Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19 Treatments

Thursday 3 November 2022 · 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

  • Kate Osamor asked the Minister about discussions with World Trade Organisation counterparts on access to covid-19 treatments.
  • The previous World Trade Organisation ministerial conference resulted in an agreement on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights for covid-19 vaccines.
  • The Minister stated that the Government will support countries needing access to vaccines and treatments within the existing framework.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Discussions about the World Trade Organisation's ministerial conference where an agreement was brokered on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights in relation to covid-19 vaccines.

Question

What discussions she has had with her counterparts at the World Trade Organisation on access to treatments for covid-19?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The last World Trade Organisation ministerial conference, attended by my predecessor, my right hon. Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Anne-Marie Trevelyan), brokered an agreement on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights in relation to covid-19 vaccines. My officials are fully engaged in ongoing discussions regarding TRIPS. The UK remains committed to engaging constructively with the WTO on that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer discusses past agreements and current engagement but does not address specific future discussions or commitments about treatments for covid-19.

How: Discusses Past Agreements, Refers To Ongoing Discussions

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Q2 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
NHS
Context

Following an initial question, the MP acknowledges a success in securing a deal at the WTO to waive some rights on manufacturing of covid vaccines but notes that the agreement does not extend to treatment access. Countries such as Pakistan and South Africa are urging an extension.

Question

A great success was achieved earlier this year when a deal was agreed at the WTO to waiver some rights on the manufacture of covid vaccines, yet the deal does not apply to treatment, so countries such as Pakistan and South Africa are urging an extension of the waiver. Can the Government commit to being a positive voice in negotiations and pledge to support a waiver on covid-19 treatments?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

I cannot make a pledge at the Dispatch Box. I can say that we will do everything we can within the existing framework to support countries that need access to vaccines and treatments. If they are making specific requests about waivers that the DIT can consider, I would be happy for the hon. Lady to write to me so that I can take a look.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the need but does not commit to being a positive voice or pledging support specifically on treatment waivers.

How: Cannot Make Pledge, Will Do Everything Within Framework

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