Covid-19 Update Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Covid-19 Update

Miriam Cates Excerpts
Monday 12th October 2020

(4 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Boris Johnson Portrait The Prime Minister
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I think I have answered that point about four times already. We need a combination of both national and local.

Miriam Cates Portrait Miriam Cates (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Con)
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Parents in my constituency rely on friends and family for informal childcare, and even under the new three-tier restrictions I believe that informal, pre-arranged childcare can continue. As a new parent himself, I am sure my right hon. Friend understands that sometimes circumstances dictate that parents need emergency childcare. That is happening more and more with childminders or nursery staff having to isolate. Will the Prime Minister confirm that emergency informal childcare can still be used to assist parents, even under the three-tier system?

Boris Johnson Portrait The Prime Minister
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Tell me about it, Mr Speaker! My hon. Friend makes an important point, and there are obviously provisions for 30 hours of free childcare. Her point about emergency childcare is well made. That is why we need to keep the economy moving in the way that we are.