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Covid-19 Update
02 November 2020
Lead MP
Boris Johnson
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 104
At a Glance
Boris Johnson 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
With permission, Mr Speaker, I am making a statement on measures to contain the autumn surge of coronavirus in England. The virus is spreading faster than reasonable worst-case scenarios, with hospitals already seeing more COVID-19 patients than during the first wave. National action is essential as local measures have not sufficed; while the chief medical officer and scientific adviser agree that these actions are necessary, they emphasise the lower current death rate compared to some European countries like France.
The statement outlines a national lockdown from 5 November until 2 December, which includes closing non-essential shops, entertainment venues, personal care services, hospitality (except for takeaway), while essential businesses and schools will remain open. The clinically vulnerable are advised to minimise contact with others and work remotely if possible. Schools, healthcare facilities, and non-COVID medical appointments must continue.
Financial support measures include extending the furlough scheme and doubling self-employment support from 40% to 80%, alongside extending access to loan schemes until next year for small businesses. The Government plans a gradual return to localised tiered restrictions based on data by December 2nd, pending parliamentary approval.
The statement concludes with optimism about technological advancements such as rapid tests and the vaccine, which could help control the virus by spring. It reiterates the need for public cooperation over the next four weeks.
Caroline Spelman
Con
Meriden
Question
The MP highlights concerns about local businesses reopening without sufficient support, questioning if the government's measures will be enough to protect livelihoods. She asks for clarity on how businesses can reopen safely after lockdown.
Minister reply
In response, the Prime Minister acknowledges the importance of reopening businesses safely and commits to providing guidance and support to ensure that businesses are well-equipped to operate in a safe manner once restrictions ease.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley
Question
The MP expresses frustration over the lack of transparency regarding testing capacity, asking how many tests will be available and whether the government's focus is on rapid turnaround tests.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms plans to expand rapid test rollouts significantly in the coming weeks, noting that these tests are crucial for identifying asymptomatic cases and preventing further spread.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Question
The MP raises concerns about mental health impacts of prolonged lockdowns, questioning whether the government has considered this aspect adequately.
Minister reply
Acknowledging the significant impact on mental health, the Minister promises to ensure support and resources are in place for those affected by the measures.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Question
Asked about the delay in implementing a national lockdown, the shadow Secretary of State criticised the government's failure to act early based on SAGE recommendations. He demanded improvements to the Test and Trace system, better support for schools, a generous economic package, and clarity on exit strategies.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister defended his approach as avoiding unnecessary damage from national lockdowns. He acknowledged that local restrictions and NHS Test and Trace had brought some control over the R rate but maintained they should be given more support. On economic measures, he committed to increased help for businesses and self-employed individuals.
Liam Fox
Con
Woodford
Question
Suggested establishing a new parliamentary Committee or group of Privy Counsellors to oversee decisions made during the pandemic based on evidence.
Minister reply
Acknowledged that existing Select Committees and the Liaison Committee have been effective in scrutiny but left it up to the House to decide on further arrangements.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Question
Asked for a guarantee from the Prime Minister that full furlough support would be available to devolved administrations if needed in future lockdown measures.
Minister reply
Confirmed that the UK-wide furlough scheme would apply across all parts of the United Kingdom, including Scotland. He noted that £7.2 billion had been provided by the Treasury for Scottish residents and businesses.
Charles Walker
Con
Eddisbury
Question
Expressed concern over the potential drift towards an authoritarian state with current lockdown measures, calling for a written constitution to protect fundamental rights.
Minister reply
Responded that defeating the coronavirus is paramount and that most people understand the need for these measures. He dismissed discussions on a written constitution in favour of focusing on pandemic control.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Question
In confirming that the Liberal Democrats will back this new lockdown, can I tell the Prime Minister that we will hold this Government to account for failing to listen to the scientists, refusing to lock down weeks ago and costing many more lives? Additionally, can the Prime Minister follow Carers UK's advice to increase carer’s allowance by £20 a week?
Minister reply
I am grateful to carers—unpaid carers, in particular—for their efforts. While I will look into the proposal to increase carer’s allowance, I remind him of the colossal interventions already made, worth £200 billion, to support jobs and livelihoods.
Fay Jones
Con
Brecon and Radnorshire
Question
Can my right hon. Friend confirm that essential travel across borders between Wales and England is not only permitted but encouraged?
Minister reply
I understand the frustrations, but we must ask people to stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary, which applies throughout the UK.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
We have had a response that resembles defeat. Can the Prime Minister promise us a policy that allows this country and individuals to run their own lives without being ruled by this virus once we get past this lockdown?
Minister reply
I sympathise with the sentiments but must emphasise that breaking the transmission of the disease is currently the best tool we have, though I am optimistic about future medical interventions.
Stephen Metcalfe
Con
South Basildon and East Thurrock
Question
Will the Prime Minister please review regulations around socially distanced outdoor sports such as golf and tennis?
Minister reply
I sympathise with that point, but hon. Members should refer to the website for permitted activities; we must break transmission of the disease, thus these restrictions are necessary.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
The Prime Minister may not have noticed yet, but he and his Chancellor’s actions are driving people towards the independence movement YesCymru. Would he accept my grateful thanks?
Minister reply
I am always grateful for any kindness, but our co-operation with the Administration in Cardiff has been excellent.
David Davis
Con
Haltemprice and Howden
Question
Will our Government consider sending four months’ supply of vitamin D to everyone who shielded in England, as the Scottish Government are doing?
Minister reply
I am grateful for this point; we are indeed looking at the possible beneficial effects of vitamin D and will update the House shortly.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Question
Will the Prime Minister look at extending support to self-employed individuals who were unfairly left out of previous schemes?
Minister reply
We are supporting the arts with a £1.57 billion package and understand the point about the minimum income floor for universal credit; we are actively looking at it.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
Will the Prime Minister consider setting out a plan for living with coronavirus in a White Paper, including transformation of test, track and trace and its leadership?
Minister reply
We are happy to publish all data. Our plan relies on getting the virus down now and making maximum use of scientific developments such as vaccines and improved testing.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Bristol South
Question
First, he needs to sack Baroness Harding because test and trace has clearly been a failure. Secondly, what is the real plan for tiers on 3 December?
Minister reply
NHS Test and Trace will achieve its target of 500,000 capacity by October's end. The tier that areas go into on 2 December will depend on how effectively we follow current instructions.
James Sunderland
Con
Bracknell
Question
Lockdown is a necessary evil and comes with a lot of pain, and many constituents in Bracknell have contacted me to express concern about the effective closure of gymnasiums, golf clubs and tennis clubs. Given the proven benefits of exercise and lack of clear evidence that these activities contribute to an increase in the R rate, might the Prime Minister reconsider current guidance within the next four weeks?
Minister reply
I must apologise for not being able to offer exemptions as it could compromise the effectiveness of the whole package. The restrictions will end on 2 December regardless.
Pat McFadden
Lab
Wolverhampton South East
Question
What is the Prime Minister and Chancellor’s estimate of the additional economic cost of implementing this second lockdown now compared with two weeks ago when it was first recommended?
Minister reply
The chief medical officer said there is no right time to close businesses, but we hope a limited four-week action will get the R down.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Could you set out criteria for ensuring that we can come out of this partial lockdown on 2 December?
Minister reply
The intention is to work hard between now and 2 December to get the R below 1.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
What plans will be put in place to address spiralling waiting lists for cancer services, and what additional support are the Government giving to people who have had their cancer treatment disrupted due to the pandemic?
Minister reply
The package of measures is necessary to protect cancer services and ensure non-covid patients get access to the treatment they need.
Question
Will you give assurances that new tools at your disposal, particularly 15-minute tests, will be effective in avoiding any future national lockdown?
Minister reply
The intention is to massively ramp up the tests as described.
Question
Does furlough scheme apply throughout UK if parts of UK are still in lockdown beyond December? What resources will be available for devolved Administrations?
Minister reply
Furlough is a UK-wide scheme that applies throughout the whole of the United Kingdom, and £7.2 billion has been contributed to support Scotland.
Question
Before Wednesday, will you publish a full impact assessment setting out cost of lockdown in terms of jobs lost, business failures, mental health toll, lives lost?
Minister reply
There are many estimates and projections of losses already sustained; we must set against them the tragic loss of life that would ensue if the House failed to act.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Question
What is your message to millions who have had no financial support about putting food on table for families?
Minister reply
Another £9 billion has been put into welfare system, principally by uprating universal credit.
Question
Will you ensure this lockdown is compassionate and support those with mental health problems?
Minister reply
£12 billion was put into supporting our mental healthcare.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Question
Will he acknowledge his dithering and delay, lack of communication making local leaders’ jobs difficult? Will he commit to talk with core cities about economic impact and need for winter support package?
Minister reply
We are in constant contact with government at all levels; £3.7 billion has been given to local councils.
Question
Is it your policy to have minimum level of restrictions on businesses and people, consistent with need to avoid overwhelming the NHS?
Minister reply
The policy is accurately summed up; the website has exact measures needed.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
Do you have specific targets that you seek to achieve through this lockdown? Will you come back with specific targets by 2 December?
Minister reply
The intention is to use the period to get R below 1, getting infection rate halving.
Question
Will he ensure that therapies and charities working with anxiety conditions will be properly funded throughout this process?
Minister reply
Yes; there are specific exemptions for volunteers and people helping, including therapists. Millions of support continues into NHS mental health.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
When local leaders asked the Government to maintain the furlough scheme at 80% when tier 3 restrictions were imposed, they refused. Instead, a lower wage subsidy was offered for northerners. When similar restrictions extended to England, the Chancellor changed his mind and reinstated an 80% wage subsidy. Does the Prime Minister understand why the north believes it is being treated with contempt? Can he confirm that the Government will maintain an 80% wage subsidy under ongoing tier 3 restrictions after national lockdown?
Minister reply
The measures enacted today differ from the previous tier 3 measures, and thus the support package is also different.
Question
Small businesses in the north-west have faced significant restrictions for some time. Many were looking forward to Christmas as a period of relief. Can my right hon. Friend outline the measures being introduced to protect livelihoods and secure jobs in the north-west?
Minister reply
The people of Warrington have done an excellent job controlling the disease, and there is hope for economic activity leading up to Christmas if national measures succeed.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
The Prime Minister's position on furlough funds for Scotland and other devolved administrations is unfair. He does not need to take my word for it; the hon. Member for Moray, leader of Scottish Conservatives, takes the same view. Will he reconsider his stance?
Minister reply
The furlough scheme applies UK-wide and will continue in Scotland.
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement. Indoor leisure and hospitality businesses required to close should receive necessary support to get through the crisis. Will he ensure this happens?
Minister reply
We will look at all suggestions made by Members across the House, and indoor/outdoor businesses will certainly be receiving support.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I understand that there is a Barnett consequential for Northern Ireland. The closure of many sectors in England impacts Northern Ireland's economy as well. What are the Barnett consequentials for Northern Ireland?
Minister reply
The overall package has been worth about £2.4 billion so far, and more support will come to ensure people across the UK get what they need.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Ash
Question
I want to ask him about the testing of NHS staff during this surge. Will he start weekly testing of all NHS staff when we start this new lockdown?
Minister reply
We are rolling out testing for all NHS staff as fast as possible, expanding use of novel mass testing devices such as LAMP technology.
Question
Participation in sport is vital. The Prime Minister's announcement means that local amateur football and other sports will not be able to continue despite their efforts to ensure they are covid safe. Will the Prime Minister publish scientific data behind this decision?
Minister reply
I am happy to provide all the scientific data on which these decisions have been made, but a thoroughgoing series of measures is necessary.
Mel Stride
Con
Central Devon
Question
This lockdown will inevitably harm our economy and livelihoods for years. Will my right hon. Friend agree that perhaps we need a more balanced debate involving both scientists and economists? Would he consider the Government’s chief economic adviser joining No. 10 press briefings?
Minister reply
We are always aware of the economic consequences, but it is vital to work together to get R down below 1.
Question
Small businesses in my constituency and across the UK face permanent closure. Will the Prime Minister give a guarantee that this will be treated with urgency like threats to banks, directing major cash resources to small enterprises and self-employed individuals?
Minister reply
A massive package of support includes £25,000 grants, bounce back loans, VAT cuts, and deferred business rates until next year.
Mark Pawsey
Con
Rugby
Question
Is the Prime Minister confident that the cost to businesses through the loss of turnover and jobs is a price worth paying? Can he reassure them that, after this short-term pain, it will be back to business on 2 December?
Minister reply
The rationale for the measures is to reduce overall spread of the virus and get the R down below 1. This must be our overriding aim.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South
Question
What protections will the Prime Minister put in place for black, Asian and minority ethnic communities who are at risk?
Minister reply
Enhanced protection and testing arrangements have been put in place long ago to ensure that people working in conditions where they may be more vulnerable get the necessary protection.
Question
Can the Prime Minister give some clarification on the rationale for gym closures and restrictions on places of worship?
Minister reply
The rationale is to reduce overall spread of the virus and get the R down below 1.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
Question
What additional resources will the Prime Minister provide to ensure that charities can deliver vital services?
Minister reply
The Government will do much more over the winter to support the voluntary sector, which does a fantastic job in helping during this crisis.
Question
Could the Prime Minister assure me that not only will the support be put in place to get through the next month, but when it comes to rebuilding our economy, the Government will put the same vigour into making sure we build back better?
Minister reply
The measures are being taken now to allow the economy to open up again in December and a huge government plan to build back better is going to be implemented.
Question
What can he guarantee about not simply testing but that trace element of test, track and trace will really work?
Minister reply
The capacity for testing is massively increasing with 30 million tests conducted already. However, the proportion of people who are self-isolating in response to the urgings of NHS test, trace and isolate needs to be higher.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Question
What is he going to do to encourage agency in local communities?
Minister reply
Volunteering is encouraged to help others during this difficult time. Remembrance Sunday services can go ahead, provided they are socially distanced and outside.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Question
What extra support will he provide to Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust?
Minister reply
A £34 billion investment is being made even before the epidemic hit, which is the biggest ever investment in the NHS.
Question
Can the Prime Minister give East Devon assurances that a regional tiered approach will happen to reduce spread and keep businesses going?
Minister reply
The measures are time-limited and expire automatically on 2 December, depending on the state of data at that time.
Question
Will he devolve responsibility for furlough to the Scottish Parliament to ensure support?
Minister reply
Scotland retains a tiered approach but furlough remains a UK scheme available across the whole country.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
What reassurances can my right hon. Friend give me that if this House does vote for a second lockdown, the Government will do absolutely everything necessary to avoid a repeat of Professor Sikora’s conclusion?
Minister reply
To protect non-covid patients and ensure access to NHS services without overwhelming it, we need to take action now as we want to help cancer patients.
Emma Lewell
Lab
South Shields
Question
My constituent Elizabeth O'Connor lay in agony for six hours after fracturing her hip and breaking four ribs waiting for an ambulance. Her distressed daughters were unable to comfort her or to see her when she was initially admitted to hospital. Elizabeth suffers from dementia and lives in a care home. Throughout this pandemic, the Government’s treatment of care home residents, staff and families has been negligent and unforgivable. The very least that the Prime Minister can do is allow one family member to be treated as a key worker for visits to help ease some of this suffering. Why will he not do so?
Minister reply
I am so sorry about the case that the hon. Lady describes. I have met, as I am sure Members across the House have, bereaved family members of those who have lost their lives in care homes, who have not been able to visit them, and it is an absolute tragedy. All I can tell her is that we are doing our absolute best to allow people to visit their relatives in extreme circumstances, making sure that they have the necessary PPE. What we cannot have is another outbreak of the kind that we saw in care homes and, alas, the virus is transmitted readily in care homes and between care homes and we must not see that again.
Question
I commend the Prime Minister for his statement and will be supporting the Government on Wednesday. We must prioritise saving lives wherever possible, but may I suggest that the elderly should be allowed more leeway? Given that Sweden recently removed shielding advice for its over-70s, concluding that the general risks to their health from loneliness and isolation outweighed those from the virus, what cost-benefit analysis have the Government undertaken as to the balance of risks to public health and society from lockdown on the one hand and from the coronavirus on the other?
Minister reply
We are not bringing back shielding, as I mentioned earlier, although we do think that the elderly need to take special steps to protect themselves. In connection with Sweden, actually the Swedish example is not quite the slam-dunk that perhaps people think. Sweden does not, for instance, allow pupils over 15 to get back into school, whereas we prioritise keeping our schools open. That is the balance that we strike the whole time—a balance between keeping our economy moving as far as we can, keeping our schools open, and defeating the virus. That is what we are trying to do.
Pontypridd
Question
We are now halfway through our firebreak lockdown in Wales, and much of the north-west, the north-east and the west midlands has faced significant local restrictions for months now. When devolved Administrations and local government argued that the 67% furlough scheme was insufficient, the UK Government said that it was the best they could do. Yet when similar restrictions were extended to England, including large swathes of the south, they then changed their minds and have gone back to 80%. Why do this Government have one rule for the south of England and another one for the rest of the United Kingdom?
Minister reply
The answer is that we have a different package of support for different measures, and that is entirely what you would expect. There is now uniformity, and it is our view that furlough remains available throughout the UK.
Question
My right hon. Friend will know the basis on which the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 is subject to judicial review. Would he look at the advice given to MPs by Lord Sumption this morning that now that Parliament is sitting throughout this lockdown, we could increase parliamentary scrutiny and the legitimacy of the lockdown by moving to using the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 instead of the Public Health Act 1984?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. I can certainly reassure him that this measure is time-limited and will expire on 2 December. As for the legal basis, the Civil Contingencies Act has a strict test known as the triple lock that must be met before emergency regulations under the Act can be made. One of these tests is that there must not be existing powers elsewhere, and the Public Health Act 1984 offers clear powers to impose restrictions on public health grounds. That is why, despite his very useful suggestion, the Public Health Act is the more appropriate route.
Question
No one is more disappointed with this lockdown than my constituents in North Norfolk. It is a bitter pill to swallow, as we have consistently been one of the lowest infection areas in the entire country. But the simple fact now is that in the past four weeks our hospital admissions have gone up over tenfold. So will the Prime Minister please tell us, and reassure my constituents, that we must now have these measures simply to protect my local health services so that they are not overrun?
Minister reply
I congratulate my hon. Friend on the clarity with which he puts the dilemma. Even in areas where the incidence has been very low, it is now climbing very fast.
Question
It was reported at the weekend that the chair of the UK Government’s vaccine taskforce showed official sensitive Government documents to an event for US venture capitalists—a move that a former chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life described as “seriously ill-advised”. With jobs being awarded, even in the midst of a pandemic, without recourse to the approved recruitment processes, and billions of pounds of public procurement being awarded without going through open processes, what steps does the Prime Minister plan to take to restore public confidence in the competence and probity of his Government, and to help to reassure people that there is not a cronyvirus at the heart of his Government that requires eradication every bit as much as the coronavirus outside of it?
Minister reply
I thank people who are working pro bono on NHS Test and Trace, who come under repeated attack, or on our vaccine taskforce. It is thanks to their hard work that the UK is among the frontrunners in being on the verge of being able to deliver a vaccine. If and when a vaccine is produced next year—I must tell the House that it is by no means certain, but if and when it emerges—it will be at least partly thanks to their hard work.
Question
Will the Prime Minister please ensure that he works with the devolved Administrations to get a united approach for Christmas? My constituents and local businesses can ill afford the hokey-cokey of Wales out, England in, Wales back in and England back out.
Minister reply
We continue to work with the devolved Administrations and will do so throughout this pandemic.
Question
Will the Prime Minister indicate what assessment he has made of the idea of keeping gyms open during the new lockdown to support people’s health and mental health? A low prevalence of transmission is attributed to the industry, and I have many people almost begging to be able to exercise in gyms.
Minister reply
With great regret, I must repeat the answer that I have given to colleagues from all parties this afternoon, which is that we have to put in a full package of measures to get the virus down. I set them out earlier, but people who wish to know exactly what they are should look at our website.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Question
I support the Prime Minister on the difficult balance and the difficult decision that he had to make this weekend, but I urge him, before he signs off on the guidance for care homes, to do everything possible to help families who visit loved ones in care homes and to look into things like the idea of a designated family member who would be tested regularly and able to visit.
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right that we want to do everything we can to enable loved ones to be visited in care homes. It is an exceptionally difficult dilemma, but we think repeated testing offers the way forward.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
Question
The Prime Minister could possibly be a bit confused. In his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypridd (Alex Davies-Jones), he said that the furlough scheme is available “throughout the UK”. On 16 October, the Welsh First Minister asked the Chancellor to extend the furlough scheme from 67% of pay to 80%. On 19 October, the Chancellor told the First Minister that that could not be done for “technical reasons”. What are those technical reasons? Or is this more about the fact that when it suits the Prime Minister, furlough applies to the whole UK, and when it does not suit him for party political reasons, it does not?
Minister reply
We are going back into measures across England that are necessary to drive the R down. They differ from the measures currently obtaining in Scotland, but in so far as people across this country need furlough, in Wales or elsewhere, they have access to furlough. It is a UK-wide system.
Question
Doctors are between two and five times more likely to take their lives than the general population. In 2018, my constituent Dr Jagdip Sidhu was a consultant cardiologist at Darent Valley Hospital. He was at the cutting edge of medical treatment but, alas, could not cope with the pressure that he faced and, sadly, he took his own life. Does the Prime Minister agree that it is vital that we do as much as possible for the welfare of clinicians during what is going to be a very challenging time for the profession?
Minister reply
I am deeply sorry to hear about that loss of life—the suicide of my hon. Friend’s constituent, Dr Jagdip Sidhu. All I can say is that we are doing everything we can to support NHS care for its staff, their wellbeing and their mental health. I urge anybody in the NHS who is aware of a colleague who is struggling with their mental health to come forward and seek help.
Warrington North
Question
Will the Prime Minister please tell the House how many people he estimates were laid off in anticipation of the furlough scheme ending before its last-minute extension, and whether he will make an apology to them?
Minister reply
I think most fair-minded people would think that this Government have done everything they can to support people throughout this crisis. We are not only extending the furlough scheme but massively increasing help for the self-employed. We have already put £200 billion into supporting people across the country and we will continue to do so.
Nicholas Fletcher
Constituency Party
Welwyn Hatfield
Question
Suggests children who have returned after testing positive should be allowed to stay in school since they are likely immune.
Minister reply
Emphasises the importance of mass testing to isolate positive cases and allow other children to remain in school.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Asks for employment protection for clinically vulnerable workers who cannot be furloughed.
Minister reply
Offers to study the case and ensure that the constituent is entitled to furlough support.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Question
Requests clarity on why tier 3 restrictions were cancelled in favour of national restrictions, and asks about financial support for local businesses.
Minister reply
Explains the need to get the reproduction rate below 1 nationally before reopening.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
Raises concerns about closing religious institutions and asks for financial support for places of worship.
Minister reply
Acknowledges efforts made by mosques to be covid secure but stresses the need for restrictions.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Question
Asks the Prime Minister to commit to ensuring a normal Christmas with household mixing allowed.
Minister reply
Commits to doing everything possible for people to have as normal a Christmas as possible.
Question
Requests confirmation that businesses in Scotland will receive the same level of support as those in England.
Minister reply
Confirms that the whole of the country, including Scotland, will get funds to protect the NHS.
Question
Asks for recognition of East Sussex's low covid rates and expresses frustration over national lockdown.
Minister reply
Explains that despite low rates in East Sussex, a national approach is necessary to prevent overwhelming the NHS.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Question
Requests clarity on what has changed and asks for criteria for exiting the national lockdown.
Minister reply
Reiterates that medical data necessitates a change in strategy to prevent overwhelming NHS.
Question
Asks about potential job losses and business closures resulting from continued lockdowns.
Minister reply
Asserts the need for strict measures to avoid many thousands of fatalities.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Question
Asks about restrictions on congregational worship and hopes for the wedding industry.
Minister reply
Indicates that weddings will be able to resume in December if the situation improves.
Question
Requests reassurance that efforts made by communities in tier 1 will not have been wasted and asks about potential for earlier exit from lockdown.
Minister reply
Reaffirms commitment to reopening on December 2nd if the measures are followed.
Maria Eagle
Lab
Liverpool Garston
Question
Does the Prime Minister understand that extending the furlough scheme on the very day it was supposed to end, and doing so for just a month, means that in reality many of my constituents whose jobs were furloughed have already been made redundant by their employers in anticipation of its non-availability after 31 October? Can those people be re-employed and furloughed until the scheme’s new endpoint? Can he tell me whether people who have changed jobs since the original furlough scheme was closed to new applicants are eligible to be furloughed by their new employers, who might not have registered for the scheme by the time it closed to new applicants a few months ago?
Minister reply
I hope very much that people will not have been laid off in anticipation of the end of furlough, because there is the job retention scheme and the bonus as well at the end of the year. To discover exactly what entitlements people have under the extended furlough scheme, they should get on to the website. I think that most people appreciate that the Government have done a huge amount to support people throughout the crisis and are continuing to do so in the latest phase, as well as supporting the self-employed.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Question
My constituents in North West Durham understand the very difficult decisions that the Prime Minister is having to take and the very difficult balances he is having to strike, but will he confirm to them and to the House that the tier 4 measures will end on 2 December? Also, will he confirm for the many local parents who have got in touch, concerned that schools could be closed, that schools will remain open throughout this period?
Minister reply
Schools will indeed remain open. I thank the teachers, parents and pupils of this country. I can confirm to my hon. Friend that these measures will end on 2 December in exactly the way that I have set out.
Question
Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland taxpayers pool their tax resources to the Treasury, but when it comes to sharing it seems that only English taxpayers benefit from flexibility. In this crisis, we cannot have the English tail wagging the three nations dog, so I will ask this question again: will the Prime Minister give the Scottish Government and the devolved Administrations the powers to requisition the cash from the Treasury to support furlough schemes when that cash is required in each nation?
Minister reply
The furlough scheme is a UK-wide scheme. It is of course available to Scotland and the people of Scotland. At the moment Scotland has slightly different arrangements, but £7.2 billion has already been given in Barnett consequentials to support the people of Scotland throughout the crisis, and more will be forthcoming.
Question
I have been very supportive of the Prime Minister’s policy of having local and regional lockdowns, depending on the severity of the disease in a particular area, and there is some good news today: I understand that 5% fewer covid cases were reported today than seven days ago. Can the Prime Minister explain why the new lockdown measures will not be tier 4 and only apply to areas where there is significant infection, keeping the other areas in the lower tiers, allowing businesses to continue to trade and families to continue to mix?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his support, but the reality is that at the moment the virus is doubling across the country. We have to take the measures that we have outlined to get the increase down, and we will then be reopening in the way that he describes and recommends, going back into a tiered system, reflecting what is happening locally and regionally.
Question
I am afraid that for too many people leadership has now become a crucial factor. Has the Prime Minister considered making way for someone with a skillset better suited to get us through this crisis?
Minister reply
No, Mr Speaker.
Question
I do not mind saying that my constituents believe in the Prime Minister’s leadership and have felt reassured by the measures this Government have put in place to protect them. However, given that there is an economic impact from this lockdown and that will have an impact on livelihoods, what can the Prime Minister do to reassure my constituents, who have striven so hard since the relaxation of the lockdown on 4 July, that there is a brighter future and there will not be mission creep in terms of a lockdown beyond 2 December?
Minister reply
I cannot say often enough that this is a time-limited lockdown and it ends on 2 December unless this House decides to extend measures of one kind or another. Any further measures will be a matter for this House, and it is fully my intention that the lockdown should end on 2 December.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Question
May I echo the frustration expressed by hon. Friends representing Welsh constituencies that the Prime Minister acted on furlough only when setting out England-wide action? As he has not explicitly said this, will he confirm that furlough support will be backdated in Wales? What funding will come to Wales as a result of the business grant support announced on Saturday?
Minister reply
We will continue to support all parts of the UK, as we have throughout this crisis.
Question
I applaud very much the Prime Minister’s attempts to avoid a national lockdown. There are no simple answers—that is very clear—which is why data is so important. Oxford’s Carl Heneghan has said, sadly, that the Government’s advisers have made predictions, projections and illustrations that, when validated against what happened, were “abysmal”. Does the Prime Minister share my concerns that these are not isolated cases and that academics are showing concern about the data? Will he please publish in full the four studies that have gone into the work this weekend, as well as a fuller analysis of lockdowns versus shielding policies so that people can start to understand and trust the information being put out?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is entirely right to want to look at all the data and all the projections, and I am very happy that we have shared everything; everything that I have seen is available to him as well.
Southgate and Wood Green
Question
There are 79 care homes in Enfield looking after sick and vulnerable residents who are at a greatly increased risk of death if they catch coronavirus, so can the Prime Minister give me his assurance that Enfield Council and Enfield’s care homes will not be put under pressure to take covid-positive patients upon their discharge from hospital?
Minister reply
Yes, indeed. We are making sure that no patients are discharged from the NHS without being properly tested, and in so far as they may go into care homes for reasons that are absolutely unavoidable, those care homes must be Care Quality Commission-approved environments where they can be properly looked after and not at risk of infection.
Question
As models of athleticism, the Prime Minister and I know of the benefits of regular gym-going—not only for physical health, but for mental wellbeing. Knowing that repetition is not a cardinal sin in this House, will he therefore reconsider the intention to close gyms, particularly given the great endeavours that they have made to make themselves covid secure?
Minister reply
I am really grateful to my hon. Friend, who is echoing a point that has been made by many hon. Members around the House. I would love to be able to exempt all sorts of activities, sporting or otherwise, but we must get the R down. This is the package that does it.
Question
This pandemic has made the problems with our social care system clear. High staff vacancy rates and a reliance on agency staff contributed to the spread of the virus. Lack of funding meant a struggle to afford inflated prices for PPE. The weakness of our social care system ended up costing lives.
During the first wave, social care was an afterthought for the Government. To ensure that it is better supported in the second wave, will the Prime Minister confirm that the Government will consider investing the £3.9 billion in social care recommended by the Health and Social Care Committee, as a starting point for reform?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady makes an excellent point; I am glad that she cited the amount that we have already invested in social care. We do indeed intend to use this moment to deliver long-lasting reform of social care in this country.
Question
The Prime Minister is right: the furlough scheme is UK-wide for the next month. But the crucial answer that we need is whether it will be available to other nations of the United Kingdom if, in future, the science demands that further lockdowns are required anywhere in the country. If he cannot give that commitment, will he explain why it seems that an English job is more important than a Welsh, Northern Irish or Scottish one?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend, but I must repeat what I have said several times already this afternoon: the furlough scheme is a UK-wide scheme. If other parts of the UK decide to go into measures that require the furlough scheme, then of course it is available to them. That has to be right. That applies not just now but of course in the future as well.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
Question
Arts organisations have responded with flair to the existential crisis of the loss of their audience, but just as they are about to recover by going for live streamings from closed venues—I am thinking of organisations such as the Cambridge Jazz Festival and the London Jazz Festival—they face a new threat. Will the Prime Minister confirm that those closed venues will be treated as a workplace and allow them to continue?
Minister reply
I will study the matter that the hon. Gentleman refers to. I cannot see any reason why that should not be the case, but I will get back to him.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Question
I think I just heard the Prime Minister confirm to the hon. Member for Moray (Douglas Ross) that if the Scottish Government require furlough funds beyond 2 December, those will be available to Scotland. Can he now get to his feet and confirm that that is what he said and that that is what he meant?
Minister reply
The furlough scheme is a UK-wide scheme and will continue to be available wherever it is needed.
Ben Bradley
Con
Arnold and Grantham
Question
Sport and exercise are hugely important for the health and wellbeing of the nation. Youth and children’s outdoor sports are low risk in terms of both age groups and the activities, while people can take part in other sports such as golf without ever coming into contact with another soul. Such activities could help to mitigate some of the more negative impacts, both physical and mental, of lockdown, and in my view the benefits outweigh the risks. Will the Prime Minister consider very carefully allowing some of these outdoor low-risk activities to continue?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend, but I must repeat what I said earlier on: there is a wide range of activities that many people would like to pursue, but the risk is that they will have chains of human contact whether they like it or not, and increase the risk of transmission. That is why we have set out the measures that we have.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Question
Did the Chancellor veto an earlier, shorter circuit breaker lockdown, or can the 40 days of dither and delay that are likely to cost thousands of extra lives lost and billions in damage to our economy all be laid at the door of the Prime Minister?
Minister reply
The answer to the hon. Lady’s first question is “absolutely not”, but as I have already explained, any Government will hesitate for an age before imposing lockdown measures that take such a toll on people’s mental health, their jobs and their livelihoods. If she looks at what we are doing, we are doing it earlier in the curve than some other European countries. I think it is the right thing at the right time, and I very much hope she will support this package of measures.
Rehman Chishti
Con
Gillingham and Rainham
Question
I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement. My specific question is with regards to support for the independent small business sector. My constituent Rodney Chambers operates a small card and gift shop in Gillingham. Cards and gifts are considered non-essential, so he will now have to close his shop just before the Christmas period—the busiest period of the year for him. At the same time, he will see another shop down the road in Gillingham selling cards and gifts but also cleaning products, and that shop will be able to stay open. That, to me, seems unfair. Given the Government’s excellent support for businesses in the previous lockdown, can the Prime Minister please ensure that those small business that now have to close will be given the extra support they need in these difficult, challenging times?
Minister reply
I appreciate that there are many apparent inconsistencies in a package of measures that no one wants to impose on this country, and my hon. Friend is right to draw the distinction between the two shops he describes. What I can tell him is that, in common with all businesses throughout the country, they will continue to receive the support that they need.
Chris Matheson
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
Question
Whether it is the self-employed, small business owners who pay themselves via dividends, or people who were timed out last time, there are still 3 million people excluded in the UK. Will the Prime Minister resist the temptation to simply roll over the current arrangements, and address those 3 million excluded? I have to say to the Prime Minister that these measures are unpopular but they are necessary, and people will buy into them if they feel supported, but they will not buy into them if they feel they are continuing to be excluded by this Government, nor will their friends and family.
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is entirely right. That is why we want to put our arms around the people of this country; it is why we are not only putting a huge amount of investment in jobs and livelihoods, but supporting the universal credit system by putting another £9 billion into welfare, plus making big investments in councils to help people who are falling on hard times. He is right to draw attention to those tough cases, and we will do everything we can to help them through this, but it is very important that everybody who has the disease and who is contacted does the right thing and self-isolates.
Pauline Latham
Con
Mid Derbyshire
Question
As No. 88 on the call list, I thank the Prime Minister for remaining on his feet and answering so many questions. I would like to point out two things: one is that golf is a really popular sport, and if people are not allowed to go into the golf club except to use the facilities—the toilets—rather than the bar, would it not be possible for them to be able to exercise, playing their golf, with maybe a maximum of two people, if not four? That would give them exercise and help their mental health. The other point is that supermarkets can sell alcohol, but pubs cannot sell it at all if they are doing a takeaway service. Small breweries are really going to suffer because of this, because they have beer in their tanks ready to go that they will have to pour down the drain again. Could we not look at creating a level playing field for selling alcohol on a takeaway-only basis?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for the ingenious suggestions that she makes. We will take them away and study them both carefully—both points are valid—but I must repeat to her, regretfully, the point I have made many times this afternoon about the overall budget of risk that we carry, the need to get the R down and the need to stop the spread of the disease, which is now paramount. Golf and everything else will be able to resume, I devoutly hope, on 2 December.
Mike Amesbury
Lab
Worcester
Question
Beyond this belated national lockdown—let us say on 2 December —will northern workers in tier 3 areas be worth 80% of furlough or 67%? Which will it be?
Minister reply
That is an important point, but we will be deciding which tier regions need to go back into, if any, as we come towards 2 December—in the week before 2 December. We will be announcing that then, and we will also be announcing the financial package at that time.
North Cotswolds
Question
Would my right hon. Friend be very kind and explain to my constituents, who contacted me in their hundreds over the weekend worried about their mental health, their jobs and businesses, why in Gloucestershire, which had only one hospitalised death last week, it makes any sense to lock down all those people?
Minister reply
That is exactly why we wanted to pursue the local approach for so long, and that is why I think it was always right to try to avoid a national lockdown for as long as we could. The difficulty is that the overall rate across the whole country is now speeding up and the virus is doubling across the entire country. I would be happy to publish all the data, as my hon. Friend knows.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Question
Yesterday, Sir Jeremy Farrar made it quite clear that the scientific evidence and advice given to the Government had been crystal clear that they must go earlier and harder. Their delay, of course, is now impacting businesses, education and health across the country; according to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, the cost of the two-week delay is £20 billion. My question is very simple: it is an expensive mistake, so who is going to pick up the tab?
Minister reply
There is a wealth of scientific advice, and we have heard from other parts of the House this afternoon that there are scientists who do not believe that these measures are necessary. We have to look at the balance of the advice. We had to take a very difficult decision based on the welfare of the country, the health of the country, saving lives but also protecting the economy. That is why we came to the judgment that we did.
Newton Abbot
Question
I have a particular concern with regard to those individuals with a health problem that is not covid-related. My hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale West (Sir Graham Brady) asked whether the Prime Minister had made an impact assessment. He responded with regard to the economy, but he did not confirm whether there had been an assessment of the non-covid health impact across primary, secondary and tertiary care—not just hospital beds—or, indeed, whether he would publish it. I should be grateful for his confirmation that there is one and that he will publish it.
Minister reply
Yes, indeed. I apologise to my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale West (Sir Graham Brady) if I did not understand his question, but we certainly can publish all the evidence that we have about the consequences for non-covid patients of failing to keep the autumn surge of covid under control. There is abundant evidence that overwhelming the NHS in the course of the next few weeks and months would do huge damage to people’s ability to access the services they need for cancer, for heart disease and for many other types of interventions that people need, in addition to covid. I would be very happy to share that with both my hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot (Anne Marie Morris) and my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale West.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
Question
When SAGE advised a national firebreak lockdown, the Welsh First Minister introduced one, which my constituents are now undertaking here in Cardiff West. Given the Prime Minister’s statement today, does he agree that Mark Drakeford was right to act?
Minister reply
As I have said throughout this afternoon, I make no apology for doing my utmost to keep this economy going and to keep our kids in school, as indeed we are, and for avoiding the consequences of a national lockdown. The hon. Member will have heard the voices that have been raised across the House throughout this afternoon, both in favour of a lockdown and the many passionately against it. We have a very difficult balancing job to do—balancing lives, balancing livelihoods—and that is what we are doing.
Alberto Costa
Con
South Leicestershire
Question
These are challenging times, but I have some warm words for the Prime Minister for the work that he is doing. Oakberry Christmas tree farm, run by Richard and Gail in my South Leicestershire constituency, is one of Britain’s premier growers and sellers of festive trees. Thankfully, Oakberry Trees comes under the category of garden centres, and is therefore able to remain open over the next few weeks. Can my right hon. Friend give some words of encouragement—of cheer—to those businesses that are able to remain open in providing essential goods and services to our constituents as long as they remain covid-compliant in their working practices?
Minister reply
Yes. I thank my hon. Friend, and I am very glad that Oakberry Christmas trees is able to remain open. I am told that it provided No. 10 with a free Christmas tree five years ago; that is not meant to be any kind of hint, by the way. I know that it is one of the UK’s premier Christmas tree farms, and I thank them for what they are doing.
Steven Bonnar
SNP
Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill
Question
The Scottish Government have repeatedly called for an extension to the furlough scheme. However, such calls were completely ignored, with the uncertainty resulting in the loss of many jobs here in Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill. Does the Prime Minister now fully commit to an extension of the furlough scheme available across all nations of the UK on a when-required basis?
Minister reply
Furlough has been available throughout the UK throughout this period, and will continue to be a UK-wide solution.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
Question
What did we not do in June and July when rates were right down after lockdown No. 1 that we should have done? What are the lessons for after 2 December as we try to make the most of lockdown 2.0?
Minister reply
Where I think we should have pushed harder was on actually insisting that, when people were contacted by NHS Test and Trace, they isolated.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Question
Does the Prime Minister realise that his delay is costing lives and livelihoods? Will he acknowledge the failure of his policy?
Minister reply
I make no apology for continuing to resist going back into a national lockdown, as it affects mental health and people’s lives and livelihoods. Plenty of scientists and medical advisers were categorical that a local and regional approach was commonsensical.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Will the Prime Minister join me at daily mass in Westminster cathedral tomorrow to witness the extreme social distancing, constant cleansing after services, and mask wearing? Could he offer some hope to faith communities?
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend for what he has just said and I am so sorry that the faith communities temporarily must go through this difficult period of not being able to observe services in the way they want.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Experts are clear that lockdowns merely defer, rather than solve, the problem and buy us time. How will we address the woeful rates of contact tracing or how we improve support and incentives for self-isolation?
Minister reply
The answer lies not just in getting people to self-isolate but also in mass testing—the lateral flow tests and LAMP tests—which will help drive down the R by isolating positive cases.
Question
My constituents have pretty much been under local restrictions since the start of August, with the impact on local businesses, wellbeing and mental health. Will the Prime Minister look again at whether we can have some covid-safe outdoor exercise such as golf, tennis and exercise classes to support wellbeing and mental health?
Minister reply
We can have covid-secure golf, tennis, and other outdoor activities in 28 days’ time if we get through this difficult period.
Shadow Comment
Keir Starmer
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Secretary criticises the Prime Minister's delayed response to the advice of his own scientists, pointing out that inaction has led to a surge in cases and deaths. Labour will support the necessary national restrictions but demands improvements to track and trace, additional testing for schools, economic measures as generous as those from March, further self-employment support, job loss assistance, clearer messaging, and an exit strategy based on regional data. The shadow expresses concern over the long-term impacts of delays and urges a more proactive approach.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.