Covid-19: Vaccination — [Sir David Amess in the Chair]

Mr Norris praised the progress of vaccine development, acknowledging the strength of public feeling on the matter. He highlighted the role of Britain in global vaccination efforts and emphasised the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy through proactive health-promoting campaigns. He questioned the Minister about take-up figures for the programme's effectiveness and raised concerns over logistical challenges such as IT system requirements affecting care-home staff vaccinations and GP workload impacts due to new rules.

Jim Shannon shared his personal experiences with the pandemic and emphasized the importance of vaccine uptake while respecting individual choice. He expressed concern over misinformation on social media and the need for reliable information to address people's questions and doubts about the vaccine. Outlines concern for families of those with terminal illnesses who wish to spend time with their loved ones during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of considering their feelings and input. We in Northern Ireland were first. The MP for Strangford highlighted personal stories of loved ones affected by the virus, emphasizing that each statistic represents a person with family and friends. He expressed sadness over the loss of his mother-in-law and the infection of his wife and other family members.

The MP for Wycombe raised concerns about vaccine passporting and emphasized the importance of public health measures being based on scientific evidence. He also addressed questions regarding the impact of vaccines on transmission rates.

Stressed that neither the UK nor Scottish Government plans to mandate the covid vaccine. Emphasised the importance of public safety, expressing optimism about high vaccination rates due to previous compliance with health measures. Mentioned various vaccines routinely administered to children and adults without issues. Noted a potential 70% threshold for normalcy return but doubted business restrictions on unvaccinated individuals. The MP for North Ayrshire and Arran confirmed that neither the Scottish Government nor the UK government would mandate vaccination. She praised the collaborative efforts of chief medical officers across regions to start vaccinating on the same day.

Mr. Baker argued that vaccines are beneficial but opposed compulsion, stating there is no ethical justification for forcing people to take a vaccine given the infection fatality rate of around 1%. He highlighted concerns about implicit coercion where businesses might restrict access based on vaccination status, which he deemed both ineffective and unethical. Mr. Baker cited an example from the Secretary of State that underlines uncertainty regarding transmission reduction with vaccines. Agrees with the hon. Lady that charging higher premiums for increased personal risk is reasonable but calls on businesses to be reasonable and provide leadership in encouraging vaccine take-up. I am honoured by the hon. Member's words, and am very grateful.