Evidence sessions on policing of covid-19 regulations and border operations
12 January 2021
The Home Affairs Committee will hold two evidence sessions on Wednesday 13 January as part of its inquiry into Home Office preparations for covid-19.
- Watch the session on Parliament TV
- Home Office preparedness for Covid-19 (Coronavirus)
- About the Home Affairs Committee
Purpose of the sessions
A session on the policing of covid-19 regulations will feature the National Police Chief Council and the Chief Constables of Thames Valley and North Wales police forces.
The Committee will also take evidence from the Immigration Services Union and specialists from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine on border operations.
Policing
The session on policing will investigate differences in the operational approaches of police forces in enforcing new rules to reduce the spread of covid-19.
It will look at the support front line officers receive in carry out their duties, including access to PPE, clarity over enforcement and levels of staff availability.
The Committee will also investigate if there is an intention from Chief Constables to escalate enforcement during this phase of the pandemic, in line with measures suggested by the Home Secretary.
Border operations
The session on border operations will explore the scientific principles behind the new regime for testing passengers due to arrive in the UK and its role in reducing the spread of covid-19.
It will look at how effective the Government’s approach to contain the new strain identified in South Africa and what improvements could be made.
The Committee will also investigate the effectiveness of the Passenger Locator Form in identifying when infected individuals have entered the UK an ensuring self-isolation.
Witnesses
Wednesday 13 January, 10am
Panel One, policing
- CC Carl Foulkes, North Wales Police
- CC John Campbell, Thames Valley Police
- AC Owen Weatherill, Commander, Operation Talla, National Police Chiefs Council
Panel Two, borders
- Professor Annelies Wilder-Smith, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
- Professor John Edmunds, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
- Lucy Moreton, Professional Officer, Immigration Services Union
Further information
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