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Covid-19 Vaccination Harm
03 September 2025
Lead MP
Christopher Chope
Christchurch
Con
Responding Minister
Karin Smyth
Tags
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Word Count: 3944
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Christopher Chope raised concerns about covid-19 vaccination harm in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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.
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
Government Response
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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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.