Covid-19 UK-wide Response 2020-12-02
2020-12-02
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Discussions on co-ordinating a UK-wide approach to managing the pandemic.
What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on co-ordinating a UK-wide response to the covid-19 outbreak?
The Government and the devolved Administrations continue to work closely together to ensure a co-ordinated approach across the United Kingdom. As set out in our joint statement of 25 September, the UK Government and the devolved Administrations hold a shared commitment to suppressing the virus to the lowest possible level and keeping it there.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
A request to collaborate effectively with both Irish Government and Northern Ireland Executive on managing the health crisis.
Coronavirus knows no boundaries, and it is absolutely vital that the UK Government, the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Assembly work together to deal with it. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is absolutely crucial that we have effective co-operation—north-south and east-west—and a co-ordinated approach to dealing with this pandemic?
I strongly endorse the words of my hon. Friend. This Government are determined to work together with the Northern Irish Executive and the Irish Government to ensure that measures safeguard the health and wellbeing of UK and Irish citizens. There is an existing memorandum of understanding between the chief medical officers for Northern Ireland and for Ireland, which formalises co-ordination and co-operation between the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to covid-19.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A request to ensure the rapid and equitable provision of military assistance for vaccine distribution.
With the positive news that the UK will commence covid-19 vaccinations from 14 December, will the Secretary of State commit that if logistical support from Her Majesty's armed forces is required in Northern Ireland, it will be provided speedily and with the same resources as the rest of our nation?
We want to ensure that it is rolled out effectively across the whole United Kingdom, and we shall certainly make representations to ensure that that includes Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
The commitment was vague without specifics on timeline or resources
Response accuracy