Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 18 March 2020 · 9 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 8 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Rob Butler asked the Prime Minister to assure the public that the Government would take necessary actions and spend required funds to save lives and protect livelihoods during the pandemic.
  • Jeremy Corbyn questioned the Government's prioritization of testing healthcare workers and expressed concern over the guidance on protective equipment use.
  • Ian Blackford suggested a temporary universal basic income to protect freelancers, renters, and the self-employed, and asked if the Prime Minister would commit to such a measure.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rob Butler Lab Conservative
NHS
Context

The MP acknowledges constituents' concerns about the pandemic and expresses gratitude to healthcare workers.

Question

Can my right hon. Friend assure the people of Aylesbury, and everybody in the country, that the Government will take whatever action is needed and spend whatever money is needed to save lives and protect livelihoods?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the staff at Stoke Mandeville and to all the staff in our fantastic NHS for the way they are coping at this extremely difficult time. We not only put another £5 billion into the NHS last week, as he heard from my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, but we will certainly do whatever it takes and provide whatever funding is necessary to help our NHS through this crisis and, indeed, to support the whole country with Government-guaranteed loans, as he will have heard yesterday.

Answered
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Q2 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Labour
NHS
Context

Corbyn raises concerns about the lack of testing for NHS and care sector workers, highlighting the uncertainty these employees face.

Question

He asks why the Government is not prioritising testing all healthcare workers and expresses worry over recent guidance that restricts protective equipment use.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson confirms the Government's priority on testing NHS staff and reveals an increase in daily tests from 5,000 to 25,000. He acknowledges the concern regarding PPE but assures ongoing efforts to ensure adequate supplies.

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Q3 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Labour
NHS Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Corbyn expresses the need for bold and decisive actions from the Government to protect society's most vulnerable groups.

Question

He questions the Prime Minister about providing support to those living on the margins of society, emphasizing the importance of balancing public health with social justice.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson announces a £500 million fund for councils to help the poorest and most vulnerable, as well as immediate cash injections into businesses. He reiterates the importance of following scientific advice to combat the pandemic effectively.

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Q4 Brendan Clarke-Smith Lab Conservative
NHS
Context

Clarke-Smith asks for an update on the £14.9 million investment to upgrade the A&E department at Bassetlaw Hospital.

Question

He invites the Prime Minister and Secretary of State to visit the hospital when work is completed, expressing delight over their previous visits.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson congratulates Clarke-Smith for his work at Bassetlaw Hospital, confirming £15 million already allocated to expand emergency care capacity. He expresses eagerness to see progress and support the hospital's ambitions.

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Q5 Ian Blackford SNP Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Blackford praises cross-party cooperation in responding to the crisis but calls for a financial package for individuals similar to what was announced for businesses.

Question

He suggests a temporary universal basic income, supported by six parties across the House, and asks if the Prime Minister will provide such security for everyone, especially freelancers, renters, and the self-employed.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson acknowledges cross-party support for protecting all people during the crisis but does not explicitly commit to providing a temporary universal basic income.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to a universal basic income

How: Acknowledges Cross-Party Cooperation Without Committing

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Q6 Ian Blackford SNP Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

UK facing economic crisis due to coronavirus.

Question

Asked about the PM's willingness to meet supporters of emergency universal income to discuss protecting incomes. Stressed importance of not repeating past mistakes where ordinary people suffered while banks were bailed out during last financial crisis.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Acknowledged willingness to meet to discuss proposals. Emphasised importance of avoiding past mistakes, ensuring no one is penalized for doing the right thing during crisis.

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Q7 Damian Hinds Con no constituency
NHS Education
Context

Concerns about burden on schools during crisis.

Question

Welcomed postponement of routine Ofsted inspections and commended teachers for their efforts in supporting families. Asked if PM would join him in commending them.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Praised NHS, teachers and school staff for work during crisis. Confirmed postponement of Ofsted inspections to remove burden on schools and more decisions expected soon.

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Q8 Rosena Allin-Khan Lab Tividale
NHS
Context

Concerns about PPE supply, testing availability, social distancing measures in care homes.

Question

Asked where forward planning was for PPE and testing for NHS and care staff. Questioned why mass testing is delayed and called on PM to scale up response without delay.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Acknowledged work of NHS, confirmed stockpiles of PPE equipment, stressed importance of timely measures based on scientific advice to combat spread and save lives.

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Q9 Edward Timpson Con Crewe and Nantwich
NHS
Context

NHS needs for ventilators in treating severely affected patients.

Question

Asked PM to update on efforts to bring together manufacturers to supply the NHS with ventilators and other essential medical equipment.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Confirmed coalition of British manufacturers working to supply ventilators. Already have 8,000 and moving upwards rapidly, will keep House informed on developments.

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