Covid-19 Update Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office
Wednesday 5th January 2022

(2 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
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Last but certainly not least, happy new year to Jim Shannon.

Jim Shannon Portrait Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
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I must have the strongest legs in the Chamber, as I have been bobbing for the past hour and a half.

I thank the Prime Minister very much for his statement and his replies. Will he outline whether he intends to work with the Chancellor and the Treasury to provide a scheme for small businesses that employ fewer than five people and have to close with no income if there is a contagious omicron case or a close contact? Too many businesses that are viable and successful can no longer hang on by a thread, and they need a further package of help right now.

Boris Johnson Portrait The Prime Minister
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As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have given significant support to businesses throughout the pandemic, and we keep that under review. What would not be good for businesses would be to release people back to the workplace too soon so that they infect everybody else who is there.