Written Statements

Thursday 19th May 2016 Written Statements

Thursday 19 May 2016

National Infrastructure Commission

Thursday 19th May 2016 Written Statements

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Hands)]

Yesterday, I laid the response to the National Infrastructure Commission consultation [CM 9289]. This reconfirms the Government’s plans to establish the Commission via primary legislation, and sets out a number of areas where policy has developed following public consultation.

On 5 October 2015, the Chancellor announced the creation of the National Infrastructure Commission to provide expert independent analysis of the long-term infrastructure needs of the country. The Commission has been operating in interim form since then.

The Government held a 10-week public consultation between 7 January and 17 March on the governance, structure and operation of the Commission. The public consultation attracted 136 responses, primarily from industry associations, companies, lobby groups, local authorities and research bodies. The majority were very supportive of the concept, and of the Government’s proposals for fully establishing the Commission.

The response confirms that the Commission will produce a national infrastructure assessment once in every Parliament, setting out its analysis of the UK’s infrastructure needs over a 10 to 30-year time horizon. The Commission will also examine pressing and significant infrastructure challenges in studies set by the Government. The Government will be obliged formally to respond to the Commission’s recommendations.

To fulfil its objectives, the Commission will be able to request information and analysis from Government Departments. The Commission will work within a remit to ensure that it recommends infrastructure that is sustainable and affordable and offers real economic benefits.

The Government intend to introduce legislation to place the Commission on a permanent, independent footing as soon as parliamentary time allows.

Copies of the response are available in the Vote Office, Printed Paper Office and on the gov.uk website.

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Foreign Affairs and General Affairs Councils: 23-24 May

Thursday 19th May 2016 Written Statements

[The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs will attend the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 May and I will attend the General Affairs Council on 24 May. The Foreign Affairs Council will be chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, and the General Affairs Council will be chaired by the Dutch presidency. The meetings will be held in Brussels.

Foreign Affairs Council

The Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) will be preceded by the annual EU-Eastern Partnership ministerial meeting. The FAC agenda will include the Syria/Iraq/counter-Daesh regional strategy, the EU global strategy and external aspects of migration. Ms. Mogherini is expected to cover the Arctic and Libya in her opening remarks.

EU-Eastern Partnership ministerial

EU Foreign Ministers will meet with the Foreign Ministers of the six Eastern Partnership states—Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine—to review progress on the Eastern Partnership initiative since the EU-Eastern Partnership summit held in Riga on 21-22 May 2015.

Syria/Iraq/counter-Daesh regional strategy

The May Foreign Affairs Council will review of External Action Service (EEAS)/Commission programmes and projects undertaken within the framework of the March 2015 regional strategy for handling Syria, Iraq and the Daesh threat. This review will assess how the EU has been supporting political transition in Syria, political settlement in Iraq and efforts to defeat and degrade Daesh in Iraq and Syria.

The European Union global strategy

Over lunch the High Representative will update Ministers on the preparation of the European Union global strategy.

External aspects of migration

Ministers will exchange views on the external aspects of migration. We expect the focus of the discussion to be on common security and defence policy (CSDP) activities to support the development of border security in Libya and the Sahel. Building the capacity of the Libyan coastguard is of particular importance. We will also use the opportunity to discuss progress on Valletta action plan implementation. With a range of high-level international events this year, leading up to the UNGA high-level event on large movements of migrants and refugees, there is an opportunity for the international community to build a sustainable global response to large population movements and the issue of irregular migration, by placing an emphasis on global responsibility sharing, reducing large-scale irregular migration, and providing protection and humanitarian support to those who need it.

The Arctic

Following the recent publication of the joint communication on the Arctic, Ministers will discuss whether the EU’s policy in the Arctic is appropriately focused. We also expect discussions on the EU’s application for formal observer status at the Arctic Council.

Libya

Discussions will focus on the latest developments in the Libyan political process. The EEAS is planning for a possible civilian CSDP mission for Libya. We will press the EU to develop a realistic and achievable offer based on the needs of the Government of National Accord and the situation on the ground. We are aiming for progress towards agreeing an updated mandate for EUNAVFOR MED (Operation Sophia), to include capacity-building for the Libyan coastguard. The Vienna ministerial on 16 May underlined international support for the Libyan political agreement, Presidency Council and Government of National Accord.

General Affairs Council

The General Affairs Council (GAC) on 24 May is expected to focus on rule of law and preparation of the June European Council.

Rule of law

The GAC will conduct its annual dialogue on the rule of law, focusing on the issue of the integration of migrants.

Preparation of the June European Council

The GAC will prepare the agenda for the 28-29 June European Council, which the Prime Minister will attend.

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Government’s Legislative Programme 2016-17

Thursday 19th May 2016 Written Statements

[The Leader of the House of Commons (Chris Grayling)]

Following yesterday’s state opening of Parliament, and for the convenience of the House, I am listing the Bills, which were announced yesterday:

Better Markets Bill

Bill of Rights

Bus Services Bill

Children and Social Work Bill

Counter-Extremism and Safeguarding Bill

Criminal Finances Bill

Cultural Property (Armed Conflicts) Bill

Digital Economy Bill

Education for All Bill

Higher Education and Research Bill

Lifetime Savings Bill

Local Growth and Jobs Bill

Modern Transport Bill

National Citizen Service Bill

NHS (Overseas Visitors Charging) Bill

Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Overseas Electors Bill

Prison and Courts Reform Bill

Pensions Bill

Small Charitable Donations Bill

Wales Bill

The following Bills will carry over from the last session:

Finance (No.2) Bill

High Speed Rail (London-West Midlands) Bill

Investigatory Powers Bill

Policing and Crime Bill

The following Law Commission Bills will be introduced:

Intellectual Property (Unjustified Threats) Bill

Detailed information about each of these Bills can be accessed from the No. 10 website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/prime-ministers-office-10-downing-street.

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Government’s Legislative Programme (Northern Ireland) 2016-17

Thursday 19th May 2016 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mrs Theresa Villiers)]

The second Session UK legislative programme unveiled in the Queen’s Speech on 18 May includes a number of measures directly relevant to the people of Northern Ireland. The majority of the 22 new Bills containing provisions that apply in Northern Ireland either in full or in part. Once again, this is a strong programme of legislation for Northern Ireland contained in a one nation Queen’s Speech from a one nation Government. The Government also reaffirm their commitment to the implementation of the Stormont House agreement and “Fresh Start” agreement.

The Government are using the opportunity of a strengthening economy to deliver security for working people; increase life chances for the most disadvantaged and strengthen national security. Bills such as the Better Markets Bill and the Digital Economy Bill demonstrate our commitment to strengthening the UK economy and supporting businesses and consumers in Northern Ireland, and right across the UK. The Lifetime Savings Bill provides important support for those on lowest incomes and in encouraging the younger generation to save regularly. The Criminal Finances Bill provides a new legislative framework to tackle money laundering, criminal assets and terrorist financing.

The following is a summary of the legislation announced in the Queen’s Speech and its proposed application to Northern Ireland. Some Bills are still under development, including final decisions on the extent to which provisions should extend to Northern Ireland. The list identifies the lead Government Department. It does not include draft Bills.

The following Bills will extend to Northern Ireland, in whole or in part. Some deal mainly with excepted/reserved matters. Discussions will continue between the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that, where provisions for a transferred purpose are included in any of these Bills, the consent of the Northern Ireland Assembly will be sought for them.

Better Markets Bill (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)

Bill of Rights (Ministry of Justice)

Criminal Finances (Home Office)

Digital Economy Bill (Department for Culture, Media & Sport)

Intellectual Property (Unjustified Threats) Bill (Law Commission Bill)

Lifetime Savings Bill (HM Treasury)

Overseas Electors Bill (Cabinet Office)

Modern Transport Bill (Department for Transport)

Small Charitable Donations Bill (HMRC)

Cultural Property (Armed Conflicts) Bill (Department for Culture, Media & Sport)

Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill (Department for Communities and Local Government)

Higher Education and Research Bill (Research Councils)—(Department for Business, Innovations and Skills)

National Citizen Service Bill (Cabinet Office)

Pensions Bill (Department for Work and Pensions)

NHS (Overseas Visitors Charging) Bill (Department of Health)

The following Bills will have limited or no application to Northern Ireland:

Bus Services Bill (Department for Transport).

Children and Social Work Bill (Department for Education)

Local Growth and Jobs Bill (Department for Communities and Local Government)

Prison and Courts Reform Bill (Ministry of Justice)

Counter-Extremism and Safeguarding Bill (Home Office)

Wales Bill (Wales Office)

Education for All Bill (Department for Education)

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Government’s Legislative Programme (Scotland) 2016-17

Thursday 19th May 2016 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)]

Following the passage of the Scotland Act 2016, the Scottish Parliament is now poised to become one of the most powerful devolved Parliaments in the world. Ensuring the smooth transfer of those new powers will be a major priority for the UK Government over the next parliamentary Session and beyond.

A total of 13 of the 21 new Government Bills for this Session of Parliament contain provisions that apply in Scotland, either in full or in part. Elements of others may extend later depending on discussion with the Scottish Government.

The Government’s legislative programme has three clear aims: to deliver security for working people across our country, to increase the life chances for the most disadvantaged, and to strengthen our national security. Some of the Bills announced yesterday apply across the UK, while others cover areas where responsibility is devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

UK legislation on the digital economy will enable the building of world-class digital infrastructure including fast broadband and mobile networks, as well as helping to support new digital industries.

A new Lifetime Savings Bill will create a new help to save scheme to support those on the lowest incomes to save and also a new lifetime ISA, providing savers with a bonus on savings that can be used for a first home, or retirement, or both.

A Better Markets Bill will give UK consumers more power and choice, open up markets and make economic regulators work better. We will also take forward further reforms in a Pensions Bill that will provide greater protections for people in master trusts and remove barriers for consumers who want to access their pension savings flexibly.

This statement provides a summary of the new Government legislation for 2016-17 and its application to Scotland. It does not include draft Bills.

In line with the Sewel convention, the Government will continue to work constructively with the Scottish Government to secure legislative consent motions where appropriate.

The Bills listed in section 1 will apply to Scotland, either in full or in part. Section 2 details Bills that will not apply in Scotland, though some elements could be extended later following discussion with the Scottish Government.

Section 1: Legislation applying to the United Kingdom, including Scotland (either in full or in part);

Better Markets Bill

Criminal Finances Bill

Lifetime Savings Bill

Modern Transport Bill

Overseas Electors Bill

Pensions Bill

Small Charitable Donations Bill

Cultural Property (Armed Conflicts) Bill

Digital Economy Bill

Wales Bill (as a constitutional bill this extends to the UK, but policy will impact on Wales)

Higher Education and Research Bill

Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Bill of Rights

Section 2: Legislation that will not apply in Scotland, though some elements could be extended following discussion with the Scottish Government.

Counter-Extremism and Safeguarding Bill

NHS (Overseas Visitors Charging) Bill

National Citizen Service Bill

Bus Services Bill

Children & Social Work Bill

Education for All Bill

Local Growth and Jobs Bill

Prison and Courts Reform Bill

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Government’s Legislative Programme (Wales) 2016-17

Thursday 19th May 2016 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Alun Cairns)]

The Government’s second legislative programme announced in the Queen’s Speech on 18 May contains a wide range of measures that will apply to Wales either in full or in part.

The following Bills and draft Bills will extend to in whole or in part:

Better Markets Bill (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)

Bill of Rights (Ministry of Justice)

Children and Social Work Bill (Department for Education)

Counter-Extremism and Safeguarding Bill (Home Office)

Criminal Finances Bill (Home Office)

Cultural Property (Armed Conflicts) Bill (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Digital Economy Bill (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Education for All Bill (Department for Education)

Higher Education and Research Bill (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)

Intellectual Property (Unjustified Threats) Bill (Law Commission Bill)

Lifetime Savings Bill (HM Treasury)

Modern Transport Bill (Department for Transport)

National Citizen Service Bill (Cabinet Office)*

Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill (Department for Communities and Local Government)

NHS (Overseas Visitors Charging) Bill (Department of Health)*

Overseas Electors Bill (Cabinet Office)

Prison and Courts Reform Bill (Ministry of Justice)

Pensions Bill (Department for Work and Pensions)

Small Charitable Donations Bill (HMRC)

Wales Bill (Wales Office)

The following Bills will not extend to Wales:

Bus Services Bill (Department for Transport)

Local Growth and Jobs Bill (Department for Communities and Local Government)

*Discussions with the Welsh Government on these Bills will consider their application to Wales.

Discussions will continue with the Welsh Government on Bills that might include provisions that require the consent of the National Assembly for Wales or Welsh Ministers.

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