Contributions
3,496 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateWe do not think that that is true.19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateThe admiration in which I hold NHS staff holds no bounds. The question of pay is rightly one for the independent pay review body, and I look forward to its publication.19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateAny decisions like that would be based on the evidence, and we have far more evidence now than we did when making these decisions previously. I fully expect that there will be…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateWe keep all these decisions for each country under constant review. The challenge of the genomic data is that some countries have excellent coverage of genomic sequencing and…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateThis is an incredibly important subject. I agree with the substance of what the hon. Lady asked in the question, and she is quite right to raise this. We have put in place the new…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateWe are working closely with the Welsh Government to ensure that the testing offer in Wales is as rich and as easily accessible as the testing offer in England. Testing has been a…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateYes, of course, I will give that matter consideration. I also make the case that while, as we open up, there may be more transmission, I very much hope that that does not lead—in…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateAbsolutely. This decision was taken on the basis of the best possible science and significant amounts of data from pregnant women who have already been vaccinated, so people can…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateWe simply do not know that. We are acting on a precautionary basis. I cannot give the hon. Gentleman that assurance, but we are looking into that question as fast as possible. The…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateThe hon. Gentleman raises a very important point. The waiting list issue is very significant; it has built up because of covid, but we must tackle it and we are absolutely…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateIt is incredibly important that all care workers take up the jab if they possibly can, unless they have a vital medical reason not to, because the jab of course not only protects…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateMy right hon. Friend has deep experience in this area, and I am very grateful for what he said—that was very kind. He is absolutely right about the fact that viruses always…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateMy hon. Friend is quite right to ask about that; it is an incredibly important topic. I am pleased to say that, over the second peak this winter, the amount of cancer work—surgery…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateMy hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this important issue. I know that this is an important announcement for him and his constituents, representing as he does a significant…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateWe will certainly consider that. I have seen the letter. We have discussed the question. I would add that we have a record number of doctors in this country, in part thanks to the…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateLet me address the final point first. As I said to the House last week, my approach was and is that local NHS employers are best placed to decide whether to take up offers of pay…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateI will look into that question, which has not been raised before. Generally, the use of a primary care network—a group of GP practices—to come together to offer one centre has…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateThe hon. Lady is right to raise this issue. We have maintained access to urgent dental treatment throughout the pandemic. We put in place dental centres to be able to do that in…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateThe hon. Lady is quite right to raise this. We have kicked two suppliers off the list of approved suppliers for testing for international travel, and we are quite prepared to do…19 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateWith your permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement on coronavirus. This virus is diminished, but not defeated. Cases, hospitalisations and deaths are back to the levels we…19 Apr 2021