Written Statements

Tuesday 2nd July 2019 Written Statements

Tuesday 2 July 2019

Green Finance Strategy

Tuesday 2nd July 2019 Written Statements

[The Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation (Chris Skidmore)]

Today the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (John Glen), and I are publishing the UK Government’s first Green Finance Strategy. The UK has a proud record in tackling climate change and protecting the environment We were the first country in the world to set long-term, legally binding emissions reduction targets, through the Climate Change Act 2008. We have led the G20 in decarbonising our economy. Through our 25-year environment plan, we are delivering our commitment to leave the environment in better condition than we found it. And only last week we became the first major economy in the world to legislate for a net zero greenhouse gas emissions target for 2050.

Transforming our financial system for a greener future is an important part in helping us to continue to lead the way. The financial sector has a central role to play in delivering the investment we need to meet our environmental objectives—and the strength of that sector means the UK is well placed to grasp the opportunities from leading in green finance, as part of our industrial strategy.

The strategy has the twin objectives of aligning private sector financial flows with clean, environmentally sustainable and resilient growth, supported by Government action; and strengthening the competitiveness of the UK financial sector. It is in part a response to the independent Green Finance Taskforce that reported in 2018.

The strategy outlines measures to: green the financial system by ensuring current and future financial risks and opportunities from climate and environmental factors are integrated into mainstream financial decision making, and that markets for green financial products are robust in nature; accelerate finance to support the delivery of the UK’s carbon targets and clean growth, resilience and environmental ambitions, through a package of measures on energy efficiency in buildings, and through the launch of the Green Finance Institute; and ensure that UK financial services capture the domestic and international commercial opportunities arising from green finance.

I will place a copy of the Green Finance Strategy in the Libraries of both Houses.

[HCWS1682]

Contingencies Fund Advance

Tuesday 2nd July 2019 Written Statements

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Robert Jenrick)]

HM Treasury will incur new expenditure in connection with a legal settlement in 2019-20.

Parliamentary approval for additional resources of £84,200,000 for this new expenditure will be sought in a supplementary estimate for HM Treasury. Pending that approval, urgent expenditure estimated at £84,200,000 will be met by repayable cash advances from the Contingencies Fund.

[HCWS1685]

Early Years Education

Tuesday 2nd July 2019 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Nadhim Zahawi)]

Today, I am announcing the allocation of just over £22 million for 66 School Nurseries Capital Fund (SNCF) projects across the country. This investment is part of our commitment to create more high quality school-based nursery provision for disadvantaged children. These innovative projects are intended to test and evaluate approaches aimed at closing the disadvantage gap, deepen our understanding of “what works” and spread best practice throughout the sector.

I am also announcing the launch of a new campaign called Hungry Little Minds to encourage parents to provide a language-rich home learning environment, which, evidence shows, is crucial for improving early outcomes. The campaign is underpinned by a behaviour change model published by the Government in November and follows the ambition set last July by the Secretary of State for Education to halve in 10 years the proportion of children who finish reception year without the expected level of development in communication, language and literacy.

These initiatives are part of our work to provide equality of opportunity for every child, regardless of background or where they live, because we know that improving support in the early years is the cornerstone of social mobility.

Details of today’s announcement are being sent to all SNCF applicants and a list of successful projects will be published on www.gov.uk. Copies will be placed in the House Library. This statement has also been made in the House of Lords.

[HCWS1684]

Paterson Inquiry Indemnity

Tuesday 2nd July 2019 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Jackie Doyle-Price)]

It is normal practice, when a Government Department proposes to undertake a contingent liability in excess of £300,000 for which there is not statutory authority, for the Minister concerned to present a departmental Minute to Parliament giving particulars of the liability created and explaining the circumstances; and to refrain from incurring the liability until 14 parliamentary sitting days after the issue of the statement, except in cases of special urgency.

I have today laid a departmental Minute proposing to provide an indemnity that is necessary in respect of a Department of Health and Social Care established non-statutory, independent inquiry into the issues raised by the malpractice of the former breast surgeon, Ian Paterson, in the independent sector and the NHS. The actions of Ian Paterson have affected a significant number of patients. The disclosures about the seriousness and extent of his malpractice are deeply and profoundly shocking. The inquiry reflects the Government’s commitments to ensuring lessons are learnt in the interest of patient protection and safety, both in the independent sector and the NHS.

In 2017, the Minister of State for Health announced the establishment of the Inquiry (HCWS323, on 7 December 2017) to be chaired by the right Reverend Graham James, Bishop of Norwich. This indemnity will cover the entire duration of the inquiry’s work, from December 2017 until when the inquiry submits its report, now expected at the end of 2019. The indemnity will cover the Chair and all independent advisers appointed to the inquiry against any liability for any act done or omission made honestly and in good faith in the execution of his or her duty as such, or in the purported execution of his or her duty as such. The indemnity only applies to acts done or omissions made during the course of the inquiry. If the liability is called, provision for any payment will be sought through the normal supply procedure.

The Treasury has approved the proposal in principle. If, during the period of 14 parliamentary sitting days beginning on the date on which this Minute was laid before Parliament, a Member signifies an objection by giving notice of a parliamentary question or by otherwise raising the matter in Parliament, final approval to proceed with incurring the liability will be withheld pending an examination of the objection.

Attachments can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2019-07-02/HCWS1683/.

[HCWS1683]