Covid-19: Government Support for Business Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Covid-19: Government Support for Business

Andrew Murrison Excerpts
Thursday 16th December 2021

(3 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Glen Portrait John Glen
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As I have said, the Government are meeting a dozen representatives from the sector this afternoon to assess the latest situation and see what more can be done.

Andrew Murrison Portrait Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con)
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I sympathise with my hon. Friend and good neighbour in having to deal with data that is changing extremely rapidly. We know from South Africa and southern Africa that things may be changing, perhaps for the better, but we cannot rely on that, so the cautious words of Ministers and officials and the measures that we passed earlier this week are absolutely appropriate. Does my hon. Friend agree that, at a time of change such as now, it is important that the House is convened to debate the issues and that we should seek an opportunity next week and the week after for us to meet again so that Ministers can update the House on the current situation and change what is required one way or the other, if that is necessary? The public expect that level of leadership.

John Glen Portrait John Glen
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I thank my right hon. Friend and neighbour for his question. As I think he will appreciate from his time in government, some of those decisions come from those above me. It is critical that we are clear about what we are doing and why we are doing it, and the basis for the decisions that we are making.