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Wuhan Coronavirus
03 February 2020
Lead MP
Matthew Hancock
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign AffairsBenefits & WelfareLocal Government
Other Contributors: 26
At a Glance
Matthew Hancock raised concerns about wuhan 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 updated the House on the ongoing situation with the Wuhan coronavirus, including details about two patients in England who tested positive and were transferred to Newcastle for care. He also mentioned a Foreign Office-chartered aircraft that brought back 83 British nationals from Wuhan, and further measures taken by Public Health England such as testing and quarantine arrangements. The statement highlighted international efforts through the G7, additional funding for vaccine development, and public health advisories.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
The Member expressed gratitude to the Secretary of State for updates on the virus situation, thanked NHS staff for their dedication, and inquired about future plans for evacuating British nationals from China. He also discussed the importance of supporting weaker health systems abroad, asked about Public Health England’s contact tracing efforts, and questioned the rationale behind hospital quarantine versus self-quarantine at home. The Member requested further information on specialist bed availability within the NHS to manage potential cases and stressed the need for protecting NHS staff over time. Additionally, he condemned racism towards Chinese and east Asian people.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
The Member commends the Secretary of State’s decision to deploy extra funding through CEPI and enquires about China's involvement in this coalition. He also asks for publicisation of numbers available at the Foreign Office crisis team.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow South
The Member thanks the Secretary of State, questions discussions with devolved Administrations and real-time updates, seeks clarity on providing medical equipment to China based on its requests, and asks about conflicting advice regarding border closures.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
The Member criticises the decision-making process that led to learning of quarantine measures from BBC News rather than Departmental briefings. She calls for better communication with MPs, thanking the Under-Secretary and CMO for subsequent briefings.
Henry Smith
Con
Crawley
The Member welcomes the Secretary of State’s confirmation on £20 million funding towards vaccine development and seeks assurances that the UK will continue playing a key role in combating both coronavirus and other global health threats.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
The Member, noting Merseyside's oldest Chinese community in Europe, enquires about visiting Wirral to thank local police and NHS staff for their support during quarantine measures. She highlights the potential lessons to be learned.
Ben Everitt
Con
North Cornwall
The Member asks where people can find information regarding symptoms of coronavirus, what they mean, and next steps if infected.
Patricia Gibson
SNP
North Ayrshire and Arran
Agrees with the Secretary of State on a coordinated global response but expresses concern about reports in The New York Times regarding countries where China holds sway, specifically mentioning Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen’s remarks about mask-wearing.
Matthew Hancock
Con
Chesham and Amersham
Acknowledges the speaker's concerns but has not seen the specific report mentioned. He states that collecting accurate information is difficult in a crisis, and emphasises the importance of following scientific guidance.
Tim Loughton
Con
East Worthing and Shoreham
Compliments the Secretary of State's response but expresses serious concerns about potential under-reporting by China regarding fatalities and cases. Asks if the Chinese authorities have been completely transparent.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Thanks Public Health England for advice given throughout the weekend but notes that levels of concern remain high in York, impacting both the economy and public morale. Requests a meeting to discuss the situation.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Appreciates the Secretary of State's update and asks about guidance for GPs when dealing with worried patients. Inquires if funding will be made available if the situation worsens.
Maria Eagle
Lab
Liverpool Garston
Thanks the Secretary of State but expresses concern over lack of communication from Public Health England regarding treatment plans for those in quarantine at Arrowe Park. Requests a briefing with key Ministers and officials to address these issues.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Asks about the mortality rate associated with coronavirus, noting that it appears lower than other recent diseases but higher in terms of transmission rates. Requests reassurance regarding survival chances for those who contract the disease.
Barnsley South
Asks about the contingency funding allocated to address the public health challenge posed by coronavirus, beyond the £20 million already mentioned in the statement.
Julian Sturdy
Con
York Outer
Requests a precise timeline for identifying and contacting all those who have had close contact with patients in York. Asks when this process will be completed.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Thanks officials for their support in repatriating her constituent from Wuhan, asking about lessons learned regarding the repatriation of older or more vulnerable citizens.
Pays tribute to staff members who go above and beyond to assist quarantined individuals at Arrowe Park, including delivering a birthday present across two counties.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Questions the Secretary of State about changes in the government's stance regarding vaccine development and investment. Asks for an update on the realistic timeframe for developing a vaccine.
Matthew Hancock
Con
Discussed the cautious approach towards developing a vaccine, mentioning £20 million contribution to global efforts. Acknowledged progress in scientific understanding and expressed slight optimism. Emphasised ongoing communications campaign with £500,000 allocated for immediate actions including social media, newspapers, and radio.
Expressed gratitude to the Foreign Office staff and NHS personnel for their efforts. Asked about the Government's social media campaign aimed at disseminating information and advice promptly.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Inquired whether face masks are effective in preventing the spread of coronavirus.
Complimented the Secretary of State's work on addressing the virus and asked about the role of local government, directors of public health, and health and wellbeing boards in prevention.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Highlighted contradictory advice given to constituents returning from mainland China compared to central Government’s statement. Requested clear and consistent guidance moving forward.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Discussed communication with the public regarding local hospitals’ involvement in managing coronavirus cases, suggesting more clarity might be needed.
Provided figures on diagnoses, deaths, and recoveries from China. Questioned whether similar measures like flight blocks or road closures would be implemented in Britain if cases increase significantly. Inquired about plans to restrict people’s movements.
Government Response
Responded to questions regarding vaccine development, communication campaigns, mask efficacy, and local government roles. Emphasised ongoing efforts to ensure clear public health advice through social media collaboration with major platforms.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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