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Covid-19: R Rate and Lockdown Measures
08 June 2020
Lead MP
Matthew Hancock
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHS
Other Contributors: 53
At a Glance
Matthew Hancock raised concerns about covid-19: r rate and lockdown measures 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 thanked Mr Speaker for the opportunity to update the House on progress in controlling coronavirus. He reported a significant drop in new infections, fatalities, and the R rate, noting that the number of people with coronavirus had fallen from 139,000 between March 3-16 to 53,000 by May 17-30. He emphasised the importance of caution and safety as they proceed with plans to ease lockdown measures.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
The shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care noted that easing restrictions may be premature given concerns about PPE supplies, testing capacity, tracing systems, regional R values, and the potential resurgence of infections. He requested weekly publication of regional R value estimates, inclusion of metro Mayors in Cobra meetings, specific data distribution to local authorities, guidance on enforcing local lockdowns, and financial support for those isolated.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming
The Member for Godalming questioned the efficiency of postal testing and suggested replacing it with same-day delivery and collection to improve turnaround times for test results. He pointed out that this is feasible given the capabilities of companies like Amazon.
Central Ayrshire
The SNP spokesperson raised concerns about the proximity of R values to one in some areas, questioning the timing and adequacy of easing lockdown measures. She criticised Serco's tracing system progress and called for better integration with public health systems.
The MP questioned the decision by local councillors not to open primary schools and urged the Secretary of State to consider local factors beyond regional R data when making important decisions on reopening schools.
Maria Eagle
Lab
Liverpool Garston
Eagle expressed concern over the Government's plans to lift lockdown measures despite high R rates in some areas and a threat level still at 4, raising questions about the safety of proceeding with further easing.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Baldwin questioned the impact of recent protests on social distancing measures, highlighting public concerns over compliance and potential risks to virus spread.
Barbara Keeley
Lab
Keeley called for more localised information on R rates and additional support for areas facing a resurgence of infections under local lockdown measures, as suggested by the Greater Manchester Mayor.
John Redwood
Con
Redwood inquired about the reliability of R figures in light of increased testing and whether surveys could provide more accurate prevalence data on the virus's downward trend.
Oswald criticised the undermining effect of recent controversies, such as Dominic Cummings' travel, on public health messaging and asked how this could be repaired to maintain public confidence in lockdown measures.
Stephen Crabb
Con
Crabb questioned the sustainability of localised lockdowns and sought advice from behavioural experts on maintaining public support for easing restrictions while being prepared to reverse course if necessary.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Foy requested more granular, local-level data on infections to assist in stopping transmission as lockdown measures are lifted and asked for a specific date by which this information would be available to local authorities.
Brereton sought assurance that easing restrictions was based on scientific advice, noting the need for public confidence as many constituents return to work and school after lockdown measures are relaxed.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Cadbury raised concerns over access to testing kits for people in residential care homes, especially those under 65 with learning disabilities or other support needs, urging the Secretary of State to ensure that all residents could get tested.
Greg Clark
Con
Clark called on the Secretary of State to extend testing access to people in retirement villages and supported accommodation settings outside formal social care, emphasising their vulnerability to infection.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Brennan highlighted concerns over the rapid return of infections if lockdown measures are relaxed too quickly and asked what steps would be taken should R rates rise again.
Matthew Hancock
Con
Emphasised the importance of keeping the R number below 1 and highlighted discussions with scientists about cautious measures. Discussed international vaccine efforts, particularly supporting low-income countries through aid. Acknowledged concerns over testing in care homes and committed to regular testing in all settings, including under-65s and those with learning disabilities. Reassured constituents of Ilkley regarding local lockdown considerations and confirmed £300 million allocated for local authorities to handle local outbreaks. Stressed the importance of evidence-based decisions on R number reports and regional lockdown measures. Confirmed steps towards easing lockdown are being taken cautiously based on evidence. Emphasised engagement with local directors of public health in addressing local outbreaks and provided funding support through a £300 million allocation.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Asked about the UK's international vaccine efforts, particularly towards low-income and developing countries within the Commonwealth and overseas territories.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Questioned the Secretary of State on testing in care homes and called for regular testing across all settings, including under-65s and those with learning disabilities.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Asked about local lockdown considerations in Ilkley due to concerns over mass gatherings and a lack of social distancing. Highlighted the need for specific actions if there is evidence of flare-ups.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Inquired about local resources and funding being put in place for local authorities to deal with necessary local lockdowns.
Asked the Secretary of State to reassure residents in Burnley regarding reports suggesting an R number above 1 and sought clarification on consultations with devolved nations about local lockdown measures.
Neil Grey
Lab
Questioned whether the R number has been rising since easing of lockdowns, asked for details on what local lockdowns will look like to ensure virus containment and inquired about consultations with devolved nations.
Andrew Jones
Con
Welcomed progress made in testing but raised concerns over disproportionate impact of the pandemic on black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and asked for further targeted testing efforts.
Geraint Davies
Lab
Suggested adopting Welsh guidance limiting travel to five miles from home to prevent unnecessary spread of virus across different infection levels.
Darren Henry
Con
Asked for assurance that steps to ease lockdown would be taken cautiously, examining R rate effects in different parts of the country before proceeding.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Inquired about local authorities' lack of clarity on their roles and powers in addressing potential outbreaks. Highlighted concerns over timely guidance from central government.
Steve Brine
Con
Asked for clarification on the most granular level at which regional lockdowns could be effectively implemented, highlighting the importance of test and trace programme data in local decision-making.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked the Secretary of State about regional variation in R numbers and requested discussions with regional authorities to ensure UK-wide understanding.
Stated that all R numbers are calculated using the same scientific criteria, has regular discussions with First Minister in Northern Ireland and his counterpart Robin Swann. Emphasised the importance of alignment across the United Kingdom while respecting local differences.
Inquired about assessment of social distancing measures at 1.5 metres or 1 metre, and requested a review of these measures in the UK.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Welcomed reduction in deaths in Scotland but expressed concern over testing capacity, asked how the Secretary of State is working with Scottish Government to improve testing and confidence in R numbers.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Praised whole-UK approach for evidence of progress seen in reduced deaths, thanked the Secretary of State for measures adopted from the start of the virus outbreak.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Asked for comprehensive and granulated data for local directors of public health to effectively trace cases, requested detailed information on R values.
Welcomed steps being taken to reduce restrictions for the most vulnerable in society, asked if measures are based on scientific advice and if further support is available.
Asked about mixed messages from Government that might raise R rate above 1, requested confirmation of readiness to reintroduce restrictions if necessary and financial support for those affected.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Expressed hope for grandparents to soon be able to play a full role in their grandchildren’s lives, asked about lifting lockdown measures cautiously.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Raised concern over financial impact of local lockdowns on people unable to work from home, suggested a form of local furlough scheme.
Asked for specific levels of R rate that would initiate Government response and criteria for removing restrictions based on new infection rates.
Inquired about reasons behind UK’s high excess death rate compared to other countries, requested further discussion if needed.
Discussed difficulties with unofficial R rate figures and their impact on public perception, asked for confirmation of accuracy at regional level and stressed the importance of accurate reporting by media.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Asked about discussions with Treasury colleagues regarding varying furlough levels across UK nations as lockdown rates differ.
Matthew Hancock
15:36:00
Emphasised that economic policy is for the whole country and stressed the importance of following social distancing guidelines in various industries, including tourism. Reassured constituents about safety measures regarding shielding and reopening schools while maintaining a cautious approach to easing lockdown restrictions.
Caroline Ansell
Con
Eastbourne
Asked for reassurances regarding the safe reopening of non-essential retail businesses, given her constituency's high number of care homes and shielding residents.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
Raised concerns about the impact of current guidelines on people who are clinically extremely vulnerable and asked for more flexibility in shielding guidance.
Theresa Villiers
15:36:00
Urged the Government to follow other European countries by moving to a 1 metre social distancing rule to save jobs in hospitality, but was advised against this due to higher risk of transmission.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Asked about the impact of reopening schools on the R rate in the north-west and received reassurances from the Secretary of State that SAGE's assessment is that R is below 1 in all regions.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Asked about the consideration given by SAGE when providing advice to Ministers, particularly regarding regional R rates and local lockdown measures.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Highlighted the difficult working conditions faced by care home staff during the pandemic and inquired about tax implications for a bonus given by the Welsh Government to workers.
William Wragg
15:36:00
Emphasised the importance of understanding the spread of COVID-19 in different settings like hospitals and care homes, questioning the potential distortion of R rates at a regional level.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Asked for a commitment to ensure financial support for businesses, employees, and self-employed individuals if lockdown measures need to be reimplemented due to an increase in the R rate.
Robert Courts
15:36:00
Called for increased information access for unpaid carers who may not identify themselves as such, highlighting their importance in controlling the R rate.
Neale Hanvey
15:36:00
Questioned the Government's messaging and scientific advice after a SAGE member's statements about earlier lockdowns potentially saving lives were disputed by the Secretary of State.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
Praised carers in Beaconsfield for their work during the pandemic and acknowledged that localised approaches to managing outbreaks would not be possible without significant testing capabilities.
Government Response
Responded to questions regarding R numbers, social distancing measures, testing capacity, financial support, and collaboration between health directorates in all four UK nations. Emphasised the importance of evidence-based policy and alignment while respecting regional differences.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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