WIREDGOV

On Monday 22 March, MPs will debate petitions relating to the Government’s Spring 2021 covid-19 roadmap.

• Watch the debate (from 6.15pm, Monday 22 March) 
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate) 
• Follow the Committee on Twitter and join the discussion using #Covid19RoadmapDebate

The debate will be led by Petitions Committee member Nick Fletcher MP. MPs from all parties can take part, and a Minister will respond on behalf of the Government.

Repeal the Coronavirus Act 2020

The petition, which has more than 102,000 signatures, states: “The Coronavirus Act grants potentially dangerous powers including to detain some persons indefinitely, to take biological samples, and to give directions about dead bodies. Powers last up to two years with six monthly reviews, and lockdown powers could prevent protests against measures.”

In response to the petition, the Government said: “With the Coronavirus pandemic still at large, the Coronavirus Act, and the measures within it, remain as important as ever.”

Allow golf to be played with appropriate safety measures

The petition, which has more than 132,000 signatures, states: “The Government should allow golf courses to remain open during the second lockdown, and any future restrictions. Shops and clubhouses can close, but courses should be allowed to remain open, with social distancing in place.”

In response to the petition, the Government said: “Sport is crucial for our mental and physical health. That’s why we have continued to make sure that people can exercise. Given the seriousness of the current situation golf courses have had to close.”

Keep gyms open during Tier 4 lockdown

The petition, which has more than 179,000 signatures, states: “Consider keeping gyms open during lockdown because so many people have mental health and stress and they need something to do to take their mind off it closing all fitness facilities can affect us pretty badly.”

In response to the petition, the Government said: “Sports facilities are crucial for adults and children to stay active. That’s why we have continued to make sure that people can exercise throughout the national and local tiered restrictions.”

Shut all nurseries and early years settings during lockdown

The petition, which has more than 103,000 signatures, states: “Urgent call for the government to close all nurseries and early years settings in light of the new lockdown to protect early years staff.”

In response to the petition, the Government said: “The wider restrictions in place as part of the national lockdown to contain the spread of the virus in the community enable us to continue prioritising keeping nurseries and early years settings open.”

Open gyms first as we come out of lockdown & fund a Work Out to Help Out scheme

The petition, which has more than 229,000 signatures, states: “We want the government to recognise the importance of gyms, health clubs, leisure centres and swimming pools in empowering people to look after their health and stay fit and for them to open first as we come out of lockdown.

“We're also calling for government to fund a Work Out to Help Out scheme.”

In response to the petition, the Government said: “Sports & physical activity providers play a crucial role in supporting everyone to be active. We continue to work with our partners to encourage the usage of sports facilities when they open in April.”

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one, or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Further Information

• Find out more about the role of the Petitions Committee
• Find out more about select committees