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Public Health
04 May 2020
Lead MP
Edward Argar
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
Edward Argar raised concerns about public health 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
These sets of regulations were made by the Secretary of State on 26 March and 21 April respectively. Following the return of the House after the Easter recess, they are rightly being brought before the House today for the scrutiny and debate that they require. They are exceptional measures, brought forward to reflect exceptional challenges and times, but although it is right that these regulations—necessary to meet the public health needs of the coronavirus pandemic—are brought forward, it is also right that we ensure that this House is able to play its proper role, and that due process and the rule of law are maintained.
Edward Argar
Con
Melton and Syston
The country has been, and still is, engaged in a national effort to beat coronavirus covid-19. Delivering a strategy designed to ensure that our NHS is protected, with capacity at all times exceeding the demand for intensive care beds for coronavirus patients, flattening the peak, and driving down the rate of transmission of disease and the number of infections, alongside the work to significantly expand NHS capacity, have all helped to protect our NHS and to save lives. Sadly, although this has been working, there have been many who have died from this disease—each and every one of them a tragedy, and each and every one a real person. Our thoughts are with all their friends and families at this time.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
The regulations, though necessary, represent the biggest peacetime restrictions in UK history. They demand full scrutiny despite being introduced hurriedly due to rising infections. We support these measures but call for greater transparency, including a published exit strategy, impact assessments, and clear guidelines on PPE availability and social distancing rules.
Graham Brady
Con
Altrincham and Sale West
Welcomes the tone of both the Minister and the shadow Minister, emphasising that restrictions should be eased as quickly as possible. Urges the government to reflect on the public's voluntary compliance during the lockdown period and suggests guidance rather than arbitrary rules for easing restrictions. Advocates for a more nuanced approach focusing on hygiene over strict distancing measures, especially for senior citizens. Calls for parliamentary scrutiny of future reviews.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Acknowledges the necessity of lockdown but emphasises the heavy cost to communities and economies, particularly in Cumbria’s tourism and hospitality sector. Urges for clear guidance as restrictions ease to support the police in maintaining safety. Expresses concern about economic hardship and loss of jobs due to missed high season. Calls for additional grants and an extension of the furlough scheme over the summer. Advocates for a 12-month funding settlement to protect the vital tourism and hospitality industry.
Charles Walker
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Businesses are struggling due to the lockdown, and there is a need for modelling on the impact of the continued restrictions. He urges the Government to consider the trade-off between saving lives today and the potential future suffering caused by high unemployment rates. There needs to be an economy that can cope with repeated waves of the virus and get people back to work safely. Businesses are essential, and those who continue working should be recognised as heroes.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
The regulations apply only to England but have impacts on Wales too. There is a need for clarity on the timeline of lockdown measures, especially considering the phased approach taken by other countries like Ireland. He urges constructive discussions between UK Governments on the four-nation approach and stricter fines against those who breach lockdown rules, particularly second home owners. The tourism sector needs specific economic strategies.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
The regulations were enforced before they became legally binding, which is problematic. There is a case that these rules are ultra vires and may not be well-founded in law under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. The guidance given to the public must align with enforceable laws. Police should not have to rely on goodwill to enforce the regulations properly.
Selaine Saxby
Con
North Devon
Emphasises the effectiveness of lockdown restrictions in North Devon, highlighting a low infection rate and praising community efforts. Advocates for robust mathematical modelling to guide easing of restrictions due to increased population during summer tourism season. Expresses concern over potential strain on healthcare facilities and calls for careful consideration of mental health impacts on businesses.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Highlights the need for parliamentary scrutiny in ensuring fair treatment under lockdown regulations, particularly concerning call centre staff being exploited by employers. Calls for clearer enforcement of social distancing measures and suggests an automatic right to work from home unless there is a good reason why not. Raises concerns about disproportionate targeting of BAME people and wrongful convictions under the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Philip Dunne
Con
Ludlow
He thanks the Minister and his team for their efforts in combating the disease, paying tribute to NHS staff and others working tirelessly during the crisis. He supports the regular review of regulations every 21 days and highlights the difficulties faced by families of ICU patients due to visitation restrictions. Dunne welcomes changes allowing close family members to attend burials or cremations. He also expresses support for not imposing age-related restrictions on healthy individuals when considering relaxation of regulations.
Philip Dunne
Con
Ludlow
Echoes the concern raised by Marcus Fysh regarding the proposed contact tracing and tracking app, stressing that it should be introduced voluntarily. Emphasises the importance of clear explanation to the public about why such an app is crucial for fighting the disease.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Mr Shannon supports the Government's measures but raises concerns about potential overreach and abuse of power. He highlights issues related to mental health, the impact of lockdown on personal freedoms, and the importance of human rights in policing responses to covid-19. He also discusses risks faced by prison populations, asylum seekers, and prisoners of conscience.
Robert Courts
Con
Witney
The public’s wide acceptance of restrictions during the pandemic speaks to the respect for national institutions, but there is a risk that these extraordinary measures become normalized. There is a danger that those who wish to see a bigger state will use this as an excuse to argue for further intervention. Economic liberalism must be returned to after the crisis has passed.
Mark Harper
Con
Fittleworth
Fully supports the regulations but emphasises their unprecedented restriction on liberty. The Government should justify why these regulations need to remain in place with each review period, and any changes should be debated by the House. Transparency is key, and more documents should have been published by the Government for public debate. The virtual functioning of the House is better than no functioning at all but loses scrutiny pressure on Ministers.
Aaron Bell
Con
Worcester
Praises the general adherence to restrictive measures and acknowledges their necessity. Supports these regulations as a proportionate response, emphasising the importance of a vaccine for an exit strategy. Criticises over-zealous police forces interpreting regulations beyond what is written and calls on the Government to consider all costs of lockdown in future reviews.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
Regrets that the debate was held only now and that primary legislation was not used for such important matters. Criticises over-zealous police officers and public officials who interpret laws beyond their scope, proposing that guidance should contain clear legal bases to avoid misunderstandings.
Edward Argar
Con
Melton and Syston
Responded to the debate on regulations necessary for beating covid-19, emphasising the importance of upholding rights such as scrutiny by Parliament. Acknowledged the necessity of regulations while highlighting the need for an exit strategy that involves dialogue with the public. Mentioned the Government's plan to get the economy moving safely and fairly across society. Gratefully acknowledged contributions from Members who raised points on clarity, coordination among four nations, impact on businesses, mental health support, and testing capacity. Emphasised the necessity of maintaining regulations only as long as they are needed.
Government Response
Responded to contributions from Members during the debate on Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations. Acknowledged points raised by MPs including Justin Madders, Sir Graham Brady, Jonathan Ashworth, Selaine Saxby, Charles Walker, Robert Courts, Layla Moran, John Redwood, Jim Shannon, and others.
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Assessment & feedback
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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.