Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: UK-wide Response

Wednesday 9 September 2020 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions focus on coordinating a UK-wide approach to the covid-19 outbreak.
  • The UK Government has provided 12.7 billion in additional funding to devolved Administrations during the pandemic.
  • The Joint Biosecurity Centre facilitates collaboration in combatting coronavirus across the UK.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
NHS Economy Local Government
Context

There is ongoing coordination between the UK Government and devolved Administrations in addressing the pandemic.

Question

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

Answer from Iain Stewart

We can respond effectively to covid-19 only if we have a UK-wide approach. Pooling resources and using the strength of the UK economy enables the Government to support jobs and business and to provide the extra funding and other resources to the devolved Administrations to help them combat the virus.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions on coordination among Cabinet colleagues were not provided, only a general statement of approach.

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Q2 Suzanne Webb
Economy Scotland
Context

The UK Government has provided financial assistance to devolved governments throughout the pandemic.

Question

The UK Government have delivered an extra £12.7 billion to the devolved Administrations throughout this pandemic, including £6.5 billion for the Scottish Government. Does my hon. Friend agree that the enormous level of financial support that has already been provided showcases the strength and value of this great and united Union?

Answer from Iain Stewart

I very much agree with my hon. Friend; the strength of the UK economy and the Treasury's international standing means that we have been able to fund the covid-19 response across all parts of the UK. Given those facts, it is worth considering the point made last week by Alex Salmond's former adviser: “Thirteen years in government and the SNP have yet to show their workings” on how a separate Scotland would manage financially.

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Q3 Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

There is inconsistency among different Administrations on quarantine rules and gathering numbers.

Question

There is no doubt that some confusion is caused when the different Administrations come to different conclusions based on our advice about quarantine, numbers of people who can gather together and so on. The Minister has just spoken about a UK-wide approach. Would it not be better if some of these regulations were decisions for the UK Government?

Answer from Iain Stewart

I am grateful for my hon. Friend's question. We have already had examples of collaboration during this period. For example, on 23 August, the chief medical officers for all parts of the UK issued a joint statement on the current evidence of the risks and benefits to health from schools and childcare settings reopening. UK and devolved Administration Ministers meet regularly to explore and discuss these issues. Although it is right that across the UK different authorities should be able to respond to specific circumstances, I hope that political considerations do not lead to this being difference just for the sake of it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner's suggestion was neither confirmed nor denied; only general collaboration was mentioned.

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Q4 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
NHS
Context

The effectiveness of the Joint Biosecurity Centre is being evaluated.

Question

Will my hon. Friend expand on the success and the effectiveness of the Joint Biosecurity Centre in informing decision makers around the UK on our best way to combat coronavirus?

Answer from Iain Stewart

My hon. Friend highlights just another example of where working together strengthens our response. I am delighted that legislation has been passed enabling the Scottish Government and the UK Government to allow the JBC to provide services to Ministers and officials in both Administrations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specifics on success and effectiveness were not detailed; only legislative progress was mentioned.

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