Esther McVey has demanded assurances no powers will be handed over to international organisations which would force the UK to act in a certain way in the event of any future pandemic.
The Tatton MP said she had been contacted by people concerned about the World Health Organisation pandemic response treaty and changes to its rule book, known as International Health Regulations (IHRs), and the impact this could have on the UK.
The proposed changes could see the UK forced to close its borders, introduce vaccine passports, enforce quarantines, restrict travel and lockdown.
Ms McVey raised the matter in Parliament during Health Questions.
She said: “Can the minister assure me that the proposed changes to the International Health Regulations 2005, currently being negotiated, will not give new rule making powers (like the ones taken by Bangladesh to the World Health Organisation Director General), so he would have powers to make binding directions on matters including border closures, quarantining, vaccine passports.”
Ms McVey also told ministers WHO’s own expert review committee had expressed concern over “such significant increase in power.”
Health Minister Will Quince said: “The UK has a strong commitment and duty to implement international law but, on this matter, we have been absolutely clear, and I can assure her, we will not sign up to any IHR amendment or any other instrument that would compromise the UK’s ability to make domestic decisions on national measures concerning public health.
Ms McVey has been clear the proposed treaty and all the IHRs need proper parliamentary scrutiny and adequate time must be set aside for a full and robust debate.
