Contributions
1,745 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateSurely the hon. Gentleman is not suggesting that if we had had different rules on masks over the summer, this variant would not have emerged.29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateFirst, I join my right hon. Friend in again expressing thanks to the South African Government for how they have handled this difficult situation. I understand her point about her…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateThe right hon. Lady asks an important question. One thing that we are doing is updating guidance throughout the NHS, including for primary care.29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateI can confirm that the new regulation on close contact will be anyone who is a close contact of someone with a confirmed positive case of suspected omicron. The UKHSA is working…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateI thank my right hon. Friend for his support. The UK has been supporting a new vaccines programme largely thanks to his efforts when he was in my position. That work continues. If…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateI said earlier that, out of the 100 million commitment that the UK has made to international donations, over 20 million have already gone and been delivered, and another 10…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateMy hon. Friend makes a very important point. I know he rightly takes a close interest in this; we do want to minimise any impact on our excellent transport and travel sector. He…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateThese new rules on face coverings will be enforceable by law, and the police and other law enforcement authorities will be able to issue penalty notices—I think the penalty starts…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateI think we have been clear about why we have set out the new rules on masks, and I think our response is the proportionate one. The hon. Lady is right to raise the importance of…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateFirst, I think it is fair to say that our genomics surveillance has never been so strong. It was getting stronger even before the pandemic, but because of the pandemic, there has…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateI believe that right after my statement the Leader of the House will be making a statement about the debate and vote tomorrow. On the severity, there are reports, as my hon.…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateThat is an important point and the hon. Lady is right to raise it. We estimate that 5 million people across the UK have not even taken up the offer of their first dose of the…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateIf my right hon. Friend is suggesting that there are mixed views on the efficacy of face coverings in helping to fight the pandemic he would be right, but I would point him to UK…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateFor those who are bed-bound, home-bound or vulnerable for other reasons and who cannot make it to vaccination centres, vaccinations are primarily carried out by GPs. I do not have…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateYes, I am very happy to give that assurance to my hon. Friend. He is absolutely right that this is all about buying a bit of time that our scientists need to assess this variant…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateYes, of course. We want to make sure that we are helping people who are immunosuppressed in every way possible, including with access to any tests that might be clinically…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateYes, I can give my hon. Friend that assurance. We have been working closely with colleagues in the Foreign Office, and that will remain vital work so that we can help people—UK…29 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateAs always, the analysis provided by my right hon. Friend is absolutely correct. On the severity of the new variant, I am afraid we do not know enough yet. From what we can tell…26 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateI am pleased to respond to the shadow Minister. His first question was on the six countries we have decided to put on the red list from midday today. We are going primarily by…26 Nov 2021HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateThe hon. Lady makes a good point about the need to follow guidance and the rules currently in place. The plan A policies that we put in place remain the policies we need at this…26 Nov 2021