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Covid-19: Strategy
11 May 2020
Lead MP
Boris Johnson
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHS
Other Contributors: 43
At a Glance
Boris Johnson raised concerns about covid-19: strategy 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
The Prime Minister outlined a cautious plan to gradually ease lockdown measures while maintaining public health safety. He emphasised the need to protect the NHS, reduce infection rates, ensure testing capacity, and avoid a second peak. Boris Johnson highlighted that different regions may have varying restrictions based on data and local circumstances. The first step involves allowing people to return to work where possible with social distancing measures, encouraging outdoor activities while maintaining caution in enclosed spaces, increasing fines for those who break rules, and supporting vulnerable individuals by asking them to continue shielding. He also mentioned the phased reopening of schools starting from primary level pupils before summer break if data supports it.
Lindsay Hoyle
Chorley
The Speaker interrupted Boris Johnson's statement, requesting him to conclude within a specified timeframe.
Boris Johnson
Con
Uxbridge and South Ruislip
The Prime Minister acknowledges the complexities in moving from a strict 'Stay at home' advice to more nuanced guidance. He emphasises that people should stay at home if they can, but go to work if their job does not allow for working from home. The reproduction rate of the disease is now between 0.5 and 0.9, allowing limited steps towards easing restrictions. Guidelines for places of employment will be published tonight, with transport guidelines out tomorrow.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
The MP thanks the Prime Minister for his leadership during challenging times and asks him to outline a post-Brexit and post-covid economic plan. He suggests prioritising plans to boost domestic output in manufacturing and agriculture, reducing reliance on imports, supporting British business growth, and job creation.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Expressed concern over the confusion caused by recent changes in government messaging regarding coronavirus restrictions. Called for clarity from the Prime Minister on several points including the new slogan, quarantine measures following travel, adherence to public health advice in devolved nations.
Boris Johnson
Con
Uxbridge and South Ruislip
Defended the government's approach to handling the coronavirus crisis, emphasising the difference from the 2008 financial crisis. He highlighted the support provided through the furlough scheme for low-income workers and businesses in retail and hospitality sectors. Reiterated commitment to uniting and levelling up across the country.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Welcomed the Prime Minister's statement on starting to reopen the economy while controlling virus spread, stressing the importance of rapid turnaround times for testing.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Asked the Prime Minister to confirm that the chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser signed off on the shift in public health message from 'Stay at home' to 'Stay alert'.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Suggested looking into tapering job support rather than withdrawing it overnight, proposing more flexibility such as the ability to re-furlough for a week at a time.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Questioned whether the Prime Minister is acting solely as the Prime Minister of England, given the three-nations approach adopted by Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Asked for confirmation on the fine structure for those flouting rules and requested a greater deterrent to serve as a reminder that danger from the virus has not yet passed.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Inquired about careful management of the economy off the job retention scheme, specifically for hospitality and tourism sectors in Northern Ireland facing potential redundancy.
Henry Smith
Con
Crawley
Asked for more support details for the aviation sector critical to Crawley's economy, which faces significant impacts due to the crisis.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Expressed concern over high coronavirus infection rates in deprived areas of Newcastle and questioned whether everyone has a duty and right to stay safe as Prime Minister is asking people back to work.
L Mid Derbyshire
Asked for clarity on what changes the Prime Minister envisions post-covid, expressing hope for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Critiqued the Prime Minister's statement as exacerbating inequalities and potentially worsening the situation for vulnerable groups without proper safety measures in place.
Rother Valley
Complimented the Government's approach, asking if it is flexible enough to reopen different businesses at different times based on local conditions and public health needs.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness N & Highland East
Asked for assurance that reports of plans to cut furlough support were not true, expressing concern about potential negative impacts on public health.
Andy Carter
Lab
Guisborough
Inquired about the Government's guidance for parents needing childcare as schools remain closed while restrictions ease.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Questioned the wisdom of easing lockdown when daily deaths persist and testing/tracing is inadequate, urging caution to avoid more fatalities.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Asked for assurance regarding continuing support for small businesses like guest houses and restaurants in seaside resorts as restrictions ease.
Mary Robinson
Lab
Cheadle
Requested clarity on the easing of lockdown measures for Greater Manchester given its high R rate, stressing the importance of increased testing/tracing efforts.
Karen Buck
Lab
Stockton South
Asked if face coverings should be mandatory on public transport to ensure safe return to work and maintain public health during easing restrictions.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Asked what steps the Government will take to expedite loan applications for small businesses through schemes like Bounce-Back Loans and CBILS.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow Cathcart
Asked the Prime Minister to recognise and reward civil servants who are processing payments during the pandemic.
Robert Courts
Con
West Oxfordshire
Inquired about the new testing and tracing systems, asking if they will be able to detect local flare-ups of the virus.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Critiqued the Prime Minister's communication with devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland over his new plan stages.
Kate Green
Lab/Co-op
Stretford and Urmston
Asked if there is no intention of changing rules on benefits conditionality which could pressure people to attend unsafe workplaces.
Robert Halfon
Con
Southend West
Called for a catch-up premium and a national education volunteer force to support vulnerable pupils who missed schooling during the lockdown.
James Murray
Lab/Co-op
Ealing North
Asked if the Prime Minister will instruct site managers to stagger their operating times in construction sites near tube stations to reduce pressure on public transport.
Fay Jones
Con
Brecon and Radnorshire
Inquired about travel restrictions and second home usage due to differing R numbers across the country under the new changes announced by the Prime Minister.
Tewkesbury
Shared his personal loss from the pandemic and asked the Prime Minister to take similar steps for hospital-based virus transmission as he does for community spread.
Daisy Cooper
LDem
St Albans
Asked the Prime Minister to report openly on how numbers of PPE, tests, and temporary hospitals compare with what is actually needed in tackling the virus.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Inquired about public accounts controls for increased public sector spending due to the pandemic and urged for social distancing encouragement where possible.
Maria Eagle
Lab
Liverpool Garston
Asked if Liverpool City Council and Knowsley Borough Council will receive full reimbursement costs for their efforts during the outbreak, as initially promised.
Boris Johnson
Con
Westminster North
The Prime Minister emphasised the government's £3.2 billion investment in local councils and clarified that 'stay alert' means encouraging those who cannot work from home to do so safely, while observing social distancing rules.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Questioned the Prime Minister about conflicting statements regarding travel and meeting others during the 'stay alert' phase, asking for clarity on what measures are expected to keep families safe.
Boris Johnson
Con
Westminster North
Reiterated that 'staying alert' means people should go to work if they cannot work from home, provided their workplaces adhere to strict social distancing and safety measures.
Jane Hunt
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Asked the Prime Minister for assistance in allowing universities like Loughborough University to bring back students for essential training and study sessions while maintaining social distancing protocols.
Boris Johnson
Con
Westminster North
Agreed to work with universities, including Loughborough, to ensure they can safely operate within the guidelines of social distancing and safety measures.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Expressed concerns from workers about returning to work without clear guidelines and questioned how the government will enforce these rules and provide a way for workers to voice their safety concerns.
Boris Johnson
Con
Westminster North
Stressed the importance of making calibrated changes while respecting scientific advice, encouraging those who must return to work to do so safely under strict social distancing rules and with further guidance being published soon.
Peter Aldous
Constitutional Conservative
Waveney
Asked for assurances that the government will address concerns about reopening primary schools, particularly regarding safety measures in classrooms and at school gates.
Boris Johnson
Con
Westminster North
Confirmed the conditional plan to reopen primary schools on 1 June if conditions allow, based on scientific guidance, while publishing new guidelines for ensuring safe operation of schools.
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