Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Scientific Evidence Base for Government Response

Tuesday 12 January 2021 · 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government's response to the pandemic has been informed by a considerable range of expert scientific and medical advice.
  • Vaccines will be delivered on the Isle of Wight before 15 July, and vaccinations are currently happening on the island.
  • There will be vaccination centres within 10 miles of where everyone lives, including on the Isle of Wight.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Seely Con
NHS
Context

The question arises from concerns about the adequacy of scientific guidance informing government decisions during the pandemic.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the scientific evidence base underpinning the Government's response to the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

The Government's response to the pandemic has been informed by a considerable range of expert scientific and medical advice, with an increasing understanding of coronavirus globally. The UK has produced new scientific evidence throughout the pandemic. When we take decisions, they are based on and guided by the best possible science.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for a recent assessment was not directly addressed; instead, general statements about reliance on expert advice were provided.

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Q2 Bob Seely Con
NHS
Context

Concerns over vaccine delivery timing, potential delays in sign-off and availability, and rising infections on the island prompt this question. The demographic profile and isolation of the island are factors.

Question

Regarding vaccine hub readiness and supply issues on the Isle of Wight, despite high infection rates and unique demographics, there is worry about prioritisation. What can be done to improve the situation and what reassurance can be provided?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

Vaccines will be delivered on the Isle of Wight before 15 July, and we are committed to offering vaccines to all in priority cohorts, including over-70s. There will be vaccination centres within 10 miles of where everyone lives, and vaccinations are currently happening on the island.

Answered
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