Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: UK-wide Response

Wednesday 20 May 2020 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • James Davies inquired about recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on coordinating a UK-wide response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Alexander Stafford noted that Scotland will receive over 3.7 billion in extra funding due to actions taken by the UK Government to address the pandemic.
  • John Stevenson questioned the necessity of a UK-wide policy on movement to avoid confusion caused by differing policies between regions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Davies Con
NHS
Context

The MP is concerned about the need for a coordinated approach across the UK to address the ongoing pandemic.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on co-ordinating a UK-wide response to the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Alister Jack

I have regular discussions with all my Cabinet colleagues on the covid-19 outbreak, including on the co-ordination of a UK-wide response. The Government are absolutely committed to a UK-wide approach and we will continue to work together with the devolved Administrations to ensure a co-ordinated approach across the UK, while respecting the devolution settlements.

Answered
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Q2 Alexander Stafford
Scotland
Context

The MP highlights that the Scottish Government will receive significant extra funding from the UK government to address the pandemic.

Question

Because of the actions taken by this UK Government, the Scottish Government will receive more than £3.7 billion in extra Barnett funding to help deal with the covid-19 outbreak. Does my right hon. Friend believe that this demonstrates the importance of tackling the pandemic as one United Kingdom, and that it is in the best interests of all four nations to work together as we emerge from this crisis?

Answer from Alister Jack

As my hon. Friend correctly points out, Scotland has been allocated a total of £3.7 billion in extra funding so far, and, yes, I agree with him on the one United Kingdom approach.

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Q3 John Stevenson Con
Northern Ireland Scotland
Context

The MP raises concerns about cross-border activity and travel in areas like Carlisle and south Scotland, suggesting confusion caused by different policies.

Question

In places such as Carlisle and south Scotland, we have a substantial amount of cross-border activity, including travel to work. Does the Minister agree that it would be far better to have a UK-wide policy on movement rather than having the Scottish Government causing unnecessary confusion, which does not help people in this part of the country?

Answer from Alister Jack

Yes, absolutely.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide any additional details or specifics about implementing a UK-wide policy.

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Q4 Craig Whittaker Con
Scotland
Context

The MP queries about the commitment to work together despite different parts of the UK experiencing the pandemic at varying rates.

Question

As we know, different parts of the United Kingdom are experiencing this pandemic at different rates, so it is right to be flexible and to move at different speeds, as we have seen. But will my right hon. Friend confirm that he remains fully committed to working constructively with the Scottish Government, so that we can, as he says, get through this crisis together as one United Kingdom?

Answer from Alister Jack

I can confirm to my hon. Friend that we are absolutely committed to working constructively with the Scottish Government on all fronts.

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Q5 James Davies Con
Business & Trade
Context

The MP cites a statement by Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, advocating for avoiding divergence in policies.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree with Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, has said: “We need to see the whole of the UK moving together—the alternative for business is additional confusion and cost. Avoiding divergence for the sake of politics is important.” Does the Secretary of State agree?

Answer from Alister Jack

I think my hon. Friend said, “avoiding divergence for the sake of politics”, or something, towards the end. If that is indeed what he said, I completely agree with him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not clearly address Adam Marshall's full statement and lacks detail about specific actions to avoid policy divergence.

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