Covid-19 Vaccine Damage Payments Bill

Debate between Abena Oppong-Asare and Andrew Bridgen

2nd reading
Friday 20th October 2023 Commons Chamber

[Abena Oppong-Asare (Erith and Thamesmead) (Lab)]

I congratulate the hon. Member for Christchurch (Sir Christopher Chope) on securing Second Reading of the Bill. I thank the right hon. Member for Tatton (Esther McVey) and the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies) for participating in the debate. I have listened attentively to the issues they raise.

I will begin by setting out Labour’s position on the matter. We believe that the covid-19 vaccine is safe and effective. It has saved countless lives, not only in Britain but across the globe. Over the course of the pandemic, over 230,000 people across the UK died with covid-19. Therefore, it is important we do not understate that getting a vaccination has been, and continues to be, the single most effective way to reduce deaths and severe illness from covid-19.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Reclaim)]

rose— Members from across the House will be aware that all vaccines go through extensive and ongoing testing procedures. The covid-19 vaccines went through multiple stages of clinical trials before being approved. [Interruption.] The vaccine has met strict independent standards for safety, quality and effectiveness.

[Andrew Bridgen]

On that point, will the hon. Lady give way?

[Abena Oppong-Asare]

I will not.