Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Discussions with Devolved Administrations

Thursday 1 October 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 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government had recent discussions with devolved Administrations on tackling the covid-19 outbreak
  • Joint statement published by all involved parties highlighting commitment to protect citizens' health and enhance economic recovery
  • Aim remains to flatten the curve, protect the NHS, and save lives

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
NHS Economy
Context

The question arises from the need to ensure coordinated efforts between the UK government and devolved administrations in handling the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

Question

What recent discussions has the Government had with the devolved Administrations on tackling the covid-19 outbreak. The focus is on the joint statement published by all involved parties, highlighting their commitment to protect citizens' health and enhance economic recovery.

Answer from Michael Gove

We recently published a joint statement with the devolved Administrations demonstrating our commitment to working together to protect the health of citizens, communities, and enhance economic recovery. Ministers from all devolved Administrations attended Cobra on 22 September following bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister on 21 September. I have regular meetings with First Ministers of the Administrations.

Answered
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Q2 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
NHS
Context

The question stems from a debate on whether the initial aim to flatten the curve and protect the NHS has changed over time, given the evolving nature of the pandemic.

Question

If the effort against covid is a war, then the first principles are the selection and maintenance of the aim. In March, the aim was to flatten the curve and protect the NHS. Has it changed?

Answer from Michael Gove

No, our aim has not changed. The aim is to flatten the curve, protect the NHS and save lives, as correctly stated by my right hon. Friend who is a distinguished Territorial Army officer and former Defence Minister.

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