All 1 Debates between Greg Smith and Bob Seely

Covid-19: Forecasting and Modelling

Debate between Greg Smith and Bob Seely
Tuesday 18th January 2022

(2 years, 3 months ago)

Westminster Hall
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts

Westminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.

Each debate is chaired by an MP from the Panel of Chairs, rather than the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. A Government Minister will give the final speech, and no votes may be called on the debate topic.

This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record

Fleur Anderson Portrait Fleur Anderson
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

No. The PACAC report makes it clear that no one in Government has taken responsibility for communicating the data. The report states:

“Ministerial accountability for ensuring decisions are underpinned by data has not been clear. Ministers have passed responsibility between the Cabinet Office and Department of Health and Social Care,”.

That is why, as a member of the shadow Cabinet, I am responding to this debate. There are questions about the use and communication of the data.

I want to come to why we needed to rely on modelling and forecasting. Significant mistakes made throughout the last 10 years of Conservative government are the problem. There could have been much better information, and we could have been much better informed, if there had been better pandemic and emergency preparedness.

Bob Seely Portrait Bob Seely
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Will the hon. Member give way?

Greg Smith Portrait Greg Smith
- Hansard - -

Will the hon. Member give way?