Covid-19 Public Inquiry 2021-06-23
2021-06-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
There is a debate around whether a public inquiry should be established to investigate the responses of both Governments during the pandemic.
Whether he has had discussions with the Scottish Government on a public inquiry on the (a) Scottish and (b) UK Government's response to the covid-19 outbreak.
The Prime Minister announced that the Government will consult the devolved Administrations about the scope and remit of the public inquiry, and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has started these conversations.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The Scottish Government underspent their budget last year by hundreds of millions, raising questions about the adequacy and effectiveness of financial support provided to businesses.
Does the Minister agree that any future covid inquiry must examine whether the financial support offered to businesses by both Governments was sufficient and whether it actually reached those who needed it?
The Minister agrees that there are serious questions about whether the money allocated to Scottish businesses has been used effectively, and hopes this will be part of the public inquiry's remit.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The questioner highlights a tragic incident involving patients being discharged into care homes despite positive covid-19 tests.
Does the Minister agree that any future pandemic inquiry must investigate how the discharge of those patients was ever allowed to happen?
The Minister confirms that such matters will be covered by the inquiry, which aims to be wide-ranging in its scope.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner points out criticisms and concerns regarding both UK and Scottish Government's handling of the pandemic, calling for an urgent separate inquiry.
Will the Government agree with calls for an urgent separate Scottish judge-led public inquiry into both Governments' management of covid-19 in Scotland so that we can learn the lessons of covid and the grieving families can get the answers they so deserve?
The Government does not believe there is a need for a separate inquiry at this stage, as discussions are ongoing to establish the remit of the UK-wide inquiry which will cover both reserved and devolved matters.
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Assessment & feedback
Call for a separate Scottish public inquiry
In Response To The Hon. Gentleman'S First Point
We Are Still At The Very Early Stages
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the inconsistency of covid-related travel decisions between Scotland and Greater Manchester, affecting sectors like weddings. A constituent's wedding in Edinburgh is limited to 50 guests while there are no such limits in London.
One of the most frustrating elements for many people is the inconsistency of the decisions that have been made. Cases remain lower than they are in Dundee, yet Dundonians can travel all over Scotland while those living in Bolton are effectively banned from travelling to Scotland at all. These varying decisions are having a devastating impact on key sectors like weddings. A constituent's wedding in Edinburgh is limited to 50 guests but will travel to London the following week where there are no guest limits, and she was at Glasgow fan zone with 3,000 supporters last week. She is deeply frustrated.
The issue between the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the First Minister is not satisfactory, and I would urge them both to come to a sensible arrangement. The two Governments do work closely together with several meetings a week between the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the First Minister or the Health Secretary and his counterparts to discuss arrangements. At the end of the day, the Scottish Government has the ability to make their own decisions, but they are coordinated on travel corridors.
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Assessment & feedback
The consequences of refusing to work together were not examined specifically.
Response accuracy