Covid-19 Update

Christine Jardine Excerpts

Thursday 16th July 2020 Commons Chamber

[Matt Hancock]

We have been working very closely with the city council, and the officers of the city council have been doing a heroic job. I think it is best if everybody pulls together and tries to come together to tackle the virus. Given that we have involved local leaders in all the critical decisions, it is best if people just try —try—to stay on the same page as much as is possible, no matter how hard some people seem to find that.

[Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)]

Secretary of State, two of the recurring themes of your statement today have been people asking—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)]

Order. Even at this late moment, will the hon. Lady please address the Chair, not the Secretary of State?

[Christine Jardine]

I do apologise, Madam Deputy Speaker.

As we look at the lessons that we learn from the first wave of this virus, at the threat of a second wave and at the fact that the British public have been so keen to thank those working on the frontline—we talked earlier about clapping for the NHS—would the Secretary of State consider using his influence with the Home Secretary to offer migrants working in health and social care in this country the right to remain indefinitely?

[Matt Hancock]

We absolutely value enormously all those who work in health and social care. Just this week I was able to say that the exemption from the immigration health surcharge has been extended right across those who work in health and social care. That demonstrates the value that we place on them.