the case and mentioned recent changes in guidance allowing partners to accompany pregnant women for tests.
Question
On the rule of six, I completely agree with my right hon. Friend about the importance of clarity and simplicity. Early on in the pandemic, we saw some of the problems that arise when different rules kick in in different parts of the United Kingdom. On that point, is there not a strong case for having one simple, understandable rule of six that applies right across the country and has high levels of public support? To that end, I encourage my right hon. Friend to keep an open mind about the rule of six that is in place in Wales and Scotland and the exemption of small children.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed he keeps an open mind on all rules and updates policy based on evidence and data.
Barnsley South
Question
My constituent in Barnsley has been trying for seven days to get a test for her teenage son after he was sent home from school with a temperature. She has been offered a test in Bolton, Edgbaston and Oldham, and nearly 400 miles away, in Inverness. When will the Secretary of State stop denying that there is a problem, apologise to my constituent and sort out access to testing, once and for all?
Minister reply
The Minister invited the MP to contact him about resolving her constituent's issue.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
As demand for testing increases, some of my constituents are struggling to get slots, are having to travel significant distances or are even being turned away from mobile test centres. So will my right hon. Friend confirm whether the Government’s plans to increase capacity are aiming for 10 million tests a day or the 2 million to 3 million that Sir John Bell talked about this morning? As part of that welcome boost, will my right hon. Friend look carefully at my request for a public testing site in King’s Lynn?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed he would review the request for a testing site and mentioned plans for millions of tests per day with new technology.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Question
Yesterday, I was contacted by an NHS nurse who had spent the weekend unsuccessfully trying to get a test for her symptomatic seven-year-old. On Friday, I visited the new Brinnington test centre in my constituency. It was very quiet, yet it seems to have been unable to offer a test to a nurse, who, it seems, will now need to take time off work. Is that what world-beating looks like? What is going on?
Minister reply
The Minister invited the MP to contact him about resolving the individual case and mentioned NHS capacity for NHS staff.
Question
Cancer Research UK estimates that the screening backlog because of covid-19 might mean that as many as 3 million people are waiting. Will the Secretary of State update us on the work he is doing to ensure that all areas of the NHS are able to carry out screening programmes and on the work he is doing to reassure people that it is safe to attend these screening tests?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed work to tackle the backlog, prioritising testing for those needing procedures, including cancer cases.
Question
The Secretary of State will be aware of a recent survey which found that one third of children feel more anxious, sad and stressed now than before lockdown. The charity Action for Children has therefore asked the Government to prioritise children’s mental health in covid-19 recovery planning and provide adequate funding to meet this demand. Could he tell the House exactly what he has done about that and when we can expect him to announce a covid recovery mental health strategy?
Minister reply
The Minister highlighted increased funding for paediatric mental health to address the pandemic's consequences.
Bury South
Question
"Hands, face, space" has been the public safety message for weeks now. However, I feel that the public are not as safe as they could be. What thought has my right hon. Friend given to ensuring that face masks and hand sanitiser offer the fullest protection by regulating for the need to meet set safety criteria, whether that be the British Standards Institution standard or the World Health Organisation formula for hand sanitiser, so that we are all as safe as possible using these mitigating factors?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed standards for clinical masks and willingness to strengthen regulations on hand sanitiser with MP.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Question
Concerned about the availability of testing in Ealing, raising issues around school outbreaks, and urging for more tests to be supplied to schools and ensuring that everyone on campus gets tested.
Minister reply
Acknowledged concerns raised by Rupa Huq. Provided data showing 462 people got a test in Ealing yesterday. Noted importance of using tests when symptomatic rather than asymptomatic.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Question
Asked about the difficulties constituents face booking online testing due to demand, and requested additional support for Ashfield.
Minister reply
Acknowledged capacity has been increased in Ashfield. Confirmed commitment to ensuring everyone needing a test can get one.
Warrington North
Question
Expressed concerns about spiking numbers and lack of testing capacity, questioned whether Warrington Borough Council would receive additional support.
Minister reply
Acknowledged concerns. Committed to work with Warrington Borough Council and other MPs to ensure additional testing.
Question
Asked about young children being turned away from schools due to symptoms, questioned the lack of availability in local testing centres.
Minister reply
Acknowledged prioritisation challenges. Emphasised importance of building capacity and working closely with Worthing to address issues.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
Detailed difficulties constituents face in accessing testing centres, questioned the effectiveness of the system.
Minister reply
Acknowledged operational challenges but noted that thousands are being tested daily in Manchester to address outbreaks.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Question
Expressed sympathy for duties faced by Matthew Hancock, raised issues about testing difficulties and lack of data access.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the challenge in Birmingham and west midlands. Committed to provide ward-level infection rate details.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Cited analysis revealing backlog in cancer treatment, urged for a meeting with the Catch Up With Cancer campaign.
Minister reply
Agreed to meet the campaign. Emphasised commitment to addressing the backlog.
Question
Asked about decision-making process regarding pilot events and whether there is confusion in this area.
Minister reply
Noted Culture Secretary leads on pilot event decisions, requiring local council support and PHE advice for approval.
Question
Questioned the approach to addressing testing issues, urging Hancock to recognise existing problems and propose solutions.
Minister reply
Acknowledged challenges but urged reliance on data-driven decision-making.
Question
Asked about access to face-to-face GP appointments in Scunthorpe, seeking reassurance for constituents.
Minister reply
Reassured that telemedicine and face-to-face appointments should both be available as needed.
John Spellar
Lab Co-op
Warley
Question
People in Sandwell and Birmingham are concerned about why their whole boroughs have been locked down, not just the affected areas. They need a plan to contain the virus without paralysing society and the economy. When will we transition from reactive risk avoidance to prudent risk management?
Minister reply
We decided to take local action across the whole district of Sandwell after careful analysis of data. Social distancing, testing and tracing, and local action are the main lines of defence against the virus. We hope for significant progress through treatments and vaccines within the coming months.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Question
I welcome the massive increase in testing capacity, including mobile units in Consett. Across the north-east, we are seeing an uptick in cases. The Secretary of State has met with various north-east councils on this issue; will he give local authorities the powers they need to enable targeted local action if necessary?
Minister reply
I visited Shotley Bridge Hospital yesterday and discussed plans for a new community hospital. Seven north-east councils have written to me about tackling rising cases, and I am studying their proposal.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Question
Is the Secretary of State concerned that people in England registering as coming from Aberdeen may undermine data and decision-making regarding a potential Scottish outbreak?
Minister reply
I work closely with the Scottish Government to bring UK capacity and local capacity to bear. We have increased testing in Aberdeen, and I support their actions.
Scott Mann
Con
Teignbridge
Question
May I congratulate the Secretary of State on the biggest testing regime in this nation’s history? However, constituents in Cornwall are unable to access tests. What progress is being made to expand testing capacity there?
Minister reply
There have been more than 600 tests a day in Cornwall recently; however, we acknowledge challenges faced and aim to increase capacity further.
Zarah Sultana
Lab Co-op
Coventry South
Question
There are three testing centres in Coventry, but constituents have difficulty accessing tests. Some cannot book a test anywhere, while others are directed far away from their area. When will this mess be fixed?
Minister reply
We are increasing capacity and prioritising those who need tests most urgently. We aim to provide hundreds of tests a day in Coventry.
Andrew Selous
Con
South West Bedfordshire
Question
What would the Secretary of State say to people who point to Sweden as an example of how we can control the virus and minimise economic impact?
Minister reply
The approach in Sweden, with significant laws curtailing social activity and high compliance, is not directly comparable. Our approach aims to learn from similar countries and take necessary actions.
James Murray
Lab Co-op
Ealing North
Question
My constituent Rachel’s family has self-isolated for days trying to book a test, with some being directed to Wales. At the same time, private tests are easily available at higher costs. Is this disparity acceptable?
Minister reply
We do not recommend unverified private tests. I will look into the case and ensure that one of the hundreds of tests in Ealing today is made available for Rachel’s constituent.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Two mobile testing units have been supplied to Buckingham and Aylesbury. However, many constituents still cannot access testing. Will he update the House on progress towards a permanent uplift in capacity for Buckinghamshire residents?
Minister reply
More tests are available across Buckinghamshire, but we prioritise NHS and social care needs. We aim to increase overall capacity.
Gareth Thomas
Lab Co-op
Harrow West
Question
The numbers with COVID-19 in Harrow are rising. Tests are available for key workers, but parents and children cannot get tests 'for love nor money'. Will he take a specific look at the circumstances in Harrow?
Minister reply
I am happy to take a look at Harrow specifically. Capacity constraints are in the labs rather than the testing centres.
Jamie Wallis
Lab
Bridgend
Question
We need to use every tool at our disposal to stop the spread of coronavirus. I welcome the news that the NHS contact-tracing app will be available by the end of the month, and I welcome the news that it will be available throughout England and Wales. Will my right hon. Friend join me in urging businesses in Bridgend to get prepared with the NHS QR code scan poster?
Minister reply
Yes. The NHS covid-19 app, which will be available this month, will, as one of its features, ensure that people can go to a pub, restaurant or hospitality venue and scan the QR code quickly. Contact details will then be safely collected in case they are needed for contact tracing purposes. We are making the scheme mandatory. It has been very successful voluntarily and we are going to roll it out mandatorily, so I urge hospitality businesses in Bridgend, and right across England and Wales, to download a QR code for themselves and put it where it is very easy to use and obvious, so that all of us, when we go to the pub in Bridgend or anywhere else, can very easily scan in. If there is an outbreak, we can then contact trace that outbreak and keep the virus under control.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
I do not underestimate the challenges the Health Secretary has faced over the past few months, but six months on, after many, many warnings of the likelihood of a second wave and of what would happen without a fully operational test, track and isolate system in place before lifting the lockdown, unfortunately the Government are still not getting the basics right. That is happening in my constituency in Oldham. We did not have a mobile testing unit turn up and we are still not getting the data we need to trace covid-positive cases. For starters, will the Secretary of State sort out the private contractors for the national test and trace system; make sure that public health directors are getting timely, high-quality data on covid cases, including occupational workplace details; and, fundamentally, make sure our local authorities have the resources they need to trace all contacts, and ensure restrictions are understood and observed?
Minister reply
The answer is yes. In Oldham in particular, where there has been a very serious outbreak, making sure we have that connection between the national system and the data flowing through to local contract tracers is incredibly important. We are working on some innovative solutions proposed by the local authority and others in Manchester to enhance that system as much as we possibly can to keep control of the virus.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
Question
Lots of my constituents in Winchester have had tests, and the Government deserve credit for that, because we as a country started from a position where we did not have a system in place. The Health Secretary had to create a system from scratch, and he had great help in that from the private sector. We certainly should not be denigrating that; we should be thanking it and expanding on that help. Given the operational challenges that the Secretary of State spoke about, I wonder whether GP surgeries, or even our wonderful community pharmacists, could be part of the solution for front-door testing. What is the cross-Government superhuman effort part II to increase lab capacity—AstraZeneca was very helpful in part I —as that seems to be the challenge outlined by my right hon. Friend?
Minister reply
We are increasing that capacity, and we are bringing in new technologies to those labs to expand on that. My hon. Friend is a great expert in this issue and makes a really important point. The current technology works best in labs—people send a swab to the lab and get the result back, but there is a huge amount of logistics around that. We want technologies that can be in a pharmacy or a GP service, so that people get the test result back straight away. When such technologies come on stream—I am optimistic about this, as I am about a lot of things; I do not think I could do this job at the moment without being optimistic—that will give us a chance to get testing out into the community at every level.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Question
We have had a spike in cases in Redbridge, yet in recent days the Mildmay Road walk-in centre closed for walk-in appointments, without notifying the council or either of Ilford’s MPs. People have been struggling to get access to tests. A local secondary school says that it will close within two weeks unless staff get access to tests, and the local walk-in centre will not even share testing data, which the Secretary of State says is so important, with public health officials at the local council. It is an utter shambles. Can the Secretary of State reassure us that he will help us get a grip in Redbridge? Does he recognise from the voices we have heard across the Chamber that these problems are not only in Ilford? There are problems right across the country, and the only way that this system is world-beating is through world-beating incompetence. When will he get a grip?
Minister reply
I am happy to consider the specific issues that the hon. Gentleman raises about Ilford. We have an extremely good working relationship with the London group, which is cross-party and includes health professionals. I am happy to take that point offline and work on a solution specifically for Ilford with the hon. Gentleman. As he knows, nationally we are seeing an increase in overall capacity, but because of the increase in demand we have to prioritise. Having said that, in Ilford, like everywhere, I want to ensure that we have access to tests for the people who need them, and that is the job, day and night.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
Pregnancy can be one of the most surprising, exciting, but traumatic experiences of a woman’s life. That is why this week I launched a campaign with The Mail on Sunday, calling for all NHS trusts to ensure that partners support pregnant women during all scans and all stages of labour. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that women across the country have the Government’s support, and will he push NHS trusts to stand by pregnant women?
Minister reply
Yes, 100%. I strongly support my hon. Friend, and I congratulate her on—[Interruption.] Somebody says, “Her pregnancy”. I hope it is public knowledge—well, it is now. I congratulate her on her pregnancy, and I know she has a strong interest in our getting this sorted. We put out extra guidance last week, and it has been a pleasure to work with her on the campaign to ensure that all hospitals follow that new guidance. We must ensure that partners can be there throughout each stage of pregnancy, in a covid-secure way, and that people get the support they need.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
Question
Coronavirus cases are on the rise in Hertfordshire, and yet in St Albans key workers, teachers, doctors and parents cannot access tests. They are frustrated for two reasons, first because they cannot get a test, but secondly because this was utterly predictable. We knew there would be a surge in symptomatic cases and we knew there would be a surge in demand from key workers. Was any modelling actually done, and, if so, will the Secretary of State publish it?
Minister reply
Of course, we have been increasing capacity all the time, and working throughout the summer to do that, to make sure that there is as much capacity as there is. The big change in capacity will come when one of the new technologies comes off, and that is why I am so passionate about them—because that is what is going to be able to get us out of the situation of having to have prioritisation and instead getting a test to everybody who wants one, not just those who need them according to the clinical prioritisation.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
Question
A local high school student tested positive for covid late last week, so when parents had children from that school displaying symptoms over the weekend, they quite rightly tried to book a test but none was available on the portal. On Sunday morning, I directed one set of parents to a local walk-in centre a 45-minute drive away. The first centre had actually run out of tests, but after a drive to another walk-in centre, they eventually got one. Secretary of State, please, please, please, before we talk about the moon, can we just focus on local community testing in Marsden, Meltham, Mount and other communities in my constituency?
Minister reply
We have put a huge amount of testing into Kirklees, and it is very important because of the levels of coronavirus there. I am very glad that my hon. Friend’s constituents did manage to get a test, and I know that there is huge demand. But I would also say that getting the new technologies on board is also a part of solving the problem that we have right now. We absolutely have to push on existing capacity, but we have also got to make sure that we invest in that new technology to solve this problem once and for all.
Shadow Comment
Jon Ashworth
Shadow Comment
The shadow criticises the government's handling of testing and contact tracing, highlighting issues such as test shortages in hotspots like Rochdale, Pendle, Bradford, and Bolton. He notes that infections are rising due to increased demand from school reopenings and workforce returns. The shadow points out staffing shortages in Lighthouse labs and a backlog of 185,000 tests in commercial pillar 2 labs. Care home residents now wait an average of 83 hours for test results, far exceeding the Prime Minister's promise of a 24-hour turnaround. He demands clarity on when people will be able to book tests online again and when testing issues will be resolved.
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