Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 25 March 2020 · 27 questions

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

At a glance

Answered 26 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Suzanne Webb pays tribute to constituents' work during the pandemic and asks about support for staying at home guidelines.
  • Jeremy Corbyn questions why testing efforts were not ramped up sooner and inquires about current testing and equipment availability.
  • Johnson confirms that testing social care staff is a priority and that he has been in contact with supermarkets to ensure key workers have access to essential supplies.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Context

The MP acknowledges the Prime Minister's efforts and the sacrifices of NHS workers. She expresses concern about people needing support to stay at home.

Question

She pays tribute to her constituents' heroic work in these unprecedented times and commends the PM's address on Monday for reinforcing necessary measures. She asks if the Government will ensure people have the support they need to adhere to staying at home guidelines.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

He echoes her tribute and reiterates his advice for everyone to stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives.

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Q2 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Labour
NHS
Context

The MP expresses concern about the delayed testing efforts despite early warnings and highlights the lack of support for cleaners and other essential workers. He specifically asks about delays in obtaining testing machines.

Question

He questions why testing efforts were not ramped up sooner when warned about a potential pandemic, asking what is being done now to get testing equipment.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

He acknowledges Jeremy Corbyn's service and pays tribute to cleaners. He confirms that testing has been a priority since the crisis started, with daily tests increasing from 5,000 to 25,000.

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Context

He raises concerns about social care workers' access to regular testing, highlighting that lack of tests means potential isolation without necessary support.

Question

Corbyn asks when all social care staff will have access to regular testing. He also inquires about supermarket restrictions affecting essential supplies for carers and their residents.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

He confirms the priority of testing social care staff as fast as possible. He also states that he has been in contact with supermarkets to ensure key workers get time in stores.

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Q4 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Labour
NHS
Context

He raises the issue of NHS and social care staff not getting necessary protective equipment, highlighting a plea made on Twitter by a supply association.

Question

Corbyn asks when NHS staff will receive the essential PPE they need. He emphasises that this is an urgent matter for frontline workers looking after vulnerable people.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

He confirms the issue has been addressed in a meeting, and he states that Army distribution is ongoing with 7.5 million pieces of equipment already delivered.

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Q5 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
Context

The Leader of the Opposition raised concerns about private renters being threatened with eviction despite previous commitments from the Prime Minister to protect them.

Question

Corbyn asked whether the PM would legislate to ban evictions for six months, matching the emergency legislation's renewal period. He emphasized constituents are facing threats despite rent arrears due to job loss during the shutdown.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson stated they are lifting up local housing allowance to 30th percentile median rent and making no-fault evictions illegal, but acknowledged concerns about renters. He emphasized protection measures for workers and the economy.

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Q6 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
Context

Corbyn pointed out that British people overseas feel abandoned by their Government, facing issues like lack of medicines and flight cancellations.

Question

Corbyn inquired about the Government's efforts to bring back Britons from abroad and provide emergency costs for medical needs. He highlighted concerns over long wait times on phone calls for help.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson assured that an operation is underway for repatriation and noted the Government's efforts in protecting renters. He reiterated the commitment to protect the NHS and announced upcoming measures for self-employed individuals.

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Context

The UK is facing a deepening economic crisis due to coronavirus, leaving many without income and in need of financial support. International examples like Norway, Denmark, Germany, and Ireland have implemented measures such as wage support schemes and emergency payments.

Question

In the context of ongoing lockdown measures causing significant economic distress for workers and self-employed individuals, Blackford urges the Prime Minister to confirm that when the Chancellor announces new support measures, there will be parity between the already announced job retention scheme for PAYE employees and a new scheme for the self-employed. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive support to prevent economic collapse.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson acknowledges the importance of parity in support and mentions existing efforts like extended mortgage holidays, interest-free loans, and help for those not on PAYE schemes. He confirms that they are bringing forward a package to ensure everyone receives necessary support.

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Context

Wolverhampton has experienced cases of covid-19, leading to significant community action including volunteer support.

Question

Stevenson thanks the staff at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton for their efforts during the crisis. She asks the Prime Minister to also acknowledge volunteers and warns against people who do not comply with stay-at-home advice as it can cost lives.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson thanks the staff at New Cross Hospital and all NHS personnel for their efforts. He highlights that 170,000 people have volunteered to help since the call for assistance was made, praising this significant number of volunteers and expressing gratitude.

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Q9 Gareth Thomas Labour (Co-op)
NHS
Context

Northwick Park Hospital has faced a critical incident due to high levels of deaths from the virus.

Question

Thomas raises concern over Northwick Park Hospital's situation, specifically about staff access to high-grade PPE and timely testing equipment. He wants assurance that these measures will be provided promptly to keep staff safe from cross-infection risks.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson acknowledges the issue at Northwick Park and confirms they have received a consignment recently. He states that supplies will continue to be provided to ensure safety.

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Q10 Adam Afriyie Con
NHS
Context

Afriyie commends the Prime Minister for clear communication on tackling the virus.

Question

Afriyie praises the clarity and leadership provided by the Government in their messages about protecting the NHS and saving lives. He asks when the PM will lift lockdown measures based on safety assurance.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson confirms that they keep such measures under constant review, indicating that adherence to stipulations by the public would allow for a faster return to normalcy.

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Context

A specific incident at Oaklands care home in his constituency highlights the urgent need for testing and PPE.

Question

Kyle thanks Ministers for their constructive work during this period. He reports a critical situation at Oaklands care home, noting delays in tests and lack of protective equipment for staff. He seeks dates for daily testing availability and full provision of PPE.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson confirms the Government's aim to roll out testing as soon as possible. On PPE, he assures that all required equipment will be provided by the end of the week.

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Context

There is concern over adequate food supplies and the issue of profiteers exploiting shortages.

Question

Stafford asks for assurance that the Prime Minister maintains regular contact with supermarkets to ensure goods reach shelves. He also calls for an end to stockpiling and black market profiteering.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson agrees, stating the importance of reasonable shopping behaviour. He mentions legislative action against profiteering as well as confirmation that supply chains are adequate.

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Context

Thousands of jobs in Gavin Newlands' constituency and nearly 1 million across the UK rely on the aviation industry. The Chancellor and Transport Secretary initially committed to a bespoke support package but later reneged on that commitment.

Question

The aviation industry is vital now and will be crucial when we come out of this coronavirus situation, with thousands of jobs depending on it. Can the Prime Minister tell me why the Government have washed their hands of providing a bespoke support package to the aviation industry?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson) (12:00:00)

No specific response provided in the given text.

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not provide a direct answer regarding why the Government has retracted its commitment to the aviation industry support package.

How: Did Not Address Question

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Q14 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
Context

Corbyn raises concerns about non-emergency construction work continuing despite the risks, highlighting a case of a self-employed worker who is compelled to work due to financial pressures.

Question

Jeremy Corbyn questions why non-emergency construction sites are still operational and asks the Prime Minister for unequivocal guidance to stop such work. He also inquires about support for self-employed workers facing severe economic challenges due to the pandemic.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson clarifies that everyone should stay at home unless they have no alternative. He acknowledges the pressures faced by self-employed workers but states that a support package is forthcoming. He emphasizes the unprecedented measures already in place for employees and assures additional funding for universal credit.

Answered

Not addressed: The issue of immediate guidance to cease non-emergency construction work was not directly addressed, though Johnson restates general advice on social distancing.

How: Referring To Broader Support Measures, Promising A Future Package

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Q15 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Labour
Context

The Chancellor and Transport Secretary have been inconsistent in their approach to supporting industries affected by the pandemic.

Question

The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right: this is not a time for levity; it is time for serious action and a serious response to the crisis... Can the Prime Minister be absolutely clear and give unequivocal guidance now that non-emergency construction work should stop now?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

The right hon. Gentleman is entirely correct... I will work with you, Mr Speaker, if I may, on how we can ensure that Parliament is kept informed throughout the recess.

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Q16 Ian Blackford SNP Ross, Skye and Lochaber
NHS
Context

The Scottish Government has announced plans to protect people from losing their homes through a six-month ban on evictions.

Question

When the crisis is over, we in this House will need to find some way to honour those amazing heroes... Does the Prime Minister agree that we owe it to everyone in our NHS and those willing to return for non-essential workers to stay at home?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on the splendid way in which he expressed himself... Will the Prime Minister send out that message today?

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Context

Applications for universal credit have increased significantly and measures to help self-employed individuals will take time to implement.

Question

What is the Government's plan to help those without a job, income, or savings who are in urgent need of food? What steps will be taken to ensure no family goes hungry?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

We have already increased universal credit, and we are giving an immediate grant of ÂŁ500 million to local councils to help those in urgent need. There will be more support coming.

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Context

There is an issue with people being evicted now due to loss of income, including those housed in low-cost hotels.

Question

Is the Prime Minister aware that evictions are occurring this week due to loss of income? Will his emergency legislation prevent these issues and ensure no one loses their home as a result of the crisis?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Yes, I am aware and the Bill should come into force later today. It provides protection for three months, which is being reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing support as needed.

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Q19 Chris Matheson Lab
Context

Some businesses are facing difficulties due to insurance companies' failure to provide coverage.

Question

Will the Government issue clear directives regarding no large gatherings involving many people in the near future, and will they address insurers' responsibilities?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Instructions are very clear for not holding large gatherings. Enforcement is in place, and this message must go to companies and insurers as well.

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Context

Tens of thousands of UK constituents are stranded abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Question

Mr. Spellar asks for the Prime Minister's instruction to the Ministry of Defence to start charter flights and bring these people home.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Yes, not every country in the world necessarily welcomes a grey tailfin—most of them do—but we are certainly commissioning charters right now, and there is a massive, massive repatriation effort going on.

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Context

The hon. Member's constituency is experiencing strain in parts of the NHS estate.

Question

Mr. Holden seeks assurance from the Prime Minister and Health Secretary to work with him on delivering a new community hospital to replace an aged one at Shotley Bridge in his constituency.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Yes. This Government are in no way undimmed in our ambition to continue with record investments in our NHS and build 40 new hospitals.

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Context

Some of these groups are unable to access public funds and support needed.

Question

Mr. McDonald asks the Prime Minister to encourage the Home Office to urgently reform policies so that everyone can receive necessary support during this crisis.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

This country will look after all the most vulnerable in society and the groups mentioned will certainly receive the Home Office funding that they need and deserve.

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Context

There is concern over increased pressure on police resources due to new guidelines.

Question

Mr. Hunt seeks assurance that the government will come down hard on individuals trying to exploit the current situation.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Yes, indeed; the early signs are that criminal activity is not up—it is in fact down at the moment—but we will come down like a ton of bricks on anybody who seeks to exploit the situation.

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Context

Some businesses are not adhering to government guidelines.

Question

Ms. Onwurah asks for a message to those businesses who do not stand with their staff, particularly Mike Ashley forcing workers into empty Sports Direct shops.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

The advice—the instruction—to the gentleman in question, and indeed every business, is to follow what the Government have said: to obey the rules or to expect the consequences.

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Context

There is anxiety over policy or communication divergence between the UK and Welsh governments.

Question

Mr. Williams asks for the Prime Minister to work with the Welsh Government on a volunteering scheme that allows volunteers from both nations to participate.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

In general the four nations of our United Kingdom have been working very well together, but we will get on to the Welsh Government this afternoon on the issue that my hon. Friend addresses.

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Context

There have been issues with the supply chain affecting the provision of these services.

Question

Ms. McCarthy seeks assurance that those providing home and other provisions for children can get hold of the food they need, particularly in Bristol.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

I thank the hon. Lady who has given me the opportunity to say once again that our schools, our teachers and everybody who works in our schools are helping to keep our country going at a very difficult time; we are working on a voucher scheme at the moment.

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Context

There is demand for online deliveries due to social distancing guidelines.

Question

Mr. Brine asks what can be done realistically to increase availability of food delivery slots, given the demand.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

We have changed the regulations so that supermarkets have a lot more freedom in their delivery hours, and obviously one of the things we want to do is ensure that we support people to help in an expanding sector of the employment market; we do not want to put up any barriers to online delivery at all.

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