← Back to House of Commons Debates
Public Health
04 November 2020
Lead MP
Boris Johnson
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHS
Other Contributors: 46
At a Glance
Boris Johnson raised concerns about public health 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
Opened the debate
Prime Minister Boris Johnson moved to approve regulations implementing time-limited restrictions across England from midnight, aimed at containing the autumn surge of coronavirus. He cited data suggesting the NHS could collapse without further action, with deaths potentially exceeding those in the first wave. The Prime Minister emphasised that these measures were necessary to prevent the spread of the virus and protect hospital capacity.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Asked for lessons from the first lockdown, particularly regarding cancer patients. Emphasised the need to catch up on treatment and diagnosis while ensuring that clean sites are used effectively.
Questioned the timing of the restrictions, suggesting they were too early as evidence showed the tier system was working. He highlighted that the modelling did not take into account the effects of the tier system's introduction.
Neil O'Brien
Con
Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
Agreed with the Prime Minister's need for immediate action to save lives and support the economy, citing changes in case demographics and comparisons with France.
Asked for clarity on furlough support for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland if they require lockdown measures at different times than England.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
The leaders of every single faith community have now written to the Government asking for the evidence behind the closure of churches during the next four weeks. The fact is there is almost certainly no evidence. Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman confirm that all the faith communities —Muslims, Jews, Christians—have really done their best to comply, through cleansing and in every other way, and will he demand of the Government now that the churches, mosques and temples are opened as soon as possible?
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
The right hon. and learned Gentleman is making some very important points. Does he accept that, for churches and other faith communities, although the buildings themselves may not be sacred, what goes on within them is? We have noticed over the last few months the importance of verbal and non-verbal cues when people are gathered together, which allows them to help one another when they are mentally and emotionally struggling. While I understand the logic behind the closure of these places, it is potentially hugely damaging to people’s mental health and wellbeing. Does he agree that this needs to be reviewed at the soonest possible opportunity?
Neil O'Brien
Con
Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
The right hon. and learned Gentleman is talking about my constituency. I gently point out to him that during the period of the most restrictions in Leicester, the number of cases did come down from 160 to 25 per 100,000. That shows that tough controls of the kind that we are about to vote to bring in today do work.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Is not the right hon. and learned Gentleman confounding his own logic? He has spent the past several days berating the Government for not introducing a circuit breaker, but at no time did I hear him explain how we would leave the circuit breaker, which it seems to me was simply the half-term holiday rebadged.
Theresa May
Con
Carshalton and Wallington
She acknowledges the difficult decisions faced by the Government during the pandemic and criticises the lack of proper analysis behind certain measures such as the 'circuit breaker' approach. She highlights the need for a thorough assessment of the tiered approach and questions the accuracy and relevance of predictions made, like the 4,000 daily deaths prediction. May also emphasises the absence of data on the economic and societal costs associated with lockdowns and calls for transparency regarding public worship restrictions.
Patrick Grady
SNP
North Glasgow
He congratulates Mr Speaker on his anniversary and addresses concerns about the Tory Government's handling of furlough schemes and economic support during the pandemic. He criticises the lack of clarity from the Prime Minister regarding these issues, urging for written confirmation on funding availability when regions move into lockdown-level restrictions. Grady also points out delays in providing Barnett consequentials and clarifying business support measures for Scotland. Additionally, he praises the resilience of frontline workers, businesses, and communities adhering to necessary rules.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Worthing West
Agrees with the Leader of the Opposition and the Prime Minister on these regulations, but wishes that amendments could be tabled. Acknowledges the sacrifices made by many in their lives, work, and relationships during the pandemic. Emphasises the importance of finding a way for faith leaders to provide for people to gather safely, recognising that provision has been made for the centenary of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey and the Submariners Association memorial on the Embankment. Criticises the Government's use of covid provisions to regulate leaseholder blocks of flats and calls for compensation for those affected by lockdown measures.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Will not support the Government’s regulations due to a lack of information necessary to vote on the issues. Criticises the Government's incompetence over this period, stating that they have failed to provide information about both sides of the equation: saving lives and buying time to improve the situation. Raises concerns about the national test and trace system which does not work efficiently, leading to delayed responses in addressing outbreaks.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Cannot support the Government's decision today due to difficult circumstances. Criticises SAGE’s advice that was leaked on Friday night and argues it should have been investigated properly by the Government before being acted upon. Emphasises that the tier system is beginning to work based on evidence from Liverpool and the north-west, showing levels of disease coming down. Calls for an urgent economic impact assessment to show the damage these measures will cause to livelihoods and people's wellbeing.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Twigg expresses his concerns about the regulations, highlighting economic pain for his constituency and hardship on constituents. He criticises the Government's handling of testing and trace systems, stating that they failed to deliver a world-beating operation as promised by the Prime Minister. Twigg also raises issues regarding vulnerable groups not being adequately protected, businesses closing without sufficient evidence, and the lack of mass testing in Halton despite it being part of the city region for tier 3 restrictions. Additionally, he mentions that many people are now earning below the minimum wage due to the pandemic's impact on the hospitality and service industry, leading to significant suffering in his constituency.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Murrison supports the Government's decision but acknowledges the complexity of the issue. He expresses hope for a vaccine within a month and emphasises the importance of keeping schools open based on evidence from Edinburgh. While supporting the measures, he is concerned about data clarity and logistical readiness for vaccine distribution, particularly regarding the cold chain necessary for storage and transport. Murrison also raises concerns over restrictions on places of worship and non-contact sports like tennis and golf, suggesting that these decisions should be re-evaluated if lockdowns continue beyond December.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Wilson is horrified by the regulations and their impact on people's lives, mental health, and livelihoods. She criticises the Government for delaying a potential second lockdown while schools were closed for half-term, which could have helped control infection rates. She also laments the lack of action to improve test and trace systems, despite warnings from experts. Wilson calls for measures like allowing local authorities to lead contact tracing efforts and properly supporting those who need to self-isolate. Additionally, she urges the Government to publish an impact assessment showing trade-offs between public health and economic damage.
Mary Robinson
Lab
Cheadle
Businesses in Greater Manchester have faced tough restrictions to control coronavirus transmission, leading to innovation but also significant strain. The local hospital has seen a resurgence of patients and the North West Ambulance Service declared a major incident due to high pressure on hospitals. There is growing concern about mental health issues among business owners and workers as well as loneliness and isolation among the public.
Philip Davies
Con
Darlington
The Secretary of State has failed to build capacity in the NHS despite lockdowns being implemented. Lockdowns do not work, they merely spread deaths over a longer period and cost lives and livelihoods. People have no faith in arbitrary rules with no scientific basis. The Government is asking others to sacrifice their jobs while politicians retain theirs without offering solidarity.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
The Government's centralisation of the pandemic response and handing it over to the private sector has been catastrophic, with community groups stepping in where government and private companies have failed. Liverpool called for a circuit-breaker lockdown in September but was ignored. The refusal to provide free school meals and reinstate measures like eviction bans during holidays will worsen winter challenges.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Ms Cummins supported action but criticised the delay, which led to more cases and deaths. She highlighted the chaos in West Yorkshire caused by conflicting announcements and called for plans on social isolation, collective worship exemptions, and safe reopening of gyms. She also urged the government to plan for economic recovery post-lockdown.
Mr Walker expressed deep concerns about criminalising freedoms such as association and travel, emphasising that these restrictions are cruel and unjust. He stressed his opposition to preventing parents from visiting children or vice versa and highlighted fears of long-term impacts on democracy and personal liberties.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Supports the Government's approach despite difficulties, criticises delays and calls for improvements in testing and tracing. Raises concerns about economic measures affecting self-employed people and sectors beyond hospitality. Urges reconsideration of restrictions on worship and sport.
Supports heightened restrictions but advocates for continued tiered system to address local needs. Stresses the importance of religious events and remembrance services, praises government support measures, encourages planning for recovery with risk assessment.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberavon Maesteg
Critiques unfairness in furlough extension and calls for a levelling up plan that includes the steel industry. Emphasises the need for support to prevent economic downturn, highlights dependency on foreign supply chains and importance of a strong domestic steel sector.
Mark Harper
Con
South Dorset
Mark Harper expressed his disagreement with the Government's approach, citing a low level of virus prevalence in his constituency and concerns about outdated modelling data used to predict deaths. He also criticised the use of reasonable force by untrained officers.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Tim Farron highlighted the economic and health challenges faced in his constituency, calling for immediate action to support those excluded from financial assistance. He also stressed the importance of protecting private renters from potential homelessness and destitution.
Andrew Selous spoke about the need to balance job losses and business closures against preventing hospital capacity being overwhelmed, expressing his inability to support the measure without amendment for better care home visits and other measures.
Craig Mackinlay
Con
South Thanet
Expressed concerns about the lack of clarity regarding future easing of restrictions, highlighted inconsistencies in regulations such as allowing walks on golf courses but not actual golf play. Criticised church closures and questioned the tier system's effectiveness, citing examples from Liverpool and his own constituency. Stated intention to vote against the measure due to insufficient data and evidence.
Called for order in the debate, reminding members that not everyone will get a chance to speak if interventions continue, especially from those not on the speaking list.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Emphasised the need for public confidence based on evidence rather than opinions. Questioned the ban on religious services citing lack of scientific evidence and human rights concerns. Indicated readiness to support the measure if churches reopen by 2 December.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Acknowledged the necessity of restricting freedoms due to rising cases but emphasised the impact on NHS capacity and international context, noting similar measures in other European countries. Highlighted the importance of keeping schools open despite risks and advocated for reconsideration of restrictions on non-contact outdoor sports and religious services.
Huntingdon
Expressed concern about further lockdown restrictions in Huntingdonshire due to low local covid rates and high proportion of small businesses. Emphasised the need for a weighted assessment considering health costs alongside economic impacts.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Acknowledged the human and financial cost but supported further measures based on scientific evidence suggesting devastating consequences if not taken. Called for clarity on how to exit restrictions and plan for living with the virus in the long term.
Supported measures while highlighting their significant costs, especially on children's education and mental health. Urged the Government to provide a clear path out of lockdowns and emphasised the need for a plan to live with the virus long-term.
Stephen Hammond
Con
Wimbledon
Supported measures with reluctance, citing responsibility to constituents and country. Critiqued inconsistencies in regulations and guidance but called on the Government to set clear targets and objectives.
Huw Merriman
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Mr. Merriman expressed concerns about the impact of regional lockdowns on areas with low infection rates, such as East Sussex. He argued that the NHS had learned from past experiences and was better prepared to handle patients now. He also questioned whether there was sufficient evidence to justify further restrictive measures given their economic and social impacts.
Tim Loughton
Con
East Worthing and Shoreham
Mr. Loughton highlighted the need for a balanced approach in managing risks related to health, economy, and public compliance. He criticised the lack of clarity from SAGE and questioned the accuracy of projections made by scientific advisors. Emphasising the economic impacts on businesses, particularly those in hospitality and aviation, he argued that national lockdown measures were not justified at this stage.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Ms. Ghani expressed difficulty with supporting the Government's decision for a national lockdown given the low infection rates in her constituency and doubts about the necessity of such measures. She called for better data sharing from the Government, a public health strategy tailored to different regions, and greater support for vulnerable individuals, especially those in care homes.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Mr. Graham supports the temporary new closure due to the risk of mutual aid being called for in nearby cities, which would increase the scale of the challenge for Gloucestershire's hospital. He acknowledges that while the national data is convincing and international evidence compelling, local variations exist. Despite this, he urges the Government to fine tune the detail and guidance to balance small joys with risks and infection rates.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
Mr. Baker acknowledges the extreme measures taken by the Government but expresses misgivings about voting for them due to contested datasets and the reliance on future scientific developments. He emphasises the importance of compliance with the lockdown, expressing a commitment to working responsibly with the government but also noting that there will be no equivocation about his views.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Mr. Evans discusses the economic and health impacts of a lockdown, expressing concern over NHS surge capacity being breached if measures are not taken. He supports the motion based on evidence from other countries and the letter received from NHS Providers. However, he calls for continued support to businesses, jobs, and mass testing.
Bob Neill
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Mr. Neill criticises the measures as disproportionate and not supported by evidence. He points out that there is no scientific basis for banning non-contact outdoor sports or criminalising people of faith from joining in collective worship. He mentions the negative economic impact on businesses, citing family businesses going under due to the restrictions.
Dehenna Davison
Con
Bishop Auckland
Supports the Government's proposals for a four-week lockdown despite personal reservations about restricting freedoms. Emphasises the importance of mental health support and economic hardship assistance during this period, urging continued engagement with MPs, businesses, local authorities, and residents. Argues that short-term sacrifices are necessary to protect freedom and enable a return to normal life.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Denton and Reddish
Calls for clarity on criteria for lifting the lockdown and underlines three key points: mental health support, religious gatherings during Diwali, and social care visits. Questions whether congregational prayer is allowed and proposes using mass testing to allow safe in-person visits to care homes. Urges the Government to use these four weeks to expand saliva testing, improve tracing systems, provide decent sick pay, enhance ventilation in public buildings, and create a plan for Christmas safety.
Matthew Hancock
Con
Bexhill and Battle
The number of people contacted and isolating has risen sharply, indicating progress in the Test and Trace system. However, the virus's growth rate remains above one, necessitating further action to drive it down.
Eleanor Laing
Con
Epping Forest
The Chair called for Members to leave the Chamber while maintaining social distancing.
▸
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.