Mr. Darren Henry highlighted the impact of loneliness during the pandemic, noting that almost 40% of UK adults are more concerned about their loneliness than a year ago and over one third are worried about connecting with people in person post-pandemic. He also mentioned that young people aged between 18-24 consistently report higher levels of loneliness compared to other age groups.

The MP highlighted the impact of loneliness on elderly individuals during lockdown, particularly through an anecdote about a constituent named Sally Cartwright. He suggested that music and regular communication via technology could help mitigate feelings of isolation in future lockdowns.

Emphasised the devastating impact of social distancing on vulnerable individuals, sharing personal stories about grieving in isolation. Highlighted the importance of mental health support and community rebuilding efforts post-pandemic. Recommended initiatives such as mother and toddler groups, afternoon tea dances, and face-to-face parent-teacher meetings to combat loneliness.

The SNP Scottish Government are committed to tackling social isolation and loneliness, investing £4.3 million in digital inclusion through the Connecting Scotland programme which has helped 5,000 older and disabled people get online. The government will develop a new five-year social isolation and loneliness plan backed by £10 million over five years.

Ms Maskell highlighted the pervasive issue of loneliness, particularly exacerbated by the pandemic. She noted that 41% of adults feel lonelier than before the first lockdown and stressed the need for a community-based approach to combatting loneliness, with adequate funding from the Government.

Sir David Amess congratulated Liz Twist on securing the debate and echoed her remarks about Jo Cox. He highlighted that loneliness was a complex issue, noting that people with long-term disabilities and widowed homeowners were more likely to feel lonely pre-pandemic but now many more are affected due to lockdown restrictions. Sir David also praised carers and charities for their work during the pandemic, mentioning initiatives such as the St Vincent de Paul Society and Trust Links which offer support to vulnerable individuals. He advocated for raising awareness of loneliness and eradicating its stigma, stressing that it affects people of all ages.