Contributions
3,496 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCovid-19The answer is, yes, we want, of course, all the tests that we need.16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19At the start, when the number of cases was very small, we had enough tests to test everyone who had suspected symptoms. The number of cases has risen exponentially and the number…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19I entirely understand that point. I want to get testing to everyone who needs it as soon as possible.16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19Of course I understand that, and it is part of the discussions I have been having with the Welfare Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19The right hon. Gentleman asks the question very precisely and correctly. The answer is: yes, that is our intention, and Public Health England will advise on the order of priority…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19We are looking at all those questions. The proposal to relax student-staff ratios is in the Bill. We will publish the content of the Bill tomorrow and the Bill itself on Thursday.…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19The hon. Lady is right to remind me. Of course we want as much staff testing, as soon as possible. We are using the testing capacity we have to save lives, and that includes…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19The measures on shielding are specifically for those who have significant health conditions and will be contacted by the NHS. They are not for the generality of over-70s who are…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19Thank you for allowing me to make a statement at this time, Mr Speaker. The coronavirus pandemic is the most serious public health emergency that our nation has faced for a…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19Obviously, that is an incredibly important area. Earlier today, there was a call with local authority leaders, my right hon. Friend the Communities Secretary and the Care…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19My hon. Friend is an expert in this area. So far, the social media companies have acted with great responsibility in this area and have responded to all the asks we have had of…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19Both cases are covered by the formal public health advice that will be published on the gov.uk website. For all specific questions such as that, which of course our constituents…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19I discussed this issue with the hon. Member for Leicester South (Jonathan Ashworth). The delivery of support to make sure that nobody is penalised for doing the right thing is…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19Yes. That is an incredibly important point that I discuss regularly with the Foreign Secretary.16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19I will look into that question and get back to the hon. Gentleman.16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19Yes, of course, we are incredibly concerned about that, and it is reflected in the guidance that we have specifically put out. It is one of the many reasons why we encourage…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19Yes, of course, the further advice will go out for social care. We put updated advice out at the end of last week knowing that that was a likely step, and there will be further…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19Those are both very important points. Children who receive free school meals often receive their best or, in some cases, their only meal at lunch time at school, and it is an…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19Yes. First, let me pay tribute to the 111 call handlers and the clinicians who have done an amazing job over these past few weeks. I do not know what we would have done without…16 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19Just as we have introduced a national effort for ventilators, so we are introducing a national effort for volunteers, and my right hon Friend the Secretary of State for Digital,…16 Mar 2020