Shadow Health Secretary questions Ministers on UK Coronavirus preparations
9 March 2020
With news of a growing number of coronavirus cases in the UK, John Ashworth MP asked the Health Secretary an urgent question about the Government's plans to tackle the outbreak.
Latest reports show that 319 people have now been diagnosed with coronavirus (also known as Covid-19) in the UK, with the illness responsible for four deaths.
There are believed to be 110,000 cases of Covid-19 worldwide.
Matt Hancock MP: "outbreak continues to advance around the world"
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock told the House that the outbreak "continues to advance around the world", but said that the NHS was "well prepared" to deal with it.
The Minister said that there was a four-point action plan in place, which he outlined as continuing to contain the virus, delaying its impact, funding research and mitigating its consequences. He said that the Government had made £46 million available to find a vaccine and develop more rapid diagnostic tests.
Mr Hancock also told MPs that emergency legislation would be brought forward to provide support to people and services.
The Minister stated:
"Throughout our approach is guided by the science. That is the bedrock on which we base all our decisions."
Jonathan Ashworth MP : "more resources for the NHS, not just rhetoric"
Responding on behalf of the Opposition, Shadow Secretary of State for Health Jonathan Ashworth said that the NHS is short of 100,000 staff and facing a shortage of critical care beds.
He called for the Budget (announced on Wednesday) to include an emergency funding package that would deliver "significantly more resources for the NHS, not just rhetoric" and said that the Government should inform local public health directors about their budgets for next year.
He asked the Minister why the Government is not yet encouraging home-working, if over-65s should self-isolate, if large events should be cancelled, and if those returning from North Italy should be quarantined.
Mr Ashworth also called for statutory sick pay for all from day one and emphasised the need for support for those working in the social care sector.
He said:
"Many who work in social care are low paid – and if have to go off on sick – has huge implications for the delivery of social care."
Image: PA
Find out more
- Watch Parliament TV: Statement on Coronavirus
- Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available in Hansard online three hours after they happen.
Follow us!
Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter and @UKHouseofCommons on Instagram, for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber and more.