← Back to House of Commons Debates
Covid-19 Update
05 October 2020
Lead MP
Matthew Hancock
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSEconomy
Other Contributors: 65
At a Glance
Matthew Hancock raised concerns about covid-19 update in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Minister announced the spread of coronavirus in Europe, noting that cases had nearly doubled over a month. In the UK, hospital admissions are at their highest since mid-June with 12,594 new positive cases recorded on the previous day. He addressed an issue affecting data publication where 15,841 positive test results were not included in reported daily cases due to a technical failure. The Minister assured that individuals were notified of their test results and instructed to self-isolate but emphasised the seriousness of this incident and actions taken to resolve it.
The statement also covered plans for medicine licensing under Project Orbis, aimed at speeding up approvals for cancer treatments across multiple countries including the UK starting January 1st. Additionally, the Minister announced a £3.7 billion investment in expanding capacity in urgent and emergency care and building 40 new hospitals by 2030 as part of efforts to level up NHS services across England.
Finally, the Minister highlighted the importance of clear rules at local levels to help suppress the virus, promising an update on what actions the Government are taking. He emphasised that suppressing the virus is crucial until a vaccine becomes available.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Derby South
Question
The Shadow Secretary raised concerns about the lack of traceability of contacts from unreported cases and questioned when the public was informed, as well as who was responsible for this failure in the system. He also asked how local directors were made aware of the issue.
Minister reply
In response to questions regarding contact tracing efforts, the Minister confirmed that over 50% of identified cases had been contacted by tracers and reassured that outbreak control measures were unaffected in critical settings like care homes. Regarding public communication, he acknowledged delays but noted swift corrective action taken over the weekend.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
Question
The MP highlighted numerous failures in the UK's test-and-trace system, including delays in reporting positive cases and ineffective contact tracing. He questioned when local directors of public health were informed about these issues and demanded answers on how many contacts have been traced and are isolating.
Minister reply
Matthew Hancock confirmed that 51% of cases had been contacted by the end of Sunday, with their contacts also being traced concurrently. He stated that while the issue emerged in a Public Health England (PHE) legacy system, contracts for a new data system have already been awarded to replace it.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Waverley
Question
The MP praised the expansion of testing capacity but questioned whether NHS laboratories and universities should take over staff testing from Lighthouse labs due to overwhelming demand.
Minister reply
Matthew Hancock agreed that expanding NHS testing is crucial, and highlighted that hospital laboratories are increasingly used for staff testing within their local areas.
Central Ayrshire
Question
The MP questioned whether the issue was due to data transfer between formats and why it was not anticipated. She also expressed concern over the missed opportunities for preventing onward spread, given that around 10 days had passed before action was taken.
Minister reply
Matthew Hancock confirmed that the Chief Medical Officer's analysis did not substantially change the assessment of the disease based on updated data. He added that concurrent tracing is happening so that contacts are immediately contacted as soon as the index case has been traced.
Question
My right hon. Friend hopes for a safe and effective vaccine to be available soon, but the vaccines taskforce expects it initially to only cover half of the population, with priority given to over-50s and vulnerable individuals. What are the implications for the remaining half?
Minister reply
The Government will take clinical advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation regarding vaccine deployment as more data becomes available.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Question
South Manchester has some of the highest infection rates, but this is largely due to high numbers among students confined to halls. Will local lockdown restrictions in Manchester be based on misleading figures?
Minister reply
The Government will take into account the data and positivity rate before deciding on additional restrictions.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
Why did not the Government learn from previous successes with Nightingale hospitals and PPE procurement by involving the military in logistics and planning?
Minister reply
The military is involved, but this specific issue was related to a Public Health England legacy system which had already been identified for replacement.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Due to the spreadsheet problem known since July, how will the Government ensure accountability and return of public money given to private companies running the test and trace service?
Minister reply
The Health Secretary is committed to transparency regarding this issue and will provide a full briefing on it.
Question
Many elective operations have been delayed due to the pandemic. Will the NHS use additional resources for post-op rehabilitation to expedite such surgeries?
Minister reply
Yes, the NHS is working on restarting elective operations and expanding rehabilitation.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
Given that Greater Manchester has been under local restrictions for two months with high infection rates, should control over test and trace systems be given to local areas?
Minister reply
Local engagement with the national system is important, but both local and national measures are necessary.
Question
What is the scientific evidence for restrictions on travel in north Wales as announced by the Welsh Government?
Minister reply
The Government has been working with strong guidance rather than legal diktat, allowing people to undertake necessary journeys.
Question
When will the Scottish and UK test and trace apps be interoperable?
Minister reply
Upgrade for interoperability is expected in the coming weeks as both Governments are working constructively on it.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Question
Will universities introducing student responsibility agreements be commended? Will changes to infection rates mean no further restrictions this week?
Minister reply
Agreements with students are sensible and being considered. National and local government collaboration is working effectively in the west midlands.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Local authorities report a backlog of up to 500 unexpected positive cases, with frustration over the lack of joined-up working between local and national systems. When will he start to work better with local authorities for a more integrated approach?
Minister reply
We are strengthening cooperation with local authorities. For instance, this morning I spoke to Sadiq Khan about enhancing collaboration.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Question
With the absence of a vaccine, how will future testing methods such as saliva tests and finger-prick tests be integrated into current systems?
Minister reply
We are working on next-generation test technologies to improve ease and capacity for individuals.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Question
Local authorities in the north-east proposed a regional test and trace system. Will he agree to this proposal and fund local authorities accordingly?
Minister reply
An additional £10 million has been allocated for contact tracing support in the north-east, with efforts ongoing to stitch data feeds between national and local systems.
Neil O'Brien
Con
Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
Question
Given increased testing capacity over August, what further measures will be taken to boost testing capacity?
Minister reply
Government is collaborating with the NHS and private sector on current and new technologies to enhance testing capacity.
Question
Despite significant investment in testing, London’s testing hours have dropped by 43%. Is there a risk of inaccurate data due to limited testing capacity? When will adequate testing be available?
Minister reply
We prioritise areas with the highest outbreaks but also increase overall capacity. We factor in positivity rates and ONS survey data for accurate assessments.
Question
With varied restrictions across regions, how will simplification of approach be considered to ensure clarity?
Minister reply
Proposals are being worked on for a more simplified local action approach, shared with devolved Administrations.
Question
Long-term impacts and pressures on health systems from long covid need assessment. What research has been initiated?
Minister reply
More research is underway; the NHS in England started a long-covid service, and NICE published an approach for assessing long covid.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Question
Reports suggest plans to close hospitals in Lancaster and Preston to build one super-hospital. Does this imply closing more than opening new ones?
Minister reply
The proposal involves consulting on the best approach for Lancashire, acknowledging significant NHS investment.
Question
Should we focus equally on hospitalisation rates rather than incidence rates during coronavirus responses?
Minister reply
Hospitalisation rate is critical; currently at 422, the highest since mid-June, indicating a close eye must be kept.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Question
Liverpool city region faces a budget shortfall of £150 million. The Secretary announced only £7 million for test, trace and isolate efforts. When will he fund local public health teams adequately?
Minister reply
Money is being allocated to councils while using all available tools, whether from the NHS, PHE, local councils or private firms.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Bournemouth East
Question
Inquired about reviewing the rule that requires an entire year group to stay out of school for 14 days if one pupil tests positive, suggesting better testing systems are now in place.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the desire to review but stated it must be clinically safe. Emphasised schools only need to send a bubble home rather than the whole year group.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Question
Asked about continuing efforts to increase testing capacity, particularly for Victoria Hall in Keighley.
Minister reply
Confirmed testing capacity has increased by 25% since mid-August and is on track to reach 500,000 tests per day by the end of September.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
Question
Requested access to data process flow charts and quality assurance policies related to recent data errors.
Minister reply
Agreed to work on making these documents public but noted the challenge of maximum file size errors may not be depicted in such diagrams.
Bill Wiggin
Con
Aldershot
Question
Asked if the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will meet again to discuss vaccine progress.
Minister reply
Confirmed that decisions from JCVI are not critical to vaccine roll-out but that they do meet regularly.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Inquired about lost test results in Oldham and delays in contact tracing.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the concern and agreed to look into turnaround times in Oldham, noting that most cases now receive results within 24 hours.
Huddersfield
Question
Asked about plans to ensure routine GP and dental appointments are available during the winter.
Minister reply
Emphasised the importance of face-to-face primary care appointments and committed to ensuring they continue in a covid-secure manner.
Barry Sheerman
Lab
Huddersfield
Question
Stressed the need for cooperation between local authorities, universities, and health trusts to combat the virus over winter.
Minister reply
Agreed that such collaboration is essential.
Aaron Bell
Con
Kirklees North
Question
Welcomed a new test centre at Keele University and inquired about testing capacity issues and the target of half a million tests per day by end-September.
Minister reply
Confirmed commitment to 500,000 daily tests by September end and explained that reduced case rates in some areas are enabling targeted resource allocation.
Barbara Keeley
Lab
Worsley and Eccles South
Question
Inquired about delays in data transfer from the national system to local contact tracers.
Minister reply
Acknowledged importance of timely data transfers but explained the dual approach of national and local systems for effective tracing.
Jane Stevenson
Con
Ealing Central and Acton
Question
Asked about advice on limiting virus transmission within households, especially for vulnerable family members.
Minister reply
Advised following 'Hands, face, space' guidelines and emphasised the importance of regular cleaning to prevent surface transmission.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Question
Asked for a guarantee that the NHS will have funding resources needed to get through this winter.
Minister reply
Welcomed the constructive approach of the hon. Member and confirmed extra funding has been put in place, including expanding emergency departments and providing funds for electives and infection control.
Question
Asked if rule of six and curfew are based on evidence from Belgium.
Minister reply
Confirmed that the Government look at what has worked internationally, as well as domestic science, to inform their decisions.
Emma Lewell
Lab
South Shields
Question
Asked if Secretary of State shares Prime Minister’s view on local undiscipline.
Minister reply
Emphasised the importance of reiterating public health advice and following rules to keep everyone safe.
Question
Asked for assurance that work continues to increase testing capacity in Devon.
Minister reply
Confirmed work will continue to increase testing capacity.
Question
Asked about number of people still waiting to be contacted for the first time and confidence in notification process.
Minister reply
All 15,000 have been contacted for the first time.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Asked if Secretary of State will drop dangerous proposal to close Preston and Lancaster hospitals.
Minister reply
Explained that there is a consultation on whether to replace the hospitals with two or one, and assured full public engagement.
Question
Asked when the new hospital in Kettering will be built and finished.
Minister reply
Confirmed the new hospital in Kettering will be completed before 2030 at the latest, with hope for an earlier completion.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
Asked to kick out Serco and sack Dido Harding, putting billions of pounds wasted into NHS.
Minister reply
Answered 'No.'
Question
Asked if Secretary of State agrees that hospitals should reintroduce access for birth partners during all stages of labour.
Minister reply
Agreed, highlighting the importance of good infection control and working towards this goal.
Neil Coyle
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Question
Asked why only the UK has experienced such problems with Excel spreadsheets.
Minister reply
Confirmed that challenges are common across the world, including extending testing capacity.
Question
Asked if statement impacts decision to keep Redcar and Cleveland out of local lockdown restrictions.
Minister reply
Stated decisions do not impact existing measures but look at data including hospitalisation figures weekly.
Question
Asked about delay in contact tracing for positive test results and drug stockpiles during pandemic.
Minister reply
Confirmed that all who test positive are legally required to self-isolate. Confirmed work is ongoing to replenish drug stockpiles used up during the peak.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his continued engagement with me and other colleagues from all sides of the House throughout this crisis, and also for our new Boris hospital coming to Shotley Bridge. My constituents have three concerns still, one of which is the speed of getting tests back. I know there has been some improvement recently, but will he update us on that? They are also still concerned about the 10 pm restrictions and about clarity on how we get out of local lockdown measures.
Minister reply
The coronavirus crisis is not easy for any Health Secretary, but it was a joy to be able to call my hon. Friend and tell him that we are rebuilding Shotley Bridge Hospital on the site of the old steelworks. It will be absolutely fantastic, like a phoenix in the heart of County Durham. We have been reducing turnaround times for test results and will continue working to try to make them as fast as possible.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Question
Will the Secretary of State please outline what measures will be put in place to ensure that all family members of residents in care homes can continue to see their families and loved ones over the coming months, including whether guarantee PPE and testing for families will be guaranteed?
Minister reply
We have put in place updated guidance on visiting care homes, working with local directors of public health. While I cannot give a guarantee in all areas due to varying levels of prevalence across different parts of the country, we are continuing to work with local authorities to try and get this balance right.
Question
I welcome the news that the Queen’s Medical Centre and City Hospital will be rebuilt in Nottingham. On PPE, the Minister for Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Charnwood (Edward Argar), told the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee in July that in the early days of the pandemic the Government went from supplying PPE to about 250 or 260 hospitals to 58,000 organisations such was the pace of change. With the measures the Government have recently taken, and with 32 billion pieces of PPE, can my right hon. Friend assure me that the Government are now in a much better position to deal with PPE should there be any increase in cases as we go into the winter?
Minister reply
The PPE distribution system has been described by the head of the armed forces as the biggest logistical exercise he had seen in his professional lifetime. We have said that PPE will be free to NHS institutions and care homes for the remainder of this financial year to remove that worry.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Question
I am reassured by the Secretary of State’s answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Withington (Jeff Smith) that Manchester will not be subject to further restrictions as a result of the contained outbreaks in halls of residence. However, Manchester residents have now been unable to see their loved ones for more than two months—since our rates were less than 50 per 100,000 and they are now 10 times higher—and I strongly reject the suggestion that this is somehow because of our own personal actions. Is it not time for a rethink? Blanket, wide local restrictions just are not working according to their own objectives.
Minister reply
There is a challenge where case rates are going up sharply. Of course, the virus does pass on through social contact. We need to work with the local councils to bring the virus under control in Manchester, as in other parts of the country where it is rising sharply.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Question
On Saturday, my wife and I got our annual flu jabs. The GPs and nurses at our local surgery are doing an outstanding job. Does my right hon. Friend agree that people need to be aware of some of the side-effects of vaccines and be crystal clear on the symptoms of coronavirus, so that once they have had their vaccines, they may not necessarily seek covid tests? People should be absolutely clear on the three symptoms of covid.
Minister reply
It is too early yet to set out the clinical details of vaccines, other than to say we will not bring in a covid vaccine unless we are confident that it is safe. When we know more about the clinical details, we will be able to say more about its effective roll out.
Feryal Clark
Lab
Enfield North
Question
After our broken test and trace system and the failure to put a protective ring around care homes, and after the recent and preventable outbreaks in universities and the ultimately unnecessary restructuring of Public Health England, the chaos this weekend is symbolic of the way the Government have handled the pandemic. Does the Secretary of State agree that these are his failures and only his alone?
Minister reply
Responding to a pandemic is an enormously challenging task. Thankfully, it is a massive team effort and one in which the whole country can be engaged because we all have a part to play.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
London consists of 32 boroughs plus the City of London and covers a population of around 8 million people. We are told that infection rates are going up in each of the London boroughs, but some are much higher than others. I urge my right hon. Friend to consider, when he needs to introduce lockdown procedures, doing so on a borough-by-borough basis and not inflicting unnecessary restrictions on the whole of London.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes an important point. Getting the right geography for any particular action is an important and difficult consideration. We are prepared to do as my hon. Friend wishes for London, but we also have to take into account travel patterns and socialising patterns, as well as the pure data from the epidemiology and the number of cases.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Question
The Secretary of State is full of bravado and bluster, despite a catalogue of mistakes and regular statements. When the truth is spread thinly, people start to see through it.
Minister reply
I don’t know.
Question
May I begin by thanking my right hon. Friend for the £500 million for Epsom and St Helier hospitals and for taking very quick action after I asked in this House for additional testing capacity in Carshalton and Wallington? Not long after I asked him, we heard that three more sites may open in my borough, which is very welcome. Obviously, those new sites will need the testing capacity to be able to cope, so can he assure me that we will continue the work to get that capacity up as quickly as possible?
Minister reply
Yes. We are bringing more testing capacity into Sutton. We have opened more testing sites in Sutton. I can tell the House that the average distance travelled to a test has now fallen to 4.3 miles from over 6 miles three weeks ago.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Question
Various companies have multimillion-pound contracts, and it is important that we understand their motivation to succeed. Does Serco get paid for voided test results—yes or no?
Minister reply
The motivation of my whole team, no matter how they are employed or contracted, is to beat this virus, and we are working together to do that.
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for his important statement. In South Derbyshire we have world-renowned laboratories locally, and my constituents have asked me to ask: what steps is he taking to increase the number of labs available to process tests, so that we can continue to increase testing capacity as quickly as possible?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to ask that question, because we are expanding the number of labs as we expand the number of tests. I know there is great capability in Derbyshire that can be brought to bear as part of this big team effort.
Geraint Davies
Lab Co-op
Swansea West
Question
People in lockdown areas of Wales cannot travel to other parts of the country, but people from high-risk areas like Manchester can. Will the Secretary of State restrict travel out of locked-down areas in England? If not, will he accept that it would be a good idea for people arriving in low-risk areas in Wales to quarantine?
Minister reply
The approach taken in England is to put travel restrictions in guidance rather than law because primary transmission occurs between households. This differs from the approach taken in Wales.
Kenny MacAskill
SNP
Central Scotland
Question
Was it a political decision to pursue a private sector route for testing, and will Scots be prejudiced by the Tory Government’s preference for private profit over public health?
Minister reply
The UK-wide testing system delivers tests in Scotland alongside the Scottish NHS. The collaboration ensures that people in Scotland are not prejudiced.
Jonathan Gullis
Lab Co-op
Erewash
Question
Will additional funding be provided to help Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Royal Stoke University Hospital deliver increased testing capacity for local health and social care workers?
Minister reply
We are expanding NHS testing capacity within Stoke and providing extra funding to support this.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Question
Are there shortages and recalls of flu vaccine going on at the moment, and was Kate Bingham correct in saying that vaccinating the whole population would not happen?
Minister reply
There is enough flu vaccine to vaccinate priority groups. The Government follows clinical advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
Theresa Villiers
Con
South West Hampshire
Question
Can mass testing help sectors such as travel, theatre and events open up again?
Minister reply
While current testing capacity is used for prioritised groups, the hope is to expand testing capacity in the future.
Kevan Jones
Lab Co-op
North Durham
Question
Is it time to admit that the national system has failed and give responsibility directly to directors of public health with resources for not only testing but tracing?
Minister reply
Money is put into local support, including in North Durham. Local interventions are prioritised when requested.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Question
What progress is being made to expand testing capacity for constituents needing it?
Minister reply
Testing capacity is expanding, and public health messaging has led to a reduction in demand from people without symptoms.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
Question
Can the Secretary of State assure that data used for local restrictions is up-to-date and accurate?
Minister reply
Data is published, updated to reflect issues encountered, and interventions are based on the minimum necessary to keep the virus suppressed.
Shadow Comment
Jon Ashworth
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Secretary criticised recent issues with the coronavirus testing and tracing system, including delays in test results and tracers sitting idle. He expressed concern over the revelation that almost 16,000 positive cases went unreported for a week, potentially putting thousands of lives at risk. The response questioned how many contacts have been traced from these reported cases, why it took until Sunday evening to make this public, and when local directors were informed.
The Shadow Secretary also inquired about the cause of the technical failure and whether specialist database software was used instead of Excel spreadsheets. He proposed giving NHS labs more responsibility over testing and tracing rather than outsourcing companies like Serco and Deloitte. He further questioned what additional help areas under restrictions would receive with this new data, and asked for clarity on the criteria for imposing local restrictions in a new three-tiered system.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.