Debates between Baroness Rawlings and Viscount Younger of Leckie during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Wed 20th May 2020

Covid-19: Ireland

Debate between Baroness Rawlings and Viscount Younger of Leckie
Wednesday 20th May 2020

(4 years, 6 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Viscount Younger of Leckie Portrait Viscount Younger of Leckie
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The noble Baroness is right in that making paths towards proper contact tracing is very important. We have very good co-operation between Northern Ireland and Ireland on this. The more rapidly we can identify those who have been in contact with those infected, the more quickly they can self-isolate and lower the R rate. I can tell the noble Baroness that much work is going on on developing one app. There are a couple of apps at the moment, and the two Governments are working closely together to look at the best way forward.

Baroness Rawlings Portrait Baroness Rawlings (Con)
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My Lords, in discussion with Ireland on the co-ordinated approach for lifting restrictions, when we find a vaccine for Covid-19, what are Her Majesty’s Government doing to prevent the anti-vaccine movement convincing people not to be vaccinated?

Viscount Younger of Leckie Portrait Viscount Younger of Leckie
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Clearly this is of concern. We will use all means possible to counter any disinformation that is circulated from that quarter. The key to bringing an end to this cruel virus is to find a vaccine against it, and we will recommend that people have it. Of course, the UK Government will license a vaccine only when it is effective and safe.