Thank you for contacting me about the Government's approach to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The scientific advice heeded by Ministers is the foundation on which the Government is making its decisions. My colleagues across government have been working with the health, transport, business, education, and commercial partners throughout this difficult time, ensuring we are doing all we can to support the NHS and to save lives.
Although I agree that, in due course, it will be appropriate to consider the way in which we have responded to this outbreak through a public inquiry, right now the Government is rightly focused on the immediate response and working to stop the further spread of the virus, and to save lives. On what Ministers consider to be the key point of testing, following the rapid construction of a comprehensive network of testing facilities and laboratories in a matter of weeks, and expansion over subsequent months, there is now capacity for more than 800,000 tests each day.
On proposals for a so-called zero covid strategy, I do not support an approach with significant long term consequences for mental and physical health, as well as for people's livelihoods, when there are other ways of managing risks such as social distancing, the use of face coverings, and additional hygiene measures. As a result, I will not be supporting EDM 1450. I support the Government's determination to reduce the spread of the virus in order to allow people the opportunity to see friends and family, and return to work, in a safe and socially distant manner. I believe that the Government is doing everything it can, guided by the science, in such a way as to continue protecting lives and protecting the NHS.
Vaccines are the exit route from the pandemic. UK based scientific research is at the forefront of global development. The approval of the Oxford vaccine, alongside the roll-out of the Pfizer vaccine, is a massive step forward in our fight against coronavirus and is a tribute to the incredible UK scientists at Oxford University and AstraZeneca, whose breakthrough will help to save lives around the world. Vaccination clinics are open 7 days a week: in addition, GPs are being provided with an extra £150m to support this work. Millions of vulnerable people have already been vaccinated and the Oxford jab is allowing the UK to accelerate its vaccination plan further, allowing us all to return to normality as soon as possible.
The vaccination programme is a significant milestone, and I urge anybody contacted to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
This is a national effort, and I am grateful to NHS staff, key workers, and all members of the public doing their bit to slow the spread of the virus.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
February 2021