Covid-19 Update Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Covid-19 Update

Esther McVey Excerpts
Wednesday 19th January 2022

(2 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Boris Johnson Portrait The Prime Minister
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I notice that the hon. Gentleman is at variance with his Front Bench on that point, and not for the first time. I do not think he is right. I think that we should trust in the judgment of the British people, and that is what we are going to do.

Esther McVey Portrait Esther McVey (Tatton) (Con)
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I, too, welcome today’s statement and the review of the plan B measures. Like Conservative colleagues, I question the need for mandatory vaccination on behalf of the 100,000 NHS workers. Given that the chief medical officer told MPs that vaccination has a “minimal impact on transmission”, is it not the case that there is no reason at all for mandatory vaccination for care workers and NHS staff? Over the past two years, these key workers have worked tirelessly on the frontline and we have clapped them. Will the Prime Minister make sure that he does not sack them? It is utterly unjustifiable.

Boris Johnson Portrait The Prime Minister
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I understand my right hon. Friend’s point, but the NHS fully supports the policy because of patient safety considerations. I repeat what I have said to several Members: I really think that it is the duty of healthcare professionals to get vaccinated.