4th Report - Coronavirus Bill

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The government largely sets out existing safeguards and explanations in response to the Committee, agrees that the port directions power is subject to judicial review, and commits to few new actions.

• On the six-month renewal vote, the government "notes the committee’s view" and will bear in mind that there "may be a case for further primary legislation", depending on how the disease develops.
• It agrees that the power to direct suspension of port operations is subject to judicial review, and explains that maximum prison terms differ because penalties are "set within respective legal and administrative arrangements".
• On the Committee's parliamentary scrutiny recommendation, it notes that procedures are for each House to determine and will respond to the Committee's upcoming inquiry report "in due course".
• On Schedule 8 remand powers, it says they have not been commenced in England or Wales and that, "Should the emergency provisions be commenced", it will publish guidance on how the powers should be operated.

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