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Coronavirus

17 June 2020

Lead MP

Matthew Hancock

Debate Type

General Debate

At a Glance

Matthew Hancock raised concerns about coronavirus in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Matthew Hancock

Opened the debate

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care provided an update on the progress made in combating coronavirus through clinical trials, immunology research, and vaccine development. He highlighted a significant breakthrough with dexamethasone treatment which has reduced mortality rates among severely ill patients by over 20% and up to 35%. The programme has enrolled over 11,500 NHS patients across 176 sites in the UK, and there are now 240,000 doses of dexamethasone available for immediate use. Additionally, he discussed the ongoing efforts in antibody testing and vaccine development, emphasising that these achievements stem from a comprehensive, well-funded research initiative.

Jon Ashworth Lab

Delyn

Ashworth welcomed the news about Dexamethasone but expressed concern over the high death rate and highlighted issues such as early termination of paid placement schemes for student nurses. He also questioned the government's plans to ease lockdown measures, fearing a second wave, especially during flu season, could be catastrophic. Ashworth requested updates on local lockdown powers for authorities and the future of shielding protocols beyond July. Furthermore, he criticised the lack of specific test data provided to local authorities and inquired about untraced cases among positive individuals.

Jeremy Hunt Con

Godalming

Asked when weekly testing of all frontline NHS and care home staff will be introduced to reduce infections among hospital patients.

Philippa Whitford SNP

Central Scotland

Questioned the awarding of £108 million PPE contracts to a pest extermination company without advertisement, expressing concerns about the management and procurement capabilities of such an entity.

Andrew Griffith Con

Arundel and South Downs

Congratulated on the science-led strategy that is saving lives and inquired about the possibility to reduce social distancing measures as indicated by decreased virus propagation.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Asked for plans regarding cancer screening recovery, referencing the 12-point recovery plan backed by leading cancer charities.

Jack Brereton Con

Stoke-on-Trent Central

Inquired about the safety of residents in Stoke-on-Trent to go out and shop while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Lilian Greenwood Lab

Nottingham South

Brought up the issue of clear-panel face masks for those with hearing impairments, emphasising their necessity for effective communication in hospitals.

Robert Halfon Con

Harlow

Paid tribute to staff at Princess Alexandra Hospital and requested confirmation on building a new hospital site as soon as possible.

Ruth Jones Lab

Newport West and Islwyn

Called for comprehensive risk assessments in England to protect BAME communities, referencing similar actions taken by the Welsh Labour Government.

Matthew Hancock 12:38:00

Acknowledged the importance of addressing health inequalities and supporting BAME staff in NHS. Emphasised the need to 'level up' health inequalities, noting stark differences in life expectancy across different parts of the UK. Reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring access to potential vaccines and treatments for all citizens.

Jo Gideon 12:38:00

Asked about tackling health inequalities in less affluent areas, highlighting Stoke-on-Trent Central where one in four children have free school meals.

Ben Lake PC

Ceredigion Preseli

Inquired about the UK's participation in a European scheme for advanced orders of vaccines currently under development, seeking to ensure priority access.

Scott Mann 12:38:00

Asked about making available the drug treatment trialled by Oxford University which has reduced mortality rates for Covid patients on ventilation.

Peter Grant 12:38:00

Inquired about assurances regarding public health assessments before reducing social distancing measures, emphasising the risk of disease spread.

Robert Largan 12:38:00

Praised Britain's leading role in vaccine trials but asked what steps are being taken to work with global efforts for a swift vaccine availability.

Mike Kane Lab

Wythenshawe and Sale East

Noted the higher rate of exposure and severe outcomes for those facing deprivation, referencing Wythenshawe where residents are twice as likely to die from covid compared to neighbouring areas.

John Redwood 12:38:00

Asked about the timeline for results of other treatments in trials alongside dexamethasone.

Zarah Sultana Your Party

Coventry South

Critiqued the government's handling of coronavirus, highlighting issues such as NHS cuts and delayed lockdown measures, leading to a high death toll in the UK.

Emma Lewell Lab

South Shields

Inquired about responsibility for deaths in care homes due to lack of guidance on testing before discharge into care homes.

John Howell 12:38:00

Asked about further examination and timing for results regarding the potential use of co-trimoxazole.

Lisa Cameron 12:38:00

Inquired about increasing funding to mental health providers to help disabled people access specialist support during the pandemic, citing a report by Fawcett Society on mental health issues of women with disabilities.

Matthew Hancock Con

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care advises against blanket quarantine policies due to high false positive rates and limited effectiveness, prioritising travel corridors when safe. He also emphasises the importance of infection prevention and control within NHS, stressing its constraints on service provision. The Secretary acknowledges the increased collaboration between the NHS and other sectors during the crisis as a step forward for openness and cross-organisational work, which he hopes will be sustained. He also recognises air pollution's impact on BAME communities' higher death rates from covid-19 and commits to taking this into account in future policy discussions. Matthew Hancock highlights the positive changes such as reduced air pollution during lockdowns and supports continued data sharing rules for better NHS service delivery. Additionally, he discusses the importance of mental health support for children and young people affected by school closures, promoting telemedicine over face-to-face treatment when appropriate. He encourages patients to seek medical help if they suspect serious illnesses and advises using alternative healthcare options instead of A&E for less urgent cases. Lastly, he commits to addressing issues related to sunburn and helmet usage raised regarding increased cycling activities.

Ben Bradshaw Lab

Asks the Secretary of State which European countries with higher infection rates than the UK are being protected against by the current blanket quarantine policy.

Marion Fellows PC

Raises concerns about the inability to resume routine NHS services without a vaccine and asks for discussions on a medium-term strategy with healthcare professionals.

Danny Kruger Reform

East Wiltshire

Compliments British Army units in his constituency for their support during the crisis, welcomes NHS collaboration with other sectors and seeks assurances that this partnership will continue.

Geraint Davies Lab

Cites research linking high pollution areas to increased covid-19 deaths and infections among BAME communities, calls for a strategy to reduce air pollution as the UK emerges from lockdown.

Mary Robinson Con

Highlights the benefits of relaxed data-sharing constraints during the crisis and suggests commissioning reports on the advantages of enhanced information sharing within NHS.

Carla Lockhart DUP

Upper Bann

Raises concerns over reduced referrals to children and adolescent mental health services due to lockdowns, asking for an assessment of its impact and action plans from the Secretary of State.

Greg Smith Con

Mid Buckinghamshire

Urges people in his constituency with serious medical issues to seek help despite fears about NHS capacity during the pandemic.

Chris Bryant Lab

Rhondda and Ogmore

Raises awareness of increased head injuries among children due to more cycling without helmets and sunburn cases due to more time spent outdoors, asking for specific work on skin cancer prevention and helmet usage.

Lee Anderson Reform

Ashfield

Requests assurances that the Secretary of State will do everything possible to make a new drug called Trikafta available for cystic fibrosis patients, following his successful advocacy for Orkambi last year.

Margaret Ferrier SNP

Central Ayrshire

Questioned the Health Secretary about delays and technical issues with the NHS covid-19 app pilot on the Isle of Wight.

Matthew Hancock Health Secretary

Clarified that there are no problems with distance measurement in the app, assured a soon-to-come update. Responded to questions about PPE contracts and emphasised the importance of sticking to clinical trials despite global pressures. Also praised NHS staff during the pandemic.

Chris Grayling Con

Richmond Park

Expressed concerns regarding the allocation of funds for a new hospital in Epsom, suggesting that lessons from the pandemic should be considered before final decisions are made on fund spending.

Wes Streeting Lab

Ilford North

Questioned about £108 million PPE contract awarded to a small pest extermination company without proper advertisement, expressing doubt over the company’s capability and expertise in handling such large sums of money.

Desmond Swayne Con

New Forest West

Asked about the attributes of success reported by the Health Secretary during the pandemic.

Munira Wilson Lib Dem

Twickenham

Clarified regarding student nurses’ six-month extended clinical placements and sought assurance that they would receive full compensation until the end of the summer.

Natalie Elphicke Con

Dover

Welcomed social bubbles to ease loneliness and isolation during lockdown, thanked constituents for supporting mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic.

Patricia Gibson SNP

North Ayrshire and Arran

Asked about additional resources to alleviate risk of a post-covid mental health pandemic due to potential economic depression.

Richard Fuller Con

North Bedfordshire

Expressed gratitude towards the Secretary of State and his team for their efforts during the pandemic. Inquired about local data availability regarding coronavirus incidence rates in Bedfordshire.

James Murray Lab Co-op

Ealing North

Asked whether the Health Department delayed local councils’ preparation deadlines for local outbreak plans due to its own delays.

Edward Timpson Con

Eddisbury

Discussed economic recovery post-pandemic, mentioning projects in Eddisbury that could benefit from government support.

Stephen Flynn SNP

Aberdeen South

Questioned about the status of the NHS covid-19 app and its availability outside the Isle of Wight.

Laura Farris

Praised the roll-out of dexamethasone, inquired about international comparisons regarding countries moving out of lockdown and sharing best practices in healthcare.

Matthew Hancock 12:38:00

Acknowledges the importance of learning from other countries' experiences, emphasises the continuous improvement in testing regime and contact tracing, highlights the progress made on vaccine development including a contract signed with AstraZeneca for manufacturing, reiterates the commitment to addressing structural racism and mental health support for key workers.

Clive Betts Lab

Sheffield South East

Raises concerns about people refusing to give details of their contacts after testing positive and those who do not want to isolate despite being contacted, suggests penalties for non-compliance and the introduction of a furlough scheme-like measure to support financially affected individuals.

Aaron Bell 12:38:00

Asks about progress on vaccine development and manufacturing capacity, particularly mentioning Cobra Biologics in his constituency as part of the production plans.

Anne McLaughlin 12:38:00

Calls for collective responsibility and action to address structural racism impacting BAME communities disproportionately during the pandemic.

Alexander Stafford 12:38:00

Encourages people who need NHS treatment, especially for cancer and A&E issues, to seek it despite concerns about reduced attendance during the pandemic.

Chi Onwurah Lab

Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

Questions the status of the test, trace and isolate app trial on the Isle of Wight, inquiring about technology issues with Apple/Android phones, levels of take-up, and expected availability.

Flick Drummond 12:38:00

Welcomes psychological first aid training for frontline workers but expresses concern over the mental health of key workers themselves, particularly NHS staff who have been working non-stop since January without breaks.

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