Written Statements

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

Thursday 13 September 2018

Retail Sector

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Kelly Tolhurst)]

The UK’s retail sector is a driving force in our economy and plays an important social role in communities across the UK. The industry employs 3.1 million people and generated £93 billion of gross value added in 2017—5% of UK GVA.

Change has always been an inherent part of the UK’s dynamic retail sector and the Government are clear that we want all types of retail to thrive now and in the future. We are supporting the sector as it undergoes structural change and responds to changing consumer expectations, embraces new technology and prepares for EU exit.

Government and industry have recognised that positive action is needed to ensure the sector thrives in the future. To achieve this, and as part of the industrial strategy, we established the Retail Sector Council in March.

The council is jointly chaired by the Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility and Richard Pennycook (chair of the British Retail Consortium). All retail activity in the UK is represented: large and small; independents; and traditional and online or disruptive retailers. Through the council the Government are helping the retail industry to come together to develop sector-led solutions to support its productivity and growth. The council has now met twice and is identifying its priorities and actions to be agreed at the next meeting later this year.

In addition, the Government are also committed to supporting the retail sector through a range of measures.

In July the Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend the Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Jake Berry) appointed a panel of experts to diagnose issues that currently affect the health of our high streets and advise on the best practical measures to help them thrive now and in the future. Chaired by Sir John Timpson (chairman of Timpson—the multiple service retailer) the panel will focus on what consumers and local communities want from their high streets. They are holding a series of evidence sessions across the country to hear directly from communities. The panel will look at the current challenges and work out options to ensure our town centres remain vibrant. The panel of experts have a wealth of experience and include representatives from the retail, property and design sectors.

We have taken action to reduce the business rates burden faced by some businesses, with reforms and reductions worth over £10 billion by 2023, and the Government are currently reviewing the wider taxation of the digital economy to make sure all businesses pay their fair share.

The Government understand the concerns of those affected by job losses in the sector, and the uncertainty this can cause. Where job losses occur, Jobcentre Plus, along with other Government Departments, works with the companies affected to understand the level of employee support required to get people back into employment as soon as possible.

British retailing is transforming and the Government are committed to doing all they can to ensure the sector continues to thrive.

[HCWS968]

Senior Public Sector Pay Awards

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Mr David Lidington)]

I am today announcing the Government’s decision on pay for the senior civil service, senior military and police and crime commissioners.

The Government received the Senior Salary Review Body’s (SSRB) report on 2018 pay for the senior civil service, senior military and police and crime commissioners on 4 July 2018.

The Government are committed to world-class public services and ensuring that public sector workers are fairly paid for the vitally important work they do. We ended the 1% pay policy in September 2017 because we recognised more flexibility is now required to deliver world-class public services—with higher awards in return for improvements to public sector productivity.

It is vital that we consider all pay awards in the light of wider pressures on public spending. Public sector pay needs to be fair both for public sector workers and the taxpayer. In reaching a final decision on all 2018-19 public sector pay awards, we have balanced a need to recognise the value and dedication of our hard-working public servants with ensuring that our public services remain affordable in the long term, to contribute to our objective of reducing public sector debt. We have also sought to ensure that pay awards are fair and consistent across public sector workforces, reflect existing pay and benefit packages, as well as recruitment and retention levels.

The Government value the independent expertise and insight of the SSRB and take on board the valuable advice, principles outlined, and constructive challenge to the Government’s recommendations outlined in the report. Within the current context there remains a need to take into account affordability when making decisions on senior pay, as well as fairness in the approach for senior and junior grades.

Senior civil servants

The Government’s evidence to the SSRB in December 2017 set out a vision for a future SCS pay framework which—in line with the civil service workforce plan—will help us attract, retain and develop the very best senior talent for government.

This new pay system will aid us in achieving our vision for a future SCS which is more diverse, experienced and professionalised, with a better mix of specialist and generalist leaders.

We are pleased that the SSRB welcome the direction of travel laid out in our vision for the future SCS and look forward to engaging with SSRB to further articulate our strategic plan to reach this vision.

Over the next year, and among other commitments set out in our response to the SSRB’s recommendations below, we will be articulating plans to:

move to a set of consistent pay ranges by professional grouping over time.

provide greater reward for high performers and those who develop capability by remaining in role.

explore options for reforming the SCS performance management system.

Taken together, this will start tackling some of the biggest issues identified with the current pay system as well as ensuring that the civil service is able to attract and retain key, scarce skills from the external market and balancing incentives in the current system.

The Government value the independent expertise and insight of the SSRB and take on board the valuable advice, principles outlined, and constructive challenge to the Government’s recommendations outlined in the report.

Within the current context there remains a need to take into account affordability when making decisions on senior pay, as well as fairness in the approach for senior and junior grades.

Senior civil service recommendations and response for 2018-19

This year the SSRB made six recommendations for the senior civil service (SCS):

all SCS members should receive a 1% consolidated basic pay increase.

0.25% of the pay bill should be used to increase the pay band minima for all pay bands to £68,000, £90,500, and £111,500 respectively.

the pay range maxima are reduced for new recruits and those currently paid below the new maxima, to £102,000, £136,000, and £167,500 respectively.

1.25% should be allocated and distributed to address pay anomalies.

The Cabinet Office should provide evidence to demonstrate the application of the award to specific target groups of staff.

the introduction of a corporate recognition scheme with awards of around £1,000.

The Government accept the recommendation of an overall 1% figure for consolidated increases but will continue to give Departments flexibility to target that overall 1% award at the individual level. This aligns to SSRB’s principle of targeting reward to higher performers and those lowest in the pay range and is consistent with the approach taken for delegated grades.

The Government accept the recommendation to increase the minima for all pay bands to the figures suggested by SSRB. The Government also agree that the 1% pay award should be applied after any increases from the raising of the minima.

The Government agree in principle to the recommendation to reduce the maxima for SCS in non-market facing or niche roles. This will not be achievable for this year’s pay round as further consultation is needed to understand the makeup and workability of professional groupings before pay ranges are set.

The Government accept the recommendation to set aside further money to address pay anomalies, and agree to provide clear criteria for use. However to put aside the 1.25% suggested would move significantly away from coherence between the approach for SCS and delegated grades and risks affordability issues. Efficiencies found from controlling movement around the system will be put aside to cover anomalies and increases to the minima, and we anticipate this to be 0.25% rather than the 1.25% SSRB proposed.

The Government accept the recommendation to monitor the use of the aforementioned pay anomalies money, as well as the recommendation to extend in-year non-consolidated performance related awards to 20% of the eligible population and introduce a new recognition scheme for corporate contribution.

The Government note the SSRB’s additional comments outside of the formal recommendations and commit to:

providing a clear articulation of the desired application of the SCS pay system, be that centralised management of the workforce, delegation to departments or a specified balance between the two.

review the SCS performance management system as a priority.

outlining clear guidance and principles to ensure the workability and fair application for the movement to pay ranges based on professional groupings.

exploring options for a credible capability-based salary progression model.

providing a clear proposal on the future of the SCS 1A grade.

The Government would like to work proactively with SSRB to help develop our proposals further and invites the review body to contribute towards the further review of the senior civil service pay framework including the commitments made above.

Senior military officers

The Government have accepted the spirit of the recommendation of a 2.5% increase to senior military salaries with effect from 1 April 2018 with a 2% increase to pay and a 0.5% non-consolidated one-off payment. This decision is made to be consistent with the main armed forces’ pay award and in consideration of long-term affordability. The Government have also accepted the recommendation that there is no change to the current pay differentials for senior medical and dental officers.

Police and crime commissioners

The Government have accepted in part the SSRB’s recommendation to increase the bottom four PCC salary bands. With effect from 1 May 2018, these pay bands will be increased by 2%. PCCs taking on responsibility for the governance of fire and rescue services will also receive an additional consolidated allowance of £3,000.

The Government have accepted the SSRB’s recommendation that PCC pay should be reviewed again in 2020-21 to enable a full assessment of the role, particularly in the light of the additional responsibilities for fire and rescue services; thereafter, full reviews should be conducted on a four-yearly basis. However, future reviews should be aligned to the PCC electoral cycle. A further review should therefore take place to set PCC pay ahead of the 2024 elections.

The SSRB also recommended that from May 2019, PCC salaries should be increased by 2% in line with the pay award for local authority staff and that this link should continue annually until the next formal review of PCC pay. The Government have not accepted this recommendation. The role of PCCs continues to evolve and the Government are of the view that automatic pay increases are not appropriate while change is ongoing. The Government also seek to avoid creating a disparity between PCCs and police officers whose pay increases are not automatic.

The SSRB recommended that a review of the pay structures for PCCs should be conducted in advance of the next formal review of PCC pay. The Government have not accepted this recommendation. PCC pay structures are currently aligned to those of chief police officers, and their pay is under review as part of sector-led reforms to deliver a new pay and reward framework. PCC pay structures will be reviewed following the completion of the ongoing review of chief officer pay.

The SSRB recommended that PCCs who lose their seat at election should be entitled to a loss of office payment. The Government will further consider the issue.

[HCWS967]

Bovine TB

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

[The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (George Eustice)]

I want to update the House on the implementation of the Government’s strategy to eradicate bovine TB in England by 2038.

Today the Animal and Plant Health Agency has published data showing there has been a drop in TB incidence in the first two cull areas, where the number of new confirmed breakdowns has dropped by around 50%. In Gloucestershire the incidence rate has dropped from 10.4% before culling began to 5.6% in the 12 months following the fourth cull, while in Somerset it has dropped from 24% to 12%.

Data on TB incidence in the next eight areas has also been published today although, as we anticipated, it is too early to see any impact on TB in those areas.

Bovine TB remains one of the greatest animal health threats to the UK and the Government are continuing to take strong action to eradicate the disease and protect the future of our dairy and beef industries. Today I am announcing further steps to enhance and strengthen our eradication strategy; opening a new round of applications to our badger vaccination grant scheme and issuing new licences for badger control in 2018.

Although it does not provide complete protection or cure infected animals (which continue to spread TB), badger vaccination has a role to play and three projects have received Government funding in 2018 to vaccinate badgers in the edge area of England. Therefore, applications for the “Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme” will be re-opened later this year, with grant funding available to private groups wishing to carry out badger vaccination in the edge area. Groups will receive at least 50% funding towards their eligible costs.

There is broad scientific consensus that badgers are implicated in the spread of TB to cattle. This year, following the effective licensed badger control operations in 2017, culling operations will take place across 39% of the high-risk area. This includes a further 10 new areas which have been licenced to undertake culling operations in 2018. Alongside our robust cattle movement and testing regime, this will allow us to achieve and maintain long-term reductions in the level of TB in cattle across the south-west and midlands, where the disease is widespread.

In order to eradicate a pocket of infection in both cattle and badgers in the low-risk area, we have also licensed an area within Cumbria to undertake culling operations in 2018. Along with six-monthly cattle testing, movement restrictions and good biosecurity on farms this approach offers the best opportunity to deal quickly with this real and serious threat in the low-risk area.

To ensure we have a successful and resilient industry as the UK enters a new trading relationship with the world, we are determined to implement all available measures necessary to eradicate this devastating disease as quickly as possible. To aid this, a review, led by Professor Sir Charles Godfray, is looking at options to take the bTB strategy to the next phase and will report to Ministers by the end of September 2018. The findings will be published in due course along with information on next steps.

[HCWS963]

General Affairs Council (18 September 2018)

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Mr Robin Walker)]

Lord Callanan, Minister of State for Exiting the European Union, has made the following statement:

I will attend the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 18 September 2018 to represent the UK. Until we leave the European Union, we remain committed to fulfilling our rights and obligations as a full member.

The provisional agenda includes:

Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-27

Ministers will discuss progress on the multiannual financial framework proposals with the presidency.

Presentation of the priorities of the Austrian presidency

The presidency is expected to present its top priority areas during its six-month tenure. These are: security and illegal migration; maintaining competitiveness through digitalisation; stability in the western Balkans; and securing an orderly Brexit.

Preparation of the European Council on 18 October 2018

The Council will discuss the draft conclusions for the October European Council. The conclusions are expected to cover migration; internal security; and external relations.

Rule of law in Poland/article 7(1)

The Council will hold a hearing on article 7(1). The Commission and Poland will provide updates on the issue, and member states will be invited to pose questions to Poland on its response to the Commission’s concerns on the rule of law.

Legislative programming

On 12 September 2018, the Commission published a letter of intent which set out its proposals for the Commission work programme for 2019. Ministers will debate the proposals included in the letter before the CWP for 2019 is adopted in October. Ministers will also consider progress on legislative files in the joint declaration on the EU’s legislative priorities for 2018-19.

[HCWS962]

EU Exit

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Dominic Raab)]

As announced by the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union on 18 July 2018, the Government are publishing a series of technical notices during August and September. On Thursday 23 August, we published 25 of these notices. Today, on Thursday 13 September, we are publishing a further 28 technical notices, and will publish more in the coming weeks. These notices are designed to inform people, businesses and stakeholders about steps they may need to take in the event of a “no deal” scenario.

Technical notices are being published on the following areas:

Accessing public sector contracts if there is no Brexit deal.

Appointing nominated persons to your business if there is no Brexit deal.

Broadcasting and video on demand if there is no Brexit deal.

Connecting Europe facility energy funding if there is no Brexit deal.

Data protection if there is no Brexit deal.

Driving in the EU if there is no Brexit deal.

European regional development funding if there is no Brexit deal.

European social fund (ESF) grants if there is no Brexit deal.

Funding for UK LIFE projects if there is no Brexit deal.

Getting an exemption from maritime security notifications if there is no Brexit deal.

Handling civil legal cases that involve EU countries if there is no Brexit deal.

Industrial emissions standards (“Best Available Techniques”) if there is no Brexit deal.

Merger review and anti-competitive activity if there is no Brexit deal.

Mobile roaming if there is no Brexit deal.

Recognition of seafarer certificates of competency if there is no Brexit deal.

Reporting C0₂ emissions for new cars and vans if there is no Brexit deal.

Running an oil or gas business if there is no Brexit deal.

Satellites and space programmes if there is no Brexit deal.

Trading goods regulated under the “New Approach” if there is no Brexit deal.

Trading in drug precursors if there is no Brexit deal.

Trading under the mutual recognition principle if there is no Brexit deal.

Travelling in the common travel area and the associated rights of British and Irish citizens if there is no Brexit deal.

Travelling to the EU with a UK passport if there is no Brexit deal.

Travelling with a European firearms pass if there is no Brexit deal.

Upholding environmental standards if there is no Brexit deal.

Using and trading in fluorinated gases and ozone depleting substances if there is no Brexit deal.

Vehicle type approval if there is no UK exit deal.

What telecoms businesses should do if there is no Brexit deal.

Notices are being published on gov.uk. These can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/how-to-prepare-if-the-uk-leaves-the-eu-with-no-deal

Copies of notices will also be placed in the Libraries of both Houses to ensure all Members have access, and we will continue to ensure that technical notices are made available to Members.

[HCWS965]

Immigration

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

[The Minister for Immigration (Caroline Nokes)]

As part of the clearance of the Calais camp in October 2016, the Government transferred 769 unaccompanied children to the UK, all of whom claimed asylum in the UK. The Government acted decisively at this time to remove vulnerable children from a dangerous situation where they were at risk of violence and abuse. The unique situation in Calais and unprecedented action we took to safeguard children demonstrated the Government’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable children affected by the migration crisis.

Of the 769 cases, 220 cases were transferred in accordance with section 67 Immigration Act 2016 (the Dubs amendment), and formed the first tranche of these cases. Some of these cases did not qualify for refugee or humanitarian protection under the existing rules; as such, in June 2018 we introduced a new form of leave (section 67 leave) for these cases.

The remaining 549 cases were transferred to reunite with family members already in the UK. These cases have been considered carefully and on their individual merits, and a large proportion of these cases have been recognised as refugees.

It is our view that all those 549 transferred from Calais to the UK to reunite with family should be able to remain here with their family members. In keeping with our commitments to family unity, we do not consider that it would be in their best interests to separate children from their families, having received significant support from UK authorities to reunite and integrate.

It is our intention to introduce, by laying a new immigration rule, a new form of leave for any of these cases that have not already been considered refugees. This leave will only be available for those that were bought over as part of the Calais clearance exercise in October 2016, who were under the age of 18 at this time, and who had recognised family ties in the UK. Individuals who qualify for this leave will have the right to study, work, access public funds and healthcare, and can apply for settlement after 10 years.

[HCWS961]

Abortion Clinic Protest Review

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sajid Javid)]

As Parliament will be aware, concerns were raised with my predecessor about the tactics of some of the protest activities taking place outside abortion clinics in England and Wales. In response, she ordered an in-depth assessment to understand the scale and nature of the protests and to establish if more needs to be done to protect those requiring an abortion.

Understandably, there has been a significant level of interest in this review. The Home Office published a call for evidence in January this year and received over 2,500 responses. These came from a range of interested parties, including abortion service providers, abortion service clients, those engaging in anti-abortion demonstrations, police forces and local authorities. The review explored the existing laws to protect people from harassment and intimidation. It also considered the experiences of other countries in addressing problems relating to anti-abortion activities outside clinics and hospitals.

The review gathered upsetting examples of harassment and the damaging impact this behaviour has had on individuals. This behaviour can leave patients distressed and has caused some to rebook their appointments and not follow medical advice in order to avoid the protestors. In some of these cases, protest activities can involve handing out model foetuses, displaying graphic images, following people, blocking their paths and even assaulting them. However, what is clear from the evidence we gathered is that these activities are not the norm, and predominantly, anti-abortion activities are more passive in nature. The main activities reported to us that take place during protests include praying, displaying banners and handing out leaflets. There were relatively few reports of the more aggressive activities described above. Nevertheless, I recognise that all anti-abortion activities can have an adverse effect, and I would like to extend my sympathies to those going through this extremely difficult and personal process.

Through the review, we also found that anti-abortion demonstrations take place outside a small number of abortion facilities. In 2017, there were 363 hospitals and clinics in England and Wales that carried out abortions. Through the review, we found that 36 hospitals and clinics have experienced anti-abortion demonstrations.

Having considered the evidence of the review, I have therefore reached the conclusion that introducing national buffer zones would not be a proportionate response, considering the experiences of the majority of hospitals and clinics, and considering that the majority of activities are more passive in nature.

In making my decision, I am also aware that legislation already exists to restrict protest activities that cause harm to others. For example, under the Public Order Act 1986, it is an offence to display images or words that may cause harassment, alarm or distress. This Act also gives the police powers to impose conditions on a static demonstration if they believe it may result in serious public disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community or if the purpose of the assembly is to intimidate others. There are also offences under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 when someone pursues a course of conduct which they know will amount to the harassment of another person.

Civil legislation also exists and can be used to restrict harmful protest activities. We have seen evidence that such legislation has been effective. Ealing Council recently introduced a public spaces protection order under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to restrict anti-abortion demonstrations. The Government will publish information on the current legal remedies that are available in tackling intimidation and harassment.

In this country, it is a long-standing tradition that people are free to gather together and to demonstrate their views. This is something to be rightly proud of. However, it is vital that how views are demonstrated is carried out within the law, and never more so than on such an issue that can have such a personal impact on individuals. This Government are absolutely clear that no one should feel harassed or intimidated simply for exercising their legal right to pregnancy advice and abortion services, and I am adamant that where a crime is committed, the police have the powers to act so that people feel protected.

Where protesters are breaking the law, we will do all we can to ensure those people are brought to justice and for support to be provided to victims. I am asking the police to work closely with abortion service providers, offering advice on public safety and security, as well as helping to ensure that all incidents of intimidation and harassment are recorded and appropriate action taken. The police will also continue to actively engage in community discussions in areas facing heightened tensions.

We want to ensure that all those who are affected are properly supported. Police and crime commissioners (PCCs) have a role to play with their responsibility for commissioning victim support services. This year, the Government have allocated £68 million to PCCs to locally commission or provide support services for victims of crime. I am asking PCCs to ensure that services are available and accessible to those affected by crimes that are committed during abortion clinic protests, regardless of whether the crimes have been reported to the police.

We are engaging with the Welsh Government on the outcome of the review.

While the evidence today suggests that national buffer zones would not be a proportionate response, I will keep this important matter under review.

I thank Members across this House for their engagement on this issue.

[HCWS958]

Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation: Reports

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sajid Javid)]

In accordance with section 36 of the Terrorism Act 2006, Max Hill QC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, prepared a report on the operation in 2016 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and part 1 of the Terrorism Act 2006, which was laid before the House on 25 January 2018. He also prepared a report on the use of terrorism legislation following the Westminster Bridge terrorist attack, which was laid before the House on 22 March 2018.

I am grateful to Mr Hill for his reports and have carefully considered the recommendations and observations included in them. I am today laying before the House the Government’s responses to both reports, copies of which will be available in the Vote Office. They will also be published on gov.uk.

[HCWS960]

Ebola: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for International Development (Penny Mordaunt)]

An outbreak of Ebola was declared in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on 1 August. I am updating the House on what the British Government are doing to support the immediate response, to support neighbouring countries to be prepared if the outbreak were to spread, and to help countries to improve public health systems and strengthen their resilience to deadly diseases like Ebola.

DRC outbreak and UK response

The DRC Government and World Health Organisation issued a single response plan on 10 August. DFID has contributed financially and the plan is now fully funded and delivering a range of activity including vaccinations, treatment centres, mobile laboratories, case management and logistics. As the response has progressed, the authorities have identified confirmed cases beyond the initial affected area. It is highly likely that the single response plan will be revised in coming weeks, in which case the UK stands ready to provide additional funding.

The UK also supports other international response mechanisms which are contributing to tackling this latest outbreak, including the UN central emergency response fund (CERF) and the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) contingency fund for emergencies. The UK is the largest donor to CERF and the second largest donor to the WHO contingency fund.

We are supporting this Ebola response in other ways. In 2014, DFID worked with the Wellcome Trust to develop an Ebola vaccine, which was subsequently developed by others into the vaccine now being administered by the WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières and the DRC Government. This vaccine was also used in the previous Ebola outbreak in DRC, in May. Furthermore, an epidemiologist from the UK public health rapid support team was deployed with the WHO team of experts to the affected area to carry out initial technical assessments.

Neighbouring countries and preparedness

This is a serious outbreak, taking place in a conflict-affected region close to the borders of Rwanda and Uganda. The region also hosts a high number of refugees and internally displaced persons. Preparedness work in neighbouring countries is therefore critically important.

A member of the UK’s emergency medical team has been deployed to Rwanda, to support the WHO in helping Rwanda to prepare in case of potential spread of Ebola over the border with the DRC.

In Uganda, the UK is supporting the Ministry of Health and WHO preparedness work, and will provide funding for WHO, UNICEF, the UN High Commission for Refugees and the World Food Programme.

In South Sudan, we provided initial funding to WHO to support preparatory work. We will consider with other donors, including the United States, the best way to support further contingency measures.

Risk to UK is low, but we are prepared

Public Health England assesses the risk of this outbreak to the UK as negligible to very low. It will continue to monitor and assess the outbreak closely. The UK remains ready to respond should that risk change.

There is no link between Ebola and Monkeypox.

Longer-term UK support to tackle deadly diseases

Deadly diseases like Ebola, Zika and Yellow Fever pose a serious threat to global health security. The 2014 outbreak in West Africa threatened to affect 1.4 million people, cost African economies at least US $1.6 billion, and required a major international effort to contain, with the UK leading the response in Sierra Leone.

We have a vested interest in helping sub-Saharan Africa improve public health systems and build resilience against these diseases. DFID is investing £40 million over four years through the tackling deadly diseases in Africa programme (TDDAP) to support preparedness, detection and response work in the countries most at risk. This is complemented by Public Health England’s £16 million programme focused on preventing and responding to similar outbreaks. TDDAP is designed to reduce the impact of communicable disease outbreaks and epidemics on African populations. This will also benefit the UK, by reducing the risk of an outbreak spreading far beyond its source.

[HCWS966]

Humanitarian Situation: Idlib

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for International Development (Penny Mordaunt)]

The Syrian regime’s systematic and blatant disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law during the eight years long civil war has resulted in the worst humanitarian catastrophe of this century so far. An estimated 400,000 people have been killed, 13 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, 6.2 million have been internally displaced and 5.6 million refugees have fled to neighbouring countries.

The UK remains extremely concerned over escalating military action in the north-west of Syria by the Syrian regime and its international backers, putting at risk almost 3 million people, many of whom have fled to the region to seek shelter. The last few days has seen dozens of Russian and regime airstrikes against areas of Idlib. Last weekend, we received reports of three hospitals, two White Helmets offices and three ambulances being attacked and put out of service, leaving thousands with no access to medical care. Last month alone there were over 100 civilian fatalities, and since the start the start of this month, already 30,500 people have been displaced.

A disaster in Idlib is still avoidable. It is not too late for the Syrian regime and Russia to change tack. The British Government continue to call on them to work with Turkey, the UN Security Council and the rest of the international community to find a negotiated way forward to avoid the needless loss of human life. If they were genuinely concerned about the presence of terrorist groups, this is what they would do. Sadly, the experience of Aleppo, eastern Ghouta and elsewhere is that this is just a pretext, and that their real intention is to reimpose regime control through brutal military means regardless of the cost.

So, in addition to our diplomatic efforts, we are working with the UN, Turkey, humanitarian agencies and our international partners to undertake contingency planning in case the regime and Russia indeed launch a full-scale offensive against Idlib in the coming days and weeks. Our aim is to ensure that the lives of innocent Syrian civilians are saved.

For this reason today I announce that the UK will provide additional aid funding of up to £32 million for north-west Syria. This money will help to provide shelter, clean water and sanitation, mental health services, and support heath workers and facilities. This is our second uplift of emergency funding for northern Syria in recent weeks. On 17 August I announced a £10 million package of support, including the provision of emergency assistance and vital support for medical centres and mobile medical clinics.

Sadly, north-west Syria is just the latest target for the regime in eight years of devastating civil war. Over that time the UK has been at the forefront of the international response, providing life-saving and life-changing support for millions of people in places like Idlib, Aleppo, eastern Ghouta and most recently south-west Syria. We are the second largest bilateral donor and have pledged £2.71 billion to date, our largest ever response to a single humanitarian crisis. Last year our support in Idlib governorate provided approximately 653,000 people with access to clean drinking water, immunised 1,335,000 children under five, helped 321,000 children access education and provided 398,000 medical consultations.

But money alone is not enough. We are working with the UN to ensure robust planning and preparation for north-west Syria. With our international partners, the UK continues to use our position in the UN Security Council and the International Syria Support Group to advocate above all else for the protection of civilians, and calls on all parties to allow humanitarian agencies unfettered access to deliver aid to those most in need.

Regardless of what happens in Idlib, this sadly will not be the end of the suffering of the Syrian people. To achieve that requires a political solution, leading to an inclusive, non-sectarian Government which can unite the country and protect the rights of all Syrians. That is why we continue to support the UN-led Geneva process aimed at reaching a negotiated settlement.

[HCWS969]

Export Control Policy

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Trade (Graham Stuart)]

This statement is guidance given under section 9 of the Export Control Act 2002.

I would like to inform the House of the introduction of a new policy relating to strategic export controls.

The Government take breaches of export controls and trade sanctions very seriously, by investigating, disrupting and taking the appropriate enforcement action against companies and individuals who breach our controls. As part of the continuous improvement of export control policy, we have considered what other means could be used to disrupt illicit activities without increasing the regulatory burden on organisations that operate legitimately.

The Government wish to strengthen their powers in order to mitigate any potential risk that those engaged in activities in breach of export control and sanctions legislation could still separately apply for and receive export or trade control licences in respect of legitimate business activities in which they are simultaneously engaged.

Therefore, when assessing licence applications, the Government may take into account the risk that the proposed legitimate activity will directly or indirectly facilitate other activities that violate UK export control or sanctions legislation. In doing so, the Government will consider, inter alia, the conduct of the licence applicant.

[HCWS957]

Intelligence and Security Committee: Diversity and Inclusion Report

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

[The Prime Minister (Mrs Theresa May)]

On 18 July 2018, the Intelligence and Security Committee’s report on diversity and inclusion was laid before Parliament. I responded to this on the same day in a written ministerial statement, Official Report, column 23WS.

The Government have given additional consideration to the Committee’s important conclusions and recommendations, and I have today laid a further Government response before the House.

Copies of the response have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

[HCWS959]

Response to Opposition Day Debate: the Claim of Right for Scotland

Thursday 13th September 2018 Written Statements

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

On 4 July 2018, this Parliament debated a motion to endorse the principles of the claim of right for Scotland.

This debate was an opportunity to discuss the democratic tradition in Scotland, of which both the 1689 and 1989 claim of right documents form a significant part. The claim of right, set out by the Scottish constitutional convention in 1989, was a key part of a process which ultimately led to the devolution of powers from the Parliament of the United Kingdom to the new Scottish Parliament in the Scotland Act 1998.

The claim of right sought to mobilise and secure the approval of the Scottish people for a new Parliament and then to see that Parliament established. The referendum of 1997 resoundingly secured that approval and the new Parliament was convened in 1999.

While this debate on 4 July secured the UK Parliament’s endorsement of the principles of the claim of right, with the Parliament and the Government voting to support the motion, the UK Parliament has already demonstrated its endorsement quite clearly by legislating for the existence of the new Scottish Parliament in the first place.

Furthermore, the UK Parliament has continued to demonstrate its support with significant deepening of devolution via further Scotland Acts in 2012 and in 2016, along with many statutory instruments which have further strengthened the settlement. For example, the Scotland Act 2016 has transferred a wide range of powers to the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament, including significant powers relating to the transfer of £12 billion worth of income tax powers and welfare powers worth £2.8 billion in 2015-16. By devolving historic new powers, the Act makes the Scottish Parliament one of the most powerful devolved Parliaments in the world and demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to the devolution envisaged in the claim of right.

Devolution and implementation of the Scotland Act 2016 remains a key priority for the UK Government and we are committed to implementing the Scotland Act in full. We are working constructively with the Scottish Government to bring remaining sections into force.

In line with the principles of the claim of right the people of Scotland have also provided their approval to another key part of Scotland’s democratic tradition: that of the Union. In the referendum of 2014 the people of Scotland voted clearly to remain part of the United Kingdom, and have two Parliaments and two Governments.

As we prepare to leave the EU, the arguments for Scotland remaining a part of the UK are just as compelling as they have always been.

Now is the time for the United Kingdom to be pulling together, not pulled apart. The Scottish Government should be working with the UK Government to get the right deal for the whole of the UK, and we should be putting all our energies into making sure that we get that right deal for the UK and the right deal for Scotland in our negotiations with the European Union.

The debate featured passionate voices from all sides of the House. It also demonstrated the importance of respecting Scotland’s democratic tradition, which this Government have done and will continue to do; a tradition which respects the principles of the claim of right and of the Union which the people of Scotland have determined is the best way to achieve a strong Scotland.

The focus now should be on working together to achieve our aims and ensure that the significant powers that the Scottish Government and Parliament have are used in ways that deliver practical benefits for the people of Scotland.

[HCWS964]