Lords debates Coronavirus Act powers one year on
26 March 2021
On Thursday 25 March the House of Lords debated the government's one-year report on the status of the non-devolved provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020.
The first anniversary of the Coronavirus Act 2020 passing into law is 25 March 2021. In line with section 99 of the Act, the government scheduled debates in both the House of Lords and House of Commons on the one-year status report (external site).
- Catch up on Parliament TV
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript
- Lords divisions (vote) result
- Bills and legislation: Coronavirus Act 2020
- Explore the Lords Library briefing
Health regulations
The House of Lords also considered regulations on face coverings and health protection during its debate. In a recent report, the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee explained what the regulations do.
Both regulations were agreed to without debate.
Government's handling of the pandemic
Members put forward two motions to regret, an opportunity to put on record the House's dissent.
The first motion, in the name of Baroness Brinton (Liberal Democrat), expresses sorrow at the 126,000 UK deaths.
Following a debate, members voted, with 119 in favour and 279 against, so the motion was not agreed to.
The second motion, in the name of Baroness Thornton (Labour), related to the handling of the pandemic and continued support for jobs and the NHS. The motion was withdrawn without debate.
Members taking part
Lord Bethell (Conservative), Parliamentary Under-Secretary in the Department of Health and Social Care, put forward the debate and responded on behalf of the government.
During debates, members put their experience to good use to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns.
Members taking part included:
- Lord Bilimoria (Crossbench), director of the The National Bereavement Partnership COVID-19 Helpline
- Baroness Gardner of Parkes (Conservative), former chair of the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour), former president of the Royal Society of Public Health - Baroness Jolly (Liberal Democrats), former non-executive director of the NHS Trust.
- Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (Green), vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus
- Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Non-affiliated), director of the Centre for Health and Wellbeing.
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