Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Covid-19 Vaccination Harm

03 September 2025 · 6 other contributors · 3,944 words

Opened by Christopher Chope Con Christchurch

Responding minister: Karin Smyth

NHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Christopher Chope raised concerns about covid-19 vaccination harm in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Government acknowledges the importance of maintaining public trust in health measures
  • Over 53 million people took the vaccine during the pandemic
  • Government committed to addressing rare adverse effects while ensuring public safety

Key requests to Government

The Government must clarify if they will review the vaccine damage payment scheme, which aspects are being reviewed, when evidence will be invited, and what the timescale is for all this.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Christopher Chope Con Christchurch

The Secretary of State told Sir Jeremy Wright in June that the issue was still 'on boil.' Since summer 2021, there have been 21,444 claims under the vaccine damage payment scheme by June 2025, with 224 awards of £120,000 made for people who suffered death or serious injury as a result of vaccines. The complacency and denial from the Government persist despite evidence.

Other contributors (6)
  • Esther McVey Con Tatton

    Acknowledges the work done by her hon. Friend on this issue and mentions that significant efforts have been made in the Cabinet Office and Department of Health to address the compensation questions raised.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Raises concerns about individuals who do not qualify for assistance through the vaccine damage payment scheme due to not meeting the 60% disability threshold, emphasizing the need for a more realistic approach.

  • Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South

    Acknowledged Sir Christopher Chope's request for timelines and promised to take it back to the Department. Discussed the effectiveness of the MHRA in monitoring vaccine harms and highlighted continuous safety scrutiny since the roll-out.

  • Christopher Chope Con Christchurch

    Asked for an approximate timeline and whether certain options are being considered, such as increasing the £120,000 payout or reducing the disability threshold.

  • Jeremy Wright Con Kenilworth and Southam

    Congratulates Sir Christopher Chope on securing the debate and raising the issue for many years. Asks what the Government has decided to do now for those affected, as it is in the interests of government policy effectiveness.

  • The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Gillian Keegan

    Acknowledged the vaccine programme's contribution to public health and commitment to improving support for those affected by vaccine harm.

Government Response

Karin Smyth

The Minister for Secondary Care

Acknowledges the importance of maintaining public trust in health measures and highlights that over 53 million people took the vaccine during the pandemic, with many lives saved. The minister also pays tribute to campaigners raising awareness about vaccine injury issues and commits to addressing rare adverse effects while ensuring public safety. Confirmed taking Sir Christopher Chope's request for a meeting with the public health Minister back to the Department. Emphasised that the Secretary of State is personally looking at the issue and that meetings will be arranged.

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