Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Covid-19: Immunology Research — [Dr Rupa Huq in the Chair]

09 September 2021 · 2 other contributors · 9,829 words

Opened by Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Responding minister: Nadhim Zahawi

Science & TechnologyNHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jim Shannon raised concerns about covid-19: immunology research — [dr rupa huq in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The MP highlights the importance of immunology research in combating the covid-19 pandemic.
  • The MP asks the Government to continue investing in immunology research and maintaining collaborative funding models like the UK-CIC.
  • The Minister reports that the Government has invested 6.5 million in the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium and 19.6 million for 15 research studies on long covid.

Key requests to Government

The MP asks the Government to continue investing in immunology research and maintaining collaborative funding models such as the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium (UK-CIC) to ensure preparedness for future pandemics. He also seeks clarity on how the Government will support those suffering from long covid.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

The MP highlights the importance of immunology research in combating the covid-19 pandemic, citing examples such as the development and roll-out of vaccines. He mentions specific challenges like long-term immunity, asymptomatic spread, and varying immune responses among individuals. The MP also notes ongoing questions about vaccine efficacy for older people and genetic factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Other contributors (2)
  • Anum Qaisar-Javed SNP Airdrie and Shotts

    The MP discusses Scotland's approach to vaccine deployment and mentions regional differences in strategy. She acknowledges the importance of continued investment in immunology research, highlighting the need for sustained funding beyond the pandemic. Ms Qaisar-Javed thanked the hon. Member for Strangford and emphasised the importance of immunology research in battling the pandemic, highlighting Scotland's role in leading global efforts to understand and combat covid-19. She mentioned that 55 rapid research projects were funded by the Scottish Government across various universities and institutions, contributing over £400,000 for long-covid support services. Approximately one million people in the UK are experiencing self-reported symptoms of long covid, with two-thirds reporting adverse impacts on daily activities such as fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and difficulty concentrating.

  • Rosena Allin-Khan Lab Tooting

    Allin-Khan paid tribute to immunologists and biomedical researchers, acknowledging their role in understanding and eradicating diseases. She emphasized the importance of international collaboration and thanked organisations such as the British Society for Immunology and the Royal College of Pathologists. Allin-Khan highlighted historical achievements like Edward Jenner's smallpox vaccine and called for continued support for current research into immunity and new variants.

Government Response

Nadhim Zahawi

The Government has invested £6.5 million in the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium to understand covid-19's immunological impact and funded projects examining vaccine responses among vulnerable groups, long-term infection effects, and new treatments like Ronapreve. The Department provided £19.6 million for 15 research studies on long covid. VMIC will deliver about 200 million doses of vaccine annually at scale.

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