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Coronavirus
11 March 2020
Lead MP
Matthew Hancock
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSSocial CareBrexitLocal Government
Other Contributors: 68
At a Glance
Matthew Hancock raised concerns about coronavirus 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 Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced that the World Health Organisation has declared coronavirus a global pandemic. He assured the House that Parliament will remain open but may operate differently, guided by scientific evidence and medical advice to deal with the outbreak. He reported 456 cases in the UK and eight deaths, including an infection among MPs. The Government is planning emergency legislation for next week to support businesses and public services during the pandemic.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Derby South
The shadow Secretary of State thanked the Health Secretary for his statement, expressed condolences to those affected by deaths from coronavirus, and welcomed Parliament remaining open. He asked about testing for those feeling unwell who have not been in contact with the infected MP. He also pressed for more stringent social distancing measures based on current epidemiology and questioned when more funding would be allocated to the NHS as previous funds may run out.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming
Expressed appreciation for the responsible approach of Front Benchers towards the crisis. Praised the Health Secretary for securing supportive words for the NHS in the Chancellor’s Budget speech. Asked about the likelihood of containment and whether a shift to the delay phase was imminent.
Central Ayrshire
Welcomed the declaration to keep Parliament open but questioned its functionality during the pandemic, suggesting alternative methods for voting. Inquired about quicker testing and isolation strategies. Questioned whether children are significant spreaders of the virus, crucial for potential school closures decisions. Asked if funding would be provided to those without sick pay in their contracts.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
Praised community shops and volunteers assisting elderly and vulnerable individuals during the pandemic. Highlighted the importance of such community efforts in supporting national resilience.
Maria Eagle
Lab
Liverpool Garston
Questioned the right hon. Gentleman on the issue of Atlético Madrid fans attending a match in Liverpool, despite coronavirus restrictions in Madrid, and asked who is responsible for addressing this situation.
Stated that it was Public Health England's responsibility to provide guidance and advice. Emphasised the importance of following scientific advice rather than intuitive measures. Mentioned looking at asking symptomatic people, however mildly, to stay home. Announced a shift towards digital-first consultations in primary care.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Asked the Secretary of State to consider suspending QOF data collection for primary care clinicians to reduce bureaucratic burdens.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Expressed concerns about guidance on personal protective equipment for GPs and resilience in social care. Pushed the Secretary of State on the public health grant allocation, asking for clarity on budget details.
Associated herself with the Secretary of State's remarks and expressed concerns over a test developed by her constituents not being used in this country. Urged the Secretary of State to investigate and ensure use of effective tests.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Welcomed the Secretary of State's focus on social care but asked for clarity on how much additional spending would go into it. Inquired about PHE issuing protective equipment to careworkers and ensuring children's needs are not overlooked.
Asked the Secretary of State to assure that the right number of people are being tested, inquiring when the expansion of testing would translate from capacity into actual numbers tested.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Asked about planning for schools closure scenarios, specifically regarding children on free school meals and their families' reliance on this support.
Inquired about social distancing measures, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups like older people.
Pat McFadden
Lab
Wolverhampton South East
Asked about the degree of resistance acquired by those who have contracted and recovered from the virus, seeking information regarding immunity.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Sought clarification on whether the Secretary of State is lacking in advice or if he receives sufficient input.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Asked about additional ventilators for the NHS and their availability to cope with an increase in critically ill patients needing breathing support.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Pays tribute to the Minister, Public Health England and NHS for handling an unprecedented situation. Asks if the Secretary of State is working with the Foreign Secretary to protect diplomats abroad and limit virus spread globally.
Confirms work with International Development Secretary and Foreign Secretary to slow virus spread internationally. Emphasises critical consular support for UK citizens overseas.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Concerned about public health information not being provided in languages other than English, questioning the exclusion of non-native English speakers who need to understand virus protection measures.
Commits to providing guidance in multiple languages as soon as practically possible.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Compliments the Secretary of State's approach and asks about retraining for non-acute specialties within the NHS to deal with potential increased demand.
Announces plans to invite retired healthcare professionals back into service, provide retraining for changes in case mix from elective operations to respiratory diseases.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Agrees with the Secretary of State on keeping Parliament open. Questions why Wales receives extra money for health but not social care or economic support measures.
Acknowledges the question is outside his department's remit and commits to providing a correct answer later.
Natalie Elphicke
19:05:00
Commends the role of her hon. Friend in supporting east Kent hospitals, asking about international measures at ports for managing virus transmission risk between countries.
Confirms increased support at ports including airports and seaports with information provided in multiple languages and advises ill individuals to call 111 regardless of nationality.
Clapham and Brixton Hill
Concerned about the irresponsible operation of Parliament during a pandemic, suggesting testing for all Members and staff and electronic voting or automatic pairing for self-isolation.
Defends keeping Parliament open based on public health advice. Explains that testing people without symptoms is unreliable and counterproductive.
Tobias Ellwood
19:05:00
Echos concerns about self-test capabilities, suggesting a need for advanced self-testing methods to eliminate unnecessary workforce absences.
Agrees on the importance of developing self-testing solutions and highlights the use of 111 website for symptom assessment.
Chris Stephens
19:05:00
Asks the Secretary to ensure food aid provision continues during the pandemic, specifically addressing concerns about supermarkets limiting orders to local food banks.
Commits to ensuring that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs addresses this issue with supermarket chains.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Questions about hospital bed availability for those needing isolation during an increase in infected cases.
Announces plans to increase beds and move away from elective activity to make more beds available. Emphasises that ventilation becomes key as the virus spreads widely.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Questions about ESA system for those not on standard employment contracts who may lose out if they self-isolate due to lack of statutory sick pay.
Derek Thomas
Con
St Ives
Thanked the Secretary of State for handling the situation and asked for a clear plan to communicate information effectively, tackling fake news.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Asked if people should self-isolate with any form of cold due to the prevalence of coronavirus and potential confusion it may cause.
Aaron Bell
Con
South West Norfolk
Welcomed the approach based on science and cross-party cooperation, but expressed concern about celebrities advocating a different approach via social media.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Asked for measures to ensure availability of critical care items for individuals with illnesses like cystic fibrosis due to panic buying in shops.
Philip Hollobone
Con
Kettering
Complimented the Health Secretary on doing a difficult job well and asked about the number of people who catch seasonal flu and die from it annually.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Asked about new money for social care providers, given that today's Budget offers no clarity on this matter.
Gary Sambrook
Con
Horsham
Asked the Health Secretary to issue guidance quickly regarding large public gatherings like Birmingham’s St Patrick’s Day parade.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
Asked what discussions are taking place with the Department for Education and exam boards about exams approaching in the examination season.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Paid tribute to NHS staff and asked how risks can be minimised for those working on the frontline.
Wayne David
Lab
Caerphilly
Asked if lessons from other countries, such as South Korea, are being kept in mind while formulating a response to coronavirus.
Elliot Colburn
Con
Eddisbury
Welcomed measures taken and paid tribute to the Secretary of State’s team for tackling the virus. Asked for reassurance regarding calm among local population after a death at St Helier Hospital.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Asked about the use of volunteers, including students, to provide social care.
Matthew Hancock
Con
Emphasised the importance of matching volunteer skills to appropriate tasks and acknowledged the need for additional funding in a scenario where up to 20% of the public are off sick. He also discussed plans for discharge pathways, ensuring patients can leave hospital as soon as possible post-recovery, and mentioned that Ofsted will take a lenient view regarding school absences due to coronavirus. Additionally, he clarified that local government elections will not be postponed despite the peak in cases possibly occurring around this time.
Erith and Thamesmead
Asked for clarification on additional funding for social care and the NHS, particularly in her constituency's local hospital.
Kate Green
19:05:00
Inquired about plans to ensure quick discharge pathways from hospitals to prevent delayed discharges that could further strain the NHS.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
Requested confirmation on guidance for schools regarding absences when a family member is self-quarantined due to coronavirus, seeking assurance from Ofsted about leniency in future inspections.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Asked for clarification on social security claimants who are due to take work capability or work-related activity assessments, questioning whether they would be included in the Chancellor's statement during the Budget.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Inquired about when local councils might receive indication of extra funds and suggested postponing local government elections due to potential peak cases around May.
Steve McCabe
19:05:00
Asked if there were plans for specific guidance on dealing with rough sleepers and unaccompanied children during the coronavirus crisis, groups deemed particularly vulnerable.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked about the historical context of secondary schools remaining open during past pandemics and whether a similar approach would be taken in the current situation.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Requested clarification on funding for devolved Administrations and mutual aid between the four NHSs of the UK regarding procurement and cross-border needs.
Claudia Webbe
19:05:00
Suggested that a proportion of hardship funds should be allocated to local welfare provision for those facing financial hardship due to coronavirus.
Dean Russell
19:05:00
Congratulated the Secretary of State on consistent messaging regarding coronavirus and highlighted the importance of hand washing as a frontline measure against spreading the virus.
Bristol West
Asked the Secretary of State for guidance on preparing for potential cancellations and events, raised concerns about those on low incomes who need to self-isolate.
Matthew Hancock
Con
West Suffolk
Responded by mentioning advice from Public Health England and introduced a £0.5 billion fund for local authorities; confirmed the four-nations approach with daily contact between Chief Medical Officers of each nation.
Robin Millar
Lab
Hyndburn
Expressed appreciation for the Secretary of State's handling and enquired about the Welsh Government’s access to advice and inclusion in UK preparations despite low cases in Wales.
Peter Grant
SNP
Glenrothes
Welcomed the government’s determination to keep Parliament open but urged the Secretary of State to consider hygiene practices within Parliament that might increase infection risks.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Asked about planning an effective public health campaign in Newcastle with uncertainty over budget allocations, enquiring the timeline for these details to be released.
Stephen Farry
SDLP
South Antrim
Inquired about support and financial assistance for UK citizens overseas who find themselves required to self-isolate due to the pandemic.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Asked for a review of testing criteria for individuals with symptoms but no known contact cases, and inquired about NHS staff wearing masks when on duty.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Expressed concerns regarding the lack of information provided to those who rely on British Sign Language, and requested guidance for residential care homes during the pandemic.
Greenwich and Woolwich
Raised a concern about inadequate handling at Heathrow airport when his constituent arrived from Italy, expressing need for better coordination and information provision.
Nigel Evans
Con
Cannock Chase
Expressed thanks to the Secretary of State and NHS team for their efforts during the pandemic.
Government Response
Clarified statements about potential peaks and WHO declarations, emphasising adherence to scientific advice. Addressed questions on testing capacity, children’s role in virus transmission, and collaboration with the European Union data systems. Responded extensively, addressing various questions related to testing capacity, social distancing measures, public health guidance, and resource allocation for medical equipment such as ventilators. Responded to various queries regarding communication strategies, self-isolation guidelines, availability of critical care items, NHS worker safety, international lessons, and social care volunteer schemes. Emphasised the importance of basing decisions on science rather than politics. Responded to various questions, addressing issues such as local authority support funds, cross-government coordination, testing criteria review, airport handling of incoming flights from high-risk areas, and guidance for care homes.
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Assessment & feedback
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