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Live Debate
Commons Chamber
Commons Chamber
Tuesday 4th March 2025
(began 1 month ago)
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This debate has concluded
11:34
Q1. What steps she plans to take to encourage saving. (902973)
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Order. Order. Questions Order. Questions to Order. Questions to chancellor Order. Questions to chancellor of
the exchequer.
11:34
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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Question number one.
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. The government is committed to supporting people to save and
supporting people to save and invest. We want to build a better investment culture. Currently 85% of people with savings income do not
11:35
Alex Mayer MP (Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, Labour)
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people with savings income do not pay tax on it. As we announced at the budget, we will expand the help to save scheme for all Universal
Credit claimants in work.
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The nation's favourite way to save it through premium bonds. Does
11:35
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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save it through premium bonds. Does the Minister think they are good for the country, a valuable way of encouraging savings and for everyone who has them, quite exciting for
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once? I think they do provide excitement. Not least in the household of my parents. I know they
household of my parents. I know they are popular there. They are already very popular and we see annual investments in premium bonds
investments in premium bonds increasing by more than 50% since March 2019. The funds raised through then go to supporting vital public
11:35
Rt Hon John Glen MP (Salisbury, Conservative)
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services.
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Can I warmly welcome the government's commitment to extend the help to save scheme? It has been running seven years. Martin Lewis described it as a clever scheme and
described it as a clever scheme and one that will work for many people. Can I urge the Minister to look at
Can I urge the Minister to look at what needs to be done to raise awareness of it? Because the uptake
awareness of it? Because the uptake is very low given the government are going to give £1200 and have been
11:36
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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going to give £1200 and have been giving 1,200 over four years. It is critical the right investment in promotion happens because it is such
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a brilliant scheme. Well, I couldn't agree with one of my predecessors more. I think it
11:36
Dame Meg Hillier MP (Hackney South and Shoreditch, Labour )
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of my predecessors more. I think it is a great scheme. Now we are expanding it, we take that opportunity to promote it better.
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Chair of the select committee. We all know how important it is
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We all know how important it is to encourage savings because so many people are a paycheck away from poverty but there has been much
poverty but there has been much discussion about lazy capital in cash only ices and other savings accounts. I know there is a drive
11:36
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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accounts. I know there is a drive for greater investment but would the Minister expand on government thoughts on this and could she make any comment about the security of the cash icer?
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Cash savings provide a vital
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Cash savings provide a vital source of income savings for a rainy day. We recognise that. Equally we want to build a better investment
11:37
Mr Peter Bedford MP (Mid Leicestershire, Conservative)
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want to build a better investment culture in society. So it is not just the 8% of people that can afford financial advice and have the opportunity of better rewards by investing in British companies and
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others in our economy. On that point, it has been widely
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On that point, it has been widely reported the Chancellor is planning to cut the amount savers can save in
to cut the amount savers can save in ices. Would the Chancellor rule out punitive measures that will see
11:37
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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punitive measures that will see savings drop and push more people into income tax? We are committed to promoting savings and investment as I said
savings and investment as I said One of the measures we are looking
at is the FCA review of the advice and guidance boundary. As I said before, I don't want it to just be the 8% of people that can afford
the 8% of people that can afford financial advice to reap the rewards of investing in our economy.
of investing in our economy.
11:38
Mark Garnier MP (Wyre Forest, Conservative)
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. The city of London has been a leader of innovation in the world of finance
and savings for a few hundred years now and has been successful. It has always seized opportunities and innovation when presented. In that
spirit we are pleased the Chancellor embraced the concept of securities
tokenisation. But we now find the
catalyst for this innovation in the UK, a pilot for the digital guilt instrument has found itself in a two year black hole. Innovation is not something that can hang around for
two years.
Can the Minister give assurances she will do all she can to deliver digit as soon as possible?
11:38
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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It sounds like a criticism of his
previous government. I can reassure the honourable gentleman we are committed to innovation and digit.
11:39
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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Number two.
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Chancellor.
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With permission, I would like to
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With permission, I would like to group this with question 18. Economic growth is the number one mission of this government. Putting more money in pockets and making sure growth is felt in all regions
sure growth is felt in all regions of the UK is a core part of our
of the UK is a core part of our mission. We have a clear focus on investing in the infrastructure needed to support cities and regions
to grow and thrive. In January we announced a partnership between East Midlands airport and pro-logistic deliver advanced manufacturing and logistics, unlocking up to £1 billion of private investment and
2,000 jobs at the airport site.
11:39
Louise Jones MP (North East Derbyshire, Labour)
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The town Stadium in my constituency hosts one of three sites for the East Midlands Investment Zone, a fantastic
opportunity. But the regeneration
route is vital to making the most of the site and something long campaigned for by my colleague the honourable MP for Chesterfield. It
is a priority for my constituents. Will the Treasury work with us and
our East Midlands local authority to bring this beneficial project to
fruition?
11:40
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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I thank my honourable friend for that question and the work she does alongside the honourable member for
Chesterfield. To campaign for things that will boost local growth in the area of north-east Derbyshire and
also Chesterfield. Regarding the Chesterfield regeneration route, the scheme is being considered by the Department for transport. I will
suggest to the Minister that he meets with the relevant members and
the local authority, led by Claire Ward.
11:40
Jen Craft MP (Thurrock, Labour)
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The government decision to
increase defence spending is not
only annoying client commitment to national security in the face of generational challenges, but also investing in British industry. --
In the East of England we have a significant defence sector, getting 1.5 million -- 1.5 billion of government investment last year. How will the additional funding had the potential to benefit my constituents
potential to benefit my constituents in Thurrock as well as the wider region? region?
11:41
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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I thank my honourable friend for that question and she is right. Defence has a very important role to play in the growth mission and
keeping our country safe. On Friday the Defence Secretary and myself hosted a roundtable at Waddington in
Lincoln to announce a new defence
innovation hub to harness this potential. Defence has a strong presence in many of our
constituencies. Indeed in the East of England, the MoD spending accounted for £1.5 billion according
to the most recent data.
Down the road from the constituency of my honourable friend is of course the
Range operating this site and others as part of a partnership worth over £5 billion. In the years to come they will be more investment in defence in the public and private
sector.
11:42
Fred Thomas MP (Plymouth Moor View, Labour)
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India government's elusive pursuit of economic growth it has rebranded the UK Infrastructure Bank as the National Wealth Fund. Even
the OBR casts doubt on the effectiveness of this as a driver for growth. Can the Chancellor tell for growth. Can the Chancellor tell the House how much this has cost?
11:42
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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The National Wealth Fund is doing vital work in ensuring we can leverage in private sector
investment. The most recent investments include in mining in
Cornwall, energy charging points on road infrastructure, and at the end
of last week, I announced the National Wealth Fund will play a
more important role in funding and supporting investments in the defence sector. Which is going to be defence sector. Which is going to be ever more important in the years ahead.
11:43
Lee Anderson MP (Ashfield, Reform UK)
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I recently visited a business in
Ashfield in the East Midlands and did not see the honourable member
for Strangford there at the time. This business told me the increase in National Insurance contributions
will cost them £240,000 per year which will stop them recruiting people and giving employees pay rises next year. Does the Chancellor
agree it is time to reverse this decision and help growth in the East Midlands? Midlands?
11:43
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. In the
budget in October I had to fill the £22 billion black hole left by the previous government. But there are huge opportunities to grow the
economy in the East Midlands. We
recently agreed the £9 billion unity deal with Rolls-Royce to support the Royal Navy submarine fleet. A major
boost for growth in the East Midlands, creating and maintaining
5,000 long-term jobs. Good for national security and good for the people of the East Midlands.
11:44
Monica Harding MP (Esher and Walton, Liberal Democrat)
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Question three.
The government has taken difficult
decisions to repair public finances. Funding public services and restoring economic stability. The OBR expects the National Insurance contribution changes to reduce the level of potential outlook by 0.1%
level of potential outlook by 0.1% at the forecast horizon. Growth is forecast to pick up next year and living standards to grow faster in this Parliament and the last
this Parliament and the last Parliament. In the long term it expects the autumn budget policies to permanently increase the size of the economy if sustained.
the economy if sustained.
My constituent Alison runs a nursery which has been operating for
30 years, offering care for busy
families. The increase to national insurance alone will cost £16,000 per year. They are still struggling with the increase in utility costs. In the context of nurseries in the
area struggling and a headmaster is struggling with £15,000 of extra
cost due to this tax rise. Can the Minister explain to businesses in my constituency how this national
insurance policy will deliver growth and higher standards because it seems to be doing neither? seems to be doing neither?
11:45
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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The government's decision to increase National Insurance contributions was one of the toughest decisions we took at the
budget. It was necessary to restore stability to public finances. It is only on the basis of stable finances
and fiscal responsibility we can boost investment and growth to make
people better off.
11:45
Munira Wilson MP (Twickenham, Liberal Democrat)
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As the poor growth figures show comedy jobs tax of the Chancellor is hurting businesses, not least the
hospitality sector. Pubs and family run restaurants in my constituency
are struggling with soaring costs, putting off recruiting people. If the Chancellor will not reverse the
jobs tax, will she at least consider extending the current business rate
for hospitality until the new system for hospitality until the new system
11:46
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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She talks about business rates
relief but we have to remember it was due to end entirely in April 2025 under the plans we inherited
from the party opposite. Despite the tough context, we decided to extend the 40% relief for another year
the 40% relief for another year before the permanently lower rates for retail and hospitality coming from April Despite the tough context, we decided to extend the context, we decided to extend the 40% relief for another year before the permanently lower rates for retail and hospitality coming from April 2026.
11:46
Dan Tomlinson MP (Chipping Barnet, Labour)
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Does the Minister agree with me
that planning reform is essential for higher growth and lower taxes?
And is he can send Izzy concerned with me that they will vote against the most progrowth planning legislation as Parliament has seen in decades?
11:46
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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He is actually right about the
central nature of planning reform to getting the economy growing. One of the first actions the Chancellor
announced was to scrap VAT on onshore wind turbines that is holding back the energy transition. I hope some of the opposition might
take the opportunity during today's questions to confirm they will support our reforms to the planning system because they are vital for growth in this country.
11:47
Bill Esterson MP (Sefton Central, Labour)
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Does the Minister agree with me that it is in the interests of business to see waiting lists in the
NHS reduced? To see roads repaired?
And to see the public finances fixed? Does he agree that if the parties opposite don't agree with
Labour's plans they should set out how they would pay for these improvements?
11:47
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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My honourable friend is
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My honourable friend is
absolutely right, stability in the public finances is crucial to make sure we boost investment and growth
sure we boost investment and growth across the country. He is also right to point out that having public services which are back on their feet after years of decline under
feet after years of decline under the party opposite is also essential to not only making people in this country healthier and were able to get around the better off but to
11:48
James Wild MP (North West Norfolk, Conservative)
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get around the better off but to getting our economy growing. It is on that basis that businesses will invest.
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Thank you Mr Speaker. Even before Labour's jobs tax comes into force we can see the damage it is doing.
we can see the damage it is doing. Three quarters of a million jobs in hospitality will be subject to employer National Insurance for the
employer National Insurance for the first time costing £1 billion. When major hospitality and retail businesses are warning that the
businesses are warning that the lower paid part-time workers will
11:48
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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lower paid part-time workers will suffer most, with the Chancellor think again? Can the Minister at least commit there will be no further increases during this parliament?
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The businesses the honourable gentleman refers to, like businesses in all sectors of the economy benefit from stability that this
government has brought the economy. If he wants to talk about unemployment, if you want to talk about the rate of jobs, we recognise
the changes to employers National Insurance tough and will have consequences, but the unimportant rate will fall to four per 1% next
rate will fall to four per 1% next year and remain low until 2029.
year and remain low until 2029.
Taken together, the budget measures mean employment levels in this country will increase from 33.1
11:49
Daisy Cooper MP (St Albans, Liberal Democrat)
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country will increase from 33.1 million in 2024 to 33.8 million in 2029.
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Health and welfare are two sides of the same coin and we will not get economic growth that a healthy
economic growth that a healthy population. As a result of National Insurance Contribution changes, the care provider alliance reports that
care provider alliance reports that 73% of social care providers will
73% of social care providers will have to refuse new care packages from local authorities or the NHS, and 57% left hand back the existing contracts. What assurances can the
11:49
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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contracts. What assurances can the government provides to the huge numbers of people who are scared that they will have to go without care and see lives deteriorate?
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The honourable lady makes an
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The honourable lady makes an important point will stop it is also important to point out that tough decisions on taxation have to be made to fund the very services that
made to fund the very services that she is keen to support. But to appoint specifically, to support Social care, health authorities
Social care, health authorities deliver key services and we have announced a further £200 million for adults and children Social care.
adults and children Social care.
This will be allocated and will bring the total increase in 2025/£26-£880 million mini additional funding will be provided
to Social care authorities 2025/26.
11:50
Daisy Cooper MP (St Albans, Liberal Democrat)
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Ministers will be aware of
analysis from the Nuffield Trust that shows the additional grant is dwarfed by the additional costs the
government is introducing full stop on the great British high street we know our high streets and beautiful
features of our market towns and
villages, but hospitality and retail and other sectors offering a combination of National Insurance and other changes which will be a hammer blow. If high-street shops
start to close, it is bad for economic growth and also bad for confidence.
What mechanisms will
ministers put in place to monitor the impact of the National Insurance Contribution changes on the vibrancy
and resilience of our high streets?
11:51
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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All measures in the budget were of course outlined by the Treasury
and the OBR. We keep in constant contact with industry
representatives to see how policies are taking place in practice. But I would draw her attention to earlier
remarks in relation to our business rates reform which is a vital ask for the retail hospitality and
sector. After years of chopping and changing the party opposite and changing from one year to the next
offering notability whatever, we are introducing permanently lower rates for retail hospitality from April
2026.
And avoiding the complete end of relief that the party opposite
left in the industry when we arrived in office.
11:51
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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Question number four Mr Speaker.
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Thank you Mr Speaker. I should like to answer this question together with question number five. The growth mission is the central
The growth mission is the central mission of this government and transport is an important enabler.
transport is an important enabler. The Spending Review delivered a big increase to the transport budget in
11:52
Kevin Bonavia MP (Stevenage, Labour)
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increase to the transport budget in 2025/26 representing a 1.5% real terms growth with record spent.
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Further announcements will be made in the Spending Review. In my constituency, Stevenage Borough Council are working to
Borough Council are working to secure jobs and opportunity town centre regeneration underway and
over 590 council homes delivered. Outdated infrastructure is holding back growth. Businesses have been
back growth. Businesses have been clear with me that updating Stevenage Gateway would unlock growth with 15,000 jobs to be
growth with 15,000 jobs to be delivered and £1.5 billion benefit to the economy each year. Will my right honourable friend meet with me
right honourable friend meet with me to discuss how we can make the most of the opportunity to unlock economic growth through more
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infrastructure investment? My honourable friend is right, investing in infrastructure will
11:53
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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enable growth in towns villages and cities across the whole of the United Kingdom. We will set up further detail alongside the
Spending Review in a 10 year infrastructure strategy in June. No doubt Stevenage being sited between London and the Oxford Cambridge
corridor will benefit enormously from announcements already made. Decisions on specific schemes will be taken following the Spending Review. Review.
11:53
Dave Robertson MP (Lichfield, Labour)
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The Midlands Rail Hub is a project that represent major investment in rail infrastructure across West Midlands. And crucially
more frequent trains. Before the pandemic was the busiest commuter
line in the country outside London. What assurances can ministers give
to my constituents that trains on to my constituents that trains on this line will be coming and coming soon?
11:53
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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My honourable friend is a strong champion for his constituency and
raising this project with us in this house today. Rail projects such as the one he has made will be an
important part of consideration as part of the Spending Review. I will
arrange for him to meet with the transport minister to discuss.
11:54
Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP (Beverley and Holderness, Conservative)
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The great university cities of
York and Hull are unusual in that they do not have a direct male line between Labour MPs, Liberal Democrat
councillors, Conservatives, everyone in the whole region is united in
believing that reopening the Beverley to York line so that the
great cities of York and Hull can be reconnected would bring economic growth and a brighter future for the
area. With the Minister agreed to meet with me and colleagues to discuss this project and how it can
help unlock the growth which we all seek across the house? seek across the house?
11:54
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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I'm sorry to hear that the right judgement failed to persuade his party when in government to open
that line in the last 14 years. I give reassurances that this government takes the project seriously. And if you wishes to write to me about it. write to me about it.
11:54
Mr Gregory Campbell MP (East Londonderry, Democratic Unionist Party)
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The economic growth through infrastructure developed and could be held in Scotland and Northern
Ireland with more money going to a port. And any help that the
Department and the Minister and the Chancellor could give in resolving
the EU -related trade issues would considerably help Northern Ireland as well as Scottish business.
11:55
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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Your member will know that the government has entered negotiations with our counterparts in the
European commission to improve trade
between the UK and the EU. Had a great meeting in Cardiff last week with finance ministers from the
Northern Ireland Executive as well as from Scotland and Wales to discuss these issues. We have a
record-breaking increase in the funding of local government so they can get projects working in partnership with us we have
partnership with us we have responsible of the skill for this.
responsible of the skill for this.
Number six.
together with question number 16. At the Autumn Budget last year we set
up the first major steps in our approach to regional growth through devolution, investment, and reform.
And the regional investment package built on this. We are clear that the government focus on attracting
inward investment across the country and investing in infrastructure needed to support cities and regions
to grow. We have made clear that the importance of investing in major city regions across the UK play an important part in this endeavour.
Example if we improve the productivity gap in Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds we estimate we
could deliver extra £33 billion in economic output.
11:56
Graham Stringer MP (Blackley and Middleton South, Labour)
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I was nearly as shocked as when
you call me there. Ice heard the Chancellor on the radio talking about economic growth when she said
they had not been a new runway built in this country since 1945.
Manchester would be very surprised to hear that because the new runway there has been operating for nearly
25 years. I was shocked by that not really surprised because I think many of the officials in the
Treasury who advise show a startling ignorance for the English regions.
That leads to certain prejudice in the formula they use for calculating whether a scheme should go ahead.
Can that Treasury minister and the rest of the Treasury provide coaches
to send Treasury officials round the English regions to talk to people
who know about growth? Secondly will
he look at the full Millers that are biased against the regions that
decide where economic growth comes?
11:57
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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I thank him for his question. I can confirm that Treasury officials
routinely engage with local and regional officials across the country, including treacly Manchester where they meet Andy
Burnham's team. I would put it
gently to some of the announcements including the regional element of Old Trafford and we will continue to
support.
11:58
Michelle Scrogham MP (Barrow and Furness, Labour)
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At the Autumn Budget the government announced a range of support measures for small
businesses during vital support for retail, hospitality, and leisure
sectors. We confirm that measures be taken to support the independent and important craft brewery and
distillery sector in Cumbria?
11:58
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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I thank my honourable friend for the question was as the house is
heard today from my colleague, we have made permanent decisions to give businesses in the retail
hospitality and leisure sectors security around knowing discounts will apply to business rates relief
will apply to business rates relief
for the long-term not just on a one-year rolling temporary basis as has been the case under the last government. I understand from my
honourable friend that many distilleries in Cumbria will benefit from this policy and I look forward to visiting with her the establishments.
11:59
Max Wilkinson MP (Cheltenham, Liberal Democrat)
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The Golden Valley development in Cheltenham will give significant growth to the West. It will also back on national security by
supporting GCHQ. The Chancellor has approved 01% of extra defence spending to go for intelligence and
cyber, for the chance to work with colleagues in the MoD and the
Cabinet Office to agree more funding for this nationally significant development? It will also unlock a
development? It will also unlock a lot of nice new houses as well if the defence point is not enough.
the defence point is not enough.
11:59
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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I thank him for his question. I was on a visit to Newport last week with Airbus looking as the advanced
technologies we have in this space.
They told me about some of the important connections between Newport and his region with GCHQ and industrial impact that will have on
the supply chain in the UK. Increased spending announced by the Prime Minister in defence will have a significant positive impact on
businesses such as those in his region and we are looking forward to setting up more details on the Spending Review.
Spending Review.
12:00
Helen Morgan MP (North Shropshire, Liberal Democrat)
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The region of which North Shropshire is a significant part is held back by the road between
different areas in my constituency
which is very dangerous. It holds back local growth because there are frequent crashes and hold-ups on it.
And it is a danger to life. Can the minister work with his colleagues in the Department for Transport to ensure we get vital improvements on
12:00
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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I can commit to working with
colleagues on projects like this and around the country. I would make an observation it is not just about
decisions around spending. It has been a problem in the past where
decisions have been made and then U-turned. It is difficult for the supply chain, investors and local communities. In our budgets and strategies, we will give stability
strategies, we will give stability to the UK economy so we can get on and deliver projects like the one she mentioned.
12:01
Gareth Davies MP (Grantham and Bourne, Conservative)
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Shadow Minister.
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The Chancellor lauded the new National Wealth Fund as a key part of the regional growth ambitions. The trouble is that it isn't actually new. It is just the
infrastructure bank with eight new
infrastructure bank with eight new collar and billions of pounds it didn't need. The Prime Minister announced at a recent Labour party
political conference that he will allocate £200 million for Grangemouth from the National Wealth
Grangemouth from the National Wealth Fund. But it is supposed to be operationally independent.
Is that still the case? Whilst the full independent investment process
independent investment process Can he confirm the unexpected resignation of the National Wealth Fund CEO days before that announcement is not connected? announcement is not connected?
12:02
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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I find it odd that members on the opposite benches don't welcome the additional £7 billion of investment into the economy. It is a testament to their poor performance in
investment over many years in government. To answer specific
questions, I can confirm that each of the business cases in relation to Grangemouth have to go through the
12:02
Q7. What steps she is taking to encourage investment in Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend constituency. (902979)
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normal process for signing off. And the CEO leaving the National Wealth Fund is not in any way connected to the decision by this government.
12:02
Torsten Bell MP, The Parliamentary Secretary, HM Treasury (Swansea West, Labour)
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the decision by this government. Thank you. This is an important question. When shockingly household
question. When shockingly household incomes in the north-east hardly grew over the long 14 years of the
12:02
Mary Glindon MP (Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend, Labour)
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grew over the long 14 years of the last Conservative government. We need to raise public and private investment. We are working with the north-east Combined Authority on local growth plans. The office is working closely with the north-east
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alongside Liverpool on developing local growth opportunities. Thank you. With access to the world's biggest offshore wind farm,
a cluster of advanced manufacturing firms and an expanding energy skills Academy, Moore of Newcastle upon
Academy, Moore of Newcastle upon Tyne needs to realise their potential and has yet to be tapped
potential and has yet to be tapped into. What discussions have been had with the Energy Secretary to make
12:03
Torsten Bell MP, The Parliamentary Secretary, HM Treasury (Swansea West, Labour)
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sure that investment is there and supply chains are anchored in places
I spent far too much of my life talking to the now Energy Secretary but the honourable member is right to highlight the potential of green
energy supply chains in her constituency and across the north- east. This government is committed to securing the economic gains
alongside energy security from the transition. In contrast to the previous government, the net zero
transition was something to create dividing lines out of and not jobs.
12:03
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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Question number eight.
At At budget, At budget, the At budget, the government At budget, the government announced steps to delivering a once in a generation increase in social
housing. £500 million to boost the Affordable Homes Programme's and an annual spend increased to 3.1 billion, the biggest annual budget for affordable housing in more than a decade. The government also
announced a £350 million to fund affordable homes in addition. This is the difference a Labour government can make to people waiting on the waiting list for secure housing across the country.
secure housing across the country. Further decisions will be set out in phase two of the review.
12:04
Cat Smith MP (Lancaster and Wyre, Labour)
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I thank the Minister for his
reply. Will he pay tribute to the Lancaster Guardian for their recent investigated report into the Lancaster district individuals in
temporary accommodation? This is compounded by frustration about the delays in the planning process and
the district wanted to build homes. Is there anything further which can happen in Lancaster to make sure
families in the district have secure housing?
12:05
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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My honourable friend will know we are doing everything possible to
streamline and improve the planning legislation and processes with clear signals to everybody across the country that we need to build rapidly. Not least for housing
targets. Local councils play a big role in this process to make
decisions for local development. I understand in Lancaster, my
understand in Lancaster, my
honourable friend has had some struggles with the Green Party becoming bloggers as opposed to builders. I say they need to get behind the agenda because that is what the British people voted for.
what the British people voted for.
12:05
Rt Hon Richard Holden MP (Basildon and Billericay, Conservative)
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To what extent is the Chancellor concerned about potential breaches by HMRC of its charter since the
impact of rental housing supply and it is causing concerns among my
constituents who have met me,
? Would the Minister meet with me to urgently discuss these issues?
12:06
Q9. What steps she is taking to help ensure value for money in public spending. (902981)
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I'm afraid I have no idea what
the answer is but if the honourable gentleman writes to me I will make sure he gets an answer.
12:06
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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Can I press the Minister a bit more about... Sorry, number nine.
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Thank you, the government is committed to X -- spending taxpayer money efficiently. We launched the office for value for money to realise benefits of every pound
realise benefits of every pound
12:06
Nesil Caliskan MP (Barking, Labour)
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Through phase 1 we set a 2% productivity and efficiency target to make sure every pound of taxpayer money is well spent. The next phase of the review has gone further. I have asked each Department to review
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line by line day-to-day budgets to identify where spending is no longer aligned with government priorities or is not good value for money. I thank the Minister for his
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I thank the Minister for his answer. As a number of the public accounts committee members know, there is much waste under the previous government, spending on COVID contracts, the Rwanda scheme that delivered nothing. Can I press
that delivered nothing. Can I press the Minister on the steps taken to make sure we deal with not only
make sure we deal with not only value for money for the taxpayer, but also the legacy of waste under
12:07
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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the previous government? My honourable friend is right.
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My honourable friend is right. Members on the opposite benches are chuntering but it is their legacy. Not once in 17 years was a zero- based review done. Not once did former ministers required apartments
former ministers required apartments
Through Through their Through their budgets. Through their budgets. Not Through their budgets. Not once Through their budgets. Not once did they think it was a responsible thing to do, going through to check
how every pound of money was spent. It was an argument each year, how much more money am I going to get? How much more borrowing to pay the How much more borrowing to pay the bills? How many more promises will I make which I know I will not deliver? The British people were sick of those politics and we are taking a different approach.
12:07
Alison Bennett MP (Mid Sussex, Liberal Democrat)
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The adoption and guardianship
support fund provides excellent value for money in Mid Sussex. With specialist mental health and trauma
clinics. Unfortunately financial future is looking uncertain at the moment. Does the Minister agree that investing in mental health is always
a good idea in terms of getting people back to work and well again and able to contribute to society?
Will the Minister work with the Department for Education to secure future funding for this vital service?
12:08
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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I agree with the honourable member that mental health services are in desperate need of investment
and support across the country. The evidence is clear. There are too many people for example out of work and would like to be in work but are
waiting at home unwell and unable to receive the support they need and
deserve. The Health Secretary is working hard on this at the moment. We are going into the Spending
Review negotiations in the coming weeks and will set out details in due course.
I look forward to providing more information as we go through the process.
12:08
Richard Fuller MP (North Bedfordshire, Conservative)
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Improving public sector product
was the number one ask of the Inst of directors of businesses trying to weather the storm Rachel. But under
Labour, public sector product has fallen further behind pre-pandemic
levels. The number of civil servants working from home under Labour has
gone up. Shockingly under Labour, as the daily Telegraph found, thousands
of civil servants are being signed off to work from abroad. So whether it is civil servants working from
bedrooms all from Benidorm, or other
What has the chief secretary actually done in his last eight months in office? Or is he too months in office? Or is he too comfortable with what the Prime Minister called a tepid bath of managed decline?
12:09
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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I thank my honourable friend for his question. Maybe he should make
better jokes in future. To answer the substance of the question, I
would agree with the honourable member that the state is not productive enough on a range of issues. He talked about the Civil Service headcount and government offices and locations. Working
conditions. He could also talk about
digital transformation. Frankly there is an enormous amount of work which will be evident in the Spending Review and it is something we are taking seriously not just in
the Treasury, but from the Prime Minister downwards.
I look forward to him reflecting on what we suggest is the answer to 14 years of failure
from his party when it was in government.
12:10
Q10. What assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the most recent figures for Government borrowing. (902982)
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Number 10, sir.
12:10
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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In the autumn, I took difficult
decisions to put public finance back on a firm footing. The most recent
GDP data showed the economy grew by 0.4% in the last month of last year. Our fiscal rules as I have said are
not negotiable. The party opposite %
mortgage rates and business borrowing costs spiralling. We have returned stability to public finances to give families and finances to give families and businesses the stability they need.
12:11
Rt Hon Sir Desmond Swayne MP (New Forest West, Conservative)
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The servicing cost is now twice
what we are spending on defence. Which she is right to be increasing. What is her level of ambition for
finding savings let's say in the welfare budget?
12:11
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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I absolutely agree with the
honourable gentleman we need to get a grip of the welfare budget which got out of control under the previous Conservative government. But frankly I will not take lectures
from the party opposite that crashed the economy. Let me remind the House what the right honourable gentleman
said about the mini-budget. He said I share entirely the free-market ideology that underpins the
Chancellor's statement. The Chancellor was right to be radical.
He added, I rejoice at the two thing as the Chancellor raised to socialist dogma and envy.
Well, I think the financial markets and the
British public have united in their view on the previous government.
12:11
Q11. What steps she has taken to help increase economic growth in Scotland. (902983)
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Question 11.
12:12
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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with question 15. Economic growth is the number one mission of this
the number one mission of this Scotland will play an important
Scotland will play an important role. At the Autumn Budget we announce the Scottish government will get £47.7 billion in its settlement in 2025-26. The biggest in real terms since devolution. £130
12:12
Elaine Stewart MP (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, Labour)
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million of targeted funding will include -- be included in city deals.
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deals. In Scotland we have seen almost two decades of wasteful spending where public services get worse.
Does the Minister agree that good public services are vital to economic growth? Does he agree that taxpayers in Scotland are not
getting good value for their money under the SNP government?
12:12
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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I thank my honourable friend for her question. On my last visit to
Scotland I heard just that. The people of Scotland deserve the same approach the people of England are
getting from this government. A government with economic growth at its mission and getting a grip on public finances after years of
failure. Frankly, we have given the
Scottish Government the money. They now need to get on with it and if they cannot they need to move out of the way.
12:13
Tracy Gilbert MP (Edinburgh North and Leith, Labour)
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I'm sure my right honourable
friend will agree on the importance of Scotch whiskey as an industry. It starts at home by attracting
investment including in my constituency which has produced
single malts Scottish whiskey and attracted tourists and showcasing the best of Scottish hospitality. My
honourable friend will be aware of Within the industry about watering
down the definition of single malts. It will impact upon investment and growth. Will he work with Cabinet colleagues to make sure no change is made to the definition? It would
undermine the Scottish success story and investment in the industry.
12:13
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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Scotch whiskey is a proud British brand and export. This government
will always support the industry. I have checked with ministers and can confirm we will not water down the definition of single malts.
12:14
Jamie Stone MP (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, Liberal Democrat)
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Mr Speaker, you will have seen
the film sky fall. In which James Bond travels up the a nine. This is
a killer road. We have seen a litany of broken promises from the SNP government hardly conducive to
economic growth in Scotland.
12:14
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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I thank the honourable member for
his tour of the scenic road and the importance of this road to Scotland.
I would I am sure support what would have been his question. Which is the
Scottish National Party in government in Scotland ought to take infrastructure seriously as we are here in the UK government. Thank
here in the UK government. Thank you, Mr Speaker.
12:14
Dave Doogan MP (Angus and Perthshire Glens, Scottish National Party)
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We can listen to braying from Labour MPs in Scotland or look at
the facts. The Scottish economy grew 12% more than the UK economy did in
2024. Because of the SNP Scottish government focusing on making
Scotland the most attractive place in the UK for FDI year upon year for
having a progressive taxation system, rewarding public sector workers properly, and investing in
12:16
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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communities. What difference does he think Business Property Relief will have on the Scottish economy?
have on the Scottish economy?
have on the Scottish economy? When we make changes to tax it results in additional money to
results in additional money to spend. And there is record investment for the Scottish
12:16
Q12. What assessment she has made of the impact of the level of taxation on working people. (902984)
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investment for the Scottish Government. He may not be grateful but it just goes back to the people of Scotland and explained his record in government.
12:16
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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in government. Question number 12 Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker the government is
committed to keeping taxes on working people as low as possible which is why we are not increasing the basic, higher, or additional
rate of National income tax, or VAT
or NI. The governance is published a
document which gives impact details
on the impact. The Treasury has published information it sets out the impact of decisions it makes on tax.
12:16
Julia Lopez MP (Hornchurch and Upminster, Conservative)
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Costs are soaring, the economy is weakening and we need to spend much more on defence. In these
circumstances, can people be confident that we have fiscal rules that the Chancellor will not be
raising income tax in the course of this parliament? this parliament?
12:16
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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The OBR spring forecast will take place on March 26 become pre-by statements to Parliament from the Chancellor. Ahead of the statement,
the government will not give a running commentary on economic tournaments. I reassure her of the Chancellor's commitment to our
fiscal rules is nonnegotiable. fiscal rules is nonnegotiable.
12:17
Brian Leishman MP (Alloa and Grangemouth, Labour)
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Of course it shouldn't be working people that pay more tax because wealth inequality is growing in the
UK. And improving living standards is what ultimately this government will be judged on. Does the Chancellor see the merit in
introducing an annual wealth tax of 2% of people with over £10 million worth of assets which would go an
awful long way in raising £26 billion per annum to equalise society?
12:17
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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Mr Speaker I hope my honourable friend will welcome the £200 million investment in Grangemouth facility which we spoke about in this debate
already today. I hope you will also support the decisions of government has taken to restore fiscal responsibility public finances
within the tough fiscal rules the Chancellor set out in the budget.
12:17
Q13. What discussions she has had with businesses on the potential impact of the Autumn Budget 2024 on levels of business confidence. (902985)
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Question number 13.
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Thank you Mr Speaker. Economic stability and growth are vital to
12:18
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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stability and growth are vital to help businesses across the UK to grow. The Lloyds business barometer
published last week showed business confidence up 12 point building on
recent surveys by EY and PwC would show business and investor confidence is rising. This government is partnering with
business to unlock investment and to drive growth.
12:18
John Cooper MP (Dumfries and Galloway, Conservative)
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With her unimpeachable record, the Chancellor will know that economics is known as the dismal science. As a member of the Business
and Trade Committee I spoke directly with businesses 1-1 and the mood is indeed dismal. After her dud budget,
can she think again go back on this desperate jobs tax. The Chancellor is in danger of becoming tough on
growth and tough on the causes of growth.
12:18
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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Honourable members on the benches opposite welcome the additional money for the NHS but they never welcome the means to pay for it
which is why we are in the mess that we are in with the £22 billion black hole that we inherited from the
previous government. He says these are backward -looking surveys, the
EY survey of UK CEOs found 80% felt optimistic. The PwC latest global
CEO survey ranked the UK as the second most attractive global destination for international investment.
The Lloyds survey last
week showed a boost in business confidence. Those are the facts, people are choosing Britain as a
place to invest and to locate their business. On this side of the house we welcome that.
12:19
Topical questions: HM Treasury
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Topicals.
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Number one Mr Speaker.
12:19
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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Number one Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker it is clear that the world is changing which is why we
world is changing which is why we must bring about a new era of security and renewal to keep our
country safe. Last week I convened European finance ministers at the G20 to discuss our shared
challenges. I set out that national security will always be the first
responsibility of this government. As well as national security being the bedrock for economic prosperity.
I was also proud to welcome resident Zelensky to Downing Street alongside the Prime Minister at the weekend.
When we signed a loan agreement that will deliver £2.26 billion in
funding to Ukraine above other commitments. To bolster their military capacity. Repaid by the
profits from frozen Russian sovereign assets. We will use the additional investment into defence
to create more good job, pay decent wages in all parts of the UK. That
is why we are giving the National Wealth Fund a new strategic steer to invest in technologies that support
security and defence. Written is a strong country with strong defences.
I know that we can weather this changing world.
12:20
Josh Newbury MP (Cannock Chase, Labour)
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Is a father of a five year old I know first hand how important indoor
play facilities are. Providers in
Cannock Chase where the they take
place have asked for a sector specific VAT reduction. With that Treasury minister be willing to meet
with me, local providers and others to discuss the sector's priorities? to discuss the sector's priorities?
12:21
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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I thank my honourable friend for
the question. In terms of VAT, the government has no plans to consider zero rating for indoor play facilities. But all tax breaks must
be value for money and evidence suggests that these savings are only partially passed on. I would welcome my honourable friend engaging with
us as we look to inform our transforming business rates paper
ahead of the budget later this year.
12:21
Rt Hon Mel Stride MP (Central Devon, Conservative)
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Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.
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How many jobs will the right honourable lady destroy as a result
honourable lady destroy as a result of her jobs tax?
12:22
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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I thank the right honourable gentleman for that question. I know that he would have looked at the OBR forecast from the budget last year.
forecast from the budget last year. They forecast that employment will
rise in this parliament, unemployment will fall, and real household disposable income will increase. That is a far cry from the
last Parliament which is the worst Parliament on record for living standards.
12:22
Rt Hon Mel Stride MP (Central Devon, Conservative)
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The right honourable lady did not reference the fact that the OBR also said that there would be 50,000
fewer jobs as a result of the NICs increase. And Bloomberg put that
figure at 130,000 jobs. It does not need to be this way. On 26 March,
the right honourable lady should come to this house with a Spring Statement. She should come with a clear plan around welfare savings
which we had when we were in government. She now confirm that she is prepared to do that with our support and put an end to this
pernicious tax increase?
12:22
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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What's the right honourable gentleman and his party had was 14 years to reform the welfare system they failed to do so. This
government will. We are turning the British economy around after the
British economy around after the
Left to us Left to us by Left to us by the Left to us by the last Left to us by the last government for top three interest rate cuts since the general election, real wages rising at the fastest four
years, fuel duty frozen, the payslips of working people protected and millions getting a pay rise to an increase in the National Living an increase in the National Living Wage.
That is the change that this government is delivering. That is the change they are blocking.
12:23
Jacob Collier MP (Burton and Uttoxeter, Labour)
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During his recent visit to His
Majesty The King, he sampled one of the excellent beers and put my constituency in Ireland. Low and no
alcohol sales are up significantly
since 2016 with a clear opportunity to support this growing sector while promoting public health. But the Chancellor give consideration to raising the alcohol free threshold
to 0.5 ABV in line with international markets?
12:24
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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Thank you Mr Speaker. It is a
fantastic campaign for the breweries and we want the sector to go from strength to strength. We are reviewing the response to the
consultation on the threshold that you mention.
12:24
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Oxfordshire has no night-time cover for palliative care winning
patients must dial one-on-one and wait hours for urgent pain relief to arrive. The Minister commits to
increasing funding to the Department
for Health and Social Care so ICBs in my constituency can deliver palliative care around the clock? palliative care around the clock?
12:24
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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This government is already giving 26 winning pounds of additional funding to the national health
service. An additional funding for social care. We know we have more to do. The government is working hard
on that and will set out details in due course.
12:24
Perran Moon MP (Camborne and Redruth, Labour)
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Under this Labour government,
Cornish tin mining is back. Following the recent wealth fund
investment in a tin mine in the centre of my constituency, does the
Chancellor agree with me that, in doubling the National Wealth Fund investment, this is a perfect example of how public funding should
be used to unlock private investment
in a strategically vital industry? in a strategically vital industry?
12:25
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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I thank my honourable friend for that question. Unlike the party opposite, we believe that investing
alongside private industry is good for jobs and good for economic growth. I visited the National Wealth Fund's offices last month I heard first-hand from them about
heard first-hand from them about
their equity investment in Cornish metals. This will help to finance the reopening of Cornwall South property tin mine creating more than 300 local jobs.
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Enough is enough. I have to get
these other members in on both sides. I'm sorry that the Frontbench does not want to get members in. I
does not want to get members in. I am determined to. It is topical which means I want quick answers and certainly short answers to the
12:26
Rt Hon Sir Edward Leigh MP (Gainsborough, Conservative)
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certainly short answers to the question. Let's come to the Father of the House.
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I hope I won't damage Chancellor if I can enter on the conservative
if I can enter on the conservative way she is increasing defence spending if every European country
spending if every European country matches our commitment we can release over £150 billion of defence spending, and does she agree we can
12:26
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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spending, and does she agree we can crack this because war and peace is
always related to the size the economy?
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I agree which is why I met with fellow European finance ministers in Cape Town at the G20 last week. All of Europe needs to step up. British
12:26
David Taylor MP (Hemel Hempstead, Labour)
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of Europe needs to step up. British government is doing so and we need to see that from other countries. Thank you Mr Speaker. Acknowledging that OTA will go down
Acknowledging that OTA will go down to 0.3% in July 2037, cannabis to
confirm whether it will remain at 0.5% for the calendar year of 2026
which will help ensure that UK a keeps the maximum number of people
alive for the longest possible time?
12:27
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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Impacts on ODA budget are being
looked at. Our priority is to minimise disruption and we will
confirm details in due course. I'm happy to meet with your noblemen and colleagues to discuss further.
12:27
Siân Berry MP (Brighton Pavilion, Green Party)
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Expanding UK airport capacity has a very shaky case economic benefits because business efficiency is not
increasing its use of air travel. UK sends three times as many tourists out by planes as they will come in.
But the Chancellor urgently publisher evidence of any net
benefits to the economy from airport expansions that can be carefully examined?
12:27
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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We have to decide whether we are in favour of growth are against it.
This government is in favour of growth and we will set out details of this project when the developers come forward with their plans.
12:27
Michelle Scrogham MP (Barrow and Furness, Labour)
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Thank you Mr Speaker. The
previous government 's management has left our flood defences unfit for purpose and this is having a
huge impact on my constituents. But the Chancellor set up the Government is doing to increase community resilience against flooding? resilience against flooding?
12:28
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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To ensure we protect the country from the devastating impacts of
flooding we have committed £2.65 billion over 2025 and 2026 to improve flood defences. We have
established a task force which will report in due course.
12:28
Sir Ashley Fox MP (Bridgwater, Conservative)
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Bridgwater is 77 pubs including one in West Huntsville is at the
heart of our communities. Yet the sector over pay £500 million in business rates relative to turnover. The Chancellor commit to the British
Beer and Pub Association core for a 20p cut in the small business
multiplier? 15p off the standard multiplier, in order to secure the future of British pubs?
12:28
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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We have of course frozen the small business multiplier this year and we will be introducing permanently lower multipliers for
retail hospitality and leisure planned this week which will benefit pubs. In the meantime we benefit
from a decision to increase duty relief for draft products.
12:29
Chris Vince MP (Harlow, Labour )
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What is this covenant doing to ensure innovation in UK tech
companies like in my constituency so it can drive economic growth as part of world-class AI and computer
ecosystems?
12:29
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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Harlow is home to one of the world's largest supercomputers, and we are taking forward the AI action
plan. We have also have a review
which will look at how we can unlock the potential of AI in high-growth sectors.
12:29
Rt Hon Sir Oliver Dowden MP (Hertsmere, Conservative)
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Attracting high net worth
individuals to spend more time in the United Kingdom drives jobs,
growth, and crucially tax revenues. But unfortunately the opposite is happening in the UK right now. We'll the Chancellor use the Spring
Statement to look at the statutory
residence test and in particular the ties rules to see if we can incentivise people to spend more time in the UK the other way around? time in the UK the other way around?
12:30
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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Mr Speaker, as part of the reforms announced at the Autumn Budget, we are modernising the
system for people from overseas
spending time in the UK with the new residence-based test. We are looking at ways to encourage people from overseas to spend time in the UK,
investee and help grow the economy.
12:30
Rachel Blake MP (Cities of London and Westminster, Labour )
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I congratulate this government on the greatest level of financial
sanctions that were announced last week. Does the Chancellor agree that
keeping dirty money out of the City of London and from homes and communities across the country is vital for our national security as
well as economic stability?
12:30
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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I thank my honourable Friend for
the question. It is right that we did increase and step up the
sanctions last week. And also that the loan agreement that we made with Ukraine last week, the loan will be
repaid by the prophets on the frozen sovereign Russian assets. Russia should pave the damage they have
should pave the damage they have
12:31
Wera Hobhouse MP (Bath, Liberal Democrat)
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One of my constituents suffered from a financial collapse and while
the FCA has apologised for not
acting faster to stop fraudulent
activities, I'm concerned similar mistakes will be made again. Should there not be an investigation into the FCA handling of this case?
12:31
Ruth Cadbury MP (Brentford and Isleworth, Labour)
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I am happy to meet with the honourable lady and look at the case
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she mentioned because I need to get more detail. The Transport Committee has looked at the economic growth case
looked at the economic growth case for Heathrow expansion. We heard conflicting evidence on the growth impact of the project on regions
impact of the project on regions away from London and the south-east and also on other carbon using
and also on other carbon using sectors. Will the Chancellor ask Heathrow Airport to release the full
12:32
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Bristol North West, Labour)
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Heathrow Airport to release the full text of the report on which she made her decision to expand Heathrow?
Has benefits across the country as a hub airport as economies have said to us. I understand the Select Committee is looking at this issue Committee is looking at this issue and we will consider the report when it is published in due course.
12:32
Luke Taylor MP (Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat)
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A hospice in my constituency faces a £140,000 increase in staff
costs due to the National Insurance hike. It will have two further Start services to take pressure off the NHS. Will the Chancellor think again
and provide exemptions for healthcare providers?
12:32
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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Mr Speaker, the Chancellor set out her budget and I have set out
during the finance bill related legislation on how to implement the changes announced at the budget. In terms of national insurance contributions, there are ways in which public sector organisations
are reimbursed. They do not apply to hospices as they are largely charities and not part of the public
sector directly. But I point to the extra investment we announced to improve hospitals and hospices.
12:33
Dr Allison Gardner MP (Stoke-on-Trent South, Labour)
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Will the Minister agree that investment in the growth corridor will provide an excellent
opportunity to deliver this government's mission for growth and
opportunity for all? opportunity for all?
12:33
Jim Allister KC MP (North Antrim, Traditional Unionist Voice)
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I join my honourable friend in celebrating investment into her region. Our growth mission is where each part of the country will benefit and we will look forward to doing further work.
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There are more protest in Westminster today and why is the
chancellor of the exchequer running away from meeting the farming unions
12:33
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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away from meeting the farming unions from across this nation? Why do those who feed our nation not deserve some of the Chancellor's time?
time?
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Mr Speaker, just two weeks ago I spent a fair amount of time meeting representatives from the NFU and other organisations from different
other organisations from different nations in the UK. I listened to their concerns. I listened to what they said. We have to be honest we
12:34
Amanda Martin MP (Portsmouth North, Labour)
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they said. We have to be honest we disagree. I need to be direct about that. We have taken a number of difficult decisions. I do not
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apologise for the importance of balancing public finances and sticking to our fiscal rules. Next month sees a rise and
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Next month sees a rise and extension to the minimum wage. In Portsmouth North there are 9,600 minimum wage workers, more than the
12:34
Torsten Bell MP, The Parliamentary Secretary, HM Treasury (Swansea West, Labour)
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minimum wage workers, more than the national average. Leaving many in poverty in work and in need of a boost of living standard. What is the government doing to help improve living standards for these low-paid workers?
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The honourable member is right that a higher minimum wage is an
12:34
Dame Harriett Baldwin MP (West Worcestershire, Conservative)
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that a higher minimum wage is an important way to make low earning
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people's lives better. The art of taxation is extracting the largest amount of money with the
the largest amount of money with the lowest amount of squeaking from the goose. And yet the Chancellor will have heard the honking of tractors
have heard the honking of tractors on Whitehall today. To raise an amount of money that will only pay for less than one day of NHS
12:35
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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for less than one day of NHS spending. Will she commit today to
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reversing the family farm tax? As we have debated several times
in this chamber and indeed in Westminster Hall, the changes we made to property relief and Business Property Relief retain a generous
12:35
Luke Murphy MP (Basingstoke, Labour)
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Property Relief retain a generous Accessing that benefit within the tax system. It means people get £1 million that any inheritance tax due. In addition to the existing
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bans and transfers and an effective rate of 20% and any money due can be paid over 10 years interest free. The government's recent £100 million investment into hospices
million investment into hospices including Saint Michaels in Basingstoke will help modernise facilities and enhance digital services and provide more
services and provide more comfortable spaces for patients and families. Given the role hospices play in all our communities, will the Treasury continue to work with the health Department to ensure
12:36
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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long-term financial stability? I thank my honourable friend for his question. As he rightly pointed out, the £100 million is being made
out, the £100 million is being made available for hospices. £25 million
available for hospices. £25 million in 2024-25 and 75 million from 2025. This funding is intended to help charitable hospices to modernise
12:36
Tim Farron MP (Westmorland and Lonsdale, Liberal Democrat)
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charitable hospices to modernise facilities and their estate. In this constituency and elsewhere in the country. Britain is only 55% food secure.
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Britain is only 55% food secure. In these deeply uncertain times
In these deeply uncertain times
internationally, is it not time to change policy when it comes to agriculture? Isn't this the day to get rid of the family farm tax and undo the 76% cut in basic payment
and invest in the people who keep us food secure?
12:37
James Murray MP, The Exchequer Secretary (Ealing North, Labour )
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As I have made clear to other honourable members, the changes to property relief are a fair way to raise money which is necessary to
balance public finances. Britain has excellent food security and it is a priority of this government. priority of this government.
12:37
Dame Meg Hillier MP (Hackney South and Shoreditch, Labour )
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It is right the government has
put more money into defence. In an answer to a previous question this morning the chief secretary said there is an impact assessment of the
Does that mean it is still in scope in the spending review and there could be changes in the review in June?
12:37
Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP (Richmond and Northallerton, Conservative)
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I did not say an impact
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assessment. I said the impact of the changes are being considered by the government but we will set out detail in due course. Final question. Can I commend the government on
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Can I commend the government on its international leadership at this challenging time? The events overnight make it even clearer Europe must find considerably more
Europe must find considerably more resources for Ukraine will stop the Chancellor is rightly continuing our policy of using the interest on the
policy of using the interest on the frozen Russian State Assets to benefit Ukraine. But I believe now is the moment to go further and actually sees those assets. The
actually sees those assets. The Russian invasion of Ukraine violates the principle of sovereign equality
the principle of sovereign equality
Law and by acting with allies we can make sure there are no risks to financial stability.
Can I urge the Chancellor to push for coordinated action to seize frozen Russian State Assets, give that money to the Assets, give that money to the Ukrainian so they can defend their country and rebuild it as well?
12:38
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Leeds West and Pudsey, Labour)
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I thank the right honourable gentleman for his words about this
government's stepping up the funding for defence. Last week we expanded sanctions on Russia. Including looking at financial services. This
looking at financial services. This
week we signed off a package to provide more military support above
and beyond our defence spending, as well as that loan repaid by the
As the Prime Minister said
yesterday, we would look at going further. But as the right honourable gentleman will know it is very difficult to do that in line with international law.
But we keep all options on the table because the
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right honourable gentleman is right that Russia should pay for the damage Russia caused. That completes questions. I will
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We We now We now come We now come to We now come to the We now come to the urgent
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question. Mr Speaker, over the weekend the Israeli Government took the decision
to block the entry...
12:40
Urgent question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Gaza
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Just asked the question and then we will come back.
12:40
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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Sorry. To ask the Minister if she will make a statement on the situation in Gaza.
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Minister.
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Certainly. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Urge all parties to fully implement the ceasefire to help deliver a
the ceasefire to help deliver a permanent end to hostilities. We are concerned about reports Israel is preventing humanitarian aid from
preventing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. Israel must not block
entering Gaza. Israel must not block aid into Gaza. Aid should never be contingent upon a ceasefire or used as a political tool. We urge the Israeli Government to lift restrictions immediately and
restrictions immediately and unconditionally.
The humanitarian
situation is dire in Gaza. A halt on goods entering Gaza reaches -- risks a breach of obligations under
a breach of obligations under
The UK is doing all we can to support this alongside our existing support. On January 28, the then Minister for Development announced another £17 million in funding to ensure health care, food and shelter
reaches thousands of civilians and supports vital infrastructure across the Occupied Palestinian Territories
and neighbouring countries. We must work together with the United Nations and other partners to continue to facilitate aid and make
sure it is sustained.
Reinstating commercial deliveries is key. As is allowing more goods in so civilians who lost homes can be protected and
infrastructure repaired. We welcome the announcement of an agreement to end the fighting in Gaza. We welcome
the release of 38 hostages in Gaza so far. Including British nationals,
so far. Including British nationals,
And having met the Prime Minister and discussed the dreadful treatment at the hands of Hamas. The hostages and their families have endured unimaginable suffering. From the
cruelty of Hamas and the situation in Gaza which is worsening.
The current ceasefire is the only way for the region to move forward. We
want to see a negotiated two state solution with a sovereign Palestine
including the West Bank and Gaza
alongside a safe and secure Israel. We also made clear we would oppose any effort to move Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring Arab states against their will. Forced
displacement Palestinians or any reduction in territory in the Gaza
Strip is not an option. We need Palestinian civilians to be able to return to their homes and lives and rebuild.
International law
rebuild. International law
guarantees them this right. A two state solution is the only way to secure a long-term piece for Palestinians and Israelis. Mr Speaker, as the Foreign Secretary
said, you can hold in your heart the
pain of the Israeli people and the plight of hostages and families and at the same time hold in your heart
the awful damage, pain and suffering this has brought in Gaza with over
45,000 Palestinian people having lost their lives. We must focus on the future.
On turning the current
deal into a political process which
leads to the two state solution, including the West Bank and Gaza.
12:43
Ellie Chowns MP (North Herefordshire, Green Party)
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. Over the weekend the Israeli Government
decided to block the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Minister talked about that aid but
it can no longer be delivered it is again using starvation as a weapon of war. It also announced a so-
called plan which would see
electricity and water supplies cut off. These decisions coincide with the end of the first phase of the
ceasefire agreement. With negotiations on phase two barely begun, jeopardising the release of
the remaining live hostages and plans for a withdrawal of Israeli forces and a longer term peace
agreement.
The UN said international humanitarian law is clear. We must
be allowed access to deliver vital aid. Oxfam describes the move made
as Ramadan began as a reckless act
of collective punishment. Explicitly prohibited under international humanitarian law. The International Court of Justice previously issued explicit instructions to Israel to
facilitate aid delivery in Gaza. Does the Minister agree the Israeli
Government is again in clear violation of the ceasefire agreement
and international humanitarian law? Can she confirm whether she and her colleagues have spoken to Israeli
counterpart to condemn the plan and
to make clear there must be no resumption of the war and that it is unacceptable for the people of Gaza
to be denied critical food, water,
medical and any other supplies? What
action will the UK take against the Israeli Government if it continues to illegally use humanitarian aid and access to water and power as a
bargaining chip? I know that she wants the ceasefire to hold.
Can the Minister share her assessment of the
impact of the latest developments on the prospects for a lasting, just
12:45
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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Thank you for the Urgent
Question. The halt on goods and supplies entering Gaza such as that
announced by the government of Israel does risk breaching obligations under international humanitarian law. To answer her
question directly, the UK in government has been in touch with
interlocutors to make that point. If that my colleague the member for Lincoln is in the region currently
pushing for the peace deal. And hence myself as the Indo-Pacific
minister having to cross this brief today in the house.
Humanitarian aid
should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool. On 28th of January then Minister for Development announced
£17 million in funding to ensure healthcare, food, and shelter could
reach tens of thousands of civilians, and to support vital infrastructure across the Occupied
Palestinian Territory. The UK has
announced £129 million for funding so far this financial year including £41 million for UNRWA. She asked
about the long-term ceasefire prospects. UK plays its part in
pushing both sides towards a hopeful future for the region.
Working not
just with Arab states and also with partners such as the US to try and
push for a solution which is in line with international humanitarian law.
12:47
Rt Hon Emily Thornberry MP (Islington South and Finsbury, Labour)
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Chair of the select committee Dave Emily Thornberry.
Middle East where we went with the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. Whilst the world watches with increasing alarm the disintegration
of the peace process in Gaza, we were warned in Saudi Arabia, in Jordan, in the West Bank, and in Israel that the far-right government
in Israel may have no long-term plan
when it comes to Gaza but there is a long-term plan when it comes to the West Bank. And that is annexation. The international committee is well
aware of this.
They see the evictions, they see the demolitions, they see the increase in numbers of
Israeli settlers. In the 40,000 people who have recently been displaced. In these days of hard
power, what is plan B? What is the
international community going to do to stop the annexation of the West Bank? It won't be enough to simply
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condemn it once it has happened. I thank the chair of the select committee and for her ongoing
12:48
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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committee and for her ongoing interest in this important matter of foreign policy. And for the work that she and her committee have done
to do personal interviews and personal visits to the region. This
is all part of the supporting role the UK must play and must take an
international role in pushing for peace. On the specific question of
the West Bank, the UK government has taken a very tough position on
attacks by militant factions or groups who are attacking Palestinians in the occupied
territories in the West Bank.
We are continuing to look at measures which
are available to get our message
across, not just in words but in actions. With her permission I will write to her as the chair of the
select committee to give an update on our current position in terms of
our assessment of that situation.
12:49
Rt Hon Priti Patel MP (Witham, Conservative)
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Shadow foreign secretary.
continues to be incredible fragile. Of course we all want this agreement to hold. None of us should be in any
doubt that each and every hostage held by Iranian-backed terrorist Hamas because the conflict by the
sickening acts on seventh October. Those hostages, as a minister has
pointed out, and their families have now suffered unimaginably for over 500 days and this cannot go on. Be
held in barbaric conditions in the world has been shocked by the
distressing scenes surrounding those who have been released.
The Minister rightly refers to Emily Damari and
others. In Emily's case, she shared the awful nature of the ordeal that she experienced in captivity. We
wish her well in her recent medical
appointments that she is now receiving the treatment. Last week
we tragically saw the distressing return of bodies of those killed under Hamas in captivity. Our hearts
break for the loved ones. And for the people of Israel. I have a series of questions for the
Minister. First of all, what role is the UK playing in helping to get an agreement on phase 2 of this
ceasefire over the line? What discussions has the Foreign
Secretary had with America, Israel, and other regional players in recent
days? What engagement has the government had in relation to the plans for the future of Gaza that
have been discussed in Cairo? And how to prevent Hamas continuing to control the Gaza strip.
Secondly, what is the government's practical
response on aid access? How is the government working to unblock this situation? And what is happening to
British aid that is already in the region or en route? Finally, what recent conversations has to foreign
affairs ministers had with the
International Comittee of the Red Cross, both on their efforts on hostage release and also on
humanitarian assistance will broadly?
12:51
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank the shadow Foreign
Secretary for her emphasising of the families on both sides of these
terrible conflict. Particularly British families of course who the
Prime Minister has met, particularly Emily Damari. The dignity and grace
of the families, and all who want security in the region and all who
have been affected by this most horrendous of wars. She evoked in her speech, in her remarks, the
terrible images of hostages being
released in the most macabre of pantomimes behind them.
This level
of cruelty is utterly unacceptable. The UK has made that very clear to interlocutors. Both at ministerial level and at Foreign Secretary
level. And of course she talks about
the role of phase 2. There have been stops and starts in the peace process, as often there is in these very difficult situations. And what
is our role? It is to continue to speak very closely with the US and
Steve Wheatcroft in order to push
for practical day-to-day solutions.
She asks about British aid and what negotiations we are undertaking. We are in daily contact with the
region, pushing for discussions, conversations, dialogue, to push for
that age to get back in. And specifically the Red Cross is honestly one of our partner
organisations. We will undertake following a certain question to contact them with a message from
this house that we will get aids to re-enter and save lives. re-enter and save lives.
12:53
Abtisam Mohamed MP (Sheffield Central, Labour)
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The powerful scenes of Palestinians celebrating the start of Ramadan even as their homes and
lives have been reduced to rubble has reinforced and sent a defiant message to the world. Despite the
displacement and destruction, Alice Kakitani remain rooted in this.
Kakitani remain rooted in this.
Wilderness to confirm that the decision of blocking all aid into Gaza and collectively punishing the entire population is a war crime and
a breach of international law contravening provisions of the Geneva Convention and the Rome Statute?
12:53
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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She is quite right to point out
the devastating impact of no aid
getting through. And she is right to say that a halt on goods and
supplies entering Gaza such as that recently announced by the government of Israel does risk breaching its obligations under international
humanitarian law. It is not for ministers at the Dispatch Box to make legal decisions or judgements I
want to assure her that the former Minister for Development, the member
for Oxford East, did pledge £17 million to ensure healthcare, food, and shelter reaching tens of
thousands of civilians.
And to support vital infrastructure. And she must reassure her constituents that the foreign office is doing all
it can to get infrastructure into Gaza to relieve the suffering.
12:54
Calum Miller MP (Bicester and Woodstock, Liberal Democrat)
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Liberal Democrats Spokesperson.
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The Israeli Government is wrong to prevent humanitarian aid entering
to prevent humanitarian aid entering Gaza. It threatens the lives of Gazans dependent on aid after the destruction of the last 15 months.
destruction of the last 15 months. It is a clear breach of
It is a clear breach of international antimilitary law. What practical steps is the government taking to ensure the Israeli government backs down and let that a
government backs down and let that a need in? I understand the depth of distress in Israel over the
distress in Israel over the despicable way Hamas terrorists plays like logical games with hostages and their families.
Yet
withholding essential supplies of food, medicine, shelter, only worsens the devastation faced by the Palestinian people. In the West Bank we also see illegal settlers
violently attacking Palestinians and apparently receiving support of
members of the zany cabinet. Does the Minister agree with me that the UK must do all we can to undermine
the extremists in this conflict so the second phase of the ceasefire
can be negotiated, or hostages can be released and dozens can receive the age they desperately need? the age they desperately need?
12:55
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank him for words. He is
right to emphasise like logical impact of this terrible conflict and the traumatised state that there is in the region. As the Foreign
Secretary has said, we welcome the release of the 38 hostages in Gaza
including of course Emily Damari we
have already mentioned. And a family who had strong ties to the UK, held
hostage by terrorists in Gaza and died. We sent Qatar, Egypt, and the US for bringing their support to ensure that individuals and families
horrific ordeal comes to an end.
This is not the end unfortunately. That is why it is so important that we have this moment to push. He asks what we are doing practically. We
are in daily contact with the region including our mission there, we are also obviously having these
interventions which push in terms of the international debate for a just
solution for both sides of this terrible conflict. terrible conflict.
12:56
Alex Ballinger MP (Halesowen, Labour)
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Last week I was in the West Bank with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee on a wider trip to the
Middle East. Whilst attention is rightly on the devastating Unitarian situation in Gaza, we met
Palestinians in the Jordan Valley whose homes were being attacked, and
whose livestock should been stolen. This is happening with the apparent connivance of these really security
forces. It appears to be part of a wider plan. Could the Minister tell
us what steps we are taking to protect further erosion of
Palestinian land in the West Bank, which will make two-state solution even further away?
12:57
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank the member for his
question and for his expertise in the area of aid and foreign affairs.
He is quite right to emphasise that the settlers, and some of their actions, of course there are many settler communities who just get on
with it and want to see a peaceful solution. He is quite right to say that there is violence in the
settlements. It is of course unlawful under international humanitarian law and harms the
prospect of a two-state solution.
I thank him for putting on record
particularly during the holy month of Ramadan the impact on the faith
community and this is certainly a point that we will ensure get through in our next discussion with
our interlocutors both on the Israel side and also on the Palestinian
side. side.
12:58
Brendan O'Hara MP (Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber, Scottish National Party)
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No one is surprised that as soon as the attention of the world
shifted from Gaza that Israel reimposed the siege preventing entry of all humanitarian aid. The
Minister knows the impact this will have on the civilian population who are already suffering. After 17
months of giving Israel carte blanche, none of us, least of all
Netanyahu expects meaningful consequences for their actions.
Could she tell me, does she consider what is happening in Gaza now to be a collective punishment? If she
doesn't, what would she call it?
12:58
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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Thank you Mr Speaker. I think sometimes the words that we use are
really important and there has been an enormous amount of suffering. We
know that for so many in Israel they feel we don't understand their need
for security. So many in Gaza feel we don't understand the depth of their suffering was the so we must redouble our efforts to communicate
what we want to see which is that two-state solution and that peaceful
future for both of these communities must live side-by-side.
12:59
Jon Pearce MP (High Peak, Labour)
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Thank you Mr Speaker. The leaders of the Arab world have made welcome proposals about the future of Gaza
and its people. What update can the
Minister give on the UK support for those proposals? Will she join with me in particularly welcoming those
proposals that they recognise that the terrorist death cult Hamas can have no future in the future governance of Gaza? governance of Gaza?
12:59
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank my honourable Friend. He is quite right to say that, as a
Proscribed Terrorist Organisations, Hamas has certainly displayed some very frightening characteristics of
what we would expect a terrorist organisation to do including the
macabre pantomime which we saw past couple of weeks with the release of hostages which is truly shocking. I
thank him for his question. Obviously the exact detail on the
next stage the negotiations is to be defined by the two parties. But we
play a real role both with the ally which is Israel, and also with working with Egypt and Qatar.
And
also with the wider region which is why I Minister right now is in the
region making the point that we want to be involved and pushing for a peaceful solution and to see that
stay when neither terrorism is
extended and where the two amenities
extended and where the two amenities
13:01
Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP (North West Hampshire, Conservative)
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I was going to ask about
nothing. Instead let me ask this. The Minister rightly mentioned the macabre display around the return of
hostages. The condition of those hostages returned as well. She is
right that she has taken this up.
Why has she not mentioned the return of the Palestinian non-competence?
Why has she not mentioned there condition when they have returned often emaciated with signs of torture? Why has she not mentioned the senior medics detained without
charge and then having died in mysterious circumstances in Israeli
mysterious circumstances in Israeli
detention? Apparently there is some kind of investigation which never concludes.
Is she surprised people
have become cynical about British conduct in this conflict? When it seems we are only concerned about seems we are only concerned about the welfare of one side?
13:02
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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Mr Speaker, with all due respect,
I think we have had a very balanced approach across this House to the suffering of all the communities
based in the region. I think he is right to mentioned the terrible suffering of those who have experienced either arbitrary
detention or who have experienced
allegations of torture by various
enforcement agencies. He is also right to include this in what needs to be the next step of the
negotiation around the one side of
the hostages, but also those being released from prison.
Could I also remind him there are concerns that there might be people who should not have been released who are being
released? All that must be taken in
A balanced understanding about the suffering of both sides of the community and a desire for security in the way in which we use words in this house. this house.
13:03
Damien Egan MP (Bristol North East, Labour)
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The issue of collaboration, infiltration between Hamas and some UNRWA officials is well documented.
Clearly people in Gaza need aid. Can the Minister update on how we are monitoring the work being done to
UNRWA?
13:03
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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The UK Government has been a supporter of the work of UNRWA throughout this conflict. And
before. It has been supporting UNRWA financially as have all
international organisations and countries. Of course they have been
problems with certain challenges to individuals who have been employed
by UNRWA. But we have consistently joined with allies in expressing our
concerns about the role of UNRWA being curtailed. At the UN Security
being curtailed. At the UN Security
Council on November 6, December 11 and January 3 and 28th of January and 28th of February and in a joint
statement on October 27 we have urged that the important work of
UNRWA must continue.
13:04
Shockat Adam MP (Leicester South, Independent)
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The blockade of aid is just the last line of a long line of activities Israelis have committed
against the Palestinian people. But what I would like to ask is this.
Now we have cut overseas aid to a mere 0.3% of GDP, the lowest in real terms in 20 years, does she still
agree with the Labour Party manifesto that international aid makes the world a safer and more
prosperous place? Now does she agree
that with this move, the UK's historic role in the Middle East is dead and over? dead and over?
13:05
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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He is quite right to talk about the ongoing need for aid in the region. The Prime Minister was very
careful in his speech, both at the end of last week and I think he has
mentioned it as well since then. Humanitarian aid must continue. Gaza
was specifically mentioned. Because
it is one of our top priorities. He
is aware that the decision is only one week old, to divert some of our aid spending into the defence of
That we must come forward with the
That we must come forward with the detail on that.
Could I reassure him and his constituents that Gaza was specifically mentioned in this House by the Prime Minister? It remains one of our top priorities in the foreign office.
foreign office.
13:06
Imran Hussain MP (Bradford East, Labour)
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It is clear that Israel has been emboldened by imposing a total siege and blocking all supplies, including humanitarian aid into Gaza to force
a new ceasefire terms. So we should
be clear and call it what it is. Collective punishment for the Palestinian people. Starvation as a method of war and a blatant war
crime. Will the Minister finally sanction Israel for gross violations
of international law? of international law?
13:06
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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Specifically on the question of sanctions, I think he knows what I'm going to say. We do not talk about them until we actually make a decision. We do review any tools we
have available to us to protest. We also need to understand we are in the middle of the peace process. We
know peace processes throughout history have stopped and have stop-
start elements. We are making sure
that our views, the views of this house, and that of the government is
that we must make sure that humanitarian aid is not prevented
from entering Gaza.
While this process is going on, people still need to eat. They still need life-
saving medical treatment. Children still need to be educated. That is the point we continue to make all
the way along.
13:07
Caroline Voaden MP (South Devon, Liberal Democrat)
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In her letter resigning as International development Minister last week, the right honourable member for Oxford East wrote it
would be impossible given the depth
of the cuts to maintain government support for its commitment and explicitly cited aid to Gaza. At this point I commend the Friends of Palestine organisation for raising
the now £10,000 to help those in Gaza. With hospitals destroyed, a lack of clean water, desperate food shortages and more threats to power
and water supplies, how will the Minister make sure last week's cuts in spending will not worsen the
humanitarian catastrophe that is happening in Gaza?
13:08
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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Could I congratulate her for the
work she does in her community to support international support and solidarity for communities in Gaza? We know the humanitarian situation
We know the humanitarian situation
With more than 48,000 having been killed and 90% of the population displaced. Many repeatedly. I think the UK has a good story to tell. We have been in therefore decades now.
We have increased, she mentioned the
outgoing Minister for Development, and of course there was a further
£17 million announced on January 28 so that healthcare, food and shelter could reach tens of thousands of civilians and support vital
infrastructure.
She asked about ongoing funding. She is right to ask
that question and hold our feet to the fire. Once we have had time to look at the coming financial year is in the Comprehensive Spending
Review, she will have her answer.
Review, she will have her answer.
13:09
Yasmin Qureshi MP (Bolton South and Walkden, Labour)
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. Does the Minister agree with me that Israel's decision to block aid to more than 2
million Palestinians in Gaza is collective punishment? With 80% of the health infrastructure destroyed,
1000 medical workers killed, and an estimation of 14,000 Palestinians,
including 4,500 children requiring
urgent radical evacuation, what steps have we taken to make sure
that aid gets in and those who need that aid gets in and those who need medical treatment get it made available to them?
13:09
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank the Member for Bolton for
her question and her ongoing campaigning on humanitarian aid for
Gaza. Of course it is very positive the crossing remains open, enabling a significant increase in the number of medical evacuations in recent
weeks. It is vital Israel makes sure there is a sustained passage for patients who need treatment
unavailable in Gaza. Officials across all relevant Whitehall departments are exploring avenues to
make sure our support best meets the needs of the critically ill in Gaza.
The previous member on the other benches talked about the medical
staff who are under threat. We have supported with technical advice and training and also we announced £1 million for the Egyptian Ministry of
Health delivered through the WHO Egypt system to support medically
evacuated Palestinians from Gaza.
13:10
Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)
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Yesterday an all-party group
heard from families of five of the
remaining hostages. Of the 59 hostages still in active -- captivity, it is estimated only 24
are alive and 34 have been murdered. The reality is that the recently
released citizen described the conditions he was held in. Held in chains. Brutally beaten and starved.
The reality is many remain in
captivity. Families believe that this is a vulnerable position for
Clearly the demand has to be for all the hostages to be released
immediately.
That should be the aim of the British government. What action is the Minister taking to make sure that happens?
13:11
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank the Member for his question about the hostages and his
ongoing support for peace in the
region. We know that the families with a UK connection, he
The family of one individual and the UK has played an active role in coordinating with international partners since the beginning of the conflict. The Foreign Secretary
visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on three occasions since taking office and has worked with European partners to
push for a resolution to secure the ceasefire.
I have to say I do think the situation has improved in that
regard in the last couple of weeks. But he is right to emphasise the return of hostages as part of that
negotiated next part of the peace process and I thank him for his question. question.
13:12
Frank McNally MP (Coatbridge and Bellshill, Labour)
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I thank the Minister for speaking to the House about this troubling
matter. This decision by the Israeli government is contrary to international humanitarian law and clearly undermines a fragile
ceasefire. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have both been
clear about the right of Palestinians to return home to Gaza,
to rebuild their lives. Does the Minister agree with me that right is jeopardised by the blocking of
critical humanitarian aid? What
critical humanitarian aid? What That right continues to be restricted?
13:13
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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He is quite right to say that humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool. We urge the
government of Israel to lift restrictions immediately and unconditionally. He asks what else
this government will do. We will continue to support the peace process. Support both sides getting around the table. Freeing the hostages. Allowing aid in and having
a vision for the future of this region, which is so affected by conflict and death. conflict and death.
13:14
Layla Moran MP (Oxford West and Abingdon, Liberal Democrat)
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May I pay tribute to the former international development secretary
and my constituency neighbour for
Oxford East for her work in this area and the wise words in her resignation letter? The Minister rightly said forced displacement is
unacceptable. Indeed she mentioned
that the actions of the illegal extremist settlers are unlawful. You may have seen in the Oscars this
week an incredible film made by
Israelis and Palestinians together, which is highlighting the forced
which is highlighting the forced
displacement's.
I bet they are trying to do everything they can to get the violence to stop. If ever
there was a time to ban illegal settlement goods funding extremist
settlers, is now not the time?
13:15
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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Could I thank the honourable lady for all her work in the community
and also in this house, educating
members about not just the two site we always think about but also the Christian community in Gaza as well
and in Palestine? Christians are also affected so much by the current conflict. She mentions the UK's
position on settlements. I want to be clear that our position on settlements is that they are illegal under international law. They
present an obstacle to peace and threaten the fiscal viability of a two state solution.
13:15
Florence Eshalomi MP (Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, Labour )
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Many members have spoken about the importance of humanitarian aid. Vital aid to save so many lives.
What is also important are the vital aid workers, working on the ground in horrific conditions. Estimates
show more than 300 aid workers have been killed. The highest number on
record. We have seen many different aid organisations being attacked on the social media saying they have links to terrorist organisations. What can the Minister do to
reiterate government support for vital international aid
organisations, including in my constituency, who are only one of
the UK's five NGOs certified by the court of humanitarian standards? They go through rigourous standards.
What more can we do to support these
What more can we do to support these
What more can we do to support these
13:16
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank noble Friend for her work in this area and important aid
organisations based locally. It is important to say aid must get to those who need it most but the
important work of aid workers must be respected and aid workers must be respected. It is horrifying to hear reports that six babies have died
from hypothermia and cold -related injuries in just two weeks. That is
why eight organisations such as the Red Cross and the other organisations who make up the partnerships across the region must
be able to get into Gaza to do their
important work.
And must be able to bring in the types of goods such as tents, medical equipment and
machinery needed to support the resumption of basic services in Gaza.
13:17
Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)
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Thaci Mr Speaker. Can I thank the
Minister very much for the answers to the Urgent Question. The PM is
clear in the chamber yesterday in his support for Ukraine and the peace achieved over the weekend, for
which I am eternally grateful. The Mr confirm that our support remains
with Israel as we attempt to secure peace for now, and a lasting
solution to maintain, and we hope the future for both sides on the Gazan boundary can be achieved.
13:17
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank honourable Member for mentioning the children in this
conflict. He is very well aware of
the trauma that can be passed down from generation to generation as a result, and also thinking of orphans
in the region, of which there are many. An I thank him for commitment
to the state of Israel, as he says, and to the secure future for the
people of Israel, so the people of Israel can have that security which
they seek, but also, the ends can come to the people of Palestine who
come to the people of Palestine who are suffering as well.
are suffering as well.
13:18
Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (Slough, Labour)
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In addition to the Netanyahu government blocking aid getting into Gaza, I have repeatedly raised my
concerns in Parliament over the
years about the forced evictions and illegal settlements in the West Bank. Now shockingly for the first
time in two decades, there are tanks in Jenin and further displacement of Palestinians. What representations
is the government making to the Israeli Government that aid must not
be blocked from entering Gaza, and that this illegal occupation and further evictions must immediately
be stopped?
13:19
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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It gives me a further opportunity to emphasise that Israeli
settlements are illegal under international law. And they do harm
prospects for a two-state solution. The Foreign Secretary has made it clear on a number of occasions with
Israeli ministers that the
government must clampdown on settler violence and end settler dispatch.
13:19
Rt Hon Mark Pritchard MP (The Wrekin, Conservative)
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Can I thank the Minister for
mentioning orphans because unfortunately orphans don't have too
much voice in this place and I'm grateful to have funding so. Sadly there are too many across the world as we see more and more conflict.
And I agree with the member for North West Hampshire that civilian
lives that they be Israeli or Palestinian are just as precious and we should do all we can across the
house to save lives. Can I ask, it may be a surprise that Ukraine may
not be the biggest foreign policy headache for the government in the coming months and it may well be
Israel and the divergence of Israel with the new American administration that is of great concern.
Does she
accept what has been agreed in Cairo today at the Cairo Arab summit? $53
billion, five year reconstruction plan for Gaza which allows displaced
Palestinians to return. But we don't
see a Gaza Riviera and it is countries in the region putting Palestinians back into Gaza at the
heart of the future of Gaza?
13:20
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank the member for his and,
with many aspects in it. He is aware that the majority of all homes in Gaza are damaged or destroyed. And
the economy has collapsed and delivery of basic services including
energy and water be badly affected. Over 60% of the electricity distribution network has been damaged or destroyed. Over 90% of
main roads damaged profoundly limiting the mobility of people,
aid, and goods. That is why it is so
welcome that the 53.2 billion has been underlined and we are
supporting regional efforts to cohere around a single workable reconstruction plan for Gaza.
We support the region with expertise in
construction, in the region, to get going on that. If I could briefly answer his question about the orphans. He is aware that the
Foreign Secretary has, as one of his
main areas of concern, the welfare of children, to clearly children who are orphans or in need of adoption
or fostering full.. I will take back his concern that we do quite a lot
in the foreign office and emphasise its importance.
13:22
Kim Johnson MP (Liverpool Riverside, Labour)
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Thank you Mr Speaker. The suffering of Palestinian children
who have been attacked by Israeli drones is devastating. The fact that
those children are denied local support and assistance is even more
devastating. The Minister has talked about how we are looking at medical
evacuations, but with the Minister agree with me, actions speak louder
than words. When will enough be enough and when will these children
get the attention they so desperately need when other countries are doing the same right now?
13:22
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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She is quite right to talk about
the children. We know whether it is
in Sudan, whether it is in Ukraine and elsewhere, that children suffer the trauma as a result of conflict. We are deeply alarmed by the
disproportionate impact on children in Gaza. Half of Gaza's population
of course our children. And the consequences of those separated from parent threaten not only the
individual futures but the fabric of Palestinian society for generations
to come. Most if not all students in Gaza have not had access to
education since 7 October and at least 88% of school buildings will need full or major reconstruction.
So she is quite right. The UK is supporting the restoration of
services in Gaza including through the UN office for the coordination
of humanitarian affairs. And the UN
agency for Palestinian. She will be aware of the important work to keep going to maintain the ceasefire we
have got so we have a hope of that reconstruction dream.
13:23
Ben Lake MP (Ceredigion Preseli, Plaid Cymru)
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I'm pleased to hear the Minister
emphasise the withholding of
humanitarian aid is in direct contravention of humanitarian law. I would like to ask what steps the
government is taking to work with partners both in the region and in Europe to apply pressure to the Israeli Government. To ensure the
flows of critical aid is not impeded.
13:24
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank him for his question. That is precisely why we have ministerial visit to the region, in
order to emphasise the importance that it is not just to the
government but to this house that we take a message to keep pushing for
the peaceful future and to keep pushing for the importance of in the meantime today enough food to eat,
enough water to wash and to cook and of course to educate and to keep people healthy and safe.
13:24
Patricia Ferguson MP (Glasgow West, Labour)
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I would ask my honourable friend
if the government has carried out an assessment of the impact of the
withdrawal of US AID. In the light of any assessment that may have been carried out, is the government
conference that the decision to cut international aid from our budget will not be an increasingly detrimental problem in Gaza? I
understand Primus has said that Gaza is ring fenced and humanitarian aid
will continue. But I am concerned
the withdrawal of American aid may leave a vacuum that we cannot fill.
leave a vacuum that we cannot fill.
13:25
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank her for her question. It is true to say that over the
decades, the US people, the people of the USA have been so generous across the world including in this
region. So it will be almost impossible to replace the important
work that US AID has done over the
decades in the Middle East. But I do not give up hope. I think we have to keep making the case for working
together internationally. A lot of the work that is done in the region is by partners working
multilaterally, and so yes it is
part of US AID but it is trying to encourage other countries and countries in the region perhaps to have more vibrant economies to step
up to the plate now and fill those gaps.
Her specific question about
the assessment is not complete because the decision is still
relatively recent as is our own decision of under a week ago. I trust that we will come back to the
house when we have more of a shape of the comprehensive spending review and how we will address this
difficult problem.
13:26
Nick Timothy MP (West Suffolk, Conservative)
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Thank you Mr Speaker. On Monday
the London School of Economics will host the launch of a book called
"Understanding an ass. " One contributor as previously ask about
it and dismissed Israel as a white settler colonial nation. Can the
minister join me in saying clearly that this is not an accurate description of Israel, his own
genocide, and Hamas is a terrorist organisation that seeks to murder
Jews and has brought nothing but
destruction and disaster to the people of Gaza.
13:27
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank him for doing his
research before coming to the house. I can confirm that Hamas is a Proscribed Terrorist Organisations
by our government for those very reasons. I think it is really important that we are very robust in
our defence of the right of the state of Israel to exist as an ally. state of Israel to exist as an ally.
13:27
Ms Stella Creasy MP (Walthamstow, Labour )
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Thank you Mr Speaker. The people of both Israel and Palestine have
been failed by their leadership with horrific consequences. One person
who knew that more than most was my
constituents's father. We saw his coffin paraded horrifically through
the streets of Khan Yunis. We should say his name in this place because he dedicated his life to securing
peace between Israel and Palestine. He drove ambulances over the border
to help Palestinian people. We can be clear in this chamber that
withholding aid is wrong, and using starvation as a weapon of war is
wrong.
If we want to challenge the leadership we must step up ourselves. The Minister spoke
previously about what we are doing to try and support medical needs in Gaza. Can she be clear for the
avoidance of doubt, in his memory may it be a blessing, it is because we will follow up, that we will
evacuate people who need it to the UK for medical assistance from Gaza?
13:28
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank my honourable friend and the family have a great champion in
her coming to the house and laying out in such clear terms her
expectation of the government. And there have been certain schemes to
assist families in medical emergencies. With her permission I
will write to her with the exact detail of the exact guidelines which are used by the government to
determine who is eligible for the schemes.
13:29
Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP (Islington North, Independent)
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Thank you Madame Deputy Speaker.
There are now 60,000 known deaths in Gaza. Israel is already accused by
the ICJ and ICC of war crimes including genocidal acts. Are
committing a new war crime in the denial of food and water to the people of Gaza. What would it take
for the British government to cease
or arms supplies to Israel? To end the use of the RSF bases as a staging point for delivery to
Israel? And when will we end the security cooperation with Israel to make it absolutely clear that we are
not prepared to support a regime which is breaking international humanitarian law in so many
respects?
13:30
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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As the member is aware, is soonest that Foreign Secretary took
office, he ordered a review into the compliance with international humanitarian law of various export
humanitarian law of various export
items. Following the review, the government suspended export licences to Israel in a number of categories. An assessed where there was a clear
risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate serious
violations of international humanitarian law. On the question of genocide, as he is aware, it is not
a question for the Minister to determine at the Dispatch Box but of course legal experts continue to look at the definitions and
descriptions of acts of war and will come forward with determinations
13:31
Rachael Maskell MP (York Central, Labour )
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And planning to run this urgent questions only another 10 minutes so will be very helpful if questions can be shot please.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Over recent days we've seen the power of addressing the most challenging diplomatic military and
challenging diplomatic military and humanitarian crisis when coordinated action is brought together. And yet
action is brought together. And yet in 17 months, we have not seen a parallel when addressing the challenges over Gaza. So what action
challenges over Gaza. So what action is her department taking to ensure that there is that coordinated
13:31
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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that there is that coordinated effort, and for the Foreign Secretary called such a summit?
**** Possible New Speaker ****
I thank my honourable friend for that suggestion. And certainly the UK will continue to work as it has
UK will continue to work as it has done ceaselessly with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the US and
Palestinian Authority, the US and regional partners to build consensus for a post-conflict Gaza governance and security framework. Which
and security framework. Which supports conditions for a permanent and sustainable peace. And to request has been heard in the
13:32
Monica Harding MP (Esher and Walton, Liberal Democrat)
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**** Possible New Speaker ****
chamber. Can I ask the Minister what
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Can I ask the Minister what message does she think the government gives about its
commitment to international aid in Gaza too and indeed anywhere else in not only cutting it to 0.3%, its lowest level this century, but in
removing the ability for this House to scrutinise that cart or any
remaining spent by removing ministerial responsibility for aid and developing from here to the other place -- moving.
13:32
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank her for her question, and there will be an opportunity later
this week at the estimates debate for her to ask further questions, but as I'm sure she is aware, with expertise in aid and development,
and in soft power, that it will take
some time for the Comprehensive Spending Review to come forward with a picture of how this will look in
terms of resource implications. I know also that she and her party do support fundamentally the decision
to look at the security of Europe as
well and try and make that a part of the balance in our foreign policy work.
13:33
Andy Slaughter MP (Hammersmith and Chiswick, Labour)
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I understand that Minister Wood
doesn't want to give a legal opinion, but isn't it clear that banning all supplies to Gaza is a breach of the Geneva Convention and
their own statute? Failure to call it out involves Israel in its
collective punishment of Gazans, and what you confirm as it was missing from her earlier statement that when
the government finally recognises the Palestinian state commit will
include not only the West Bank and Gaza but East Jerusalem and the capital?
13:33
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank my honourable friend for all of his work as the chair of the all-party group. And also for his
ongoing campaigning in this area. To be clear, humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool. And of
course East Jerusalem... Jerusalem
should be the shared capital.
13:33
Iqbal Mohamed MP (Dewsbury and Batley, Independent)
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Mag constituents are horrified
that -- at reports that the UK
government is not only and implicit, but directly involved in the war crimes. What the mistakes made in this House what the U.K.'s participation and role has been in
the Israeli genocide? And the ongoing atrocities that continue in Gaza? And the West Bank?
13:34
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank the honourable member for
his question, and as I've mentioned before, it's not for the Minister to determine the definition of
genocide. But it is for legal experts. But in terms of the role of the UK, the reason that I as the Indo Pacific Minister here before
you today is because our Middle East Minister the Member for Lincoln is currently engaging in conversations
and fishing for a peaceful solution. And there can be no better thing
than a face-to-face meeting with the Minister of his Majesty's government in the region, having those important discussions and pushing
for peace.
13:35
Melanie Ward MP (Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, Labour)
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With the most 20,000 Palestinian children killed, Gaza and its people are in a state of devastation. Use
of starvation as a weapon of war is a war crime. The denial of humanitarian aid is a war crime and
leads to babies freezing to death, an example the Minster gave earlier. What specific action is the
government taking with allies to pressure the Israeli government to comply with international law and
let aid into Gaza?
13:35
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank the honourable member and fall of her work she did before she
entered this Parliament on aid and on supporting international solutions for war affected areas.
And specifically our work does continue with partners, be that Israel, Palestinian Authority, the US and regional partners to build
that consensus because we all want to live in a world where aid is no longer necessary, where there is a vibrant economy where people have
jobs, schools and hospitals. And
that is what the UK is doing, redoubling our efforts for post- conflict Gaza governance, security framework that supports conditions for a permanent and sustainable
peace.
peace.
13:36
Ben Maguire MP (North Cornwall, Liberal Democrat)
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I must admit it's very frustrating today to hear that practical inaction from this government in the face of flagrant
breaches of international law and the siege of Gaza, and I sincerely hope the government doesn't continue down this path of inertia. With that
in mind, what steps is the Minister taking to immediately recognise Palestine as a state as part of the two-state solution based on the 67
borders? This is surely essential to
reinvigorate the peace process and deter those extremists seeking perpetual conflict? In Gaza, the West Bank and across the Middle
East?
13:36
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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Is quite right to describe what
feels like a hopeless situation, but just remind him that over the last
few weeks we've seen some rays of sunlight, a few bits of hope is hopefully fewer and less violence is
being perpetrated and more people are coming back to their homes. However, his right to push the government and to say what more can
be done? And that does include those visits to the region to speak to those interlocutors I've mentioned
and keep pushing for peace.
and keep pushing for peace.
13:37
Steve Yemm MP (Mansfield, Labour)
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Of course many of us in this House want to see progress towards a
permanent two-state solution after the current ceasefire and hostage
deal. And in December, the Prime Minister announced that the Foreign Secretary would be convening a meeting of partners to support civil
society, both in Israel and Palestine for top I want what date
the Prime Minister can provide to
the House on the UK planning to support the forum for international peace?
peace? peace?
13:38
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I think the Memphis question and of course in the short-term Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza will be phased. All parties have agreed
occupation and as confidences rebuilt in Gaza and Israel. The Palestinian Authority should play a key role in the future governance
and security of Gaza and for the deal to work we need all parties to cooperate, including to make future security arrangements which protect
both Israelis and Palestinians and
allow the safe distribution of aid in the vision of the two-state solution.
solution.
13:38
Rt Hon Sammy Wilson MP (East Antrim, Democratic Unionist Party)
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Despite the appalling abuse of hostages who were released and the
propaganda value which was made of them, the Israeli government in 42
days has allowed 25,000 25,200 truckloads of aid into Gaza. Enough
to sustain the entire population for four months. The concern is this,
it's a fact, the concern is this,
that Hamas are now using aid as a
major source of income, seeking to control the billion-dollar aid industry, which is now in Gaza. What
assurances can the Minister give that UK aid will not be used to
sustain the terrorist organisation
or to control the local population? or to control the local population?
13:39
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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He needs to be careful if he is reading online things that they are correct. Because while there has
been recent arrivals of aid, we all
know that a deceit continuing thing. You want to eat fresh food. You'll need fresh medications. We all need
to have water, and all of those other things which the essential aid
which is coming and needs to be refreshed every day. And I think
what we can say in this House is that providing access to essential civilian services is also crucial
with that aid.
And so I do encourage him to widen his sources of what he
is reading about the access of aid into Gaza and the West Bank.
13:40
Dr Rupa Huq MP (Ealing Central and Acton, Labour)
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Instituting and aid blocking while getting on for 50,000 Gazans
have been killed, and there is a academic, surely looks like deprivations to civilians are being
used as a weapon of war. So what are our government doing about this? And to ensure that the entire fragile ceasefire doesn't follow part and
those hostages...
13:40
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I think the member of her
question and for her specific question about polio, and we are very pleased to hear that the latest
polio vaccination rollout reached 99% of the children who were targeted. But we remain gravely concerned by the lack of adequate
medical care in a wider sense in Gaza. And all prisoners, including medical staff detained in Gaza must
be allowed full ICRC access.
13:41
Andrew George MP (St Ives, Liberal Democrat)
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Other than her response to the excellent question from the right
honourable member of the North West Hampshire, I strongly welcome the
ministers both tone and content to the answers to the questions today.
It's quite clear there is no justification for the vindictive and Productive actions of the Israeli government, but they are clearly
emboldened by the US president. And my question to the Minister is this
therefore seeking to build international alliances in order to put pressure on the Israeli government to change their actions,
to stop this vindictive behaviour, and what conversations is the
government having to make sure that its view is being conveyed to the United States that they can adopt
the same line as we are?
13:41
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank the Member for his question, and just to clarify some of the ideas which have been coming
out about the future of Gaza for example, we have made clear that we would oppose any effort to move Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring
Arab states, which was one of the ideas which was proposed. And that
forced displacement of Palestinians or any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip is not an option. And I thank you also for helping us to
keep on track with what people in the region actually want, and to be supporting around the table all of
those partners who are pushing for their peaceful deal between the two parties.
13:42
Mr Connor Rand MP (Altrincham and Sale West, Labour)
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Final question.
intense suffering for so many civilians in Gaza, that the use of
both humanitarian assistance as well as aid is both totally unacceptable
but also not conducive to a lasting
ceasefire and to long-term peace?
13:42
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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Is quite right to emphasise the
need for the steady inflow of aid, and anything else could potentially be a breach of international
humanitarian law. But think what we see in peace processes is hick ups.
One step forwards, two steps back. And I think we would be pushing for
all parties to see this as a hick up. And I hope to wake up tomorrow morning to the happy news that all
is back on track, that aid is getting in, conversations are happening, and that the peaceful future we want to see for the two
future we want to see for the two
**** Possible New Speaker ****
parties is becoming a reality. I thank the Minister for her responses. I will allow a couple of moments for the frontbenchers to
13:43
Urgent question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will make a statement on the bounties placed on Hong Kong democracy activists resident in the UK by the authorities of the Peoples Republic of China and Hong Kong
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moments for the frontbenchers to swap over. Which brings us to the Urgent Question, Hong Kong democracy
**** Possible New Speaker ****
activist, Chris Philp. Thank you. To ask the Home
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Thank you. To ask the Home Secretary to make a statement on bounties placed on Hong Kong
bounties placed on Hong Kong democracy activists in it kingdom by the Chinese Communist Party and other authorities in Hong Kong and
13:44
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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**** Possible New Speaker ****
China. Can I thank the right honourable gentleman for his question on what I
agree is a very serious matter? Security is the first duty of government, and as such we are
deeply concerned by the recent bounties placed on Hong Kong democracy activist resident here in
democracy activist resident here in the UK. As the right honourable gentleman will know, the Foreign Secretary issued a statement
Secretary issued a statement condemning these bounties. As he said at the time, these individuals
were merely exercising their right to freedom of expression.
As the Foreign Secretary has also said, we
call on Beijing to repeal the national security law including its
extraterritorial reach. We also call on the Hong Kong authorities to end
their targeting of individuals in the UK and elsewhere for seeking to
exercise their basic rights. Ministers have raised these concerns
with the authorities during recent visits both to Hong Kong and Beijing. The continued safety of
Hong Kongers remains a priority for this government, whilst it would not
be appropriate for me to comment on individual cases, I want to be clear that we will not tolerate any
attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm
their critics overseas.
Especially here in the UK. We have received
assurances from counterterror policing that the appropriate measures are in place for the
individuals in question. And we regularly assess potential threats
to the UK and use all levers
Where we identify individuals at heightened risk we deploy security
measures when appropriate. Anyone acting to coerce individuals in the
UK is liable to prosecution under the National Security Act. To date,
there have been six individuals charged under the National Security
Act.
The position of the government is clear. We will protect the rights
and freedoms of all individuals in the UK and we will use every power
and tool to uphold the principles we hold dear. hold dear.
13:46
Rt Hon Chris Philp MP (Croydon South, Conservative)
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This is an incredibly serious
issue. The Chinese Communist Party is an authoritarian regime but has been persecuted people in Hong Kong,
mainland China, and elsewhere for some time. Nearly 100 people have
been arrested about in Hong Kong
since July of last year and it is unacceptable that harassment and
intimidation takes place on British soil now. It is a gross infringement of the liberty of the individual
concerned and an affront to British sovereignty. These have been placed on three people in the UK, amounting
to approximately £400,000 and that
to approximately £400,000 and that
includes Polly Chung, -- Tony Chung,
Polly Chung, just 18.
Chloe was
advised to dial 999 if she felt under threat and that strikes me as an inadequate response. I understand
posters appeared close to their home
address and letters to neighbours offering a reward if it were
delivered to the Chinese embassy. This is not acceptable. I have got a
couple of questions to put respectfully to the Security
respectfully to the Security
Minister. Has the foreign minister been summoned to explain what has been done. My understanding is no such summons has been issued.
Unacceptable. Does this not make clear that the Chinese intention to
build a mega embassy in London is not acceptable and it will simply be
used as a pan-European place for spying. Why is China not being
placed under the foreign influence registration scheme. Surely that
should be a matter of urgency. What is the update of the Chinese police station that had been operating covertly in the UK? I was picked on
that as police Minister around one
year ago.
Finally, the Security Minister says he will not tolerate
13:49
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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this. I'm sure the House bill agreed
but was tangible action is being taken to deal with this? The gimmick
taken to deal with this? The gimmick I'm grateful for the points he has raised Andy Greta he has paused. To
raised Andy Greta he has paused. To be clear and avoid doubt about the government petition, we see the and
government petition, we see the and security -- the safety and security
security -- the safety and security of Hong Kongers it is of the utmost importance that the UK will always
stand up for their rights.
Wherever we identified threats, we will use any and all measures, including through the use of class intelligence services, to mitigate
risk to individuals. He is asked a number of questions and I will
attempt to respond to them. He asked specifically about raising concerns
the Chinese authorities. I can say
that concerns have been raised at every opportunity including by the
Foreign Secretary and the Minister and the Minister has met the families involved and specifically
raised the point about the Chinese
embassy.
The final decision on China's planning application has yet
to be made. The secretary of state
for housing and government in her quasi digital role has been
middlebrow. The House should know that a letter sent on January 14
claims that the Home Office has considered the full breadth of national security issues in relation
to the plan application. The Foreign
Secretary and Home Secretary make it clear that for China to be to build
the embassy, they want to see suitable medications for public
order and national security risk.
The right honourable gentleman also
asked about overseas police station. I think he will understand that
police have carefully examined these allegations and we have made clear to the Chinese authorities that the
existence of undeclared sites in the
UK is completely unacceptable and
that they must cease operations. The Chinese authorities have confirmed.
I was also asked a further question and the right honourable gentleman
and the right honourable gentleman
will be aware that I am close to beating a statement on the
implementation of FURS which I will say strengthens great protection against certain foreign powers and
entities.
As a result, the UK will
be better informed about the scale
of foreign influence in the UK.
Since coming to power in July, we have been assured there are more people than ever body on the implementation of the scheme and
there will be dedicated accommodation and an IT system is in place. They plan to levy regulations underpinning the scheme are being
led shortly ahead of the scheme life
led shortly ahead of the scheme life in the summer. -- Scheme going live.
in the summer. -- Scheme going live.
13:53
Alex Sobel MP (Leeds Central and Headingley, Labour )
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I spoke this morning and I want to reiterate what the Shadow
Minister said. I want to ask if guidance can be given to police
forces not just to give reassurance to Hong Kongers about the threat on
them but to take target hardening
and security work to ensure that they are safe and not under threat of abduction. It is a serious threat
and we must do more than tell people to call 999. to call 999.
13:53
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I'm grateful to the honourable
gentleman for raising that point. Specifically in this case I made the
point we received assurances from counterterrorism police and measures are in place for the individuals in
question. On his point around transnational regression, I wheel to
him and the House that the task force is reviewing the UK approach to transnational oppression to
ensure we have a robust and join-up
response and the government will debate on the conclusion of the report in due course.
report in due course.
13:54
Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat)
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Thank you very much, Madam Deputy
Speaker. I'm grateful to the Shadow Home Secretary for raising this. It is a problem. I thank my white
honourable friend, the member from
Etihad, who has had constituents affected. It is the remainder of the threats we all face as the Chinese
government tries to infiltrate this
country. I was told by a drawn in Edinburgh. Members had been
sanctioned. There are CCTV cameras across the UK, including Glasgow. It is the issue of embassy in London
and an attempt for Chinese companies
to be involved in energy provision in a way which, if not medically,
will threaten -- if not mitigated, will cause edges with national
security.
We must strengthen the response to China. Ogilvy government
bring these bounty hunters to
justice? Will they crack down on
Hong Kong and Beijing who are responsible for this and every other
insidious attack on democracy?
13:55
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I'm grateful to the honourable
ready for the points she raises and I can reiterate the points I have
made about concerns being raised at every opportunity and also about how
seriously these matters are taken by the UK government. We will juice all
the tools at our disposal to make
sure that everyone in the UK can cooperate normal business inhibited
cooperate normal business inhibited
13:57
Adam Thompson MP (Erewash, Labour)
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by the actions of people and other countries. We take that incredibly seriously and are working to make sure every protection is in place.
sure every protection is in place. There since the launch of the
British nationals overseas either route for Hong Kong, more than 200,000 have been granted the visa
200,000 have been granted the visa and 150,000 have arrived in the UK.
and 150,000 have arrived in the UK. I welcome the measures and ask what steps are being taken to support
13:57
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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**** Possible New Speaker ****
steps are being taken to support those arriving in the UK? I am grateful to him for the
point he makes. It is an important
one. He will understand that the BNO
represents the people who chose to
take this step in 1987. To be
eligible, people must have BNO
status or have a family member could. Close to 220,000 visas have
been granted to Hong Kongers who are contributing to the UK. We will work closely with those constituents and
local authorities to make sure all those people feel properly valued
13:58
Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MP (Tonbridge, Conservative)
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and supported and if he has concerns, I would be happy to meet
concerns, I would be happy to meet with him to discuss them further. First of all, may I say one of the
First of all, may I say one of the proudest things I was able to
achieve in the last few years the BNO Visa route which was a correction of the mistake made
correction of the mistake made usable. The honourable lady was able to introduce it as Home Secretary at
the time.
May I come onto the thread -- the point about the threat to
activists. I can only imagine how
much more threatening make me if I had family connections or relatives
in Hong Kong and in mainland China. Could the Minister assure me he is
advertising as widely as possible the role of counterterrorism police
in fighting terrorism and also mitigate threats that are appearing
before us? -- Also the state
threats. These are not just taking
the shape of armies but also a prodigious undermining in the confidence of the British state and
of our own ability to protect our citizens and friends and that is undermining not just our position
but our economy and the freedom of artisans.
-- Are citizens.
13:59
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I'm grateful for the work he has
done and the release some important and valid points. First of all, with
regard to the point he made about sanctioning members of the House, that it's a matter we take
incredibly seriously and I heard that the Foreign Secretary has raised concerns about personally at the highest level and the matter
will continue to be kept under close
review. I thought that he made some other important points. I hope you
will join with me in welcoming the additional resource analyst the
other day from operational partners and the intelligence services.
You
will now from previous service the important role that the play in keeping the country safe and they
nosed the seriousness we place on such matters and I look forward to
continuing to work with him to ensure we can maintain national
ensure we can maintain national What steps is the most are taking to support MI5, protecting the UK from these intrusions?
I'm grateful to him for his
question. And I think this provides a very good opportunity for us I hope collectively as a House to pay
tribute to the extraordinary work of our operational partners in the security services.
By the very
nature of their work, they serve in the shadows. It's been an
extraordinary pleasure and privilege to work very closely alongside them
in recent months. They do difficult work. They do it incredibly well, and we owed them a debt of gratitude for doing it. for doing it.
14:01
Rt Hon Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP (Chingford and Woodford Green, Conservative)
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I hear the Minister. As somebody else that is sanctioned by the
Chinese government, who has been pursued by low-level intelligence
operatives around the world, faucets placed about me in newspapers and to
others that I know in government and elsewhere, this goes on and on. And
most of all, for those who are here who have fled Hong Kong, what we are seeing is extraterritorial attacks
on them in plain view, and yet it seems that nothing ultimately
happens.
And here for example is a copy of a letter that has been put
about by an individual redacted, an individual who has been threatened and the neighbours have been asked
to take him to the Chinese embassy to hand him in and receive the bounty. How much longer are we going
to say all these wonderful words in
this House about what we stand for? When it comes to those who need our protection, nothing ever seems to happen. What is he going to do about
the embassy? That shouldn't be going everywhere they have a super embassy in the world can you see extraterritorial activity grow
massively.
We now reject that and
start arresting people responsible and kicking them out of the country?
14:02
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I know that the right honourable
gentleman speaks with very long experience on these matters. And the
activity that he describes is completely unacceptable. The government is crystal clear the kind
of activity he has just described is not acceptable. And we will do everything we are able to do in
order to prevent it from happening. He referenced the embassy. As I
think he knows, and I know that he raised specific concerns about this
previously, that a decision on the embassy will be made by Deputy Prime
Minister in her capacity as the secretary of state for housing in communities and local government.
I refer him to the letter that has
been written jointly by the Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary, which takes into account the full
breadth of national... The Home Secretary tots from a sedentary position. I don't know if he's read
the letter. It's available online. He should read the letter because the letter takes into consideration
the full breadth of national security concerns. This government
will stand against all those who seek to repress or behave in the way that he has described.
And we will
use all of the tools at our disposal
to stop it from happening.
14:04
Steve Race MP (Exeter, Labour)
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Across the UK and indeed in
Exeter where we have a very large and welcome Hong Kong community, we've seen rising threats from state
actors who seek to influence and intimidate peaceful dissidents. Can the Minister update the House and how the foreign influence
registration scheme will help to tackle these threats? tackle these threats?
14:04
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I'm grateful to my honourable friend for his question. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself as I will be making a statement
shortly. But I can say that we are
working at pace to implement the first scheme. This is an important tool in the governance armoury. It
will strengthen the resilience of the UK political system against
covert foreign influence, and will provide greater assurance around the activities of certain foreign powers
and entities that we know to be a
national security risk.
We are getting on with the work, and we plan to lay the regulations that underpin the scheme in the near future ahead of it going live in the
summer.
14:05
Sarah Olney MP (Richmond Park, Liberal Democrat)
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Is a privilege to represent the
substantial community of Hong Kongers in Richmond Park, and I've
just been looking at Hansard and a notice on the behalf, I was last
year two months to ask the government about renewed reports of
repression against Hong Kongers in this country, and yet here we are
again. In the meantime nothing would have been done to reassure my constituents about their continued
safety and security in this country. I was interested in the Minister's response to the Member for Leeds Central and Headingley where he
talks about reviewing transnational repression.
And I'm just HMD gives
more detail about when we in this
House and my constituents in Richmond Park can expect to hear more about what the government plans to do on this?
14:06
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I'm grateful to the honourable lady. I think she makes a very important point. And let me give her
an absolute assurance that these are matters that we take incredibly seriously. And that is why, through the Defending Democracy Taskforce,
which I chair, we've continued a process that was initiated by the previous government to review the
issue of transnational repression. I
can say to her for the sake of clarity, that any attempt by any
foreign government to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm critics
overseas, undermining our democracy and the rule of law is completely unacceptable.
Now we have at our
disposal now the National Security act of 2023, and that does enable law enforcement and security and
intelligence agencies to deter, detect and disrupt the full range of
modern day state threats, including actions which amounted transnational
repression. As I say, the Defending Democracy Taskforce is looking very carefully at the issue of
transnational repression. There has been a lot of work taking place across government. And we will have
more to say about it shortly. more to say about it shortly.
14:07
Laurence Turner MP (Birmingham Northfield, Labour)
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Birmingham has a large and growing community of people from Hong Kong. And while most are now well settled into wider community,
some of my constituents are fearful about continued monitoring and
especially if they speak out on human rights. So can the Minister
give me and my constituents assurance that if they are subject to those utterly unacceptable practices, then they will receive
protection and support? protection and support?
14:07
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Grateful to him for his question and for his ribs and taking office constituents. Yes, I can give him that assurance. Hopefully my
comments today convey the seriousness with which we attach to
this particular issue. We work incredibly closely with counterterrorism policing and with
policing right around the country
and with operational partners and the intelligence services, and I can absolutely give him the assurances he seeks on behalf of his constituents.
14:08
Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)
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I think the Minister for Rough
Sleeping & Housing much for his answers to all of the questions. The activity of Chinese operatives
within our shores has got to stop, and no steps taken thus far have deterred the Chinese from
overstepping on our shores. If those who legally and peacefully oppose
China are not safe on our shores, then just where are they safe? Bounties on people's heads looks like something from the film.
However this is real life for the
living locally in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland right now.
So what is the Minister going to do to tell China
the line has been crossed and there will be consequences? Thank you.
14:09
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Grateful to the honourable member, as I always am. And he's got
a very long-standing track record of standing up for the oppressed
minorities wherever they might be. And clearly that is particularly relevant in the context of today's Urgent Question. He will have heard
my opening remarks where I referenced the statement that had
been issued by the Foreign Secretary condemning specifically in this case, those bounties. And that the
Foreign Secretary had said that we call upon Beijing to repeal the
national security law, including its territorial breach.
We take these
matters incredibly seriously. We are working with the police, working with local communities, and we will do everything we can to make sure
people get the support they deserve.
14:10
James Naish MP (Rushcliffe, Labour)
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I want to come back to the embassy. I've been contacted by several constituents on this issue.
700,000 ft, it would be China's largest embassy in Europe. And as we
know from the incident at the Manchester consulate in 2022, such an embassy would be contributing to the transnational repression that
Hong Kongers, Tibetans and the wider Chinese ISP in the UK experience.
Chinese ISP in the UK experience.
Can the government confirm whether it has made an assessment as to whether this new super embassy would
contribute to transnational repression? And if so, what basis on which that assessment has been made?
14:10
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Grateful to the honourable member
for the question he asks. The question that has been asked by others. The assurance that I can
give him is that national security is the overriding priority for this,
and I hope any government. Of course we look incredibly carefully at
these matters. Of course we will consider every aspect of this application, which ultimately is a
decision to be made by the Deputy Prime Minister. But as I've said
previously, both the Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary have written a very clear letter.
I invite those members who appear not
necessarily to have read it to read it. And I can tell him and tell the
House that the letter covers the full breadth of national security issues in relation to this particular planning application. particular planning application.
14:11
Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)
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The Minister is talking obviously about the national security position
in relation to the super embassy. The reality is the Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary writing in
January in relation to this particular application to the Deputy
Prime Minister who has to make that decision. Will he now in the light of the new information that has come
available review that letter and
actually take advice on whether actually that Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary should be writing to the Deputy Prime Minister, recommending that this cunning
application is refused, rather than taking all these things into
account?
14:12
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Understand the concerns he has raised. He will understand that I've already referenced the letter that
was written back in January. If new evidence comes to light that is material to this particular planning
application, no doubt that is a matter that will be looked at very closely. Both by the Home Secretary
and the Foreign Secretary, but I can give him and the House assurance that we take these matters
incredibly seriously. Of course we look very closely at them, and of course the letter that was written
on 14 January does consider the full breadth of national security
implications.
14:12
Blair McDougall MP (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
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Arise to my role may I declare my role as chair of the all-party parliamentary group in Hong Kong
first I welcome the Minister's recognition that the bounties on the heads of these British Hong Kongers as exercising rights that are guaranteed to them and to the joint
declaration. I don't wish to repeat what other honourable and right honourable members have said. But at
some point, when ministers come to the House again and again to talk
about the infiltration of the Royal family by Chinese agents, or putting
bounties in people's heads of secret police stations, at some point this does have to have consequences.
The
relationship with China. But can I ask a practical question that the fear that those who have bounties on
their heads here fear is nothing
compare to those who remain in Hong Kong and fear they may not be able to leave. And I wonder what practical assistance we can give to
Hong Kongers who have had either their B&O passport seized or their other travel documents frozen so
that they are able to come to the safety of the United Kingdom.
14:13
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Grateful to him for the work that
I know that he does through the APPG, the very long-standing interest that he has in this
particular matter. And I'm grateful to him also for the practical
question that he has posed. We firstly say to him that B&O status
holders and their families aren't making significant contribute to our
economy and local communities like they are. And he asked an important point specifically about passports. Can I assure him that there is no requirement for a person's passport
to be valid in order to make an application to extend leave or apply
for indefinite leave to remain under the B&O route, and the point he has made specifically about those who
remain in Hong Kong, I know will have been heard by colleagues in the Foreign Office.
But I be very happy
to discuss it further with him should that be helpful.
14:14
Brendan O'Hara MP (Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber, Scottish National Party)
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Thank you. Intimidating and placing pro-democracy Hong Kongers
placing pro-democracy Hong Kongers
living in the UK on a wanted list, and circulating reward notices to their their neighbours is simply
unforgivable. And am sure he will agree that there is no trade deal with circumventing values and the rights of people to be abused in
such an appalling fashion. And can he tell me what discussions his department has had directly with the
Chinese ambassador? What has the
ambassador been told that the consequences will be for those found to be responsible for this? And could you tell us what is the status
of the current investigation? Or does everybody just accept this
matter is now closed?
14:15
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I understand why he raises these
concerns in the way that he does. I hope that he can be reassured that
the UK government does take these matters seriously. And does take every opportunity to raise these
concerns at the appropriate level. That is a matter that is taken very
seriously, by the Foreign Secretary and by the Home Secretary. We will continue to do everything that we can to protect the public in our
country.
14:15
Joe Powell MP (Kensington and Bayswater, Labour)
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I met recently at the lunar New
Year celebrations with some of the democracy activists you have had
The fear in the room was palpable and people did not want to be photographed with people who have
got bounties on their head. I feel
the threat is real. I thank the manager for confirming transnational oppression as part of the TasPorts
but can he give more detail on what practical measures could be put in
place to protect those with bounties
in the UK and their family members if they are still in Hong Kong? if they are still in Hong Kong?
14:16
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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And grateful to him for his question I understand the point he
made about the fear that is felt and
the chilling effect that will exist in a number of divinity. He is asked
for practical measures. I asked him to be patient. I will have more to
say about this soon.
14:17
Rt Hon Richard Holden MP (Basildon and Billericay, Conservative)
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the Minister has been asked several times about the Chinese
ambassador will be held account for these measures. I think this
deserves an answer. Can be Minister
explain a little bit? A lot of these
people are facing kidnap plot. What investigations are being taken into those? those?
14:17
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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He will now from his time in meant that these will be matters
that relate to the ambassador for the Foreign, Commonwealth And Development Office but I give the same appearances at given
previously, the government takes
these matters seriously and raises them at every opportunity. He specifically asked about investigations and I can say police are working hard alongside
operational part is and will
investigate all these matters using the appropriate resources in order to bring perpetrators to justice and
ensure when people are targeted and are victims, they will get the support that they need and deserve.
14:18
Mark Sewards MP (Leeds South West and Morley, Labour)
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I spoke with the youngest person
to be sanctioned under the National
to be sanctioned under the National
Security Law, Chloe Chung, and she conveyed the concerns of the
community in Leeds South-West. I
understand the minutes you cannot comment on specific cases so I have two general questions. What
assurance it can be government give? Can they give a cast-iron guarantee
that any future trade deals with China want threaten the future as we
have offered Hong Kongers in the UK? With MI5, with the government
consider facilitating a meeting between MI5 and Hong Kongers that
between MI5 and Hong Kongers that
have essentially had a bone to put on their head as a result of the National Security Law? Can they make sure that there are robust measures sure that there are robust measures in place for those who have been sanctioned?
14:19
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I know he has raised the plight
of his constituent previously in the House. I'm grateful to him. Me
saying with regard to the first point that national security of the
first priority of this government
and with regard to the second point, it is a matter for counterterrorism police and when what he said, I will
take it away and come back to him take it away and come back to him with a full response.
14:20
Luke Taylor MP (Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat)
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I thank the Shadow Home Secretary for bringing the important question.
I'm lucky enough to represent the largest Hong Kong communities in my
constituency and they tell me the proposed Chinese super Embassy is
chilling prospect for Hong Kongers who have moved here to escape Hong
Kong. Surely the Minister agrees it is unconscionable that a foreign
state is allowed to massively enhance operations in this country
as they flagrantly conduct extrajudicial acts on the streets of
the UK? If permission is given, the Minister agree it will undermine any words or assurances given foreign
states will be held to account for
foreign actors targeting British people on British soil? people on British soil?
14:21
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Given his strong constituency interest, I understand why you
raises the concerns he does. I hope that he and other honourable members understand that we take these
matters incredibly seriously. There
is a limit to what I can say about the specifics of this case. Putting it slightly more diplomatically,
it slightly more diplomatically,
there seems to be something of a misunderstanding about the circumstances of this case. I can
give him absolute assurance that we look incredibly carefully at these matters.
Some suggestions that have
been made ardent. There is a process underway and I am legally bound not
to interfere with that process. No
honourable member would expect me to do so but I point them to the letter written by the Home Secretary and
Foreign Secretary which is carefully
considered and include the full breadth of their security.
14:22
Peter Swallow MP (Bracknell, Labour)
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My honourable friend will know the Inquiry on Human Rights Is in
the Inquiry on Human Rights Is in
Process. Will Recommit to Any
measures that come out of that's all we can make sure we are upholding fundamental British values of democracy in the UK and of course
they guarding national security? they guarding national security?
14:22
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I am grateful to him. I do know about the Joint Committee on Human
Rights Enquiry and I believe I am due to give evidence to it and I
give him assurance that we will look carefully at the findings of an
important piece of work and I have written to the chair and look forward to meeting the committee and giving evidence and I look forward to furthering the work so we can say
14:23
Ben Maguire MP (North Cornwall, Liberal Democrat)
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more about the work the government
intends to do against the issue of transnational oppression. So, I
transnational oppression. So, I recently met the son of Jimmy Lai, Sebastian, and his legal team and I
Sebastian, and his legal team and I was horrified to hear that the legal
was horrified to hear that the legal team had gone through a concerted campaign against them including intimidation, surveillance, hacking
intimidation, surveillance, hacking of bank accounts and threats of rape to be a.
It appears the Chinese are
undermining the legal system. The Minister has said the government will take all steps against Hong
Kong nationals in the UK so will the
support high-profile visits in respect of countries to be passed until the security situation is resolved? resolved?
14:24
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I am grateful to him for raising the case of Jimmy Lai and I have also met with Sebastian and I can
tell him the case is a priority for the government made this clear in engagement with China. We have
called on authorities to end the politically motivated prosecution
and immediately release Jimmy Lai. This was raised with the President at the G20 summit in November and the Foreign Secretary rested and Minister Beth raised it with Hong
Minister Beth raised it with Hong
Kong officials in November.
-- Minister West.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
We come to the state on Iranian
**** Possible New Speaker ****
We come to the state on Iranian state threats. Security minister, Dan Jarvis. It is a pleasure to be back. With
**** Possible New Speaker ****
It is a pleasure to be back. With your permission, Madam Deputy
your permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on the growing threat to the UK from Iran and he stepped the government
Iran and he stepped the government are taking. The threat sits in the wider context of the diversifying
wider context of the diversifying and growing threat the UK faces by a number of states. The threat from
states has become increasingly interconnected in nature, blurring
the lines between domestic and
international, online and off-line, states and proxies.
In the last year, the number of state threat investigation is being run by MI5
has jumped by 40%. The statistic is
a stark indication of the increased threat. During specifically to Iran,
the regime has become increasingly emboldened, asserting itself more
aggressively to advance object and undermine ours. This is demonstrated
by the fact direct action against UK
targets has substantially increased in recent years and the director- general of MI5 recently stated that since the start of 2022, the UK has
responded to 20 Iran-backed plots,
representing potentially lethal threat to UK citizens and residents.
The Iranian regime is targeting dissidents and media organisations
and journalists who are reporting only by the depression of the
regime. It is no secret that there is a long-standing pattern of targeting Jewish and Israeli people
internationally by the Iranian security services and it is clear that these parts are a conscious strategy of the regime to use
intimidation and fear. The threats are unacceptable and must and will
be defended against that every turn. It is testament to world living law
enforcement and intelligence sources
that so many threats have been thwarted and I'm sure the House will join me in paying tribute to the
brave men and women of enforcement and intelligence agencies to work
every day to keep us safe.
In seeking to tackle this threat, we
must understand it. The Iranian intelligence services include the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
and the Minister of Operations and
Security and rather than working on
this directly, they use criminal proxies to do their bidding and this helps to obfuscate involvement or
leave it safely ensconced in Tehran.
We saw this with the conviction of a
Chechen-born International who
caused convicted of that. The national Cyber Security Centre had
national Cyber Security Centre had
seen activity conducted targeting a range of state inspectors, including the UK.
The government is absolutely committed to ensuring intelligence and law enforcement agencies have
the tools that they need to disrupt and degrade the threats that we face
from Iran. I can announce today we
will place the whole of the Iranian state including the intelligence
services, the IRGC, one with the
enhanced fear of the scheme and this
is a critical of tool for the UK. This action will mean those directed
by Iran to conduct activities in the UK such as criminal proxies must register that activity, whatever it
is, or face five years in prison.
They will face a life ban expose
The government or face jail time. This will happen as soon as possible be few to having the scheme up and
running by the summer. As the members will not, we do not routinely comment on groups being
considered but I can assure the House we will continue to keep the list of groups considered under
constant review. What has become increasingly clear as the challenges
inherent in applying our existing counterterrorism legislation to
state and state-linked threats to national security.
This was first
raised by the Shadow Home Secretary of the Opposition who warned of
state threats to mirror that on terrorism and that the specific difficulties in using a prescription
announce that Jonathan Whole Duty has been asked to look at what could be applied to modern-day threats,
such as those from Iran. This includes giving specific consideration to the design of a
prescription mechanism for state and state-linked body, providing more
flexibility than offered under the
Mr Hall is perfectly placed to
undertake this review, and we are grateful for his agreement to provide this advice.
Let there be no
doubt, we are utterly determined to
stay ahead of those who threaten our country, and any step that could aid us in that critical endeavour will
be considered., But the UK is not alone in facing these threats.
States across the Western world are threatened by Iran. So we will work with our allies to better
understand, expose and condemn Iranians actions and bring Iranians linked criminals to justice wherever
in the world they may be. We
regularly collaborate with our five eyes and European partners to
protect our democracy partners from hostile Iranians and attack, and your home we are going further to my
first of the National Security act of 2023 which was supported on both sides of the House has given the police new powers to target evolving
activity.
For example the act criminalises assisting a foreign
intelligence service, such as the IRGC. The maximum penalty for these
offences is 14 years in prison. The same maximum as for a prescription
offence. And I can also announce the training and guidance on state
threats activity is now being offered by counterterrorism policing
to all 45 territorial police forces across the UK. This will mean that when any frontline officer
encounters a suspected state threats
incident, they will know what to do and what to look for to ensure that our communities are kept safe.
Furthermore, we have recently issued guidance on the National Security act and how it applies to the UK
security profession, including
private investigators. This ensures that they are aware of the law, and understand where they might be criminally liable if they were working for any foreign power. Such
as Iran. We will also continue to go
after the criminal networks and enablers that Iran uses to carry out its work. The leader of this
organised crime group, a group frequently used by the Iranians
regime has already been sanctioned.
But we will explore further sanctions against other Iranians
linked criminals and the National Crime Agency will target those who assist the IRGC and others to
launder their money. Alongside the recently launched Border Security
Command, which strengthens Britain's border security and disrupt criminal smuggling gangs, I've asked
officials to consider new ways to enforce our robust immigration laws to specifically address threats from
Iran. This work will focus on further protecting the UK from
Iranian infiltration, including those who promote Iranian interference in the UK.
I am clear
that our response must be a UK wide effort. So I welcome the Charity
commission's statutory inquiries into both the Islamic Centre of England and the alto eat charity
trust. I've also asked officials to review where any Iranians interference is being conducted in
the UK infers will shine more light
on any undisclosed relationship between the Iranians stayed and UK-
based institutions and individuals. Finally, the National protective Security authority and
counterterrorism policing will continue to provide protective
security advice and support to individuals at an organisational level, threatened by the Iranians regime and its criminal proxies,
including Persian language media organisations and their employees.
And we will continue to make funding
for protective security measures to synagogues, Jewish community centres
and schools, ensuring we do all we can to keep our Jewish communities
safe. In a dangerous, volatile
world, Britain must lead the way. And that means proudly demoting our
values and straining every sin you to keep our people safe. The measures I've setup today should
reassure the House and the public
about our unflinching commitment to these objectives. Under this government, security will be the foundation on which everything else
is built.
We will resist attacks on our way of life as vigorously as we counter threats to life. Whatever
their source. We will work relentlessly to root out those
intent on causing harm on our
streets, and we will do whatever it takes to protect our country and our democracy. I commend this statement
to the House.
14:36
Rt Hon Chris Philp MP (Croydon South, Conservative)
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Thank you. Can I think the
security minister once again for his courtesy in giving advance sight of
his statement. The House should be in no doubt about how serious the
threat is posed by Iran. Iran sponsors terror organisations across
the Middle East. They are enthusiastic and significant
supporters of Hamas. Of Hezbollah. Of the Houthis in Yemen. And they back shear militias in Iraq and in
Syria. These organisations kidnap,
the murder, they rape, and they
commit terrorist atrocities.
Without Iran support, these terror organisations would not be able to
operate in the way that they do. So Iran bears a heavy burden of responsibility for enabling these
terrorist actors to perpetrate atrocities. Let's also not forget that Iran is an enthusiastic supporter of Putin's murderous regime and their invasion of
Ukraine. Iran is supplying drone
technology to Russia, and more recently, according to the Foreign Secretary, has applied ballistic
missiles to Russia, which are being used in furtherance of their illegal and barbaric invasion.
There is no
question Iran as a hostile state, it promotes terrorism, undermines freedom and undermines democracy.
And we've seen recently actions by
Iran on British soil. We've seen
journalists being harassed to the point that one media organisation had to thankfully only temporarily relocate its activities from London
to New York. That is completely unacceptable. So of course we support the listing of around in the
support the listing of around in the
enhanced tier of furs. We support the government and of course support the relevant Statutory Instrument
when it comes before Parliament.
And I'm glad the National Security act 2023 is being used, and I pay tribute to my right honourable friend the Member for Tonbridge &
Malling who I see is in his place for his work in putting that statute
onto our books. But having welcomed
this move, I do of course have some questions to ask. And essentially,
those questions are in this vein, is
merely requiring registration a strong enough sanction? And I put it to the House that it is not strong
enough because under furs, all that is required is registration.
And that alone is not enough. We've seen
our allies, the United States in 2019 designate the IRGC as a terror organisation. We saw our Canadian
allies doing the same just last year. And yet I've heard nothing on prescription. Now the Minister said
they don't comment on prescription. But of course the now Home Secretary
did comment on prescription in
January 2023 when she said, " The IRGC is behaving like a terror organisation, and must be prescribed
as such. So she spoke in quite unequivocal terms in January January
unequivocal terms in January January
2023.
She then said in April 2024 that she would like to make changes
to the legal architecture, and yet that was in April 2024, and it's only today that is security minister
has announced this review by Jonathan Hall. Why has it set taken seven months to initiate a review which the now Home Secretary talked
about nearly a year ago? And then we come to the views of Jonathan Hall himself, because he said coincidentally also in April 2024
that the National Security act 2023 is good enough for the purposes of
dealing with Iran.
So my question to
the security minister as this, who is right? Is it the now Home Secretary who in 2023 called for outright prescription? As the Home Secretary in 2024 who called for a
Secretary in 2024 who called for a
change in the law? About which nothing appears to have been done until today. Or is it Jonathan Hall who said also in April 2024 that the
National Security act is sufficient? There seems to be some confusion here about the government position.
Seems to have moved over time, and I think it would be welcome to get some clarification on that.
Why is the Home Secretary not doing what
she said she would do back in 2023,
which is outright prescription? Now I think more needs to be done to counter the threat posed by Iran on
our shores. And the security missed hinted at this towards the end of his statement. Are they for example
more diplomats we could expel him I be undertaking espionage activities? Or directing some of this activity
on British soil? Is the police investigation? I see the police minister, my success the police minister is in her place.
Is there
more the police could do to investigate this activity? Are we doing enough to provide protective security to potential victims of this activity? It was in my view
completely unacceptable that the
Iranians, the independent Iranian dissident media group had to temporarily move to New York. We should make sure no one has to move
should make sure no one has to move
again as a result of these threats. And our using sanctions enough? The security minister mentioned this in
his statement, but should we be using more sanctions? I think we should against individuals in the Iranian regime, and organisations that are part of the Iranians security apparatus.
And we should
certainly be using levers at the Home Office's disposal, such as Visa
sanctions. That is to say, not issuing visas, entry visas to people
we suspect of being complicit in these activities, or indeed denying visas to high ranking or other well-connected Iranian officials to
, briefly the security minister talked about the wider context of hostile state threats. He said in a previous Urgent Question he would
address in his statement the question of whether China should be placed in the enhanced furs tier.
He said he would address it, and eager light members will notice that he
didn't address it, so I will ask the question directly, because there is no further statement, will he place because there is no further
statement, Will He Pl, China in the enhanced tier of furs? Will he confirm that the House because I
think all of us would support him if he did.
14:42
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Grateful the shadow home secretary for the points he has raised. Let me endeavour to work
through them because there were a number of them. Firstly, let me agree with his characterisation that
he made at the outset of his remarks
about the regime. I hope there is no disagreement amongst us about that. And that is precisely why we think
it's the right thing to do to proceed with the measures that I've described today. He mentioned the
National Security act, and think it was right to do so.
This is a landmark piece of legislation. I pay
tribute to all of those who were involved, including my predecessor. It is an incredibly useful tool that
is already delivering and making very significant contribution to our
national security. And it is a mechanism that we will continue to
use but also to build on. I thought he was perhaps, he will forgive me
if I was seeking to make a bit of mischief over the issue of... I'm in heaven forbid, over the issue of
prescription.
He will understand, and it would have been the case when he was a minister in the Department
that governments don't comment on organisations or entities that are
being considered the prescription. He knows that that is a very long- standing procedure and protocol. He
understands very well the reasons for doing it, and I know that he
wouldn't really expect me to break from the long-standing present today. And I'm not going to. He
referenced comments made previously
by the Home Secretary.
The Home Secretary in opposition I think absolutely rightly identified the
challenge that we are now in government seeking to address. And that is why Mr Hall, to know that there is huge respect for him,
clearly he is independent of government, he is supremely well- qualified. An incredibly
authoritative figure he was perfectly placed to look at the
legislative framework and make advice independently to the Home
Secretary about how best to proceed, given the concerns that we have that the architecture that is in place is
better geared towards a terrorist entity, an organisation like Al-
Qaeda.
To a state backed entity. I think that is entirely the right way to proceed. We love as they look
to proceed. We love as they look
very closely at Mr Hall's findings, very happy to discuss them further the shadow home secretary and others. And of course we will give a
further update to the House as soon as possible. I think entirely reasonably he made the point about
what more can be done. Again, as a former Home Office minister, who will complete the understand that there are lots of things that we are
doing that we are not going to talk about.
And he will understand the reason why that is. But I can give
him assurance that we will and are
doing everything we possibly can to combat the threat that we all know that we face. I think he made an
important point about protective
He will understand the Home Office works closely with other government
departments as well as law enforcement to ensure we provide
proper protection for individuals identified as being at risk. Police
and security services work tirelessly to investigate those threats and take other steps to ensure the safety of those
concerned.
He lived protective advice is offered to those facing
threats. -- tailored. Where matters
become a more sophisticated measures can be put into effect. He slightly
mysteriously did seek to infer I
made a previous response that I do not think what's quite the case. He will understand announcements with
regards to furs will be made in this
House and the announcement today specifically relates to the decision
on Iran and the announcement is specifically about that country and other announcements made with
regards to furs will be made in due course.
14:47
Jon Pearce MP (High Peak, Labour)
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I'm extremely grateful to the Minister for his statement and unwavering commitment to address the
threat posed by the Iranian regime
in the UK, particularly to Jewish communities. I've heard evidence of
the IRGC working on British campuses, seeking to radicalise
students and operating therapies to
pursue malign aims. Can the Minister assure the House that the review of state threats will be expedited and
state threats will be expedited and
people do whatever is necessary to protect from this growing threat?
14:47
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I am very grateful to him. I know
he has a long-standing interest in this matter and I can give them the
assurance he is seeking. I agree that this disruption in universities
and with students and charities, it is completely unacceptable. He
specifically asked about the review of state threats that the Home
Secretary commissioned Mr Hall to
undertake understand that Mr Hall is extremely efficient and well- recognised. He understands the
importance of the work and is getting on with it at pace and we
are keen to and I anticipate that he will be able to complete that work.
will be able to complete that work.
14:48
Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat)
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Thank you very much, Madam Deputy
Speaker. I thank the Minister for his statement in advance. The
Liberal Democrats recognise the steps he has outlined and recognised
the existential threat Tehran pulled
these two Israel and democracies including the UK and the head of MI5 last year outlined the serious
threat with Iran and other nations like Russia intensifying efforts to
interfere in all aspects of British
life including the 2020 attacks
backed by an emboldened Iranian government.
We welcome the policing of the whole Iranian state and that
will include the Revolutionary Guard as he said, who are a vital part of
the infrastructure that makes the nation such threat, acting with
impunity and supplying terrorist groups like Hezbollah and
contributing so much to the tension and violence across the Middle East. If we are to achieve lasting peace
it is essential to curtail the influence of Iran to the West. I
welcome the review by Mr Hall that
has been outlined and I'm grateful the government will keep the list of
prescribed groups under review but I hope the decision will come sooner rather than later on the IRGC.
I
would like to see him strengthen sanctions on regimes to start
tackling the influence of Iran will stop the measures today are a
welcome start but we stand ready to support the sanctions and I hope the
government will go further and faster. I'm also happy to see the government working with territorial
police forces to give officers the skills and confidence to identify the threats on our shores,
particularly to communities who remain vulnerable. I also welcome
the reference to the threat faced by Jewish communities across the
country and the tension rising on our streets.
Michael the Minister is
able to outline how the Department work with the CST and other groups
to keep Jewish communities safer and those abroad are seeking to
undermine all of us and our country.
14:51
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I am very grateful to her. She is
absolutely great. We must not let them succeed and people not. She is
also completely right about the existential nature of the threat and
the 20 plots that she referenced
residents from the threat ledger of the MI5 director-general and that illustrates the skill of the talent.
I'm grateful for her support for the specific announcement around furs
and her acknowledgement of the work
we are seeking to do with extra Mr
Hall I'm looking at the letters -- legislative framework and we keep this under review.
She's right to
mention sanctions and I assure her we will work security with partners
in the FCDO and also we will
reference the importance of making sure we work across party to protect Jewish communities across the country and she mentioned the
Security Trust and they are an organisation well known to members
across the House. They are incredibly professional and are an
organisation that delivers massive value to communities across the
country and we will you to work closely with them.
I spoke earlier
about the landmark nature of the National Security act. It is a measure for which we are truly
grateful. I wanted the opportunity
to acknowledge the contribution made by the right honourable member for Hampshire East in securing that
legislation. It is not forgotten. legislation. It is not forgotten.
14:53
Josh Dean MP (Hertford and Stortford, Labour)
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Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I thank the Minister for his state and I welcome the action that the
government is taking to counter the influence of Iran on British
streets. It is critical that we take effective action to protect critical
national infrastructure from cyber
attacks. Therefore, can I ask the Minister to lead us on the plans announced in the King's Speech last
year for a new bill on cyber resilience and other protections in this area? this area?
14:53
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I am grateful to him because he raises the threat vector which is
raises the threat vector which is
important but not often commented on. I can tell him the National
Cyber Security Centre assessed that they have a number of powerful and disrupt tools that your disposal.
You will understand that the
Department continues to work closely with government, industry, international partners to mitigate
the cyber threat from Iran. We take it very seriously and are working across government to counter it.
across government to counter it.
14:54
Rt Hon Sir Julian Lewis MP (New Forest East, Conservative)
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Does the Minister agree with me
that this is one area where cooperation with the US can continue
on the basis of a common mutual interest given the extremely strong
attitude of resident Trump in
relation to the abuses carried out
by the Iranian regime. Is he aware
of the Intelligence Security Committee during the last Parliament
completed the classified version of a report on Iranian activities and
does he look forward, like me, to be processed being completed sooner so processed being completed sooner so we can address the findings of the report?
14:55
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I am always grateful to the right honourable settlement because he
always adds significant wisdom to proceedings. I agree about the
importance of the relationship with the US and I agree that we
absolutely have a common mutual interest with colleagues at the new
administration and the Prime Minister discussed this matter with
President Trump on his recent visit to Washington. I can tell him I'm aware of the report the references from the Intelligence Security Committee and I've written to the
committee of leading the measures I've announced today and I look forward to working closely with them
to make sure we can collectively derive the information from the report and I'm grateful to him and previous members for the work that they have done.
they have done.
14:56
Joe Powell MP (Kensington and Bayswater, Labour)
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I thank the Minister for the reference to money laundering in the
reference to money laundering in the
statement. She will the extent ride
evaded sanctions and funded hostile activities. Can the Minister give an update on what the government is doing to disrupt money-laundering
14:57
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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networks, particularly those used in the UK? Tick I'm grateful to him for
the UK? Tick I'm grateful to him for his question and the important work that he does through the all-party
that he does through the all-party Parliamentary group. He is absolutely right that illicit
absolutely right that illicit finance does fund hostile activities. The government takes this incredibly seriously and that
this incredibly seriously and that is why we have appointed the anticorruption champion Baroness
anticorruption champion Baroness Hodgson and are producing a corruption strategy and that will be
published before the summer recess.
It is why I recently visited the UAE
It is why I recently visited the UAE
because the nature of the challenge requires an international response and that is why we are seeking to work with partners to do everything
we can to tighten the screw against those who would seek to use illicit
finance finance illegal activity and am grateful for all the work the
14:58
Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MP (Tonbridge, Conservative)
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honourable member and Baroness Hodgson do. Steer IP tribute to the Minister for the work he is doing in
Minister for the work he is doing in leading the fight against this. I join him in paying tribute to
join him in paying tribute to Jonathan hold we did amazing work for others in government and I'm
for others in government and I'm sure they will serve him with the
same diligence and to MI5 you have begun to put real focus on to some
areas that previously slipped by.
Will he recognise that this is not just a domestic challenge. I recognise what he has set out you must work on this matter with
friends and allies. The truth is the
pressures in Iran and the failure of
the state and the emergence of
society is a threat and also the emergence of the dreadful resume that has occupied the country and talk to people for many years means this is a whole of government
response and we are feeling the
effect in the UK because the poison is seeping out of Tehran.
14:59
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I'm grateful to him for the work
he's done previously and the support he has provided. I agree with what
he said about Jonathan Hall - he is a figure of great integrity and
authority and we are lucky to have him and be benefit from the advice
he provides in his own independently. I agree with what he said about the leadership of MI5.
They do extraordinary work and we should be very grateful to them for their service. He rate.
This is a
domestic challenge that requires an international coalition of the
willing as well and we must part -- work with partners in the US and
Europe and that is the matter he knows that the Prime Minister
presently takes very seriously. These are the most profoundly
important matters and we take them seriously and are working across government and with part two deal with them. with them.
15:00
Mark Sewards MP (Leeds South West and Morley, Labour)
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I welcome the action the Minister
is taking to combat Iranian state threats on the streets. In the
state, he said there was a long- standing pattern of targeting Jewish people by the Iranian intelligence
services and while it is now secret it is concerning for the community involved. I welcome that he said they would maintain funding for
protective measures around synagogues and schools but given the seriousness of this situation, can he set out in more detail how the
government will protect the Jewish community in the UK from these community in the UK from these
15:00
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Grateful to him. He makes a very
important point I know will be
shared across the House. I said my remarks the importance that we attach to ensuring that all communities in our country are not just safe but feel as if they are
safe. And he's absolutely right to reference the importance of ensuring that our Jewish communities feel
they are both properly valued and
properly protected. He will know that I've already reference the importance of the work that has been
done by the community Security trust.
We've made a significant financial commitment to them to
support the important work they do. I've written to them today and will be meeting with them I hope in the very near future. They do
extraordinary work. We are very grateful for it. And I'm very happy to take the opportunity to reassure him and all members of our continued commitment to work with in the
future?
15:01
Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP (East Hampshire, Conservative)
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I welcome the security minister has said today about the inclusion of Iran in the enhanced tier of
FIRS, and can I confirm, the IRC may look at as the system
operationalised, it will also cover more complex situations where it's
not as straightforward as somebody taking an instruction from an organ of state or from some other
organisation, including FIRS or indeed situations where there is no actual instruction of relationship
at all, but somebody choosing to act on that.
15:02
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Grateful to him for the previous work is done. I think he makes an important point. And I can
absolutely give him the assurances that he seeks. We will have much more to say about it in the future.
But I hope he recognises that today marks a very significant step
forward. This is a measure that was introduced by the previous government. We think it's the right way to proceed, and we are seeking
to progress it at pace. to progress it at pace.
15:02
John Slinger MP (Rugby, Labour)
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I welcome the Minister's statement, and I'm confident that my honourable friend will agree with me that this House, the government and
indeed the country Bears and animosity make no animosity towards
the reigning people but it's the actions of the Iranian state that we are deeply concerned about taking
action about, and in that regard I wonder if he would give me more detail on the training that may be available for our police officers
who often have to counter the actions of the Iranians state on our streets and constituencies across
the country.
15:03
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I think you made to four
important points. I complete you agree with the point you made about the Iranians people. This is not
about them. This is about the targeted activity of the Iranians state. And we are absolutely clear
that these measures that we've announced today are specifically for those state entities, not for the
people of Iran. He made an important
point about police training. I was able to confirm earlier on in my introductory remarks about the work
that is taking place by counterterrorism police, working with all of our territorial police
forces right around the country.
That is work that is already under way. It is absolutely essential that police officers on the beat,
wherever they may be, have the
training that they need to spot and more effectively understand some of the risks and some of the threats
that some of our citizens are subjected to. That is relatively new work that is being progressed at
pace, and I'm grateful both to counterterrorism police and the police forces right around the country for their commitment to it.
15:04
Sarah Olney MP (Richmond Park, Liberal Democrat)
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It's been a privilege and an honour to engage with my many
Iranian constituents over the years. But I'm always filled with horror
when they tell me some of the stories, both of what's happening to their families and friends, back
home in Iran particularly the oppression suffered by many women in Iran, but also the stories they tell me about their experiences in this country, so I very much welcome the
measures outlined by the Minister today, particularly around training
for the police.
I do know that that
will make a big difference to my constituents. I just wanted to raise the particular issue that they often
raise with me, I do know is one of the biggest issues for British Iranians living in this country, and that surround banking. And while I
very much welcome the Minister's response to the Member for anything Kensington and Bayswater talking
about money-laundering, can I ask the Minister to ensure that for those British Iranians who are
living here for many years, they often find that their bank accounts are frozen and leaving them in
considerable financial hardship because some of these banking restrictions are just imposed
without discrimination.
And if you could speak a bit more about what
the British Iranians, what reassurance you can give to my
constituents about their abilities to continue banking without restriction?
15:06
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Very grateful to her for the points you made and for the referencing of the work that we do
to ensure that police officers wherever they are in the country have the requisite knowledge and experience in order to handle these
matters when they encounter them. I think she made a really practical point of the issue relating to
frozen accounts. And banking arrangements for British Iranians. Let me take that away, and I will
contact to her. She will recall the mentioned earlier on the work being done through the Defending Democracy
Taskforce reviewing the issue of transnational repression.
We are
looking very carefully at what more we can do in this area, and I will take away the particular point she
has made with regard to banking and grateful for it.
15:06
Dan Tomlinson MP (Chipping Barnet, Labour)
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It's very welcome that the Minister is taking such strong action to counter the threat posed
by Iran on Britain's streets. Can he explain how the process outlined to consider a prescription style
framework to tackle the IRGC will work? work?
15:07
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I can say to him that in
opposition the Home Secretary rightly didn't think that the
existing legislative architecture was necessarily appropriate. And it's the challenge of having a terrorist entity like Al-Qaeda and ensuring that a mechanism that might
be used to prescribe a state entity was going to work in the same
effective way. So in order to seek advice and the Home Secretary has
commissioned Jonathan Hall to look very carefully at this. As I think the honourable member may have heard
me say, he's someone who is superbly well qualified to do this work will stop he's working at pace with it,
and we will have more to say about it in the near future.
15:07
Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
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Very much welcome the statement.
The ministers absolute right to- the interconnected nature of the threats
we face from malign state actors. To what George W Bush called the axis
of evil. Given events in the US recently, and the apparent
distancing of Washington from some of its allies, and an alignment perhaps with President Putin, and
noting the strong connection between Teheran and Moscow. Does the
Minister share my concern that
America may not fully have understood the connection between the two, and what conversations will
he and his colleagues be having with the US around the need for them to distance themselves entirely and
cauterise their relationship so far as that nexus between Tehran and
Moscow is concerned? Moscow is concerned?
15:08
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Grateful to him as I always am. He always asks challenging
questions, and I completely agree with the point you made about the
interconnected nature of the threat. He's absently right in his assessment there. I would just say
to him as a very experienced member of this House as a former minister, he will understand that I need to choose my words incredibly
carefully. And therefore what I will say as he will understand, we place
huge emphasis on the importance of
the relationship with the United States.
That's why the Prime Minister was in Washington just recently, meeting with President Trump. He will understand from his
previous ministerial service huge importance and the value of the operational partnerships that we
have with the US in the wider context that the Five I's
arrangements. These are hugely important linkages and we benefit
hugely from them. As a relatively new government are still investing in these relationships to ensure that we get the most out of them,
and we will work very closely with our new US allies to target what he
rightly has described as the interconnected nature of the threat from the countries he knows all
about.
15:10
Rt Hon Sir Alec Shelbrooke MP (Wetherby and Easingwold, Conservative)
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I welcome the statement from the
Minister today. Of course the Israelis have done huge amount to
dismantle the influence of Iran across many aspects of the Middle
East. So could I ask the Minister that he ensures that we carry on giving Israel the support to make
sure Iran is not able to be established as Hamas and Hezbollah in some of these areas, and also to
make sure the British companies are not through a series of countries that they can trade with, supplying
components to Iran and we make sure that whole supply chain is actually making sure we can achieve the objectives we have?
15:10
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Grateful to the right honourable gentleman. He makes important
points. He's absolutely right in terms of the importance that he attaches to our relationships with partners in the Middle East. These
are relationships that we invest heavily in. And they are in our own
national interest to do so first of but your so I thought made a very
good point about supply chains. I can give him that assurance, but it's a good point, and anything further on it.
15:11
Dave Doogan MP (Angus and Perthshire Glens, Scottish National Party)
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I welcome the content and nature of the statement from the Minister. He says that he is considering new
ways to enforce robust immigration rules to specifically address threats from Iran. Can he flesh out
a little bit what that means specifically with regard to what the governments stances on prescription of the IRGC? I know he's reluctant
to talk about that but maybe he can
sense the frustration amongst honourable members, the government stands behind this veil of obscurity
as regards how that may happen? And he speaks appropriately about the protections that will be afforded in
this statement to members of the Jewish community in the United Kingdom quite rightly too.
And he
spoke previously about the urgent question with protections that will
be affordable UK state Hong Kong is from foreign state actors acting against their best interests. Can he
speak to the House today about what the UK state will do to protect Iranians and patients living in the UK through the subject of malign foreign state action against their foreign state action against their interests? Thank you.
15:12
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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There's quite a lot in his
question. I hope that I have given him a sense with regard to prescription of the importance we attach to the Home Secretary has
attach to the Home Secretary has
commissioned. The work. I think it's entirely reasonable for us to say reflect the existing legislative framework and decided that we need an independent reviewer, independent
advice to guide us as to whether it
is most appropriate for the state threats that undoubtedly we face.
I
think that's the right way to proceed, and I hope he understands
no government would get into a running commentary with regard to prescription. That isn't helpful, and undermines the deterrent effect of that particular tool. He made an
important point about ensuring that as a government we do everything we
can to protect those uranium people
currently residing in the UK. I can give him those assurances. Hopefully
he said the words I spoke earlier on about the work that the Defending Democracy Taskforce is progressing, and the transnational repression
review.
That's an important piece of
work. It is -- it's been a process that has taken some time, but it should provide the mechanisms by which government can most
effectively ensure that people in
this country are protected from the kind of threats we've been discussing today. discussing today.
15:13
Rt Hon David Davis MP (Goole and Pocklington, Conservative)
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I know I've bored the Minister incessantly with my repetitive calls for the prescription of the IRGC, so
I welcome what he has to say today. In particular the independent advisers review, which I hope will
be rapidly available to take action. But can I pick up the issue raised
by my right honourable friend about this being a whole of government response? This isn't just the
foreign offices work as well as the Home Office. It is wider than that.
I give him a single number.
Progressive governors have stood
aside whilst British universities have done military research in conjunction with Iranian researchers
on battlefield armour, on range
finding bases, on drones, and fighter jets. Will he ensure that
the whole of Whitehall brings the focus that is required?
15:14
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Let me say to the right honourable gentleman he has never
bored me.
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Division. Allow a sense that in the chamber
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Allow a sense that in the chamber will be able to say precisely those same words. But I can say them and look the right honourable gentleman
look the right honourable gentleman in the face. He's right to mention the Jonathan Hall work. He will know that Jonathan Hall is not an
that Jonathan Hall is not an individual who sits on his hands, and will work at pace. We do need to
and will work at pace. We do need to get a move on with this and can give an assurance that we will.
And work will progress at rapid pace.
will progress at rapid pace. Finally, his point about why the
government is exactly right. There is an important role for the DfE, the Defending Democracy Taskforce
that was set up by the previous government, which I now chair brings together virtually all of the government departments as well as a
number of other operational partners. So that fulcrum point across government which looks at
these matters very much does have that wider government approach. Which I think he is aptly right to
Which I think he is aptly right to
15:16
Sir Bernard Jenkin MP (Harwich and North Essex, Conservative)
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I thank the Minister for hosted which is making sure the government
is not losing sight of any other
threats facing the UK and I praise and endorses comments about how our
relationship with the US is far more deeper are integrated with Defence
and security in many facets beyond
any debates with the current White House and it will endure. While we
have been on our feet, Vladimir Putin has offered to broker talks
between Iran and President Trump.
It is time to point out what the true
nature of the nude friend in Moscow actually is.
15:16
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I know that he speaks with great
wisdom on these matters. I completely agree with his analysis
on the depth of the relationship with the US. The truth of the matter
it's all of our constituents are kept much safer because of the
partnership arrangement with the US
and other allies. It is the most important security relationship we
have and it is one we must invest in for the long term and I assure them that is what we will do.
15:17
Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)
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I welcome the statement the
Minister has made today. He will
probably be aware are close allies
in the UAE at the start of the year prescribed 19 organisations for
links to Iran and eight of them have headquarters in the UK. Will he commit to the House not to take
action today but review what has been dictated by allies and take
action to prevent this organisation from organising terrorist activities at the UK?
15:18
Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I think it is a very important
matter. I can say I was in the UAE on Saturday and am very Belfast on
his points. I think I have responded on the matter previously and I assure him we will look at it and
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will speak on it further. I will allow a few moments for
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I will allow a few moments for
15:18
Statement: Plan for Neighbourhoods
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I will allow a few moments for
15:18
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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I will allow a few moments for Which brings us to the State Plan for Our Neighbourhoods. With
for Our Neighbourhoods. With permission, I will make a step went
on the plan for our neighbourhoods. The defining which the government is driving economic growth and driving
up standards and we must make sure nowhere is behind because in the
past but everyone has benefited from economic the and decisions taken by
the Conservatives has seen some
areas suffer more than others.
As we deliver the mandate for change the £1.5 billion neighbourhoods means
neighbourhoods that had been
underestimated and undervalued and this government will support growth and opportunity and raise living standards because local neighbourhoods thrive, the rest of
the country will 52. This marked the
turning of the page on levelling up. The government will not repeat past
mistakes I no longer pit communities against one another. For all the
promises about levelling up, the Tories have held the economy back.
75 £75 had restrictions on funding
that would not exist.
Unlike the
Tories' list of restrictions for how parents can span from the Kamal B
have doubled what can be spent and pick communities at the heart of changes. The money will be spent on
interventions and had different
objectives and are aligned with what was set out in the plan for change.
Communities can spend on things that matter to them such as
modernisation, community-led housing, cohesion, child support, much more. We are making good on
these commitments and giving each of
the 75 places certainty they will get funding and support in the next
decade.
In many communities, work has been undertaken and you want to build on that rather than on doing it and we will support new neighbourhood boards and bring
together residents, businesses, grassroots campaigners to implement
a new vision for their area. This will include representatives from
social housing, workplace representatives, and in Scotland,
Wales, Northern Ireland, a representative from the devolved
legislature. Each will be allowed to decide how to spend the money to deliver for local people ranging
from high street repairs and neighbourhood watches.
These new projects will give communities the
tools to make informed decisions
with the list of interventions aligned to central missions of the government and these have been assessed as demonstrating value for
money and can be pursued without delay. We published a toolkit outlining the wide range of powers
for our communities in England and
there will be similar for the rest of the country. This is why it is about giving autonomy to communities
and eligible to deliver the change
they want to see.
The new approach puts communities at the heart of delivery and introduced three new objectives. First, the importance of
building thriving places. It will take immense pride in the local area and to me high street have been
neglected and left behind. If I could ensure town centres and neighbourhoods better reflect the
needs of the community and give residents there and how they are the same time delivering change people
can see identify with so people can look out from their doorstep and see a better neighbourhood.
We want class public services that work for
everybody in the UK and that is why we will support services put our
tailored to local nude because investing in the future of young people and preventative measures now
means less pressure in the long term. The second aim is stronger communities. We want to empower
neighbourhoods to tackle the root causes of the vision and bring
people together to feel proud of the area and restore a sense of belonging to the community. This is
about understanding how division is a barrier to driving up living
standards as well as impediment to
growth.
We also must empower people to take back. Everyone should be in the driving seat of their own life
and feel in control of their future. This can feel a distant prospect when stock on a waiting list are not
listening to. It is right people want to have a say in the future of
the community with enough to get by and we want to make sure children have the best start in the late that
adults can live the life they want. I finished by talking about the inspiration for the program which
can be traced back to six decades of community politics we have gone from
John Prescott and the New Deal for Communities of Baroness Armstrong.
Our aspiration was to empower local people to deliver the
transformational change in their neighbourhood that they want to see. The investment has origins in the
community development policies of Wilson and Callaghan who tackled
social division and now we are looking to the future of the Prime Minister is clear the task requires a decade of national renewal in the
country had the necessary
ingredients including untapped talent and potential across every town, city, village, state. We have dementia people have enough to get
by implicit with hollowed out public services and projecting this is the
total plan for the Brits and this is the start.
Begun to deliver a real shift of power with work on
devolution, making work pay, fixing local government, building decent
homes and it is a down payment that we note that communities can achieve and we will give the resources and
powers that they need to succeed. The announcement is a response to anyone in the 75 places you want to
see Jane tout sends a message that the full force of government will be
15:25
David Simmonds MP (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, Conservative)
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there to help them deliver it and that is why I commend the statement
that is why I commend the statement of the House. Where there is much in this that looks much on the work of
this that looks much on the work of the previous government and we share the ambitions for the growth of
neighbourhoods and high streets which are fundamental to quality of
life for constituents. There is a history that looks back to the
history that looks back to the desire of all because it is to have a proper say in the development of their home and in the country that
it's grossly centralised by democratic standards like the UK,
the local voice is important.
With the predecessor of the prosperity
fund based in the EU and the short timeframe in which previous governments levelling up strategies
were in effect, it looked at a wide
variety of national resources on the challenges that the Minister has referred to in the statement. There was the fund allocation of £2.6
billion for regeneration and communities and £4.8 billion for
levelling up designed to support theatres levelling up and there was
strong community support and £1.5 billion long-term plan for attacks.
Local leaders welcomed investment
and many leaders talked about benefits to constituents. It is a challenge to government to set out
how the small and limited project since against levelling ambition and
we are this sits against the £3.6
billion pounds fund set out by the
previous government. The House like
this comes at a time when decisions are causing issues and there's a massive rise in National Insurance contributions and issues pubs,
retail, hospitality, changes to business property and the
multibillion pound funding gap in
council budgets as the result of last October which is affecting this modest announcement today.
That
leaves an impact on things like the loss of the Rural Services Fund and
the Community Ownership Fund. I'm so
file we welcome this rehashing of a scheme that we progressed when
office and the allocation to largely the same list of recipients, we have
some questions to put to the Minister and the first is the
accountability of the reports and it
is a concern that the boards will contain trade union representatives
but not to mention the democratically elected
representatives and this is in the proposed planning white paper.
Local
democracy is vital if these boards are to work effectively and the second question is around the lack
of clear purpose for these were
seized and it sounds like it is a positive thing to broaden the range of areas in which they have rich but
did a serious concern at the government chooses refurbishment and modernisation of social housing
which is already allocated for in areas of local government fund but
it begs the question - will these funds make up shortfalls created in
other areas? Finally, the real concern that the broadening of the criteria, in particular the choice
to allocate funding according to generalised national statistics rather than local understanding at
the level of need mean that the way in which the resources allocated
will not reflect needs and local circumstances and the bidding
process loads local authorities who
can identify needs to come forward and present a plan.
The process of allocation presents a serious risk
that those you can do the most to benefit high streets and communities will lose out at the expense of
those who are able to meet the
15:30
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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criteria of Whitehall. Stick I'm grateful to the Opposition
grateful to the Opposition spokesperson for the Crescent and he's right this builds on the previous commitment and that is why
previous commitment and that is why we thought it was prudent to retain the same areas and bethink promises
the same areas and bethink promises should be kept. I would say it was
should be kept. I would say it was astonishing to enter my first day and talk to the civil service and
find the program committee £1.5
billion and was unfunded.
They are there is no way to run a country
like that. I am very pleased that we have kept the commitment to those
communities because they would have be disappointment if not. He talked about the place in the wider environment and there is the
possibility of funding which we committed to in the Budget and we
are committed to getting the communities they tools and resources
that they need. With regard to questions of accountability, of
course local councils are still of.
We are talking about change to
neighbourhood boards that broaden the existing structure and so we want local councils involved and
local members of Parliament and the
representatives but we think the voice of people who work in the communities is vital and I'm surprised the honourable gentleman
does not agree. Secondly, he talks about lack of clear purpose and this is when we are a different species
because I believe in freedom to make these decisions locally and they believe the expertise is held
locally and the wisdom for communities across this place is
held by the local community rather than the Minister and it may be a
revelation for Minnesota -- Minister
to say that but I believe it is their job and it is best done by local communities and MICHAEL SCHWARZ: As Minister is to
get them the resources and we differ on this point.
The previous
government moved away from the affection for the process by the
last Parliament and understood the
debilitating beauty parade which pitted communities against each other was not a good way to get out of communities but it is a point of
difference and I believe longer term and more flexible plan guided by
local people but they believe in short-term bidding and that is a
matter of point but the Secretary of State said it offered value for
money but I believe the best value for money is fun communities have
the proper tools and resources to meet their criteria, rather than mine and I think that is how you
15:32
Florence Eshalomi MP (Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, Labour )
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I thank the Minister for this statement this afternoon, if we are
statement this afternoon, if we are
honest, there are a number of us who have represented councils, been on councils, there are some of us who
still seven councils. The reality is, the competitive process did unfortunately pitch some councils
against each other. So I think it is right we move away from that, and the sticky plaster politics we have seen over the last few years. I do
want to press the Minister on understanding a bit more about how the neighbourhood boards will be set up and how they will function.
Will
there be a clear recruitment process
to get local buying. As the Minster said, it is important we bring the
document is with us for some of there is conflict over the communities and the board, for example a regeneration plan, one has
the power to veto another? Will the department also have oversight to intervene, should there be serious concerns about the intervention operation? Alongside this, the
Minister said it is important for
the communities to have a say over their future, so other department looking at the community Right to Buy? I will declare my interest as a
Labour Co-op MP.
We know for the community Right to Buy, we have the local pubs, libraries, nature centres, and so much more saved. Can
he update us on the work for when we expect to see that you like and that legislation come forward? legislation come forward?
15:34
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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I am grateful for the Chair of the Select Committee for those questions. I share what she says on competitive tendering for I think
the quid pro quo for that is that the government of the day has to be very clear about how allocations are
made, and my commitment is always being transparent and how those
decisions are made and I know the Select Committee will take a strong interest in that. With regards to the establishments of boards, one of
the themes I suspect of the
discussion of the next few minutes, we don't want to hold back areas that are making good progress.
There
may be areas that have established boards that can take advantage of the opportunities to add some more
people to them, and move on at pace, then a be areas that want to take this moment has a chance to reboot
their board. Either way, that basic principle that the local authority will be of course the kind of ring
holder, supported by the local member of parliament, but once that
board is going, we suspect it to be in leadership, we don't want there to be significant tensions with
their councils.
We would expect that to be resolved in the usual way, those boards would have the power to
get on with the job. In regards to community rights, there was a component of the white paper, we are looking forward to delivering that,
we know that will be greatly valued, whether it is pubs, other buildings and people's communities. So, we are very keen on that. And as a fellow
very keen on that. And as a fellow Labour Co-op MP, I particularly.
15:35
Gideon Amos MP (Taunton and Wellington, Liberal Democrat)
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Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. The demo was welcome this plan to
work with communities to work with local amenities and engagement in the process. We also welcome the move away from debating between
local council areas, towards a more objective approach, in areas with multiple deprivation. In our opinion
and my opinion, the previous system of divisive repeating one area against another, in a way that actually did damage to more areas
that it helped. Liberal Democrats are committed to allowing communities to take the action they
need to improve the areas, given sufficient powers, therefore, resources and resources local authorities, can play a major role in reversing climate and nature
emergencies.
Initiating homes, advancing green spaces, improving high quality. -- Air quality. But
Wants councils to do more with less, plunging them into financial crises,
councils have gone bankrupt around the country and many are feeling the strain of cuts to public services. The lack of investment in community
assets, no community can flourish without proper powers and resources. We welcome this plans commitment to
ensuring new neighbourhood, working with local communities, however we urge the government to confirm the
local authorities will be funded and resources need to be some essentially taking on this workload.
The councils have forced many of them to make possible choices of funding. In Somerset for example, nearly 70% of council tax receipts,
one careful adults and children, which many believe should be a national responsibility. Until we have a national solution to the care
crisis, councils will continue to be
out back from foot reach and -- From reaching their full potential. Welcome the government's commitment for investing in community led improvement and welcome new
neighbourhood boards which will provide community engagement throughout the process.
We urge the government to reconsider its
decision to remove district council level scrutiny in the planning
process. Taking power out of the hands of local councillors will also take it out of the hands of local
people, that is undemocratic and would ultimately slow the process in getting the homes we need. We also call on the government to confirm
that nature and climate specialists be included in the neighbourhood boards. Finally, can I ask the...
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Can I remind the honourable member that there is a time limit. I
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will give you won more sentence. Apologies, Madame Deputy Speaker. Can I ask whether the Secretary of State will be reviewing a list of 75
State will be reviewing a list of 75 towns so others can be included in the future and finally, what the government consider rolling the plans into neighbourhood plans, so that they would be given more
15:38
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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that they would be given more statutory effect in making planning
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decisions? Grateful for those questions. I think on the point of our climate
and nature, we know that gaining consent from community often starts with buy in, so having localised
with buy in, so having localised climate interventions through these programs may very well be a good way to do that. On the point of local
authorities, the budget was the first step in rebuilding local authority finances that will take time. As he says, resolution and social care will take some of that
social care will take some of that
social care will take some of that pressure off as well.
With regards to planning, this is why local plans are so important. Not enough of the country is covered by local plans.
Local people rightly want to say the best way to do that in the local plan process, and from the 75 towns
point, the ones that were previously announced are the ones we have honoured. But of course, as he says, there may be scope to go further in
the future. I can't go ahead of the spending review. But we know that if we can prove that things have worked
in the 75 towns, there would be a very strong case to do them elsewhere.
elsewhere.
15:39
Andy McDonald MP (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, Labour)
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I thank the Minister for his statement. The previous government
admitted they were's formulas which provided money to deprived urban areas needed to be undone. So, I
welcome the government's commitment to tackling deprivation is much needed. But as a local authority
area, Middlesbrough has to know just -- Has the lowest wages in the region, and there were statistics for deprivation in qualifying
metrics, so no constituency in my
area has 15 for the long-term plan for towns, which is the legacy of
the Rubeus government agenda.
I fully understand the rationale, in terms of parameters of populations and the need to follow through on
promises previously made, but can a minister confirm what steps he is taking to move on from their
porkbarrel politics? And provide assurance that the government's determination is to invest in the
deprived urban areas, not served in today's announcement.
15:40
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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I am grateful for that question
and for the chance to reiterate, yes, we wanted to honour the commitments made to those 75
communities. We felt that was the decent thing to do. I'll commitment,
as I have made at the Dispatch Box previously, in the future, will have clear formulas based on deprivation
and the need and go where the data says, too many times in the past, editors of sorts to go where the -- Ministers sought to go where the
15:41
Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP (Sutton Coldfield, Conservative)
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context were, we will do much better in the future.
in the future. That, we were delighted to receive the funding from the last
the funding from the last government, for the town's fund. And we are very grateful, I think in the words he used, that he has honoured that commitment. From that Dispatch
that commitment. From that Dispatch Box. May I also thank the Minister for the courtesy he has shown in the
discussions that he and I have had about this previously.
I very much hope that, as I mentioned to him before, he will come in a state
visit to the Royal town, where we will be able to show him the
delights of the town. But also show him how very well we will ensure that this taxpayers money is spent.
15:41
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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I am very grateful for that and the conversations I have had with
the honourable gentleman. There is
something of the 75 areas chosen, there is something different about his to all the others, in that for
every other one, the connectionist of the local council. In this case, it is the town council. He knows I'm a very big proponent of town and
parish councils. I say, he wears a heavyweight to demonstrate that this is a model that works because it could be a model that is used again in the future.
I'm looking forward to working with him, and I will come and visit.
15:42
Melanie Onn MP (Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, Labour)
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Thank you very much, Madame
Deputy Speaker. People in Cleethorpes are delighted to be included in the list of 75 towns in this long-term funding, that
certainly is something that has been missing from previous financial
commitments, and particularly, I'm interested however in the governance arrangements going forward. Because
what we have seen under the previous arrangements of town and board deals, decisions have been made, in my case, money reallocated that was
intended for the library, to go into
parts of projects that had been left to delay and incur extra costs.
So, could he reassure my constituents
that there was an opportunity to review the governance arrangements of these new neighbourhood boards?
15:42
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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Yes, now is the time to review
those boards. We will be asking for that by the end of next month. And then beyond that, there will be the
moment to, for those boards to formulate plans over the next few months, that is the moment to get down in writing how that money is
going to be used to get in contact
with the local community. I hope and I'm sure we will see communities really involved in those conversations so the plans really reflect what people locally want.
reflect what people locally want.
15:43
Rt Hon Sir Julian Lewis MP (New Forest East, Conservative)
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the Minister made reference to his support for town and parish councils. Can he explain a little more about the new neighbourhood boards? Will the geographical
footprint of the new boards be similar to that of parish and town councils in the 75 areas concerned?
And if so, when did have been better to give this role to elected bodies, like the parish and town councils,
rather than to unelected new boards? rather than to unelected new boards?
15:43
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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The elected body that, the fundholder will be the new local
authority, as I say, there is only one case where it differs from one
of the other councils in parish and towns, in regards to boundaries, these reflect the human geographies, rather than the political
geographies. Their neighbours and points were that aligns, maybe they
won't. The best models I think, the local community says, that balance is something that can be found. If there are concerns about boundaries,
now a very short moment when that could be revisited.
I don't think there is big connectivity to
completely change the scope, but if there are sensible tweaks to be made, then of course, we will have those conversations.
those conversations. those conversations.
15:44
Rebecca Long Bailey MP (Salford, Labour)
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It is really welcome that today's plan finally delivers on the unmet promises made to these communities, from the previous government's
long-term plan for towns. But since the selection methodology in that plan was developed, Pendleton in
Salford has sadly lost it's only leisure centre and pool to fire. Leaving the community already starved of leisure facilities with
nothing at all. So, Would the Minister meet with me to discuss what help the government can give Salford in ensuring this vital
facilities rebuild urgently?
15:45
Sarah Dyke MP (Glastonbury and Somerton, Liberal Democrat)
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I am very sad to hear of that fire, and of course very happy to take that meeting.
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The Liberal Democrats welcomed the plans commitment to social
the plans commitment to social housing and ensuring development is community led. However, it is disappointing that Somerset will not
disappointing that Somerset will not feel the benefit, given the demand for social housing in Glastonbury
for social housing in Glastonbury and Somerton and across the county, vastly outweighed supply. So, can the Minister confirm if there are plans to extend the plant to
15:45
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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plans to extend the plant to allocate further funding in addition to the 75 local authorities confirmed today?
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The honourable lady knows I cannot run ahead of the Spending
cannot run ahead of the Spending Review. There are other funds of course available, the in-house local government settlement, there is the Shared Prosperity Fund. But of
15:46
Helena Dollimore MP (Hastings and Rye, Labour )
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Shared Prosperity Fund. But of course, if we can prove this is an affective model, the Navy scope in
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the future to extend. For all the talk of levelling up from the party opposite, I would
from the party opposite, I would gently remind them of the experience of my constituents in Hastings and Rye of levelling up. Which is £150,000 of taxpayers money was
£150,000 of taxpayers money was given to a Conservative donor to improve Hastings town centre until
improve Hastings town centre until we have left behind is a boarded-up close shop in the town centre of Hastings. So I really welcome today
Hastings.
So I really welcome today the commitment from the Minister of £20 million Hastings money to be spent in a responsible way that is
spent in a responsible way that is based on the priorities of my constituency in Hastings and Rye. Whether that be broken pavements,
broken Bow shelters, or buying back community assets that are so important, from pubs, to closed
concert venues, I know there is a
top -- A lot of concern about the Saint Mary Castle, so how can residents of Hastings feed into the process of how the suspect?
15:46
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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Grateful for that and aware of the history mentioned. I hope for
Hastings this will be a reboot moment and a chance to get some of that benefit that the committee undoubtedly wants to say. The plan
will be quickly to get aboard in place and develop a plan, to help them engage their committee as best
as possible. Chesterfield springs to mind, I'm sure those committees will
15:47
Stephen Gethins MP (Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, Scottish National Party)
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The Minister and I had a very consensual exchange yesterday, are
consensual exchange yesterday, are
questions. He knows that our growth has been exceptional in this. Can he assure me that where communities have good structures, those structures will be kept and that
funding is welcome. Similarly I think it is fair to say there was some disappointment in some places like Perth and Dunfermline, there
has been some disappointment about the promises are not kept by those who backed leaving the EU, in terms
of some of the Lifeline funding that came from European Union.
Can you
give us some thoughts on that and finally, will he absolutely assurers
that the devolution will be respected in terms of any plans going forward. going forward.
15:48
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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As I said yesterday it was impossible in that church hall to
not be astounded by the consultation, which I think is a model for elsewhere. With regards to
devolution we see this through the prism, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister has about
wanting to reset elation ships of the devolved governments. I've had discussions as the honourable gentleman make note, I will continue
to do so. Having the representatives involved is a positive step. We do
not want to hold back process where areas have made significant process, should we move on apace, we will be
able to make these relatively minor tweaks, in their cases and move forward at great pace.
With regards to pre-structure funds, we are able
to deliver what we could, during this budget and what is coming forward will be looked at, as part of the spending review.
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Before I call Matt Waller, can I
15:49
Matt Rodda MP (Reading Central, Labour)
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Before I call Matt Waller, can I let the honourable member for Torbay to know I will be coming to him next. May I thank the Minister and
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May I thank the Minister and welcome the thrust of this policy,
welcome the thrust of this policy, putting communities at the heart of a generation of investment. I have a couple of questions for the Minister, unfortunately we have
missed out this time, I hope we are successful in the future. Could he
explain how high-street action zones will be incorporated into this sort of work? And indeed other instances
such as the local matters which have helped communities to rebuild and re-energise other areas.
re-energise other areas.
15:49
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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I think this is a really
important point. There is well meant, I believe, but not very efficient. What we have seen over recent years with that accumulation
of different strands in levelling up funding. Lesser than the sum of its parts. One of the challenges within that is you lose that, we absolutely
will be drawing on the best, from high-street accelerators, or funded assets, of community value and
showing that insight, not just with showing that insight, not just with those recipients, but instead with the rest of the country as well.
15:50
Steve Darling MP (Torbay, Liberal Democrat)
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Steve Darling.
Torbay is the premier resort in the UK. However, behind our palm trees
and fillers, is the most deprived council in the Westerville and. It
is a truly welcome Minister that
Torbay is among those 75. We have sadly had and pause, while the new
government brought through the wreckage left by the previous Conservative government finances, it
is a very welcome that this money is
coming to bear. And Madam Deputy Speaker it is really heartening that this is over a number of years, we have confidence of how to support
our communities.
But, it resulted in a pregnant pause that I know myself
and my colleagues are particularly concerned about as we have oven ready opportunities, for our
communities and rather than a further months of delay, is it possible, I've already written to
the Minister on this issue, is it possible we cannot resend, after
conversations with the Minister, rather than having to run to even more delays of implementing the
changes that we all desperately want to see our local communities -- pre-spend. pre-spend.
15:51
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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I am grateful to the honourable gentleman for his consistent lobbying. The program starts from
2026, very clear about that, that cannot be pulled forward was not local authorities do have other flicks ability to spend earlier, flicks ability to spend earlier, knowing where the money is coming from. There will be a decision for them to take locally.
15:51
Jo Platt MP (Leigh and Atherton, Labour )
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Can I thank the Minister and his department for today's announcement
and the commitment for the plan for neighbourhoods. As my honourable friend knows, might community in
Italy is home to amazing community organisations and businesses,
working hard prove our area, they have been doing it alone for too long. Today's boost funding changes
long. Today's boost funding changes
that. And does he agree this plan marks the first step towards a new partnership where communities are
supported and empowered to shape the places that they call home.
15:52
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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I know of at least great
creativity, my honourable friend used to know. We want this to be a
reset of the way in which central government works with local communities. To unleash that
creativity. I think seen by the opposition to be revelatory. I believe they should make decisions about the future and not myself.
15:52
Mr Gregory Campbell MP (East Londonderry, Democratic Unionist Party)
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Madam Deputy Speaker you went
from a Mr Speaker to Madam Deputy Mayor in half an hour. I wish you
all the best for the future. If I could just welcome the Minister's statement, and indeed are very
welcome in Northern Ireland and in Londonderry and in my patch. Katie
also reassure us that as we look forward to 10 years, we welcome planning and proposals to be put in
place. Can he assure us that towards the end of this Parliament that we will review the plan to see if it is
possible to develop and become very possible to develop and become very focused in trying to get fit to our constituents.
15:53
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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This is an important point. The
plans do take time to gear up, there
might not be a uniform spend, exactly £2 million every year. There might be some flexibilities, which
is why you think that length of time is valuable. After the fourth year we will do stock-take. Do not want
to be in a situation where places are spinning their wheels making a big backlog of funding to stop it
has to be realistic. By the end of this parliament we will have that.
Take.
15:53
Terry Jermy MP (South West Norfolk, Labour)
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I'm grateful to the Minister that
is a very positive statement today. I'm naturally delighted my hometown of Thetford in south-west offered
was perceived as having a share of this money. It is going to unlock Thetford's potential. After 14 years of so much decline, what measures
that will be made to make sure this money is spent as quickly as possible and make as much of a difference as possible, in the short term.
15:54
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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We will work with Thetford and all the other recipients, so that
they have the best possible insight as to what is effective and to what some of the good practices elsewhere. We will, we have
developed a series of pre-a few approved Thetford can pick from those to make sure they have been
assessed as having value for money. To build an effective plan, really quite quickly.
15:54
Mr Lee Dillon MP (Newbury, Liberal Democrat)
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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker,
plan for the prospectus published on the website earlier today talked about ending the Whitehall knows
best culture. And with that in mind,
would the Minister consider the current allocation of 75% capital,
25% revenue. If that split and needed to be changed in the local area, then the Minister would
consider that. Also within the
Minister's statement, the Minister says about giving communities autonomy in designing and delivering the change that they want to see.
I'm sure all communities in the UK would wish to have that autonomy. How can it may be the principle of a
neighbourhood awards be rolled out, neighbourhood awards be rolled out, even if the funding is not there to -with.
15:55
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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Absolutely we want to see those
board meeting, I come from other areas where they have anticipated and set up boards early. The class to do other things as well. I really
a good sign of a mature partnership is on the revenue capital split, I'm afraid there isn't flicks ability.
been agreed, within the budget is what is agreed. what is agreed.
15:56
Frank McNally MP (Coatbridge and Bellshill, Labour)
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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I commend my honourable friend for the
statement and welcome up to £20 million, in my constituency. Thank
you for taking last year to speak to me. Earmarked for levelling up
funding, it was put at risk by the
previous government. Cynically, yet perhaps unsurprisingly, they failed to identify how they would fund them. Does my noble friend agree
with me that by delivering this funding, this government, that
supports regeneration, putting more people and local businesses at the heart of decision-making, to provide
a much-needed jobs and growth.
15:56
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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I absolutely would. When my honourable friend came to visit me in my office, he and his colleagues had come as inspectors and I wasn't
going to get away with showing my back. I have to be really candid, as
I said there, I did not know if we will be able to find the funding to deliver this program. Which is why
I'm really overjoyed, those promises needed to be kept.
15:57
Seamus Logan MP (Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, Scottish National Party)
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I rise to thank the Minister for
his commitment and assurances today, not least on behalf of the people of
my constituency. The right honourable member for New Forest
East asked about the geographical fund of these new bodies. I will
depress about that, because it is a point to made clear that there would be scope within the reorganisation
of these boards. Might be able to extend their footprint. Would you be able to comment on that, please?
15:57
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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It is not an unfamiliar ask that
colleagues have made. We could not support the boundary changes at the ready change in the nature of where
the area was. In relation to a
million people, that was ceased to be the program that it was. However if there are commonsense changes that could be made, we will look at
those at very closely and now would be a really good moment for local authority, local needs. authority, local needs.
15:58
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Thank you, like the Minister I'm
proud to be a Labour co-operative MP
proud to be a Labour co-operative MP and today's announcement is a great move to our movement. Putting power, where it belongs in our communities will stop in areas like mine,
will stop in areas like mine, Warrington South, community can be found in our proud grassroots sports teams. Can the Minister update us on
teams. Can the Minister update us on what more can be done to empower fans to own and that shape their local sports teams? local sports teams?
15:58
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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We are very enthusiastic, we are of course through the Fan-Led Review taking forward are many things
related to football, the Community Ownership Fund, we just have this in final round, just before Christmas,
which again in many cases will have a sporting element to it. There is the Shared Prosperity Fund two,
authority can support and understand that. Sports teams and sports
facilities on the sports fields are a huge part of local communities. We
are committed to making sure that local communities have control and
local communities have control and how that security knowing that they are going to be there, at the heart of the community.
of the community.
15:59
Anneliese Midgley MP (Knowsley, Labour)
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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to welcome the Minister's
statement today and the vision that truly transformed communities and
constituencies, like mine. And I made up that Kirby will get a massive funding boost under this
government's plan, as a part of that. Knowsley is the second most deprived area, in the country. Yet communities across the constituency
never stop working to improve their home. In the heart of Kirby, a vital
youth and community hub was opened by my predecessor, Harold Wilson, who the Minister mentioned in his
statement.
I would like to provide the Minister to meet with me, to discuss how we can give Knowsley a
more funding, and resources, to
shape the place we call home.
16:00
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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I support the point of my honourable friend made, I know that
honourable friend made, I know that
the people of Mosley are very proud. Her local authority really have a
strong sense of the local purpose. I will be very happy to have a similar conversations about this planet to support Kirby and much more -- Knowsley.
16:00
Douglas McAllister MP (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)
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Can I thank the Minister,
statement and announcement is incredibly welcome. I'm most grateful, not least for my
constituency, in my home town. Set to receive up to £20 million of
funding. I also met with the Minister last year. Can the Minister confirm that my hometown of point
bank will decide how to use this funding, to ensure that Clydebank
has impact on my community and this demonstrates that the UK Labour
government who is a delivering for Scotland.
Scotland.
16:01
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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I totally agree and I know that the honourable gentleman's community, he said this to me there
is a proud sense of identity and a desire to have those tools means that they can shape the community. That is what we are doing a through
this program and I know that he will be a proud champion and resident voice, into those local plans, to
make sure that they are as effective make sure that they are as effective
16:01
Jim Dickson MP (Dartford, Labour)
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Can I say I warmly welcome the
announcement from the Minister, and
the fact it gives communities far more agency to decide how the money
is spent, however, I am sure the Minister will appreciate other communities across the country will have their noses pressed against the
proverbial shop window. Including my constituency of Dartford, would have
projects like the sports pavilion in dire need of funding to bring them back to life and it has been great
to be able to discuss a particular project with the Minister.
Could he give an indication of how we might build on this great program
throughout the Parliament to provide throughout the Parliament to provide investment for critical projects, outside the designated 75 places?
16:02
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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I think the honourable gentleman very succinctly expresses the strength of feeling from colleagues
today, as I said, we are going through the Spending Review phase,
so that may be a moment for those conversations. I would like to support the honourable gentleman in any way we can to find a solution there.
16:02
John Slinger MP (Rugby, Labour)
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Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker.
I know the list of areas was the one the Minister inherited I think it
was a truly brilliant statement, because it spoke of stronger
community of pride in place, and spoke for the need of thriving communities, and I want to pay to be to the Minister for visiting rugby,
doing a walk around, holding a roundtable with me and he saw that
roundtable with me and he saw that
local borough council leaders, my colleagues, Labour Council ministers, are doing those things
and working hard to achieve those things.
He saw vibrant community and business sector. And I hope the Minister will work with them, so
they can load some of the lessons from this absolutely super plan from a neighbourhood going forward.
16:03
Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )
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I greatly enjoyed my visit Rugby, there was public art, oblong shaped
public art that struck me more than an hour to realise rugby balls, hence the rugby porn! Perhaps not my
sharpest -- Hence the rugby joke!
Not my sharpest day. It really had a group of where it wanted to go in
the future, and for the government in our department, our job is to give them the resources to make that
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a reality. That concludes the statement, we now move on to the 10 minute rule
now move on to the 10 minute rule merchant, and I will give a few
16:04
Alistair Strathern MP (Hitchin, Labour)
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10 10 minute 10 minute rule 10 minute rule motion. Thank you, madam to speak. I beg
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Thank you, madam to speak. I beg to move to bring in a Bill to make provision for right to manage for
provision for right to manage for private or mixed-use housing, to set minimum standards for public amenities on the housing, to make
provision about the enforcement of those standards, to make provision about the adoption of local authorities, or public communities
authorities, or public communities in the Housing Estates Bill and for connected purposes. Or for parliamentary precise land which, it
parliamentary precise land which, it may be a bit more veritable for those watching at home, to make sure
we are finally tackling the tax that is affecting far too many new homeowners on new estates right across the country.
Now, I'm incredibly proud to be here as part
of the party that recognises some of the best traditions of this country, the importance of secure homes for
people to bring -- Build stable and
prosperous lives. As a Labour MP, in public and actually -- Contractually obligated, part of this mission
forgot is to get Britain growing
again. What we have inherited, it is not working for far too many people
at the moment. It is pricing far too many people out of home ownership.
Whether it is the lack of insecure private rented sector accommodation,
creating precariousness for families that should not have to face that in their lives. All the broken system,
which we finally tackled yesterday, that I know many memos across the House have welcomed. Today though, I want to address a slightly less
appreciated issue, but no less important. And one that is really growing, from a number of homeowners
right across the country, is "touch. That is the rise of three sold housing estates.
This arises when homes are adopted by local
homes are adopted by local
authorities, leaving those new occupants exposed to fleece hold stealth tax, pay money for services that they receive as part of their council tax for private management
company, and on the hook for company looking after their estate that is
unaccountable to them and often seeks to exploit them with every available power they have. I know from lots of conversations with
other members of the House that I am not alone in experiencing this issue.
It is a growing one in my
constituency but right across the country. Indeed, away on holiday, I
cannot escape it either. I was up in Scotland visiting family, the family friend that took me to one side to
raise an issue, which is quite typical I think. Their estate had gone or adopted now for many years.
No end to adoption insight, and in the meantime, they were paying hundreds of pounds each year the
basic services so all of the rest of their neighbours and the rest of
their community would receive their council tax.
But that wasn't the worst of it. When they missed one bill, which had gone up, as it
happens quite consistently, rather than coming to them, rather than giving them tolerance to understand
it, devastate management company used the contractual powers they had to go straight to their mortgage
lender, to have that added to their families mortgage and to drive a wrecking ball through their credit
score in the process. This is an injustice that cannot be allowed to persist, but for far too many people, it's becoming the norm.
There was once a time when local authorities would particularly be
adopted by housing estates coming forward, that is not the case anymore. When reporting this issue
last year, it was found 80% of Housing Estates Bill adopted with no
end in sight. -- Housing estates go not adopted with no end in sight.
All rejected -- Or adopted a
decade.... For a length of time, then they never really appreciated, as they would be impacted over. And
that impact has many facets.
Firstly, they are hit with what is in effect a new home stealth tax, forced to pay over hundreds of
pounds each year for services every other homeowner would get as part of
their council tax. These bills can typically only be around £350, but in a cost of living crisis, that is
still a significant amount. But they are far from limited to that. I have a constituents and correspondence in households that have been hit by
bills going into the thousands. And again, giving very short notice to very steep increases.
Across the
whole country, the CNA found back in 2022, over £260 million were spent by households on exactly these
charges. In that time, given the growth we know has happened, and
continues to happen in our housing supply, that amount will only have grown. That cannot be fair and cannot be justified. Part of the
issue here is not just the investment -- Injustice of paying
twice for something, is the fact this mechanism is designed to maximise the costs of these
households bear, because they are not directly accountable to the
homeowners.
To the people they are
in service for, there is no incentive for these management companies to keep bills down. Indeed, I have had homes that have
been charged opens of £250 for having one lightbulb on their estate changed. Moreover, the small nature of some of these estates or the extent to which they can be
subdivided means the bulk of these high fees can often just be covering management professional service
fees. And have no bearing to any actual service on the estate. In one such estate, it had been subdivided
to such A-level that the vast majority of the bill that every house owner was saying as part of
those subdivided blocks was simply the fee to have that audited each year.
It cannot be right. Alongside
that though is not just the cost, it is the way in which this is undercutting the very nature of the value of disparity that homeowners
bring with it. Not only do residents
often have to fight for years to get bare minimum levels of work done,
bare minimum levels of service provided and bare minimum levels of responses to their queries, but they also find that when they look to
leave this exploitative relationship, when they look to move, they are unable to do so,
because of the risk created inaccurate system.
I've spoken to homeowners since sales have fallen through, when crucial information
has not been provided by management companies, or that when they have
looked to move haven't been able to, because their credit score has been decimated by the exploited use of rent charges to go after households
who hadn't been able to pay steep increases in their service charge, in what he management could
Pervasive Media proved to be a timely manner. Now I know, and I
welcome the government commitment to try and do some thing about this, but it is important we try to address it at pace, because we know
we are going to be hopefully
building 1.5 million homes over this parliament, but they will not deliver the security or prosperity for families to take them up, if
they trap them, enough leasehold relationships and fees hold non- adopted estates.
My bill is to take several important steps forward to
address this. Firstly, it looks to build on the CMA's report last year, to cut off the estates at source.
Minimal adopted standards, that will seek to reach as part of the
completion of their works. And laying out minimum adoption timelines, that local authorities will be accountable for delivering two. Ensuring that going forwards
the non-adopted estates and adopted states limbo can be a thing of the
past. I am completely aware that, particularly given the estate of local authority finances, there will still be some potential burden that this could create.
But in giving
certainty over the direction of travel and the adoption of a state, in creating clarity about that minimum standards that these estates
of how to be adopted under, it creates the conditions for local authorities to be able to assess the
negotiated condition through the value process, to ensure they can
cover the cost of that estate going forwards for hopefully, enables us to undercut that in Ecuador's -- Undercut that in excess, for
taxpayers at source. It is important we do not leave those who are already in his existing estates,
particularly until we know that until we have the solution, they are only going to increase in that number, because of the model of the
housing provision in this country first as a result of that, this bill looks to build the amendment tabled by the then shadow housing minister
of the last Parliament to give
freeholders on private estate the ability to manage, putting them back in the driving seat, giving them the power to fire unaccountable
management companies, to ensure they have the choice to drive up service levels, the driver frank ability --
The responsibility.
I know many of those homeowners, they will want to see adoption for their estate. But
it is an important step forward, not just in driving down the ability of management companies to be exploited in the extracting unjustifiable
levels of fees for new homeowners but it puts them back in the driving
seat to be part of those adoption conversations going forward to hopefully get their estate to where it needs to as well, so the inequity
for them can finally be ended. I'm so excited about this government's
mission, I am so excited to see the number of people in my constituency across the country, whose eyes are going to be transformed by living in
going to be transformed by living in
stable homes.
But I know that for a long time now, we have failed to appreciate the extent to which leasehold is becoming the default model for new home delivery in this
country. It is undercutting the very sense of security and prosperity that you homeownership is meant to
bring. -- Knew homeownership is meant to bring. I hope they will be enacting, and I'm very excited to be
in this bill today, that the stealth
taxes now affecting thousands of homeowners across the country, paying millions of every year in unjustified service charges, and I look forward to the government
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making sure we can help them across the country. The question is the honourable
member have leave to bring in the bill. As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". I think The ayes
contrary, "No". I think The ayes have it. Who will prepare and
bringing the bill?
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Housing Housing Estates Housing Estates Bill.
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Housing Estates Bill. Second reading what today?
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Second reading what today? Friday 13th of June. We now come to the allocation of time motion,
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minister to move. I beg to move.
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I beg to move. The question is on the order paper. As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the
opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". I think The ayes
have it. The ayes have it. Order, the cloak will now proceed to read the orders of the day.
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Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill.
16:15
Motion: Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill: Allocation of Time
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16:16
Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Wolverhampton South East, Labour)
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Commissioner) Bill. I beg to move the Bill be now read a second time to stop I'm pleased to
second time to stop I'm pleased to open this a debate on this piece of legislation and I hope it will have of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner)
of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill is a very simple and straightforward piece of legislation and it seeks to do one simple thing,
and it seeks to do one simple thing, it removes a legal barrier that prevents Catholics from holding
office of the Lord High Commissioner's general assembly of the Church of Scotland.
This
the Church of Scotland. This historic restriction only applies to
Catholics and it doesn't apply to other faiths, or people of no
religious faith. For those honourable members, if there are any in the House who are not familiar
with the role of Lord High
Commissioner, perhaps it is relevant to give some context. It is the sovereign's personal representative
to the general assembly of the Church of Scotland. The person
appointed is appointed as a reserve, to attend proceedings on behalf of His Majesty The King.
The General
Assembly is the governing Church of
Scotland meets, to make reports, and set the agenda for the church for the coming year. The ceremonial
duties of the Lord High Commissioner include addressing the assembly, at
its opening and closing sections, as well as attending the daily business on the sovereign's behalf. In
addition, the Lord High Commissioner, undertakes official visits in Scotland, as well as
engagements at the Parliament of Holyrood House. Historic legislation
currently prevent the appointment of
Catholics to this role.
Specifically, the claim of right of
1689, which are set out restrictions against Catholics are being appointed to public offices, in
Scotland. Including the role of Lord
High Commissioner. Now most of this was removed, by the Roman Catholic Relief Act of 1829. That removed
many aspects of the religious discrimination towards Catholics.
However, it did not explicitly remove the restriction against Catholics holding this office, of
the Lord High Commissioner. That means that there is a legislative
restriction existing to this day, against some of the Catholic faith
are being appointed to this office.
Now until now the issue did not arise, because no catholic was ever
appointed to the role. That changed in December, with the announcement
of the appointment of a add this
Bill will allow lady I to take part.
There is a similarity to that adopted in 1974 in the Lord
Chancellor tenure of office and discharge of ecclesiastical functions act, which removed restrictions on Catholics taking up
the role of Lord Chancellor. The bill is short, as honourable members
can see it is a narrowly focused and it would deliver a small but
important change to allow Catholics
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to undertake the role of Law Commissioner. I should declare an interest as a
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I should declare an interest as a member of the Church of Scotland and an elder. I very much support this
an elder. I very much support this bill, but the Minister will be aware that the Law Society of Scotland has suggested they would have preferred
suggested they would have preferred consultation for the bill was brought forward. I wonder if he had any reflections on that. The
any reflections on that. The particular return around a wider religious discrimination on the Statuette which also needs to be
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Statuette which also needs to be dealt with as part of this process. Grateful to the honourable member and for his support for the bill. I
will come onto the matter of the timetable that we have adopted here
and by necessity have had to adopt. It is not always the case that the
legislation is preceded by a consultation. Some members may
remember late friend David Cairns, whose position in this House was
facilitated by legislation removing
the barriers and being appointed or elected to the House.
That particular legislation also didn't have a consultation before, as I
have a consultation before, as I
understand it. If I could talk of the honourable lady herself, whose appointment as the Lord High
Commissioner for this year 2025 will be facilitated by the passage of the bill, if it proceeds. Lady I has a
distinguished background in moral,
justice and in academia. She was appointed a Commander of the order of the British Empire, for services
to the administration of justice in 2011 and in 2022 was appointed by
Her late Majesty The Queen to the most ancient and nodal order of the Thistle and she participated in the
Thistle and she participated in the
Coronation in 2023.
Lady I has been
a member of Oxford made a pro vice chancellor of the University of
Oxford in 2017. The announcement of her appointment as Lord High Commissioner was welcomed in
Scotland. The appointment would make her the first Catholic to undertake the role of Lord High Commissioner,
Madam Deputy Speaker her appointment would be a significant symbol of
unity, goodwill and collaboration between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church, in Scotland. It
builds on the spirit of the Saint Margaret declaration signed at
Dunfermline Abbey in 2022 for.
Historic declaration of friendship between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland. And the legislation before the House
builds on the spirit of that and the
honourable member referred to the circumstances and at the timetable.
I should say that the legislation is on an accelerated timetable and that
is necessary to ensure that Lady Elish's appointment can be finalised ahead of the general assembly, in
May. We hope to have all the parliamentary stages completed by the end of next month.
When the
subject of Royal Assent, formalities. That would include a formal commission for the office, accompanied by a Royal Warrant and
the speedy passage of this bill is
to allow those formalities, as are necessary to enable Lady Elish to act as Lord High Commissioner and address at the General Assembly at
its opening and closing sessions, in May. Where this appointment not to
be able to proceed, or to go ahead, this would be a setback in progress
and an outcome that I do not believe anyone wants.
Today's legislation
will proceed with the support of all sides of the House. Madam Deputy
Speaker, while the bill relates to the reserve mantra of the Crown, I should say that I have spoken to the first Minister for Scotland and two
representatives of the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church, in Scotland, about the bill. And the desire to facilitate the appointment
of Lady Elish, I would like to thank all of them for the constructive and collaborative approach they have taken to the issue. I've also had
the pleasure of discussing this matter Lady Elish directly and I have no doubt that she will be an
excellent Lord High Commissioner.
Madam Deputy Speaker, to the bill itself, there are two clauses, clause 1 makes provision to allow a person of the Roman Catholic faith
to hold the office of the Lord High Commissioner, to the general assembly of the Church of Scotland and clause 2 sets out the
territorial extent of the bill and the commencement, including that the bill will commence on Royal Assent.
This is a small step to the move of
a religious barrier. Without it, neither Lady Elish, nor any other catholic could take up this appointment, by the sovereign.
The
bill changes that and ensures that the next appointment can go ahead
and it is in short and simple. In its own way an important bill. I
hope it will be receiving a broad welcome and I commend it to the
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House. The question is that the read a
16:25
Andrew Bowie MP (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Conservative)
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The question is that the read a second time. I call Shadow Minister. It is a pleasure to rise to speak
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It is a pleasure to rise to speak in this debate today. It is in fact a pleasure, is about the Church of
a pleasure, is about the Church of Scotland to be speaking on what is historically a significant piece of legislation this afternoon. One which can be argued as the latest
piece gone with the passing of the legislation it seeks to reveal, the
1829 to ensure full equality for Catholics in our public life. As
someone who grew up not quite, three doors down, in and around, this is
an eight years being a member of this place, the first debate on any issue regarding governance or the
affairs of the Church of Scotland I can remember.
Whilst, which given it
is one of the two established churches of our United Kingdom is on the one hand are surprised, especially when compared to the
hours with discussing governance relating to the Anglican Church. This privileged status as the established Church of Scotland underpinned by the act of Union and
the Protestant religion and Presbyterian Church at 1707 has
since 1921 in the declaratory of the Church of Scotland, part of the Church of Scotland act, not required any UK or Scottish parliament
oversight regarding church worship, governance, Constitution, membership, which makes today even
more significant moment in the history of the church stop so
infrequently on matters are discussed on the floor of either of Scotland's two parliaments.
Our relationship between the church and
state in the UK is a brilliant
fashioned piece of British pragmatism, or possibly a fudge, so may describe it. Only in Great
Britain could we have a head of state, while being a supreme Governor of one established church, the Anglican Church of England, also
being an ordinary member of a completely separate Presbyterian Church, the Church of Scotland. But we do and no questions are asked. It is an piece ecclesiastical deafness,
one that would be inconceivable in any other country.
It was one I
think all would agree was carried out with ease by the late Queen
Elizabeth who demonstrated her commitment to interest and a knowledge of both churches, throughout her reign and interest,
passion, dedication matched by our king. Today, we see what we are about to legislate for, another brilliant piece of British
pragmatism. Many in the outside role, the appointment of the
brilliant Dame Eilish, one of the significant roles in a Scottish public life will be rightly seen as a well-deserved and a rightful
honour for one, as successful as she's been in her field and in
Scottish public life.
When you think about it, it nevertheless remains quite incredible the practising
Roman Catholic will represent Protestant monarch, his very first act of King, in accordance with the
act of success and was to take an oath to maintain and preserve the settlement of the true Protestant religion as established by the laws
made in Scotland and in the prosecution of the claim of right, particularly by an act entitled an act for securing the Protestant
religion and Presbyterian Church government. Rightly, no questions will be asked about her appointment.
They in fact to be some possible
doom, but I think it speaks to the
nation, our two nations that we are so relaxed about such an appointment, today. It speaks to just how much of Scotland, in fact
has changed. I do wonder if the Scott of my grandfather's time, both of whom were born in Glasgow in the
1920s and went on to be clerk elders that would have been as relaxed about such an appointment. They
remind the Church of Scotland's blood and fire of the Scottish Reformation, John Knox, and is a revolutionary zeal, creating the
only truly nationalist Calvinist church, it dominated public life for
centuries.
The better, especially in the realm of public education and for worse, for too long excluding
And anything about the clerks a form of Christianity from most positions
of influence in public life, in Scotland. The songs are still sung at a certain football grounds, between fans of rival teams speaks
of a more difficult time in the churches in Scotland, one that sadly has not been consigned to the history books. Scottish public life
until incredibly recently was a nation are dominated by the general assembly, the sitting of the Scottish parliament, at that point,
not an existence that would have been as membership, in the mid-1980s one people touched the lives of a great many more daily, five minutes
got slots, Scottish television, late call, by the late Lynn Rikki Fulton, the boys Brigade, the women's Guild,
70 people had so much attraction for the church.
Scotland has changed. In several ways for the better and in many ways, however the changes have
presented challenges for the church. Church membership which I said just shy of one million when I was bored,
since an hour just over 200,000.
General Assembly which is said for many years, the one national forum, in Scotland in which issues of importance to people across can be a
and debated. Was covered as a sitting of the parliament was, the creation of the Scottish parliament
is not engaged to say in the media interest as it did proceeding in
1999.
The decline of numbers entering the ministry and a
reduction in football in the church buildings across the country has been difficult and at times heartbreaking decisions are taken in
regard to the sale of buildings and
a reduction in the church and state. And yet there are huge positives, also. In recent decades we've seen
the curtain over the people of Scotland are modernised as not allowing women to become ordained, back in 1968. 24 years before the
Church of England, has led to huge growth in the number of women in leadership roles, within the church.
The church has had a multiple ball you are moderators first, after
Elliott in 2004, 2015 there were accommodations to appoint Ministers of same sex marriages or civil partnerships. This was approving of those marriages and allowing them to
be conducted in 2022. Whether through traditional church service, through outreach to local
communities, in Europe, Oracle Scotland, through the Guild, across the world. The Church of Scotland
continues to touch and guide our
continues to touch and guide our
On one hand, we don't do God, on the
other hand, would you press before every meeting, we hold our religion privately, on the other, we have bishops of our established churches
sitting in one of our legislators, the head of state, supreme Governor of one of our two established churches.
We are doing today will baffle most of those watching our
proceedings, not least those who may not even know there are two established churches in the United
Kingdom, but it's important. And it has the official opposition is full support and demonstrates a significant gesture in goodwill and the unity of two of Scotland's
largest churches, building on the St Margaret Declaration of friendship between the Catholic Church in Scotland and the Church of Scotland
in 2010 to two, it is yet another display of fantastic British pragmatism and the sensible nurse of how the church and -- And how
sensibly the church has directed
I would like to thank the moderator
of the church for the service this year, the Moderator designate, Reverand Marjorie, she takes of the world, and all of those attending the upcoming General Assembly
wisdom, and the patients that deliver so much of the national life of Scotland.
16:32
Alison Taylor MP (Paisley and Renfrewshire North, Labour)
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Madame Deputy Speaker. Like so
many in my constituency and across Scotland, I have a lifelong association with the Church of
Scotland. For so many of us in Scotland, the stories of our families are intertwined with local
churches and Scottish parishes. Evidence in so many ordinary aspects
of community life like the local badminton club in the church hall,
summer fetes, junk sales, and coffee mornings. And the church has a role in assisting the elderly and frail in the community, supporting young
mothers, running youth clubs of its commitments to international aid belongs to all in our communities.
belongs to all in our communities.
My own great Aunt was an organist in the church in Bishopton and in Paisley in my constituency that I
represent. My two children were baptised in the Church of Scotland in Paisley, and my husband and I
were married in November for eco-
stride and striven seat. But my sense of belonging to the church
office is no barrier to other Christian communities. Indeed, the
Church of Scotland has demonstrated a sincere commitment to dialogue in
the effort, and in that effort, Catholic Church are willing participants.
For more than 40
years, this has led to shared commitments to work together, notably in food banks and many other
community support services with
people from all faiths and none. I know my life is enriched through friendships of people with other
faiths, and the Church of Scotland has been similarly enriched. Today,
for historical reasons that may
seem, to those following this debate there is a legislative description against a person with the Roman
Catholic faith being appointed as
the Lord High Commissioner by the sovereign to ask as an observer on the sovereign's behalf.
Such
restrictions do not apply to people of other faiths or indeed to none. Changing this legislation is long
overdue. I am therefore pleased to be able to support the government in
removing this unnecessary and unwelcome impediment to a Roman
Catholic serving as a representative of His Majesty licking at the
upcoming -- His Majesty the hurricane at the upcoming Church of
Scotland.
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Thank you very much, Madame Deputy Speaker. It is a delight to
Deputy Speaker. It is a delight to follow the honourable member for Paisley. In a debate that I think in the almost 8 years I have been here
16:35
Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat)
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the almost 8 years I have been here as well, I don't think I have look forward to quite as much and taken as much pleasure from not just
because there is no party divide really to worry about, but it feels
finally, the church of which I am no longer a member of Scotland, but was, is standing up for the sort of
Scotland that we would all like to
see. And we all work towards. Although, as I say, I am no longer the number I was for many years and
my late husband was an elder, not so
very far from the honourable member's assiduously.
But it is still a part of community life in
Scotland. That it has taken this long to overturn the injustice of
the Roman Catholic, leaving this one
bit of this relation to the Roman Catholics, is something that we
should note. And we should promise never to allow to happen again. And we know it is important we get this legislation through quickly, in
order to appoint Lady Elish Angiolini, I hope we will address the wider discrimination is that are left in Scottish society.
But it is
an important day. Lady Elish Angiolini has been a role model for
so many people in Scotland, she was the first Lord Advocate, she was the first Lord Clark register, and as
the Minister mentioned, she has also
been the principal at Oxford College
in Saltwell. She is also the first Roman Catholic to have this post. It is also significant, and further enhances her role as a role model.
Everyone I have spoken to from the church is delighted that she will be
in this place and I can only say that on this side of the House, and these benches, we completely support the act and hope it goes through
quickly.
quickly.
16:37
Patricia Ferguson MP (Glasgow West, Labour)
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Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. That in 2025 we can say that no Roman Catholic has ever held the
post of Lord High Commissioner does seem slightly absurd. There are a cause of the positions in this
nation that a Catholic has never, and as matters stand, can never
occupy. But it is good become pregnant one of those barriers today, and reflect -- But it is good
we can breakdown one of those
barriers today and reflect on the Church of Scotland and indeed, through the interface council, and with other faiths as well.
But it is
also remarkably high regard in which
people in goodwill hold the
honourable lady Elish Angiolini of the many good qualities she has a fitting representative of His Majesty. As we have heard by convention, the sovereign is not
normally present a General Assembly. As technically, he or she is an
ordinary member of the church. I do not its supreme governor, as in England. Traditionally, the Lord High Commissioner represents the sovereign and as an observer
appointed under the Royal prerogative, which as we know, means
there is technically no need for parliamentary approval or indeed for legislation.
Because the Lord High Commissioner is a representative to
the general assembly rather than part of the assembly it is not
necessarily for them to be a member
of the Church of Scotland or indeed any other church. However, the legislation we are considering today is necessary, because the holder of
the office cannot currently be a Roman Catholic. The Scottish
Claymores right act in 1689 set out restrictions against Catholics being appointed to public office. With the
19th paragraph saying that by the law of this kingdom, no papist can
be king or queen of this realm, or be in any office whatsoever therein.
Harsh words, if I may say so. But the 1829 Roman Catholic Relief Act
was the combination of a long process, working towards giving Catholics relief from the many restrictions imposed in Great
Britain and Ireland, prior to the
union of 1801. But it retained rather some restrictions on Catholics, most of which have since been repealed but some significant
ones remain. And that is the
building wish to amend today. It is perhaps unfortunate, as the Law
Society have suggested, the Law Society of Scotland that is, that this bill can also be amended to remove the reference to Lord high
Chancellor from the Roman Catholic Relief Act of 1829.
So that the 1829
act can be brought into conformity with the 1974 Lord Chancellor tenure in office and discharge of
ecclesiastical functions act. There is clearly a long history
surrounding this appointment, with the first Lord High Commissioner having been appointed in 1580. Some significant people have held this post in the intervening five
centuries. Including a number of former colleagues at myself and the member opposite share. I name just
the late Lord Douglas James Hamilton, and George Reid.
Colleagues might have spotted something that they all had in common.
That is that they were all
men. It was in fact not until 1970 when the late former MP, Peggy Hermansen, was appointed as the
first female Lord High Commissioner and we then had to wait another 24 years until the appointment of Lady
Fraser to that post. Since then, the Princess Royal has held the post twice. And it would be good to think
that following on from Lady Elish Angiolini's appointment, we might
see women appointed more regularly. The appointment is expected to be made, we are told, on the basis of merit and contribution to society of
the appointee and Lady Elish Angiolini certainly qualifies on
both counts.
Perhaps I should declare an interest here and let the chamber know I have known Lady Elish Angiolini since we were both
teenagers and members of our respective schools debate societies. I have to say, she was better than I was and it is very clear, even then,
that she was destined for a very significant future. If I can put it
that way. But I also served in government with her, when she was
appointed by first Minister, Jack McConnell, as the first female Solicitor-General. She then went on to be the first female Lord
Advocate, and held both positions with distinction.
I was highly
regarded during her time in office.
-- And was highly regarded. She has served in a number of legal posts since then, and as we have heard,
been at Oxford and a pro-Chancellor of the University, and was the first woman to hold the position of Lord Klerk of Scotland, another first for
women. And significantly, I think she is also the Chair of the public enquiry, into the abduction rate and
murder. We can safely say, she's a
good candidate for the role of Lord High Commissioner.
I mentioned an opening that it is regrettable that in 2025, we still have laws on the
statute such as this, and it is. But ironically, the relationship between the two churches it in very good
The signing of the declaration in
2022 by the moderator and Archbishop, is represented of a catholic bishops conference, seeks to build on the common heritage of the two denominations in the
Christian tradition. It recognises divisions are still present seeks to
allow those provisions and what they have in common.
The passing of the bill today and the appointment of
Lady Elish Angiolini to the appointment of high commissioner, takes is another welcome step on the journey. Thank you.
16:43
Brendan O'Hara MP (Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber, Scottish National Party)
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Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker.
It is a pleasure to follow the honourable member for Glasgow. Of course, we welcome the spell of the
government can be sure that we will do whatever we can to assess its progress through the House. But as
we have heard from so many members this afternoon, the fact that in
2025, the United Kingdom are still having to introduce legislation to remove anti-Catholic legislation from the statute books is pretty
embarrassing. The people of the Roman Catholic faith a explicitly
Roman Catholic faith a explicitly
legally barred from holding the position of Lord high Chancellor of the Church of Scotland, a post, which we have heard, can be held by
people of all other faiths, and indeed people have no religious beliefs, is a nonsense.
I do not blame the government or the Minister
one iota. And I am quite sure that they were a surprise as anybody and
having appointed Lady Elish Angiolini to the office of Lord High
Commissioner, one of her lawyers appeared, blowing the cobwebs off the 1829 act, to reveal the floor in
their plan. But it doesn't take away the fact that in the two centuries since that act was passed, the government are still having to
introduce these narrowly focused bills, in order to correct historical wrongs, as and when they appear.
And while I can understand
that they were caught in regard with this particular appointment, I do share the frustrations of the right
share the frustrations of the right
honourable member, who said it would have been better to bundle this
legislature together and remove all existing anti-Catholic discrimination, rather than doing it piecemeal, as and when circumstances
arise. It may well be that given the time constraints of Lady Elish Angiolini plus appointment, that may
not have been possible and to get round this particular problem, it was necessary for the government to do this in a fashion which they
committee doing it, but I do hope -- In the fashion layer committee doing
it.
But I do hope the government finds time to bring forward legislation that removes once and for all all traces of anti-Catholic
discrimination. From UK law. And I suspect, if the Minister were to
approach his boss, he would receive a fair hearing, because as far back as 2002, when an aspiring young
barrister, now Prime Minister, writing in the Guardian described the UK remaining anti-Catholic laws
has been deeply offensive and an
offence to multicultural Britain, and I would like to think that should such a bill be introduced, it would pass through this House
quickly and without too much It is important to point out that
this situation has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the Church of Scotland, who to their
enormous credit have viewed the appointment of Lady Elish to the post of Lord High Commissioner as
completely uncontroversial.
With the principal clerk of the General assembly saying we are honoured that His Majesty is appointing Lady Elish
Angelini as Lord High Commissioner
and we look forward to working
through the general assembly. It is a remarkable transformation, because not so long ago the idea of a
catholic female, particularly at one of Irish descent being the sovereign's official representative of the Church of Scotland would have
been unthinkable, to many. And I am
sure that the Minister will
remember, it was only 1923, then the infamous support that was presented to the general assembly entitled The
Menace of the Irish Waste to Our Scottish Nationality.
As Lord High
Commissioner to be welcomed by the Church of Scotland, is a wonderful
example of how far Scotland as a nation has travelled in recent
decades. But as the Minister has said and others have repeated, it should come as no surprise to any of
us that there is a trail to be blazed that Lady Elish Angelini
would be the one to blaze the trail. In Glasgow educated at Notre Dame,
she became one of Scotland's most prominent lawyers, serving as the
Solicitor General, before coming a
broad advocate, serving both the
broad advocate, serving both the
Labour and SNP at Holyrood before.
She has had several government
inquiries into deaths in police custody and prosecution of rate. She published a report and review into
the complaint against Scotland, before coming chair of the Board of
Trustees, at Reprieve, lawyers and campaigners fighting for justice
with people who are facing human rights abuses, often at the hand of
more powerful governments. As if to
cement our trailblazing reputation, in October 23 she became the first woman to be sworn as the new Lord
Clerk Register of Scotland.
One of the oldest remaining properties of state, with origins going back to
the 13th century. Given the circumstances I do not think they
could be a more appropriate appointment to the role of Lord
Commissioner than Lady Elish Angelini. I think it is regrettable that because of religious beliefs we
have had to pass a bill in this House to allow it to happen. And
finally, given that this is a welcome, but long overdue, I'm delighted to inform the Government
that should Lady Elish, for any reason, whatsoever decided not to take up the role, that from this day
on, I too are available for selection.
16:50
John Grady MP (Glasgow East, Labour)
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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker, a
member of our girl has provided the most eloquent job an application. --
Argyle. I was pleased to hear about the appointment of Lady Elish
the appointment of Lady Elish
Angelini. Not only will she be the first Roman Catholic, she is also incredibly world qualified as a recovering Scots lawyer, who has
held pace and a full advocate and Solicitor-General. Clearly incredibly well qualified for this
role. She is an example and there are some in this House of the excellent education you can get from
state schools, in Glasgow.
The
corridor means of the Roman Catholics at present cannot be Lord High Commissioner. This bill removes
this. I fully support this bill. Lady Elish Angelini is a practising Roman Catholic and there has been
much work between the Catholic Church in Scotland and the Church of Scotland. This includes the St
Margaret Declaration assigned. If Quarterly there has been much work between local catholic and Church of Scotland congregations. I see much
of this work in Glasgow first hand, pretty much every Sunday and it is
an absolute joy to behold.
More widely, Lady Angliolini's appointment is another very good example for progress made, between
two churches. Lady Angliolini has
had a profound saying, it is really important for all religious faith to come together, the world is a scary
place these days and it is important for people of all faiths to meet, share and promote peace and harmony.
This is a good example of her. I
Agree more with Lady Angliolini. I say that this bill is important because it is the demonstration of people of religions and faiths coming together, in Scotland and
putting aside their differences.
And in Scotland and in Glasgow, many people come across a family of nations, people of different faiths
together, for the good of our cause. So in Glasgow we see the many
examples of this, one of the oldest relations. We have a vibrant seek
pollute population -- seek population. Glasgow University
brings a large diversity, with many
of our Jewish brothers and sisters to reflect on the terror of the Holocaust was not people in Glasgow
and in Scotland do work hard to understand and religious diversity
is a source of joy, energy, and at the appointment of Lady Elish as a
real profound moment in this year.
All of this speaks to the words of
the St Margaret's declaration, " What we hold in common is often a
What we hold in common is often a
greater than what divides us. " In these times it is as Lady Elish suggests important that we redouble
our efforts with dialogue and understanding between people of faith and people of no faith to. We
should also, at this moment to celebrate the real progress we have made in our family of nations, in this regard.
This bill is one of
very good example. And I for one and are proud to live in a family of
nations that have had a... A Hindu
First Minister. -- Hindu Prime Minister.
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Minister? Douglas Alexander. Is a genuine pleasure to close that this important debate. I should begin as others are done by
begin as others are done by declaring an interest that I am a
16:54
Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Lothian East, Labour )
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declaring an interest that I am a member myself of the Church of Scotland. I give my thanks to honourable members on both sides of the House for their thoughtful
measured and constructive contributions, in addition to their substantive support for this
worthwhile piece of legislation. As we heard earlier from my right honourable friend, the Chancellor of
the Duchy of Lancaster, this important bill will facilitate the appointment of Lady Anglo Elish Angiolini is the first Roman
Catholic to hold the historic office
of Lord High Commissioner.
It would commend the statutory constraint preventing someone being appointed to the position solely on the basis
of their religion. We have heard, in this debate, a number of views and contributions from honourable members to which I now turn. Can I
firstly thank versus Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, the Member for West Aberdeenshire and
Concord and, for both the anti-
support and spirit of speech to the House today. When it comes to the ecclesiastical deafness of which he spoke, I think the appropriate
acknowledgement of place in our national life is surely a more tablet than phage.
By which I mean a tablet rather than the tablet, the
esteemed Catholic newspaper. In all seriousness the powerful Casey made
the understanding in a modern Scotland was a well judged and clearly demands a support on all
sides of the House. As he stated Scotland has to change. He also is a
fairly Dominican member spoke of knowledge, understanding and empathy of the continuing work and witness,
guiding our national life. My honourable friend the Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire North spoke
movingly of the huge contribution that contribution made by the Church of Scotland, not just in the now
renamed Clyde Presbytery but in
local parishes right across our nation.
I can personally attest to this, my grandfather the Reverend
Douglas Alexander was a parish Minister in Eagle she and my own father was also the Reverend Alexander, as my honourable friend
knows a parish Minister, where she herself spoke of her family ties.
That I am proud to say is now in her constituency, where my father served
in that parish for almost 30 years. It is right to recognise the huge
contribution of the clerks, the work and lives of communities right
across our nations.
I'm happy to do so from this Dispatch Box today. The
honourable member for Edinburgh West brought a zest and enthusiasm to the debate which I hadn't fully
anticipated, but I hope seems merited in light of the contributions we have heard. As a
Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Scotland, she described this bill
accurately as an action standing up for the Scotland that we all want to see. That is the sentiment with
which we would all surely agree. And the honourable member the Edinburgh West also spoke generously and accurately about a Lady Elish Angelini is a genuinely pioneering
role, in our national life.
The sentiment again which would concur on this side of the House. My
honourable friend at the Member for Glasgow West brings to this House and experience of serving in the
Scottish parliament and indeed in the Scottish government's cabinet. That experience was reflected in her remarks in this chamber this afternoon, where she spoke with
warmth inside and from a similar
schooling of Notre Dame about the suitability of Lady Elish Angelini the high office of Lord High Commissioner, to the general
assembly of the Church of Scotland.
I thank the Member for Glasgow West, for sharing these insights and
concur with her view that Lady Elish is indeed very well qualified for
this role. In a reference to her particular observation, on why this bill does not remove the reference
to Lord High Commissioner, from the Roman Catholic Relief Act, I can offer her the assurance that the
reference to the Lord Chancellor, the Roman Catholic Relief Act was actually made obsolete by the 1974
act, while I can understand the desire for a legislative tidying up, the scope of the bill is necessarily
limited to the role of the Lord High Commissioner and the position is clear, following this bill there
will be no restriction on a catholic
holding either role.
The honourable member offered his and his party support for this bill and we are
grateful for that. Cross-party support, in this House is a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to
cross denomination and cross faith understanding, in a modern Scotland.
He rightly recognised the time constraints under which we are necessarily operating today, to ensure that Lady Elish Angelini can
take up this office, in a time for
the gathering of the clerks at General Assembly in the spring. And
despite smuggling into his speech a late and I hate to say a rather
unexpected job application, he rightly recognises Lady Elish as cross-party credentials as a genuine trailblazer in a Scottish national life.
My honourable friend the Member for Glasgow described
characteristic eloquence how, " People in a Glasgow work hard to
understand each other, religious diversity is a source of joy, energy, strength and beauty, in
energy, strength and beauty, in
Glasgow's 850 a year. " Of course in
this he is correct. I should perhaps declare another interest in Glasgow as the city of my birth, but it is
right to recognise that after and at times troubled history of sectarian and religious intolerance, but today, people make Glasgow and those people are comprised of all phase
and none, I thank my honourable friend for his powerful advocacy of
dialogue and understanding.
That
brought to mind a Jo Cox, lately of this House and to thank him for his understanding and contribution to the debate today. A speech that was
very much in keeping with the spirit
Today, Madam Deputy Speaker, it is
indicated there is support for this legislation across at the House. I look forward to hearing from honourable members during the many stages are due to follow shortly,
with the support of the House, I commend this bill to the House.
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The question is that the bill be now read a second time? As many as
are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". The Ayes have it. The Ayes have it. Under the allocation of time order today we
allocation of time order today we shall now move to the committee of
shall now move to the committee of
17:00
Legislation: Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill: Second Reading, Committee and Remaining Stages
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Order. Committee. Church of Scotland
(Lord High Commissioner) Bill
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I remind that in committee, usernames Chair, Madam Chair, Madam Chairman is acceptable. We begin
Chairman is acceptable. We begin with clause one which will be considered, also close to full the
17:01
Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Lothian East, Labour )
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considered, also close to full the question is clause one stand as part of the bill for that I invite the Minister.
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It is a pleasure to serve under
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It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Madam Chair. Let me turn to each of the two clauses in turn, Madam Chair, which will not
in turn, Madam Chair, which will not detain the House for long I hope. The purpose of clause one is to make
The purpose of clause one is to make provision to allow a person of the Roman Catholic faith to hold the office of the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the
Church of Scotland. Madam Chair, the Lord Chancellor, 10 years in office and in charge of the ecclesiastical functions act 1974, removes similar
functions act 1974, removes similar restrictions on individuals taken of the office of Lord Chancellor.
The
bill similarly removes the restriction of Lord High Commissioner from the Roman Catholic Relief Act of 1829. Close to set out
the extent commencement a short
title of the bill. The bill extends to England, Wales, Scotland and
Northern Ireland. The bill also comes into force on Royal assent, this will ensure the upcoming appointment of Lady Elish Angiolini
as the Lord High Commissioner goes ahead in the run-up to the General Assembly and me. My armchair, it is clear this bill commands a broad
consensus and I'm grateful to
colleagues for their approach to this piece of legislation.
I very much look forward to the rest of the
debate today and seen this bill on the statute soon.
17:02
Andrew Bowie MP (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Conservative)
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I call the shadow minister.
as I have expressed full support of his Majesty's official opposition to this bill today. It will not come as a surprise we are not proposing any
amendments at committee stage to this bill. I do have a question for the Minister, however. And it is
when it does he expect this bill to go before the House of Lords and can he assure the House and indeed the
Church of Scotland that everything
will be done to make for a quick passage of this bill up to Royal assent? So it is passed in time for the upcoming General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
17:03
Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Lothian East, Labour )
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Minister.
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We want to make very expeditious process, I'm happy to write to you with the date in which it will be
with the date in which it will be introduced to the laws, with support from this chamber today. But I can assure you, we have been in regular
assure you, we have been in regular dialogue with the Church of Scotland and the other regular offices, and we have every confidence that, on the basis of the support we have
the basis of the support we have seen today, and hopefully any other place, we will be able to make the
place, we will be able to make the timetable to ensure that Lady Elish Angiolini is able to take up her position by the General Assembly in
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May. I do not see any further contributions. The question is clause one stand as part of the
bill. As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it.
The question is that clause to stand as part of the bill. As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the
contrary, "No". The ayes have it.
Order Order whip Order whip to Order whip to report.
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About to report the committee has
gone through and without amendment.
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Third reading. Now. Kings consent? The question is
17:04
Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Wolverhampton South East, Labour)
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Kings consent? The question is the bill now be read a 1/3 time.
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the bill now be read a 1/3 time. Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. Given the mood in the House, I don't
Given the mood in the House, I don't intend to detain people long. But I now know the purpose of the bill, to
allow Catholics to be appointed to the role of Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, that is the
bill. In a nutshell. Today's debates have demonstrated that there is widespread support for the bill
across the House.
I would like to
express my thanks to the Church of Scotland, Catholic Church, Church of Scotland for their engagement, and
the collaboration and development of the legislation. To thank all those
who spoke in the debates. The honourable members for West, Paisley, Edinburgh West, Glasgow
West. Glasgow East. And my right honourable friend the Minister, who
just spoke. I am grateful to all of
them. As I said, after signing of St Margaret Declaration in 2022, both
the Catholic Church and the Church of Scotland declared that what they held in common was far greater than what divides them.
And they would
commit to continue towards working towards greater unity. I hope that
this bill in its small way will continue in that spirit. The
honourable member referred to 1923,
and asked if I was there. I wasn't there. But in the same year, WB Yeats wrote that piece comes
dropping slow. And maybe equality
sometimes, throbbing slow as well,
but but today we have taken a small and important step and I commend the bill to the House.
17:06
Andrew Bowie MP (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Conservative)
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I call the shadow minister.
To give thanks on our side of the
House to those who have made possible the bill be debated today. Hopefully soon to become an actor. The contributions from across the House, and leading engagement with
the Church of Scotland, the Catholic Church, and Lady Elish Angiolini herself, we can all agree this is a very positive step forward and
speaks very well to the type of country Scotland yesterday, certainly wasn't the case 100 years
ago, and to express it again my best wishes to you Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly, to all those attending in their upcoming meeting in May.
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Question is that the Bill be now read a third time, As many as are of
that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it,
contrary, "No". The ayes have it, The ayes have it. I will continue with some other business. Other frontbenchers wishing to shuffle
frontbenchers wishing to shuffle overall are they content? -- Shuffle
overall are they content? -- Shuffle With the leave of the House, I will
take the next three motions
together.
Motion number five on rating and evaluation, motion number six on immigration, motion number seven on immigration, minister to
me. The question is as on the order paper, As many as are of that
opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it,
17:08
Motion: Electoral Commission
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The ayes have it. We now come to
motion number eight on the Electoral Commission. Leader of the House in Tanuvi. The question is on the order paper, As many as are of that
paper, As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye", Of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it.
17:08
Motion: House of Commons Members’ Fund
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contrary, "No". The ayes have it. The ayes have it. We now move to motion number nine are the House of Commons members fund.
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Moved formally.
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The question is as on the order paper. As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it.
17:09
Motion: Modernisation Committee
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contrary, "No". The ayes have it. The ayes have it. We now come to
The ayes have it. We now come to motion Number Ten, relating to the modernisation committee. Leader of the House to move.
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The question is as on the order paper. As many as are of that
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paper. As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it. The ayes have it. I beg to move. This House do now
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adjourn. The question is this House do now adjourn and I call Jim Allister.
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Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. The issue of trade is becoming an
The issue of trade is becoming an increasing problem for Northern
increasing problem for Northern Ireland. Before the protocol, Madame
Ireland. Before the protocol, Madame Deputy Speaker, you could move goods from Birmingham to Belfast as easily as you could move them from
17:10
Adjournment: Trade diversion and Windsor Framework Article 16
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Gloucester to Glasgow. But no more.
Gloucester to Glasgow. But no more. And, the resulting icy border and
all that comes with it has caused a huge and increasing division of
17:10
Jim Allister KC MP (North Antrim, Traditional Unionist Voice)
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trade. We can have an insight into
17:10
Adjournment: Trade diversion and Windsor Framework Article 16
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trade. We can have an insight into how things actually should be, and
17:10
Jim Allister KC MP (North Antrim, Traditional Unionist Voice)
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how things actually should be, and how business wishes them to be. By looking at the NISRA, then other mindedness to sticks and research
mindedness to sticks and research agency -- The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, in
recent years. And we look at the pre-protocol days, we will see in
pre-protocol days, we will see in 2018 for example, the amount of goods, the volume of goods, purchased from the Irish to the
public was 2.8 billion. The amount published from GB was five times
that.
13.4 billion. So, there you
that. 13.4 billion. So, there you
have a snapshot, what is the natural implication of trade in Northern Ireland particularly in respect of
our raw materials. And before
Brexit, it was a similar situation. Indeed, you could say, some might
say, that is a better reflection of whether or not there has been trade diversion. Because before Brexit,
you could as readily buy your goods from the public as you can from GB
because we were all in the EU single market.
And even then, the
predominant trading of choice was
from GB. No surprise, because for
decades, Northern Ireland has been a particularly integrated part of the
UK economy. But along comes the
protocol. It requires Northern Ireland to be subject to the foreign
customs code. That of the EU. And
that customs code, of course, treats GB as foreign country. Therefore, its goods coming from outside the
EU, into the EU, which we in Northern Ireland are regarded as
being an EU for those purposes, those goods have to be checked, you
have customs declarations, you have documentary checks, you have physical checks of all the raw
materials provided for.
So no surprise then, that is bound to
inevitably cause diversion of truth.
inevitably cause diversion of truth.
-- Of trade. We were told, of the spin of selling protocol, the division of trade, that it couldn't and wouldn't be allowed to happen.
Article 16 of the protocol we were told was our safety net. And it
says, if the application of this protocol leads to diversion of trade, the United Kingdom may unilaterally take appropriate
safeguard measures. It has led to
the diversion of trade, but the United Kingdom government has not taken unilateral action in that
regard.
And so, the fact diversion
of trade is a challenge to the protocol proponents, it is a challenge to those who put this upon
us. It is a challenge that they have
to meet. By which I fear they won't. Where is the proof, some might say, a version of trade? Well, again, it
is in the NISRA statistics. Doctor Esmond, renowned columnist in Northern Ireland, has done a
succession of studies of the NISRA statistics. And he wrote, just back
on 11 December, that the data
provided is further evidence the Northern Ireland economy is becoming
more trade integrated with the public that Northside trade is growing at a very rapid weight, at
the expense of what previously was an inflow of goods from Great
an inflow of goods from Great
Britain.
So, you also find that in the purchase of goods that NISRA
reports, they have given us figures
from 2020, contrasting the table of 2023. 2023 is only the beginning of things getting difficult. Because
the Irish Sea border did not effectively come into place until
2023 because of the grace periods. But those figures from NISRA show
that Northern Ireland's purchases of
goods from 2023 increased, and of course it in a period of ovation, by
24% from GB.
But by 50%, so twice
the growth rate of goods into Northern Ireland. Which previously would have come from our integrated
would have come from our integrated
And then we see the Office of National Statistics, business
insight and condition survey. It
says that 13.1% of currently trading manufacturers, based in GB said they
sent goods to Northern Ireland, in the last 12 months. That was at the
end of 2024. Bart, in January 21,
20% of the manufacturers, in GB were
sending goods to Northern Ireland.
So in just those four years, a dramatic fall in the number of
companies manufacturers, supplying goods to Northern Ireland. It is
goods to Northern Ireland. It is
nearly halved in four years. And the OS X data for 2024 tells us more. It
OS X data for 2024 tells us more. It
tells us that -- OS X. 11.7% of
companies tell us they have stopped
trading white? Because of bureaucracy, you have to make
customs declarations, which have to be checked, which have had extra
staff.
In many of the smaller sectors, companies have simply said,
not going to do it.
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With the honourable member give way? In a minute perhaps, I do need to get through what I need to say. It
get through what I need to say. It is beyond doubt I respectfully say
is beyond doubt I respectfully say that there has been a literate back
that there has been a literate back in September, the Royal Holloway Association gave evidence to
Association gave evidence to committee. And they told that
committee. And they told that committee that 30%, that takers to
GB are returning empty.
Why? Because
GB companies have stopped supplying. That is an incredible thing to
contemplate. Trade that works on the basis that you take things out and
you bring the goods back. That is how you make it viable. That is how
the economy works. 30% of lorries are now returning to Northern
Ireland are returning empty. That is
an incredible indictment of the operation of... And things are
getting worse. Because we now have the EU regulation of general public
the EU regulation of general public
safety, which puts more burdens on companies selling into Northern Ireland, because they have to meet enhanced EU safety product
regulations.
I know the craft
sector, 11 suppliers in that niche market stopped supplying Northern
Ireland. It will get worse, because the pass at the border is coming, you're going to have to make more paperwork, more declarations, from
GB to Northern Ireland. Some of the big suppliers like Tesco is, they
have now told it is available, the slides that they showed to their own
main suppliers. They should now buy
from the Republic, because it was
easier to supply.
Than from GB. We have the same happening in veterinary medicines. It is
happening in every sector. What is
it matter? What matters is a very pertinent political reason. The
whole idea of trade diversion, the whole purpose of the protocol was
and is to build a Northern Ireland economy. To dismantle the economic
links of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. To enhance the links with
the Irish Republic and there by to create steppingstones come out of
the United Kingdom, into an all Ireland, for Northern Ireland.
That
was the termination of the ladies behind. We do not need the protocol
behind. We do not need the protocol
to govern trade. If you can organise trade, through Northern Ireland, to GB, without an Irish Sea Border
check. If you can do it, as the
government now tells us you can do it, with checks away from the border. Then equally you could do it
in the other direction. We both recognise if we are going to export
from one territory, to another, our manufacturers must produce the goods
to the standards of the other.
And even force that by making it a
criminal offence to do otherwise. That is the essence of mutual
enforcement. That would work. It is not allowed to work, because of the political agenda of the protocol is
to ensure that there is this
reorientation, this realignment. Then we are told you have got now
inter-trade UK, with no staff, with no budget, in comparison with inter-trade Islands, which is over 50 staff, a budget of £6.5 million,
a year. It is active in the whole
area.
And yet UK trade setup as a shadow. Not being able to compete in
any sense. I do say to this government, you have allowed the economy of Northern Ireland to drift
out of the UK. I believe those who are protocol enthusiasts want that
to happen and now it is happening, the onus is back on you to do something about it.
something about it.
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Intervention looks? I know the member contributed was anxious about getting through his speech. Because the adjournment started early, he
the adjournment started early, he does have until 7:30 PM.
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does have until 7:30 PM. do you want to continue with the intervention? I will give way to the honourable
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member. You should not encourage him. He
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You should not encourage him. He will take the 7:30 PM, because this is such an important subject. Will
is such an important subject. Will he agree with me, not only are the political implications of this trade
diversion, but it is economic implications for Northern Ireland's
economy as well. The increased transport costs, because of lorries don't come both ways, with goods in
them. The fact that many suppliers and people chose suppliers in England, because they were cheaper, better quality, etc.
And now the manufacturers Northern Ireland are
having to go to the second-best suppliers and the additional
paperwork, which is involved. Although it adds to costs, it makes the economy less competitive and
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less viable for the Northern Ireland community. My honourable friend is
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My honourable friend is absolutely right. It is like water. It follows the easiest cause. When
It follows the easiest cause. When we were an integrated part of the UK
economy, the easiest and cheapest course was to do the greater bulk of
course was to do the greater bulk of our trade, with GB. That historically has been our basic
historically has been our basic supply market. Our raw materials and everything else. Then, when you
impose a festering of trade,
naturally business will go to the easiest route.
And the easiest route
now, sadly is deceased trading. --
now, sadly is deceased trading. --
To cease trading with GP and trading with the EU and most particularly the Republic of Ireland. That, in
respect of the United Kingdom, which was built on two pillars, according
to the act of Union. One of them a political union, article 3, establishing of this House is one of sovereign Parliament of all of the United Kingdom and an economic union, through article 6,
establishing the economic union of
unfettered trade between and within all parts of the United Kingdom.
That was what article 6 said. That there should be unfettered trade.
Along comes at the protocol, festering trade, the Supreme Court of course has no choice but to
accept. The protocol has therefore subjugated article 6. The very foundation of our economic union has
caused article 6 to be in
suspension. Article 6, that which says there should be unfettered
trade is in suspension, then it is no wonder that the consequence of
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festering. My honourable friend will forgive me it is about the divergence of
me it is about the divergence of trade. They will know of Coleman's garden centre in my constituency.
garden centre in my constituency. Fantastic garden centre that supplies quite a number of people from across Northern Ireland. We
from across Northern Ireland. We have a difficulty in getting plants and I actually brought across, from
and I actually brought across, from their main supplier, which is in
Scotland.
I was talking to the manager, actually just before this
debate. He was saying he had been in contact with McIntyre from Scotland.
They have just picked up a contract
to supply a product in Japan, with the same product. What they are now actually saying, bureaucracy -wise and administration wise, it is actually easier for supplier to
supply to Japan than it is across the stretch of water into Northern Ireland.
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The absurdity of where we got to.
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The absurdity of where we got to. It has been accentuated by our
It has been accentuated by our subjection to the EU product safety
subjection to the EU product safety regulations. Those regulations provide that if you are supplying into Northern Ireland, from outside
into Northern Ireland, from outside the EU. In other words, from GB. You must have resident within the EU,
must have resident within the EU, and agents. You must complete the paperwork, on the origin of your
goods, on your customs declarations and you cannot do that without
employing an agent, within the EU.
Anyone who knows anything about
business will know that that is an
added cost. And will know that that will cause many businesses to say we
do not have a huge market to start with I am just not start bothering to stop that is what were all
suffering from, our businesses, in Northern Ireland.
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I thank you for bringing this forward, small businesses in my
constituency told me they are now having to HMRC for buying goods from a supplier. It is an issue of cost
a supplier. It is an issue of cost now as well. To the Northern Ireland consumer, remaining within the
consumer, remaining within the internal market. Just this last week, last Friday, they have to pay
week, last Friday, they have to pay more in duties to HMRC for the
more in duties to HMRC for the goods, because the onus is not that the goods will remain, but they are
sold into the EU.
Does the honourable member not agree that the same HMRC operates trust and
acceptance of a VAT deprivations on the premise that they will protect
them. Internal trade within the UK. What a backward step?
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I agree. When you think about the
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I agree. When you think about the Irish Sea Border, it is incredible that given the infant is more amount
that given the infant is more amount of trade that, in regard to the proportion of the EU's trade. The
proportion of the EU's trade. The infant is more amount of goods and
infant is more amount of goods and trade that crosses that border, it
trade that crosses that border, it is incredible that figures showed that it has got 20% of the entire
tax, across the whole EU.
From GB,
to Northern Ireland. That infant is
small, in terms of the totality of
the EU trade. That amount warrants 20% of all the tax, in the EU. These
are goods from Belarus, into the EU. GB, into Northern Ireland.
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Will he accept that .4% of EU trade actually crosses that border
trade actually crosses that border and yet it accounts for 20% of tax. That is not going to be the story
for the future. Within my constituency we are already building
constituency we are already building a £140 million EU control posed on a
a £140 million EU control posed on a 10 acre site, once that's open, then there is a lot more scope to check
there is a lot more scope to check goods and a greater degree, indeed if that is done, what is the point
in having such a large EU border post, in the middle of the UK? Speak of course that is the point.
This is
of course that is the point. This is
of course that is the point. This is
It is subject to EU trade laws and it is EU officials who govern and
within the protocol they have got
the right to supervise check-in and when facilities are provided that
had built into the other ports, then
I am afraid you will see the puzzle of expansion because the protocol we
give them the upper hand and because
of Brexit it gives them the upper
hand.
This is imbued by political motivation and the political motivation is not to give Northern
Ireland the best of worlds, of what
a con that is. In terms of foreign
direct investment which was, the protocol was supposed to make
Northern Ireland Mecca, the
Singapore of the West. It had not
happened. Why? A manufacturer comes to establish in Northern Ireland and
they are not just interested in selling goods out of Northern Ireland but where you get your
materials from unbending supply line has to pass through international
customs controlled by the EU, the
shutting goes of investing.
-- The shine goes off. The situation is
getting dire and has massive constitutional implications and
economic implications and yet the government, I fear, are deaf and
blind to the issue because they do
not want to face the consequences and they are hand in glove with the
EU dismantling the place of Northern
Ireland in the UK and setting us on a course where economics will marry politics.
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We were told by the previous
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We were told by the previous administration that with the Windsor Framework, all would be glorious.
Framework, all would be glorious.
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The previous must leave the House? Not just the previous administration but there has been
administration but there has been calculated and misleading information about the protocol from
information about the protocol from day one. We were told it was but it
is not because you still have to do customs declarations and cheques.
All the raw materials must identify the protocol and must be subject to
the rigour of the EU's international
partner and that is what will cripple it and we have seen it in
cripple it and we have seen it in
small sectors like craft, and when it bites, leg it will, we will see
it across the economy.
I will say to
the government that you need to find some dignity in terms of standing up
for this United Kingdom and this United Kingdom is not just Great
Britain but includes Northern Ireland and it is time to put some
metal into defending that and
running back from the destructive level the protocol has brought to
us.
17:35
Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)
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Thank you very much indeed, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I begin by
congratulating the honourable
gentleman on securing this debate. The House has been left in no doubt
that he speaks about trading arrangements and Northern Ireland
with fervour, as he did previously in November and in his private
members bill in December which the
honourable member for Putney replied behalf of the government. On the Windsor Framework, he is quite
clear, he is opposed to it.
I will give way. Of course.
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Like I there, he has outlined a
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Like I there, he has outlined a
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Like I there, he has outlined a number of occasions that he and his colleague have responded to issue that indicated by the honourable member for St Andrews and he will be
member for St Andrews and he will be aware I wrote about this one month ago and the problems between
ago and the problems between Scotland and Northern Ireland and I am yet to receive a response.
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am yet to receive a response. I can only apologise to the honourable gentleman. I tried very
hard to keep up with correspondence.
Those watching will have noted what
was said and he will receive a reply very soon on the question. I want to
be equally clear on behalf of the government and that is will be
needed to have a system in place for management, a unique set of
circumstances. The system we have is the inevitable result of leaving the
EU.
That is where this all began. If it had not happened, we would not be
having that discussion. That resulted in two trading entities,
the UK and EU, with different rules
but an open border between them. You
will not find anywhere else in the world where that is the case. In other words, all of us together,
everyone must take responsibility
for the consequences of what they argued for. The question is, how do you deal with a unique situation
with trading entities with different rules and an open border between them?
them?
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I must say the way not to deal with it good to say we will handle
with it good to say we will handle part of our territory and put it
part of our territory and put it under their custom law and that declared the rest of the UK as a
foreign territory and we will subjected to the laws are not made
subjected to the laws are not made in the UK nor I did there but will
in the UK nor I did there but will be foreign laws there.
The way it
should have been dealt with is mutual enforcement. We want to trade
with Israel, be near present, and so
anything that we send to your territory, make sure it is right,
and vice versa. Why did we complicate it at the expense of
jettisoning Northern Ireland from the UK, economically and
constitutionally.
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The IOC that his argument in favour of what he calls mutual enforcement is not a credible basis.
enforcement is not a credible basis.
enforcement is not a credible basis. He may disagree but I am expressing review of the government and it is not a credible basis to resolve the
not a credible basis to resolve the dilemma created by the situation and
dilemma created by the situation and the EU. One thing that is clear is the answer was never to try to wish
the answer was never to try to wish it away and pretend it did not exist.
Is it has appeared that
argument has been advanced. The first person to try to answer this
question, the first goal was the
plan that did not get support and then there was the Northern Ireland
Protocol which was never going to work and it was introduced by a
backbencher at the other side of the
chamber and the framework was negotiated and there is no denying it represents a huge improvement on the prospect created by the Northern
Ireland Protocol.
I will give way.
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The Services Minister has seen unique arrangements put in place.
unique arrangements put in place. The bulk of the nation recently
The bulk of the nation recently recognised that the flow of trade through Northern Ireland into Great
through Northern Ireland into Great Britain could equally cause a situation where groups had to be
situation where groups had to be checked to safeguard the GB market but they have put in place
arrangements without the elaboration
and do not require laws to apply to traders in the Irish Republic,
simply checks away from the border and so if the unique situation of
trade from GB into Northern Ireland, which have the non-checked border
with the Republic, must be dealt with using a labyrinth of
regulations.
Why is it possible to avoid that in the other direction?
If the arrangements cannot work from Northern Ireland 2GB, why can't the
work from GP to Northern Ireland?
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As a sovereign country it forces
us to decide how to treat goods that arrive on our territory and after leaving the EU, for a period of
leaving the EU, for a period of time, the government was not checking stuff coming across the
checking stuff coming across the Channel. For, because there was
nowhere to do it and secondly they were concerned about delays,
sureties, cost for the consumer and repeatedly put off implementing the cheques. At the same time, British
exporters were experiencing the full impact of cheques on goods the other
way to Calais and it is for
countries to determine what checks they apply and the same truth
applies to the EU.
It has a single
market. We are responsible country.
Some would say we should say it is not our problem and leave it to them but we are responsible and in the
end we must have a responsible answer for the problem created by departing the EU. How do you make
sure one the EU stayed that goods
that cross the non-existent border... One thing everybody screamed for during the Brexit
debate was the border had to stay
open because it's important for a number of reasons including the progress Northern Ireland has made
since the signing of the Good Friday agreement.
How does the EU ensure
the goods that might go on to
Germany, Greece, France, how can they be sure that the goods meet
standards, the same as we would in the UK and the only way to do that
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was negotiation. I will give way. I thank the right honourable
gentleman for a given way. He raised the point it is up to a sovereign
nation to look after its borders and to the right checks and so does the
honourable member accept has been trade the version in the UK and does
trade the version in the UK and does he accept it is within the
he accept it is within the government agreement to use Article
16 or drop the cheques to protect trade?
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I shall come shortly to the point he raised. I have only just begun my
he raised. I have only just begun my remarks. In terms of the Windsor
remarks. In terms of the Windsor Framework, it protects the UK and, as I argued a moment ago, enables
as I argued a moment ago, enables
as I argued a moment ago, enables the EU to be confident its rules will be respected and my view was that was the responsible thing to do in the circumstances because the
in the circumstances because the government supports arrangements for Northern Ireland and that respect is
particular, unique circumstances.
It is to do with upholding the Good
Friday agreement and the argument of the honourable member as we should
trigger Article 16, unilateral safeguard in the Windsor Framework,
indeed. Do that with the contrary to
Northern Ireland having stable
arrangements upon which to trade. That is now and in the future. It described the benefits that the
Windsor Framework office for businesses and the benefits that are
actively relied upon by businesses, including those who are taking
advantage of the unique access to the UK and the EU Northern Ireland
has.
I have met businesses who have told me that they are taking
advantage of that market access and
I meet businesses in my constituency who have said that they look at what
Allen has got out of these unique arrangements. -- Northern Ireland.
The benefits will be enhanced by
that UK market and the phrase is 'facilitation', which will come into
force in the near future and support the smooth flow of goods across the
whole UK the next phase of the internal market system when it is
implemented this year, without, for example, unnecessary international
example, unnecessary international
Now we've seen the benefits of negotiating a way forward.
There is unilateralism as the honourable gentleman argues, the benefits of
negotiation. In respect of agri-food
and SPSS, we've been able to lift the old ban on seed potatoes moving. Not all those problems are solved, but I'm the first one to acknowledge
that, but it's been an improvement of the situation before. We are now
able to apply UK public health and safety standards to agri-foods on
the basis of primacy for staying in the United Kingdom moving out of the Windsor Framework schemes.
We reached arrangements with EU tariffs
reached arrangements with EU tariffs
enabling quotas, enabling businesses to import products under UK tariff rates. Begotten active assembly which is scrutinising the regulations. And raising its views.
I will come back to that point later on. Medicines for the whole of the
UK are now authorised by the MHRA.
And we ensure that Northern Ireland benefits from the same VAT, alcohol duty and other taxes as the rest of
the UK. All of those are undoubted
and if it's Northern Ireland.
Benefits of the framework, which as I said supports Northern Ireland
access to both of the two markets.
And which this integral part, which
Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom, unique benefits and because we have a law for unsustainable agreement, and it is
in stark contrast to if I may say so but the honourable gentleman has
proposed as a way forward. I will be the first to acknowledge from this despatch box that the Windsor Framework is not perfect. We all are
first noticed.
And when problems arise with the practical operation
of the framework, what this government and the EU have tried to show is that we can work through
them in a constructive and pragmatic way because that's what we have to
do. So example, listening to businesses and the timetable for
businesses and the timetable for
implement the new arrangements on pastors. We took a pragmatic decision to extend that. One of the consequences of doing that is the
introduction of the new less onerous customs arrangements which put off because they use view was you need to do the parcels at the same time
in order for the new customs arrangements to come in.
If you take another example in the horticultural
sector, in the last month, the restriction on the movement of two
species of plant were removed. If we are talking about trees, I think it
takes up to 23, including our beloved silver birch, and number and
advised of varieties of Cherry tree that was sorted out at the end of last year. And we acted, coming to
the question of the Stormont break, we acted on the concerns that the
Northern Ireland assembly raised about the potential implementation
of the new rules on chemical labels,
font sizes, and so on by committing to consult on taking forward measures across the UK that will
protect the UK internal market.
And I would just point out because the
honourable gentleman looks slightly sceptical, but there is a high bar
to be met for the Stormont break. And when I received the application as Secretary of State, I was under
legal an obligation to consider the
rules under the Stormont break and make the decisions I did. In the end what the government announced was moving towards the same outcome that
those who had raised the concerns in the first place wanted just by
different means to which they had
sought.
But in the end, the Stormont break process work to achieve the outcome that they sadly wanted and I
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give way. I think the secretary of state should listen to himself. What he is saying to this House is that we
saying to this House is that we should be grateful to have some sort
of God mechanism to deal with the situation where laws have been in
situation where laws have been in 300 areas the right to make those
laws has been gifted to a foreign power that people are elected in
power that people are elected in Northern Ireland can have no say in those laws, cannot amend them, cannot move them, cannot bring them into effect.
And we should be
grateful that in those 300 areas of law, we might be able to go to the EU and say, please sir, would you
ever mind just making that a little better? Really. Where is the sense of dignity for this United Kingdom
that we would so prostrate ourselves
to a foreign unelected jurisdiction? Unelected by no one in the United
Kingdom to allow them to make our laws, and then proclaim a victory.
Out of the fact of the right to go and ask them to make some changes.
The secretary of state has failed to
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answer the question. There is great adversity. Was he going to do about it? Are not asking anyone to be
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Are not asking anyone to be grateful for anything. I'm simply
grateful for anything. I'm simply pointing out to the House the problem that was created in the first place when we left the
first place when we left the European Union. Well from a
European Union. Well from a sedentary position, if I heard him correctly, the honourable gentleman said punishment. I couldn't disagree
said punishment. I couldn't disagree with him more. And if I would encourage him also to reflect on
what he said, because I don't think
that he is acknowledging that there was an issue there that had to be
addressed, and wishing it away was never going to work.
I give way.
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I minded of the wee song we had at Sunday school many many years ago
at Sunday school many many years ago and it was so high we can get over it. So low we can get under it. And the Stormont break doesn't work
the Stormont break doesn't work because it's too high, too low, justice and functional. In my intervention on the honourable
intervention on the honourable member, I referred to, an example
member, I referred to, an example that was of a business last week, says HMRC have got to a stage with
their charters that their charters are even more expensive and the goods they are bringing in.
There
has to be something wrong when it gets to that stage where it's not just the issue of getting the public
across, is the cost factor. I just ask the Secretary of State if it's
possible to look at that in particular because there is something wrong with the system that ends up costing us more when it
didn't cost any amount of money before the Brexit system came in.
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Very happy to say to the honourable gentleman that, and if you want to provide me with any
you want to provide me with any further information about the particular example that he has raised, then of course I will raise
raised, then of course I will raise it. I would just say on trade, I
it. I would just say on trade, I have a slightly different set of figures to the one I think the
figures to the one I think the honourable gentleman used, but from 2020 to 2023, purchases in Northern
2020 to 2023, purchases in Northern Ireland from GB went from 30.4
million to 62 60.2 million, an increase of 20.7%.
And sales to the
year ending in December ending in December 2023 from Northern Ireland
to GB rose by 12.4%. To 17.1 To 17.1 billion. The honourable gentleman
also used a phrase, I hope I wrote it down correctly, the natural inclination of trade. He used those words at the beginning of his
speech. I would simply observe that the inclination of trade as a
consequence of decisions that individuals and firms make, and
those patterns change over time depending on what they want to buy, what they want to sell, and what the
market itself looks like.
And the point I was making, not seeking
gratitude, is an everyone of the cases I've given, the government sought to work to resolve the challenges we faced, working with stakeholders in Northern Ireland and
with the EU in what I think is a constructive and a mutually
beneficial way. And that's what a responsible government does,
including abiding by commitments in international law on the world
stage. Because the honourable gentleman advocates triggering
Article 16, and it's a measure both refers to the diversion of trade,
also refers to instances where there are serious economic society or
environmental difficulties which are liable to persist.
So given that
most goods are flowing relatively smoothly between Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, how can it be argued that we are facing the difficulties? I would just make the
point if one goes to the port, the lorries come off and many of them go
on their way. The goods are moving.
And that is in contrast to the argument that the honourable
gentleman put towards the end of his speech where I think he used the phrase crippled. And I quote,
crippled the Northern Ireland economy.
When I say to him, I
haven't seen any evidence that the Northern Ireland economy, which by
the way has the lowest unemployment in the whole of United Kingdom, is being crippled by the matters we are
discussing this evening. I will give way, then make some progress.
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He's been very generous with his time. He just said that most goods are flowing freely. Would he not
are flowing freely. Would he not agree with me that if he were to amend that to say in certain
amend that to say in certain sectors, most goods are flowing freely. But in certain other sectors
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freely. But in certain other sectors they most certainly are not. Will it depends I would say to
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Will it depends I would say to the honourable gentleman, depends what his definition of freely is. There are certain requirements
There are certain requirements certain goods have to meet. There is the retail movement scheme, the
horticultural scheme, certain paperwork and documents required. Looking forward to the customs
requirements being reduced later on this year. Hopefully when the new
arrangements come in. But the goods
move. And I don't think anyone in this debate can stand up and say the goods are not leaving in those
circumstances.
And as I indicated, the Windsor Framework represents a
step forward. And so therefore while I respect the sincerity with which the honourable gentleman makes this
argument, I don't believe that current circumstances meet the
Article 16 test. And I think to pull the lever in current circumstances, it would actually throw away the progress that has been secured by
the framework and damage the good faith that has been built up in taking the framework forward. And we all need to remember that not long
ago we had a government that signed an international agreement, and then
set about showing it had no intention of honouring it.
And that
did extraordinary damage to the United Kingdom's international
reputation. Because well, if the honourable gentleman has had quite a
lot to say, and have given way to think about three times to him, and he spoke... I hope you will bear
with me if I just continue my remarks. In the past the idea that the UK would be a country that would
sign an international agreement and then renege upon it would have been extraordinary to all of us in the
House, but that's what happened in very recent living memory.
And that is why the other point I would make
to him is having negotiated, it was the last government that negotiated
the Windsor Framework, I stood up in the House and supported it. The opposition supported it at that
time. I voted for it because I genuinely believed it represented a
significant step forward. But if we don't honour the most recent
agreement we have signed with the European Union, why would they wish to reach agreement with us on what
this government is currently seeking? And in particular, an SPS
veterinary agri-food agreement.
Because if we can negotiate that
with the EU, and this government is coming saying we want to do that.
The government last appeared to say the trade cooperation agreement is all we want, we don't want anything
else. What we have a very different view in this government. We want to negotiate an SPS and agri-food agreement, veterinary agreement, and
that would help considerably with some of the issues that have been raised during the course of this
debate. So the government will continue to listen to the concerns of businesses and respond pragmatically.
And I just want to...
I will give way. And then I will conclude.
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I've listened intently to his
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I've listened intently to his contribution tonight. And I'm somewhat bemused by some of the
somewhat bemused by some of the contribution within it. He speaks of businesses in his constituency that
are jealous of what Northern Ireland businesses have. What we have Northern Ireland as increased costs, increased paperwork, and impediment
increased paperwork, and impediment to trade. It is increasingly difficult for engineering
difficult for engineering businesses, agri-food businesses, horticultural businesses, all within
horticultural businesses, all within
I have invited the Secretary of State to visit and I am still
waiting.
I encourage him to come to Northern Ireland I listen to
businesses impacted on a daily basis by the Windsor Framework and the
protocol. I heard today about two
plants being added to the ever- lengthening list for Northern
Ireland. Great for Northern Ireland,
building. When will we get real and address the real problems that exist with the protocol?
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It is kind of hard to invite me
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It is kind of hard to invite me to come to Northern Ireland. As she knows, I am there regularly and recently met with her, at her
recently met with her, at her request, with two organisations. I
request, with two organisations. I meet with businesses regularly and met with the Chamber of Commerce
met with the Chamber of Commerce Business Brexit Working Group and do my best to respond to requests for
my best to respond to requests for this is from colleagues in the House
of Commons, including herself.
I wish there were more hours in the
day. The independent monitoring panel I met for the first time yesterday had started its work and
that was one of the commitments from the Safeguarding the Union command
paper and it will provide data on
the floor of goods between the UK and Northern Ireland to say if the
Intel guarantee is being met at the first reporting period commenced on
January 6 and includes hundred and 30 and following which they will be a published assessment of any
recommendations and I commit to the honourable gentleman I will consider
the report with the same attention to detail he has shown in forwarding
his argument today.
I conclude by saying the government is committed
to Northern Ireland, the UK, implementing the Windsor Framework in a manner which is consistent with
protecting the place of Northern Ireland within our internal market.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
The question is that this House
**** Possible New Speaker ****
The question is that this House do know adjourned. As many of that opinion say, "Aye." The ayes have
opinion say, "Aye." The ayes have
18:09
Oral questions: HM Treasury
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18:09
Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)
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This debate has concluded