The Department of Health needs to go back to the drawing board

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Good morning, John

This Monday the Health Minister’s Consultation on the Public Health Bill closes. You can complete your own response here ([link removed]) .


There have been few policy issues which have grabbed the public interest quite like this poorly drafted consultation. The idea of mandatory vaccination or compelled treatment has irreparably damaged this process.


Over the last week, I have travelled across several counties in Northern Ireland and people of all ages and backgrounds have voiced their concern. Any Bill containing such sweeping ideas, would not have our support at the Executive table.


Our Health spokesperson, Diane Dodds MLA has taken the lead and drafted the party’s response to the consultation ([link removed]) . After we published it, Diane has superbly explained our approach in broadcast interviews. North Antrim MLA Paul Frew has a detailed knowledge of this topic as well and has been outlining our concerns about this Consultation in broadcast interviews and public meetings. I commend both Diane and Paul for their efforts on this important issue.


It is incredible that the Health Minister has had to distance himself from some elements of his own Department’s Consultation. Given the way the Consultation has been discredited, the Minister should have scrapped the entire process and started work on a new approach.

The Health Minister’s refusal to scrap this consultation has undermined public confidence and will undoubtedly make the path to agreement on a new Public Health Bill even more challenging.


We recognise that during times of crisis, government must be agile and able to act swiftly to safeguard its people, but we do not believe the proposals currently under consideration strike a fair balance between fulfilling public health objectives and defending personal liberty as the cornerstone of any democratic society.


The DUP will reject mandatory vaccination or plans to compel citizens to undergo other forms of medical treatment. Any future public health framework for Northern Ireland must be underpinned, both in law and in practice, by the principle of informed consent.

All of this represents a huge overreach and must be rejected. The Department must go back to the drawing board. The aim of ensuring our health service is not overwhelmed during future emergencies is a laudable one. However, it does not justify a grave and disproportionate interference with the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals in our society.

Best wishes,

Gavin Robinson MP
DUP Leader

We will be recording the first episode of our new Lions Roar Podcast next week. Party Leader Gavin Robinson will be joined by his wife Lindsay to answer your questions. If you’ve something you want to ask Gavin, Lindsay or both then email your questions to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=)

This week:
* Gavin Robinson: Had a useful meeting with the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child (SPUC) to discuss a worrying report on the rise of euthanasia in Canada ([link removed]) , ahead of 'assisted dying' legislation that is expectedto be brought to the UK Parliament soon. They also discussed ongoing concerns regarding abortion in the UK
* Sammy Wilson: Spoke in the Chamber to mark the October 7th ([link removed]) one year anniversary, and reiterated the need to stand by Israel.
He also slammed the Foreign Secretary for "surrendering British interests against the wishes of the people who live there" at Monday's British Indian Ocean Territory Negotiations statement
* Carla Lockhart: Raised the urgent issue of violence against women ([link removed]) in NI at Wednesday's Women and Equality oral questions and the need to"punish perpetrators".
She also spoke at Tuesday's Farming and Food Security opposition day debate to give her support to farming families across Northern Ireland who work tirelessly to help feed our nation.
* Jim Shannon: Pledged his support to unpaid carers ([link removed]) receiving the help they need and deserve, at an event held in Parliament.
He also spoke at Tuesday's Westminster Hall debate against the Government's VAT on independent schools proposal that will penalise parents in NI who are already making sacrifices to do the best they can for their children, including those choosing faith-based education.
* Gregory Campbell: Spoke in the Chamber on Tuesday to express his concern that Scottish government plans for anOffshore wind farm ([link removed]) between Portrush and Scotland could impact on tourism and explicitly the World Heritage Site at the Giant’s Causeway.
* All 5 DUP MPs spoke at Wednesday's Future of the Northern Ireland City Deals ([link removed]) urgent question to press how foolish it is to pause these deals, which are opportunities to significantly improve infrastructure,tourism, and regeneration in NI.

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