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Coronavirus Vaccine
02 December 2020
Lead MP
Matthew Hancock
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSSocial CareEmploymentForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 41
At a Glance
Matthew Hancock raised concerns about coronavirus vaccine 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
Today, the Minister of State for Health and Social Care, Matthew Hancock, announced that the UK has received clinical authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine. This is a significant milestone in the fight against COVID-19. The UK has pre-ordered 357 million doses of vaccines from seven different candidates, with 40 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine secured for delivery over the coming months. Batch testing was completed this morning, and the NHS will begin vaccinating people from early next week. Priority groups include care home residents and their carers, the over-80s, and frontline health and social care workers. The logistical challenge of deploying the vaccine at -70°C is acknowledged, with vaccinations taking place in hospitals, community services, and mass vaccination centres. The Minister urged continued adherence to public health guidelines until more widespread immunisation can be achieved.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Derby South
Question
Shadow Secretary asked how many NHS staff would be vaccinated by January, when primary care networks will start rolling out vaccinations, and when mass vaccination centres in communities will open. He also enquired about the resources needed for testing in care homes.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that logistical challenges remain but highlighted the readiness of the NHS to begin vaccinating from early next week. No specific figures were provided regarding how many NHS staff would be vaccinated by January, but he emphasised the prioritisation and operational necessity criteria. On resources for testing in care homes, the Minister assured that the necessary support would be in place.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Derby South
Question
Asked about a health inequalities strategy to ensure no vulnerable groups miss out on the vaccine and whether vaccinated individuals will still need to isolate if contacted by Test and Trace.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the importance of addressing health inequalities and reiterated the NHS's commitment to rolling out vaccines according to clinical prioritisation. He also noted that guidance would be provided regarding isolation requirements for those who have been vaccinated.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Derby South
Question
Asked about the implementation of mass testing as a freedom pass and whether local areas will enforce rules if some people have had tests but others have not.
Minister reply
The Minister provided clarity on the licensing status of lateral flow tests for door-to-door testing in hotspots and outlined plans for implementing mass testing ahead of Christmas visits. He emphasised the importance of clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
Question
Ashworth congratulated the Secretary of State on the vaccine approval and suggested a cross-party campaign to promote vaccinations. He asked for a public information campaign, addressing health inequalities, timelines for vaccinating NHS staff by January, care homes' needs, mass vaccination centres opening dates, achieving herd immunity targets, test-and-trace rules post-vaccination, licensing issues with lateral flow tests, community testing use, and expanding eligibility criteria for isolation grants.
Minister reply
Hancock thanked Ashworth for his supportive approach and committed to a public information campaign. He acknowledged health inequalities but stressed the vaccine's importance in tackling them. Regarding timelines, he noted uncertainties due to manufacturing complexities. For care homes, he promised resources as needed. Mass vaccination centres will start next week. On lifting restrictions, Hancock said it depends on monitoring key indicators like cases and hospitalisations. Testing licenses were not an issue according to him, but he would clarify with relevant authorities. He encouraged creativity in using testing for community benefit.
Central Ayrshire
Question
Welcomed the authorisation of the Pfizer vaccine and called for a public health campaign to encourage uptake, questioning the efficacy and cost of lateral flow tests in Liverpool's mass testing pilot project. Raised concerns over isolation rates as per King’s College London report and requested data on isolation compliance rates.
Minister reply
Announced publication of further contact tracing data tomorrow, highlighted constant scientific evaluation of work done in Liverpool. Mentioned the importance of constant learning and improvement for vaccine rollout too.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Ash
Question
Complimented Secretary on choice of Pfizer vaccine and its global significance, enquired about measures to vaccinate people with learning disabilities.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the work done by MHRA and highlighted that JCVI has considered higher mortality rates for those with learning disabilities in their prioritisation.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Asked about batch testing of Pfizer vaccine and if mutual recognition agreement with EU would avoid batch testing, thus speeding up the process.
Minister reply
Clarified that mutual recognition agreement is already in place now, highlighted global scientific collaboration involved.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Question
Expressed gratitude on vaccine announcement and raised concerns over overcrowded supermarkets despite small businesses' efforts during lockdown.
Minister reply
Called upon supermarket executives to follow covid-secure guidelines, expressed support for Ashfield's small businesses.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Expressed thanks and asked about flu vaccine availability and roll-out discussions with the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Minister reply
Confirmed further tranche of flu vaccines ready to be rolled out, highlighted collaboration with Robin Swann for vaccine distribution in Northern Ireland.
Rehman Chishti
Con
Gillingham and Rainham
Question
The MP congratulates the Secretary of State for his hard work, acknowledges the high COVID-19 rates in Medway and Swale, highlights health inequalities in the area, and requests a tribute to Medway Maritime Hospital.
Minister reply
The Minister pays tribute to those working at Medway Maritime Hospital and other hospitals in Kent. He outlines plans for increased testing and military assistance in Medway and emphasises adherence to tier 3 restrictions.
Tracy Brabin
Lab
Wakefield
Question
The MP expresses gratitude towards scientists and volunteers, highlights the drop in infections in her constituency under enhanced restrictions, and requests clarification on mass testing resources available to councils.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that mass testing is rolling out as planned. He assures the council of financial support (£14 per test) and logistical help from the armed forces.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Question
The MP congratulates the Government on being first to approve a vaccine and asks for repetition of criteria and pecking order for distribution.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that vaccination will follow clinical prioritisation, starting with care home residents, over-80s, NHS staff, and then descending by age range.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Question
The MP pays tribute to local health board teams and the armed forces involved in vaccine preparation. He requests a guarantee for equitable vaccine distribution throughout the UK.
Minister reply
The Minister assures that vaccines will be available equitably across the UK, expressing gratitude towards NHS staff and volunteers.
Greg Clark
Con
West Suffolk
Question
The MP congratulates scientists for their breakthrough and suggests trialling repeat testing instead of isolation for contacts to encourage disclosure of contacts.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges Sir John Bell's suggestion, confirming that trials are underway.
Geraint Davies
Lab
Croydon Central
Question
The MP highlights confusion over Government guidance on travel from tier 2 or 3 areas to tier 1 areas. He requests an update to the guidance.
Minister reply
The Minister asserts that current guidance is accurate as per gov.uk.
Mark Jenkinson
Con
Workington
Question
The MP thanks those involved in vaccine preparation and enquires about reducing local restrictions as testing and vaccines are rolled out.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that suppressing the virus is part of the strategy, promising brighter prospects with the vaccine roll-out.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
The MP congratulates on the news and asks about vaccinating community care workers as a priority group. She also inquires if educational need will be considered after clinical priority.
Minister reply
The Minister assures that repeat testing of contacts can help reduce teacher isolation.
Mary Robinson
Con
Cheadle
Question
The MP congratulates the Secretary of State and enquires about targeted rapid testing in Stockport to further drive down COVID-19 rates.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees to work together with Stockport Council on this initiative.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton, Pavilion
Question
The MP congratulates and asks for the modelling on the impact of relaxing restrictions over Christmas. She queries if estimates were made regarding additional deaths due to relaxation.
Minister reply
The Minister explains that decisions balance considerations including public yearning for family gatherings during Christmas.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Congratulates the minister on securing a vaccine and asks if the Buckingham constituency can be considered for tier 1 before Christmas if numbers continue to come down.
Minister reply
Confirms that if case numbers continue to decrease, Buckingham constituency may be reconsidered for tier 1 status.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Compliments the scientific community on their achievements and asks if the Secretary of State will follow York's model for contact tracing.
Minister reply
States that they are promoting and following York’s model as an example of local-national system collaboration.
Barnsley South
Question
Questions the Secretary of State about his plan to ensure equitable vaccine roll-out in areas like Barnsley, which has fewer GPs than other regions.
Minister reply
Responds that the primary care networks and vaccination centres will be used equitably across all parts of England.
Question
Asks if community mass testing kits will be available in Wales, similar to the vaccine roll-out.
Minister reply
Commits to working with Welsh Administration and local councils to implement community testing as necessary.
Question
Inquires about clauses in contracts regarding Serco's failure to meet contact tracing targets compared to Scotland’s performance.
Minister reply
Advises against making an apples-to-apples comparison due to differences in how contacts are traced.
Question
Asks about the government's efforts to keep NHS staff safe and ensure sufficient staffing levels, especially regarding the Nightingale hospital opening.
Minister reply
Acknowledges increased numbers of nurses but expresses hope that regular testing will reduce absences due to COVID-19.
Question
Questions why Devon was placed in tier 2 despite lower case rates, and enquires about criteria for moving into tier 1.
Minister reply
Encourages adherence to tier 2 rules while highlighting the need for personal responsibility to reduce virus spread.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Praises the Secretary of State’s work and questions if MHRA’s regulation would have allowed today's vaccine announcement otherwise.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that changing law to allow UK-based MHRA authorisation was crucial.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Question
Asks about improving testing for school bubbles when students self-isolate due to potential exposure.
Minister reply
Indicates that pilots are underway in eight schools and plans to roll out improvements based on lessons learned.
Question
Inquires about steps being taken to support universities and students returning from Christmas with potential increases in cases.
Minister reply
Proposes using testing capacity to allow safe return of students, emphasising the importance of collaboration for safety.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Question
Asks the Health Secretary to reconsider carers' inclusion on priority list for vaccination as they care for vulnerable individuals.
Minister reply
Commits to ensuring JCVI considers all factors but emphasises following clinical advice.
Jason McCartney
Lab
Colne Valley
Question
It is fantastic news about the vaccine, but we cannot be complacent. The Kirklees director of public health briefed me and other local MPs last night that Kirklees needs to be in tier 3 right now. We were in the top five councils for covid cases, but good local action, combined with the national lockdown, has helped to reduce cases by 41%. Can the Health Secretary confirm that he will use localised data at the first review of the tiers on 16 December so that, if we continue that progress, we might be able to come out of tier 3? In the meantime, will he speak again to the Chancellor to see what extra financial support we can give to our pubs, restaurants and cafés at this challenging time?
Minister reply
Yes. Of course, the Prime Minister announced extra funding for wet pubs yesterday. I am very happy to have a further discussion on that matter, but I also pay tribute to Kirklees, the people who live in Kirklees and my hon. Friend’s constituents, because it has been tough and it has been a long time. These measures have been in place for longer than almost anywhere else in the country, and the rates are now really coming down. Everybody should be very grateful for that.
Kevan Jones
Lab
North Durham
Question
The Secretary of State talks a lot about partnership at local level. Two weeks ago, his Department contacted the local public health directors and asked them to draw up plans for care home testing. Last week, his Department sent out a letter directly to care homes, bypassing those local directors of public health, to introduce testing in those care homes. Why was the approach changed? How will the data from that testing in local care homes be fed through to local directors of public health to do local tracing?
Minister reply
It is very important that tracing happens, and the data, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, is fed through to councils where that data agreement has been put in place. The best approach is for councils and the national system to work well together.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
Question
Will the Health Secretary and his colleagues accept my congratulations on making sure the UK is one of the first countries in the world to have a deployable vaccine? Does he agree that businesses and their employees in the UK pharmaceutical sector, which invests over £4 billion a year of private risk capital, are heroes every bit as much as our wonderful NHS employees on the frontline?
Minister reply
Absolutely, and my hon. Friend gives the lie to this idea that we should somehow split public and private. I want to pay tribute, on behalf of all those in the House who believe in private enterprise, to everybody: the major global pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and AstraZeneca, the small entrepreneurial start-ups such as BioNTech and all those who have come to the aid of the nation. If they do it and make a profit, if they do that to save lives, that is fine by me.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
Advent always starts with the prospect of good news, so this is a really good Advent. Can I add one element to this issue of the prioritisation of vaccination? Covid has savagely exposed the health inequalities across the whole country. The poorest communities have suffered most, and the poorest communities often have the fewest health services and the least additional capacity to be able to deliver vaccination. As part of the mix, can we make sure that equality, real equity, across the whole country means that the poorest communities may need additional support?
Minister reply
Yes. The hon. Gentleman raises a point that is important for the vaccination programme but also important thereafter, because if levelling up means anything, it means trying to level up health and make sure that the health inequalities of which he speaks are addressed.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Question
Everyone involved in delivering this great news is to be congratulated, including the Secretary of State. The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has said that provided that we receive the first doses of the vaccine as soon as we are expecting them in Scotland, we can start vaccinating people on Tuesday next week. Will the Secretary of State join me in applauding all at NHS Scotland who are going to make this possible?
Minister reply
Yes, I absolutely will. Our goal and our aim, and the commitment and agreement between all four nations of the United Kingdom, is that we will all start vaccination at the same time, fairly, across the four nations. That will happen early next week.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
The first country in the world to have a vaccine, and a world-class testing programme—what a phenomenal achievement. I thank my right hon. Friend and all the scientists and clinicians who have made today a reality. I am pleased that before Christmas we should have vaccine centres established in Oakham and in Melton Mowbray in my constituency. Will he please join me in extending his thanks to my local councils, our clinicians and residents for their enormously hard work to get ready to bring this vaccine to my communities?
Minister reply
Yes, I absolutely will. I pay tribute to their work on preparing for the vaccine roll-out, and also their work in keeping the virus under control, which is such an important task, is so difficult, and has consumed so much effort this year, yet there is still more work to be done over this winter to get the vaccine rolled out.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Question
Two injections per person for everyone in the country is going to take an awful long time. The Prime Minister was hoping that it would be done by Easter. Does the Health Secretary share that timetable or will he publish another one? Is he planning on making this vaccine available again next year, since we do not know how long immunity lasts, and covid is likely to be endemic and with us for some time to come?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady asks two incredibly important questions, the first of which the hon. Member for Leicester South (Jonathan Ashworth) asked and I did not answer, for which I apologise. The speed at which we can continue this roll-out will be determined by the speed at which Pfizer can manufacture and whether the AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine, of which we have 100 million doses on order, is approved by the MHRA.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Question
It is wonderful news on the vaccine—many congratulations to all involved, including the Secretary of State. He will concede that it will be some months before restrictions can be lifted. North Yorkshire is the largest county in England by miles—it takes three hours to drive from one side of it to the other—and the variation in infection rates is considerable across the region. Will he consider, when he moves tiers around in two weeks’ time, moving one of the seven districts of North Yorkshire with low infection rates into tier 1?
Minister reply
As the Prime Minister said yesterday, we do look at the human geography and how the epidemiology shows the spread of the virus is occurring across the country, especially, but not limited to, the big rural counties. We have to be slightly careful in North Yorkshire. One of the challenged areas is Scarborough, where the case rates are elevated.
Blackpool South
Question
Dr de Gruchy, the president of the Association of Directors of Public Health, has said that it is completely incomprehensible that the Government is not increasing the public health grant to local authorities next year. She spoke of the importance of learning the lessons of how existing health inequalities have driven and exacerbated the impact of COVID-19 as well as addressing the socio-economic determinants of health and giving public health teams the resources they need both to continue the fight against covid-19 and for the longer term. Will the Secretary of State pay heed to that message, and will he call on the Chancellor to give local public health teams the funding they need?
Minister reply
We are increasing the public health grant next year. Also, the public health grant is but one part of the massive overall investment in public health that we have made this year and will, of course, have to continue to make next year as we get the virus under control.
Sara Britcliffe
Con
Hyndburn
Question
The news this morning about the vaccines gives my constituents in Hyndburn and Haslingden light at the end of a very dark tunnel. The announcement on care homes is genuinely brilliant news and something I have pushed for, as the Secretary of State will know, both in and out of this Chamber. As has been mentioned, mass testing is also a vital part in our fight against coronavirus. Will the Secretary of State confirm when it will be rolled out in tier 3 areas such as Hyndburn and Haslingden, so we can continue to get our rate down and get our brilliant hospitality sector up again?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right. The candle of hope is burning brighter today. On the mass testing she is so enthusiastic about, I can tell her that this morning when I asked my officials to ensure that the community testing programme that is being developed for Hyndburn is advanced as quickly as possible, they told me that it was already in hand.
Shadow Comment
Jon Ashworth
Shadow Comment
The shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Jon Ashworth, welcomed the announcement but raised several concerns regarding vaccine distribution logistics, especially for care homes. He called for a public information campaign to address questions and myths about the vaccine. The Shadow Secretary asked how many NHS staff would be vaccinated by January and when primary care networks and mass vaccination centres will start operations. He also emphasised the need for a health inequalities strategy in the vaccination campaign to ensure no vulnerable groups miss out on the vaccine. Ashworth questioned the timeline for achieving herd immunity and whether vaccinated individuals still need to isolate if contacted by Test and Trace. Additionally, he sought clarity on the implementation of mass testing as a freedom pass and resources needed for care homes to support the testing exercise.
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