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International Health Regulations 2023-07-11

2023-07-11

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Esther McVey Con
Tatton
▸ Context
The UK is negotiating proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations 2005 with other member states of the WHO. There are concerns about potential rule-making powers being given to the WHO director general, particularly concerning border closures and quarantining.
What recent progress has been made in negotiations on amendments to the International Health Regulations? Will the proposed changes give new rule-making powers to the WHO director general?
Will Quince
The UK Government has been clear that it will not sign up to any IHR amendment or other instrument that would compromise the UK's ability to make domestic decisions on national measures concerning public health.
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Q2 Direct Answer
Esther McVey Con
Tatton
▸ Context
There are concerns that proposed changes to the IHR may give new rule-making powers to the WHO director general, including border closures and quarantining. The WHO's own expert review committee has raised concerns over such power increases.
Will the Minister assure me that the UK will not sign up to any IHR amendment or instrument that would compromise its ability to make domestic decisions on national measures concerning public health?
Will Quince
As my right hon. Friend will know, the UK has a strong commitment and duty to implement international law, but on this matter we have been absolutely clear. We will not sign up to any IHR amendment or other instrument that would compromise the UK's ability to make domestic decisions on national measures concerning public health.
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Q3 Direct Answer
Andrew Bridgen
▸ Context
There is uncertainty about whether the UK Parliament will get a vote on potential IHR amendments that might require changes in domestic law.
Will the House of Commons get a vote on any amendments to the International Health Regulations, or will this not happen?
Will Quince
Should the UK Government wish to accept an IHR amendment, changes to domestic law may be required. The Government would prepare draft legislation and bring it before Parliament in the usual way. Sovereignty of the UK Parliament remains unchanged.
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