Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Lockdown Easing: Public Confidence

Thursday 11 June 2020 · 3 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 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government taking steps across departments to boost public confidence regarding easing of COVID-19 lockdown measures
  • Minister dismisses suggestion that specific events have damaged Government communications regarding the pandemic
  • Minister reiterates importance of following medical advice to protect public health, calls for focus on recovery rather than controversy

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Desmond Swayne Con Christchurch
Education Economy
Context

Questions about measures to increase public confidence as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Question

What steps is the Government taking across departments to boost public confidence regarding easing of COVID-19 lockdown measures?

Answer from The Minister for the Cabinet Office (Penny Mordaunt)

Acknowledges the sacrifices made by the public, reiterates that protecting public health is paramount. Emphasizes determination to restart the UK economy and reopen schools based on measures laid out in the recovery strategy published May 11th.

Answered
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Q2 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and North Perthshire
NHS
Context

Raises concern over an episode that has possibly undermined the Government's public messaging about COVID-19.

Question

Asks if the Minister can identify a specific event in recent weeks that could have significantly damaged the Government's communications regarding the pandemic?

Answer from The Minister for the Cabinet Office (Penny Mordaunt)

Acknowledges the seriousness of the point, dismisses it by suggesting the hon. Gentleman might want to stop discussing it if he thinks it undermines public health messages.

Answered

How: Dismissal

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Q3 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and North Perthshire
NHS Economy Democracy & Elections
Context

Explores the damage caused by the Government's handling of the Dominic Cummings incident, questioning its effect on public trust.

Question

Asks if the Minister believes that protecting Dominic Cummings is worth damaging the public's faith in the Government and their battle against COVID-19?

Answer from The Minister for the Cabinet Office (Penny Mordaunt)

Reiterates the importance of following medical advice to protect families, communities, NHS, and economy. Acknowledges anger but calls for focus on public health message instead of discussing controversy further.

Answered

How: Focus Shifting

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