Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Sturdy Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2020 Commons Chamber

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office was asked—

[Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con)]

What recent discussions the Government have had with local leaders on tackling the covid-19 outbreak.

[Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con)]

What recent discussions the Government have had with local leaders on tackling the covid-19 outbreak.

[The Paymaster General (Penny Mordaunt)]

At every stage of the pandemic, the UK Government have engaged with the devolved Administrations, metro mayors and local councils. Local resilience forums are at the frontline of providing the response to tackling covid-19, and the Government will continue to engage with local authorities to beat the virus.

[Julian Sturdy [V]]

With covid cases in York now well below the level they were when the city went into tier 2, can the Minister reassure me that the Government are listening closely to the feedback and case numbers they are receiving from the city authorities, and that York’s restrictions from 2 December will be based on the local virus situation and local judgments, not based on decisions imposed by central Government or on wider regional figures?

[Penny Mordaunt]

First of all, let me acknowledge the immense sacrifices that people in York and elsewhere around the country are making, and what people are having to endure. As the Prime Minister has made clear, the current restrictions will end on 2 December, and we will then return to a local and tiered approach. The Government will work with my hon. Friend and other local leaders in the area to determine the most appropriate response. We will be tailoring any tiers that people have to go into, as we have done previously, depending on what is needed locally.