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Covid-19
16 March 2020
Lead MP
Matthew Hancock
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSSocial CareTaxationEmploymentBenefits & WelfareAgriculture & Rural AffairsStandards & EthicsChildren & FamiliesLocal Government
Other Contributors: 110
At a Glance
Matthew Hancock raised concerns about covid-19 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Minister of State for Health and Social Care outlined a series of measures aimed at controlling the spread of the coronavirus. He emphasised that these actions are necessary to protect lives and safeguard those most vulnerable, including advising people with symptoms or living in households where someone is symptomatic to stay home for 14 days without going out even for essentials unless it is for exercise while maintaining a safe distance from others. Additionally, he advised against all unnecessary social contact and travel, encouraging working from home when possible. The Government also plans to further increase testing capabilities, boost NHS resources by purchasing more ventilators, introduce the coronavirus emergency Bill to maintain essential services during workforce shortages due to illness, and enhance public communication efforts.
Matthew Hancock
Con
Bexhill and Battle
The Minister advised that those with symptoms or living in households where someone is symptomatic should stay home for 14 days without going out even for essentials unless it is for exercise while maintaining a safe distance from others. He further instructed against all unnecessary social contact and travel, encouraging working from home when possible. The Government also plans to increase testing capabilities significantly, ramp up NHS resources by purchasing more ventilators, introduce emergency legislation enabling essential services to continue during workforce shortages due to illness, and enhance public communication efforts.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Dewsbury
The speaker, Jon Ashworth, paid tribute to NHS and social care staff during the pandemic, expressed concerns about clarity of purpose and Government effort required for combating the virus. He raised several questions regarding advice for those unable to work from home, details of shielding elderly individuals, support for vulnerable people with specific health conditions, transparency in evidence informing the UK’s strategy, lessons learned from other countries' containment policies, testing capacity and community testing, vaccine development funding, manufacturing capacity for antivirals, NHS capacity including PPE supply and intensive care unit beds, non-emergency elective treatment suspension, ventilator numbers, ECMO bed capacity, requisition of private sector equipment, and financial support measures such as sick pay and universal credit changes.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Worthing West
Bottomley expressed concern about the destruction of medicines due to patient deaths and requested a review on drug availability. He also raised issues regarding business closures for those above retirement age and sought assurances that no one would be evicted unnecessarily during the crisis.
Central Ayrshire
Whitford inquired about the reasons behind the UK's initial approach to the pandemic, specifically regarding herd immunity. She sought clarification on Government advice concerning mass gatherings and testing strategies. Additionally, she questioned guidance for individuals over 70, care workers visiting homes or care facilities, provision for socially vulnerable groups like homeless people, and funding support for devolved nations.
Theresa May
Con
Commends the NHS and presses the Secretary of State on testing requirements, clarity in advice for over-70s and conditions under which testing is required.
Matthew Hancock
Con
South West Norfolk
Clarifies self-isolation guidelines: seven days for individuals living alone and 14 days for entire household. Emphasises prioritising tests to those who need them most, highlights the NHS shielding policy for over-70s with health conditions.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Calls for unprecedented economic measures to support businesses and workers affected by public health measures announced today. Suggests guaranteeing wages through government and employer collaboration.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
South West Surrey
Welcomes tough measures but asks for clarity on closing clubs, cinemas, restaurants, and testing policies. Questions if shielding applies to over-70s without existing health conditions.
Tooting
Expresses concern about protective equipment shortages in the NHS, staff testing, and transparency of plans. Requests immediate provision for PPE and testing for symptomatic staff.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
Discusses support among headteachers for keeping schools open but raises concerns about staffing shortages due to illness. Asks about relaxing student-staff ratios and defining key workers during the crisis.
Liz Kendall
Lab
Leicester West
Asked the Health Secretary for reassurance about his plans for social care, particularly focusing on workforce issues. Highlighted over 120,000 vacancies and half of home care workers being on zero-hours contracts.
Matthew Hancock
18:06:00
Responded to concerns about social care by affirming ongoing work with local authority leaders. Acknowledged the importance of testing for frontline workers and emphasised efforts to increase test availability. Stressed that the government is working to get home tests or equipment for bedside testing.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Congratulated the Secretary of State on the tone adopted in discussing the virus. Asked when people who recover can return to work, noting the impact on the economy.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Asked for clarification regarding testing policies for frontline healthcare and social care workers, highlighting concerns about stretched services and unnecessary self-isolation.
Greg Clark
18:06:00
Expressed sympathy and admiration towards NHS staff and others dealing with the virus. Pressed Secretary of State on transparency regarding scientific evidence used for testing policies and questioned changes in test availability.
John Cryer
18:06:00
Raised concerns about constituents on zero-hours contracts or self-employed facing potential repossession and homelessness without income support. Highlighted the need for a minimum income guarantee from the government.
Dean Russell
18:06:00
Asked whether people can walk pets while self-isolating, clarified that it is acceptable to go outside but avoid others. Also inquired about guidance for volunteers to prevent virus spread through volunteering activities.
Ian Murray
Lab
Edinburgh South
Questioned the legality of advising businesses to close without mandatorily doing so, highlighting the impact on insurance claims by such businesses.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Asked for reassurance that the government's testing objective aligns with WHO guidelines. Pressed for targets on daily new tests and expressed concerns about GPs self-isolating without test availability.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Inquired whether the current test confirms no infection, and asked if immunity builds up after contracting the virus, seeking clarity on medical confirmation of immunity.
Pat McFadden
Lab
Wolverhampton South East
Stressed the need for stronger global leadership both in health and economic response to a crisis that requires international coordination.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Echoed concerns about pubs and restaurants, asked for firm advice on closure to prevent businesses from losing insurance claims.
Ben Bradshaw
18:06:00
Inquired about the government's timeline in starting to buy extra ventilators and how many more are required currently.
Lagan Valley
Expresses concern over lack of clarity regarding funding consequentials for Northern Ireland following the Chancellor's special measures announcement.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Asks the Secretary of State to thank local community groups mobilising in their communities. Urges them to be empowered to make decisions without waiting for instructions.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
Questions the availability and timeframe of testing kits as per WHO advice, asking when these will become available and how many are needed.
Nickie Aiken
Con
Cities of London and Westminster
Commends the Secretary of State for his work during the crisis. Raises concern over reports of local pharmacies hiking up prices of products such as sanitiser and masks.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South and Leeds East
Questions the Government's intention to test all those with symptoms at home and asks how tests will be prioritised.
Damian Collins
Con
Folkestone and Hythe
Asks if the Government are considering creating an offence for malicious disinformation about coronavirus, and whether social media platforms should act against known sources of such disinformation.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow North East
Proposes that supermarkets allow elderly people to have one hour a day when only they can shop for essentials. The Secretary of State discusses this proposal with the Environment Secretary.
Damian Green
Con
Ashford
Asks about specific vulnerable groups, such as a mother concerned about her diabetic husband and pregnant teachers, asking if they are doing or should be doing the right thing.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Leeds West
Raises concern over self-employed individuals being asked to isolate without statutory sick pay support, urging for reconsideration on this issue.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Asks for reassurance regarding consular assistance and coordination with the Foreign Office for stranded constituents in countries with flight bans.
Louise Haigh
Lab
Sheffield Heeley
Concerned about unprecedented pressure on food banks, asks if measures will be put in place to provide volunteers with protective equipment and if supermarkets can donate stocks to food banks.
John Baron
Con
Basildon and Brentwood
Urges businesses to encourage employees to work from home and highlights the need for testing of emergency and public sector workers, especially for elderly and vulnerable individuals living alone.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Asks for a plan for scaling back schools due to concerns raised by teachers regarding daily mass collections and potential infection risks. Discusses childcare responsibilities during closures.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Questions who takes the final decision in the event of a school needing to close, indicating it is the headteacher with discussions with regional schools commissioners.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
Asked when local government would receive additional ring-fenced funding for public health and when allocations for the new financial year would be provided.
Bob Seely
Con
Isle of Wight
Expressed concern about isolated communities, particularly those dependent on ferry connections, during the pandemic and requested assurances regarding mutual aid, clear advice, and supply of medicine and equipment.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Inquired why public health information had not been translated into other languages available on the NHS website despite the virus being present in the UK for over a month, seeking an update on translations and clarification on the languages being worked on.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Suggested setting aside an hour at supermarkets for elderly people and those with small children to shop without competition from stockpilers, addressing concerns about scarcity in baby products.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Highlighted issues faced by universal credit claimants like her brother due to the lack of job security and delayed payments through the benefits system during self-isolation periods.
Jacob Young
Con
Redcar
Asked whether the Government would consider providing direct funds to regional mayors and combined authorities for affected businesses, emphasising the urgency of financial support.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Suggested that due to the virus's high contagion in its early stages before symptoms appear, the Government’s strategy might be too reliant on responding to observable symptoms and recommended going further faster, particularly in London.
Bim Afolami
Con
Welwyn Hatfield
Asked how the Government was learning from other countries that were ahead of the curve regarding virus management and the measures they have taken or neglected to take.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Expressed concern about severely overcrowded accommodation in which people will have to self-isolate, raising issues of short-term public health and long-term mental health crises.
Stephen Hammond
Con
Wimbledon
Asked for guidance on whether at-home social care visits should continue or if alternative arrangements would be made to protect those being isolated.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Asked about provisions for exams during school closures and measures in place for feeding children who receive free school meals when schools are closed.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Suggested continuing work with platforms to ensure the primacy of official information, actively working against misinformation that can be misleading or dangerous.
Claudia Webbe
Lab
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Asked if the Government would take measures similar to Spain’s to secure private healthcare resources for public health needs, ensuring they do not prioritise profit over safety.
Rob Roberts
Con
Darwen
Inquired about discussions with Welsh authorities regarding consistency of plans and messages during the pandemic and appealed for media platforms to realise their power in disseminating accurate information.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli Pembrokeshire
Asked if the Government had considered the possibility that some people might move from urban areas to rural ones, seeking assurance about additional resources for local health authorities in such cases.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Proposed a conference call between NHS heads and MPs as done in Gloucestershire county last Friday to share information with constituents, suggesting this model could be adopted nationwide.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
Asked for extra support for pharmacists and clarification on public health funding allocation timeline.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Inquired about the public health agenda promoting healthier lifestyles to minimize severe cases seen by NHS, especially mentioning smoking cessation.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Highlighted issues with 111 hotline scripts not being updated in real time, causing delays and confusion for call handlers.
North Cotswolds
Asked the Government to coordinate volunteering organisations to help deliver necessities to isolated elderly and vulnerable people.
Inquired about the difference between the number of new cases currently and the number of tests available per day, highlighting the need for increased testing capacity.
Expressed admiration for public response to crisis and asked if there is an email address for businesses wishing to contribute to national ventilator effort.
Asked about financial support for children who rely on school lunches during potential closures and inquired about decisions regarding closing schools based on advice from other countries like Ireland.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Paid tribute to staff at the Department of Health working on coronavirus response, and asked about future updates on discussions with airline industry regarding maintenance of routes important for the economy.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Encouraged people to have confidence in Government’s medical advice but also called for strong economic support measures, highlighting the impact on tourism and hospitality industries.
Paul Holmes
Con
Hamble Valley
Complimented the Secretary of State's leadership during crisis and asked for specific guidance for parents with immunosuppressed children regarding school attendance.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Asked about a national childcare policy to support key workers in the NHS, especially if schools are closed.
Inquired about support available for charities affected by coronavirus restrictions and called for measures ensuring they can continue providing essential services.
Called for child safeguarding to be a priority if schools close, suggesting discussion with the Schools Minister on this issue.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
Complimented manufacturing initiatives for ventilators and encouraged further support across health and social care systems.
Asked about measures to introduce rates relief and VAT delay, especially important for families and businesses affected by the crisis.
Jason McCartney
Con
Camberley
Asked if the Chancellor should return to the House this week to clearly lay out measures available to support businesses and individuals affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Asked how the Government will ensure people with disabilities continue to receive necessary care at home, given the draft of volunteers.
Neil O'Brien
Con
Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
Inquired about steps being taken by the Government to increase availability of high-quality masks and protective equipment for NHS workers.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Requested clarification on measures to allow prescriptions over the phone or electronically, and relaxation of restrictions on medicine supply, such as enabling three-month prescriptions.
Asked for clarification regarding what constitutes a continuous cough in the context of self-isolation advice.
Peter Kyle
Lab
Hove and Portslade
Questioned why pubs were left to customers to decide whether they should go or not despite being unsafe, as per new advice.
Complimented the Health Secretary's resilience and inquired about lessons to learn from Germany’s experience with coronavirus cases and deaths.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Inquired about advice for multi-generational households where self-isolation is not feasible due to multiple age groups and medical conditions present in the household.
Asked whether healthy individuals over 70, who are still willing and able to work, should be supported by the Government in doing so under current advice.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Inquired about measures to prevent stockpiling of infant formula and asked for guidance on directing breastfeeding support groups to the national helpline during this period.
Seema Malhotra
Lab Co-op
Feltham and Heston
Requested a written communication from the Secretary of State and Chancellor detailing measures to support self-employed individuals and small businesses. Also inquired about financial support provided to local authorities.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Asked for a contingency plan regarding the continuation of public examinations like GCSEs and A-levels on schedule.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Requested that all press conferences include BSL interpreters to ensure people with hearing impairments or who use British Sign Language can access important health information during the outbreak.
Bury South
Asked whether testing will be extended to social care staff, police, and teachers to maintain frontline service operations.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Fulham
Inquired about the policy regarding schools’ closure and downsizing or changes in the approach during the outbreak.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Fleetwood
Asked for clarity on when public health budgets will be announced by the Secretary of State.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberavon Maesteg
Asked the Secretary of State whether it is appropriate for private health providers to be charging the NHS £2.4 million a day for rental beds during this national effort, and inquired about steps being taken to ensure that private health providers are contributing appropriately.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Inquired about the availability of electronic online sick notes through NHS 111 for those who need mortgage payment support during self-isolation.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Asked for measures to address inconsistencies in how 111 services divert patients, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy impacting GPs, and provided advice on allowing doctors more flexibility during consultations.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Expressed concerns about healthcare staff on zero-hour contracts and their eligibility for statutory sick pay, asking the Secretary of State to take action if necessary to address these issues.
Barnsley South
Asked whether stricter health and safety measures will be implemented at UK borders due to onward transmission within the country.
Alex Norris
Lab Co-op
Nottingham North and Kimberley
Sought a willingness from the Secretary of State to reassess statutory sick pay arrangements, suggesting they may need adjustment.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Asked for an update on actions taken to prevent the closure of Mildmay Hospital and measures against price hikes due to panic buying.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Questioned why Government is not instructing businesses in affected sectors, such as bars and restaurants, to close entirely as a precautionary measure under health advice.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Asked the Secretary of State for support from military assets to ensure effective transportation protocols are in place for medical evacuation in isolated regions like Shetland.
Erith and Thamesmead
Inquired about actions taken regarding British citizens stranded on a Fred Olsen liner due to coronavirus concerns.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Requested an update on measures being undertaken to increase the production of hand sanitiser, given current supply shortages observed in local councils.
Greenwich and Woolwich
Sought more guarantees for essential food supplies for symptomatic individuals unable to leave their homes due to isolation requirements.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Asked about measures being taken in case schools are forced to close, particularly focusing on the social care implications for families of students with special educational needs.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Inquired about conversations had with religious institutions regarding burial practices and potential funeral arrangements in light of virus-related deaths.
Sam Tarry
18:06:00
Asked the Secretary of State for Health about the modelling used in their strategy and questioned whether they were pursuing herd immunity.
Matthew Hancock
18:06:00
Clarified that herd immunity is not part of their plan, denied pursuing it as a goal or strategy. Promised to publish the modelling being used.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Asked for clarity on how testing will be expanded and which groups would be prioritised for testing.
Karen Buck
18:06:00
Expressed concern about the ability of homeless individuals to self-isolate and requested assurances that everyone who is street homeless would have an opportunity to do so. Also asked if action would be taken to prevent more people from becoming homeless due to eviction.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Asked about support for local charities that are facing difficulties due to the crisis, particularly regarding volunteer shortages and cancelled fundraising events.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Inquired about advice for a constituent who needs to travel from Belfast to London every month to collect medicinal cannabis for his daughter's treatment. Asked if three months' supply could be provided in case of future travel restrictions.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Asked about the number of ventilators purchased by the Government, how many will be needed at the peak of the crisis, and whether everyone would have access to a ventilator.
Rosie Duffield
Ind
Canterbury
Inquired about support for local charities that provide mental health services and are running out of funds due to the crisis.
Asked whether other Government Departments would adopt similar measures as IPSA in response to the crisis by having staff work from home with phone lines closed.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
Asked if former medical staff brought back to deal with the virus will be put on correct registers and have up-to-date qualifications and training.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Inquired about discussions with banks regarding mortgage payments and asked if there would be a three-month freeze on mortgage payments.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Asked for statements from other Secretaries of State to address issues raised by Members concerning their respective Departments.
Government Response
NHSSocial CareTaxationEmploymentBenefits & WelfareAgriculture & Rural AffairsStandards & EthicsChildren & FamiliesLocal Government
Government Response
Clarifies self-isolation guidelines, emphasises prioritisation of testing resources, explains NHS shielding policy for over-70s with underlying health conditions. Discusses transparency in decision-making and the need to expand PPE supplies. Responded comprehensively, addressing concerns about social care workforce, testing policies for frontline workers, economic impacts, global coordination, insurance claims issues, and ventilator procurement. Emphasised the government's efforts to increase test availability and maintain a common UK message. Replied to multiple queries regarding testing, hospital capacity for isolated communities, translations of public health advice, benefits system, direct funds to regional mayors, strategy based on symptom visibility, learning from other countries’ experiences, social care guidance, exams during school closures, misinformation control, NHS resources acquisition, media platform responsibility, population shift in rural areas, and information sharing with MPs. Responded to various questions regarding public health funding, testing capacity, school closures, economic support measures, volunteer coordination, and childcare policies. Addressed concerns about business support, care provision for disabled individuals, personal protective equipment supply, prescription access, self-isolation guidelines, public safety advice regarding high-risk places like pubs and religious gatherings, guidance for multi-generational households, working conditions for those over 70, infant formula stockpiling prevention, financial support for local authorities, contingency plans for exams, communication needs of people with hearing problems, testing prioritisation for frontline workers, school closure policies, and public health budget announcements. Responded to each query, emphasising the Government's efforts to address issues related to private health providers, statutory sick pay, border safety measures, food supply concerns, hospital closures, and other aspects of public health during the coronavirus crisis. Clarified the Government's stance on herd immunity, promised to publish modelling being used. Addressed questions about homeless individuals' ability to self-isolate, testing expansion, support for local charities, medicinal cannabis supply, ventilator procurement, and mortgage payment discussions with banks.
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