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Covid-19 Response
02 June 2020
Lead MP
Matthew Hancock
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSMental Health
Other Contributors: 47
At a Glance
Matthew Hancock raised concerns about covid-19 response 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
Health Secretary Matthew Hancock stated that the UK is moving in the right direction regarding coronavirus but stressed that the crisis is far from over. He announced that NHS Test and Trace was now operational, emphasising the importance of getting tested if one has symptoms such as fever, a new persistent cough, or a change in taste or smell. Hancock also highlighted disparities in covid-19 risks and outcomes based on age, sex, occupation, and ethnicity, noting that being from black or minority ethnic backgrounds is a significant risk factor even after accounting for other factors.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
Shadow Secretary of State Jon Ashworth questioned the reasons behind the UK's high excess death rate and called for immediate action to address disparities in risk and outcomes for black, Asian, and minority ethnic people. He also raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the easing of restrictions, particularly for those in the shielding group, and asked for more transparency on testing capacity and tracing capabilities.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Asked about low levels of testing in Scotland and requested further assistance from the UK Government to help increase testing numbers.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Expressed concerns over the government's approach to easing lockdown measures despite warnings from experts. Questioned decisions made on opening schools and allowing groups of people to meet, highlighting issues with a non-functioning test trace system.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Thanked teachers in Worcestershire for reopening reception classes and asked about the distance rule maintained by the UK being double that recommended by WHO, seeking an update on guidelines for schools.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Asked about guidance provided to NHS staff regarding BAME employees in high-risk areas following confirmation of PHE findings linking being black or minority ethnic as a risk factor. Raised concerns over whistleblower claims at Weston General Hospital.
Claire Coutinho
Con
East Surrey
Expressed worries felt by the BME community during the period and thanked Secretary of State for commissioning the review on health outcomes among ethnic minorities, inquiring about any delay due to sensitivity of findings.
John Cryer
Lab
Ealing North
Followed up previous question regarding publication delay of PHE report into disproportionate deaths among ethnic minority communities and asked for a timeline on its release.
Jo Gideon
Con
Hemel Hempstead
Thanked the British Ceramic Confederation for its work advising the Government on safety in hospitality industry. Encouraged use of chip-resistant tableware from Stoke-on-Trent.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Welcomed Secretary of State's statement about PHE report and urged for more funding to support local public health functions in identifying high-risk individuals.
Marco Longhi
Con
Torbay
Asked the Government to provide an update on what they are doing to support social care in Dudley, Black Country and across the country.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Expressed concerns about constituents getting in touch regarding PHE report. Highlighted issues such as no recourse to public funds for ethnic minorities and the impact on their health.
Suzanne Webb
Con
Stourbridge
Called for additional investment at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley to maintain social distancing measures while treating patients who require surgery or cancer therapy.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Asked about the cross-border political agreement regarding shielded people in Wales, and how England's changes were announced without prior communication with Welsh Government.
Douglas Ross
Con
Ochil and South Perthshire
Expressed concerns over low testing capacity in Scotland compared to its daily target. Asked for support from the UK Government to ensure Scotland is not left behind during recovery phase.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Kilburn
Discussed disproportionate impact of coronavirus on BAME communities in her constituency, urging immediate practical steps to protect these communities as lockdown eases.
Damian Green
Con
Ashford
Expressed concerns over high number of cases identified in Ashford and requested for a regional testing centre placement there.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Neath
Asked about specific discussions with devolved Administrations regarding the impact on BAME communities across the UK, urging swift action due to the disproportionate impact of coronavirus.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Congratulated Secretary of State on meeting testing targets. Raised issues with drive-through testing sites in County Durham and requested measures to avoid such problems in future.
Asked if it is vital to plan for the swift resumption of local and urgent healthcare services such as minor injuries units.
Matthew Hancock
Con
Emphasised the importance of planning for the restoration of NHS services in a covid-secure manner. Stressed that people should know the NHS is available and to use it when advised by clinicians.
Questioned why the Government refused to disclose testing numbers despite double counting tests for 11 days, challenging the efficacy of their test, trace and isolate system.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Welcomed the announcement on research into risk factors for serious illness from covid, including age, sex, ethnicity, and comorbidities. Asked when future reports will be available.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Asked about relaxing shielding in a super-diverse constituency with significant deprivation, questioning the safety and clarity of Government guidance on shielding.
Expressed thanks for Redcar and Cleveland being at the forefront of the test, track and trace programme. Asked about plans to reduce social distancing from 2 metres to 1 metre based on guidance.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Explored constituents' anger over the Dominic Cummings situation, stressing that people see a double standard in public health guidelines.
Asked for assurances on taking practical steps to alleviate extreme health inequalities within constituencies like Kensington where there is a large disparity in life expectancy between wards.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Expressed concern about easing lockdown restrictions without meeting all five Government tests, and questioned the readiness of test and trace systems. Asked for additional metrics to monitor and contain transmission.
Asked for urgent engagement with transport companies and authorities to protect BAME workers in transport sectors from disproportionate impacts of the disease.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Highlighted that public health professionals believe the success of track and trace is limited by test result turnaround times, requesting a 24-hour turnaround for every test.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Asked about increasing capacity in independent healthcare providers to deal with non-covid cases such as cancer to reduce the backlog in elective surgery.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Asked why the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency guidance asks providers of fingerprick tests to stop offering the service, despite their importance in tackling viruses like measles and dengue fever. Asked for scientific data supporting a clinical difference between capillary and venous blood.
Asked whether domestic PPE manufacturing is being invested in, particularly in south Yorkshire towns with textile heritage such as Thurcroft in Rother Valley.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Stated the importance of earning and honouring public trust to tackle the virus. Raised concerns about the Government’s response to Dominic Cummings breaking the rules and fears among frontline health professionals about coming out of lockdown too quickly.
Expressed gratitude for making the bet365 stadium in Stoke-on-Trent a regional testing centre, allowing many constituents rapid access to vital tests. Asked whether these regional test sites will remain in place as long as they are needed.
Asked if the Secretary of State is using the crisis to increase privatisation and profiteering in the NHS through public-private partnership, citing issues with Deloitte regional test centre results not being provided to local public health authorities.
Asked whether an assessment has been made of any damage done to the Government’s public health message by the actions of the Prime Minister's special adviser, highlighting sacrifices people have made during lockdown.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Inquired about additional risks for BME communities with reopening schools and requested discussions with the Department for Education regarding concerns among parents. Asked what steps are being taken to mitigate these concerns.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Asked advice on how constituents should identify a call from an NHS contact tracer and be cautious of scams attempting to misuse the test, track and trace system.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Inquired whether the Government would consider upgrading advice on the use of face masks from recommended to mandatory. Mentioned a constituent's initiative to send face masks to all Cabinet members and shadow Cabinet members.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Expressed concerns about plummeting public confidence over the last few weeks and requested more transparency regarding test, track and trace numbers to restore confidence.
Laura Trott
Con
Sevenoaks
Welcomed the progress made on testing but raised a concern about a care home in her constituency that caters for people with disabilities under 65 who do not have access to testing as readily available to those over 65 or with dementia.
Kate Green
Lab
N/A
Noted the high rate of infection in the north-west and asked the Secretary of State for a commitment to regular publication of regional R values for better local planning and public transparency.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
Asked about the level at which localised restrictions would be reintroduced in case of increases in infection rates, suggesting it could vary from county to village level depending on necessity.
Karen Buck
Lab
Westminster North
Expressed concern over mental health services being strained due to the pandemic and requested the Secretary of State to address urgent cases, mentioning a constituent's child in severe psychiatric condition waiting for a specialist bed.
Selaine Saxby
Con
North Devon
Asked for reassurance that it was safe for constituents to use beaches in North Devon while maintaining social distancing guidelines.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Raised the issue of medical cannabis costs for epileptic children and criticised the delays caused by Brexit, a general election, and now the pandemic, urging immediate action from NHS England.
Simon Fell
Con
12:57:00
Congratulated on the track and trace system being up and running and asked for confirmation that his Department would work with large employers like Barrow shipyard to build community confidence.
Government Response
Responded multiple times on NHS restoration, test, trace and isolate system accuracy, research into risk factors of serious illness from covid, shielding safety, social distancing guidelines, health inequalities, monitoring and containing transmission, protecting BAME transport workers, improving test turnaround speed for results to within 24 hours, and increasing capacity in independent healthcare providers. Responded on serology tests and their importance. Mentioned the Government's push for domestic PPE manufacturing. Stated the need to move cautiously out of lockdown to avoid losing progress made against the virus. Emphasised the critical role of NHS test and trace programme in breaking the chain of infection. Responded to multiple speakers, promising to investigate specific cases and commit to increasing detail on regional R values. Emphasised the importance of local action in managing outbreaks and addressing mental health concerns.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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