Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19 Restrictions

Thursday 24 September 2020 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Lloyd Russell-Moyle inquired about discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the effectiveness of legal frameworks for covid-19 restrictions.
  • The Minister stated that frequent discussions occur with Cabinet colleagues regarding measures taken on covid, emphasizing public compliance with rules.
  • The response mentioned that the Coronavirus Act 2020 underwent full parliamentary scrutiny and includes a sunset provision for automatic expiration after two years.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lloyd Russell-Moyle Lab
NHS
Context

The question arises from concerns over the effectiveness and legality of measures taken to control the spread of COVID-19.

Question

What discussions has she had with Cabinet colleagues on the effectiveness of the legal framework governing covid-19 restrictions?

Answer from Suella Braverman

I speak frequently to Cabinet colleagues on various matters relating to Government business, including measures taken on covid. Everyone has made huge sacrifices this year to protect the NHS and save lives, and most people are still following the rules and doing their bit to control the virus, but we do need to act now to stop the virus spreading.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The effectiveness of the legal framework governing covid-19 restrictions was not directly addressed. The answer discusses general compliance with measures rather than specific discussions on the legal framework's efficacy.

How: Discusses General Compliance Instead

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Q2 Lloyd Russell-Moyle Lab
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Concerns have been raised that inadequate parliamentary scrutiny has led to some wrong convictions and charges, undermining the effectiveness of law enforcement.

Question

But does the Attorney General not agree that greater parliamentary scrutiny would prevent some of the wrong convictions and charges, and enable the police to better enforce the law?

Answer from Suella Braverman

The Coronavirus Act 2020 was put before Parliament and went through every stage that a Bill is expected to go through. Any regulations made under it are also subject to parliamentary approval. There is also a sunset provision in the Coronavirus Act, which means it will expire automatically after two years, if not extended. There is a parliamentary review every six months, which will give this Parliament the chance—for example, this coming Wednesday—to vote on a motion stating that the Act should not end.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner's concern about preventing wrong convictions through greater scrutiny was not directly addressed. Instead, emphasis was placed on existing parliamentary processes and provisions.

How: Emphasized Existing Oversight Mechanisms

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