PMQs 2020-04-29

2020-04-29

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The question relates to the rising number of deaths due to coronavirus in various settings including hospitals, care homes, and outside these institutions.
Keir Starmer extends his congratulations to the Prime Minister on the birth of his child before addressing the grim figures released by the Care Quality Commission regarding deaths from coronavirus. He cites a total figure of 27,241 recorded deaths as of April 29th and questions whether this number aligns with what was anticipated six weeks earlier when the goal was to keep deaths below 20,000.
The First Secretary acknowledges the high death toll from coronavirus and expresses sympathy for those affected. He notes that the strategy has been to prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed, which has allowed it to handle both covid-19 patients and other urgent treatments. As they move towards a second phase, planning is underway to ensure the NHS can resume elective surgery and treat patients with non-covid conditions.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about whether the current death toll represents success or failure was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
There is ongoing concern about the spread of coronavirus in care homes despite efforts to reduce transmission.
Starmer acknowledges the clearer breakdown of figures but expresses concern over rising death numbers in care homes while hospital deaths are decreasing. He questions why coronavirus continues to spread rapidly in care homes and seeks up-to-date figures for healthcare staff and social care workers who have died on the frontline.
Raab acknowledges challenges in care homes due to decentralisation and control over people entering, including residents, staff working across multiple homes, NHS workers, and family members. He reassures that there is a comprehensive plan for ramping up testing and improving PPE distribution.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Direct Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
There is concern over the accuracy of statements made by officials regarding care home deaths, as well as ongoing issues with protective equipment availability for healthcare workers.
Starmer questions Raab's previous statement that care home death numbers were falling in line with those in hospitals and seeks clarification. He highlights the importance of protective equipment for frontline staff based on a recent survey indicating worsening supply conditions for doctors.
Raab acknowledges challenges in care homes due to decentralisation but reassures that the government has a comprehensive plan for ramping up testing, improving PPE distribution, and expanding the workforce. He notes that while there are challenges, improvements must be made.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4 Direct Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Keir Starmer questions the First Secretary of State about the UK's current testing capacity, highlighting discrepancies between reported capacity and actual tests conducted.
While welcoming an increase in testing capacity to 73,000 daily, Keir Starmer points out that only 43,000 tests were carried out on a particular day. He questions whether the problem is lack of demand or inadequate supply infrastructure, given that booking systems struggled with high demand.
Acknowledging the increase in testing capacity to 73,400 daily from around half that figure a week prior, Dominic Raab notes actual tests carried out have risen to 43,563. He clarifies that NHS and government view demand as not just willingness but capability of individuals to be tested, expanding eligibility criteria to include key workers who cannot work remotely and over-65s with symptoms, as well as all care home residents and staff.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5 Direct Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Keir Starmer acknowledged the Government's efforts in social distancing and critical care capacity but raised concerns about lack of transparency regarding an exit plan.
The public need to know what will happen next, as it is crucial for three reasons: building trust, planning ahead for government, public, schools, businesses and trade unions; supporting the Government's strategy if known. The Prime Minister said on Monday that he wanted maximum transparency. Will the First Secretary of State give us some now, and tell us when the Government will publish an exit strategy?
We cannot responsibly set out proposals before having subsequent advice from SAGE on the rate of infection and death rate. We are reviewing evidence again in early March, but I would gently say that based on the advice and evidence from SAGE, it is very difficult for us to responsibly set out those proposals now.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6 Direct Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Raab's response was criticised for the delay, prompting Keir Starmer to mention that several countries have published their exit plans while the UK has not.
The First Secretary asked for my proposals and what they should cover. When we look at those plans, it is clear that there are common issues such as schools and business sectors reopening. Those are the issues that need to be addressed. Delay risks falling behind other countries and the successful four-nation approach so far.
We will engage, but setting out concrete proposals now despite clear evidence from SAGE would be wrong. We appreciate value of garden centres and nurseries. Current advice from SAGE is that relaxing any measures could risk damage to public health, our economy and progress made.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7 Direct Answer
Ian Blackford SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Context
The SNP MP argues that uncertainty surrounding Brexit negotiations should be removed to protect businesses. He cites predictions from the World Trade Organisation, International Monetary Fund, and Office for Budget Responsibility regarding economic impacts of no-deal Brexit.
He asserts that not admitting an extension is a reckless gamble and urges the First Secretary to embrace common sense by extending Brexit transition and focusing on tackling health crisis together.
The right hon. Member's desire should be to avoid more uncertainty by doubling down to get a deal this year, not dig ourselves into economic challenges through protectionism. The focus is on doing the deal and giving a shot in the arm to businesses on both sides.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8 Direct Answer
Rob Roberts Con
Dewsbury
Context
The MP highlights the Young Enterprise programme that provides young people with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world situations by setting up and running companies.
He questions if providing financial education in schools is a vital way of empowering young people and supporting the levelling-up programme across the country post-crisis.
The hon. Member raises an excellent point about the Young Enterprise programme, and he is correct; a strong understanding of numeracy underpins young children's ability to manage money. The Government's reforms have made progress in numeracy and literacy, and practical applications are necessary.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Allan Dorans SNP
Cumnock and Doon Valley
Context
The SNP MP asks about the UK's commitment to taking a leading role in ensuring fair vaccine distribution according to needs across the world.
He wants confirmation that when a covid-19 vaccine is available, the UK will collaborate with other nations to distribute it fairly based on need rather than wealth.
The hon. Member is correct; as the Health Secretary announced, trials are ongoing and we are taking research leadership. Additionally, contributions to Gavi and CEPI are being made to ramp up international efforts for vaccine development and distribution globally.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10 Direct Answer
Robert Courts Con
Witney
Context
The MP voices concerns about businesses being denied financial help by banks due to regulatory systems, urging the Government to expect banks to concentrate on getting cash to those in need.
He asks if my right hon. Friend agrees that as the nation sacrifices during this crisis, it's time for banks to do their part in supporting businesses financially.
The hon. Member is thanked for championing small businesses, and it's noted that we are helping all types of businesses through various loan schemes to get them through this period and bounce back with confidence post-crisis.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q11 Direct Answer
Zarah Sultana Your Party
Wolverhampton South East
Context
The MP questions state support available to large corporations that dodge taxes and pay millions in dividends, urging the Government to follow Denmark's lead.
She asks if the Government will stand up to big businesses by prohibiting dividend payments and share buy-backs and banning tax haven bases for state support recipients.
The hon. Member is told to consider the Chancellor's measures supporting businesses, including large employers and innovative firms benefiting from £1.25 billion offers for high-growth firms, with support focusing on creating growth that will drive through the crisis.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12 Direct Answer
Robert Largan Lab
High Peak
Context
The MP campaigns for new urgent care centres at Stepping Hill Hospital and Tameside Hospital to help NHS staff provide top-notch care.
He seeks assurance from the First Secretary that the Government remain committed to building these needed urgent care centres.
The hon. Member is thanked for championing the NHS, and it's confirmed that Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has been allocated £31 million for a new emergency care campus at Stepping Hill and over £16 million to Tameside general hospital.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q13 Direct Answer
Wes Streeting Lab
Westminster North
Context
A tragic incident involving the murder of two children due to domestic violence occurred in Westminster. The shadow Home Secretary has called for a £75 million ring-fenced fund.
Streeting thanked first responders and offered condolences, then pointed out existing government funding but argued it was insufficient and too slow. He asked the First Secretary of State to commit to providing the requested £75 million fund.
Raab expressed condolences and acknowledged ongoing efforts, including £750 million in funding. He stated the government is looking to strengthen its response but did not commit to the specific £75 million fund requested.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to providing a specific £75 million ring-fenced fund was not made.
Response accuracy
Q14 Direct Answer
Shailesh Vara Con
North West Hertfordshire
Context
An NHS worker provided emotional support to a widow who lost her husband due to COVID-19.
Vara congratulated the PM and Carrie Symonds on their baby's birth. He then praised NHS staff for providing emotional support along with medical care to patients' families, asking Raab to join him in congratulating them.
Raab passed on condolences, acknowledged the grim task of reading out total death tolls, thanked NHS staff for their amazing job in providing physical and emotional care. He noted that all MPs paid tribute to them during a minute's silence.
Assessment & feedback
None
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
Geraint Davies Lab
Swansea West
Context
UK opted out of the EU's initial joint procurement scheme for PPE and ventilators.
Davies asked Raab whether opting out was a political or commercial decision, urging him to join any future schemes that safeguard NHS supplies to avoid preventable deaths in communities, NHS or care services.
Raab clarified it was a failure in communication, not significant value would have been added by initial scheme. He stated they will look at any future EU-wide procurement on therapeutics and are collaborating closely with European partners.
Assessment & feedback
None
Response accuracy
Q16 Direct Answer
Mark Pritchard Con
The Wrekin
Context
Pritchard noted the importance of horticultural sector for Shropshire's economy.
Pritchard asked Raab to allow garden centres and nurseries to open in phase 1, stressing economic and social benefits. He requested SAGE consider this again.
Raab thanked Pritchard for his plea, acknowledged economic and social importance. He noted SAGE has already considered this once and will consider again. Emphasised they would continue to be guided by evidence in decision-making.
Assessment & feedback
None
Response accuracy
Q17 Direct Answer
Alex Cunningham Lab
Stockton North
Context
Shortage of nursery places existed before the Childcare Act, now set to worsen due to coronavirus.
Cunningham raised concerns about nursery workers not being able to access furlough scheme. He asked for reassurance that nurseries would still exist post-crisis and what further actions will be taken.
Raab acknowledged challenges faced by nurseries due to crisis. He highlighted Chancellor's range of available support, noting willingness to reassess further actions if needed.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to protect early years workers during the crisis and ensure nursery existence post-crisis were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q18 Direct Answer
Saqib Bhatti Con
Gorton
Context
A stabbing incident occurred in Gorton recently, prompting a call to reverse the decision to close the local police station.
Bhatti asked Raab to join him in calling for reversing the closure of the local police station. He sought reassurances about protecting communities from knife crime post-lockdown.
Raab did not directly address the call for reversing police station closure but mentioned government's commitment to protecting communities from knife crime as lockdown eases.
Assessment & feedback
Direct reversal of local police station closure decision was not addressed.
Sidestepping
Response accuracy
Q19 Direct Answer
Alison Thewliss SNP
Glasgow Central
Context
Many businesses shut due to public health advice are facing insurer refusal of payouts on business interruption policies.
Will the UK Government intervene and stand behind those claims so that no business loses out for doing the right thing?
Does not think it is the right thing to do to stand behind all claims but continues to liaise with the insurance industry to ensure flexibility as people come through this difficult time.
Assessment & feedback
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Q20 Direct Answer
David Mundell Con
Dumfriesshire
Context
Haulage companies in the constituency and around UK face challenges accessing hot food and facilities.
Can he ensure that we are doing all that we can to support lorry drivers as they carry out their important duties during this crisis?
Tributes HGV drivers for keeping the country going, all motorway service stations in England remain open to road users; Transport Secretary working with operators to ensure facilities remain open.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q21 Direct Answer
Dave Doogan SNP
Angus
Context
Chancellor's financial package not addressing the needs of some constituents who cannot be furloughed.
What is the First Secretary's advice to my constituent in Arbroath, who after 44 years of working has been cut adrift by Treasury rules?
Does not support universal basic income as it would not target resources at those who need them most; financial and military support provided to Scotland.
Assessment & feedback
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Q22 Direct Answer
Cheryl Gillan Con
Chesham and Amersham
Context
Research found more than two in three autistic adults were not getting the support they needed before coronavirus; emergency powers easing duties under Care Act 2014 triggered.
Can my right hon. Friend guarantee that autistic people will not be disproportionately affected by these changes, and will he publish which councils have to resort to emergency powers?
Wants to ensure autistic children are as protected as possible; funding going through local authorities; will speak to Education Secretary and Communities Secretary.
Assessment & feedback
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Q23 Direct Answer
Jeffrey M. Donaldson Alliance
Lagan Valley
Context
Headline speaks about deaths of those not infected by the virus who had not been attending hospital and desperately needed treatment.
Will the First Secretary advise us of the measures that the Government intend to take to address this issue and ensure more people are able to attend for treatment, including cancer patients?
Tributes work of Northern Ireland Executive; NHS capacity there to deal with non-covid priorities; willing to work with Health Secretary and Northern Ireland Secretary.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy