argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
Matthew John David Hancock (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes, if she can travel. When the NHS calls, my advice to my hon. Friend’s constituent is to get that card with that invitation and to phone up my hon. Friend, and he will give her a lift.
Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
Matthew John David Hancock (Conservative, Centre-right): I have a huge amount of sympathy with what the hon. Lady says, and we have looked into this. We are not proposing to extend the Christmas bubbles, but we hope that NHS trusts and employers across the NHS can look compassionately at exactly this situation for all those brilliant colleagues who are working so hard and have had such a tough year.
Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
William Peter Wragg (Conservative, Centre-right): I always enjoy my exchanges with my right hon. Friend, and this time I mean that when I say it, because this is incredibly welcome news, particularly given Stepping Hill Hospital’s role in the administration of the vaccine. I will certainly encourage all my constituents, when they receive the invitation, to have the vaccine, take it and dispel some of the more eccentric views that are circulating on the internet. Can my right hon. Friend tell me specifically when those with particular vulnerabilities, such as cancer patients, can expect the call for vaccination?
Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
Matthew John David Hancock (Conservative, Centre-right): The plan is, according to clinical priority, to vaccinate those in care homes and their carers; NHS and social care staff, and the over-80s; then the over-75s; and then, at that point, we will turn to ensuring that all those who are on the clinically extremely vulnerable list get vaccinated along with the over-70-year-olds. That is the assessment of the JCVI, which looked into the relative risk that people face and found that age is the No. 1 risk factor.
Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
Matthew John David Hancock (Conservative, Centre-right): We looked at that very closely, as did the JCVI, and because of the risk of dying of covid, it is absolutely right that age takes priority. The prioritisation of health and social care staff is also high because they look after those who are most at risk of dying. Once we are through those clinical priorities, then of course, we will be looking to prioritise other workers, including those the hon. Lady mentions.
Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
Neil Peter Hammerton Hudson (Conservative, Centre-right): I congratulate and thank my right hon. Friend, his Department, the NHS, the scientists, the clinicians and everyone involved in the development and roll-out of this covid vaccine technology. Will he provide assurance that logistics are in place to ensure that those in remote rural areas, such as those in Cumbria, will be able to access the vaccination programme without any delay, given that they are some distance from major hospitals?
Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
Matthew John David Hancock (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes, my hon. Friend rightly raises an important point. Vaccination is happening in Cumbria today, which I am really pleased about. Cumbria is, of course, one of the most rural parts of the UK, so when we get to the primary care and the community roll-out, we will make sure that we can get the delivery as close to communities as possible. That is much harder with the Pfizer vaccine because of the minus 70° requirements. The AstraZeneca vaccine is much easier from that point of view, but of course, we do not have that clinically signed off yet.
Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
Matthew John David Hancock (Conservative, Centre-right): We absolutely will consider that factor when we come to the groups after the clinical prioritised groups. I join the hon. Lady in thanking Jack and all those who have put themselves forward today to be vaccinated, including sometimes in the public eye, as part of this programme to help build confidence in vaccination overall and, of course, to help protect themselves and their loved ones.
Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
Stephen James Metcalfe (Conservative, Centre-right): I congratulate my right hon. Friend and his whole team on their Herculean effort to get us to the point where, today, Basildon University Hospital has started delivering the vaccine. Now, as we scale up the roll-out programme, will he join me in reassuring people that, despite the speed of development, not a single stage was missed and that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has done its usual due diligence in approving this vaccine?
Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
Matthew John David Hancock (Conservative, Centre-right): That is right. The MHRA has gone through the same safety processes as normal, but it has done them in parallel at the same time, rather than in a series, one after another. It is that sort of smart and thoughtful approach, alongside the work of the Vaccine Taskforce in buying the vaccine in the first place, that has allowed us to get to this point of having confidence in the safety and efficacy of this vaccine before anybody else in the world. Everybody in Basildon who gets the call can have confidence that they should come forward, get the jab, protect themselves, protect those around them and, therefore, help us all get through this terrible thing.
Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
Matthew John David Hancock (Conservative, Centre-right): There is more in common than divides us, and we are stronger as a country when we all work together; those two things I have long believed. I have always thought that a vaccine would come through. Lots of people told me that it was not certain and that it could not happen, but I have always driven it forward for the whole UK, because it is the clear route out.
Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
Damian Noel Thomas Collins (Conservative, Centre-right): It is obviously excellent news that the vaccine has been rolled out today. I was delighted to see that my constituent, Kenneth Lamb from New Romney, was the first patient to receive the vaccine at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. Does the Secretary of State agree that it is really important that people take the vaccine when they are offered it, and that we do all we can to combat harmful disinformation about it? The next time that he speaks to Mark Zuckerberg, will he remind him that we expect his companies to act against harmful anti-vaccine disinformation?
Gambling and Lotteries — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
Nigel Paul Huddleston (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady will be aware that we work closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, which is working on clinics particularly relating to the treatment of gambling. Three are already up and running, and we have an ambition to open far more. The industry is contributing towards the financial costs of some of this treatment, as well as to research and education overall; we have a commitment over the next four years of £100 million. Of course, this review will be an opportunity to assess whether that model is appropriate or whether other alternatives should perhaps be considered.
Gambling and Lotteries — House of Commons, 2020-12-08
Topic: Health
Nigel Paul Huddleston (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady will not be surprised to learn that DCMS constantly engages with the Treasury on a range of issues, and certainly the Department for Health and Social Care has a very strong interest. The Health Secretary—a former DCMS Secretary of State—is very knowledgeable about the gambling sector and the harms, and we are working closely on treatment. The Department of Health and Social Care is looking to expand the number of treatment centres, and we will continue that dialogue and work across the Departments.
Military and Security Co-operation: European Union — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): Although we are leaving the EU defence structures, we remain committed to the security of Europe and will continue to co-operate with the EU and European nations on a bilateral or multinational basis on shared threats and challenges. We do not need an institutionalised relation with the EU to do so. The defence settlement reaffirms our position as Europe’s leading power, with the second highest defence budget in NATO, providing leadership and the ability for investment to help to drive forward NATO’s adaptation.
Military and Security Co-operation: European Union — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend raises a worrying spectre. First, we are very grateful to the Germans, who have tried very hard to get a proper third-party agreement with PESCO, although we have no plans to participate in it because we have serious concerns about the intellectual property rights and export controls that it would seek to impose. However, we will always be open to working with European industries—on the future combat air system, for example. We have engaged with the Swedish and the Italians, for instance, because the collective security of Europe is often based on a good sovereign capability in our industrial base. We will continue to do that on a case-by-case basis, and to do that with our other allies such as the United States. Britain is also the keystone of European security.
UK-produced Steel Procurement — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
Jeremy Mark Quin (Conservative, Centre-right): I am sorry to hear that. We are very keen to engage fully with the steel industry; it is important that we do so. We need transparency, and that is absolutely a goal, as is reinforced by the Cabinet Office guidelines. Looking at the macro picture, however, I am sure that the hon. Lady would agree that the plans we put in place for the biggest single boost to defence expenditure in 30 years, with the commitments to Type 26, Type 31 and the fleet solid support programme, all suggest that there are going to be good opportunities for steel manufacturers in the future.
Departmental Spending: High-skilled Jobs and UK Economy — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): The Ministry of Defence is one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the United Kingdom, with around 20,000 on a programme at any one time. We are investing in cutting-edge capabilities and research and development with the future combat air system technology initiative, resulting in more than 1,800 highly skilled engineers in 300 companies throughout the UK. The MOD spent £19.2 billion with UK industry and commerce in 2018-19, safeguarding and supporting thousands of jobs throughout the UK.
Departmental Spending: High-skilled Jobs and UK Economy — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government are using the opportunity offered by leaving the EU to develop defence and security procurement regulations tailored to better meet the UK’s needs. We have embarked on a comprehensive review of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 with a view to improving the pace and agility of acquisition.
Departmental Spending: High-skilled Jobs and UK Economy — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
Mark Rory Logan (Conservative, Centre-right): Two years ago, MBDA’s high-tech manufacturing facility was officially launched in Bolton. As the Secretary of State for Defence said at the time, we cannot have prosperity without security. What good news can my right hon. Friend share with Boltonians in the run-up to Christmas and beyond?
Departmental Spending: High-skilled Jobs and UK Economy — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): I think the best news for Boltonians and fellow Lancashire constituents such as mine is that the Government’s record defence spending commitments for the integrated review mean that there will be money for the future combat air system, one of the mainstays of north-west aerospace. That is good news for MBDA in Bolton, good news for BAE, good news for the supply chain and good news for the thousands of people in the north-west who work in aerospace, and that is because the Government have invested in the future capabilities of sovereign aerospace.
Veterans: Covid-19 Support — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
John Luther Mercer (Conservative, Centre-right): The full range of veterans’ support services, including the Veterans UK helpline and the welfare service, have continued to be provided throughout the covid-19 pandemic, with appropriate adjustments to keep people safe. This Government have sponsored a study into the specific effect of covid on the veteran community, and we will report on that in the next few months.
Veterans: Covid-19 Support — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
John Luther Mercer (Conservative, Centre-right): Over the course of the past 15 months, the UK’s first Office for Veterans’ Affairs has spent every day trying to design a system to stop veterans who leave the military from falling through the panoply of services that are there. That includes working with the third sector, which has an enormously important role, and also with statutory provision, because we understand that, ultimately, this nation’s duties to its veterans should be ensured—not delivered—by the state. I am determined we will reach the goal that this will be the best country in the world to be an armed forces veteran.
NHS and Public Bodies: Covid-19 Support — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
James Stephen Heappey (Conservative, Centre-right): As part of the national covid-19 response, Defence has supported NHS trusts in a variety of ways, including the distribution of personal protective equipment and diagnostic equipment; the planning, construction and staffing of Nightingale hospitals; conducting testing; and supporting the vaccine taskforce. We have established a winter support package of 13,500 personnel with specialist capabilities to ensure our continued support to the NHS and other civil authorities throughout the winter period.
NHS and Public Bodies: Covid-19 Support — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
James Stephen Heappey (Conservative, Centre-right): I would be delighted to. There are currently 2,600 personnel committed to covid-19 tasks. The number of tasks is too numerous to list in full in the Chamber, but personnel are deployed on everything from mass testing to the deployment of vaccines and just about everything else besides. The body of the deployment at the moment is in planning, logistics, support to local authorities and ensuring that Defence’s planning and delivery expertise is shared as widely as possible around Government, so that we can ensure that we are poised to respond to whatever else comes during the winter.
NHS and Public Bodies: Covid-19 Support — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Health
David Timothy Simmonds (Conservative, Centre-right): I commend the armed forces for the amazing work they have done in supporting the civil authorities. Will my hon. Friend provide an update on any discussions he has had with the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS about how the armed forces will support the roll-out of mass vaccination?
NHS and Public Bodies: Covid-19 Support — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Health
James Stephen Heappey (Conservative, Centre-right): Defence is working closely with other Departments, particularly the DHSC and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to assist on vaccine roll-out plans. Some 60 military planners are integrated within the vaccine taskforce, and Defence has deployed 56 personnel to assist in constructing vaccination centres. Defence stands ready to provide further support to the NHS in meeting the challenge of vaccinating the UK against covid-19.
NHS and Public Bodies: Covid-19 Support — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
Caroline Ansell (Conservative, Centre-right): The professionalism and logistical support of the Army have already proved vital in our country’s ability to respond to this pandemic. That was seen most recently in Eastbourne’s mobile testing unit, which allowed key workers to return to work. I was most interested in my hon. Friend’s remarks about how the Army might help to roll out the vaccine, having performed various other important tasks. Could he tell the House how many military liaison officers have been deployed to date to help with these very localised planned operations?
NHS and Public Bodies: Covid-19 Support — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
James Stephen Heappey (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is right to single out the military liaison officers who have been working alongside local authorities across the country throughout the year. There are 350 of them currently deployed. I know from speaking to my own council chief executive in Somerset, and I have heard from colleagues around the country, just how much their expertise has been valued by local authorities, assisting them with their preparations initially for the distribution of PPE, then for testing and now for vaccines.
NHS and Public Bodies: Covid-19 Support — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
James Stephen Heappey (Conservative, Centre-right): There are 2,600 service personnel deployed right now. The winter preparedness package is 13,500 people at readiness. We are confident that in generating that package, we have not in any way damaged Defence’s ability to prepare for operations that are required currently or in the next six months. We are very proud of the 13,500 that we have been able to generate. Everything that Defence is doing, we are able to do without threatening defence outputs, and we are delighted to be playing the part that we are in supporting the country at this important time.
Official Development Assistance — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
James Stephen Heappey (Conservative, Centre-right): Defence engagement programmes, including those that count as official development assistance, help create the conditions for sustained economic development for recipient nations by increasing the effectiveness and integrity of their defence institutions. We assess the impact of our programmes continuously and subject them to formal evaluation annually.
Official Development Assistance — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
James Stephen Heappey (Conservative, Centre-right): I think that the answer to the hon. Lady’s question is that we will do our best, but of course what matters is that we are doing the right military things in order to create the right situations for prosperity and security wherever we are serving around the world. If the activity is not directly compliant, I am not sure that should stop us doing it. The reality is that there are many things that Defence does, not least the forthcoming deployment to Mali, where we will set the conditions for security in a very troubled country, which does not meet the definition, but is a very worthwhile thing to do and has real positive humanitarian effects.
Armed Forces Veterans: Covid-19 Response — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
John Luther Mercer (Conservative, Centre-right): Responding to the covid-19 pandemic has been Defence’s highest strategic priority, and as part of the national response thousands of service personnel and veterans have been active in every region of the United Kingdom and devolved Administrations.
Armed Forces Veterans: Covid-19 Response — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
Andrew Hanson Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. I think the nation has been inspired by the actions of one veteran during this pandemic, and that, of course, is Captain Sir Tom Moore, but veterans from all of our services have got so much to offer—skills in a wide variety of areas, involvement in many community groups and an approach to getting things done—so how is my hon. Friend ensuring that veterans are kept safe while they provide their invaluable support?
Armed Forces Veterans: Covid-19 Response — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
John Luther Mercer (Conservative, Centre-right): As I mentioned earlier, during this period I have been acutely aware of how our needs for our veterans have changed or moved along during the pandemic. We have rolled out a series of services—the veterans trauma network; the transition, intervention and liaison service; and the complex treatment service. We are working towards that place where we can build a panoply of services so that all of our veterans are looked after in this country, in line with the Prime Minister’s intent.
Armed Forces Veterans: Covid-19 Response — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
David Mervyn Johnston (Conservative, Centre-right): Veterans across my constituency have been supporting one another, whether by calling in on those they have mental health concerns about or raising money, as the Wantage branch of the RAF Association did in raising £6,000 for Operation Connect. Will my hon. Friend join me in thanking them, and does he agree with me that this shows that, even when our service personnel stop their active service, they continue to serve us in our local communities?
Armed Forces Veterans: Covid-19 Response — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
John Luther Mercer (Conservative, Centre-right): I of course pay tribute to the RAF Association in my hon. Friend’s constituency for raising £6,000. Veterans, like many community and voluntary groups across the country, have really stepped up during this time to deliver services, deliver medicines and help vulnerable people. It is something that I certainly have been enormously proud of, and it reflects the true values and ethos of our veterans community in this country.
Fleet Solid Support Ships: Invitation to Tender — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
Jeremy Mark Quin (Conservative, Centre-right): I am most grateful, Mr Speaker, though the Secretary of State is raring to go Just to reassure the right hon. Gentleman, the specification has changed. It has changed because we now understand more about the carrier strike group and how we will deploy these important assets. It is on track, and we will get there. We have had two rounds of market engagement, and we may wish to do more market engagement. We have got a busy shipbuilding supply chain; there are a lot of orders going through. It is important that this is well based and well founded, and I want to make certain that we launch this competition successfully and, indeed, that it is concluded successfully.
Fleet Solid Support Ships: Invitation to Tender — House of Commons, 2020-12-07
Topic: Defense
Jeremy Mark Quin (Conservative, Centre-right): I suspect that the hon. Gentleman is referring to the CSEU report on shovel-ready projects, which I commend. It is always good to have advice from those quarters, and indeed, many of them are already ongoing. I gently remind him, however, that the report praised the German Government for increasing spending by €10 billion to €12 billion over the next few years. It also praised the French—I think the French Minister has been asked to go before the Assemblée Nationale with an extra €1.5 billion, or around that number. That does not bear any comparison with our £24 billion investment in defence over the next few years. That is the biggest single boost to defence over the past 30 years, and it will mean a lot of orders coming through, to the benefit of British defence, the British armed forces, and British firms across the Union.