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Social Distancing: 2 Metre Rule
15 June 2020
Lead MP
Greg Clark
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSEconomy
Other Contributors: 50
At a Glance
Greg Clark raised concerns about social distancing: 2 metre rule 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
Asked for a statement on publishing the review of the 2 metre social distancing rule and emphasised the importance of timely publication to enable businesses to plan for reopening. He questioned why the UK had stricter guidelines compared to other countries, and highlighted the need to consider economic impacts alongside public health.
Edward Argar
Con
Melton and Syston
Announced that a review of the 2 metre guidance is being conducted by experts including chief medical officers, scientists and economists. He stated that the review will consider evidence on transmission in different environments and international comparisons.
Greg Clark
Con
Tunbridge Wells
Reiterated his request for a scientific review of social distancing rules and questioned why the UK's 2 metre rule is stricter than other countries'. He called for the review to be completed before 4 July, allowing businesses to plan effectively.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Congratulated Greg Clark on securing the urgent question and questioned why a promised review was delayed. He highlighted concerns about financial support for businesses if guidelines change, and emphasised the importance of an operational testing and tracing system.
Edward Argar
Con
Melton and Syston
I am grateful to the shadow Minister, as always, for his remarks... This is not a binary question; it is not just about distance. We must look at it in the round.
Chingford and Woodford Green
I congratulate my right hon. Friend on securing this urgent question... He highlights the importance of looking at the impact of covid-19, not just in the immediate context of health outcomes, but at its broader social and economic impact.
Central Ayrshire
The risk of viral spread is influenced not just by distance... We all recognise the impact on the hospitality sector, but surely a second wave would be devastating.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Increasingly, face coverings look effective. Would it not be worth relaxing some measures... Tightening up in other areas, such as requiring the compulsory wearing of face coverings in shops.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
A number of businesses in my constituency were home to a thriving nightlife... Will the Minister take into account the particular nature of this sector?
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
If our objective is to work towards social and economic normality while maintaining our hard-won control over the virus... Is the acceptable rate of infection—below 1—a scientific or political decision?
Edward Argar
Con
Melton and Syston
The Minister emphasised that while the Government recognises the need to relax restrictions as incidence and infection levels decrease, it is crucial to proceed cautiously based on scientific evidence. He highlighted that in its first week of operation, the test and trace system has shown promising results but acknowledged there was still more work to be done.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
The hon. Member questioned whether local authorities have the necessary data for effective test and tracing, highlighting concerns raised by NHS leaders and scientists about the system's readiness for further easing of lockdown measures.
The hon. Member asked why social distancing and face masks were still necessary if R values approached zero in some areas, suggesting a return to normalcy would be possible at that point.
Sarah Dines
Con
Derbyshire Dales
My hon. Friend requested reassurance that issues related to reopening pubs and other businesses would be prioritised in reviewing the 2-metre rule, stressing the economic importance of these sectors.
The hon. Member questioned the basis for reducing social distancing measures without clear scientific consensus, highlighting the need to balance economic advice with public health considerations during the review process.
John Redwood
Con
Hemel Hempstead
My right hon. Friend urged the Government to announce a reduction of social distancing measures sooner rather than later, citing overwhelming economic evidence and concerns about job losses in the hospitality industry.
Kate Osamor
Lab Co-op
Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
The hon. Lady asked for confirmation on what extra financial support was available to help small businesses cover costs associated with reopening, noting that such changes were time-consuming and costly.
My hon. Friend supported recent statements about re-evaluating social distancing measures as new cases fall and highlighted the importance of providing safe conditions for business recovery to protect jobs.
Scott Mann
Ind
Cornwall
The hon. Member called on the Minister to support a local campaign promoting local shopping and asked for counter-measures to ensure protection for tourism and hospitality sectors during the pandemic.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
My hon. Friend requested a commitment from the Minister to share his Department’s scientific evidence with devolved Assemblies, enabling informed decision-making on economic survival versus precautionary measures.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Newton Abbot
Reports that there is a 2.6% chance of catching COVID-19 at 1 metre and a 1.3% chance at 2 metres according to The Lancet, citing the WHO recommendation for 1 metre. Calls for the government to act now on this decision.
Edward Argar
Con
Melton
Responds by acknowledging that the WHO recommends a minimum of 1 metre but emphasises the need for a balanced approach considering both health and economic impacts. Announces a review to gather scientific evidence for making an informed decision.
Carol Monaghan
SNP
Glasgow North West
Points out that people often push boundaries when given social distancing guidelines, suggesting that reducing the distance might lead to closer proximity among individuals. Advocates maintaining the 2 metre rule until it is definitively safe.
Jack Brereton
Con
Stoke-on-Trent North
Supports the current social distancing measures and agrees that any reduction should only occur after thorough risk assessment confirms safety.
Gordon Henderson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Advocates for an immediate review of holiday park regulations to allow their reopening, which would aid coastal towns economically.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
Warns that reducing the distance limit may have little impact on venues like theatres and music halls. Requests that the review consider this issue comprehensively.
Heather Wheeler
Con
Stone
Requests swift reporting from the Prime Minister's comprehensive review to aid businesses eager for reopening.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Critiques the government for failing in various aspects of managing the pandemic and argues against reducing social distancing due to prioritising profit over public safety.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Suggests that guidelines may differ based on whether activities occur indoors or outdoors, proposing more flexible rules for outdoor spaces in the hospitality industry.
North East Fife
Urges consultation with devolved administrations during the review process to maintain consistency across the UK. Asks about mechanisms for this collaboration.
Dean Russell
Con
Watford
Calls for a flexible approach allowing some businesses to operate at 1 metre while others remain at 2 metres, stressing the importance of balancing safety and business needs.
Kirkbymoorside
Raises concerns about international comparisons being misleading due to varying infection rates. Asks for assurance that commercial interests will not override public health needs in decision-making.
Gary Sambrook
Lab
Birmingham Northfield
Expresses the urgent need for reduced social distancing measures for business survival and recovery, requesting detailed guidance from the review to aid implementation.
Edward Argar
Con
Melton and Syston
Responded to concerns about the review of social distancing measures, emphasising that decisions will be based on scientific evidence. Reiterated commitment to balance public health with economic recovery.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Expressed concern about the review potentially recommending a reduction in social distancing measures from 2 metres to 1 metre, highlighting Scotland's more cautious approach.
Asked for support and relaxation of social distancing rules for businesses in Blackpool South given its high unemployment rate and reliance on tourism and leisure sectors.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Discussed the pub trade's employment figures, suggesting that a reduction to 1 metre could help more pubs open safely. Raised health issues caused by long queues for takeaways.
Asked about the impact of social distancing rules on returning children to school and visited his former primary school to see measures being taken.
Kate Osborne
Lab
Jarrow and Gateshead East
Questioned whether the Government should change crucial social distancing measures given ongoing issues with testing, tracing, and rising R rates in some regions.
Agreed that a cautious approach is necessary to avoid resurgences seen elsewhere, supporting the Minister's stance on reviewing evidence thoroughly.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Suggested extending financial support to businesses unable to reopen due to social distancing requirements being financially unviable.
Called for greater flexibility on social distancing rules in schools and urged the review team to consider urgent measures before September.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Asked about specific advice for vulnerable or shielding individuals, emphasising that health factors should weigh heavily in decision-making.
Discussed the serious public health consequences of even slight increases in the R number and asked for detailed projections on potential impacts if social distancing measures are relaxed.
Emma Lewell
Lab
South Shields
Our economy is heading for a deep recession, and the Government were slow to lock down, slow on PPE and slow on testing, tracking and tracing. As a result, we have the second highest death rate in the world. Easing the 2 metre rule will cost more lives. Not easing it will lead to millions unemployed. Either way, the Government’s negligence means that people are going to continue to suffer.
Edward Argar
Con
Melton and Syston
Throughout, the Government have taken advice from the best scientists and clinicians we have available, and we have looked around the world as well. That is exactly what this review will do. When the review reports, advisers will have given advice and Ministers will decide on the basis of that advice.
Caroline Ansell
Con
Eastbourne
One in five jobs in Eastbourne rely on hospitality. UKHospitality estimates that at 2 metres, businesses will operate at an unsustainably crippling 30% revenue, but at 1 metre, they would operate at between 60% and 70% and approach breaking even. We must of course pursue a safe recovery, as the Minister has outlined, but with the summer season now upon us and with opportunities to trade being time-sensitive, can he assure me that this guidance is being considered with the utmost urgency?
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Before it is safe to reduce the 2 metre rule, do we not require a world-beating track and trace system to be in place? And does a world-beating track and trace system not require a fully functioning app?
Ruth Edwards
Con
Rushcliffe
Some hospitality venues in Rushcliffe have told me that even if they were allowed to open, doing so with a 2 metre rule in place would make their business economically unviable. Can the Minister reassure the owners of those businesses in my constituency that the Government are listening to their concerns and that that reality will be factored into Government policy across the board?
David Linden
Lab
Glasgow East
If the review is based on genuine scientifically robust debate, I will have no problem with it, but does the Minister accept that if the Government are going to move from 2 metres to 1 metre, they cannot do so on the night before 14 July and expect consumers to have the confidence to go back into bars and other places? It is fine and well to have the review, but there has to be good public messaging as well.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
On the health arguments, should we not remember that our hospitals have lost capacity in order to operate at 2 metres, and will the Minister assure me that the review will look at how many more beds we could get into hospitals to deal with the elective surgery backlog once they are safe in terms of covid?
Government Response
Confirmed that a comprehensive review is being conducted by experts including chief medical officers, scientists and economists. The review will consider evidence on transmission in different environments, international comparisons and economic impacts. The Minister reiterated that any relaxation of social distancing must be based on a review considering both scientific and clinical evidence as well as economic impact. He acknowledged the current mixed advice from scientists but emphasised the importance of following the guidelines to reduce transmission risks until further notice. Acknowledges various points made by Members regarding public safety and economic impact. Announces a comprehensive review involving scientific evidence and emphasises the importance of balancing these considerations. Responded to multiple speakers, emphasising that decisions will be made based on scientific evidence and a balanced approach between public health and economic recovery. I am happy to give my hon. Friend the assurance she seeks. We are very much aware that time matters, and this review is being conducted as swiftly and as rigorously as it can be.
As I have set out, I believe we have made an extremely strong and successful start with our track and trace system. Baroness Harding, who is heading up that piece of work, has made it clear that the app is important but that it is, as she characterised it, the cherry on the cake. It is not essential to the effective system that we have already got up and running.
My hon. Friend’s constituency is very near mine, so I suspect that both our constituencies have a similar perspective on that. I am happy to give her the reassurance she seeks.
The hon. Gentleman makes a typically sensible point. It is important that the review is able to be conducted with proper scientific and economic rigour to ensure that we have the evidence base we need. I am not going to prejudge what the decision will be or what the review will say, but he is also right to highlight the importance of businesses having as much time as possible to prepare for whatever decision may be made.
My hon. Friend makes an important point about getting our NHS back up and running again not just for emergencies, but for elective procedures and other procedures, which is what we have been doing. The infection control context within a hospital is slightly different—indeed, considerably different—from that in businesses and other contexts, but he is right to highlight the impact that the necessary restrictions are having in a range of contexts on the ability to treat people or to serve people and businesses.
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