MP asks minister to publish local vaccine data

In Parliament this week, South Lakes MP Tim Farron made the case for the Government to publish the latest vaccination figures for every local authority and postcode.

Speaking during a Westminster Hall debate, Tim said: "I want to emphasise the importance of data, so that we can hold the Government to account.

"For example, I and the whole of the local community would like to know what percentage of over-80s in the LA9 postcode, for instance, have been vaccinated once or even twice.

"That would ensure that there is healthy competition and would also allow us to hold the Government to account and know whether we will meet the targets.

"We know that that data exists because it is being collected, so why is it not being shared?

"Will the Minister guarantee that that information will be made public this week, district by district-indeed, postcode by postcode?

In response, the Minister for COVID Vaccine Deployment, Nadhim Zahawi said: "Data is our ally in this endeavour, in the Prime Minister's view and in my view.

"That is why he has insisted on daily data release, so that the nation can see the progress that we are making in protecting the most vulnerable people from COVID.

"We will continue to publish daily data. On Thursdays we will publish more detailed regional data, and my absolute commitment to the House is as much data as the NHS feel is robust that we can publish."