Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Spring 2021 Covid-19 Road Map — [David Mundell in the Chair]

22 March 2021 · 8 other contributors · 10,452 words

Opened by Nicholas Fletcher

Responding minister: Nigel Huddleston

EconomyEmployment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Nicholas Fletcher raised concerns about spring 2021 covid-19 road map — [david mundell in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Nicholas Fletcher is concerned about the frustration caused by lockdown measures and the economic hardship faced by businesses and individuals during the pandemic.
  • Fletcher suggests that reducing VAT to 5% or implementing a work out to help out scheme could help gyms and stimulate economic recovery.
  • The Minister acknowledges the importance of these issues and notes that debates on non-devolved aspects will take place with votes this week.

Key requests to Government

Fletcher asks the Minister whether the Government has any plans to help gyms through a reduction of VAT to 5% or a work out to help out scheme. He suggests that such measures could stimulate growth in the sector and create sustainable jobs for economic recovery.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Nicholas Fletcher

Nicholas Fletcher is concerned about the frustration felt by individuals due to the lockdown measures, highlighting the illogical nature of certain restrictions that prevented activities like golf and gym visits. He mentions the need for gyms to be reopened as they play a crucial role in preventing hospitalisation from underlying conditions and unhealthy lifestyles. Additionally, he points out the economic hardship faced by businesses and individuals during the pandemic, with over 130,000 deaths.

Other contributors (8)
  • Alison McGovern Lab Birkenhead

    McGovern acknowledged the importance of the parliamentary petitions system and expressed frustration over restrictions on physical activity during lockdowns. She highlighted the need to follow science, be transparent with the public about difficult decisions, improve public health data, and prioritise families and children's participation in sports. McGovern questioned the government's understanding of public health issues and mental-physical health connections, calling for a joined-up national plan addressing social and economic disadvantages impacting physical fitness.

  • David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale

    Reminded hon. Members of changes to normal practice for hybrid arrangements including timings amendments and the need to remain present throughout debates. Advised Members attending virtually or physically about technical issues and cleaning requirements.

  • Florence Eshalomi Lab Co-op Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

    Florence Eshalomi highlighted the importance of gyms and leisure centres in her constituency, noting that over 1,000 constituents signed a petition to open them first. She mentioned financial struggles for small independent gyms due to lost income from cancelled memberships and classes, emphasising their need for support as they come out of lockdown.

  • Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire

    Mr. Smith highlighted the importance of gyms and fitness centres, noting that they have implemented robust safety measures to prevent virus transmission despite being closed during lockdowns. He mentioned an increase in suicides by 20% since the first lockdown and emphasized that such facilities are crucial for mental health and physical well-being. Concerned about the classification of fitness studios which restrict their ability to reopen on schedule, he called for a fair opportunity for all businesses to rebuild.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon highlighted the difficulties of finding a balance between easing lockdown restrictions and maintaining public safety in Northern Ireland. He expressed concern about mental health issues resulting from prolonged isolation and advocated for reopening gyms, boxing clubs, dance classes, and golf courses under strict guidelines to support both physical and mental wellbeing.

  • Martyn Day SNP West Dunbartonshire

    Acknowledged the various concerns and frustrations of petition signatories, highlighting the complexity in plotting a way out of lockdown while considering competing challenges. He noted that Scotland's phased return to normality prioritised education and provided additional £40 million for school recovery efforts, along with twice-weekly lateral flow testing for school staff.

  • Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley

    Robbie Moore discussed the reopening of gyms in his constituency after enhanced local restrictions delayed their opening compared to other areas. He praised businesses for implementing safety measures and welcomed Government support such as restart grants, urging that all fitness environments should open on 12 July.

  • Sam Tarry Lab Ilford South

    Mr Tarry highlighted the detrimental effects of lockdown on physical and mental health, emphasising the need for support for gyms and fitness clubs. He mentioned two petitions calling for gym openings and subsidies, with nearly a quarter of a million signatures. Mr Tarry noted that almost 40% of sports facilities are at risk of permanent closure due to financial strain and called for adjustments to business rates and further financial support.

Government Response

Nigel Huddleston

It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Mr Mundell. I appreciate the eloquent articulation of concerns by my hon. Friend, and acknowledge the importance of these issues across multiple Government Departments. The Coronavirus Act 2020 provides essential legislative framework for managing the pandemic; it includes emergency powers supporting individuals and businesses while ensuring critical public services function. Debates on non-devolved aspects will take place this week, with votes on renewal. Regarding nurseries and early years settings, restrictions were implemented to prioritize their safety and importance in child care during lockdowns. Evidence suggests pre-school children are less susceptible to infection; robust guidance is in place for staff safety including rapid testing. The focus has been on the return of sport and physical activity, prioritized in the Prime Minister's road map above other economic activities. Golf courses can reopen from 29 March, while gyms will resume individual use no earlier than April 12th with exercise classes resuming by May 17th. Support for the fitness and leisure sectors includes over £300 million provided to local authority facilities and community sports clubs. Conversations are ongoing regarding VAT cuts extension to the leisure sector, though no commitments can be made without Treasury approval.

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