Baroness Uddin on Coronavirus Bill in the House of Lords

Baroness Uddin on Coronavirus Bill

in the House of Lords

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Following is the contribution of Baroness Manzila Uddin when there was 2^nd Reading of the Emergency Legislation on Coronavirus Bill at the House of Lords on 24 March 2020. 

Baroness Uddin started by saying that it is her privilege to follow the noble Lord, Lord Hastings. She said, “I agree with entirety of his contribution. The entire world faces the colossal fear – unimaginable a few weeks ago – of an outbreak of such magnitude; a public health emergency.”

Death of Dr. Fuad Nahdi

Baroness Uddin said that Dr. Fuad Nahdi died ultimately due to coronavirus. She maintained, “Only today, Dr. Fuad Nahdi’s family laid him to rest as I sat in the Chamber. He lost his battle with several health conditions and finally succumbed to coronavirus. I do not know whether he was able to be resuscitated – whether that facility was available to him. But he was an outstanding community champion and he worked relentlessly - tirelessly – with Government Ministers, churches and the community to keep people safe post 9/11.”

Baroness Uddin expressed her condolences, heartfelt prayers and good wishes to his family.

Shortage of resuscitation units.

Baroness Uddin then mentioned about the shortage of resuscitation units. She said, “Dr. Rosena Allin-Khan, an honourable Member of another place, has called for urgent attention to be paid to the shortage of resuscitation units. These are already full, she says, in many hospitals as the numbers of admissions rise. NHS staff faces an incredible decision: who will live and who will die? I add my thanks to all those NHS and front-line brave hearts who are putting their own life and well-being aside to take care of us and others.”

Deeply troubled by some sections

of the proposed legislation

Acknowledging the incredible insights by some organisations, Baroness Uddin said, “Since the Bill was published, all parliamentarians have been inundated by constituents and community and business groups alike; they support Government measures but are deeply troubled by some aspects of the proposed legislation, and its short-and long-term impact on significant sections of our vulnerable communities. I record my thanks for their incredible insights, to Toni Meredew at account 3; James Lee at the City of London Corporation; Inclusion London; Haji Taslim Funerals; The East London Mosque and Hasina Zaman Compassionate Funerals.” 

Speaking about the power in the Bill at Schedule 28, Baroness Uddin said, “I wish to make a point about the power in the Bill at Schule 28, which proposes to suspend taking into consideration the preferences of the deceased, regardless of the religious duties and obligations. I apologise to the House for taking a few more minutes to finish this point. The Bill suggests using powers to direct the deceased to be cremated if there is a lack of capacity at storage facilities, thus suspending Section 46(3) of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, whih prohibits cremation against the wishes of the deceased. This has caused serious panic and anxiety in many parts of our communities and many have written to ask us to raise that matter as Members of Parliament. The honourable Member for Bradford West tabled an Amendment to the Bill and has now withdrawn it. I am thankful for her outstanding campaign to mobilise and bring about the Government understanding that, even in these times of national existential threat and crisis, we will remain resolute in remaining a society that values freedom of coice, particularly around the dignity of human death.”

Baroness Uddin mentioned, “I spent the whole weekend speaking to various organisations that lead funeral services, including those I mentioned earlier. Will the Minister agree to consult and work with them and with faith-based organisations along the lines that I referred to earlier to ensure –“

Wishes of the deceased will be respected?

Baroness Uddin referred to the provisions in Part 4 of Schedule 28 in relation to the wishes of the deceased, and said, “With the leniency of the House I will ask my final question. I appreciate the fact that the Paymaster-General has given his assurance, but will the Minister assure us that the provisions in Part 4 of Schedule 28 in relation to the wishes of the deceased will be respected? I thank noble Lords for their leniency.”