Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 29 April 2020 · 23 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 23 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Keir Starmer congratulates the Prime Minister on the birth of his child and raises concerns about rising coronavirus deaths in care homes.
  • Dominic Raab acknowledges the challenges in care homes and emphasizes the government's comprehensive plan for testing and PPE distribution.
  • Rob Roberts inquires about providing financial education in schools as part of the levelling-up programme post-crisis.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

The question relates to the rising number of deaths due to coronavirus in various settings including hospitals, care homes, and outside these institutions.

Question

Keir Starmer extends his congratulations to the Prime Minister on the birth of his child before addressing the grim figures released by the Care Quality Commission regarding deaths from coronavirus. He cites a total figure of 27,241 recorded deaths as of April 29th and questions whether this number aligns with what was anticipated six weeks earlier when the goal was to keep deaths below 20,000.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

The First Secretary acknowledges the high death toll from coronavirus and expresses sympathy for those affected. He notes that the strategy has been to prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed, which has allowed it to handle both covid-19 patients and other urgent treatments. As they move towards a second phase, planning is underway to ensure the NHS can resume elective surgery and treat patients with non-covid conditions.

Answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about whether the current death toll represents success or failure was not directly addressed.

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Q2 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS Social Care
Context

There is ongoing concern about the spread of coronavirus in care homes despite efforts to reduce transmission.

Question

Starmer acknowledges the clearer breakdown of figures but expresses concern over rising death numbers in care homes while hospital deaths are decreasing. He questions why coronavirus continues to spread rapidly in care homes and seeks up-to-date figures for healthcare staff and social care workers who have died on the frontline.

Answer from Dominic Raab (The First Secretary of State)

Raab acknowledges challenges in care homes due to decentralisation and control over people entering, including residents, staff working across multiple homes, NHS workers, and family members. He reassures that there is a comprehensive plan for ramping up testing and improving PPE distribution.

Answered
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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Care & Healthcare Workers NHS
Context

There is concern over the accuracy of statements made by officials regarding care home deaths, as well as ongoing issues with protective equipment availability for healthcare workers.

Question

Starmer questions Raab's previous statement that care home death numbers were falling in line with those in hospitals and seeks clarification. He highlights the importance of protective equipment for frontline staff based on a recent survey indicating worsening supply conditions for doctors.

Answer from Dominic Raab (The First Secretary of State)

Raab acknowledges challenges in care homes due to decentralisation but reassures that the government has a comprehensive plan for ramping up testing, improving PPE distribution, and expanding the workforce. He notes that while there are challenges, improvements must be made.

Answered
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Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

Keir Starmer questions the First Secretary of State about the UK's current testing capacity, highlighting discrepancies between reported capacity and actual tests conducted.

Question

While welcoming an increase in testing capacity to 73,000 daily, Keir Starmer points out that only 43,000 tests were carried out on a particular day. He questions whether the problem is lack of demand or inadequate supply infrastructure, given that booking systems struggled with high demand.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

Acknowledging the increase in testing capacity to 73,400 daily from around half that figure a week prior, Dominic Raab notes actual tests carried out have risen to 43,563. He clarifies that NHS and government view demand as not just willingness but capability of individuals to be tested, expanding eligibility criteria to include key workers who cannot work remotely and over-65s with symptoms, as well as all care home residents and staff.

Answered
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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Education Economy
Context

Keir Starmer acknowledged the Government's efforts in social distancing and critical care capacity but raised concerns about lack of transparency regarding an exit plan.

Question

The public need to know what will happen next, as it is crucial for three reasons: building trust, planning ahead for government, public, schools, businesses and trade unions; supporting the Government's strategy if known. The Prime Minister said on Monday that he wanted maximum transparency. Will the First Secretary of State give us some now, and tell us when the Government will publish an exit strategy?

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

We cannot responsibly set out proposals before having subsequent advice from SAGE on the rate of infection and death rate. We are reviewing evidence again in early March, but I would gently say that based on the advice and evidence from SAGE, it is very difficult for us to responsibly set out those proposals now.

Answered
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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Education Economy Business & Trade
Context

Raab's response was criticised for the delay, prompting Keir Starmer to mention that several countries have published their exit plans while the UK has not.

Question

The First Secretary asked for my proposals and what they should cover. When we look at those plans, it is clear that there are common issues such as schools and business sectors reopening. Those are the issues that need to be addressed. Delay risks falling behind other countries and the successful four-nation approach so far.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

We will engage, but setting out concrete proposals now despite clear evidence from SAGE would be wrong. We appreciate value of garden centres and nurseries. Current advice from SAGE is that relaxing any measures could risk damage to public health, our economy and progress made.

Answered
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Q7 Ian Blackford SNP Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Brexit
Context

The SNP MP argues that uncertainty surrounding Brexit negotiations should be removed to protect businesses. He cites predictions from the World Trade Organisation, International Monetary Fund, and Office for Budget Responsibility regarding economic impacts of no-deal Brexit.

Question

He asserts that not admitting an extension is a reckless gamble and urges the First Secretary to embrace common sense by extending Brexit transition and focusing on tackling health crisis together.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

The right hon. Member's desire should be to avoid more uncertainty by doubling down to get a deal this year, not dig ourselves into economic challenges through protectionism. The focus is on doing the deal and giving a shot in the arm to businesses on both sides.

Answered
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Q8 Rob Roberts Con Dewsbury
Education Economy
Context

The MP highlights the Young Enterprise programme that provides young people with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world situations by setting up and running companies.

Question

He questions if providing financial education in schools is a vital way of empowering young people and supporting the levelling-up programme across the country post-crisis.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

The hon. Member raises an excellent point about the Young Enterprise programme, and he is correct; a strong understanding of numeracy underpins young children's ability to manage money. The Government's reforms have made progress in numeracy and literacy, and practical applications are necessary.

Answered
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Q9 Allan Dorans SNP Cumnock and Doon Valley
NHS
Context

The SNP MP asks about the UK's commitment to taking a leading role in ensuring fair vaccine distribution according to needs across the world.

Question

He wants confirmation that when a covid-19 vaccine is available, the UK will collaborate with other nations to distribute it fairly based on need rather than wealth.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

The hon. Member is correct; as the Health Secretary announced, trials are ongoing and we are taking research leadership. Additionally, contributions to Gavi and CEPI are being made to ramp up international efforts for vaccine development and distribution globally.

Answered
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Q10 Robert Courts Con Witney
Business & Trade
Context

The MP voices concerns about businesses being denied financial help by banks due to regulatory systems, urging the Government to expect banks to concentrate on getting cash to those in need.

Question

He asks if my right hon. Friend agrees that as the nation sacrifices during this crisis, it's time for banks to do their part in supporting businesses financially.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

The hon. Member is thanked for championing small businesses, and it's noted that we are helping all types of businesses through various loan schemes to get them through this period and bounce back with confidence post-crisis.

Answered
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Q11 Zarah Sultana Your Party Wolverhampton South East
Economy Taxation
Context

The MP questions state support available to large corporations that dodge taxes and pay millions in dividends, urging the Government to follow Denmark's lead.

Question

She asks if the Government will stand up to big businesses by prohibiting dividend payments and share buy-backs and banning tax haven bases for state support recipients.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

The hon. Member is told to consider the Chancellor's measures supporting businesses, including large employers and innovative firms benefiting from £1.25 billion offers for high-growth firms, with support focusing on creating growth that will drive through the crisis.

Answered
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Q12 Robert Largan Lab High Peak
NHS
Context

The MP campaigns for new urgent care centres at Stepping Hill Hospital and Tameside Hospital to help NHS staff provide top-notch care.

Question

He seeks assurance from the First Secretary that the Government remain committed to building these needed urgent care centres.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

The hon. Member is thanked for championing the NHS, and it's confirmed that Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has been allocated £31 million for a new emergency care campus at Stepping Hill and over £16 million to Tameside general hospital.

Answered
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Q13 Wes Streeting Lab Westminster North
Women & Equalities
Context

A tragic incident involving the murder of two children due to domestic violence occurred in Westminster. The shadow Home Secretary has called for a £75 million ring-fenced fund.

Question

Streeting thanked first responders and offered condolences, then pointed out existing government funding but argued it was insufficient and too slow. He asked the First Secretary of State to commit to providing the requested £75 million fund.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

Raab expressed condolences and acknowledged ongoing efforts, including £750 million in funding. He stated the government is looking to strengthen its response but did not commit to the specific £75 million fund requested.

Answered

Not addressed: Commitment to providing a specific £75 million ring-fenced fund was not made.

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Q14 Shailesh Vara Con North West Hertfordshire
NHS
Context

An NHS worker provided emotional support to a widow who lost her husband due to COVID-19.

Question

Vara congratulated the PM and Carrie Symonds on their baby's birth. He then praised NHS staff for providing emotional support along with medical care to patients' families, asking Raab to join him in congratulating them.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

Raab passed on condolences, acknowledged the grim task of reading out total death tolls, thanked NHS staff for their amazing job in providing physical and emotional care. He noted that all MPs paid tribute to them during a minute's silence.

Answered

Not addressed: None

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Q15 Geraint Davies Lab Swansea West
NHS
Context

UK opted out of the EU's initial joint procurement scheme for PPE and ventilators.

Question

Davies asked Raab whether opting out was a political or commercial decision, urging him to join any future schemes that safeguard NHS supplies to avoid preventable deaths in communities, NHS or care services.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

Raab clarified it was a failure in communication, not significant value would have been added by initial scheme. He stated they will look at any future EU-wide procurement on therapeutics and are collaborating closely with European partners.

Answered

Not addressed: None

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Q16 Mark Pritchard Con The Wrekin
Economy Environment
Context

Pritchard noted the importance of horticultural sector for Shropshire's economy.

Question

Pritchard asked Raab to allow garden centres and nurseries to open in phase 1, stressing economic and social benefits. He requested SAGE consider this again.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

Raab thanked Pritchard for his plea, acknowledged economic and social importance. He noted SAGE has already considered this once and will consider again. Emphasised they would continue to be guided by evidence in decision-making.

Answered

Not addressed: None

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Q17 Alex Cunningham Lab Stockton North
Employment Children & Families
Context

Shortage of nursery places existed before the Childcare Act, now set to worsen due to coronavirus.

Question

Cunningham raised concerns about nursery workers not being able to access furlough scheme. He asked for reassurance that nurseries would still exist post-crisis and what further actions will be taken.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

Raab acknowledged challenges faced by nurseries due to crisis. He highlighted Chancellor's range of available support, noting willingness to reassess further actions if needed.

Answered

Not addressed: Specific measures to protect early years workers during the crisis and ensure nursery existence post-crisis were not detailed.

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Q18 Saqib Bhatti Con Gorton
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

A stabbing incident occurred in Gorton recently, prompting a call to reverse the decision to close the local police station.

Question

Bhatti asked Raab to join him in calling for reversing the closure of the local police station. He sought reassurances about protecting communities from knife crime post-lockdown.

Answer from Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)

Raab did not directly address the call for reversing police station closure but mentioned government's commitment to protecting communities from knife crime as lockdown eases.

Answered

Not addressed: Direct reversal of local police station closure decision was not addressed.

How: Sidestepping

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Q19 Alison Thewliss SNP Glasgow Central
Business & Trade
Context

Many businesses shut due to public health advice are facing insurer refusal of payouts on business interruption policies.

Question

Will the UK Government intervene and stand behind those claims so that no business loses out for doing the right thing?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Dominic Raab)

Does not think it is the right thing to do to stand behind all claims but continues to liaise with the insurance industry to ensure flexibility as people come through this difficult time.

Answered
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Q20 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire
Transport
Context

Haulage companies in the constituency and around UK face challenges accessing hot food and facilities.

Question

Can he ensure that we are doing all that we can to support lorry drivers as they carry out their important duties during this crisis?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Dominic Raab)

Tributes HGV drivers for keeping the country going, all motorway service stations in England remain open to road users; Transport Secretary working with operators to ensure facilities remain open.

Answered
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Q21 Dave Doogan SNP Angus
Economy Scotland Benefits & Welfare
Context

Chancellor's financial package not addressing the needs of some constituents who cannot be furloughed.

Question

What is the First Secretary's advice to my constituent in Arbroath, who after 44 years of working has been cut adrift by Treasury rules?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Dominic Raab)

Does not support universal basic income as it would not target resources at those who need them most; financial and military support provided to Scotland.

Answered
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Q22 Cheryl Gillan Con Chesham and Amersham
Children & Families Local Government
Context

Research found more than two in three autistic adults were not getting the support they needed before coronavirus; emergency powers easing duties under Care Act 2014 triggered.

Question

Can my right hon. Friend guarantee that autistic people will not be disproportionately affected by these changes, and will he publish which councils have to resort to emergency powers?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Dominic Raab)

Wants to ensure autistic children are as protected as possible; funding going through local authorities; will speak to Education Secretary and Communities Secretary.

Answered
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Q23 Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP Lagan Valley
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

Headline speaks about deaths of those not infected by the virus who had not been attending hospital and desperately needed treatment.

Question

Will the First Secretary advise us of the measures that the Government intend to take to address this issue and ensure more people are able to attend for treatment, including cancer patients?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Dominic Raab)

Tributes work of Northern Ireland Executive; NHS capacity there to deal with non-covid priorities; willing to work with Health Secretary and Northern Ireland Secretary.

Answered
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