Covid-19: Local Restrictions Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department of Health and Social Care
Baroness Barker
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Covid-19: Local Restrictions
Baroness Barker Excerpts(4 years ago)
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Lord Bethell (Con)
Well, I very much welcome the noble Lord’s comments, but I reiterate what I said earlier. As my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said on 30 September, for significant national measures with effect for the whole of England or UK-wide we will consult Parliament—and, wherever possible, we will hold votes before such regulations come into force. Of course, we will balance that with ensuring that our response to the virus means that it is delivered with speed when required. We cannot hold up urgent regulations that are needed to control the virus and save lives.
Baroness Barker (LD)
What evidence do the Government have that introducing statutory instruments without notice rather than with parliamentary debate and approval is more effective than developing effective local Covid strategies which are understood and adhered to by the population?