Topical Questions 2020-07-09
2020-07-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Physical exercise is important for both physical and mental health. The reopening of such facilities has been a matter of concern.
With the importance of physical exercise in mind, when will the Secretary of State update guidance to allow the safe reopening of gyms and fitness centres?
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend who has campaigned on this issue and raised it with me frequently. I also commend the gyms which have engaged constructively to overcome hurdles. I hope to make an announcement imminently aiming for reopening by mid-July.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Freelancers represent a significant portion of the workforce in creative industries and have been largely excluded from government support schemes during the pandemic.
With reference to the Chancellor's statement, will any of the cultural sector support announced by the Secretary of State on Monday go towards freelance workers? If so, when can they expect it?
Freelancers are important. Besides the furlough scheme, self-employed individuals have been able to access the support announced by the Chancellor. The new package focuses on protecting cultural institutions so they can reopen in the future.
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Assessment & feedback
Details about direct financial aid for freelancers were not provided beyond mentioning general schemes available to self-employed individuals.
Redirecting Focus
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
There are concerns about the influence of online platforms in spreading misinformation, particularly regarding vaccines. Public health is at risk.
Given that the Government's test, track and trace system has lost public trust, will the Secretary of State prioritise public safety over big tech profits by publishing the Online Harms Bill?
Our Government was first to commit to online harms legislation. We have established a counter-disinformation unit and are working across departments to prepare for vaccine availability.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q4
Direct Answer
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South Cambridgeshire is crucial for biotech and medical research, but suffers from poor mobile connectivity which hinders productivity.
Will the Secretary of State work with me and mobile industry leaders to improve mobile coverage in South Cambridgeshire, supporting biomedical R&D efforts?
I am committed to ensuring no area is left behind regarding connectivity. We have struck a deal with mobile operators to create shared rural networks addressing patchy coverage issues.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Northumberland is to benefit from government funding to enhance digital connectivity, fostering job creation in the northern powerhouse.
Does the Secretary of State have a plan or timeline for fibre-to-the-premises rollout to boost job creation in North Tyneside?
Our manifesto aims to roll out full fibre by 2025. Numbers have doubled in the past year, and we are working hard towards this ambitious target.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
Communities rely on local radio for information during the coronavirus crisis. Mix 96 in Aylesbury has a long-standing commitment to the town.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that when big media groups such as Bauer buy up small stations like Mix, it is important to balance commercial imperatives alongside a genuine commitment to serve communities with locally produced content, local news and jobs for local people?
I wholly agree with my hon. Friend. Reliable local news is an important way of tackling the rise of misinformation and disinformation.
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Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
The creative sector is crucial to Patrick Grady's constituency and support packages have been announced, but concerns remain about long-term support.
The support packages are welcome and better late than never, but the Secretary of State is still not answering questions about how self-employed creators will be supported through this crisis in the long term. The creative sector is literally the life and soul of my constituency, so if this Government cannot guarantee the support that creators need, will he devolve the powers to the Scottish Parliament, so that Scotland can support its artists in all their different shapes and forms?
I say gently to the hon. Gentleman that this package gives £96 million to Scotland under the Barnett consequentials, so I trust that he will ensure that that goes to those industries, rather than to the other priorities of the Scottish Government.
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Q8
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK is looking to recover its domestic hospitality and tourism sectors post-coronavirus.
With the domestic hospitality and tourism sectors raring to rebound following the recent disruption, what is the Department doing to encourage the British public to support these efforts and visit our coastal tourist attractions and resorts, in particular the gem that is the Fylde coast?
I share my hon. Friend's love of the Fylde coast, and I used to enjoy taking a dip in the sea in October when we had party conferences in Blackpool. It is precisely for such reasons that we have announced a massive VAT cut to help restart the tourism sector.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy