Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Omicron Variant: Support for Key Services

Thursday 13 January 2022 · 6 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 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister emphasizes the importance of coming out of covid restrictions and reopening the economy.
  • The Secretary of State for Transport will address a case concerning worker safety at the DVLA.
  • Government provided 750 million in support for charities throughout the pandemic.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
NHS Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from the challenges faced by local businesses and services due to the omicron variant, necessitating additional support.

Question

What support are you providing to businesses and the voluntary sector to support key services affected by the omicron variant?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The most important thing is to come out of the covid restrictions and reopen our economy. Boosters remain the best way to save lives, reduce the pressure on our NHS and keep our country safe. Almost eight out of 10 eligible adults in England are now boosted.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specific support measures for businesses and voluntary sector during omicron variant

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Q2 Geraint Davies Lab
Employment
Context

A year ago, Phil Grant of the DVLA tragically died from coronavirus. There have been over 700 reported cases since then. Unions and management agreed on new safety measures but they were not implemented.

Question

A year after Phil Grant's death due to coronavirus at the DVLA, with 1,700 cumulative cases now, will you intervene to enable a scheme agreed by both unions and management to protect workers' safety?

Answer from Steve Barclay

I recognise the seriousness of the case. I express our sympathy for the family concerned. Under plan B, employees are encouraged to work from home where possible. The Secretary of State for Transport will pick up the case and I will raise it with him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to immediate intervention but offered to flag the case

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Q3 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
NHS
Context

Charities have played a crucial role during the pandemic, especially supporting vulnerable older people. The question arises from whether these organisations were involved in planning from the outset.

Question

Does not the Minister agree that it would have been better to involve charities in planning right from the start? Can we learn this lesson for future emergencies?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The hon. Lady is absolutely right about the importance of charities and their involvement throughout the pandemic response. We have provided £750 million of support for charities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether charities were involved from the start, only acknowledged their importance

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Q4 Virendra Sharma Lab
NHS
Context

Ealing food bank is supporting those in need, and there are concerns about the impact of charging for testing on those already struggling.

Question

If the Government move to charge for testing, will you commit to funding lateral flow tests for the most vulnerable to prevent unwanted outbreaks?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The UK continues to offer universal free testing. We have delivered more than any other country in Europe without charging. Testing has played a key role alongside the booster campaign, but we need to balance that with value for money and cost.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to funding lateral flow tests if charges are introduced

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Q5 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Employment Mental Health
Context

MAKE, an organisation supporting men's mental health during the pandemic, is facing challenges due to rising demand and waiting times.

Question

What specifically are you doing to support Portsmouth social enterprises like MAKE to flourish and succeed at a time of high demand for mental health services?

Answer from Steve Barclay

We have had a package of £750 million of support. We have worked with various organisations, including holiday clubs and other support offered through our school sector. I am happy to look at the specific case highlighted by the hon. Member.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on measures for Portsmouth social enterprises

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Q6 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Community Security Local Government
Context

Local resilience forums are vital in emergency responses but have received minimal funding, leaving them underprepared.

Question

Will you commit to properly and sustainably fund local resilience forums to ensure they are never again left without the necessary resources?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The hon. Lady is right on the importance of local resilience forums, but she is not right to say that the Government have not responded. There has been over £400 billion of support from the Government as part of our pandemic response.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to sustainable funding for local resilience forums

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