Covid-19 Update Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Covid-19 Update

Derek Thomas Excerpts
Wednesday 19th January 2022

(2 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Boris Johnson Portrait The Prime Minister
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I thank the hon. Gentleman very much and direct him to exactly what I said earlier, which I am sure he listened to.

Derek Thomas Portrait Derek Thomas (St Ives) (Con)
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I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement, which is very welcome. I thank him also for the investment and care taken with vaccine-hesitant groups. Sadly, such groups exist within the NHS, and he is right to stress the need for healthcare workers to get the vaccine. However, may I ask him to consider carefully the consequences for our NHS in our constituencies if we cannot convince the remaining 5% of NHS staff who are yet to have the vaccine?

Boris Johnson Portrait The Prime Minister
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Yes. I want to reassure the House that this is a complex and difficult issue, but it is important that we give NHS staff the strongest possible encouragement to get vaccinated. That requires a lot of work and a lot of effort, but the risks of not being vaccinated are very real.