Covid-19 Inquiry Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Covid-19 Inquiry

Sean Woodcock Excerpts
Friday 19th July 2024

(3 days, 18 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Pat McFadden Portrait Pat McFadden
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My hon. Friend is right that the NHS was in a vulnerable position before the pandemic, which is why the long-term health of the NHS is so important. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has begun that process. I have to be honest with the House: better long-term strength for the NHS will not happen overnight but it should still be an important aim for us.

Sean Woodcock Portrait Sean Woodcock (Banbury) (Lab)
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I welcome my right hon. Friend to his place on the Front Bench, and I thank him for his statement. He touched on victims of what has been labelled the shadow pandemic—the surge in domestic violence during lockdown. Does he agree that any lessons learned must include action to protect those for whom the instruction “stay at home” is the most dangerous they can receive?