Covid-19 Support for Scottish Government 2021-06-08
2021-06-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK is experiencing a significant challenge due to delayed healthcare procedures, treatments, and operations following lockdowns. There are concerns about the NHS's ability to cope with these demands across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
What steps his Department is taking to support the Scottish Government in their response to the covid-19 outbreak?
The UK Government work closely with the Scottish Government to provide a co-ordinated approach to the response to covid-19 for the benefit of people across Scotland and across the United Kingdom. The UK Government have provided £1.2 billion in Barnett funding in the 2021 Budget, procured more than 500 million vaccines for the whole of the UK, and ensured that testing programme reaches all parts of the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Not Addressing Specific Support Measures Provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a growing concern about the ability of the NHS in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to cooperate effectively after reopening following lockdowns.
What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that the national health service in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can work together as easily as possible, sharing resources and services?
My hon. Friend is quite right. The NHS operates across the whole of Great Britain with co-operation ingrained in its DNA. I am determined to ensure that wherever people live, they can access the best care. If a patient needs specialised treatment available only in another part of the UK, their access should not be restricted.
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Assessment & feedback
Not Providing Specific Steps Or Mechanisms For Cooperation
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns that the Secretary of State's decision-making has negatively impacted Scotland's ability to combat the pandemic.
Last September, he refused to follow Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies advice for an urgent lockdown. How can he explain why he did not follow scientific advice?
The attempt at division within the NHS is deeply regrettable and does not align with what people want across the country. The UK Government are guided by science but take all factors into consideration when making difficult judgments based on uncertain data.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific explanation for not following SAGE's lockdown advice
Attacking Division Attempts
Not Addressing The Refusal
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns about delayed actions by the UK Government regarding hotel quarantine and adding India to the red list, which allowed more infectious variants to enter and become dominant in the UK.
Having ignored the Scottish Government's call for all arrivals to undergo hotel quarantine and delaying adding India to the red list, is he concerned that removing social distancing will cause a surge among those not fully vaccinated?
As I was saying, Mr Speaker—
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Assessment & feedback
Concerns about surge among those not fully vaccinated
Interrupting To Continue Previous Statement
Response accuracy