Covid-19 Update Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office
Wednesday 5th January 2022

(2 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Boris Johnson Portrait The Prime Minister
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My hon. Friend makes an incredibly powerful point, which I think should be heard in all parts of the House. As for those calling for restrictions—as the hon. Member for Ilford North, who I think speaks on health matters, did repeatedly before Christmas—lockdowns have an effect on people, and particularly on mental health.

Tony Lloyd Portrait Tony Lloyd (Rochdale) (Lab)
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Will the Prime Minister make it very clear to some of his Back Benchers that a strategy for living with covid cannot include every hospital in Greater Manchester being unable to deliver elective surgery? Other hon. Members have raised that point. Will he make it clear that the strategy will include resources being put in to make sure that we catch up in Greater Manchester for people such as one of my close friends, who needs a hip replacement because she is in such pain?

Boris Johnson Portrait The Prime Minister
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Yes, and that is why we have the NHS and social care fund. That is why we are putting that measure through. How unbelievable that you guys did not vote for it—not you, Mr Speaker.