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Live Debate
Commons Chamber
Commons Chamber
Wednesday 16th July 2025
(began 1 month ago)
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This debate has concluded
11:34
Speaker's Statement
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**** Possible New Speaker ****
Order. Order. I Order. I would Order. I would like Order. I would like to Order. I would like to make Order. I would like to make a
brief statement. I'm grateful for the Secretary of State for Defence
for his statement yesterday. This episode raises significant constitutional issues. I have therefore asked the clerk to consider whether any lessons need to
11:35
Oral questions: Wales
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be learned from this case. If so, I will be reporting back to the House
in due course. Let us start with the question to the Secretary of State for Wales.
11:35
Dame Nia Griffith MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Llanelli, Labour)
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Question number one.
announced the largest nuclear building programme in a generation, investing 14.2 billion in a Sizewell
C and selected -- selecting Rolls- Royce SMR to build the UK's first small modular reactors. The Memorandum of Understanding between
the Welsh Government and SME consortium could bring £900 million
worth of jobs into the Welsh supply chain. The government also recognises welfare is one of the
UK's top sites for nuclear development. Wylfa.
11:36
John Lamont MP (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, Conservative)
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What more can the secretary of
state due to incentivise nuclear
state due to incentivise nuclear power in Wales and across the United Kingdom?
11:36
Dame Nia Griffith MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Llanelli, Labour)
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Great British Energy nuclear has confirmed that, subject to final government approval and contract signature, it has selected Rolls-
Royce SMR to build the UK's first small modular reactors. No decisions have yet been taken on the sizing
and we will be setting out our plans in due course. Further to that, as I mentioned, the project at Sizewell C
will be creating enough power for 6 million homes and support 10,000 jobs in the peak of construction. It
will be supply chains across the UK, 70 percent of the construction values predicted to go to 3,500 British suppliers, including companies like William her group in
South Wales, supporting jobs in construction, welding and hospitality.
11:37
Claire Hughes MP (Bangor Aberconwy, Labour)
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I am thrilled to hear that there
is a new nuclear manufacturing facility opening in North Wales. Does the Minister agree that North Wales has the skills and the sites
to realise economic potential of our nuclear industry? And the New Labour nuclear industry? And the New Labour government is ready to deliver on it?
11:37
Dame Nia Griffith MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Llanelli, Labour)
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Absolutely I agree with my
honourable friend. I am pleased indeed today that they are opening a new nuclear manufacturing facility
in Deeside. An example of the UK Government and Welsh Government
working together to onshore the nuclear supply chain, safeguarding 59 jobs and creating an excess of 150 new positions.
11:37
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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With your permission, I will
answer questions two and 13 together. Through the spending review, we are providing a record £22.4 billion per year on average
for the Welsh Government, at least £445 million into Welsh rail, £211
million a year in local growth funding and £118 million of funding
for coal tips safety. You're investing in Wales as economy,
public services and people. We have
public services and people. We have ended austerity. -- We are investing.
11:38
Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat)
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I was glad to see transport projects, including in Wales, in the spending review. My city of
Edinburgh is linked directly by rail with the Secretary of State? City of
Cardiff. Those who run the services in Scotland through open access are hoping to begin a servicing South Wales. Does the Minister agree that
the spending review resents a fantastic opportunity for projects like these that create jobs,
strengthen the union and boost the UK's economy?
11:38
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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I very much agree with the honourable lady about the benefits of the union in relation to the
significant investment this government is making into transport. I'm very happy to take away her
comment on open access and talk to the bell Minister on her behalf. the bell Minister on her behalf.
11:39
Ben Lake MP (Ceredigion Preseli, Plaid Cymru)
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Was pleased to hear the Secretary
of State's evidence to the Welsh affairs Select Committee last week, explaining Wales will receive a
Barnett consequential of some 200 million as a result of the Barnett consequentials in the lead up to the
spending review. Could the Secretary of State clarify whether she was referring to this transport for the city region referred to in 4 June?
The secretary of state for the Treasury has said it is not possible Treasury has said it is not possible to identify the specific Barnett consequential arising from that?
11:39
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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My understanding is just over £200 million figure I refer to in my
evidence to the Welsh affairs Select Committee relates to the combined mayoral authority announcements made
mayoral authority announcements made mayoral authority announcements made prior to the spending review.
11:40
Ruth Jones MP (Newport West and Islwyn, Labour)
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I am delighted that the £500 million announced for the steel industry in the spending review has
already been translated to boots on
the ground and hi viz jackets with commencement of building of the electric arc furnace, safeguarding 5,000 jobs. Will the Secretary of State join me in welcoming the
fantastic progress that has already been made for the steel industry in Wales? And the supply chains all
Wales? And the supply chains all .
11:40
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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Can I thank her for her question. Monday was a really significant day for Welsh steelmaking. I was at the
groundbreaking ceremony for the start of the construction of the electric arc furnace, which will be one of the largest in the world. It
secures 5,000 jobs and the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot for years to come. Made possible by £1.25 billion of investment, including
£500 million from this government, including £80 million to support the wider steel community. This will
support not just Port Talbot but downstream sites as well.
I know this has been challenging for steel workers in North Wales but I hope
workers in North Wales but I hope this week marks a turning point, this week marks a turning point, secure for future years to come.
11:41
Carolyn Harris MP (Neath and Swansea East, Labour)
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As a result of the UK Government's £500 million investment in the future of steel in Port Talbot. Construction has now begun
on the electric arc furnace. Can the Secretary of State share what this
fantastic news means for Port Talbot and surrounding communities like my own?
own?
11:41
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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I think the electric arc furnace and the investment we made as a government into it shows how seriously committed we are to the steel industry, not just in South
Wales, but across the UK. It is why
we have slashed energy cost. Producers and other energy-intensive industries through the industrial strategy, we strengthen procurement
rules to use more UK Steel in construction, we ensure the UK is the only country in the world not
paying 50 percent tariffs to the United States and we boosted trade
defences to protect the sector against foreign imports.
The steel strategy that we will publish later
in the year will deliver up to £2.5 billion of investment to help maintain jobs and growth. maintain jobs and growth.
11:42
David Chadwick MP (Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, Liberal Democrat)
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The UK Government says Wales is getting record-breaking funding to
tackle NHS waiting list. For my
constituent, the reality is the opposite. After waiting 59 weeks for a hip operation, she is being told
she must wait another 45. Why? Because the health board is
artificially extending waiting times for patients in Shropshire and
Herefordshire to match lower Welsh averages, a cost-cutting move driven by the Welsh Government. Does the Secretary of State think this is fair or consistent with the
government's pledged to reduce waiting times?
11:43
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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I am very sorry to hear about
Melanie's situation. I would say to the honourable member that his party were in government with the Conservative government during the coalition years. That delivered
horrible austerity on Wales which
led to it being degraded. He is part
of that.
of that.
That trickle-down from bankers, That trickle-down from bankers, this was not true. She has said that 12
was not true. She has said that 12 years of trickle-down has not worked.
Does she stand by what she
worked. Does she stand by what she said in opposition order she toe the line for the friends in the city? line for the friends in the city?
I did not hear the start of her question but what I will say about tax and what the Chancellor talked
about is we stand by the manifesto commitment not to increase income tax, employer NICs or VAT. The
Chancellor said it would be irresponsible to write future budgets in advance, especially given the future situation.
There are cost applications to every decision this
polymer makes but we are remaining focused on growing our economy in Wales and across the UK.
11:44
Rt Hon Liz Saville Roberts MP (Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Plaid Cymru)
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One way of avoiding answering the
question. My point is that Labour is skewed sense of fairness does not stop at the banks and prioritising
their interest over others, it is also hitting farmers and rural communities. The farmers Union of
Wales warned that Labour's planned reforms will do irreversible damage
to the Welsh family farm. Looking ahead to next week's Royal Welsh
show, will she agree that what we really need is a tax on extreme
really need is a tax on extreme wealth, not a tax on those who feed us and sustain our rural economies? us and sustain our rural economies?
11:45
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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At the Autumn Budget we demonstrated our commitment to fiscal rules while maintaining high levels of investment to rebuild
public services and investment in farming as well, after the mess the Tories left behind. We repeatedly said that those with the broader
shoulders should there the greatest burden and that is being reflected
in the decisions we have taken so far. Tax changes, as she knows, are
far. Tax changes, as she knows, are far. Tax changes, as she knows, are
11:45
Dame Nia Griffith MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Llanelli, Labour)
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Our industrial strategy will unlock growth across Wales and unlock tens of thousands of jobs, targeting areas of strength
including the first compound semiconductor cluster in South
Wales. We announced a new initiative
led by Swansea University and a new defence Steele and £30 million for
local innovation partnership. -- Defence deal. Defence deal.
11:46
Sarah Edwards MP (Tamworth, Labour)
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Like many members in the house, I welcome the Industrial Strategy and the focus on growth for real Tblisi.
We have a number of ex-mining towns which have challenges with upscaling
and retreading the local workforce
in my town faces similar challenges. How will the Industrial Strategy
support the ex-mining towns across Wales, including in my constituency?
11:46
Dame Nia Griffith MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Llanelli, Labour)
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There are many job opportunities
coming through the Industrial
Strategy to Wales and were insuring local communities have the money
available to secure the safety and
it is £180 million on top of what we have already allocated for that. We
are planning industrial zones and we have got three ports and with the supply chain for the various industries. I will mention my
previous answer and that will include areas in Tamworth. include areas in Tamworth.
11:47
Mims Davies MP (East Grinstead and Uckfield, Conservative)
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Let's have some reality. Inflation had 3.6% today. It is the
highest across the G7. This UK Labour Government has a glossy shine
on the so-called Industrial Strategy but it is proving that their actions
but it is proving that their actions
and ethos only deliver worse outcomes for Wales. Businesses across Wales have a disgraceful double whammy with Labour in Cardiff
double whammy with Labour in Cardiff
just this week passing plans for the dire tourism tax.
Has the Minister carried out with the Welsh government any meaningful assessment
to see how many jobs will be lost as
the vital 100,000-strong Welsh tourism sector will be impacted by
the tax and because the two Labour governments approach of failing Wales?
Wales? Wales?
11:48
Dame Nia Griffith MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Llanelli, Labour)
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The Welsh tourism sector is thriving and British residents took over 7 million trips there last year, spending more than £2 billion.
As she will now, more than 40
countries around the world have introduced a similar levy including
Greece, Barcelona, California, and many have not noticed the
difference. This could raise up to £33 million if approved by all those authorities and would support the
long-term thriving industry in Wales as well as providing facilities like toilets that local people could use.
I'm confident we will work with businesses and tourists alike to get
this right. this right.
11:49
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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I will answer questions four and 19 together. We are investing
historic £445 million at least into
Welsh rail to write the years of wrongs of previous Conservative governments and unleash spending.
There will be more level crossings on the North Wales Mainland which will improve services, cross-border will improve services, cross-border connectivity, create jobs, boost economic growth.
11:49
Mrs Elsie Blundell MP (Heywood and Middleton North, Labour)
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The announcement by the
Chancellor at least £445 million for Welsh Rail with better connectivity
and jobs across Wales. This will
only be achieved if we are filling in the right direction. What steps
are being taken to ensure national governments, devolved governments, and the Manchester authority are working together to improve connectivity and bring the people of
the north-west and north Wales closer together. closer together.
11:50
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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She is absolutely right and I was
pleased to see the Cabinet Secretary Lance Network North Wheels in
Wrexham. It is a plan which will
better connect with rail, bus services, integration. There will be
50% more services and cross-border connectivity will be boosted and it
will drive growth between North Wales and the north of England and boost capacity on the Wrexham to
Liverpool line.
11:50
Dave Robertson MP (Lichfield, Labour)
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Question number nine please.
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Just the question.
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Just the question. Can I ask if the Secretary of State agrees that the introduction
State agrees that the introduction of the Midlands Rail Project at full see an additional train per hour
11:51
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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see an additional train per hour coming from Wales to the Midlands and is this a great sign that the government is investing not just in
**** Possible New Speaker ****
the Midlands and Wales but across the country? I thank him for his question and
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I thank him for his question and his goodwill. The first phase will enable additional trains between Birmingham and South Wales,
Birmingham and South Wales, strengthening connectivity between Wales and south England. It is absolutely what the investment is
11:51
Mims Davies MP (East Grinstead and Uckfield, Conservative)
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about, creating jobs, growth,
connecting Wales and England.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Let's have another reality check.
Information provided to us by the Department For Transport confirms the Conservatives funded expenditure
the Conservatives funded expenditure on Welsh rail exceeded £5 billion
over our time in office, underpinned by plans to deliver the North Wales
by plans to deliver the North Wales Mainland. The Welsh Secretary
Mainland. The Welsh Secretary
Mainland. The Welsh Secretary roundly criticised Welsh Rail before saying it was a direct consequence of the last 14 years of underfunding.
As usual, the words of
underfunding. As usual, the words of the government and their belief versus reality are poles apart. This
versus reality are poles apart. This Labour Government are now offering
peanuts ducts just £400 million
miserably over an entire decade.
11:53
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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miserably over an entire decade. Will be Minister retract the claims made to the select committee and the similar ones made to the Welsh social media account?
I will not.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Thank you. Excuse me. He will now
this was an error made under the previous Conservative government. Heavy rail infrastructure is reserved in Wales and like every project in England, the Barnett
project in England, the Barnett consequential do not apply and the enhancement pipeline funds East-West
enhancement pipeline funds East-West Rail and also funds projects in
Rail and also funds projects in Wales such as the historic £445 million investment in rail in Wales
11:54
Mr Will Forster MP (Woking, Liberal Democrat)
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**** Possible New Speaker ****
million investment in rail in Wales which was announced in the Spending Review. The government has claimed
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The government has claimed listing Oxford and Cambridge are in the figures was an accounting error
the figures was an accounting error and the project has not been reclassified to deprive Wales of
funding. Four separate government documents listed as England-only with the Barnett consequential is
already paid to Wales on that basis.
Do they stand by the climate that it has been reclassified and this is not an intention to deprive Wales of fear funding?
11:54
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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As I have explained, an error was
made by the previous Conservative comic and heavy rail was, is, always
is reserved. The Welsh government
will not have to repay any Barnett consequential is provided to it as a consequential is provided to it as a result of an error made by the previous government.
11:54
Mr Alex Barros-Curtis MP (Cardiff West, Labour)
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The Welsh government allocated
over £1 billion to transport in the
last Budget and this was possible after 14 years of underinvestment by the party opposite. They are providing funding to stations such
as the one in my constituency of Cardiff West. Why are the Welsh
executives and Plaid Cymru voting against the investment? Extra funding to build roads, trains, improve buses.
11:55
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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The decision to vote against
additional funding was inexplicable, as was the decision to vote against
extra money for the NHS, education, businesses. I could go on. They
stand here and criticise the government but vote against extra money for Wales.
11:55
Dame Nia Griffith MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Llanelli, Labour)
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Question number six.
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This government is steadfastly committed to farms in Wales and that
committed to farms in Wales and that is why they are protecting the farms
budget at the current level and allocating £337 billion to be built government at the Budget. And the
government at the Budget. And the Prime Minister has announced at the summit in May that there is a new
summit in May that there is a new agrifood deal with the EU and routine border checks will be limited with less paperwork and
limited with less paperwork and fewer costs and British goods like daily, fish, red meat which can be
11:56
Gregory Stafford MP (Farnham and Bordon, Conservative)
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daily, fish, red meat which can be subject to checks will see these
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removed entirely. -- dairy. The aims of the Sustainable
Farming Scheme are laudable but many farmers are expressing concern about the complexity, the potential
the complexity, the potential reduction in food production and the adequacy of financial support on offer. What assurances can be
11:56
Dame Nia Griffith MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Llanelli, Labour)
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offer. What assurances can be Minister give that the bond will be implemented in such a way that supports environmental goals and
economic viability of Welsh communities?
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There will be a transition period and BEPS will be available for those
and BEPS will be available for those not in the SFS. -- BPS. The Welsh
not in the SFS. -- BPS. The Welsh government are privatising the SFS and encouraging farmers to join in. The Farming Union of Wales says that
11:57
Catherine Fookes MP (Monmouthshire, Labour)
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The Farming Union of Wales says that there are workable payment rates in the plan proposed and it provides
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much-needed stability for the sector. The Welsh government's Budget
contains over £300 million to support Welsh farmers. Plaid Cymru and the Tories put livelihoods in
11:57
Dame Nia Griffith MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Llanelli, Labour)
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and the Tories put livelihoods in Wales at risk by voting against this
**** Possible New Speaker ****
crucial funding. Indeed. It is shocking that Plaid Cymru and the Tories voted against
11:57
Q7. What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for offshore wind in Wales. (905156)
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Cymru and the Tories voted against the budget which is giving money to
the budget which is giving money to
11:58
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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In June, the Crown Estate announced it will partner with a
number of agencies to develop
floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. The project will create over 5000 new jobs and leverage £1.4
billion in public investment and deliver generational change in Wales. We are supporting the industry with an investment of £80
million at the port and a £1 billion clean energy supply chain fund to
support offshore wind across the UK.
support offshore wind across the UK.
The proposed floating offshore wind
The proposed floating offshore wind farms lie between the two ancient Celtic nations of Wales and Cornwall. The Celtic Sea will be a
Cornwall. The Celtic Sea will be a valuable source of renewable energy and has the potential to create
thousands of jobs across South Wales and Cornwall. The Minister agree that funding is essential to realise
that funding is essential to realise this potential? And, working hand in
this potential? And, working hand in hand with Cornwall, Wales will play a key role in unleashing the a key role in unleashing the Cornish-Celtic Tiger?
He is right that the floating
offshore wind presents significant opportunities for Wales and the UK
and in the round of leasing that has taken place, we have the advantage
of being the first mover in this new technology of the future.
Earlier
this month, the Energy Secretary gave consent for development for the
offshore wind industry in Wales. This is contributing to securing energy independence and bringing down bills for people in Cornwall,
down bills for people in Cornwall,
11:59
Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)
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I know that the cheering was not
for me. When it comes to offshore
wind in Wales, the manufacturer of
the offshore wind will be provided by the same waters explored by the rest of the country. Is it not time
rest of the country. Is it not time
to have an offshore wind strategy for all of the UK, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, because we will do it better together.
12:00
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)
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I always believe that we do
12:00
Q8. What assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in defence spending on Wales. (905157)
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I always believe that we do
**** Possible New Speaker ****
We are committed to spending five percent of the UK's GDP our national
12:00
Dame Nia Griffith MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Llanelli, Labour)
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percent of the UK's GDP our national security by 2035. A Spending Review to keep our people safe with a 10.9 billion real terms increase to the
Ministry of Defence budget. This will help grow the Welsh economy and the thriving defence sector, which
is employing more than 25,000 people across Wales.
12:01
Olivia Bailey MP (Reading West and Mid Berkshire, Labour)
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The government's commitment to
spend GDP on a national security will be transformational for Wales and my constituency, we have
welcomed a £15 billion boost for the atomic weapons Establishment. Does
she agree that the national security and local economies are better off with Labour?
12:01
Dame Nia Griffith MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Llanelli, Labour)
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Absolutely. Our mission is to become a defence industrial
become a defence industrial
superpower by -- 2035. We are making an engine for growth, boosting jobs and security for people across the UK. We will establish the UK defence
and fund with £400 million to fund
and grow UK-based companies. We are launching a new regional defence growth deals across the UK, including a custom Wales.
12:01
Prime Minister's Question Time
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We now come to questions to the
Prime Minister. Prime Minister.
12:01
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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There has been support across
this House for the United Kingdom fulfilling our obligations to Afghans who served alongside British
forces. We want in opposition about conservative management of this policy. Yesterday, the Defence
Secretary set out the full extent of
the failings that we inherited. The major data breach. A super injunction. A secret route that has
already cost hundreds of millions of
Ministers who served under the party opposite have serious questions to answer about how this was ever allowed to happen.
The chair of the Defence Committee indicated he
intends to hold further inquiries. I welcome that and hope those who were in office at the time the welcome
that scrutiny. President Macron's state visit last week saw us secure historic agreements, coordinating
nuclear deterrence, major investments in Sizewell C, a return steel, restoring order to the
immigration system. Tomorrow I will host Chancellor Mertz for further
talks on security and our economy. This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others, in addition to my duties in this in addition to my duties in this House I will have further such meetings later today.
12:03
Jacob Collier MP (Burton and Uttoxeter, Labour)
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Families in Burton and Uttoxeter
are watching their smart metres and
dreading the moment the bill lands on the doorstep. I welcome Labour's warm homes discount which will mean £150 of energy bills for millions of people across this country,
providing meaningful support in these difficult times. Can he set
these difficult times. Can he set out how this will support families in my constituency and around the country?
12:03
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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I thank you for his question. I met his constituent, Nicola, in her kitchen and she told me about how
hard she is working to support her three children, but the last decade
three children, but the last decade
And public services in disarray. She told me about the difference the warm homes discount would make, £150 of energy bills, she had a metre in her kitchen recording how much
energy she was using. It would make all of the difference to her. I promise her there is much more to
come.
come.
12:04
Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)
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Yesterday, the head of the OBR warned the government that higher and higher levels of taxes are bad for growth. Does the Prime Minister
agree?
12:04
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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I will tell you what is bad for
growth, 14 years of Tory government.
Stagnant growth, stagnant growth for 14 years, leaving a £20 billion
black hole. What we have achieved in the first quarter of this year is
the highest growth in the G7. Investment of £120 billion into this
country, which is a record in the first year of any government and free-trade deals, all of which will boost growth.
12:05
Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)
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He is talking about what he
achieved, we just heard that inflation is up again, the worst in the G7 will stop we left him with two percent inflation, we have a
borrowing up, on Employment Update
taxes are up under his government. The fact is, the Prime Minister does
not get it, let me tell him, his budget last year had high taxes, that is why the economy is contracting. The government said
they would not put up taxes for people on modest incomes.
They also seem incapable of explaining who is
in that category. Can the Prime
Minister clear up the confusion and tell us what he thinks a modest income is?
12:06
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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I think of the working people across this country who put in every
day and do not get back what they deserve. That is who we are working
for, that is who we are fixing the country for, the sort of people who
work hard but do not necessarily have the savings to buy themselves out of problems. That is who we are working for and that is why we put
the national living wage up. The National Minimum Wage up, £2500 a year.
The triple lock, that went up £470. And we are extending
childcare, opening breakfast clubs
and free school meals. We know who we are working for, she comes here we are working for, she comes here every week and talks the country down.
12:06
Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)
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I'm not talking the country down,
I'm talking him down. I asked him
what a modest income was, he answered what a working person is.
answered what a working person is.
The dash but he does not know what a modest income is, he cannot define it. The chief secretary to the
Treasury said working people are those who do not get a payslip, millions of self-employed people do not get a payslip. Our self employed not get a payslip.
Our self employed next in line for a Labour tax raise?
12:07
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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The self-employed other people
who suffered under their watch, repeatedly. Particularly during
COVID when they did not get the support that they needed. She talks the country down, she cherry picks,
we have created, since we have been in government we created 380,000
jobs, employment rate is up and inactivity is down. The opposite of what we inherited.
12:07
Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)
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I do not know where these 3,000 jobs is coming from, and implement
has gone up every month under his government. Perhaps he should speak to farmers and small business people and find out what those working
people think about his government. That is not all, we know the Chancellor is launching a review
into pension contributions. It is as
clear as day why this is, it is because the government is considering taxing them. Does the
Prime Minister agree with me that a tax on pension contributions is a tax on working people?
12:08
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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We made clear manifesto commitments, I'm not going to write
commitments, I'm not going to write
that budget... I'm proud of the decisions we took to invest in our NHS, invest in our public services, all of the decisions that they
opposed. It is no wonder that after a first year of Labour government, business confidence is a nine-year
high.... 384... Business confidence is at a nine-year high!
12:08
Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)
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He says he will not like the
budget but his Chancellor is on the front of the daily Mirror talking about what she will do on taxes, why
can't he do the same in the chamber? I asked about pension contributions, he does not want to talk about pension contributions. It is alright
for the Prime Minister, he has his own special law to stop his personal pension from being taxed. Let's be honest, this is really about
choices. My party knows that there is an alternative to tax rises.
It is cutting spending. Something that
they are too scared or perhaps too
weak to do. We offer to work with him to reform welfare and make
meaningful savings, but his refusal sent a signal. Now the cost of borrowing is rising. The budget is
in November, that is months away, and the markets may not wait. What will the Prime Minister be doing
over the summer to get a grip on the cost of borrowing? cost of borrowing?
12:09
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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They left the most incredible
mess. And now they think they can lecture others. I think just last
week their chairman said that they have done the necessary apologising.
For the 14 years... I did not hear
an apology for those living standards in living history, I did not hear an apology for the £22
million black hole, I did not hear an apology for Liz Truss's mini- budget. Maybe she would like to stand up and make that apology now.
stand up and make that apology now. stand up and make that apology now.
12:10
Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)
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He is not doing... He is not planning on doing anything this
summer to fix the economy. The shadow of the last budget is hanging
over the entire country. Just
yesterday, only the Conservatives supported the two-child benefit cap because only the Conservatives believed in living within our means,
not Labour, not the Liberal Democrats, not reform. But it is the end of term, so why don't we go
through his end of term scorecard? The economy is contracting. Inflation in the highest in the G7.
Unemployment, up every month this
government, spending out of control, borrowing costs more expensive than Greece. This is just the first year. The Labour Party should be ashamed
of what it is doing to the country.
They can shake their heads as much as they like. This summer they will have to go to their constituents and
explain why they have been making such a mess over the last 12 months. This is the case that given this is just their first year, the worst is just their first year, the worst is yet to come.
12:11
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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We are happily going to go to our
constituents, we will tell them we promised 2 million extra NHS appointments, 4 million extra
appointments. It is now 4.5 million extra appointments. We will tell our constituents that. We will tell them about the free school meals we are rolling out, free breakfast clubs,
free childcare and school uniform costs. We will tell them about that.
Then we will move on to affordable houses and tell them about the money we are investing. The rail and road
upgrades across the country, £160 million investment.
And the free trade deals. We are only just
getting started.
12:12
Colum Eastwood MP (Foyle, Social Democratic & Labour Party)
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The Prime Minister will never
know exactly how much it meant to victims of the Troubles in Northern
Ireland, from motocross society, when he came, look them in the eyes
and told them that no murderer would be immune from prosecution. Can he tell us when the last time he spoke
tell us when the last time he spoke
to the... About this? Can he reassure victims that no murderer
reassure victims that no murderer will be seen as above the law? will be seen as above the law?
12:13
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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This is an important issue, can I say that I have profound respect and
indebted to our veterans who served,
this is a complicated issue and we have to get this right. Veterans are
at risk because of the false promises of the last government.
They made a false promise of immunity that does not exist. It was unlawful, it was struck down, it was
undeliverable. Their failed legacy at Leeds veterans exposed with no
at Leeds veterans exposed with no
settled process.
-- Legacy Act. We will create a transparent system that protects veterans from unjustified prosecution, and gives victims, families and survivors the confidence that they need in the
process. process.
12:14
Rt Hon Ed Davey MP (Kingston and Surbiton, Liberal Democrat)
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Can I associate myself with the Prime Minister's words about the shocking Afghan data breach under
the previous government, kept secret
for three years. He will have our support if he decides to pursue a public inquiry. I know the Prime Minister will agree that the
shocking rise of anti-Semitism we have seen since Hamas's October 7
terror attacks has no place in our society. British Jews should not have to live in fear of hatred, racism and abuse on our streets or
online.
A new report from the Board of deputies commission on anti-
Semitism, shared by Lord Mann and Dean Penny Mordaunt, has set out 10 recommendations to tackle this appalling scared. Will the Prime
Minister's to do this report and will his government respond to it in full?
12:14
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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Yes we will. We must fight anti- Semitism where we find it, as we must fight all eight crimes wherever
we find them.
12:15
Rt Hon Ed Davey MP (Kingston and Surbiton, Liberal Democrat)
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Can I thank the Prime Minister for that reply. I hope we will see more action to tackle anti-Semitism. Turning to the Middle East, the
world is looking on in horror at the scenes from Gaza. Now, Netanyahu's
ministers want to lock the whole
population of Gaza into effectively a giant prison. A plan that would
clearly amount to ethnic cleansing. As former Israeli Prime Minister has said. Does the Prime Minister agree
that this is totally up torrent and unacceptable -- abhorrent and unacceptable? Will he make clear to
the Israeli government that the UK will not stand by and will act, starting by sanctioning Prime Minister Netanyahu himself?
12:15
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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I am appalled by the suggestions
in relation to Gaza. Just as I am appalled by the reports of yet more
civilians being killed by trying to access aid. On both fronts I am appalled by what we are seeing and
hearing. We raise it regularly, as he would expect. In relation to
civilians being killed, I would expect them to be transparently investigated with full
accountability for any failings. Israel must clearly put in place measures that properly protect
civilians in line with international law.
That is the case we are pressing repeatedly. We do also want to see, alongside that, an immediate
ceasefire so the hostages, remaining hostages, can be brought out and aid at volume and that speed can be got
in and a political process open to that in my view is the only way we
that in my view is the only way we
This, last year a four-year-old was killed in the cemetery in my
killed in the cemetery in my constituency. Will be Prime Minister
constituency.
Will be Prime Minister join me in sending condolences to his family pressure might also,
his family pressure might also, there are concerns about cuts to
there are concerns about cuts to nursery funding in my area. If this
nursery funding in my area. If this is an example of the efficiencies we will be saying, we should all be worried. Will be Prime Minister agreed to think again?
I sent my deepest condolences to
the friends and family of Eli. I arch -- I do also urge the new Reform Council to change your mind and the damaging cuts which will hit
families.
I have to say that he is doing a better job than his predecessor who was the Conservative party chairman under Liz Truss who
has no joint Reform which proves
once again that if you vote for the Tories you get Reform and vice
versa. We are providing free breakfast clubs and extending free childcare. childcare.
12:18
Rt Hon Sir Desmond Swayne MP (New Forest West, Conservative)
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Jack Straw told us the 1998 act places and is now expectation that
places and is now expectation that
people -- we will remedy the
definition of incompatibility from a court and saw the Prime Minister is wrong to say the Legacy Act is
struck down. His own proposals are
placing our servicemen in difficulty and in the interest of Gerry Adams
and are placing pressure on those who have served, including those on his own benches.
Will he consider that?
12:19
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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The failed act was struck down by
the courts in Northern Ireland. It leaves the actions exposed and we are creating a secure and transparent system that protects
them from unjustified persecution and gives victims, families, survivors, the confidence that they need to have in the process. need to have in the process.
12:19
Paul Waugh MP (Rochdale, Labour )
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Workers in Rochdale received a much-needed pay rise thanks to this
government. Honest businesses are being undermined by the menace of
illegal working, particularly by illegal migrants from Iran and Iraq
illegal migrants from Iran and Iraq
in August barbershops. -- Bogus. Does he agree we must rule out increased measures with ID to crack
down on this issue which is affecting the high street and undercutting the pay of British workers.
12:19
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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My honourable friend is a strong
supporter of his local police and trading standards teams and we have ramped up controls on illegal
working and arrests are up by 50% and we are meeting targets. Digital IT will help us to tackle illegal working and we are rolling out visas
12:21
James MacCleary MP (Lewes, Liberal Democrat)
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to check immigration status and have
to check immigration status and have spot checks of anyone's rate to
spot checks of anyone's rate to work. Speak pregnancy sickness can mean vomiting more than 20 times a day, causing physical discomfort,
day, causing physical discomfort, dehydration, and hospitalisation. It
can have profound long lasting mental health consequences. Recently, a woman took her own life after being denied access to
after being denied access to treatment and tragically her unborn child died, too. Women are facing a
child died, too.
Women are facing a cruel postcode lottery to access treatment. Will be Prime Minister
treatment. Will be Prime Minister act to end the scandal so every woman can get it, regardless of
12:21
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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woman can get it, regardless of where she lives? Will he meet with me to discuss this as a matter of urgency? Speak and I thank him for
urgency? Speak and I thank him for raising this important issue. I am very sorry to hear about the tragic
very sorry to hear about the tragic case dimensions. You will know that the availability of the drug is
the availability of the drug is regulated across the UK by the board
regulated across the UK by the board to make decisions on best treatment for patients compared with value for money for the taxpayer.
I will meet
with him to discuss what more can be done to get a two patients who need
done to get a two patients who need it. -- Treatment to patients. it. -- Treatment to patients.
12:21
Navendu Mishra MP (Stockport, Labour)
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After Stockport Liberal Democrat
and Conservative councillors blocked a funding proposal, the need for
social housing is even greater. Many
families do not have access to a suitable family home. I welcome the record breaking £38 billion of
investment in social housing and I want to make sure areas like mine in Stockport are prioritised. Can we
confirm that these homes will be built, affordable, and will he look again at suspending the right to buy?
buy?
12:22
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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We are delivering the biggest boost in a generation to social affordable housing. The £39 billion investment will deliver around
300,000 sociable and affordable homes with at least 60% delivered
for social rent. We do not intend to
remove the right to buy which helps social tenants get on the property ladder but are reforming the scheme to protect social housing stock and
encourage councils to deliver more new homes.
12:22
Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP (Skipton and Ripon, Conservative)
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Much better understanding of the
particular needs of autistic and neurodiverse children is vital to
expand capacity of education for SEND pupils. Can I arch him as he
looks at the SEND Bill, to introduce
mandatory training for all teachers and staff on autism and new
capacity? -- urge. capacity? -- urge.
12:23
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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Parents and children have been failed too often. We are committing an additional £1 billion into SEND
but there must be meaningful reform alongside it and you teachers must
have the appropriate training. -- New teachers. We are committed to
working with parents and teachers. I will take a suggestion away. I invite him and others across the
House to work with us on this important reform because I think this issue has been raised more than
any other in Prime Minister's Questions.
The system is clearly
broken and needs reform and if we can work across the House to get it right, that is the least we can do for parents and children. for parents and children.
12:24
Tim Roca MP (Macclesfield, Labour)
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I commend the Prime Minister forward in tackling arbitrary
detention of British citizens abroad
and I warmly welcome the creation of systems and they will know about the
anguish of the families of people like Jimmy Lai and others and so can the Prime Minister Kallas van he
anticipates the Appointment and will we have real powers like Canada and
the US to help bring people home?
12:24
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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I thank him for his work on the
APPG, championing work to help
fetish nationals facing the most difficult circumstances overseas. I raise this regularly with international counterparts, as you
would expect. We are committed to getting people regulated with loved
ones. We are working to get the envoy role set up and I will make sure he is kept updated in relation
to that.
12:25
Blake Stephenson MP (Mid Bedfordshire, Conservative)
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Government plans for English
devolution and NHS reform suggests the integrated care board should
align with regional authorities and the plan for Beds would achieve
this. What assurances can the Prime Minister provide that it will be
good value for money and improve accountability and deliver the
services to help my constituents including a much-needed GP surgery?
12:25
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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Value for money and accountability are important and
embedded in the work we are doing with the NHS at the moment but is improving under our watch. The 10
improving under our watch. The 10
year plan for the NHS is intended to ensure the NHS is fit for the future and has principles including principles on local accountability. principles on local accountability.
12:25
Brian Leishman MP (Alloa and Grangemouth, Labour)
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On 11 June, Alexandra Dennis
announced they are planning to stop bus manufacturing in Scotland. --
bus manufacturing in Scotland. --
Alexander. I have been working with various ministers to see how closure
can be averted. Commitment of orders
for 2025-26 and I am delighted we are ideally placed to do this. The Industrial Strategy says that this
matters. Can we ensure Alexander
Dennis and -- assure Alexander Dennis and the workers that they have a future in Falkirk? have a future in Falkirk?
12:26
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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I am aware it is deeply concerning time for workers and
families. Working with mayors and local leaders to develop a pipeline
for buses that are more sustainable and we are holding a meeting with an
expert panel. While labour mayors
are ordering buses from Britain, the
SNP are ordering them from China. SNP are ordering them from China. They should be backing British workers.
12:27
Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP (Beverley and Holderness, Conservative)
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I begin by warmly congratulating the Prime Minister on his first year
in office and I acknowledge the Labour manifesto was beautifully
written and deeply moving and like that other great blockbuster of hope
that other great blockbuster of hope
and redemption, 'The Salt Path', a total pack of lies. With
joblessness, inflation, and that
building, -- debt, and his personal
popularity declaring, could be...
The Prime Minister recommend...
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Let's get on with the question. Could the Prime Minister
12:28
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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recommend a summer recess read to take our minds away from the calamitous journey on which he and
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the Chancellor have embarked? I think most of their backbench
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I think most of their backbench is already on the summer recess, looking at the benches opposite. We
looking at the benches opposite. We are proud of the manifesto and it was very successful and led to a
12:28
Imran Hussain MP (Bradford East, Labour)
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landslide victory and we are very proud to be implementing it.
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Let us be clear in this House,
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Let us be clear in this House, Israel is starving Palestinian children. That is a war crime.
children. That is a war crime. Israel is killing Palestinian
Israel is killing Palestinian children as they queue for food. That is a war crime. Our government,
That is a war crime. Our government, quite rightly, imposes thousands of sanctions on Russia for war crimes
sanctions on Russia for war crimes in Ukraine. How many more horrors
in Ukraine. How many more horrors must we witness before the Mansour
must we witness before the Mansour Abbas with the same scale -- before the Prime Minister acts with the
12:29
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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the Prime Minister acts with the same scale to stop the genocide in
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Israel? Don't Palestinian lives matter? I have heard more reports of
civilians being killed and it is particularly terrible fan they are trying to access aid. Each incident
trying to access aid. Each incident has to be fully and transparently investigated with accountability for
investigated with accountability for any failing. It has to be alongside the ceasefire which is desperately needed and we are working hard with
needed and we are working hard with others to achieve that and we must release all the remaining hostages and protect civilians and get more
12:30
Lincoln Jopp MP (Spelthorne, Conservative)
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and protect civilians and get more aid at speed and volume into Gaza.
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I can see why you called these sessions Prime Minister's Questions
sessions Prime Minister's Questions and not 'Prime Ministers Answers'.
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and not 'Prime Ministers Answers'. If it carries on, there will be no more. Following the magnificent success
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Following the magnificent success of the England cricket team earlier and the triumphant return of Jofra
and the triumphant return of Jofra Archer, will the Prime Minister agree that what he needs to get from
12:30
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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ministers over the next 12 months is
ministers over the next 12 months is
12:31
Emma Foody MP (Cramlington and Killingworth, Labour )
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My ministers delivered on the
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NHS, the economy, rail et cetera. Give us a break. Successive Conservative
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Successive Conservative governments failed to invest in the north-east transport infrastructure.
north-east transport infrastructure. Whilst the Labour government is already changing that with the 1.8 million we saw secure for the
million we saw secure for the region. The grading the roundabout
can build on that, unlocking growth and supported by local people and businesses. Does the Prime Minister
12:31
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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share my disappointing that rather than support my campaign for upgrade, the Conservative leader of the Northumberland County Council are undermining my efforts to
deliver this game changer for the north-east?
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She does a superb job for Northumberland. We have delivered
Northumberland. We have delivered over £400 million of funding for Northumberland County Council. This year. 5.8 percent increase this
year. 5.8 percent increase this year. 80 percent increase in the number of homes starting construction in her area. £30
million increase in funding for
12:32
Martin Wrigley MP (Newton Abbot, Liberal Democrat)
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million increase in funding for Northumbria police. And 40 free breakfast clubs in Northumberland, supporting over 3,000 children. That is the difference that a Labour government makes.
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During my meetings with guests at the Homes for Ukraine Scheme in Mike
the Homes for Ukraine Scheme in Mike Newton Abbot constituency, they tell me they are worried about their visas running out even with the 18 month extension. They see reports of
Ukrainians been reviewed asylum in the UK, -- refused asylum in the UK
the UK, -- refused asylum in the UK as it is said to be safe to return to Ukraine, even as Putin's missiles exploded in Ukrainian cities in record numbers.
Some children are
working on a two or three-year education courses and are frightened of having to leave. For the Prime
12:33
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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Minister meet with them and myself to hear their plight and offer them some hope in this uncertain and dangerous world? I thank you for raising this. We
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I thank you for raising this. We are proud we have extended century to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their
to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their families throughout the visa scheme since the invasion in 2022. We do
need to provide certainty and security for Ukrainians in the United Kingdom. We will provide an
additional 18 months permission to remain in the UK and continued rights to live, work and study here as well.
12:33
Mr James Frith MP (Bury North, Labour)
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In 2017, I led a Select Committee
inquiry that warned of an emerging disaster in SEND. Those warnings went unheeded by the Conservatives who left behind a broken system,
which even they have admitted since is lose, lose, lose. Can the Prime Minister confirm that this Labour
government's rebuilt SEND system
will be shaped by listening to the needs of SEND families, never again
ignored, but served in the best traditions of a Labour government?
12:33
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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He is right, I think there is general agreement across the House
that the system is broken. Just like almost everything they touched,
almost everything they touched,
which was broken at the end of 14 miserable years. It does not work for parents and it lets down children. We will reform it, we are already investing an additional £1
billion. But we do need a system
that truly supports every child, we are developing proposals and I want to work across the House to get the right outcome.
right outcome.
12:34
Pippa Heylings MP (South Cambridgeshire, Liberal Democrat)
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We are suffering record-breaking heatwaves and doubt which are worrying people in South
Cambridgeshire, which is the fastest growing and most water stressed area
in the country. The proposed fans reservoir is important but will only provide water for the already
ambitious housebuilding plans, not
the thousands of new builds the government proposes. Does the Prime Minister agree that the water crisis
in greater Cambridge is a dealbreaker for the government's growth plans? When he helped me
urgently convene the ministerial Roundtable with the Cambridge water scarcity group?
12:35
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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She is right about the drought
and the question generally of reservoirs. It is shocking that a
new reservoir has not been built for a very long time, not at all in the previous 14 years. We are rebuilding
now and we are doing that alongside the infrastructure and housing that we also need to build. We will work
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across the House on that. We will let the Front Benches
12:36
Urgent question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make a statement on the UK’s response to the worsening situation in Sudan
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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 We now come to the urgent question.
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May I ask the Minister if she
12:36
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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will make a statement on Britain's response to the worsening situation in Sudan?
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Sudan is the worst humanitarian
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Sudan is the worst humanitarian crisis on record. Over 30 million people need aid and 12 million people have been displaced. Families
people have been displaced. Families spreading fast and new -- famine is spreading fast and reports the
spreading fast and reports the situation will Life -- situation will deteriorate. Recently aid
will deteriorate. Recently aid workers were killed. This violates international law. The UK calls for accountability for such attacks,
accountability for such attacks, including through the UK press
statement on the 12 June.
Last week, the UK Security Council found
the UK Security Council found reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity may have been committed and
humanity may have been committed and
. The perpetrators must be held to account. The UK continues to play a leading role in ensuring aid gets to where it is most needed. In April,
the Foreign Secretary brought together a broad coalition of partners to build consensus on strengthening humanitarian access. The co-chair statement calling on the parties to facilitate
humanitarian access in accordance
with their commitments in the declaration.
Over £810 million in funding for Sudan was announced, including 120 million of UK aid, supporting over 650,000 people this
year. In the absence of a ceasefire,
the humanitarian situation will only
worsen. We call on worrying --
warring parties to come to a meaningful ceasefire. Any process
that follows must be inclusive. We underline the importance of
returning to civilian rule which is
democratically elected and representative of the whole country. Moves by the Sudanese army forces and Rapid Support Forces to establish their own parallel government will only exacerbate de
facto splits and could lead to
permanent partition of Sudan and this is in no one's interest.
We have and will continue to use all diplomatic tools at our disposal to
protect civilians, get aid to those who need it most and support a Sudanese led peace process with
civilians at its heart.
12:39
Rt Hon Sir Andrew Mitchell MP (Sutton Coldfield, Conservative)
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Thank you for granting this urgent question today. I make no
apologies for raising the desperate straits of the Sudanese people again
in this House. Not least because it is Britain which leads on the Sudanese situation in the United Nations on behalf of all other
nations. The people of Sudan are in the throes of the worst humanitarian
catastrophe in the world. The
, even though such things can hardly be imagined. Earlier this month, the United Nations and international organisations reported mass
displacement of tens of thousands of people, following the combatant forces advancing across quarter-
final states.
There has been increased recruitment of fighters,
increased recruitment of fighters,
including children across -- Darfur.
In the recent and welcome Ministerial Conference by the Foreign Secretary, much-needed money was raised but the goal of a high- level contact group to drive
political efforts towards achieving a ceasefire and protecting Sudanese civilians were met with an impasse.
civilians were met with an impasse.
Despite our efforts, the past two years has been over story of faltering international endeavour
while world events have cast Sudan into the shadows as its people have faced only deepening peril.
I ask
the Minister three questions, what lessons has the government learned from the siege of El Fasher and the
overwhelming of a camp for displaced
people to prepare and protect civilians from the spread of
violence across this area? How are they supporting local emergency response groups? Can she confirm that prevention of atrocities
remains a key pillar of British policy? And is unaffected by the recent cuts in the development
budget? 30, and finally, what is the government doing to advance international efforts to protect
civilians alongside its pursuit of a ceasefire? Are we to assume that the process is dead? What discussions has she had with counterparts in the
United States over recent weeks?
12:42
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 questions and also for his long-
standing interest, not just in Africa, but particularly this awful
conflict in Sudan. Sudan is a personal priority for the Foreign
Secretary, which is why he brought together foreign ministers to try to
find a resolution. The Prime Minister reiterated that the UK will continue to play a key humanitarian role, evidenced by the 120 million
of UK aid announced for Sudan this year. On the question he asks in
relation to the work post Cheddar,
we are working to sustain the momentum of the actions at the
momentum of the actions at the
With the African Union to ensure that strong African leadership is there in response to the conflict.
We also joined the EU consulting
group on Sudan in June, and in Geneva to advance our work on the protection of civilians because he
is right to say that international law in this regard places heavy emphasis on prevention of conflict, prevention of atrocities. We
continue to identify opportunities to use our role as pen holder of
Sudan in the European Security
Council. He also specifically asked about the situation in the El Fasher
camps. I want to reassure him that the UK is doing all it can.
But the
question always is access. We have
the money, we have the workers, it is access that we need in order to
provide life-saving aid and that is the nub of the issue we are working on.
12:44
Abtisam Mohamed MP (Sheffield Central, Labour)
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There is not a single person in
my Sudanese diaspora in Sheffield that has not been affected by the
harrowing events in Sudan. Multiple displacement of millions of the most
vulnerable people, the famine ripping through the population. The worst part is whilst this, the worst
humanitarian crisis in the world, is making every boundary we know, world powers walk away. UK Government has
a unique position as pen holder for
Sudan. I appreciate that we call for a ceasefire for the resolution.
The resolution set no deadline for
concluding the ceasefire and organise no enforcement mission. What are we doing to enforce accountability for the shameful
complicity of states, backing the warring sides? When we push for warring sides? When we push for agreement of a ceasefire so the people of Sudan can be free from this horror?
12:45
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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Can I thank her, and the loud
voice she has in here on behalf of
her Sudanese diaspora. The most
important thing the UK can do to build momentum from the London Sudan conference, building in mind we were the first to really have such a
conference, is to continue to base our work on the statement from the
co-chairs of the important conference to continue to, as she says, use our role in the United
Nations and to work through the new friends of Sudan creeping in order to keep pushing, at the highest
level, as she says, using our position on the UN Security Council to galvanise the Security Council
action and continue the important supply of aid into the region.
supply of aid into the region.
12:45
Rt Hon Wendy Morton MP (Aldridge-Brownhills, Conservative)
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Thank you for granting this
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Thank you for granting this
urgent question today. I am grateful to the honourable member of pursuing this. The situation in Sudan is
this. The situation in Sudan is dire. We are deeply concerned on the International Criminal Court's findings last week that there are reasonable grounds to believe that
reasonable grounds to believe that there are war crimes committed in
there are war crimes committed in Darfur. The humanitarian situation deteriorates, the UN warned of drastic cuts to life-saving food aid
drastic cuts to life-saving food aid to Sudanese refugees fleeing to
neighbouring countries.
Sudan has been identified as a global hunger hotspot of highest concern and without humanitarian assistance, the
without humanitarian assistance, the risks are terrible. With recent attacks on UN aid convoys, can the Minister provide latest assessment
Minister provide latest assessment of the situation and the extent of a blocking? How is she ensuring that
blocking? How is she ensuring that UK aid, including the £120 million announced at the April Sudan conference, will reach those who need it and the aid workers are
need it and the aid workers are
More broadly, what new measures if
the government taking to compel the parties to allow more aid in? How is
she supporting the political forces
to engage in constructive dialogue such as the Cairo Conference and what is your assessment of the
effectiveness of these processes?
Despite the Spending Review,, we get
to understand what the 0.3% means.
Sudan matters. It's not in the
national interests of the UK for the crossing of red lines to persist in this conflict, nor to have displacement of people on this scale
or see further destabilisation in this region of Africa. this region of Africa.
12:47
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 questions and
she asks about the findings from the ICC last week and we acknowledge the
critical findings and that there are reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against
humanity may have well been committed. It is an important milestone in the ICC investigation
into crimes in Darfur and the UK remain steadfast in the commitment
to ensure international law is followed and breaches are called out at investigated. The UK is committed
to assuring accountability for those responsible for atrocity crimes and this includes the fact-finding minded and the ongoing ICC
investigation.
She is mentioned the attack and the targeting of aid
workers, is an absolute disgrace and the clear violation of international law which should be condemned. She
is also mentioned what we have been doing recently and that includes the
consultative group in Brussels on 26
June and contributing to discussions with the UN Secretary-General
personal envoy on Sudan and his plans to have talks with the warring
parties, including on protection issues. She finally mentioned the important question of the Spending
Review.
I'm sure she is aware that we have a lot of lessons to learn
from last time the aid budget was reduced because the National Law Office criticised the way that the
reductions were made in the year, without consultation, and questioned
the value for money. The government will, in contrast, take a long-term
look over the three years remaining in this Parliament.
12:49
Uma Kumaran MP (Stratford and Bow, Labour)
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That this could have been relevant at any time in the last 20
years is damning, and the failure of the international committee. This morning my honourable friend the
member for Huddersfield and I hosted
the BME and others unheard harrowing stories about what's happening on
the drum. -- BMA. Medical centres including hospitals are becoming battlegrounds and as always women
and children are getting the brunt of the devastation. It is a large humanitarian crisis with allegations
of genocide backed by US and the UN and well documented cases of work.
This is a war on civilians. The UK must lead by example in his role as
an envoy and demand urgent action. Can the Minister set out what urgent
action she will take in the next week particularly in Parliament will
12:52
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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not sit again until September and by which time many lakes will have been
which time many lakes will have been damaged. There I thank her for the
damaged. There I thank her for the important work. -- Many lives. I thank her for her role, particularly on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and particularly with the
Committee and particularly with the aid workers who focus on medical
aid workers who focus on medical relief and I'm sure she sure is the concern about the worrying news that
concern about the worrying news that there has been a cholera outbreak in the region and I thank her for her work on that.
She also impresses the importance of UK support to women and girls and the Foreign Secretary
and girls and the Foreign Secretary visited in January to raise awareness in Sudan and spoke
awareness in Sudan and spoke directly to refugees, including survivors, who shared harrowing
survivors, who shared harrowing stories of sexual violence and torture. The Africa Minister was the
torture. The Africa Minister was the
chair of the meeting committee to preventing violence against women and girls in Sudan. She is quite right to say that, this week, we
right to say that, this week, we must do more as we approach the recess and I will do more to share this dialogue in the House so
this dialogue in the House so efforts can be redoubled at the end of August to make sure the UK is well represented in international
discussions.
12:52
Monica Harding MP (Esher and Walton, Liberal Democrat)
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The ongoing war in Sudan is the
largest humanitarian catastrophe in the world and the biggest since it
the world and the biggest since it
began. I thank the Speaker for granting this urgent question. I would like to ask the Minister,
locally led emergency response rooms are essential to response on the ground. How is the UK increasing
support for them? Since the London conference, what bilateral conversations has the government had with regional actors including the
US about Sudan.
War crimes have been taking place on an almost daily basis and the two parties oppose
democracy in Sudan so what is a government doing to support civil
society and groups fighting for a democratic future? It has been repeatedly reported that the UAE is
funnelling weapons to the Rapid Support Forces and these allegations
have been deemed as credible. What is the government doing to address
this and to uphold and expand the arms embargo? How is the government clamping down on illicit trade in
Sudanese gold that is financing the
war? What assessment has been made of the American judgement that
of the American judgement that chemical weapons are being used in Sudan? Speak amok I thank her for the question.
--
12:53
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank for the question and
there will be more questions when we moved to questions for the Foreign Minister on G7 meetings, NATO
meetings, and there are questions asked under the umbrella of international affairs and they have been replied to by the Foreign
Secretary but we can always do more. She is aware we have to keep up the
momentum from the London Sudan Conference. She asks who we are
working with and of course we are working with the African Union and first and foremost it's about
promoting leadership from African countries to deal with this in Africa.
The Foreign Secretary has
redoubled efforts as a well- respected Foreign Secretary within the African Union dialogues and he
has also recently joined the EU consultative group on Sudan and I know that she will appreciate that
and it is a worthwhile forum to be
in. As mentioned, we are working to advance work to protect civilians.
She mentions the UAE and the answer to any partners who might have an element of involvement in the
conflict, the message is clear, we need to press for a peaceful
solution.
Anyone supporting behind
the scenes will need to come together in the right spirit to talk about a peaceful solution for all. Last question on gold in Sudan, I
shall have to write to her.
12:55
Phil Brickell MP (Bolton West, Labour)
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In response to an urgent question in April on the London Sudan Conference, my honourable friend
Conference, my honourable friend
confirmed that conference said a further £120 million of it was required to support the people be Minister referenced earlier. With
that in mind, can the Minister inform the house, in the intervening months, what progress has been made
to ensure the additional aid reaches
the most vulnerable people in Sudan?
12:55
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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The honourable member raises an important point. It's not just about
money but access, diplomatic heft, knocking heads together to get the
aid through to those most in need and he mentions the £120 million for this financial year. The proportion
provides support to local responders bought through the Sudan Humanitarian Fund which is for
emergency agencies and also the Fund
for Sudan which provides direct cash assistance for emergency aid groups
on the ground. The reason for that is often in conflict zones, formal banking collapses and so it's important that, on the ground, the
UK can assist small groups in getting that vital aid in.
getting that vital aid in.
12:56
Rt Hon Sir Gavin Williamson MP (Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, Conservative)
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Such an enormous civilian price is being paid in Sudan but one of
the greatest horrors is the use of rape and sexual violence against
women and children as a weapon of
war. It is being used systematically as a weapon of war. I appreciate the Minister has limited options but I would urge the Minister to look at
every single way that we can be more robust and strong and really lead the charge and make sure vital aid,
not just to combat Tonga but help
people who have been -- combat combo but also help people who have been
but also help people who have been
ripped, we get the aid to them and help them as quickly as possible.
12:57
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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The UK does fund support for the protection and care services
responding to gender-based violence and conflict-based sexual violence in Sudan and they do provide support
to survivors. Longer term grams also
to survivors. Longer term grams also work to tackle FGM and empower women. women.
12:57
Rachel Blake MP (Cities of London and Westminster, Labour )
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I echo my honourable friend about
the terrible suffering and desperate need for support for women and children and I thank the Minister
for the update and piloting the update of the London-Sudan Conference and the urgent need for
access to it. When I speak to my constituents from the Sudanese diaspora, the talk about desperate
sadness and the conversations that they have with friends and family who are still in the region. Can the
Minister update the House on consular arrangements and what is being done for the friends and
family of my constituents? family of my constituents?
12:58
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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I thank the honourable lady for the campaign on behalf of her constituency, Westminster, the city.
I encourage you to use the hotline
with her staff because it's the best way to get consular advice and reassure our communities in the
reassure our communities in the Diaspora of Sudan. Diaspora of Sudan.
12:58
Dame Harriett Baldwin MP (West Worcestershire, Conservative)
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I thank my honourable friend for securing this question on the worst
humanitarian crisis in the world. I welcome the leadership steps that
the UK government is taking. Can she also tell the House what conversations are being had with the
African Union and the UN about the
possibility of sending peacekeepers
13:00
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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into Sudan, in order to protect civilians? Speak I thank her for her
civilians? Speak I thank her for her leadership role in the last Parliament as the chair of the APPG and also her role with the
and also her role with the international secretary as well. We know that there are a number of
know that there are a number of departments and she's mentioned some but the participants in the conference including Egypt, Saudi
conference including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, South Sudan,
Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Uganda, Norway, Canada, the US, Switzerland.
It was a perfect moment and she asks about
a perfect moment and she asks about continuing that and we will redouble efforts with multilateral agencies
efforts with multilateral agencies and also the League of Arab States.
and also the League of Arab States. They have a lot on their plate but this important Sudan does not move down the agenda because it is in
down the agenda because it is in Africa because that is a fear and in terms of mainstream newspapers, we
terms of mainstream newspapers, we must keep this in the spotlight and ensure that, actually and within the
13:00
Melanie Ward MP (Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, Labour)
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ensure that, actually and within the normal time, we work at a multilateral level to maintain our
**** Possible New Speaker ****
multilateral level to maintain our leadership role. The humanitarian situation in
Sudan is horrific with the growing perpetration of atrocities against civilians. It is part of a growing
pattern of mass atrocity crimes being perpetrated across the world
but the UK government strategy on response to these mass atrocity crimes has not been updated since
2019. Does the Minister agree it is
13:01
Rt Hon Sir Julian Lewis MP (New Forest East, Conservative)
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...
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Can the Minister explain what in practical terms the security council could do, even if all of its members
could do, even if all of its members
could do, even if all of its members are neutral on the terms of backing one side rather than the other, if two sides are determined to fight
two sides are determined to fight one another and neither are reliant
13:01
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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one another and neither are reliant on outside assistance to continue the complete, it is there anything
the complete, it is there anything
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the Security Council could do even if it was united on the need for intervention? I think it is not just about the
military intervention in terms of the security, it is also about the
impact of the diplomatic solutions.
impact of the diplomatic solutions. I think the UK has the most important role as the pen holder to try to bring everybody together around the table. That is why we had
around the table. That is why we had the London Sudan conference and there were certain people who threw their hands up and said, we have not achieved anything.
But I think the
achieved anything. But I think the important thing was we laid down a marker and we are following up with other partners and leaders in this area. It is using the Security
13:02
Alex Sobel MP (Leeds Central and Headingley, Labour )
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area. It is using the Security Council leadership role that we will get you a solution. But he is right
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to say there are a lot of things in their plight. What is happening in Sudan and
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What is happening in Sudan and Darfur is one of the world's deepest and longest running humanitarian crises. Fortunately, in South Sudan
crises. Fortunately, in South Sudan we are seeing the rise dash I unfortunately insulted and we are seeing the rise of tensions and military action. Recently the Ugandan army has entered South Sudan
Ugandan army has entered South Sudan and there is risk of regional conflict and Civil War that would take a deepening humanitarian crisis
13:03
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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take a deepening humanitarian crisis across the region. What is the UK doing in terms of talking to Uganda and South Sudan to de-escalate that
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conflict? Is right to say that the longer
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Is right to say that the longer the war lasts, the longer is ripple effect. Can we give credit to countries like Egypt, China and South Sudan in managing the crisis,
South Sudan in managing the crisis, as well as others nearby, they have taken so many in. There has been aid from countries like the UK, but the impact within the region is
impact within the region is devastating. I will certainly take back to the Minister for Africa his particular point about the impact on
particular point about the impact on
13:03
Brian Mathew MP (Melksham and Devizes, Liberal Democrat)
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particular point about the impact on South Sudan, and reply with what we are going to do, this month, not leaving until September, this month.
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Is a former aid worker and
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Is a former aid worker and resident of Darfur, I feel for the people in Sudan deeply. I would like
people in Sudan deeply. I would like to know from the Minister if there are plans to increase the amount of spend for the emergency response
13:04
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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spend for the emergency response groups who are clearly doing a very
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valuable thing at the moment? Can I thank him for the work you did before coming to Parliament and
did before coming to Parliament and the support for so many countries,
the support for so many countries, Myanmar as well. We lay on record that 120 million is a lot of money
and we have to follow that money. There is sometimes a situation where the banking occurs in certain
contexts and that is why we need to have relationships on the ground
with the source of aid organisations
which the member was in this morning, to talk about how was the
13:05
Rachael Maskell MP (York Central, Labour )
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situation today and how we can maintain that. It is not just about the impact of the budget, also the diplomatic work that goes around the
funding so we can maximise that money.
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Their brutal violence being perpetrated against Sudanese civilians is only being fuelled by
civilians is only being fuelled by those external actors from the UAE, Egypt, Russia and beyond. Will she
Egypt, Russia and beyond. Will she ensure that there is diplomatic interventions with each of those
interventions with each of those nations and report back to the House the outcome of that dialogue? Also
the outcome of that dialogue? Also that the UK lead on the banning of
the use of mercenaries in conflict? We have not signed a convention as
13:05
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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We have not signed a convention as UK government, it is time we need a
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UK convention on the use of mercenaries. Can I thank her as the chair of
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Can I thank her as the chair of the APPG, I know she has a diaspora
of Sudanese as well in her locality. Can I emphasise that the UK is not
protecting any country which has an interest in this conflict, we have
interest in this conflict, we have been clear that we expect all countries to comply with the existing sanctions regimes and arms
embargo which works with partners of the UK Security Council to enforce
the UK Security Council to enforce these.
We do need to move to the face of political resolution to the conflict. Can I request her patients that I for the second part of her
that I for the second part of her question into a question I had from
13:06
Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)
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question into a question I had from the other member with regard to updating parts of policies and
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procedures since 2019 on this point. Can I thank the Minister for her answer to all of the questions.
answer to all of the questions. Strong words in the commitment. I
Strong words in the commitment. I believe the words encourage us all and thereby encourage our
and thereby encourage our constituents. Sudan ranks fifth on the World Watch List for Christian
the World Watch List for Christian persecution, with more than 100 churches and Christian buildings forcibly seized in the conflict.
forcibly seized in the conflict.
Christians are afraid to act as
their faith and the murder of 300
people in a region has underlined the reason why Christians live in fear. How can government assist and
fear. How can government assist and will government intervene helping
13:07
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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people of the region who are being exterminated just because they are
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Christians? I thank you for that intervention
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I thank you for that intervention and his work relentlessly in this House on freedom of religion and
belief. This region used to be so
belief. This region used to be so much more diverse, but the space for religious freedom has narrowed and he is right to be challenging. I
he is right to be challenging. I will also share his thoughts with our freedom of religion or belief champion, the member for
champion, the member for Northamptonshire, so we can work together on this and make sure we
13:08
John Slinger MP (Rugby, Labour)
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shine a spotlight on freedom, particularly for Christian communities, and other communities
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in the Darfur region. I'm sure all honourable members
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I'm sure all honourable members would want to praise British diplomats for what they are doing on this issue. The potential catastrophic loss of ever more
catastrophic loss of ever more civilian life, not just in the arms, but in the humanitarian catastrophe, means the conscience of the world must lead to action. With diplomacy
must lead to action. With diplomacy first and foremost. Has the government considered working with
government considered working with allies to ensure all options remain on the table? Does he agree that
on the table? Does he agree that regarding Sudan, previously sought genocide in Darfur, we must ensure
genocide in Darfur, we must ensure
13:09
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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genocide in Darfur, we must ensure we do not have do say is a global community, if only we had acted more
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robustly, or never again. I thank you for his question and
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I thank you for his question and his extensive work in civil society
his extensive work in civil society for these questions. The current position is for us to engage
position is for us to engage extensively through diplomatic means to encourage all parties to come to the table, we are very aware of the complexity of this particular
complexity of this particular conflict and the fact we there is not just to start in the region,
there are a lot of other players as well.
We are uniquely positioned with our role in the United Nations
Security Council, and we do a lot with the Arab states, we do a lot
with the Arab states, we do a lot with the Islamic Corporation groups, we really, at the moment, using
13:09
Ben Lake MP (Ceredigion Preseli, Plaid Cymru)
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we really, at the moment, using diplomatic efforts, double time, I
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do listen to what he says. Given initiatives and efforts to
address the catastrophe have encountered a degree of reluctance,
encountered a degree of reluctance, if not opposition, from states such as Russia, I was pleased to hear the government saying they are working
government saying they are working closely with regional partners, can she say what work is being done to
she say what work is being done to support countries such as Egypt and the African Union to address the humanitarian crisis? And the ceasefire, ensuring the unblocking
13:10
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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ceasefire, ensuring the unblocking of humanitarian aid?
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I thank him for his long-standing
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I thank him for his long-standing interest in element. I know he will be pleased that the participants we have worked with in the London conference continue to be very much
partners in this endeavour. Certainly, Egypt, the kingdom of
Certainly, Egypt, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Ethiopia, Uganda
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Ethiopia, Uganda and more. As the Indo -- Indo-
and more. As the Indo -- Indo-
and more. As the Indo -- Indo- Pacific Minister, we talk with the RCN states who also cared deeply
RCN states who also cared deeply about their brothers in Sudan.
These ongoing conflicts that are not
13:11
Chris Bloore MP (Redditch, Labour)
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ongoing conflicts that are not enjoying the spotlight of attention, we must have those on our agenda
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when we have our diplomatic interventions. I thank her for her responses so far. She will be aware that the
far. She will be aware that the indiscriminate aerial bombardment
indiscriminate aerial bombardment that have happened in conflict and
13:11
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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that have happened in conflict and the disregard of civilian and
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military targets. Although looking at war crimes in the area? Since the outbreak of the
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Since the outbreak of the conflict in 2023, the UK has frozen
conflict in 2023, the UK has frozen the assets of nine come in -- commercial entities. The UK also sanctioned to RSF generals for their
sanctioned to RSF generals for their crimes against civilians in November
crimes against civilians in November 2024. He is like to emphasise the
2024. He is like to emphasise the current sort of warfare which is drones and how difficult they are in
this particular conflict for
13:12
Ayoub Khan MP (Birmingham Perry Barr, Independent)
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this particular conflict for civilians to know how to shield from those. These new method of war is very much top of our agenda when we
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are talking. Can I thank the Member for Sutton
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Can I thank the Member for Sutton Coldfield in having this issue remain at the forefront of the
remain at the forefront of the plight for the Sudanese. We often
plight for the Sudanese. We often hear about the plight, the conflict of Sudan does not get the mainstream media it ought to. We know about
media it ought to. We know about recent harrowing events in North
Korea defined with 300 civilians, including children and pregnant women were massacred. We know there
13:13
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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women were massacred. We know there have been peacekeeping troops on the ground. Will the Minister explore that opportunity with the relevant
nations? Is that something that can be considered?
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Certainly last month we joined
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Certainly last month we joined the UN EU consultative group on Sudan for the first time. Alongside partners from the US, Saudi Arabia,
partners from the US, Saudi Arabia, African Union and Arab states. That
African Union and Arab states. That was top of the agenda. Our role at the moment is being pen holder of the UN, but all channels are open
the UN, but all channels are open and we see all these, but the important thing is we try to get them around the table again and may
them around the table again and may -- maintain the momentum we had for the brief moment at the London
13:14
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conference.
13:14
Jon Pearce MP (High Peak, Labour)
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With 150,000 men, women and
children dead, 13 million people displaced, the tax on humanitarian workers, reports of ethnic cleansing and genocide, Sudan is undoubtedly
the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. And yet, almost nobody
knows. There are no marches on the streets, there is comparatively little media attention, there have
been very few statements and urgent questions in this House. Will the
Minister set out what more the government can do to raise awareness of the desperate need to address this conflict?
13:14
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
spotlight, the UK condemns the
growing body of evidence of serious atrocities being committed against civilians in Sudan, the escalating violence, killing of civilians,
sexual assault of women and restriction of humanitarian access. That is why the Foreign Secretary ensured he visited the border to
raise awareness of the conflict in Sudan and its impact in neighbouring
countries. Speaking to Sudanese
refugees, including survivors who shared harrowing stories of sexual violence and torture.
And the Minister for Africa, for whom this is probably the highest priority
area. He hosted an event with his
Dutch and Swiss counterparts to discuss the alarming rates of conflict-related sexual violence in
Sudan and the inadequacy of current responses and we will redouble efforts following this urgent question to ensure we follow that
question to ensure we follow that question to ensure we follow that
13:15
Mr Gregory Campbell MP (East Londonderry, Democratic Unionist Party)
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The unfolding scenario in Sudan
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The unfolding scenario in Sudan
almost defies assumption. Have been important points made about accessibility and does she agree that in order for it to be
that in order for it to be accessible in terms of aid and assistance, there has to be a
13:16
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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comprehensive international plan to give a realistic hope of delivery in
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the next few months? He is right to talk about the importance of bilateral meetings and
importance of bilateral meetings and working at the multilateral level. Also, to support at the same time
Also, to support at the same time the important area of gathering
the important area of gathering facts as we go along because it can prevent further issues. The UK
prevent further issues. The UK provided manner £80,000 for a witness project investigating
witness project investigating attacks against civilians.
-- £980,000. Also, a fact-finding
£980,000. Also, a fact-finding mission to support evidence gathering and accountability so
13:17
Joe Morris MP (Hexham, Labour)
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gathering and accountability so that, one day, justice will be served. I thank the Minister for
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I thank the Minister for answering the questions and I thank the honourable member for bringing
the honourable member for bringing the question to the House. I frequent contact and I am concerned
about improving accountability for those guilty of war crimes and so
following on from previous questions, can she assure me that we
are leaving no stone unturned in
making sure people face justice?
13:17
Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)
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He is right to say that reports
from Darfur are horrifying. Some may
amount to ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. We had
about this first hand in January. We
will strongly and always support
active investigation and this includes allegations of crimes and
that is why the UK has provided technical support.
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That concludes the urgent
question. I will let the Frontbench
13:18
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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question. I will let the Frontbench We now come to the statement.
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I would like to update the House
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I would like to update the House on the content of the reforms which cover the growth and competitive
cover the growth and competitive strategy which are the 10 year plan for financial services and will make
for financial services and will make the UK a global centre for financial
the UK a global centre for financial investment by 2035 with the country benefiting from success and will build on thriving regional financial
services sectors around the country. The rental services sector as one of
The rental services sector as one of the largest and most productive sectors of the country.
-- Financial services. It provides 1.2 million
services. It provides 1.2 million jobs across the UK's nations and regions. The strategy will unleash
regions. The strategy will unleash the potential of the sector to maximise growth and opportunity in
maximise growth and opportunity in the economy. This will mean working people will get better returns on
savings, homeownership will be unlocked for tens of thousands more people and more businesses will get
people and more businesses will get access to the capital that they need to grow.
The Secretary of State for
to grow. The Secretary of State for Business and Trade recently presented the Modern Industrial Strategy to be JEGS in which
financial services were -- to be House at which financial services identified as an area that we can
build upon, one of eight. We have the fastest growth in G7 in the
first quarter of the year, four interest rate cuts, faster wage growth in the last 10 months that
the previous 10 years of the
previous government.
The FT-SE 100 at a record high and business confidence at the highest in nine
years. I will not take lectures from
those opposite who presided over 11% inflation and debt rising every year. The vision is of an active
state working in partnership with business and the reforms were
codesigned with the industry. The Chancellor and I undertook extensive
negotiation and I was pleased to see natural services firms across the
country will come the reforms
publicly along with the CBI.
They reintroduce informed risk-taking back into the financial services system to deliver prosperity for
working people and we will always ensure financial stability is a prerequisite for economic growth and
we continue to be committed to the high international standards which
underpin the resilience of the system. I will set out the details
of the package to the House. The government is delivering a competitive environment to attract investment and drive growth. We have
set out plans to deliver the most significant reform to the financial
ombudsman service since inception,
ensuring it no longer acts as a quasi- regulator and returning it to
its original purpose as an independent service for complaints between consumers and financial services firms.
We are streamlining
the regime to reduce the burdens
imposed on firms by 50%. We have
passed the FCA to report back by September on how it plans to address concerns about the application of
the consumer duty for firms from utterly engaged in wholesale
activity. Secondly, reforms will put capital for investment into infrastructure and businesses. We
are supporting the changes by the
Bank of England into minimum funds and we are implementing lower capital requirements for
domestically focused banks and preserving flexibility in the
approach for international banks to ensure the UK remains competitive
while aligning with international services.
We are committing to meaningful reform while maintaining
aspects of the regime to support financial stability and protect customer deposits. We welcome the
financial review of the levels needed for financial stability and the decision of the committee to
ease the restriction on mortgage restrictions. -- Mortgage lending. This will allow additional first- time buyers to access mortgages in
the first year. Thirdly, we are making changes to risk for start-
ups. The FCA and PRA will launch a review of scaling up to ensure
fast-growing businesses have access to the resources they require and
there will be a resume to enable innovative firms to start operating file they wait for approval.
We are
modernising and future proofing
regulation for e-money and looking at mixing original district. We are seizing opportunities in leadership
including sustainable finance. The insurance sector has been welded for centuries and we are committed to staying at the front of the pack
with a new insurance framework and we are having an industry showcase
event to sell the sector globally.
We are future proofing the asset management sector which is the second largest in the world and will publish the draft legislation this year.
The UK is already a leading
global hub for stable finance. We have set out plans for a stable
regulatory framework and are giving the industry clarity by deciding not
to pursue the green taxonomy and focusing on ambitious policies to
support investors to invest. I look
forward to working with Lord Sharma and the committee that he is the
chair of to improve UK finance. We want to go further in building a new retail investment culture and
boosting the competitiveness of the
capital market.
We have taken great strides to improve the system, led by the Pensions Minister, so that people can have better saving in
retirement and we want people to get
the best return on savings. For too many, the Amone is not working hard
many, the Amone is not working hard
enough -- the money. The chancel has announced the largest reforms in
more than a decade and targeted support in time for the new tax year
and have welcome steps taken by industry and I thank Chris Cummings
of the Investment Association for helping consumers with the work he
is doing and we are reforming the
system for ISAs to allow better outcomes for savers and the UK economy and we are loving larger
assets to be held in stocks and shares from nature, 11 more individuals to invest in assets that will support future success in the
UK and see better returns on savings
to ensure capital markets.
We're also announcing a new listings Task Force Klepto Capture office of investment to attract world leading
investment to attract world leading
businesses. We also have an ambition
to improve the digital pilot. We are taking steps to enhance UK leadership and ensure the UK remains
the most open and connected financial centre in the world. We
will launch a service to attract international financial services
firms to invest in the UK and draw their business and be a further facilitating cross-border activity
with the publication of guidance on overseas recognition regimes.
And
will look at the UK regulator on this. In conclusion, through these
steps, the government has placed
financial services at the heart of the growth mission. The strategy for 10 years is ambitious and the most
far-reaching reforms to financial services for 10 years, unleashing the fantastic potential of the world
living financial services sector, backing British businesses, unlocking homeownership for tens of thousands across the country,
supporting savers to get returns, and investing in our shared future.
I commend this statement to the House.
13:27
Mark Garnier MP (Wyre Forest, Conservative)
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I am very grateful to the
Minister for advanced site of her statement. Many of these reforms were formally known as the Edinburgh
Reforms and much can be welcome. On this side of the House, we will
always support reforms to the financial sector that ensure the City of London remains a global
powerhouse but the rhetoric from the Chancellor lasted about growth and stability of skewers the truth of
this government's record. -- Obscures. Growth is at a standstill
and despite the fanfare yesterday, the government, shot other ideas, is forced to turn to the City of London
for inspiration in a last throw of the days, looking for an engine for
growth with stifling policy.
The Chancellor described the government
as a beacon for stability but the
legacy was handed over to her. Unemployment was at historic lows with record levels of employment and inflation under control. That is a
stable foundation that the government was handed the keys to. This government presents over
instability and the OECD, the Bank of England, they have all sounded
the alarm that growth prospects had collapsed. The government is claiming to be cutting red tape for
claiming to be cutting red tape for
industry but they are talking about the Plan to Make Work Pay but there are burdens for employers with 17 new legislations, similar to the
1970s.
This comes even as they threaten to increase paperwork for
expenses and for financial services,
on these benches, we welcome sector confidence and clarity but words
must be matched by careful delivery. On reforms to the Financial
Ombudsman services, there is agreement it should return to its roots as a fast and effective
dispute resolution service and not a quality regulator but when many
businesses are waiting for reform,
when will be given power to make backdated changes to legislation and what impact will the reform have on
this such as a case before the Supreme Court? Turning to streamlining the approach of the FCA
and PRA, it might increase fiction
but we must make sure it is not windowdressing when critical challenges remain.
The FCA and PRA
must admit stability in the market
is not the only way to deliver growth but objectives must be aligned and ambitious in the drive
for reform. Turning to ISAs, the
Chancellor trumpeted reforms including something we welcome which is in terms of high returns for savers. There is no certainty in the
future of the cash ISa and the government, whether clarity, risks
undermining ambitions and that is trumpeted by the Chancellor during the speech last night. On capital
investment policy, we welcome reform but the change I championed during
the recent changes on capitalisation, this will help challenging banks to compete and
The government's review of ring
fencing rules is coarsely welcome.
But the government confirmed that a line at the US and EU has been
considered? More broadly, the history of the last Labour
government reminds us that good intentions are never always enough. The Financial Services and Markets
Act 2000, that the then Chancellor
introduced, introduced a tripartite system which was well conceived but badly implanted. He contributed to the effect of the 2008 financial
crisis. It falls on this government to demonstrate they will not repeat
those mistakes again. Finally, at Mansion House last night, the Chancellor missed a crucial
opportunity to be straight with the British people and rule out further tax rises.
I asked the Minister today, will she guarantee working
families and businesses will not face more tax increases. Will she
rule out any further surprise raids on the British taxpayer? British
financial services sector has away thrived when reforms are clear. The test of these reforms will come when full details emerge. Ultimately
growth will only come the Chancellor realises that hard-working people
and businesses across the country are the real agents of economic growth. Thank you. growth. Thank you.
13:32
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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Thank you Mr Speaker. Half of that was alright I suppose. I do actually want to start
constructively and thank him for his
welcome to some of the reforms, and answer some of his specific details before I come to the wider points. On the financial ombudsman service,
have set out in great detail what we
are going to do. Some of that changes require primary legislation that he will be aware of. We are
proposing an absolute time limit of 10 years.
However, with discretion for the FCA to give longer periods
in the case of products with longer lifetime. I can't comment on the
ongoing issue on car finance. You will know it is working its way
through the courts. He talks about the different objectives that the regulators have. We have been very
clear that the regulators, that we expect them to embed the secondary
objective to facilitate economic growth and competitiveness. Whilst also obviously complying with the
other objectives. He will see that in the remit letters that the Chancellor sent to the regulators at
the last Mansion House speech last
the last Mansion House speech last
November.
On ices, on ISAs,, we continue to consider reform to them. We want to make sure more people
have the opportunity and confidence doing best which is why targeted support which will be introduced by
firms, we have worked on at pace, will be introduced by the end of this tax year and will shift the
dial and give people confidence to invest. I think he said that he was
in favour of what we are doing on MRL. I know he agreed with the will be put through the House which is
Coming into force today, the Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Bill.
So I thank him for his support on
that. On ring fencing, we have detailed which areas we are going to look at. I'm happy to write him
further. One area is sharing resources across that ring fenced
and non-ring fenced part of banks. We want to ensure that we strike the right balance between growth and
servility. His point about economic stability Mr Speaker, I will take the lessons from the party opposite,
where we had inflation at 11%, people paying extremely high
mortgage rates.
Debt rising year after year. The only thing that was stable under the government was
wages that were flatlining.
13:34
Dame Meg Hillier MP (Hackney South and Shoreditch, Labour )
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Chair of the select committee. Day Meg Hillier.
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I thank the Minister look forward on the Treasury Select Committee to interrogating her about the detail
interrogating her about the detail
of this as we look at it as the detail emerges. And the Chancellor. One of the things the government has been talking about since the election, leading on from the
election, leading on from the previous government, is the remit letters which encourage growth to the regulators as a secondary
the regulators as a secondary objective. Would she be clear on computers when she will be clear about how the government will be
about how the government will be clear about its own appetite for risk in the sector? So both firms of the regulators know how far the
the regulators know how far the government would be prepared to go, because I know from our experience in this place that if too many
consumers suffer under any changes, this will be what is raised.
There
this will be what is raised. There is a tendency for government to say, you went too far. For the sake of the sector and regulator and
13:35
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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the sector and regulator and constituents, can she tell us either now or when she will be able to tell us the government line on risk
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reform? I thank her thoughtful question. I'm happy to come to the committee and talk about in more detail. The
and talk about in more detail. The Leeds Reforms regulate the growth, instead of seeking to eliminate risk from the system altogether. We know
from the system altogether. We know that in order to get greater returns, there is a need to take informed risk. It will enable firms
informed risk. It will enable firms and consumers to take informed risk. We will always obviously support the regulators and legislate in a way
regulators and legislate in a way that protects consumers from bad
13:36
Daisy Cooper MP (St Albans, Liberal Democrat)
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practices and bad actors. Liberal Democrat spokesperson. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.
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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. There is much to welcome in this statement was the hope it sends a strong signal to the fintech sector
strong signal to the fintech sector and stable finance that UK plc is open for business. It is important to get the balance right between
growth and risk. We would like to welcome the announcement of a scaled
up unit. I asked the Minister whether it will have a mandate to look at liquidity valuation, two of
the challenges that prevent British start-ups from scaling up here at home.
The retail investment culture, we welcome plans to reform the financial advice and guidance, and
national advertising campaign. We believe we should trust people to
weigh up the risk and rewards of investment if they are properly informed. But we also know that money habits are formed as young
age. Can the minister advise whether the government has any plans to introduce financial literacy as part
of the school curriculum? And from cradle to grave. Will the government
say when it will confirm when they will bring forward any reforms at
all to cash ISAs? The uncertainty is
undermining the government's own goal.
Mortgages many have been prevented from getting onto the
housing ladder, and this was unexciting to them. Can the Minister say what reassurance she can provide
that additional lending will not result in boom and bust? And with inflation jumping today, what is a
realistic number of those up to 36,000 first-time homeowners getting on the housing ladder in the next
year? We welcome the streamlining of
cheques on senior managers, but can the government confirm that these changes will not expose financial firms and their customers to greater
risk.
Finally, if the government wants a step change in economic growth, this is a start, but the
government must go further and faster having a better trade deal with the EU.
13:38
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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I think we have a very good deal
with the EU that we agreed in May this year, which we will continue to
build on. I was very pleased to have invited European Commissioner for
financial services, who was at the dinner last night at Mansion House. I will try and get through all of the questions. On liquidity
evaluations, I point out to her that we have some of the deepest capital
markets in the world. Last year, the amount of equity capital raised in
London was larger than the three extra European exchanges put together.
But I recognise the issues that she was talking about. On the
advertising campaign, the Secretariat has been lead on this
and will look at risk warnings. There should be a balance in risk warnings to make sure the risk
warning is also informing people of the benefits of investing over the long term. She rightly talks about
the importance of financial education and capability. It is
something that, in the financial inclusion strategy which will be publishing in the autumn, we will be putting forward suggestions on.
I
wanted to reassure her because this is a cross departmental effort, but I'm speaking a meeting actively to
Schools Minister so we can be aligned with the curriculum review that she knows the DfE are taking
forward. She asked about mortgages.
Can I reassure her that obviously we have had extensive regulation since the global financial crash. We are
not going back to the bad old days where there were no verification checks on affordability, and there were 125% mortgages. The system that
we have got means there are people on modest incomes who are unable to
get on the housing ladder.
For example, Nationwide have said because of the Bank of England's
recent decision, they will be able to help an additional 10,000 people each year with their Helping Hand
Mortgage, to fulfil their dream of homeownership. That is a great step
forward and it will mean that people across the country are able to
benefit from the security of homeownership that many in this house do, particularly those on
modest incomes and those in generations they have been deprived of those opportunities.
13:40
John Grady MP (Glasgow East, Labour)
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Select Committee Member.
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These reforms are targeted on getting great investment into
British infrastructure. These reforms are targeted on cutting red tape. Would my honourable friend
tape. Would my honourable friend
tape. Would my honourable friend agree with me that it is a bit rich for parties opposite to criticise the government for introducing redtape when they brought in the
redtape when they brought in the planning and infrastructure Bill which creates projects we can invest
13:41
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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which creates projects we can invest in an gets houses to deal with
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housing inflation? Could not agree more. We are intent on building the 1.5 million
homes promised at the last election. I remind the honourable gentleman opposite that in fact the OBR, even
opposite that in fact the OBR, even before we had the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the first planning reforms, the OBR has scored
planning reforms, the OBR has scored this to be the largest increase in GDP by the end of the scorecard of
13:41
Dame Harriett Baldwin MP (West Worcestershire, Conservative)
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any non-fiscal lever in its history. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.
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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. The economic secretary may want to have a look at Hansard and make sure that she got the right sound bite
that she got the right sound bite into the record about the 10 months of wage growth in the comparison. My
understanding is that indeed wage growth was slow after the financial crash. We tried to compensate that
with increasing personal allowances, but actually wage growth has been bouncing back since the pandemic was
top she may want to correct the record that is the case.
To that
Leeds Reforms, as they have migrated from Edinburgh down to Leeds, the Treasury Committee will scrutinise
the implementation. But is it her vision that they should be implementation over the next year
before the next Mansion House speech rather than on the 10 year basis
that she outlined as a strategy?
13:42
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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I thank her for her question. I will refer her, because it is very
useful, to page 63 of the strategy which sets out an ambitious timeline
for implementing reforms that the Chancellor set out last night, and
indeed in Leeds yesterday morning for it will show her that we have
already taken action to influence some of the decisions we took, in
November last year, introducing new private securities market, which is now open for business that we
legislated for in May.
It will be a demonstration of how we are working at pace. There are other things that
will take a little longer. She will understand, having experience in
this place and government that some of these things require primary legislation. She will see by the two page summary at the back of the
strategy how we plan to implement the reforms at pace to unleash the
potential of the financial services sector.
13:43
Preet Kaur Gill MP (Birmingham Edgbaston, Labour )
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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. Too many of my constituents are
trapped in the rental market pain of someone else's mortgage instead of saving for a home of their own. Average rent in Birmingham have now
passed £1000 a month for the first time, driven sharply upward since
the mini-Budget. I strongly welcome the Chancellor's Leeds Reforms which will help 36,000 first-time buyers
onto the housing ladder. Can the Minister say more about what the
government is doing to boost housing supply, so that homeownership can become reality for more people in cities like mine?
13:44
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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I thank her very much for the question. As my honourable friend said previously, the package that we
announced yesterday, announced by the bank of England but also the FCA discussion paper, goes to the heart
of making sure we have the right balance here between ensuring people have affordable mortgage products
but also ensuring that they are accessible to more people up and down the country. As she will know,
and she is referring to I'm sure, the planning at infra structure bill that the other planning reforms that
we set forward some of the most ambitious planning reforms for a
generation.
They will unlock the potential for those homes to be built so we can get more and more first-time buyers onto the housing
ladder.
13:44
Rt Hon John Glen MP (Salisbury, Conservative)
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Select committee member John Glenn.
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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I welcome the reforms, they build on
welcome the reforms, they build on much that was done in the previous administration will stop but they do build on them and acknowledge in terms of the consumer facing
terms of the consumer facing changes, on mortgages, on ISAs, the aspiration to get people investing, they are positive. On the listings
they are positive. On the listings review, we did a listings review about four years ago. All of it is
about four years ago.
All of it is just about implement it. I would urge the Minister to look at culture
urge the Minister to look at culture and fiscal issues as well as regulatory issues. The second point I would make is around the PRA, and
I would make is around the PRA, and the scale of ambition on that side of the regulatory framework. In
of the regulatory framework. In conversations with senior leaders at Mansion House last night, I think it was felt that the FCA's level of
was felt that the FCA's level of ambition is high, but be wary of constant shifting of the goalposts,
constant shifting of the goalposts, and a lack of real change particularly on the internal rating
particularly on the internal rating based, and how banks can get the regulatory capital treated differently more quickly because it
13:45
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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is taking too long and needs to
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We have listed a task force which
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We have listed a task force which will be a joint thing. It is different. It is a joint piece of
different. It is a joint piece of work between the office of investment and HMT and other
departments to ensure that we are attracting the best and the brightest companies to list here in
brightest companies to list here in the UK. There were many reforms undertaken by his government on
undertaken by his government on listings taking forward the review,
listings taking forward the review, the Mark Austin review, and he will see that the FCA published its final prospectus rules as well.
We have
prospectus rules as well. We have got to get the regulatory side right, but there are other factors at play that we are looking at as
at play that we are looking at as well. On the FCA, all I will say this to reassure him that, as he knows, I hold the relationship with
knows, I hold the relationship with both of those regulators and we will continue to push them to be ambitious in supporting our growth
13:46
Clive Lewis MP (Norwich South, Labour)
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agenda.
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I want to confirm that my name is Clive and not Cassandra, yet I do feel like the Trojan princess
forever warning of things that would go wrong but being ignored. Can I be reassured, given that the Bank of
reassured, given that the Bank of England has repeatedly said that losing mortgage lending standards and allowing more people to borrow
and allowing more people to borrow larger sums relative to their income can push up house prices and
can push up house prices and increased financial instability? Given the state of the global economy, I do appreciate that these
economy, I do appreciate that these are not the same D regulations that took place before the crash, but
took place before the crash, but surely she can understand that many of us will be cautious about deregulating at a time of such
deregulating at a time of such instability.
I understand we want to get more people on the housing
ladder. We want to increase growth, but there is a risk. I wonder
13:47
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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whether that risk has been duly appreciated. Can I reassure him that our agenda is to streamline regulation
agenda is to streamline regulation and to make it more proportionate, and obviously, there are guardrails
and affordability checks for mortgage providers, and at the
moment, the level of repossessions is very low indeed, and banks and other mortgage providers to all of
the work to avoid repossessing homes, and as I said, we are not
going back to the bad old days of 125% mortgages and no verification
on people's affordability.
This is about rebalancing the system to ensure that more people can afford
to buy their own home but it is
about struggling because he is right to ensure that we are taking more informed risk and that we do that while ensuring financial stability.
13:48
Bobby Dean MP (Carshalton and Wallington, Liberal Democrat)
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The Chancellor announced a list
of reforms yesterday. Many of them are on the shopping list of industries so the committee will examine them closely to make sure
they work for the consumer and the long-term stability of the economy. There was one change in particular
that will worry those with strong memories of the crash and that is of
ring fencing. The Conservative spokesperson indicated that perhaps
we need to look at removing ring fencing entirely. I think that will be a big step backwards.
These are
driven by Liberal Democrat cables which would separate everyday
customer deposits from the risk of investment banking, so can the Minister give us assurances now that the hard earned savings of families
will not be put at risk by the speculative activity of other people's money?
13:49
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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Highways have great pleasure in giving evidence to the committee.
And can I reassure him that the government is upholding the ring
fencing regime and we have got to strike the right balance between protecting financial stability and safeguarding depositors, but
equally, we think there are some flexibilities that should be explored within the ring fencing regime which will allow further
growth and further capital to be deployed in the real economy.
13:50
Callum Anderson MP (Buckingham and Bletchley, Labour)
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I thank the Minister for Health statement. I commend the work that
she and the Chancellor have done on the wider Leeds reform. I want to
pick up on the forthcoming campaign to promote retail investment which has the potential to reshape public understanding of risk, reward and
financial planning. The problem with many previous campaigns is that it
has failed to reach the people who most need it. So, can the Minister
provide a bit more detail about how the Treasury intends to work with financial services industries, and civil society to ensure that the
campaigns have financial capability and efforts across the population?
13:50
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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He is a great campaigner on this
issue, and he is absolutely right. This isn't an easy nut to crack. We
will work very closely with the industry led campaign. We need to give people the confidence that if
they want to invest and save for the longer term, they will be able to
secure better returns through investing rather than just holding
large amounts of money in cash.
13:51
Rt Hon Sir Julian Lewis MP (New Forest East, Conservative)
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Whenever I listen to the
excellent times radio and other commercial broadcasters, I am always
favourably impressed by the fact that, at the end of every positive advertisement for a financial
product, three words are said,
capital at risk. Can she assure the house that in the review of risk warnings that is going to be
undertaken, that basic fundamental red flag at the end of people pushing for you to invest your money
in some grand and profitable enterprise will not be left out?
13:51
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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We are not suggesting getting rid
of this. I think that is what he is
asking directly, but one of the investment platforms did some
research about the wording of risk warnings and he will know that there is quite agenda gap here between men
who, if you look at your figures from the Financial Conduct Authority's, financial life survey, that more men have the confidence to
invest in women, and there are other demographic factors as well. We want
to give people the option and the confidence to invest, but of course,
there will always be risk warnings.
But there is a risk, if over the long-term you hold all of your
savings in cash due to inflation as we know.
13:52
Dame Chi Onwurah MP (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, Labour)
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The science innovation technology
select committees enquiry into regional innovation and growth has
repeatedly heard that access to capital outside London and the south-east is the biggest barrier to
start-ups scaling up and delivering growth and jobs. So the reforms that
have been set out to reintroduce informed risk taking which I'm sure
will be prudently implemented should, as she said, realise capital
to catalyse growth. Can she say a little bit about how it will deliver
more capital investment into the productive economy of the north- east?
13:53
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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I might not be able to give her specifics about her region right
now, but what I will say is that my colleague the pensions minister has
secured an ambitious industry led
cord which commits 90% of pension,
17 of the pension funds representing 90% of active DC savers to be
invested 10% in private assets, half of those to be in the UK, and they
will be on the hunt for firms who need to be successful in the future, need the capital to start up and
sail up, and we are working closely with the British business bank on these issues.
13:54
Rupert Lowe MP (Great Yarmouth, Independent)
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After 20 years in the City of
London over the last year, I have had to endure a stream of what I would call financially illiterate
verbal babysitting. I listen today
and hear the Chancellor talk about regulating the growth. You don't regulate for growth, you regulate
for growth. The problems are the FCA and the PRA who sprang from the
financial services market in 2000 which was a Labour act which created the FSA and that turned into the
PRA.
Those two organisations have
shut the City of London down. We are now a shadow of our former selves in
terms of raising global capital, and I heard you say the opposite.
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Please be seated. You heard the Minister. You don't refer to the Minister as you. And please come to the question.
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the question. My question is, is the Minister aware of the information about
aware of the information about caveat and to which used to be a
caveat and to which used to be a requirement for entry. It is risky to push people into investments as you hollow out our economy with higher taxes.
13:55
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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higher taxes. As the Minister hollows out, not
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you and me. Let me just say that I think
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Let me just say that I think there is, with the exception of him some cross-party support for the
some cross-party support for the regulation that we have. Of course we do need proportionate regulation
to ensure that there are protections in place for consumers. He seems to be suggesting that we get rid of
regulators altogether which I think most members of this House would be opposed to. I have heard of the
concept and I am suitably patronised by him.
13:56
Andrew Pakes MP (Peterborough, Labour )
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One of the first visits I
undertook at the election was to my local branch of nationwide which, for generations, has been providing
financial advice. One of the previous periods of financial
deregulation by the party opposite, we saw a movement which led to the demutualisation of the building society movement and created
uncertainty for thousands and thousands of Tencel homeowners and people looking for financial support. So, can I asked the Minister she can reassure the house
today that the cooperative sector will be absolutely essential to the everyday financial service that working people need?
13:56
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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It is something that the
Chancellor and I are passionate about, making sure that we deliver
our commitment to double the size of the sector. We have asked the
financial services regulators to report by the end of the year as to what more they can do to support the
growth of the sector. We are supporting the industry led cooperative and mutual's counsel, chaired indeed by the chair of
nationwide Kevin Parry, and indeed, we have concluded recently a call
for evidence on the common bond, another form of mutual, and we will be setting out our response in due be setting out our response in due course on that issue.
13:57
Dr Kieran Mullan MP (Bexhill and Battle, Conservative)
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Given the news on inflation today, the ongoing increases to employment and the downgrading of
growth forecast is right that this government is looking at other ways
to stimulate growth, but the poor rate of returns on ordinary bank
accounts and savings accounts. My constituents want decent rates of returns on ordinary savings accounts, and Martin Lewis and
others have pointed out that market remains stubbornly resistant to passing on interest rate savings and
offering competitive rates, so while I understand what they want to get
people to invest in other types of savings, what plans to she have to tackle the poor rate of return people get in ordinary savings in bank accounts?
13:58
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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I am engaging with Martin Lewis who is a doughty champion across the
country. I will say to him that you
did the consumer duty, banks and other providers have a duty to
ensure that they deliver the best outcomes for their consumers, but I do know what he says.
13:58
James Naish MP (Rushcliffe, Labour)
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I thank the Minister for Health
statement and I know there is a concierge service that is referenced
within investment that will court international development and act as
a one-stop shop to promote the UK. Can I ask our regional dimension may
be considered within that for places like the East Midlands where I'm an MP whether maybe significant future potential for both jobs and investment.
13:59
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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The concierge service will be working across the country and I
reassure him of that. It is about ensuring that the UK has a single
shopwindow to international firms looking to either setup or invest
further in the UK, and as we have set out in the reforms, the benefits of that investment and the benefits
of unleashing the potential financial services should be felt across the country in the East
Midlands and beyond.
13:59
Rt Hon Liz Saville Roberts MP (Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Plaid Cymru)
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The grim truth is that people's
living standards in Wales have still not recovered from the 2008 crash which resulted in a Labour prime
ministers bailing out the banks and the Tory austerity experiment, so
whilst the government not risking a repeat of the mistakes of past when all the evidence shows that growth
will not trickle down from poorly regulated bankers? regulated bankers?
14:00
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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I say to her gently that we are not talking about going back to
2007. We have come a long way since then. After the crash, there were financial services, regulations
introduced and a new system of financial services in terms of the
FCA and the PRA, so conduct and potential. We are not talking about
going back. We are not bringing back the 125% mortgages. We are simply
saying that we need to reassess where we are and that the pendulum has swung too far the other way.
We
need to rebalance the system so that both consumers and firms can take informed risk to drive growth across
the country to make people better off, to give people the opportunity
to secure better returns on savings. I would encourage her to look at the detail of this. We are looking to
rebalance the system not go back to
rebalance the system not go back to
14:01
Samantha Niblett MP (South Derbyshire, Labour)
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Is the co-chair of the APPD for fintech and with a 17 year old daughter who is considering how she
should best save for her future, I welcome this news with real joy as we try to bring more wealth to more
people. I suspect this joy is shared by the founder of platform that encourages women into retail investing, can start with small sums
indeed. Another person who founded Blue Money supports people from
ethnic minorities to build generational wealth through group saving on budgets, and the founder
of another company that is about shareholder democracy to a digital
age.
Giving everyone a seat at the table, whether they are savers or managers. Does the Minister agree
that the government's approach, encouraging investing should give
turn confidence to those considering investing into the female founded fintech companies they can scale and reach more people to help them
become wealthier and more secure?
14:01
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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I could not agree with her more. She's a fantastic champion of the
fintech sector. We have a thriving fintech sector already. The second
largest in the world, second only to the US. We are determined to ensure
that those companies access the capital that they need, and access the authorisations and licenses they
need from the regulators. That is a
decision for the regulators, but it should be done at pace so these companies can get up off the ground and start to scale.
Providing
opportunities for retail investment, but critically, providing innovative products for consumers across the country.
14:02
Chris Vince MP (Harlow, Labour )
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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I thank the Minister for his statement
today for the number one thing the constituents of mine in hollow raised with me is the soaring cost of the private rented sector. Would
she agree with me that reforms would help first-time homeowner buyers in
hollow get on the housing ladder and
working alongside the £39 billion investment in social housing, this can only good for my residence? can only good for my residence?
14:03
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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I could not agree more. We want to ensure that the dream of
homeownership is expanded across the country including in his constituency of Harlow. The estimate is because of the reforms that we
are taking forward, and there will be more to come, that 36,000 new
first-time buyers will be able to buy the homes in the first year of this reform being in place.
14:03
Mr Gregory Campbell MP (East Londonderry, Democratic Unionist Party)
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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.
The economic secretary said it is at
a record high. But it is the case that many other countries in Europe
are at a record high. But she talked about the cash ISA problem. Would
she agree that what will be done to install confidence amongst the wider
public who hold money in cash ISA's but are very reluctant and fearful of investing even in lower risk
collective investment that, over the longer term, would produce much
better returns than cash ISAs which are subject, she rightly says, to inflation? inflation?
14:04
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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I thank him for thoughtful question. We are doing a number of things. The first is working at pace
with the FCA to ensure we have targeted support in place by the end of the tax year so it is in time for
the new ISA season in April next year. We are looking at that risk
warnings and also the industry led campaign on advertising opportunities of investing. We are
doing all that we can and it is good that we have honourable members on different sides of the house who are supporting us in this.
Obviously
different people will be at a different stage in the journey in life. If people are retired they may
not want to invest in the stock market, I understand that their perspective stop they need more readily available cash. But people
who are younger or up middle-aged, I don't know where I fall into that
category, thank you. If they are able to, they could even put a small
amount away to invest in their future. It really concerns me recently that there was a report
suggesting that many people did not know their pensions were invested in the stock market.
That is how they
get better returns on their retirement. There is a huge campaign that we need to run together with the private sector to educate people
about the opportunities and give people the confidence to invest. At
the end of the day, it will be down to people how they choose to invest.
14:05
Josh Fenton-Glynn MP (Calder Valley, Labour)
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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I
welcome the Leeds Reforms today, many of the best things, they
started in West Yorkshire. I see they are still chuntering from a
sedentary position. It undermined an important point, that financial
services on not just reserved for the people in the City of London that they are all around the
country. Can the minister agree with me that one of the important things
we can do to grow the economy is to focus on things this country does well during a financial services? well during a financial services?
14:06
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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Absolutely right. We were at Lloyds Banking Group yesterday in
Leeds where Lloyds in the wider region employed thousands of people.
There are some great opportunities here in the establishment firms,
also, as my honourable friend from mid-Derbyshire was talking about, some of these new firms that are
outside of London as well that are growing and providing innovative products. I was in Scotland recently
talking to a group of fintech's about the support they are getting to work closely with some of the
banks in Scotland.
To drive further investment into fintech, and the
collaboration between more established players and the new players is very positive to see.
14:06
Chris Bloore MP (Redditch, Labour)
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Final question.
for his statement. Listening to my neighbour from Worcestershire, charismatic neighbour from the
frontbench, as charismatic as he is I don't think he can justify a
record of 11% inflation, a £200
increase in mortgage payments and the revolving door of prime ministers and chancellors as a record to be proud of. But my
question about 29 million people in this country who have deposits in current accounts, was people who
invested in the stock exchange over the last 10 years saw yields of 9%,
how do we convince and educate those customers to give them the
confidence to get much better outcomes and their investments? outcomes and their investments?
14:07
Emma Reynolds MP, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Wycombe, Labour)
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Similar to what the honourable gentleman asked a little earlier, I
think we need to demonstrate, there
has been lots of different research, but AJ Bell did some research
recently showing that people would have been better off investing in
stocks and shares ISA than a cash ISA. It is showing that sort of evidence. Obviously the stock market
can ebb and flow and fluctuate, but if people are saving for the longer term, they should certainly consider
investing.
That is what the industry led campaign will look at. How we
can advertise the benefits. Of
course there will still be risk warnings but we need to ensure we get the balance right here between
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telling people there are risks but also telling people there are great benefits of investing too. That is the end of the statement on financial services reform. Point
14:08
David Simmonds MP (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, Conservative)
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on financial services reform. Point of order David Simmonds. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.
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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. May I seek your guidance. The NHS announced yesterday morning the
announced yesterday morning the closure of the Mount Vernon Hospital minor injuries unit in my
constituency which also affects the members for Beaconsfield, South West Hertfordshire, Harrow East and West Uxbridge and South Ruislip and
Hollington. The decision flies in the face of the 10 year plan for the
NHS announced to the house recently. My letter to the Secretary of State on 24th of April has gone completely
unanswered.
How, particularly given
the impending recess, can I place my concerns on the record and hold ministers accountable for this action? action?
14:09
Ms Nusrat Ghani MP (Sussex Weald, Conservative)
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I'm grateful to the honourable member for giving notice of his point of order. The chair is not responsible ministers replies to correspondence with honourable
members. But colleagues in all parts of the House are entitled to expect
a timely response to the letters, especially from ministers on constituency matters. He has put his
point on the record and I'm sure Treasury frontbench will have noticed his remarks. And will pass
that on. Point of order Zarah Sultana.
14:09
Zarah Sultana MP (Coventry South, Independent)
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I seek your guidance regarding
the accuracy of the official report in Hansard. My speech on Wednesday
second of July 2025, the debate on Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism, I said the words " We are
all Palestine Action. " The video
and audio recordings clearly confirm the whole sentence was spoken. But Hansard has omitted the final word
of that sentence. I have been advised this is due to a long- standing convention not to report word spoken after the chair
intervenes.
But in this instance, the record omit words spoken before the chair's intervention. I'm aware of precedent which I provide members
final words have either been proceeding or overlapping in
intervention and have been included to preserve the accuracy of the record. Despite this, Hansard is not and refused to amend the entry that
has since removed the sentence entirely. This blatant attempt of censorship and rewriting the record
is deeply concerning and undermines the integrity of the official report. Can you therefore advise me
and the House on that there are formal mechanisms to challenge permissions of this kind, reinstate
the accurate records and ensure that Hansard fulfilled its duty to
provide a full and accurate record of proceedings in this house?
14:11
Ms Nusrat Ghani MP (Sussex Weald, Conservative)
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You're a member has twice put her
words on the record. She is not aware of her colleagues across the house, Hansard has their own
editorial policy. She wishes to have her words corrected, she needs to
take that directly with Hansard. It is not the responsibility of the chair.
14:11
Richard Tice MP (Boston and Skegness, Reform UK)
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Point of order.
Minister's Questions earlier today, the member of Parliament for Rossendale and Darwen misled the
House. House.
We don't use language like misled the House we are talking about other colleagues. He will have to check his words if you wish to continue.
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I'm grateful. The member for Parliament for Rossendale and Darwen
may have possibly inadvertently misled the House with regards to Lancashire County Council and
Lancashire County Council and nursery funding. The reality is that unfortunately because of that, the
unfortunately because of that, the Prime Minister that gave an answer based on that possible inadvertent
based on that possible inadvertent misinformation. The truth is that Lancashire County Council carrying
Lancashire County Council carrying out a statutory consultation as to whether to follow the example of Labour controlled councils such as
Labour controlled councils such as at Blackburn and Blackpool, as to whether to have a small modest
14:12
Ms Nusrat Ghani MP (Sussex Weald, Conservative)
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noticing fee. The honourable Member will no
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The honourable Member will no doubt have already contacted the member that he referenced in the chamber. If not I have no doubt he
chamber. If not I have no doubt he will do so. If only the chair was responsible for the content of
members members questions and answers, but the chair is not answers and questions that members
provide. He has put his words on the
record and will get a response. I now move on to Presentation of
I now move on to Presentation of International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Policies and Advisory Opinion on Policies and Practices of Israel (Sanctions and Other Measures) Bill
14:13
Presentation of bills
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Reading Mac
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Friday 12 September. Thank you.
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Friday 12 September. Thank you. We now go on to the Ten Minute Rule
14:13
Danny Beales MP (Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Labour)
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We now go on to the Ten Minute Rule Motion. Managing a regulation bill.
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I beg to move that leave be given to bring in a Bill to establish an
to bring in a Bill to establish an independent regulator for managing agents was not to make provision about the powers and duties of the dependent regulator, to require
dependent regulator, to require managing agents to compliant code of practice, and to make provision about that Code of Practice. To make
provision for a licensing scheme for managing agents, to make further provision about the regulation of managing age and for connected
managing age and for connected purposes was not Labour governments past and present have been underpinned by a motivation to stand
underpinned by a motivation to stand up for the voiceless is let down by broken systems, disempowered to take control over their circumstances stop I present this bill to the
stop I present this bill to the House today because the failure to regulate managing agents has
regulate managing agents has rendered leaseholders voiceless, let down and disempowered.
The
down and disempowered. The government's commitment to end the broken leasehold system is a welcome pledge for many including leaseholders in places like my
leaseholders in places like my constituency. Many have long been held hostage by exploitative
held hostage by exploitative management companies. Now this bill will have the opportunity to take a further step forward in rebalancing the system. Improving management
standards and empowering leaseholders hold the managing agents to account. The bill will establish a new independent rig later managing a. It would require
later managing a.
It would require managing agents to have mandatory collocation. They will have to pass a fit and proper person test, be
regulatory empowered to continuing professional relevant requirements.
This will be set in statute which leaseholders will have clear sight
and knowledge. This bill would provide legal obligations and provide mechanism for redress for leaseholders. The regular power to enforce compliance against managing
agents, and ultimately remove them from the register regulate agents. It should be funded by firms
individuals were Twiglet themselves. These are reasonable steps.
Colleagues across the House have highlighted the plight of
constituent who have fallen victim of unregulated managing agent and
bear the failures of the system. From Basingstoke to Brighton Kemptown, and thank you to honourable Friend these
constituencies. Or an advice. My own constituency, I have been supporting
residents in the development of web the developer waterway residents were presented with a bill of
£100,000. Communal boilers have been left broken for two and half years. Leaks under the floorboards remain
unfixed will stop my team and I do need to support and advocate these residents, relatives that proper regulator and wriggling through
framework, managing companies like these appointed by freeholders remain free to provide accurate
customer services from right extortionate fees and ignore residents.
They serve vested
interests, leaseholders who pay the
fees. I'm proud to be a member of the Labour for leaseholders group, working with honourable Friend to advocate for leaseholders putting pressure managing companies to do
better. It is clear that we need a clearer robust regulatory framework
like the one suggested by Lord Best who proposes this bill today. Leasehold system is not new. But the
challenges it presents today require the government to act. Without mandatory collocations in regulatory
oversight, leaseholders remain vulnerable to inconsistent service
quality, and paid charges and a lack of records when things go wrong.
Managing agents responsible for
complex and important areas including health, fire and structural safety, putting
maintenance, May 21 projects, and building insurance was not leasehold
blocks, managing companies hold substantial sums of hard earned money for top the current system not
only allows but empowers unqualified incompetent managing agents. This bill is not about extending redtape
for the sake of it. About protecting hard-working people from their money. I'm not attempting to tarnish
all managing agent with the same brush. I know some leaseholders have positive experience, and the DPI,
professional body representing 7000 managers and over 360 managing firms seeks to deliver safe secure well- managed homes.
Members of it are
required to have accreditation and
But my surgeries, these are not
words they are using to describe their management companies. I welcome the TPI in standing up for
leaseholders and for the role they
have played in a role today and the consultation on reform, but voluntary accreditation systems in place of regulation exposes serious
failures in the current framework. Relying on good-faith actors to voluntarily seek accreditation means, by definition, that bad faith
managing companies continue to operate freely in this country.
We cannot accept this. Every managing
company failing in their duty, there are multiple leaseholders being ripped off. The facts are clear and
this is not an option. Just three months later, they were readmitted.
I recently visited the complex and
Roy slip. Residents moved in
expecting to enjoy their retirement. Instead, they met with extortionate
service fees with little or no explanation, serious concerns about how their money was being managed were falling on deaf ears, and shoddy maintenance work with
feedback further ignored, and on the development, the story is just as dire.
Residents reported flooding in
damp, mould not remedied. I recently conducted a survey of these residents were 50% of respondents
said they had not received a response following attempts to communicate with them. If I went this residence now and told them
that their managing company had lost and regained their accreditation, I'm sure they would ask what has actually changed and ask what
process let that decision. It lays but the limitations of the current system and the urgent need for a
regular Tory framework to look at standards in all managing agents.
This bill will introduce a property regulator, grant licences to agents
based on tax and mandate qualifications to ensure minimum competency standards for agents and property managers. Without these
provisions, it is leaseholders that
bear the financial burden of lack of regulation, research by the TPI shows that independent regulators would be largely cost neutral with
benefits to increase accountability
offsetting any additional initiative costs. But there is also a significant cost of inaction as well. A human cost. Too many people
feel ripped off in what have been
difficult years for so many.
When it comes to the plight of leaseholders,
this bill is a necessary step for doing just that. We have seen a lot since this government was formed by the housing crisis and rightly so
and how it is our responsibility to fix it, and that crisis does not just begin and end with bricks and
just begin and end with bricks and
mortar. It comes down to security in our home. Social housing and homeowners as well. This bill can
help towards delivering who have been cryptically insecure the total
failings of the leaseholder system
means this is a vital step forward
for all leaseholders.
People feel under attack by the management
under attack by the management
companies. Now with this bill, we can build up defences to a proper regular Tory framework and ensure companies are properly qualified and
that there is accountability that exists which all desperately need. Thank you.
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The question is that the honourable member have leave to bring in the bill. As many of that
bring in the bill. As many of that opinion say I to the contrary now.
Nice Nice and Nice and straight Nice and straight now.
Nice and straight now. Thank Nice and straight now. Thank you.
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Managing agents regulation bill. Second reading, what day? Friday,
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Second reading, what day? Friday,
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Second reading, what day? Friday, 12 September. Well done. If the Frontbench are shuffling over, they
Frontbench are shuffling over, they
should do so now very quickly. Colleagues will leave very quietly
and quickly through the chamber. The clerk will now proceed with the orders of the day.
14:23
Legislation: Property (Digital Assets Etc) Bill [Lords]: Second Reading
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Property, digital assets second reading.
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Minister to move, second reading. I beg to move that the committee
14:23
Sarah Sackman MP, The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Finchley and Golders Green, Labour)
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I beg to move that the committee recommends that the property digital assets bill ought to be read a second time. The property digital
second time. The property digital assets bill is a pivotal step in the evolution of our legal system. One
that ensures the law remains relevant and preeminent in the
digital age. As we set out in our plan for change, this government is fully committed for investors and
businesses with stability and certainty. This bill will help provide that certainty for people
and businesses who own and transact with digital assets.
This will help
drive economic growth by encouraging innovation, attracting investment
and reinforcing the U.K.'s position as a global hub for digital finances
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and technology. I thank you. I thank the Minister for giving way. When she agreed that
for giving way. When she agreed that although this bill is small, it is very much mighty and it is important that we get this bill on the statute
that we get this bill on the statute book because we want this country to be ahead of the game when it comes to these issues.
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to these issues. We want the UK to remain the preeminent jurisdiction of choice for legal services which it
for legal services which it currently is, and this revolution of
currently is, and this revolution of our law will enable it to remain a global hub for digital finance and tech. Overall, it is a build that
reflects our legal heritage, embraces technological innovation and prepares our nation for the
and prepares our nation for the future. To appreciate the significance of this bill, we must begin with the foundations of
begin with the foundations of property law in England and.
For centuries, our legal system has categorised personal property as two
categorised personal property as two distinct types. First, things in possession, tangible items that can be physically held or possessed such
be physically held or possessed such as a book, jewellery or gold, and second, things inaction. Intangible
second, things inaction. Intangible rights that can only be claimed and enforced through legal action, such as debts, shares or contractual
as debts, shares or contractual rights. These categories have served us well for hundreds of years, providing clarity and ownership and
facilitating, they have helped create legal certainty in matters ranging from insolvency to trust structures and arrangements.
However, the digital revolution introduced a new class of assets,
digital assets, they do not fit neatly into either of these traditional categories. As things
stand, we looked a 19th-century case law which sets out the thing can
only be property if it fits into the traditional categories of things inaction and things in possession. The unique characteristics of digital assets like crypto tokens
challenge the boundary of these categories. Unlike physical objects, digital assets cannot be held in
one's hand. Unlike debts or contractual rights, digital assets
have an independent existence in the world which is not dependent on the
recognition by legal system.
Yet certain digital assets protects the characteristics of the common law
recognises as making them. Crypto
tokens are risks meaning they're used by one person to prevent simultaneous use by others. By
contrast crypto tokens, some digital things like Word documents are not
rivalrous and not recognised by the common-law as being capable of attracting property rights. For
example, if I were to send you a word document, I retain a copy but if I transfer a crypto token, I know
longer possess it.
This is due to the underlying block chain
technology that ensures immutability, scarcity and non- cheaply tick ability. Features that make digital assets capable of
attracting personal property rights even if they are not a thing in
possession or a thing in action.
Recent case law has begun to recognise that digital assets can attract personal property rights, but these decisions have not come forward in precedent-setting courts,
and thus the legal landscape remains uncertain. This ambiguity risks
stifling innovation as innovators are unsure what protections they have or whether they will be able to
monetise their creation.
It also puts off investors from investing in
crypto tokens in favour of more traditional and predictable forms of
investment. If we do not act, then we risk our global competitors getting ahead and putting in place the kind of certainty in their own
legal systems that will divert investment away from this country. Recognising the urgency of this issue, in 2020, the Ministry of
Justice commissioned the Law Commission to review the legal framework surrounding crypto tokens
and other digital assets. The commission's report was unequivocal.
Certain digital assets should be
recognised as capable of attracting
property rights and legislation was needed to reflect this. This government has responded decisively.
The property digital assets bill is the result. A concise yet powerful piece of legislation that affirms
our commitment to legal clarity, economic growth, and technological
leadership. The bill contains a
single operative clause. It recognises that a thing including a thing that is digital or electronic is not prevented from attracting
personal property rights merely because it is not a thing in
possession or in action.
The bill allows the courts to develop a further category of personal property through our common law. Importantly, the bill does not
attempt to find which digital assets may qualify. Nor does it prescribe a legal consequences of falling within
this category. These matters are rightly left to the common law.
Which, with its flexibility and nuance, is best suited to assess each asset on its characteristics.
This is in accordance with long- established common-law tests for property. This approach reflects the
strength of our tradition.
It capitalises on the adaptability and flexibility of the common-law by
empowering the courts to look at legal tests to emerging technologies. This ensures that our
legal system remains responsive, relevant and resilient. We stand
today at the intersection of law and innovation where centuries of legal tradition meets the boundless
potential. It is not just legal reform but an important step in our law and the global digital. Because
law and the global digital. Because
digital assets are here to stay.
From crypto tokens to voluntary carbon credits, these assets are reshaping how we transact, invest
and interact, and yet until now, our private law has struggled to keep pace. This bill changes that. First
and foremost, certain digital assets
can be recognised as property.
Individuals and businesses can now rely on clear legal rights and protections when dealing with things
such as crypto tokens. This is because certain digital assets can now attract the same legal
protection as other forms of property.
It means that owners of things like crypto tokens can
enforce rights of the asset is stolen, whether it is theft, insolvency or inheritance, the law will now stand ready to protect
those property rights. Clarifying the legal system, the bill reduces ambiguity and streamlined litigation. This is because the
courts will no longer have to spend time debating whether further categories exist or trying to force
assets into the traditional categories. This clarity will save time, reduce costs and ensure fairer
time, reduce costs and ensure fairer
The bill supports our ambition to be a centre for innovation and growth.
It requires fintech start-ups to choose English or Welsh, or Northern
Irish love their transactions. Knowing these legal systems are equipped to handle the complexities of digital assets. The bill unlocks
practical economic benefits. It assists in allowing digital assets
to be included and claimed by creditors and insolvencies. It will
fuel innovation, support new financial products and drive economic growth. Crucially the bill does not attempt to rigidly define
every type of digital asset. Instead
it allows the common law to evolve, giving our courts the flexibility to adapt to technologies that have not yet even been imagined.
This is one
of the hallmarks of a progressive forwardthinking legal system like this one. This bill attracted
significant cross-party support in the other place. Example, it was
described by Lord Holmes as a short bill but one with significant impact for the UK and indeed beyond our
shores. As a bill that will send a signal to all those involved in digital assets that London the whole of the United Kingdom is an
excellent place to do business. In the same vein, Lord Sandhurst noticed the bill was small but perfectly formed.
It will make an
important contribution to the development of the law. An assist judges and litigants in ensuring
that necessary protection is giving
to individuals and others in the digital sphere which might not
otherwise be protected. It's not just words of praise but affirmations affirmations of the bill's importance, its clarity and the potential to shape the global,
legal, economic landscape. As one member remarked on the third
reading, "The world is watching. " We have proud tradition of legal excellence and a thriving fintech
system with trillions of pounds in global economic activity expected to be transacted by digital assets by
the end of the decade.
We must ensure that out legal infrastructure is not only fit for purpose but fit
for the future. This bill is a critical step in realising that
potential. Of course the bill underwent much scrutiny in the House of Lords and two principle
amendments were made. Firstly the territorial scope of the bill was extended to include Northern Ireland. We are glad that our laws
can be aligned in this area, and the benefits of this bill will be felt more widely. A second amendment was
to the Bill's long title.
This was to ensure consistency between title
and the built operative clause. I am certain that we now have the best possible version of this bill before
us. The property did digital assets bill is a testament to the strength
and adaptable to valuable tradition. It reflects a commitment to innovation, respect for the rule of
law and our ambition to lead on the global stage. It was described in
the Lords as abilities future facing, future proofing, growth
enabling, groundbreaking, and good for innovation, investment, Citizen, consumer, and country.
I could not
agree more. It is the bill for the future. The future in which digital assets play a central role in our
economy, society, and our lives. By passing this bill we not only clarify the law but shape the future. Let us seize the
opportunity, to send a clear message to the world that we are ready, willing, and able to lead in the
digital age. Hirondelle.
14:34
Dr Kieran Mullan MP (Bexhill and Battle, Conservative)
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The question is that the bill be
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read a second time. I called the Shadow Minister. I rise today on behalf of the
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I rise today on behalf of the Official Opposition to express our support for the Property (Digital
support for the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill. I enjoyed understanding of property law looks
understanding of property law looks like in the UK. The bill comes before this House and the other place where it is also ready seemed
place where it is also ready seemed careful scrutiny for I want to acknowledge the contributions made by Lord Holmes of Richmond, whose
deep expertise in digital and emerging technologies greatly enhance the debate.
An Lord
enhance the debate. An Lord Sandhurst who rightly describe this as necessary but probally constraining measure. This bill is one that preserves inherent fixity
one that preserves inherent fixity of the common law and provides enough statutory clarity to support continued innovation and legal
continued innovation and legal certainty in a fast moving world. Recognising the need 2020, the Conservative government asked the
Conservative government asked the Law Commission to look at how law and personal property should respond to digital assets. Consultations
to digital assets.
Consultations undertaken and it said some assets defied current classification. It
recommended confirming in the statute assets need not be things in
statute assets need not be things in possession or an action to protect property rights. Paving the way for 1/3 category of personal property
and ensuring our common law continues to evolve. This may be a short bill but carry significant weight for the U.K.'s legal
framework and also globally for digital innovation. As other countries watch to see how we respond to that logical change, reaffirms the U.K.'s commitment to
legal clarity, and competitiveness.
We have a world leading fintech
ecosystem, and trillions of pounds in transactions and the UK must
ensure it remains at the forefront of the supporting innovation, financial inclusion and capital
markets. This will complement a wider program of regulatory reform already underway in the UK. Since
2023, firms promoting crypto assets have been subject to FDA rules including an entry risk warnings and 24-hour cooling off period for
consumers. Anti-money-laundering
rules apply. In 2025, the government published draft legislation to bring
a wide range of crypto asset activities such as trading platforms and customer services under full financial regulation.
FCA the bank
of England are already consulting on Stablecoin's and digital assets,
while the bank explores the future of potential. These efforts taken
together with this bill represent a joined up and forward looking approach to digital asset regulation in the UK. For centuries, the law
has recognised traditional categories of personal property,
things in possession referring to tangible products like a bar of
gold. And things such as debts and contractual obligations enforceable through legal process. But the rise of the Digital Economy Bill has
increased assets that defy these historical classifications.
The tokens and digital files and carbon
credits, and businesses now interact with the third category of assets.
This bill introduces the third category of personal property by confirming what the courts have been
increasingly willing to suggest, but the thing is not occluded from being treated as property Millie because
it does not fit the traditional mould. And it does so in a delivery modest way allowing the common law to evolve with that logical change
rather than attempting to predict or prescribe it.
As Lord Sandhurst put it in the other place, which are
champion flexible to the common law legislate only to reinforce clarify develop into ready emerging within it. This bill strikes the right
balance. Principle in substance were careful in applications. Gives confidence to our courts, clarity to
commercial actors and reassurance to individuals navigating digital
ownership. The government amendment in the other place will expand this to Northern Ireland and we welcome
the agreement of the Northern Ireland Assembly. I understand the Scottish Government has consulted
separately on this matter.
Let me
also take a moment to welcome the government's stated intention and the impact assessment to reduce the burden on businesses by improving
clarity. At the time digital assets are critical used as means of payment, representation or value storage, it is vital that our legal
architecture keeps pace, not to control innovation but we on these
benches are committed to ensuring that our legal system remains fit for the 21st-century, and can
accommodate new technologies while safeguarding responsibilities. What
we are pleased to support this bill, let's not lose sight of the broader context.
After a year of downgrading
growth forecasts, and our economy contracting, unemployed and rising, inflation rising, and borrowing
costs creeping up, UK urgently needs legal reforms that drive up competitiveness and economic growth. But the recent reforms to international legal procedures, it
is no coincidence that this bill stems from review mission by the last Conservative administration. We
did understand the importance of forwardthinking legal reform to
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support 10 logical and financial innovation to drive economic growth. The Liberal Democrat spokesperson.
14:39
Mr Will Forster MP (Woking, Liberal Democrat)
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spokesperson. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I rise today in support of the
rise today in support of the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill, which tends to bring a legal frame
into the 21st-century. Better equipping it to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. This bill is firmly rooted in
the rigourous work of the Law Commission, which was then followed by careful scrutiny in the other
place. I want to thank peers for their work on this, to clearly Lords
Tim Clement Jones for scrutinising it on behalf of the Liberal Democrats.
This bill confronts the
long-standing legal ambiguity of how our common law system treats digital
assets. As the Minister explained, and as I vaguely remember from my days at law school. As it stands,
the law recognises two primary forms of personal property. Things in
possession and things in action. But we live in an ever-changing digital
world where everything is much more based on digital than that common law approach. Digital assets, which
cannot be physically possessed and do not often consider claim against
another person do not fall into the two traditional categories.
Without
clarity around the law, we risk undermining individual rights. Weakening legal solutions in cases
involving toe assets, NFTs, and other digital holdings. That is why
this bill matters. It ensures
digital things are not denied status because they don't fall into the two categories. That is why the liberal Democrats welcome the government's
decision to accept the Law Commission's recommendations. This
bill is appropriate at this time we see a growing use of digital assets across a variety of sectors. They are being used as investments, as
stores for value, as tokens of identity and ownership, by more and
more people than ever before.
Recent figures from the FCA indicates that
nearly 12% of UK adults now hold crypto assets. It is the figure that has more than doubled since 2021
alone. And yet victims of fraud, those seeking resolution in
insolvency, or simply those wishing to assert ownership over what they rightfully hold have been operating
in a murky legal landscape. This
bill leaves room for common law to develop in that sphere of property. This will help the law reflect the ever evolving nature of technology
but it must be monitored over time
to ensure regulation ultimately aligns with the need to protect individual rights and support
economy.
We know digital assets means there could be risks, whether
it is fraud or abuse or volatility. But ignoring them or failing to read let them effectively will not make
those risks disappear. A legal vacuum only increases the risk of
criminality and injustice. A clear modern legal framework empowers the
honest majority, boost confidence and support innovation. This bill is
measured, it is cautious, it is essential. It provides legal clarity, a pulse property rights,
ensures our laws remain relevant in the digital world.
It is supported
by the Law Society, by legal practitioners and by the Liberal Democrats. I hope everyone in this
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chamber supports it. Does the Minister wish to respond with leave of the house?
14:43
Sarah Sackman MP, The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Finchley and Golders Green, Labour)
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with leave of the house? With the leave of the house, let me say how grateful I am to those who have contributed to today's
who have contributed to today's debate. In a rare expression of consensus I welcome the comments of
the member for Bexhill and Battle and also the member for Woking. I think the quality of the discussion
both here and in the other place reflects the significance of the
bill before us. The bill is the product of rigourous analysis and
wide consultation.
I would like to pay tribute to the Law Commission of
the landmark report, and the many practitioners, academics, businesses, organisations, and engage constructively through the process. At its heart the Property
(Digital Assets etc) Bill ensures our legal system keeps pace with logical change. The click confident
step into the future. It reaffirms our place in the UK as a global leader in legal innovation,
financial services, and digital commerce. It is a central part of the government Plan for Change and
for growth.
For those reasons I commend the bill to the house.
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The question is that the bill be read a second time. As many are of that opinion say, "Aye". And of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it.
contrary, "No". The ayes have it. The ayes have it. Programme motion to be moved formally. The question is as on the Order Paper. As many
is as on the Order Paper. As many are of that opinion say, "Aye". And of the contrary, "No". The ayes have
of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it. The ayes have it.
If ministers are wishing to leave the Frontbench,
are wishing to leave the Frontbench, do so now. We now come to motion
14:44
Motion: Debate on a motion relating to the Committee on Standards Third Report of Session 2024-25 on Register of Interests of Members’ Staff
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do so now. We now come to motion number four, Leader of the House Tim Uy. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I
14:44
Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )
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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I beg to move that the Motion in my name on behalf of the Commitee on
name on behalf of the Commitee on Standards relating to the register
of members and staff interests. I welcome the committee consideration of this matter and for the report. The motion, if approved, would
extend who should adhere to the Register of Members' Interests of
interests. And who would have to register their interests. And to include all of those who have a
pulmonary network account as opposed to the current position of just
staff who hold a photo ID pass for the estate.
The report, which is
available for that House, outlines that the intention of this expansion of the register reflects current
working practices. There has been a significant increase in the number
of staff who have full access to much information and materials without a need to be present on the
estate. The report outlines that this results in more than half the staff employed by members not being
required to make a transparency I am grateful to the committee for
their work on this matter, and I know that the chair will want to contribute to this debate and outline some of the debate and how
they plan to implement this measure
should it be approved today.
But I can assure the House that the intention is to provide time for the
committee to make any necessary transitional and technical arrangements for the introduction of
the change, and details will be provided to all members and staff, so on that basis, I commend the motion to the house.
paper.
14:46
Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP (Hereford and South Herefordshire, Conservative)
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I thank the leader also for the
work that she has given. In supporting this motion, I would like to add one small cautionary note
which is that it has been relayed to me both from constituency staff and
from other bodies that there is a potential concern about the release of names into the official public
register and the connection that could be made there to email
addresses. And I would be very grateful if, as the committee picks
this up, it might devote some consideration among the other issues in order to reflect further to make
this effective and as good a piece
of legislation as we can make, or ruling as we can make.
ruling as we can make.
14:47
Alberto Costa MP (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
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Thank you. May I first thanked
the leader of the four so quickly coming forward with a proposal for
the sole recommendation of my committees third report of this
session. The committee agreed on 12 June and barely a month later, here
we are seeking to put its recommendation into practice. The change we propose is straightforward and quite confined but it is a real
pleasure to see a proposal make such quick progress. As today's motion
makes clear, the register of
interest for MP staff, though who MPs employ to help us in our work
has been in its present form since 1993.
At that time, it was considered that members of staff had
privileged access to the Parliamentary Estate and its
facilities because they held a pass allowing them physical access. It
was those staff and those staff only who were therefore required to register any relevant interest.
Times have changed as times I want
to do. The arrival in the intervening 32 years of such minor innovations as the internet and
mobile telephony have enabled remote
access to the estate in a way not envisaged when the register was first created.
There has been a substantial growth in the practice
of working from home and it is entirely possible now in a way it
was not then for a constituency- based staff to have access to
Parliamentary information and facilities without ever setting foot within the precincts of the Palace
of Westminster. We are acting
quickly to catch up slowly on the way that work and working practices
have altered. At the time of a reporter month ago, around 2000 passes had been issued to staff but
around 4200 members of staff have
Parliamentary network access.
The change the committee proposes simply
means that all those with such access will be required to register any interest arising from the list
set out in the motion. It is a small
but important reinforcement of the transparency that the house properly seeks and how the Parliamentary
community does its vital work. The change as the leader of the suggests
will not happen instantly if the
house agrees this motion. The committee has sought to improve the
transition in the motion to enable the standards committee to press go once the register of interests has
satisfied us that the IT solutions
required of which we have seen examples are robust and ready to go.
I would also like to thank the shadow leader for the comments he
has raid and the concerns which he
noted in respect of this motion. The committee is aware of concerns raised through the union Unite by
staff but a new requirement of registered interests will place
their names on a public register and I and the standards committee have
offered to meet with representatives during the transition period to hear
those concerns and if necessary, to consider whether a million nations
may required, and I will report back
to the leader of if the committee so views that those might be required.
Therefore, I am grateful to unite for having raise those concerns with
the committee. And I am also grateful to Unite for having said that the approval of the principles
behind these changes. So with that caveat in mind, it is the committees hope that the new arrangements will
be in place in the autumn and that the committee in conjunction with
the registrar will seek to publicise the change to ensure that all members of the house are able to
encourage their staff to register as
required.
Once more, the leader of has responded quickly, and thank you to the shadow leader for noting concerns raised by some. I trust
that the house will feel able to
improve these new arrangements.
14:52
Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )
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Can I thank once again the chair
of the committee for explaining to the house the background of bringing forward that report. As I have
forward that report. As I have
committed to him, I am very keen that reports that up to this house by the standards committee, I ran that forward to the recommendations
as soon as possible, so I hope that I can show willing with having done
this in this way so quickly, and can I thank him for his reassurance to
the shadow leader and the trade
unions who I know fully support the principles and the intention behind this measure but has the shadow
leader said, there are some concerns about creating an entire register for those with no returns that
perhaps could be found by those
trying to lobby people and have
access to people who put it out there for public view, so I look
forward to him consulting and working with the unions about how that can actually be delivered and
if any changes are necessary, my door is always open as ever, so can I just finally thank him and the
whole committee and the Parliamentary standards as well for
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all his work with the committee on this and many other issues. The question is on the order
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The question is on the order paper. The aye have it. I will let
paper. The aye have it. I will let the frontbenchers have a moment to
14:54
General debate: Giving every child the best start in life
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the frontbenchers have a moment to shuffle over. Thank you. We now come
to the debate on the matter of giving every child the best start in life and I call the Minister to
moon.
14:54
Stephen Morgan MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Portsmouth South, Labour)
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This government has a mission to break down barriers to opportunity for children and young people so
that background does not determine a child's future and their successes. After 14 dark years and the party
opposite, we are restoring to our
communities the hope which, for too many families, simply faded away. Because what this government
inherited was truly a shameful legacy. They had 14 years in
government and their record speaks for itself. 1300 children's centres
closed or hollowed out.
Early years childcare costs spiralling way above the rate of inflation. Providers
closing year-on-year. Now I know the members opposite, there are very few
of them there, will bleat that, in their manifesto, they promised
better, but the people of Britain are determined by what they deliver,
not what they promised. At the heart of Labour's ambition for a better Britain is bringing change to the
first few years of early years so that opportunity is not the
privilege of a few but common to all of us.
Children's early years are
crucial to the development, health, and life chances. It is where we can make the biggest difference because,
on average, 40% of the overall gap between disadvantaged 16-year-olds and their peers is already emerged
by the age of five, and in those early years, so much of the inequality that those figures says
that our society is entrenched. If we want to build a fairer and more
equal society, as members on this house of the side want to see, that
is where we lay the foundations.
If we want to see change for good, then the transformation we seek to bring
must be part of a wider approach that covers every aspect of
education and health, every facet of opportunity. That is why this government has published our vision
for the future of early years. This landmark strategy will bring
together early years and family services and put children's first years at the heart of work to
improve life chances. It is backed
by close to raise quality, and breakdown barriers to opportunity for every child.
Giving every child
the best out of life sets out the first steps to delivering on our plan for change, commitment for a
record number of people to start school by 2028. We will make early
education and childcare more accessible and affordable. And
expand and strengthen family services, and this build on the
progress we are already taking, making sure that we find new and expanded school-based nurseries across the country, finding new
breakfast clubs in early adopter schools, offering places to nearly 180,000 children including 79,000
pupils from schools in the most
deprived parts of the country.
And from September, ruling out 30 hours of funded childcare for working
parents, saving eligible parents using their full entitlement and average of £7500 a year. It should
be the case that every parent that once it can get the high quality early education and childcare that
they need. Yet for in 10 parents with children under five say there are not enough places locally.
Disadvantaged children and those
with SEND had the most to gain from early education and yet more affluent areas often have more
places.
So we will improve the system. More families can benefit.
We create tens of thousands of more places in expanded school-based nurseries backed by over 4000
million pounds of expansion. We will look at working parents, saving
eligible families and average of 7 1/2 thousand pounds a year and we
work closely with local authorities to increase the take-up of the 15 hour entitlements so the children
from lowering families, though with SEND and those on kerosene the support that they need. As a result
of the decisions made by my right honourable friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, this government will
soon be funding around 80% of the early education and childcare hours in England.
And if the government
buys a service, it has an obligation to use that power in the public interest to shape the market,
improve standards, to support and develop the workforce. And that is what Labour believes, and that is
what Labour believes, and that is
what we will do. We think we can do more to guarantee the benefits of that investment and ensure that they are realised where they are needed.
We will look across the early education and childcare support
provided by departments to find ways to increase the overall impact of government spending on children and
families.
The passionate early years staff have passion across the
country on the visits that I do they have worked brilliant later deliver
for families at every stage of expansion of government funded childcare and continue to do so
ahead of September. Because families know the difference that access to a
place that meets their needs can make. That is why we are investing over £9 billion in early education
and childcare and white diverse early years sector with a brilliant
and valued workforce is absolutely key.
We will work with the early years sector to support settings to
grow and spread their expertise, including working alongside philanthropy and social investors to encourage not-for-profit providers to open. We want early years to be a
career people are proud to start and
be rewarding to pursue, and more opportunity to gain and enter the workforce and build fulfilling careers. Childminders pay an
integral role in our early years
landscape and are treasured by so many families, and that is why we
will keep working with the job centre plus to encourage people to become childminders.
But we also make sure the childminders and other
providers can be paid monthly for funded hours, listening to the sector and making their income more
We want a system that supports high
quality provision for families. This includes funding for Ofsted to inspect settings more often and
inspect new settings within 18 months of opening. The early years
workforce is at the heart of this government's mission to give every child the best start in life. We are
making sure that high quality starts also transitioned into starting school, making reception year a
national priority for the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence teams.
We want high-
quality evidence to underpin the training and support and develop and for people working from the baby
room through to the reception year. This will mean that passionate people can grow their skills and
careers, help every child thrive. Together with educators and leaders
who wants to drive high and rising standards, working with providers and schools, to equip them with the
tools, training, and support that they need to meet every child needs. Alongside raising the standards of early years educators the
professional register, we will increase the number of qualified early years teachers.
Aiming to more
than double the number of funded early teaching training places by
2028. We will also offer financial incentives to attract and keep early years teachers in nurseries serving
the most disadvantaged communities. So that every child the matter where they live can benefit from high
quality early education. The SEND system we inherited from the party
opposite has totally lost the confidence of families. This Labour government is absolutely committed
to restoring that confidence. The last Conservative education secretary labelled the system she
secretary labelled the system she
left behind as "Lose, lose, lose.
" While current Tory shadow ministers said they did not do enough on SEND
and should hang their heads in shame. We agreed that the
differences we are doing something about it. We will make inclusive practice standard practice in the early years, by embedding an
inclusive approach in our workforce education. Training and leadership opportunities, and funding evidence-based programs that are
proven to improve children's development. We will drive improvements in the quality of
teaching in reception. During schools have access to the right
tools including tailored improvement to help each parent play the part and be confident in their child's
progress.
This renewed vision for the early years goes hand-in-hand with the national approach to family
services. One that brings together health, education, and social care. Around the needs of families,
children, and babies. That is why I am proud that this government has
established the best start family hubs that will be funded across all
local authorities, bringing the Best Start family hubs and Start for Life
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approaches. He mentioned family hubs which I
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He mentioned family hubs which I
welcome. In my area of Surrey we are going to local government reorganisation. How will that rollouts be impacted by
reorganisation? Are you expecting to let over the next couple of years
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let over the next couple of years and then reorganise it after a new council has been created? Thank you for the question. We are obviously working through the
are obviously working through the detail of our commitment as we
detail of our commitment as we speak. We take his point back to the department. I know they are working closely with colleagues in MHCLG.
closely with colleagues in MHCLG. What is powerful is we will be rolling out the family hubs to every
rolling out the family hubs to every local authority in the country to make sure they make a real difference to the life of every child.
We are investing over £500
child. We are investing over £500 million to expand Best Start family
million to expand Best Start family hubs to ensure LA live families can access joined up high-quality support from pregnancy through to early years. As part of the
early years. As part of the investment we are providing dedicated funding to deliver evidence-based support for home
evidence-based support for home learning environments, with a particular focus on disadvantaged families and the quality of parent-
child relationships. He wants to support parents to create rich and nurturing home environments.
Encouraging them to chat, play, and
read more with their child. We know the everyday interactions are the building blocks of early
development. To help our ambition for 75% of children to achieve a good level of development by age 5, we will fund more evidence-based
parenting, and learning programs so that more families can access these services before their children start school. This will be supported by a
new national Best Start digital service, links to My Children on the
NHS app bringing together the trusted advice all parents need, into one place and linking families
to the local services.
In conclusion, the Labour government is committed to breaking down the
barriers to opportunity. Early years and where we do that most
powerfully. That is why apparent vision is clear, to make early years education the best it can be for
children and in all settings. This is the start of a decade of national
renewal. For families and the support that they receive. We will go further and faster to ensure that
every child has the best start in life and the chance to achieve and
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to thrive. The question is that this House has considered the matter of giving
15:06
Neil O'Brien MP (Harborough, Oadby and Wigston, Conservative)
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has considered the matter of giving every child the best Start for Life. I called the Shadow Minister. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. Everybody wants to give children the
Everybody wants to give children the best start in life, as one loss, increased spending per pupil in
schools by 11% in real terms. It is why we doubled spending on the free entitlements in real terms for the early years. And more importantly
why we push through difficult reforms are often opposed by the party opposite in schools.
It is why
we brought in that knowledge rich curriculum. It is why we brought in stronger accountability, why we push
through the Academy's revolution for parental choice. The Minister
opposite said a record speaks for itself. It does, Labour's record speaks for itself as well. From 2009
until 2022, England went from 21st to seventh in the league table en
masse. One of Wales, spending the same amount went from 29th to 27.
Labour MPs clearly don't like doing this but I will carry on afraid.
On-site England went from 11th to
ninth. One in Wales, the same amount of money, they slumped from 21st to
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29. I thank the Shadow Minister. He
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I thank the Shadow Minister. He is always very generous with his
is always very generous with his time. I'm going to give in the French intervention was I was going to criticise conservatives for lack
to criticise conservatives for lack of attendance in this debate but he mentioned there are no Reform MPs. When I spoke at the general election
When I spoke at the general election about education, and asked the Reform candidate for fuel education,
Reform candidate for fuel education, he did not have an answer.
Degree we do not want the Reform party anywhere near education? Quite he is
anywhere near education? Quite he is
right. On this issue Reform MPs are chronically absent in education.
chronically absent in education. Just to continue with my theme, the huge difference in performance, the divergences from England and Wales
divergences from England and Wales cannot be explained by poverty rates or ethnicity it is to do with
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reforms that were not undertaken. I thank the Shadow Minister for
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I thank the Shadow Minister for giving way. I agree that measuring the progress of our children in key subjects, to give them the best
subjects, to give them the best opportunities in life, custody crucial. Would he not accept that,
at the same time as climbing up international league tables, that
came at the same time caused by restriction in the breadth of the
curriculum. And the real detriment to many opportunities of children over recent years.
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I don't think that is true. You look at the evidence pack produced the government's curriculum review,
the government's curriculum review, it is clear that some of those arguments are overstated. It is true
arguments are overstated. It is true that reversing the decline of the numbers taking double and triple science went down and have gone up
science went down and have gone up again. It is true there are a limited number of hours in the school day but don't accept that we
school day but don't accept that we have some sort of educational agenda and it continues to be abroad balanced agenda.
If members opposite
balanced agenda. If members opposite want to say should be much more time spent on X subject, he should at
spent on X subject, he should at least be clear where it is coming from. Children in England were ranked the best in the Western world
ranked the best in the Western world in the 2023 study. They moved into
in the 2023 study. They moved into the top five for science. What happened in Wales we don't know
happened in Wales we don't know because there are illustrations remove themselves from the competition is they don't like accountability.
We favoured parental
accountability. We favoured parental choice and autonomy for schools balanced by strong accountability, the current government take a
the current government take a different approach. The Schools Bill dilutes parental choice and gives
dilutes parental choice and gives local politicians more control over pupil numbers for the first time since 1988. Greater autonomy for schools we brought in is replaced by
a tide of micromanagement and in the absurd situation where somebody will
have to apply them secular state to change a bicycle shed.
And it places
schools under new management and it is being criticised by Labour MPs.
The party opposite attempts to mess around with Ofsted to please trade
unions have water delicate ability for parents to make things more competitive. Not that anybody happy. No one is happy with what has been
proposed. The government has axed
all forms of support we were making available to schools, from advanced physics to maths to Latin, and to competing for the axed the
behavioural hubs even though there is clear evidence they were working.
Twice as likely to be good or outstanding afterwards was not the
reform agenda is not there. At one point the government's answer was they were going to employ 6500 more
teachers. The increased VAT to employ these teachers will stop the
Chancellor last year said every scoop any of the VAT increase will go in education. The Prime Minister
said the money had been spent on social housing instead. It has been a long time since I studied logic
but you can't spend every single penny in education and also the money on housing you can't spend it on to things.
We now know that there
are not the extra teachers, there
are 400 fewer teachers. So we added 27,000 teachers under the last government and under Labour there are 400 fewer teachers. It was at
that point that the numbers came out showing there were fewer teachers. It was at that point that the government suddenly declared primary
school teachers don't count. The fall of 2900 in primary school numbers did not count. Ministers
implied that there have been the intention. They announced this in a primary school, and they said that
the way they would improve their targets would be through the
increase in primary.
Now they say the numbers are falling in primary.
Numbers are falling by lot less than when they made the pledge, and the updated forecast. If you apply the
same logic, half of secondary schools have falling numbers,
perhaps that is how they will pretend the opposite is happening? I
would not mind if we did not get these chirpy press releases saying their extra teachers. That is the
Bottom Line with what is happening.
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I think the Shadow Minister. I have to say as a former teacher who left the profession because the way we were treated by the last
we were treated by the last government, I always feel gas lit by the party opposite. I would point out to him that during the previous government's time in office, one
government's time in office, one third of teachers new teachers were leaving the profession within five
leaving the profession within five years. Would he not recognise that pressure put on teachers by the previous, and the lack of support
previous, and the lack of support and lack of faith in teachers made a number of them leave and we lost so much experience that it has been
difficult to get back?
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difficult to get back? The overall number went up by
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The overall number went up by 27,000. I think it is funny thing to stand up and talk about gaslighting
stand up and talk about gaslighting when the government are saying, even though their own DfE website says there are 400 fewer teachers, government are putting out propaganda saying there is more
propaganda saying there is more teachers will stop. Let me come to a
teachers will stop. Let me come to a more broad worry about the government approach to giving every child the best start in life.
This
child the best start in life. This is the wood from the trees. Ministers like to talk about the
Ministers like to talk about the small interventions, and the £33 million on breakfast clubs. But on
the other side, how it is being paid
for? With an insurance increase of
£25 billion. That National Insurance increase is brutally targeted on the lowest income workers. It is
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incredible. I thank the shadow Secretary of State.
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State. ... Before you provide in the
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promotion. On that point, may I ask the
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On that point, may I ask the Shadow Minister how his party would fund the investments that are being
fund the investments that are being proposed by the new government in
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early years? It is very interesting, I am
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It is very interesting, I am grateful to be put right back in my box by Madam Deputy Speaker, quite rightly so. They are not funded by increasing taxes on low income
increasing taxes on low income workers by £25 billion. That means that someone who is earning £30,000
that someone who is earning £30,000 a year loses £500. Means someone earning £9000 a year losing 5% of their income. Ministers likes talk
their income. Ministers likes talk about the distribution will impact things like clubs, and 100,000 kids lifted out of poverty.
They won't
lifted out of poverty. They won't produce any poverty analysis or distribution analysis of the £25
distribution analysis of the £25 billion. They're happy to talk about the distributional impacts of tiny
measures are not the £25 billion takeaway for low income working people in the country. I think it is
astonishing a lot of Labour MPs will regret it later that this is the way they have chosen to raise this
money. Let me ask questions while we are here. The Department for
education has confirmed that entitlement will be lost to free school meals as a result of the UC
transition.
They claim they are confident that the changes they are making will increase, will reduce
child poverty by 100,000. How can it be that they don't know how many
kids will be on free school meals and yet they are confident it will have a positive effect? What
proportion of pupils will be eligible for free school meal this year, and in future years across the
forecast? How much will we be
forecast? How much will we be
I wonder if the Minister can set out how much will be spent on the
programme in the 26/27, 27/28, and 28/29 financial years.
The thing
that is not right is to pretend it is a real thing when it is a continuity of something that already
existed. Something new is two weeks of work experience for every child at secondary school. Can the Minister tell me how that pledge is
going? It was made by the PM in his speech, so how many offer two weeks
work experience each year, and as a question of principle, the Minister
said about the report on the overlap
of school achievement.
The government has said two things, they refer to the health minister that the government wants to see fewer
children in special schools and we have heard from the ministers adviser on SEND that she thinks we
are talking about taking away DHCP or not having HCP for children
outside of special schools and that is about 300,000 children the
moment, 60% of all children, so huge changes. But isn't it the case that those two policy reforms are
potentially intentional? If you
can't get out of a special school, more parents will want to go to the special school and ministers of
talked about some legal right to support for special needs, but what does that mean? If support is not
being delivered by HCP, how will it be delivered? I ask that because a
lot of special-needs parents are worried and are very concerned about the government is planning.
The government has a brilliant plan and
we are not against reform, but at the moment, there are big questions about ideas sloshing around the
public domain worrying people, and I think that I would encourage ministers to move quickly to certainty on these issues so mines
could be in better ease. We are all in favour of getting every child
life. We worried that they are too often missing the wood for the trees. Thank you.
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Thank you. Giving every child the
15:18
Helen Hayes MP (Dulwich and West Norwood, Labour)
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Thank you. Giving every child the best possible start in life should be a driving mission of every government. Investment in the early years and in high quality education
years and in high quality education for every child delivers amongst the highest returns of any area of public spending. They are quite
literally building the foundations of a child's life. Governments that get policy right in these areas reap benefits in health and well-being,
and economic growth and lower crisis
-related costs.
The previously for government made huge strides in this area. The longitudinal studies now
confirm that children who lived short to a centre did better in their GCSEs, the hospitalisation of
children was reduced and so was the need for specialist support and education. But a year ago, this
government inherited the legacy of a previous government that had not
prioritise the needs of children for 14 years. Sure start have been largely dismantled. School and further education budgets cut. Early
years funding has not kept pace with inflation.
Key services like health
visiting and midwifery were scaled back. SEND services and Services stretched to breaking point,
increasing numbers of children in the care system who are all too
often being failed. Our children have been buffeted by the multiple blows of austerity, Brexit, the
pandemic and the Liz Truss mini
budget bearing down on public services that support children, young people and their families, resulting in more of childhood being
left to chance, existing disadvantages, barriers to opportunity, remaining in place and
being allowed to perpetuate.
The education Select Committee has recently published a report on
children's social care. Children's social care is a good place to start, thinking about this
governments opportunity mission because it is where some of the most egregious barriers can be found. The
children whose families need the most support, whose lives are scarred by abuse or neglect, those
for whom the state has both grievous responsibility and a huge
opportunity to make a difference. The independent review of children's social care commission by the
previous government described the system they presided over as a need of a total reset.
Spending on early health and support services that
preventative nurturing support delivered by sure start centres, community nurses and early years
practitioners has plummeted spending
on crisis interventions including out of area residential placements often grace costs have spiralled. The number of children entering the
care system has been rising and perhaps most telling of all, the outcomes for care is absolutely
dire. This failure is so significant
that if the government is serious about tackling homelessness, if it is serious about tackling the crisis
in the justice system, it must turn its attention to the plight of care experienced people who are so vastly
overrepresented in both of these populations.
Far less likely to be in education employment or training
than their peers and far more likely to have poor mental-health. I very
much welcome the government's commitment to invest in best start family hubs.
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Before coming to the chamber today, I had a meeting for experienced people and children
experienced people and children where I learned, in the last year,
2023 to 24, over 15,000 children in care moved home, that is 34%, nearly
care moved home, that is 34%, nearly 5 1/2 thousand in care moved school,
5 1/2 thousand in care moved school, so with the member agree with me that as part of the government strategy, we really need to support
the children in care and minimise the disruption to their lives that we can control?
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we can control? I thank the member for his intervention and I report says exactly that. We have a system of
exactly that. We have a system of children in social care that is under so much pressure it all too often fails to put children at the
often fails to put children at the centre of the services that are supposed to be delivered to give
supposed to be delivered to give them more stability and security in life and there many things about that system that urgently need to
that system that urgently need to change.
I welcome the government's commitment to invest in best start
commitment to invest in best start family hubs, providing better early health and support services in more area of the country. We need to see
area of the country. We need to see investment which can take the balance over time from crisis spending to spending on more preventative services that can deliver genuinely good outcomes for
children. Our committees report points to some of the further steps that are also needed, including
creating a national offer for care leavers, improving mental health support.
The children and addressing
the practical barriers such as housing that currently prevent the
effect of foster carers. In the early years, the government inherited the previous ministrations commitment to expand funded hours of
childcare, predominantly for working parents. This is a very challenging commitment to deliver. We know that
it is quality early years education that has the most potential to
breakdown barriers to opportunity yet the previous government's approach was designed to deliver more hours of care without any
specific focus on quality.
The earlier sector is fragile and
fragmented and providers continue to close. The expansion of school-based nurseries is a very welcome first step but there is undoubtedly a
tension between a funding system
designed to support working parents and the ability of the early years sector to reduce the impact of
disadvantage for the poorest children, and the government must address this tension in the
forthcoming child poverty strategy. Our committee second big enquiries in the system of support for children with special educational
needs and disabilities.
We are routinely letting down children and
families, budding professionals working with children in an impossible position and driving more
than half of local education authorities to the edge of bankruptcy. Children with SEND
should be able to thrive in education, and education should equip them well for the next stage
of life, yet for far too many children, the failure of the system results in absence from school, or mental-health and low attainment.
There have been many rumours about what the government might do to reform the system, and I must say
that these rumours are really
unhelpful and traumatising for families who already have far too much to content with.
My committee
will report after summer recess that I am clear that the government should be setting out a clear
process and plan to engage parents and professionals and ensure clear and effective accountability mass
and isms. I think the government is right to start with increasing the
inclusivity of mainstream schools, but if it is to do this effectively, there must be proper investment to
resource mainstream schools to become more inclusive with clear definitions of what an inclusive
school is an strong accountability.
Finally, a priority which runs
through all of these issues is tackling child poverty which has risen to shamefully high levels under the last government and is
perhaps the biggest barrier to
opportunity of them all. I am delighted that the government has announced an expansion of the eligibility criteria for free school
meals to include all children whose families receive Universal Credit. As a local councillor, I was proud of me introduced free school meals
for children in 2010 and we have seen the benefits of providing children with a nutritious hot meal
over many years.
We will also make a
big difference. Hungry children cannot learn, so taken together, these measures will ensure that no
child has to start the school day hungry and the children who need it most get a nutritious meal at lunchtimes. They will boost learning
while also easing costs for parents. Our committee has also recommended enrolment so that every child
eligible to receive the new expanded free school meals offer receives it
automatically and no child misses out. I am heartened to see this
government putting children and young people at the heart.
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On the topic of child poverty, one of the drivers of child poverty that has come through my casework is
that has come through my casework is the child may service and the lack of enforcement powers they have on
holding parents to account who refuse their duties. Does she agree
refuse their duties. Does she agree with me that greater enforcement powers, greater scrutiny of the child maintenance service is essential for reducing child poverty as well?
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as well? I thank the honourable member for his intervention and I agree. I have
seen how it has become harder and harder for families to get resources and accountability out of the child
and accountability out of the child maintenance service and I agree there is work to do in that space. I'm sure the government is similarly
I'm sure the government is similarly aware of the challenges.
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aware of the challenges. Does the honourable member agree that an event I went to yesterday
that an event I went to yesterday with health equal shows there is a 16 year discrepancy in life expectancy depending on where a
expectancy depending on where a child is born? Does the honourable member think we need some form of
legally binding poverty reduction target scheme which could be in place, like we had in Scotland, so
place, like we had in Scotland, so we can measure progress?
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It is devastating to hear about those disparities across the
country. I was at a secondary school recently in a very deprived area of the constituency and the teacher
the constituency and the teacher told me that, when she had been at an event across the whole of her
an event across the whole of her Academy trust, she noticed that her children were smaller than children
children were smaller than children who went to schools in more affluent areas of the country.
That is a disgrace and not something we can
disgrace and not something we can tolerate. I am clear that we expect the strategy to be ambitious and to
the strategy to be ambitious and to be far-reaching and to do so, you must have clear targets and there must be clear accountability and I
must be clear accountability and I look forward to its publication and my committee along the work of pensions committee will play our
part in scrutinising that piece of work which is so important.
I am heartened to see this government putting children and young people at
putting children and young people at the heart of its priorities after 14 years in which they have been an
years in which they have been an afterthought. There is much more to do, and my committee will continue
do, and my committee will continue to play its part by scrutinising the government and making evidence-based recommendations. I want to see a clear vision with real ambition for
clear vision with real ambition for every child and a plan for all parts of our care system so that we can start to see the promise in this
government's agenda.
The promise of transformed lives and life chances being delivered in every part of our country.
chamber?
15:29
Munira Wilson MP (Twickenham, Liberal Democrat)
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Thank you very much. I welcome this opportunity to talk about
giving every child the best start in life because I suspect there are not
many people in this chamber who would disagree that every child deserves a very best start in life
and it is our duty as policymakers
to ensure that parents and carers have access to the help and support they need to ensure that every child
gets that best start in life. The best out family hubs that were
announced last week are very welcome and present a great opportunity for the government to address the
growing inequalities across from the previous government? If resource
properly, the best start expansion could help achieve many of the
things we have been calling for, including special educational needs and disabilities, contact times and
practitioners and access to nutritional advice.
However, the
government's aim must be matched with effective delivery. Children
and families cannot afford for the government to get this wrong and the
years under the Conservatives which
The strategy states that high
quality education and childcare this life chances for children and
enables parents to work. Plans to invest in training and to raise the
skill levels are welcome but I'm afraid the rhetoric from the government does not meet the reality
on the ground.
The funding for the childcare proposals fell far short
of what it took to deliver the provision. I'm afraid the current
proposals from Labour are insufficient for industry and the ill-advised National Insurance hike
has not only hamper economic growth
but put hundreds of charitable and private mysteries at risk of
collapse. One third of providers are at risk and four in 10 would reduce
funded places for children aged three and four, according to the
Early Childhood Alliance.
The government risks issues with the deserts left behind by the previous
government and what is the point in
having the payments if parents cannot access them because providers cannot fulfil them? With the
expansion in childcare provision, keeping our children safe is paramount. I welcome confirmation
last week that the frequency of inspections by Ofsted of early years
settings will increase and that work is being done to develop an effective approach. As the Minister
knows from conversations, if we are to prevent the tragedy that happened
in Cheadle and the recent shocking case in my constituency when a nursery worker was convicted last
month of 21 counts of child cruelty at the nursery, to prevent those from happening again, ministers must go further and must go faster.
The
Early Years Foundation framework
urgently needs to be strengthened
and guidance put in place to keep babies in particular safe in these settings and that's important with
the expansion of childcare foundation for children under two. I
hope we can see clearer guidance on
this and especially with CCTV, which I've cited today, and regular review
of the footage. The strategy points to a golden standard for evidence
informing practice. I hope the
Minister will say in winding up if you will work with experts and charities to coordinate safe sleep standards for use in early years settings and make sure that goes
hand in hand with multi-agency safeguarding training.
Giving children the best start in early years also means giving parents a
genuine choice on whether to spend more time at home or go back to work
full-time. I am proud to Liberal
Democrats in government introduced shared parental leave but they take up years later it remains low because of low rates of statutory
and paternity pay. I am aware the government has started to review the
parental leave and pay. I welcome this. The Liberal Democrats have
long called for a statutory paternity pay to be doubled to £300
a week and fathers to be entitled to
one month of paternity leave as well as an 'use it or lose it' month of shared paternal leave because we
know how valuable the opening months
of the child's life are.
I hope the Minister and his colleagues in the Department for Business will heed
our calls. I also want to press the Minister again on the strong economic and moral case for granting
economic and moral case for granting
statutory paid leave for carers, many of whom get forced out when they take on caring responsibilities
to provide a safe and stable home
for children. Despite all efforts, we must acknowledge some children
will not get the best option in life due to trauma which means they have
to be separated from their birth parents.
We must ensure they get the very best second chance in life.
Family hubs must be modern signposting services but must offer
trusting relationships and practice in front by trauma and staff must have trading the saying this part of
the government into rebuilding trust with families. Continuing on that
theme, the adoption and special guardianship support fund, as many members will know, provides funding
for vital therapy to help these children process trauma. These
sessions are not easy and some children are taking months to step through the door.
It is vital they
are given the space and time and the support to help and to relearn how
to trust adults. However, slashing the funding for each child from
£5000 down to £3000 mean many.
Therapy sessions, just as they get through the door. This is frustrating for parents, whether
frustrating for parents, whether
adopted or guardians but it also complains the tragic belief of the child they had been let down by all
adults. The Minister knows I am determined to see the fuel £5000
funding restored for every child.
-- full. I will press them again today to go to the Treasury and demand the
additional funding to meet the demand for the grants for the next
generation can believe there are adults and even governments that are worth trusting. I have said
previously that reducing the other budget by 50% would allow growth
from £50 million up to £75 million to meet that demand. I would also
urge the Minister not to leave parents, carers and children in limbo again by waiting till the last
minute to announce further the fund will continue next year.
Instead, I hope ministers will commit to
announcing the future of the fund by
September so that families and providers can plan and have certainty for the future. Finally,
parents and carers had been subjected to an adversarial special
needs system for far too long and they have had to fight tooth and
nail for the right of their children to be secure. Good education helps children discover who they are and what they can offer and sadly far
too many are denied the help that they need.
As the chair of the
select committee has pointed, the rumours that have been circulating have left many families across the
country deeply concerned about our number of things. I know members
across Parliament have had their
inboxes filled with concerned emails. It is clear that the SEND system needs reform. It is broken. Any change must have children at the
heart, not a Treasury drive for
savings. I'm glad to see inclusive practice and SEND will be embedded
in teaching.
It is crucial to identify early to ensure children
get the help when they need it. It remains to be seen just what that help will be. The government has
continuously failed to communicate with those affected by decisions but they have the chance to tell parents
today further education, health and care plans will be removed from any
child. I reiterate what the member for Kingston said to the Prime
Minister last week and the letter that was sent to the Education Secretary sitting at the five
principles for SEND reform the Liberal Democrats are happy to work with the government on.
We know that all these children, for the they have special needs or not,
regardless of their background,
whether.
15:39
David Williams MP (Stoke-on-Trent North, Labour)
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Every child, regardless of where they are born, deserve the best
start in life. This claim has a direct impact on the performance at
school, their workload, and affects all of their life stages. After
leaving university, my first job, 20 years ago, was working for a local
Sure Start centre in Stoke-on-Trent. I loved working there because I saw
first hand how SEND has transformed the lives of families in Stoke-on-
Trent. That is why the plans of the liberal government to rule out the family hubs across the country fill
me with pride.
-- Labour Government.
So many parents were given the
necessary helping hand to give their children the best start in life 20 years ago and that is why it was devastating for me personally to what shady Conservative cuts
decimated -- Presley to watch and see what the Conservative cuts decimated separately. They have claimed they did not actually close
any centres but that was partly true
but they took out all the centres
had as for the left empty buildings with no offer of help to the
committee.
It seemed obvious to me long before I was involved in politics that these cuts would result in more children living in
poverty and care. I went to some meetings, not when in politics but working for the YMCA, and the concerns I raised were laughed off
by Conservative councillors who said that they knew best. The facts on the ground said different. Stoke- on-Trent has among the highest
numbers of children living in care anywhere in the country. Meanwhile, more children are living in poverty.
This was completely avoidable and a political choice that the
Conservatives made.
As the children impacted by the cuts grew older,
they found a new hurdle with the massive cuts made to youth services
in the committee. Conservative austerity led to over 90% of the money being taken away from local
councils that funded youth clubs, which will give pubs I would have
gone to when I was young. -- They were youth clubs. They were no longer available for young people in
our community to engage in hobbies any more.
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I'm grateful to my constituency
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I'm grateful to my constituency never for giving way to me over my other constituency neighbour. He makes an important point about the vital role of county councils and local authorities can play in
local authorities can play in providing services. Would he join me
providing services. Would he join me in calling on the county council and Staffordshire to get their act together to make sure the services
together to make sure the services that are young people deserve are delivered? Speak I agree and they
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delivered? Speak I agree and they often discuss this. I absolutely agree. I am grateful to my honourable
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I am grateful to my honourable friend forgivingly and I'm grateful
friend forgivingly and I'm grateful to see representatives from Staffordshire talking about this today. I have got a group of young
today. I have got a group of young people from my own constituency with me, participating in my first-ever
me, participating in my first-ever summer school. The ad on the balcony today. They've been learning about how Parliament works and using their
how Parliament works and using their voices to make change happen.
Can my honourable friend agree that
honourable friend agree that committed serious we want to give every child the best start in life you must extend to youth services
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and giving them the opportunity to see the difference they can make? I welcome the comments.
Citizenship is something I have
reported over many years and so I take the comments on board completely. The Conservatives,
unforgivably, turn their backs on children and young people when dealing support the most, I froze to
be an MP for Labour, working alongside the government back on the sale of children, young people and
sale of children, young people and
their families.
In my constituency I
have been into academies and visited the breakfast club is being rolled out. I have seen firsthand how kids
arrive tired and hungry and then
started the very down, full of energy, no longer with hungry bellies. I'm proud the government is
extending free skill -- free school
meals. That bill for thousands in Stoke-on-Trent next year. Being well
fed means children learn better and is a critical step in lifting children out of poverty. I have focused on that from Michael working
career.
I'm also proud we have got one of the very first skill-based
nurseries which has been ruled out at the Academy. -- School-based.
at the Academy. -- School-based.
This will assist families who need a helping hand and help kids to prepare for transition into school and help to close the development
gap early on. This is exactly what a Labour government is all about,
supporting kids and young people to thrive and I'm proud to play my role in helping transform the lives of
families across my constituency of Stoke on Trent.
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Order, order. I will announce the results of the division. On the
15:45
Deferred Division Results
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results of the division. On the
Draft Enterprise Act, the ayes, 334. The North, 54. The ayes have it. On
the amendment for considerations of
order 2025, number seven, the ayes,
order 2025, number seven, the ayes,
15:46
Danny Kruger MP (East Wiltshire, Conservative)
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It is a pleasure to follow the
honourable gentleman. His
predecessor was a great Schools Minister previously in the
government. I pay tribute to him in his memory. I also paid tribute to
David Johnson, another former member
who was children's Minister in the last government and responsible for much of the important reforms my colleague mentioned earlier. I welcome the debate. I recognise much
of what the Minister said earlier about the importance of early years and the sort of interventions the
government are talking about.
I welcome the ending children in
poverty strategy. I want to make a
poverty strategy. I want to make a
point in this debate, I have heard a lot this afternoon about the importance of investment and importance of support for the different professionals who support
children and families and that is all absolutely right and important.
And I agree. Nevertheless, surely the most important resource available to us for supporting children and young people is their families and the communities that
they grow up in.
I would implore the
government to think very seriously
in the preparation of their strategy about how they are supporting the conditions for success in childhood, not simply about the public sector professionals and the agencies and
institutions which are available, but what is the strength of the informal institutions that young people grow up in. I welcome the
fact that he mentioned in passing the importance of social investment
and philanthropy and civil society in the provision of support for
young people.
I claim some credit for the announcement the Chancellor
made on Monday. She happened to be
at the charity in Wigan, it was not on the press release, but that began
on the press release, but that began
its life as for young people. And the children sown in New York, a
successful project aiming at much of the agenda we are discussing this afternoon, early identification of children at risk and the provision
of support for them and their families on a community-based model,
support for children and families that are disadvantaged.
We set the
project up with help of significant philanthropy from Paul Marshall, founder of the ARC school chain, he
said let's do it here. And we did it, on the slightly different model,
quite monolithic, it is single entity, the model in west London is now being expanded across the country, I pay tribute to the team
country, I pay tribute to the team
there, they have been a genius running this thing. What she did was
to bring together, recognise, there are, in our communities, an enormous
array of resources in the form of local projects, formal and informal, which can help with the task of
bringing up a child, as a village should.
The mission is to identify in schools, with the help of
teachers, crucially using the data available on attainment and attendance, children who are likely
to struggle later on. Then to
ensure, on a personalised basis, they get the support they need, not
just from the statutory system around the school, that will never be adequate to the range of needs
and challenges that a population of children will need, but drawing on the resources of the community.
Started in west London that has
pockets of wealth and pockets of disadvantage as well.
Those disadvantage places, across the
country and in Wigan where the project is working now, you can see that, there exist tremendous
institutions that can support children and young people. I think
there is a huge opportunity, not just to look to the state, schools
or Local Authorities or to health, even though it is important to bring these agencies together around
children, she think the real resource we have is in the communities, we should be putting in
real support, whether faith groups, professional bodies, faith groups
and local organisations.
And lastly...
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I thank you for giving way. I would agree that the foundation
would agree that the foundation starts in the home with parents. And the mother's health during pregnancy
the mother's health during pregnancy and postnatal and the government should include in their strategy
should include in their strategy review of the current services and
review of the current services and what support can be available to children.
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children. I find myself in agreement with him quite a lot, which is more than I expected when he was elected to
I expected when he was elected to this place. That is great. I want to come to the importance of final life. I do not know to what extent
life. I do not know to what extent that is on the agenda with the child poverty strategy. There will be lots
poverty strategy. There will be lots of talk of families, maternal health and so on, but the crucial determinant of success for children
is the quality of the relationships they grow up in.
We know this from all of the research in brain development of children, they are
development of children, they are literally forming, human beings,
literally forming, human beings, unique among mammals, we emerge very unformed, our brains are very blank
as we emerge from the William. The strength and the health of our
brains and our futures are laid out in early years by the quality of the
relationships we grow up in and we
experience. I know the government recognises this because of their emphasis on early years.
The quality of the relationships in the home
matter so much. I hope the government will recognise the value of stability, the value of two-
parent families as a source of real strength, protective factor, predictor of successful children and
young people, we should do all we can to support single-parent
can to support single-parent
families, they are necessary, if we want to tackle child poverty we
should support family stability, that means recognising the household
as a unit, we are too individualistic with public policy in this country.
We think of family strength and that does not mean
supporting couples. I welcome what the government is trying to do, I hope there will be recognition of the importance of community in the importance of community in family life and child poverty. Thank you.
15:53
Abtisam Mohamed MP (Sheffield Central, Labour)
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This area is of importance to me,
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This area is of importance to me,
I spent 20 years working in or with communities. A significant part was in early years. I helps the children's centre through the Sure
children's centre through the Sure Start programme, I saw how vital
Start programme, I saw how vital early years provision is, how it lives of families, supports parents and gives children the solid foundation they need. The centres I worked with did not just offer
worked with did not just offer childcare, it was a hub for
childcare, it was a hub for essential early years services to help families.
We know that the intervention of early years support lacks a lifetime -- last a lifetime.
lacks a lifetime -- last a lifetime. , they can shape their chances for the future in school, work and life. Since 2010, we saw hollowing out of
Since 2010, we saw hollowing out of early years support. Sure start centres closed in their hundreds under the last government. Early years intervention services cut to
years intervention services cut to the bone and I know this because our early years provisions we had lost a significant amount of funding, as did many others in Sheffield.
£3
did many others in Sheffield. £3 million of cuts to citywide services in early years started a campaign to
in early years started a campaign to save early years, of which I became more involved in. Back then we
argued when the cuts were being made that when we failed to invest in early years services, we paid the price down the line. In health
inequalities and loss potential. We argued when the cuts were being made
that there is a cost of late intervention, to communities and to public services, which is higher
than the cost of getting it right
from the start.
I welcome the initiatives from the government, the expansion of free school meals, free
breakfast clubs and the 500 million investment into best start family hubs will stop it is important they catch their problem much earlier on,
catch their problem much earlier on,
before they escalate. When we invest much earlier on we reduce the cost to the NHS and the social care and
Criminal Justice System. It is important we also see additional
investment in existing family hubs, those who have been working tirelessly to provide early years
support despite funding cuts.
It is vital we keep the independent voluntary sector involved in these
discussions, many are involved in the delivery of early years services
and family hubs in their communities. Investing in family
hubs is not just good policy, it is the right thing to do. We want to
tackle child poverty and ensure every child can drive, this is very start, with families right at the
heart of that. heart of that.
15:56
Rachel Gilmour MP (Tiverton and Minehead, Liberal Democrat)
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The best start in life means a good education, good education means
good school and a good school means a learning environment in which
children can thrive. My constituency should not be an exception. But
because of the decisions of the previous government it has been. I
want to focus on the plight of my
constituency, perhaps it may well relate to other communities. Among
visiting, one could be forgiven to
be sucked into complacency, but hidden in the area there are serious
pockets of deprivation.
Economic and
social poverty. You can feel it. Tiverton high school has been promised a rebuild since 1999. 26
years. 26 years. Time after time successive administrations of
different stripes did not deliver,
reneging on his promises. Since my arrival in this place I have pushed
and pushed to secure commitment to the high school read. I was filled with a sense of optimism, last year the Department for Education
confirmed the schools inclusion in
the building programme, with commencing early as April 2025.
Finally it seemed the government had
grabbed the metal. He did the cause.
They had grown impossible to ignore.
-- Heeded the calls. It is true the long-standing promise of a rebuild
long-standing promise of a rebuild
saw the school see routine maintenance for by the wayside, a
keep calm and carry on setting, with
anticipation diggers would get underway. The school is riddled with asbestos, unusable for many months
of the year, and depriving students
of education.
The school was built on a floodplain, the crucial detail which was skipped over and not
acknowledged in the assessment by the Department for Education. The
regular flooding of the buildings being a risk to life, particularly if you are under FIFA. Madness in
21st-century Britain. The school is dilapidated, not an environment conducive to learning. -- Under five
foot. People feel nurtured, thrown
onto the societies and forgotten
about. -- The society's scrapheap.
What messages that send children? If they rolled back on the promise of a
rebuild, it would see a whole immunity shunned again.
--
Community. It will be cruel. We are
talking about the hope of a community string along for 1/4 of a century, reduced to a line in a
ministerial briefing. They say
politics is the art of the grave. I
will not walk away empty-handed from this. The community needs this to be
this. The community needs this to be
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It is a privilege to contribute in the debate today on giving
in the debate today on giving children the best possible start in life. As a father, this matters deeply to me politically and personally. We understand our
personally. We understand our experiences in our first you ship
experiences in our first you ship the adults were going to be and memories will stay with us for life,
memories will stay with us for life, shipping confidence, relationship, and the view of the world.
I'm sure
and the view of the world. I'm sure
16:01
Josh Newbury MP (Cannock Chase, Labour)
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and the view of the world. I'm sure all of us have had the privilege of into schools and speaking to children about what they want to be friendly grub. It is a privilege and
responsibility to ensure children can dream as big as read that and feel supported. It is vital,
therefore, that we do everything to ensure that every child gets the same opportunity and support to
thrive. I want that for my children. I'm proud this government is
committed to rolling out Best Start
family hubs.
They provide a vital wrapper and support for families and
offer everything from early education, advice for parents,
support. My local Academy is another
proud example of supporting children. As an adoptive parent and
foster carer, I want to speak directly to the needs of some of the most vulnerable children, those who
drop in the care system. Over 5000 children are supported and many of
them are in cure. Because of the increase in demand, the council has faced potential pressure,
overspending by £3.8 million, largely as a result of the cost of
children in care.
This demonstrates the scale of demand and the
commitment required. I declare an interest and mention this is the
part I have taken in fostering to adopt my children, also known as
early permanence, allowing children
to move into stable homes as early as possible and avoiding the disruption which can characterise life in cure. I put my personal
thanks on record to the Secretary Of State for Children and Families to
discuss early permanence and support
for these children today.
Evidence shows that early intervention, especially when support is needed up
to six months, leads to lasting
gains in vocabulary. There are measurable gains in vocabulary at age 18-24 months and helps to close
gaps with peers with healing by the
gaps with peers with healing by the
age of five. -- hearimg. These children are capable but need us to
support them and allow them to achieve their dreams. Labour is delivering the biggest overhaul of
legislation to protect children in a
generation.
Where others were kicking political footballs, on this side of the House, we act decisively to support the most vulnerable.
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I'm sure the whole House will
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I'm sure the whole House will want to thank him and his family for
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by example and bringing life experience to this. I appreciate that. Everyone who
puts themselves forward to be an adopter or foster carer does so with
adopter or foster carer does so with a huge amount of passion. It is a journey that is often filled with difficulty and certainly presents
difficulty and certainly presents challenges but I think all parented does that and we have to recognise that parents, no matter how they
that parents, no matter how they come into parented, are doing a lot
to make sure the next generation can thrive, which is why we are all here today.
The government is putting massive support for kinship carers
massive support for kinship carers in place with £40 million invested in foster care and a new allowance
in foster care and a new allowance to provide financial stability for those stepping up to provide support
those stepping up to provide support in the community and a national ambassador will work with local authorities to improve support and pathways. Together, the child
pathways. Together, the child poverty task force and the expansion of free school meals, these underpin
of free school meals, these underpin the mission to lift children out of poverty because no child should be
hungry in the classroom.
I investing in family hubs, families can access
wrapper and support. By ruling out early intervention programs for
boosting language and early fostering to adopt children in the care system, we can deliver on the
promise of giving every child, not just some, the best possible start in life to deliver on potential.
Every child loves stability and opportunity and for the dreaming of being a doctor or an MP, it is our
job to make the streams possible and allow them to make the most of opportunities.
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I am grateful for the opportunity
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I am grateful for the opportunity to speak today and I welcome the announcement by the secretary of
announcement by the secretary of state and government on the work that is planned and the investment which has been announced. We agree
which has been announced. We agree that every child in the country, regardless of postcode, parent, circumstance, deserve the best
circumstance, deserve the best possible start in life and that is not just a slogan but a moral duty
16:06
Iqbal Mohamed MP (Dewsbury and Batley, Independent)
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not just a slogan but a moral duty and a political choice. It is the foundation for a more fair, strong,
prosperous Britain and a critical contributor to the growth mission of
the government. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities
afforded to me when I was a child and I am the oldest of six. My mother was a homemaker and my father worked in a factory and fell ill and
was supported by the state. I had
free school meals, free school uniform, had the opportunity to go to university without incurring tens
of thousands of pounds in debt.
I wish for the same opportunities and
more for every single child in our country going forward. Today, far
too many children have been failed
by a system which is stretched, fragmented, underfunded. We are the sixth largest economy in the world
but have rights and child poverty, issues with services, and a life
expectancy gap which is alarming between the richest and the rest. It
does not have to be this way. We can and must do better. If you are serious about giving every child the
best start in life, it must start before buy.
The life chances of a
child are shipped long before they take the first breath. Health for new mothers is critical for safe delivery and the emotional and
physical development of the child. Across the UK, staffing levels for
midwives are dangerously low and prenatal support is patchy,
inconsistent. There is real issues with opportunity for ethnic minorities in deprived areas and
health needs are often ignored. I
would urge the government to take a holistic view and review the current state of mental health services
across the nation and regions and --
maternity services across the nation and put in the required investment
to equalise the services and make them fit for purpose.
It is not just a health issue but social justice.
The most poor women, often at the highest risk of complications, are
the least likely to receive the care that they need. Investment in maternal care is investing in
stronger families, healthier babies, a better future for all. Continuing
where life continues in the early years, the science is clear and has
been mentioned already that the
years up until five up until 5C the most opportunity for improvement and contribute to success, health,
economic opportunity.
Why is this
still a postcode lottery? Why is the
inequality in PE? We must deliver universal care from the beginning to the end of school and I welcome investment in this area and we must
invest and I fully support government plans to invest in the early years workforce. We must make
quality and not just quantity a measure of success. Families are the
first and foremost influence on the life of a child but support has been
dismantled over the last 14 years.
Health visits have been cut and Sure Start centres closed and many parents left to struggle alone. I
welcome plans to rebuild family hubs in every amenity, the health
visiting service, trust, by giving parents will support and not
judgement. -- Real support. One of the biggest issues facing a child in
terms of how well people do in life is where they were born and the
income available to the family. Across the UK, child poverty has
been rising.
According to the Child
Poverty Action Group, 1.6 million are affected by the two child benefit cap, with your future
limited by a government policy, not
anything the family has chosen to
do, but a decision denying them support to grow and thrive. In my constituency, over 11,800 children are growing up in poverty. More than
50% live in working-class households. These families are doing
everything asked of them, going to work and trying to say, but are unable to meet their child's basic
needs.
One parent told me they live in a 2-bedroom flat with three
children and they have two cycle to work and they are in deficit and an
extra £50 a week would make a huge difference, meaning a warm court,
school trip, proper meals, my child arriving in the classroom ready to
learn. What kind of country does that to children? We want every
child to have the best start in life but how can that happen then
policies push them into hardship
from both? It's not just a matter of litigation but a smart investment, leading to better outcomes, higher
earnings in the future, increased tax revenue.
Children are not a cost
to be capped but the future of the country. We must also tackle the mental health crisis affecting
children and young people. As we
know, and as I have heard many times, many are overwhelmed and
waiting months for help and so we need mental health support teams in every school. We need early
intervention, not crisis
firefighting. We must train staff in trauma-informed practice. Moving on
to education, I was looking -- I was
blessed with the opportunity to go to school and I never went to school
on an empty stomach and the benefits
my father received made sure I had
free school meal and this be the huge difference to what I've been
able to achieve in life.
Education should be the great leveller. In
reality, the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and peers is
disappearing, not shrinking. We must expand free school meals to every
pupil because no child should learn
on an empty stomach. I welcome this
being ruled out for every child with Universal Credit in the family but I
would urge the government to expand and make it a universal benefit. In
conclusion, this is not about short-term fixes, but long-term
relation building and solutions.
Our country that invests in its youngest and supports mothers, refuses to
accept inequality as inevitable.
When we give children the best start
in life, we all benefit, with lower crime, better health, stronger communities, and a more productive economy. Let us rise to the moment
and stop managing the claim and start investing in potential. Let
others give every child in every corner of the country the best start
in life. Thank you.
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I commend the mission to give every child the best start in life and so it is critical that all
and so it is critical that all children, no matter where they are born, have every opportunity to achieve potential and at this point
achieve potential and at this point I must mention the number of MPs from Staffordshire sat here during
from Staffordshire sat here during the bid. It shows you the importance of the topic to our children in our
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county. I am inspired by my honourable
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I am inspired by my honourable friend. I'm grateful to the
honourable lady and she is right, this is missing the point that
16:15
Dr Allison Gardner MP (Stoke-on-Trent South, Labour)
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Staffordshire hunt as a pack. We absolutely do and we get our
16:15
Iqbal Mohamed MP (Dewsbury and Batley, Independent)
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**** Possible New Speaker ****
We absolutely do and we get our colleagues and become a formidable bunch. I am very proud to be part of the team. I am proud to work for a
16:15
Dr Allison Gardner MP (Stoke-on-Trent South, Labour)
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government that is breaking down barriers to opportunity, tackling child poverty, improving early years
development through the Plan for
Change. This is a nationwide issue but I wish to stress the critical importance in Stoke on Trent more
widely. Our children have been neglected by the previous government, time and time again, and
that some of the worst outcomes for childhood development, health, well-being of the country. I want to
point out that this is the best place in the country to live and that people are fantastic.
We have
been let down, and it is by no means the default of the wonderful people
the default of the wonderful people
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My constituency has recently
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My constituency has recently scored the second best in the country for people to advance. The neighbouring constituency has scored
neighbouring constituency has scored top. We know that there are challenges for children in life. It
challenges for children in life. It is so important that kids in Staffordshire get the same opportunities. Which is why this
opportunities. Which is why this government is working to spread the opportunity for an wide so they all have the best possible opportunity
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in life. I thank you for her intervention
and commend her on the wonderful
and commend her on the wonderful outcomes propose. I'm sure you still have issues in your constituency you
have issues in your constituency you to battle for. Child poverty in my constituency is as high as 66 percent. In 2022/2313 children in
percent. In 2022/2313 children in every classroom of 30 were living in poverty. Between 2019 and 2021,
poverty. Between 2019 and 2021, babies born in Stoke were nearly twice as likely to die before their first birthday than the national
first birthday than the national average.
Stoke-on-Trent has the highest number of children in care
per head of population in England, our children face excessive delays in early years development. In 2023,
Stoke-on-Trent was the bottom 10 of all English local authorities for the number of children with the
expected level of literacy,
communication and language and numerous skills I early years foundation stage. I know the figures
will shock many but I want to make it clear that Stoke-on-Trent must be
a priority region for tackling child
poverty and related missions.
There are children in my constituency who start school unable to speak, use the toilet or brush their teeth.
There are children in high school still learning phonics which should have been taught in primary school, as they are struggling with such severe delays in development. On the
topic of infant mortality, this is an issue linked to socio-economic
inequalities and persistent inequalities in health. As has been mentioned, the first 1,000 days of a
child's life are the most important.
What happens during these days can in many cases predict a child's entire life course.
But so many
children in our city, their first few years are marked by deprivation, poor quality housing and low living
standards. The Labour Stoke-on-Trent City Council are doing excellent
Our children, they have made major
improvements to children's social care services, focusing on early health, and new front door arrangements and the family matters program is a multiagency program delivering prevention and support
services to provide children with
the best start in life. Local organisations have also run incredible programs to facilitate a thriving early years network in
Stoke-on-Trent to improve children's early development.
Our city council and local services have had to work incredibly hard against a backdrop
incredibly hard against a backdrop
of successive cuts over the last 14 to 15 years which have decimated so many services and forced many to close altogether. Many of our early
intervention holistic programs, those where families could get
advice, health visitors supported families right from pregnancy and staff could identify families in need and offer early support, have
need and offer early support, have
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now closed their doors. I thank her for a brilliant speech and also forgiving way. Isn't
speech and also forgiving way. Isn't much of this about the history of our communities, lots were let down
and forgotten for many years. We don't just need joined up thinking,
don't just need joined up thinking, we need joined up results because
that is how we deliver for communities in Newcastle, Stoke-on- Trent and across Staffordshire. I thank you for his intervention. He
thank you for his intervention.
He points out the complexities and history of these issues that we face that we need to solve in a holistic approach. I thank you for that
approach. I thank you for that point. I have forgotten where I was.
In the absence of these amazing services, Sure Start mentioned by my
colleague, the predominant policy
colleague, the predominant policy route now has been to fund reactive services that only reach families at crisis point. Not only is this
crisis point. Not only is this costly, it results in so many children with developmental delays or safeguarding concerns going unnoticed until it is far too late.
Early years services provide the
Early years services provide the lifeline to so many families, in their absence, inequalities have
their absence, inequalities have risen and children have suffered. Children deserve better. I'm
grateful to the Minister who is that in her seat he has agreed to have a meeting with me to discuss these difficult problems we wish to solve
and which the government are working hard to address. I am pleased, as I
said, that this government is
expanding the early years offer through the family hub model.
I am grateful that the government has
further committed to supporting the
family hub. The families elsewhere Family support hub. They are aware
of the challenges in their community. They also deserve support and children would hugely benefit from the centre in their neighbourhood. We know what works.
We know high quality early years education and support networks for families can completely transform a child's life chances. We know early intervention is far more effective
and far more affordable than trying
to fix problems later down the line.
We need policies that improve neonatal and postnatal health, provide parents with the knowledge
and support to give their children the very best start and provide children with the support to achieve their early learning and development
goals. I am so grateful for the expansion of early years support through the best start family hubs and our targets for early years
development under the plan for change. This government will bring about much-needed change for children across the country and it is critical that this investment is
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received in Stoke-on-Trent South. I congratulate the Minister for
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I congratulate the Minister for that statement and thank him for the work he has done, particularly on getting mental health support
getting mental health support workers in our schools. Is there
workers in our schools. Is there Member of Parliament for Epsom I see how important early years investment
how important early years investment is for a child's life. Around my
is for a child's life. Around my community. This week I had the
community. This week I had the pleasure of meeting a young boy
pleasure of meeting a young boy waiting for his GCSE results, with a clear dream of what he wants to be.
I have also seen children being held
back, not because they lack talent or ambition, but because they did
or ambition, but because they did not have the same start in life. In some areas children want to be doctors, engineers. The areas they
doctors, engineers. The areas they
doctors, engineers. The areas they cannot see my past what is around them. It is about early years opportunity. I want to support the government expanding breakfast
clubs. Like the one in my constituency making a real
16:25
Chris Bloore MP (Redditch, Labour)
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difference. These clubs set children up for a positive start to their day and ease pressures on hard-working families. I welcome the government's plans to extend the number of
plans to extend the number of children that will receive free school meals. I'm pleased there will be a central funding for the first
time for the best start family hubs across my constituency. The hopes will provide support for families from parenting advice to early development services, offering a
development services, offering a vital lifeline, a true successor to the legacy of Sure Start.
I was
the legacy of Sure Start. I was struck when I listen to the Secretary of State earlier this we talk about this rollout, that the
Prime Minister came to my constituency in the final election some of the general election campaign, gave his speech in Sure
campaign, gave his speech in Sure Start centre that had been abandoned
Start centre that had been abandoned by the previous government, in a constituency that had been
forgotten, one of the most socially and economically deprived areas in the West Midlands.
I'm delighted this government is taking action to reverse 14 years of decline. I'm
reverse 14 years of decline. I'm also happy to see it invest in making a difference locally. At the Academy, funding has been used to
Academy, funding has been used to convert unused classrooms into nursery spaces. Providing places
nursery spaces. Providing places where they are needed most. That helps level the playing field from
the start. My constituency is also seen significant increases in SEND support for the county council,
although there is more work to do there.
And the benefit of support workers in schools. We must go much
further. In my days, I was taught in
a class of nearly 40, in temporary buildings. They should be behind us.
Yet, because of disastrous decisions like cancellation of the building
programme, schools are facing the
daunting challenge of having to raise millions of pounds to remain fit for purpose. I want to see that
-- do not want to see that school have temporary buildings enforced upon them. That was not levelling up, that was levelling down our children.
I want to say something
clearly, I have never met a family that wanted an easy ride. I have
only met families who want a fair
shot for their children, a level playing field, the chance to give their children opportunities they
did not have. That is why I found the debate yesterday on the two- child limit troubling. The fact the official opposition made children a
political wedge issue. Condemning
their parents for whatever circumstances they may find themselves, a decision that will only impact children.
That is why we
have this week about the better future fund, a decision to invest for the private sector to have outcome based delivering
opportunities to lift children out of poverty. We cannot talk about
giving children the best start in life without talking about
addressing poverty in all forms.
Furniture funding. There are some children who go to sleep without a
children who go to sleep without a
bed, and parents without cookers. The member talked about families in
his brief intervention, I would like to put on record that all families do not have two people or two parents in it.
Families can be
indifferent sizes and we should support all of them. This is about
dignity, stability and the basis of a secure home environment. If a child cannot sleep properly, study
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in peace On the point about furniture
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On the point about furniture We have a beds for kids project,
because there are so many kids in Stoke-on-Trent who do not have a bed
to sleep at night. I agree with his comments about furniture poverty. It is important that also gets picked
up in terms of government policy. I agree, it is a stain on Civic
agree, it is a stain on Civic Society that we have failed. I agree with the rights and responsibilities
with the rights and responsibilities of families.
Unfortunately voluntary
of families. Unfortunately voluntary groups have taken up the challenge where the state has rolled back. To complete my remarks, where we have
complete my remarks, where we have the financial capacity, we should
the financial capacity, we should produce people in poverty, it is
produce people in poverty, it is about their dreams. For those who believe in social mobility, he believe in the transformative power
of education and aspiration, we should never sacrifice the principle
on the altar of desperate attempts.
What happens to children in between?
The people struggling to afford
school shoes or make ends meet. I am pleased the government are refusing
to take on the opposition's mantra of condemning parents for their choices or the circumstances they
find themselves in. If we are serious about giving every child the
best start, we need more than one words, we need investment, compassion and commitment to early years as a national priority. Something I'm proud to be part of
the Labour government who have done so far.
It's those first days, months and years that futures are forged and responsible at ease as
lawmakers and public servants are at
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their highest. It is pleasure to follow my
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It is pleasure to follow my honourable friend. For the best part of the decade his commitment to
of the decade his commitment to seeing improvement for the lives of children is something we can all
children is something we can all take a leaf out of. I spend a lot of my time visiting primary schools, I
my time visiting primary schools, I visit and meet with teachers, get
16:30
Gareth Snell MP (Stoke-on-Trent Central, Labour )
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visit and meet with teachers, get shown around classrooms, 644 at a primary schools, it is trying to
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make sure I do not take out paintings... I am pleased he gets to go around
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I am pleased he gets to go around lots of prime schools, I have heard about so many schools that exist across the country in this debate.
across the country in this debate. The people of Bidwell West in my constituency are still waiting for a
primary school. It was promised in plans, brochures when they were buying their new homes over a decade ago but it still has not arrived.
ago but it still has not arrived. Would he agree it is so important
for local councils to work constructively in the Department for Business and Trade education to make sure that the schools promised
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finally open? How can I not agree with the honourable lady. It is right that those facilities and communities are
those facilities and communities are what turns them from housing estates into homes. What is those
communities into something special. I am a governor of a special educational need school in Stoke-
educational need school in Stoke- on-Trent. And chair of the APPG on children's literacy, which is along with the Minister, the year of
with the Minister, the year of reading, I will get onto in my
reading, I will get onto in my I visit primary schools, go around,
I visit primary schools, go around, to young people in year one and you see bright young faces, full of vim and vigour and expectation of what
life might bring.
But then the statistics are quite stark, as has
been pointed out. Stoke-on-Trent
been pointed out. Stoke-on-Trent
ranks, or did, rank 142nd out of 151 for attendance and so I accept the
points about the national increase in achievement across education but
the last government failed to reduce the attainment gap across the country. There are still parts of
the country like Stoke-on-Trent where the attainment gap has not closed and cities which are
economically and socially... They are economically and socially challenged and they have not seen
the increase and improvements that other parts of the country have and there are generations of young people who have had their futures essentially stunted because
opportunities available to them are hampered by early education and
investment that they should have received, having not been there,
later life achievement is hampered.
Every time I speak to a primary or
secondary school teacher, the first thing they will say is that it is tough because young people are
coming in, and this was pointed out, that the young people are unable to
hold a pen, four, unable to
articulate because they cannot convey what they are thinking and feeling and that makes communication almost impossible. Children are
coming in not appropriately potty trained, meaning that there is a basic level of parenting the teachers have to do.
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I'm grateful to my other constituency neighbour for giving
constituency neighbour for giving me. I held I had teachers for last
me. I held I had teachers for last week -- I held a forum for head teachers. What was clear in the
conversation, and I'm grateful to those who attended, was the journey
those who attended, was the journey from educator to social worker teachers are going through. One
teachers are going through. One shared a story about and then you told he was not potty trained and
told he was not potty trained and the teacher was helping with all of that.
Teachers are facing challenges
with morale, coupled with the challenges to which is referred to
challenges to which is referred to and that is why it is important, the work the Minister does, and does not just apply to Stoke-on-Trent but across the country, too.
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across the country, too. We are all one big happy family
in Stoke on Trent. I will not give way a second time. My honourable
way a second time. My honourable friend is correct that the schools I go to, teachers I see, they talk
go to, teachers I see, they talk about the societal impact and there
is nothing they can do about it which has an impact on the ability of the teaching staff and the
teaching assistants and the support
staff, they are doing social work
and helping with elephant claims, -- benefit claims, childcare, stepping
into a void that is filled by extended family in some parts of the world and by secondary statutory
services but, as a result of cuts to those services and social workers having huge caseloads, it is hard for them to do that and it falls on
those whose primary occupation is providing help for young people.
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I thank him for mentioning the extra work that many primary schools
do and I will comment on the head teacher of Alexandra Infant School
teacher of Alexandra Infant School in my constituency who, for many
in my constituency who, for many years, has had a community room open to the divinity and has worked hard to support children in incredibly
to support children in incredibly difficult circumstances stop she has managed to keep a team together and
managed to keep a team together and is a shining example, as are many of the wonderful teachers in Stoke on Trent, of fighting to deliver those
Trent, of fighting to deliver those services which are sadly lacking at times.
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times. An excellent point and we will
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An excellent point and we will talk passionately about the experiences we see in our own city but I'm sure across the country
but I'm sure across the country there are good teachers who are going above and beyond to support
going above and beyond to support abilities and skills acting more as
a hub for support, neighbourhood engagement, and one of the things
engagement, and one of the things that comes from that is, and the unfortunate Stoke-on-Trent and we
have family hubs, one that does exceedingly good work supported by the Academies Trust and Thrive at
Five where they look at some of the direct causes of the issues and what can be done practically to support
families.
The model is not particularly revolutionary in terms of what was happening under Sure
of what was happening under Sure
Start. My daughter is now 14 and her mother-in-law had to activate the system when she was born. We did not know this as young parents in our
20s. Our families lived far away and
we had a small network of support and naturally turn to the Sure Start
centre. My honourable friend, I've
denied him the opportunity for another intervention as well.
It was
there. We walked in and spoke to a lovely woman and explained we had
problems with matching, understanding routines, and unless you have someone to talk you through
it, you do not know what you are
doing and, as a new parent in that situation, your instinct is you are
doing it wrong. They help us welcome and we sat down, had a conversation,
went through what we were worried about. We were reassured that the things we were experiencing and anxiety as new parents was perfectly
normal and in line with expectations and understanding of everyone else.
There was a lifeline and when we did need help, we were signposted and
told when we could pop by to get a conversation with someone with the relevant expertise and support. That
model that we are now rerunning in Stoke on Trent is having elephants
and some of the data coming out shows improvements in early years in
attainment levels of you have been through those schemes and accessed
And nursery in the same state and the Minister will be aware of the
importance of facilities led by teachers that get to the crux of the problems in some of the communities
which are hardest to deal with.
Alongside the family hubs, I welcome all the work the government is doing
around this area. There is a service
by school and I was there one morning when it was starting and it
was not just children coming into have a hot breakfast but that was
welcome but also told interacting,
talking to each other, and told me the most popular thing young boys did. They did not want to play with electronic games but build stuff,
models, look at engineering, and you
can see that is where some young people want to go.
She told me the children are more settled because
they come in earlier, had breakfast,
and when the day starts, they are ready to start learning the bell goes which means there is vital moments in the morning used for
teaching, not coming down 30
children who are all over the place. -- calming. We should not underestimate how much time could be
brought back for education purposes
over the year. Fundamentally, the challenges I face in Stoke on Trent
and other members have articulated this about other communities, they
stem from the fact that the Start for Life programme is not as good as
it could be and whether it is income
or food inequality, whatever we call it, it is poverty and young people are growing up in households where they simply do not have enough
coming in to meet all of the outgoings.
I appreciate this debate is led by the Department of education but to give a child a good
start in life, they need a safe and
warm home that is not draughty and the need to have the space to grow,
develop, and will need secure play areas to interact with peers in a
way that they need to do. Many need good access to dentists. One of the
ways to ensure best -- indicator of inequality is too sticky in Stoke- on-Trent. And parents need to help
with this.
Too many parents are
telling us they had a bad experience at school and it was a moment of trauma for them and so they do not want to go back there to see the
same members of staff who taught
them and that gives them the sense that they are being judged. We have to think more holistically about the
elements that, as a government, local government, and with an
aspiration to see improvement in
outcomes for young people, that that is a lever that we can pull and
education is one and making sure parents have access to good quality support for mental health and making sure there is a good quality of job
available so people can look forward to a good work-life balance and spending time with children.
We have
spending time with children. We have
to think about the way in which we establish networks for young people so that as well as formal education settings, there are social aspects,
formal things like skating, sporting clubs, there is opportunity to
socialise. -- Scouting. I know that the Minister gets as fundamentally,
I have spoken to her, but we have to think about specific support for
individual groups of young people and the honourable member pointed out that the removal of the
guardianship fund puts a challenge on a small but high needs group of
young people and I've spoken about this and I hope the Minister,
through her department, can look at supporting children that have grown
up in kinship care, like I did, because they have specific
challenges that might not necessarily be related to poverty
but access to support services that allow them to live a fruitful childhood.
Finally, on SEND, I'm
proud to be governor of a special school in my constituency and one of
the biggest challenges that we have, and we have to think in terms of
EHCPs and giving people a good
start, is the section where parents can identify the skills they want their children to go to because the more we can keep SEND in the mainstream with the right help and
support, we should do that and that
means children need specialists help at a level that means everyone is in
the right place and so we have to stop the mainly alternative providers who are running with huge
profits and marketing schools to children and families desperately in need of help and support and asking
them to tell the local authority that you want to go to this particular skill because it means
the money flows out, hundreds of thousands of pounds spent on alternative providers and that is
done with marketing and they give
young people and their parents are dream of a particular kind of education they can access.
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I completely agree and on these benches we tried to put forward an
benches we tried to put forward an amendment to the Children's Well-
Being Bill to extend the provisions
Being Bill to extend the provisions this to schools. I'm afraid Labour colleagues voted against it. Will
colleagues voted against it. Will you join me in convincing ministers to think again file the bill is
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to think again file the bill is I thank you for the intervention.
Need to look at how the specialist independent providers are making a
independent providers are making a profit off the back of some of the most vulnerable children in our society. There is new program
society. There is new program opening up, one of the specialist schools is looking to do mainstream working with other trusts and
working with other trusts and schools, that is about getting trust to work together.
I do not remember her amendment but I have faith in
her amendment but I have faith in the ministerial team, I cannot honestly say I read everything the
Liberal Democrats produce. But I do know, and she will know, to move this forward slightly, the
government have been clear about the need to tackle profiteering and
price gouging happening in the sector. I'm almost certain the Minister will have a better answer
for her than I can give her whilst I'm speaking. That is obviously something we agree on as a principle, how we get there, I'm
sure we can have a discussion about nearer the time, the principal means that in places like Stoke, that high
unease budget is being blown because
thousands of pounds are being taken to these glossy brochures schools that are making profits, that does
not give the young people in my city their best start in life.
It gives them a false hope. Finally, one of
the things I would say to the Minister is, the best start in life
is about the... I am proud to chair the APPG on literacy, that bond of reading to your child is so
important. That early years literacy means that those young people can start school with a set of skills that will help them thrive
throughout their education. The other part is how we help parents
who do not have a level of literacy
needed to read to their children.
I talk to parents who want to talk about literacy but their confidence in their own literacy skills is such
they do not feel able to do that. If there is anything the department can do to not only help young people and
children get more into reading, to
enjoy the pleasure of reading for pleasure, that is welcome. But any action they can take to ensure that
parents are supported to improve their literacy in a way that allows
them to interact with children for longer, I know would be of huge benefit not just to my constituency
but the whole country.
Thank you.
16:48
Darren Paffey MP (Southampton Itchen, Labour)
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It is a pleasure to follow my honourable friend, although I feel as I write I am breaking around of
excellence speeches from the Staffordshire massive here. I
welcome this debate on giving every child the best start in life, I
think one thing we can agree on across all ventures is it is not just the title of the debate, it is
a moral duty, it is the measure of a government's values and the foundation of a thriving and fair
society.
In my constituency, the unfortunate truth is that too many
children are still being held back, not by the lack of potential, but by
the lack of opportunity. It is high time that that changed and I'm proud
to be part of a Labour government that is making that change happen. Parts of my constituency, which is
in the London and south-east that we often hear about, usually as a
measure of wealth and prosperity,
but the reality is often different in parts of my constituency, one
child out of three is growing up in poverty.
That is not a picture of
wealth that we often lumped in with. Many children already behind in
language, health or emotional development. There are dedicated teachers and early years professionals who do everything they can. I pay tribute to all of them
that I have met and worked with over a number of years, first as a counsellor and then as an MP, when
visiting those schools, I do not face the same height challenge as my
honourable friend when visiting the schools, in some of the secondary schools, the pupils are taller than
me these days.
But these dedicated
teachers and professionals that I know my colleagues from across the chamber will also be meeting, they
are working against a legacy of underfunding and fragmentation of
services. That is why I welcome the Labour government's plan for change
and our focus on a number of policies that are going to help give every child a better start in life.
Including expanding high quality early years education, including new
nursery places for children aged two to four, including school-based nurseries which have been launched
in the constituency at two primary schools.
I am pleased to see
policies like the rolling out of breakfast clubs in every primary
school and the pilots that have been established at two primary schools are welcome. I have visited there, help serve the breakfast to the
children and seen the benefits they are enjoying of a solid start to the
day, through the food and through the good start to the day, socialising with one another, being with their friends and getting ready
to learn.
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He is making an excellent point, as a fellow southern MP, I share his concern about the important in
concern about the important in explaining there is real poverty
explaining there is real poverty across the South of England and
other parts of the country. The point he is making are outstanding, he is right to say how valuable they are in a number of fronts, we have
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are in a number of fronts, we have to in Reading, myself and fellow Reading MPs are very proud of that. I thank him for his intervention,
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I thank him for his intervention, I wish him success in his constituency with those pilot breakfast clubs also. We have
breakfast clubs also. We have welcomed in the last week a
restoring Sure Start style family hubs that will be providing wraparound support for parents, from
the ones I have seen in my constituency over recent years, I
constituency over recent years, I know that work will build up again, but the potential for mental health support in those places, childcare
support in those places, childcare advice, toy libraries, work support,
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advice, toy libraries, work support, it is all in these places. I am grateful to my honourable
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I am grateful to my honourable friend, he is setting out in a very eloquent way the amazing work of the
Labour government. I am proud and I hope you will agree with me that the last Labour government's achievements in setting up and
achievements in setting up and
rolling out Sure Start. Will he note with me the independent research
that was done by the IFS and show what amazing outcomes those children had later in life with higher GCSE
scores, reduced hospital admissions, improved physical health, early identification of special needs, maternal employment and better
health outcomes.
I hope we will see the same from the new better start
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centres also. She has painted the picture of
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She has painted the picture of the last Labour government in the short start centres, not because --
short start centres, not because -- Sure Start centres, not because they were a good thing, that benefits
were a good thing, that benefits they brought. What a disgrace that the Conservatives shut those
the Conservatives shut those centres. Despite Tory austerity, we
centres. Despite Tory austerity, we lost 60 percent of our government granted city council, we made the often tough decision financially,
often tough decision financially, but the right decision in purpose to keep those buildings open across the
keep those buildings open across the city.
They were crucial centres of support for local families. I can
support for local families. I can pretend the range of services offered in those centres was the same it was 1/4 of a decade ago when
same it was 1/4 of a decade ago when the previous Labour government set them up under our absolutely admired
and much missed colleague, Tessa Jowell, but the building still
served a purpose. -- that when the last Conservative government, having
last Conservative government, having shook so many Sure Start centres, experienced an epiphany, a revelation that they were really
good idea, and then reinvented them
under the badge of family hubs, our former Sure Start centres with air and ready to build up again.
I
remind the shadow Minister, on his earlier point, family hubs, while welcome, were not new either. The
years between those conservative budget cuts to Children's Services and their later U-turn left party
many families in my constituency, and across the country, without those crucial services during those
lost years.
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The -- the government is also welcoming school improvement,
welcoming school improvement,
particularly in areas where attainment gaps have remained stubborn. My view is the coming curriculum and assessment review is a huge opportunity to bring a refreshed and inspired curriculum,
refreshed and inspired curriculum, manageable assessments, rather than
over assessment and high-stakes exams. Links to exciting training opportunities and the reality of
opportunities and the reality of jobs in a 21st-century and into the future economy. We know from other honourable members's interventions
honourable members's interventions in this debate that the Special
educational needs and disability system is absolutely broken.
I
commend my honourable friend, the chair of the education Select Committee, no longer in her place, for the inquiry she has led our
for the inquiry she has led our committee in. My surgeries and inbox, I'm sure this goes for other
inbox, I'm sure this goes for other members also, follow situations which in many cases are avoidable, and we must work hard to avoid in
and we must work hard to avoid in the future. Children's needs not being met because of a system that needs to be fundamentally rebuilt,
needs to be fundamentally rebuilt, described by its own architects as
lose, lose, lose.
We have to make sure that a reformed system is
giving every child the support they need to access school and to make
sure they are not excluded from the potential for success in life that every single child deserves and they
are capable of. There are some fantastic and innovative practices going on in numerous schools,
including the secondary school I visited last week. They are
establishing a variety of units, specialist rooms, particular
provisions, within the mainstream and working towards a truly
inclusive school.
So, when reforming the SEND system, I do not
underestimate or envy the task might right honourable friends have, but I
ask ministers to consider how we can scale up the good practice that exists in many of our constituencies to end the postcode lottery and
guarantee consistency across our country. These are the kinds of
policies which have been announced, these are the building blocks of a much better future for children in my constituency and across the
country. But I would say that if we are serious about change, yes, we
welcome and need to consolidate the significant changes this government
is making, but we must commit to continual improvement.
I do ask the ministers in their windups to
address their commitment to
prioritising areas like Southampton,
we may be located in the south, often assumed to be a magnet of wealth, but child poverty is entrenched and multigenerational. We
must not have a blindspot to the need based on geographical
assumptions. Can ministers ensure that our new best art family hubs
are truly integrated with schools,
with NHS services, with NHS councils, so they do not just replicate past silos? Will ministers
guarantee long term funding? I think I know the answer but it is always worth asking.
Long term funding that
goes beyond a single parliament. The Prime Minister has spoken for a long
time about a decade of national renewal that is not just desirable,
it is absolutely necessary. We need to see investment that makes sure
that changes deep, not just fast. Will ministers have regard to support for their families that
children are growing up in? We have talked and others have talked about
better parental leave. I commend the work of, among others, Dow shift, in
raising awareness of this issue.
--
Dad shift. Will ministers make sure
they are looking down the line not just to those early years, but two years ahead, so children and young
people who grow up in care have long lasting support to thrive in life?
Guaranteed by meaningful and strong corporate parenting responsibilities in our public services, a national
care leaver offer to close the attainment gap between those who are
care experienced, even up to support into training or university? In
closing, children growing up in Southampton Itchen County hopeful about the building blocks going on now under this Labour government.
But they do not need charity, they
need a chance, a chance to thrive in life. If we get this right, and I believe we are setting on the right
direction, we will not just change individual lives, we will change the
future of whole communities. So when giving every child the best start in
life, that has to mean every single
life, that has to mean every single
life, that has to mean every single
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On this side of the House, we understand the wealth of the country does not lie in the bank accounts of casino capitalists are the bank accounts of billionaires, but in
accounts of billionaires, but in children, the bonds of community that have survived even through
that have survived even through decades of vertically imposed austerity and most importantly it lies in young people, there are
lies in young people, there are talents and hopes, which shape our future. The benefits of a labour
future.
The benefits of a labour government had been pronounced when expressing the notion that for
expressing the notion that for Britain to succeed, we must give all young people, regardless of background, the ability to fulfil
background, the ability to fulfil potential and so I welcome the fact the school and my constituency is among the first to benefit from the
breakfast club program. Together with the expansion of free school meals, it will go some way to
meals, it will go some way to ensuring no child is held back by hunger.
Just as central to early
hunger. Just as central to early years development is the vital importance of all children having
importance of all children having decent housing. We must take a
decent housing. We must take a holistic approach to health and education and recognise a secure and stable home is the foundation for everything else in life will stop currently, there are hundred 64,000
currently, there are hundred 64,000 children in temporary accommodation across the country which is a record
high and means families are in overcrowded conditions and children
are forced to travel long journeys.
It is a situation which is all too
often anything but temporary. I welcome the funding announcement of
£39 billion for the affordable homes program and the commitment of the government to give 60% of this to
social housing could make a real difference. To ensure children
growing up today have the best art in life, is vitally important that as many of these homes as possible
are built in this Parliament and we
need a new generation of council
17:04
Chris Hinchliff MP (North East Hertfordshire, Labour)
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housing, built to meet needs that are not being provided for. They
are not being provided for. They will be difficult choices and other projects will have to fall by the wayside but we cannot ignore the
wayside but we cannot ignore the human cost of delay. It is not a static problem. Sheltered does not
static problem. Sheltered does not pause. Leaving hard-working families to raise children in cramped and multi- accommodation with precious
multi- accommodation with precious little space to play or learn is no
little space to play or learn is no way to do this.
We need 90,000
way to do this. We need 90,000 social homes for 10 years to address the crisis and I will continue to
the crisis and I will continue to
make the case for funding package. This is not just the right thing to do morally but has also been shown
that hitting the benchmark would
that hitting the benchmark would return billions to the public purse with lower spending on temporary accommodation, reduce benefits cost, less crime, nearly £3 billion from
less crime, nearly £3 billion from the improved life chances of children.
I escaping the logic of
children. I escaping the logic of the OBR and the old lies about savings from cuts, we can enrich the
future of the nation for all of us.
In my first year as an MP, I've enjoyed sitting skills and meeting
students in many areas of my constituency and they are talents,
optimism, it is always an antidote to the cynicism and pettiness that
can all too often provide politics. -- pervade.
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I have two important points from speaking to people in my committee
speaking to people in my committee and they want to be citizens, part of the rod, and secondly, they want
of the rod, and secondly, they want to conserve nature and help with
to conserve nature and help with that. Does he agree that children
that. Does he agree that children want to take part and preserve nature?
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I do agree and each and every child in the country deserves a safe
child in the country deserves a safe home that is not leaving the family struggling to make ends meet every
month. If we give the next generation security to thrive, they
generation security to thrive, they will do the rest and the true legacy of the government will be found in the laughter, learning, achievement
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of children. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
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Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
I am grateful for the opportunity to speak and I thank colleagues across the House for passionate
17:06
Rebecca Paul MP (Reigate, Conservative)
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the House for passionate contributions. The member for
Hertfordshire and more including Stoke-on-Trent South, Stoke-on-Trent Central, and they also confirm that
I have it on good authority that the MPs from Staffordshire hunt in a
pack and I can confirm that from today. I draw attention to my
registered interest before speaking. Ensuring every child, regardless of
background or circumstances, has the
opportunity to thrive is something that cuts to the heart of why many of us were drawn to politics in the
first place.
We know that in crucial early UC foundations of well-being are led for life and we must ensure those foundations are solid. I
reflect on the record of the Conservative party. Conservative
government introduced and expanded free childcare entitlements for
children aged three and four and also younger. They launched family
also younger. They launched family
hubs and the Start for Life program, providing support to families when they need it so problems can be
addressed before they escalate and we recognise stable and secure families ensure the best start in
life for children and family hubs
are a vital part of achieving this.
For 14 years, we have targeted early health and should a determination to
be the way from postcodes playing a role in health. That is nowhere more
role in health. That is nowhere more
vital than from conception to age 2. Science is clear. The brain of a child develops more rapidly in these years than at any other point and
saw attachment, stimulation, nutrition, the emotional environment
during this time, they all have implications for learning, resilience, hell. Interventions in
these early days can change life chances and feel your to act
components over time.
-- Failure.
Earlier this month, the government published a strategy on giving every
child the best start in life and the
name, school, substance was much indebted to the previous government.
As the old saying goes, imitation is the highest form of flattery. The flattery identifies early years as a priority for the government and this
is welcome but I echo the sentiment from the Institute For Fiscal Studies that this is a first step, not the finished article. This
family hubs part is a good example
of this and there is a further £60 million announced in the autumn budget and £57 million in Start for
Life funding for 2035-26.
The goal of rolling out the hubs in every
local authority is ambitious and something to be welcomed. I will
make one important point, even with the new funding, spending on integrated early years services will
remain less than one third on what was spent at the peak. Family hubs
are being asked to do more and seven children up to 19 with fewer resources per child and that the
government wants this to be Sure Start 2.0, and I'm sure they do, they must be more ambitious for funding plans.
To build on the solid
foundation inherited from Conservative predecessors they must ensure investment, high quality stuff, and target the family hubs. Before I move on, I welcome that
each has been promised a staff member trading SEND who can offer
practical help to families navigating what is a complex system.
We all know SEND is a big issue and I'm well aware from casework in my
constituency that often families of SEND children are left fighting against the system that should fight
for them.
Early implementation is inconsistent and when the diagnosis
is made, the EHCP assessment and support is often delayed. Disappointingly, ministers have
refused to outlaw scrapping EHCP outside special schools, despite the
children relying on them in early settings and that has put pressure
on families and professionals alike. Over 110,000 people have signed a petition opposing the changes but ministers have not offered assurance
that no child will lose the right to support. I got the Minister will
provide clarity and reassurance to what parents today.
Looking at the
government approach, Best Oxalate
office more family hubs, expanded...
-- Best start for a life. If you are seeking to seek the best, a key provision is high quality education,
the very provision the bill seeks to
the very provision the bill seeks to
threaten. Far from it being a foundation for early years, ministers have led an attack on skill standards by undermining
academies that have led the way on skill improvement projects. If the government gets its way, academies will be unable to recruit teachers without qualified status from non-
traditional backgrounds and will have to fall the same curriculums as other schools, risking the progress
made by three decades of cross-party
consensus on academies.
This is nothing less than educational vandalism and of any member of the House that said, they will have two
they will have 2p a visit to Wales,
run by Labour. -- to pay. The bottom of the rankings in maths, anguish,
science. They cannot bring himself
to ban access to smartphones which is a simple and effective in improving educational outcomes. The
honourable member brought forward a
bill to do that and I welcome the cross-party consensus he built up. It is shameful the work was undone by a government that insisted on
watering down the bill and burying their heads in the sand.
A government that refuses to act
against this danger gives me cause for concern about the commitment to
offering children the best start in life. I conclude on the studies, who are facing extreme financial pressure because of government
decisions. The lack of compensation for the National Insurance employer
increases causing the hating of fees
increases causing the hating of fees
and people to opt out altogether. -- Increasing of fees. I would to minister to consider this if the Treasury is driving them into the ground with tax increases before
they have even started.
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Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
17:13
Janet Daby MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Lewisham East, Labour)
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Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I am grateful to the many honourable members and friends who have participated in the debate on such
participated in the debate on such an important subject and I will refer to them as I progress in the
closing speech. I would be remiss to not mention the strong
representation of members from Staffordshire. The passion and
enthusiasm that comes through their contributions demonstrates the importance of early years and the
government plan for change.
We know
that we have an obligation to break down barriers to opportunity. This government will not stand by while
families, parents, carers, children
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are struggling. Breaking down barriers to opportunity and giving children the
opportunity and giving children the best start in life is one of the defining missions of the government
and so I welcome the steps that have been taken to expand free school meals and breakfast clubs and establish the child poverty task
establish the child poverty task force but does she agree that 20 task force report set out, it's
important it recommends things like
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lifting the 2-child limit which will make such a difference to families? I thank him for highlighting the significance of the work of the
significance of the work of the government and the important issues
government and the important issues of poverty and relating to make sure that, as a government, we drive out
that, as a government, we drive out poverty and make sure we are meeting the needs of children across the
country. As we have set out, the
country.
As we have set out, the strategy for the Best Start will strengthen services and make early education and childcare accessible
education and childcare accessible and affordable for parents and improve the quality of early
education and childcare. These are just the first steps to putting early years back at the heart of
delivering stronger outcomes for children, families, society. I
acknowledge my honourable friend for
Stoke on Trent North, as he spoke about righting the wrongs of the previous government. He spoke about
the cuts to Sure Start services, youth services, and about the deep-
rooted cuts of the previous
My honourable friend for Sheffield Central also spoke about Sure Start and her close connection to Sure Start and I applaud her in all of
the work she did in this area and the campaigning work she did as well.
My honourable friend. On
Southall also spoke passionately
about meeting the health needs, physical needs, psychological needs of children and I look forward to meeting with her. I hope members are
reassured that the long term vision
we have set out will transform life chances, give children better opportunities than we ourselves
opportunities than we ourselves
Raised exam results, improved early education and boosted physical and mental health. It reached disadvantaged families and made a
difference to their lives.
Our best start service will honour the proud legacy of Sure Start. My honourable
friend spoke about Sure Start, the evidence of its success, children's achievements and how it had been stripped away by the previous, last
government. I could not agree with
her more. This government will introduce a new best start family service, delivered through best art family hubs. This will be the first
step to a national family service to ensure families can get the right
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support for their children. Does the Minister agree with me
that access to the creative arts, particularly music, should be available to everybody? Particularly
available to everybody? Particularly
available to everybody? Particularly young people? And that access to the creative arts and music could be provided through the best art family
provided through the best art family hubs? Because the evidence is abundant about the positive effect
abundant about the positive effect on cognitive ability, hard and soft
on cognitive ability, hard and soft skills, teamwork and joy within life as well that it can have a profoundly positive effect on our
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young people as they grow up. I do not know anyone who does not like music or enjoy some type of music, children must have the
music, children must have the experience of enjoying music. I could not imagine any family hubs
could not imagine any family hubs that does not have some type of musical instrument. But of course we need to, and this government is and
need to, and this government is and will encourage the creative arts, music, my own daughter is learning
music, my own daughter is learning how to play the guitar.
As mentioned by right honourable member for Twickenham, every child in life
deserves the best start in life.
Also, as mentioned by the honourable
member, this issue is a cross-party agenda. I could not agree more. I
would like to reassure him that we will and we are supporting single
parents, parents and carers. This government wants to give children the very best start in life, hence
the strategy and report we are introducing and speaking about this
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afternoon. I thank the Minister for giving
way. Isn't the point here that there should be a shared national mission to invest in young people? The
to invest in young people? The evidence is very clear that the pound invested in a young child,
pound invested in a young child, under five, is worth £16 invested in
under five, is worth £16 invested in their later life. It should be to
their later life. It should be to support young people to have their very best start in life.
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very best start in life. I absolutely agree with my
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I absolutely agree with my honourable friend. Hubs will be open to all, we have funding for these services in every local authority,
services in every local authority, they work with childminders, local voluntary groups, to provide joined
voluntary groups, to provide joined up support to parents in the community, each hub will have trained professionals to support parents and children who have
parents and children who have additional needs. A new best art digital service will mean parents can instantly access the trusted advice and guidance they would need
advice and guidance they would need
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whenever they need it. I thank the Minister for giving way. The Minister identified
voluntary sector groups. Many organisations have been rooted
within their communities for many years. Even when they deliver high
quality services, can we look to ensure that the work of the group
informs part of the offer and do not get replaced. They often know all of
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the communities best. I thank him for his intervention.
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I thank him for his intervention. I remember soon after becoming a Minister I met with voluntary and
Minister I met with voluntary and community organisations. One of the first things I did was thank them
for their services and support they provided under the previous government. Some people had water in
government. Some people had water in their eyes as I was able to acknowledge the significance of the work they have been doing and
work they have been doing and continue to do and continue to contribute to the needs of our
contribute to the needs of our society and some of our most vulnerable children as well.
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vulnerable children as well. I'm delighted to hear that each of these best art family hubs will have a SEND coordinator, fully trained and professional to support
trained and professional to support families. Can the Minister say a little bit more about how she
little bit more about how she envisages those coordinators working in partnership with local education, health and local authority partners
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to avoid silo thinking? I thank my honourable friend for the way in which he really connects
the way in which he really connects up the various agencies, departments
up the various agencies, departments and significance of working in close partnership. That is absolutely the
right way and the way forward. This
government is delivering on our promise to parents, providing more support to working families than
ever before. We are delivering the entitlement of 30 hours of government funding childcare a week
for working families, backed by funding, which we expect to reach 9
billion from next year.
This will save families an average of 7,500 a year and give parents, especially mothers, the freedom and choice to
work. Like my honourable friend for Stoke-on-Trent Central, I have
visited many primary schools in my constituency and I am sure many members have also done the same. I
also want to encourage members to visit their new best start family
hubs as well. Quality matters when it comes to early education and childcare. A high quality setting is
what all parents should expect for
their child.
But a great early years education starts with great people and that is why we are backing the
people who care for and teach our youngest children. We will raise the status of our workforce. All staff
matter. We will introduce a new professional register, train more
early years teachers because we know the impact they make is significant.
We will double the number of stronger practice hubs and build strong links between settings and schools so educators can share best
practice and provide the best possible care.
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I thank the Minister for giving way. I talked with parents and families in Bournemouth East, they described the process as being
described the process as being adversarial and designed to exclude. They want to have a greater role in
They want to have a greater role in
the design of their child's ECP. Though she agreed that as we take forward SEND reform, it is important
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to have families at the heart of that process? Absolutely we need to make sure
there is a full consultation and involvement so that people and parents feel their voices are
parents feel their voices are absolutely being heard. I am moving
absolutely being heard. I am moving S which is convenient. The current
S which is convenient. The current SEND system is difficult for parents, carers and young people to navigate and is not delivering the outcomes we want to see.
Whilst we
announced the details of our long- term approach to SEND reform, will be set out in a schools white paper in the autumn, we are clear that any
in the autumn, we are clear that any changes we make will improve the support available to parents and families, stop parents having to fight for support and protect the effective provision that is
effective provision that is currently in place. We know that many parents feel the only way their
child can get the support they need is through EHCPs, however independent insights published last
year show extensive improvement to the system using early intervention
and better resourcing of mainstream schools could have a significant
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impact. I thank the Minister for giving way, I am grateful to hear her
way, I am grateful to hear her stress the importance of support for
stress the importance of support for children with SEND. The school in West Dorset has 52 percent of its children with SEND, children
children with SEND, children struggling with mainstream education, funding for improvements was agreed in 2023, funding has
was agreed in 2023, funding has still not been released. I wonder if the Minister wants to say anything about that?
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about that? I thank the honourable member for
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I thank the honourable member for sharing that information. I will ask the Minister behind me to make contact with you regarding that
contact with you regarding that issue. There will always be a legal
issue. There will always be a legal right to the additional support that children with SEND need and it will be protected. This government is
be protected. This government is prepared to reform a broken system
prepared to reform a broken system set out by the Conservatives that they themselves described as lose, lose, lose.
We will ensure that
lose, lose. We will ensure that every child in this country gets the opportunity to achieve and thrive at
opportunity to achieve and thrive at school and to get on in life. We are considering carefully how to address
and improve the experience of EHCP process for families and reflecting on what practice could or should be
made consistently, nationally. We are committed to working with
families, experts and sector to
ensure our approach is planned and delivered in partnership.
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I think a forgiving way. She is being generous with her time. One of
being generous with her time. One of the areas of concern of parents of children who currently have an EHCP have raised with me, is where there
have raised with me, is where there are multiple complex issues, whether
are multiple complex issues, whether a health issue, behavioural issue, the EHCP is the primary driver of
the EHCP is the primary driver of need, sometimes the children may get the support they need for one
the support they need for one additional need but not the support elsewhere.
Can the Minister give assurance to parents in my constituency and across the country
that when they are looking at the
that when they are looking at the review and where the system might come next, they will look at the
come next, they will look at the holistic view of the child and where their complex needs and independent needs are looked after at the centre of that as well?
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of that as well? I thank him for raising a real
significant point that I'm sure parents do find it difficult to grapple with. I will ensure that the points he has raised will be passed
points he has raised will be passed onto the relevant Minister. We are assessing how far current
arrangements are suitable for assessing the needs of children with SEND. The approach will be set out
in the schools white paper in the autumn. Improving health and education go hand in hand.
As alluded to by the honourable member
for Dewsbury and others. My honourable friend for North East
Hertfordshire is absolutely correct when he speaks about health, wealth,
education and accommodation. The previous government left no light
previous government left no light
task. But -- despite what they say, this government is having to fix the foundations and put right what is broken. My honourable friend spoke about mental health, breakfast clubs
and other areas to do with health.
They also spoke about the crown and glory of the previous Sure Start, which was good to hear.
My honourable friend spoke positively
about breakfast clubs and free
school meals. We know that healthy children are better able to learn and will go on to live healthier
and will go on to live healthier
lives. The strategy is aligned with the 10 year health plan. Hospital to community, analogue to digital and
sickness to prevention. And the best start family hubs are an important part of the move to neighbourhood
health. The honourable member for
Tiverton spoke about the inheritance of a poor school building under the previous government and I will raise this with the Minister for early
education.
And my honourable friend for Cannock Chase spoke about the
welfare of children, that support
and advise that this government is committed to. We are committed to achieving the best start in life for
children. I will end by saying the honourable member for north-east
Hertfordshire spoke so eloquently about wanting children to laugh, to learn and to achieve and I
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The question is that this House has considered the matter of giving every child the best start in life. As many as are of that opinion say,
As many as are of that opinion say, "Aye." Of the contrary, "No." I think the ayes have it, the ayes
think the ayes have it, the ayes
have it. Petition, Freddie family.
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Thank you. Rise to present a petition about outreach Post Office and urge the Governor to take urgent action following its closure in
action following its closure in March this year. And the retirement of a postmaster in nearby great
of a postmaster in nearby great Milton. The outreach Post Office served as a vital community hub for
residents. Many older and more vulnerable villages now face significant barriers to accessing essential postal and banking
essential postal and banking services. Over 600 residents have signed the petition, which is over
signed the petition, which is over half of the village.
It just shows how important this is to residents.
how important this is to residents. I was happy to join Judy, Rebecca, Sheila, Sheila and Anna to present
Sheila, Sheila and Anna to present this petition to Number Ten Downing Street who join Sue and Derek today from the galleries. I thank them
17:32
Petitions
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from the galleries. I thank them among others who for their hard work
and dedication in bringing this petition today. It cannot be the retirement of a long serving and
dedicated postmaster is used as an excuse to cut services. The Post Office has a duty to the residents
of Horspath and it should fulfil it. I have the government and the Post
Office will now take notice of the residents of Horspath and work together with them to ensure residents can once again access
these postal services.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the
government to take immediate action to reopen Horspath Outreach Post Office. And the petitioners remain
17:32
Petitions Freddie van Mierlo MP (Henley and Thame, Liberal Democrat)
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Office. Petition, Sergio Joseph.
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Petition, Sergio Joseph. Thank you. I rise to present a petition on behalf of my constituents who are deeply
constituents who are deeply frustrated by the regular deployment of Operation Brock. The decision by
of Operation Brock. The decision by Kent County Council and the forum take you freight lorries on the M20
17:33
Petitions Sojan Joseph MP (Ashford, Labour)
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take you freight lorries on the M20 during the school holidays because they severe disruption for local residents and businesses and is
hugely expensive. My constituents do not object to Brock being deployed in emergencies, and reassurances
were given that this would happen. However, it is still being regularly
deployed as a precautionary measure, and will come into force once again later this week. The petitioners
therefore request that the House of Commons urge the transport Select Committee to launch an enquiry into the decisions taken by the Kent
County Council and the forum to regularly deploy Operation Brock and
into what work has been undertaken to find a long-term alternative, and
to find a long-term alternative, and
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Petition Operation Brock.
17:34
Petitions Dr Roz Savage MP (South Cotswolds, Liberal Democrat)
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Petition Doctor Roz Savage. Thank you. I rise to present a
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Thank you. I rise to present a petition on the continued existence of GP surgery in the village of
of GP surgery in the village of Sherston in my constituency of the South Cotswolds. I'd like to thank
the 1695 local residents who have signed a similarly worded petition, and I hope this demonstrates to the
government this rural community strength of feeling about the need
for a new GP surgery to replace the existing one whose lease will shortly expire. The petition of the
residents of Sherston and the surrounding villages declares that the future of Sherston surgery
remains uncertain.
That the existing Tolsey Surgery in shares to is no
longer fit for purpose. A new purpose-built facility has been offered by a developer. The
integrated care board has today
refused to commit to operating NHS services from the proposed new premises. Further, declares that
without such a commitment, many residents in Sherston and its neighbouring villages are in real
danger of being left without reasonable access to essential NHS primary care services. The
petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the
government to take immediate action to support the establishment and ongoing operation of a new
healthcare facility in Sherston in order to ensure continued access to NHS services for the local
community.
And the petitioners
community. And the petitioners
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Petition Sherston surgery. Petition, Markus Campbell- Savours.
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Savours. Thank you. Mainly, James, Caleb,
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Thank you. Mainly, James, Caleb, Riley, Noah P, Katie, Louisiana, Milo, Sienna, George, Penny, Ethan,
Milo, Sienna, George, Penny, Ethan, Islay, Noah G, Harry, Ruby, Faye, Brad, Joe and Oliver are all children in year six of stingray
17:36
Petitions Markus Campbell-Savours MP (Penrith and Solway, Labour)
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children in year six of stingray school. Like many of my constituents, they are conscious of
how far away Cumbria's from Westminster, so as they leave
primary school later this week, there similarly worded petition calls on the government to do more to help children like them visit and
learn about Parliament. I wish them well for the future. The petition declares that stone ray school is
over 300 miles from London and it's very expensive for schools in
Cumbria to take their children on a residential tower capital city.
Further, that the government provides funding through the pupil
premium and to local authorities, which can help schools plan
education visits, but that currently only a small proportion of pupils have the resources to be able to
visit Parliament each year. Further notes a petition started by stone ray school in Cumbria which 155
pupils and teachers have signed supports more government assistance
to enable them and schoolchildren across the UK to visit Parliament. The petitioners therefore request
that the House of Commons urge the government to ensure transport and
accommodation and food provision for every child to be able to visit Parliament during their time at the
school so that all children can see how Parliament works for us.
And the
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Parliament. Petition, Maureen Burke.
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Petition, Maureen Burke. Thank you. I rise to present this petition on behalf of the family of
petition on behalf of the family of Marcus boarding. Like too many families, their lives have been
17:38
Petitions Maureen Burke MP (Glasgow North East, Labour)
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families, their lives have been devastated as a consequence of the harm caused by gambling addiction. I'm incredibly moved that through
their campaign, Mark's mother and sister and advocating for others who
may be experiencing a similar situation. Currently families are not empowered to raise concerns without appropriate authorities on
behalf of a loved one. Struggling with a gambling addiction. This lack
of agency often leaves them feeling
helpless. This petition in addition to the one that received 3280
signatures to strengthen the rights of the family members in the circumstances.
The petitioners
therefore request that the House of Commons urge the government to take
immediate action to ensure NHS and local authority advocacy services
allow for families to advocate for
their at-risk adult members and improve GP training in the area of gambling addiction, utilising the
proposed gambling operator levy. And
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Petition, Petition, adults Petition, adults at Petition, adults at risk Petition, adults at risk due Petition, adults at risk due to
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gambling addiction. I beg to move this House do now adjourn.
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adjourn. The question is that this House do now adjourn. Uma Kumaran.
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do now adjourn. Uma Kumaran. Thank you. Can I say how wonderful it is to have you in the chair for this because you were in
chair for this because you were in the chair for my Maiden speech? And this is my first ever adjournment
debates. I also would like to pay tribute to the honourable member Bradford South who is proudly wearing the ribbon that we are
wearing the ribbon that we are wearing today. I'm grateful for the opportunity to open this debate, to
opportunity to open this debate, to pay tribute to the women and girls
pay tribute to the women and girls of the matchgirl strike of 1888.
I'm proudly the very first Member of Parliament for the new constituency
17:41
Uma Kumaran MP (Stratford and Bow, Labour)
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Parliament for the new constituency of Stratford and Bow. The boundaries may be new, but it's a part of East London with a rich and radical history that I'm so proud to
17:42
Petitions Maureen Burke MP (Glasgow North East, Labour)
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present. -- Represent. Also as the
17:42
Uma Kumaran MP (Stratford and Bow, Labour)
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present. -- Represent. Also as the granddaughters of one of the first ever trade unionists in the area, and proud to be speaking here. In my
and proud to be speaking here. In my Maiden speech I pay tribute to some of the well-known illustrious figures who were residents of both, somehow snide maxim household names
somehow snide maxim household names like Gandhi. But today I want to pay tribute to some lesser-known but
tribute to some lesser-known but equally powerful figures in British history, the match girls.
The young
history, the match girls. The young women over the match factory in Bow. And proud to have some residents from both to hear the debate and
from both to hear the debate and also pay tribute to the Bengali ladies who visited me earlier today.
ladies who visited me earlier today. The matchgirl is, mostly very young girls, some as young a six going up
girls, some as young a six going up to 13 and beyond endured long hours, pitiful pay and appalling working
pitiful pay and appalling working conditions.
Find for being late, been untidy or even the talking. Worst of all, they were being
Worst of all, they were being poisoned slowly and painfully. The white phosphorus used to make the matches make them sicker by the day, giving them a condition called for
giving them a condition called for seashore. The girls would dip matches into self and then into white phosphorus mixture and this
white phosphorus mixture and this led to a horrible disease causing painful abscesses, facial disfigurement and the loss of their jaw and in some cases a slow and
painful death.
When this came to light through news article, factory bosses tried to force the girls to lie but instead they fought back and
took their futures in their own hands. 1,400 of these brave young women walked out on strike in July
1888. And they sent a delegation
right here to Parliament. 56 match girls marched from bow to Parliament, and a group of 12 of
these women met with two MPs, right outside this chamber in central lobby. Their courageous act is recorded in Hansard where Mr
Cunningham Graham asked the Home Secretary to investigate strike and
the factory's punitive practice.
I'm proud that this week working with the matchgirl's memorial team who
are also here in the gallery, and my union the GMB we have an exhibition
in this very place where the matchgirl is box 2. The strike was exactly 137 years ago this week and
it lit the spark of the New Labour movement and the new trade union
movement. A spark that ignited the fire of modern trade unionism in
Britain. The same movement is fighting for our rights at work and a movement I'm very proud to be part
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of is a member of my union the GMB. Can I commend the honourable lady's of Stratford and Bow for bringing this forward? She's
bringing this forward? She's absolutely right to celebrate the
absolutely right to celebrate the strike of 1888, but does the honourable lady not agreed that the spirit of the matchgirl's in 1880 lives on in our women today? An
lives on in our women today? An example of that in my constituency, and indeed me on abilities constituency is that of the Waspi
constituency is that of the Waspi women who refuse to take it lying down and to fight for their
down and to fight for their recognition and for compensation.
And that fight began with the striking 1888, and still lives on
striking 1888, and still lives on today. In 2025.
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today. In 2025. Thank you for this is my first
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Thank you for this is my first attempt debate that I have secured and I'm delighted to be a recipient of one of the honourable gentleman's famous adjournment interventions. I finally made it as a Member of
finally made it as a Member of Parliament. I certainly think the spirit of the match girls remind us that unionism and the collective action has long been in the domain
action has long been in the domain of women, regardless of how male dominated the union movement may be
17:44
Adjournment: Commemorating the women of the Matchgirls' strike in 1888 Uma Kumaran MP (Stratford and Bow, Labour)
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or the struggle for workers rights. I thank my honourable friend for
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I thank my honourable friend for giving way, and would my honourable
friend agree that commemorating workers struggle, particular women is key to understanding working-
class history, our history? And which she agreed that the matchgirl's should be commemorated alongside Industrial Strategy,
struggles across the country, not least that of the 19 teenage girls
in Dudley Paul factory who were killed in the disaster of 1922.
Wednesbury tube town strikes of 1913 and the 1910 women chain makers
strike in Cradley Heath, all of which helped form our modern day trade union movement.
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Thank the honourable friend for that powerful intervention. All of
that powerful intervention. All of us on these benches have stories of women who have shaped the struggle for the working people's rights in
British history. And actually too often they don't get told, so really pleased today we have a chance to
pleased today we have a chance to
pleased today we have a chance to The strike was exactly 137 years ago
The strike was exactly 137 years ago this week.
I am proud to be here speaking about it. The union movement are still fighting for
movement are still fighting for dignity and fairness at work. Standing up for workers rights against mistreatment and
against mistreatment and malpractice. We also much to these women who came before us, the pioneers of the rights we enjoy today. They stood up against
today. They stood up against injustice, took power in their own hands, and they won all the concessions they demanded from
concessions they demanded from greedy factory bosses.
This change the course of history and are right,
the course of history and are right, and many other women, would not be here without them. So, I come to the
House to ask the Minister who is here, if we will finally recognise
here, if we will finally recognise , for women in prison. I mentioned
Mr Graham, what the MPs that met with the matchgirl's in parliament, those MPs names are recorded in Hansard. But the names and voices of
the matchgirls are absent because it will be decades more until these women sat on these benches.
It is
not forgotten in history, the struggle for rights and dignity at
work. This history is too often overlooked. Working class stories left untold, underrepresented in our
curriculum is and in our history. This is a history that belongs to
all of us. But while we all have a chance, we have a responsibility to
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keep telling. I will. I thank my honourable friend for giving way, she is making a strong
case for history, and as my
parliamentary neighbour, she will know we have a strong industrial
know we have a strong industrial history. A dishy agree with me so often I history forget that so much of it involves or is led by strong working-class women? Not only having
working-class women? Not only having to overcome class prejudice, striving in poverty and social conditions, but also we must try
conditions, but also we must try light on their success and achievements that will benefit from now, to make sure it stays in the
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public memory. My honourable friend makes a really powerful point, in that we are neighbouring MPs in the struggle
are neighbouring MPs in the struggle to get our voices heard here, to make sure these women are recorded in history. And he is a powerful advocate and ally in the fight for
advocate and ally in the fight for improved conditions for workers. Indeed, many of those descendants of the matchgirls still live today in
the matchgirls still live today in
the honourable member for Wesam and -- For West Ham's constituency.
And
-- For West Ham's constituency. And I will pay tribute to the
predecessor, who over a decade ago held a debate about matchgirls. This history I am talking about belongs to all of us. We do have that
responsibility to keep telling it. I am really sad to say the benches
opposite are completely empty this evening for staff they might try to
talk our trade unions when they are here, but these benches, we are so proud of our industrial heritage. I
ask the Minister whether the government will look at how this history is taught in schools, so that working class stories, like
those of the East End matchgirls,
after many we are hearing about today, and their contributions to Britain are recognised.
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Thank you for giving way. I think this is a really important debate, thank you so much for bringing it forward. I think this played a
really, really important part in the whole of the Labour history and the struggle, for women, and their
struggle, for women, and their struggles. Particularly, in Durham.
struggles. Particularly, in Durham. Where we had the Durham Women against Pit Closures, who sustained the miners in their strike, they joined the picket lines, they were
joined the picket lines, they were key figures in their areas, and they are still around today.
And we saw
are still around today. And we saw them last week at the gala. Would she agree with me that it is so important that pass women's
important that pass women's struggles are remembered and they actually do empower women of the
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future? I could not have said it better
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I could not have said it better myself, Madame Deputy Speaker. My honourable friend makes a powerful point. Durham is so rooted in the
fight for workers rights. And I am proud that tradition is still continuing and she has long been a powerful advocate for working people's rights and union voices in
people's rights and union voices in Britain. So, I thank her for her intervention. As we honour these women and celebrate how far we have
women and celebrate how far we have come, we also know that, in the
words of another incredibly powerful woman, great is the work yet to be
done, particular day for women in today's workforce, who still today disproportionately struggle with low
paid and insecure work.
There are 3.9 million working women in the UK, who are in a severely insecure work. Insecure work which creates a
culture of fear and uncertainty. Isolates employees, and so often
leaves young women struggle financially. Women are more likely to work in sectors with high job insecurity, they are paid less, work fewer hours, and face last-minute
shift changes, all of them put under greater financial emotional
pressure. Young women are paid less, and are stuck in roles far below
their potential and often over time
this chips away at their confidence, mental health and any sense of self-worth and when they do not feel safe to speak about or treatment,
they start to believe they are being treated unfairly, and it is simply part of the job.
Most women do not know their rights at work. I have
worked with the Young Women's Trust, that's and they say that almost half
that's and they say that almost half
the women that they... Women are still struggling today. This must
change. It is why I was so proud to sit on the committee for this Labour
government employment rights bill for but I was so pleased the Minister responded in the chamber today and was one that was integral
to this Bill committee.
We are delivering the biggest operator workers rights in a generation,
working back on Tory attacks on workers rights, to have their voices heard at work, cracking down on fire and rehire practices, banning NDAs
that prevent people from speaking about about harassment. Enhancing
workplace protection for pregnant
women and new mothers and taking on the gender pay gap. All while boosting standards and workplace
protection for millions. Madame Deputy Speaker, 137 years on from
the Matchgirls' Strike, these landmark reforms will deliver rights and dignity for a new generation of
women and working people.
But we
must ensure that humans know their rights and they are enforced. We must give the work agency the power and resources to do its job well and
ensure that workers most at risk of exploitation and it is rumination are supported to accessorise, so our economy can finally gain from the
schools and parents of young women. Madame Deputy Speaker, I covered a
lot of ground, it has been a history lesson today, the story of the matchgirl, pride in Britain's
working class history, pride in the story of my constituency, and the
security and dignity of young women in today's workforce.
It members want to learn more, I encourage them to visit the upper waiting hall in
the committee corridor, where the matchgirl is Memorial trust is hosting an exhibition right here in Parliament. I want to thank the
brilliant women in my team who have helped me put this together and have been integral to their work we have
been doing to shine a light, and I
want to pay to preach to them. Anna, et cetera. I also want to thank
those in the audience today who have been so integral in helping me on my
way as a member of Parliament.
Finally, Madame Deputy Speaker, I
want to conclude by honouring the inspiring legacy of the women and
girls of the matchgirl strike 1888, I'm ensuring the names are recorded
in Hansard. And their contribution for the types to workers rights, we
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will enjoy today, is remembered. I thank my honourable friend for
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I thank my honourable friend for
giving way. Does she agreed with me that the brave actions of the matchgirls, like so many women trade unionists, women history, should act
unionists, women history, should act as an inspiration to girls and young women in constituencies, like mine
women in constituencies, like mine of rugby, and that they can be inspired to take action to gain the
inspired to take action to gain the justice that they need in their lives and all of our lives.
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lives and all of our lives. Absolutely, I agree and I thank my honourable friend for hit intervention and you make a really
intervention and you make a really important point. -- For his intervention. I would like to ensure the name of the committee are
the name of the committee are recorded in Hansard so they contribution to the fight for
contribution to the fight for workers rights that we all enjoy today are remembered. Eliza Martin, Mary, Louisa, Kate, Julia, Ellen,
Mary, Louisa, Kate, Julia, Ellen,
Jamie, Mary, James, Alice, Liza, Mary, and Sarah.
Whose great-
Mary, and Sarah. Whose great- granddaughter, Sam, is here today in the gallery and who has done so much to honour the incredible legacy of
to honour the incredible legacy of
the matchgirls. Madame Deputy Speaker, there is a saying, if you want a job done, and you want a job
done right, get women to do it. Never has this been truer in the
fight for women's rights and the matchgirls and I pay tribute to the
ordinary women.
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It might just help members if I were to explain that, because, because the adjournment started early, we do have time for them to
early, we do have time for them to make speeches without having asked the member in charge of the Minister for permission to do so, but could I just say, the honourable lady it
just say, the honourable lady it right, it is an excellent exhibition. In the upper waiting
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hall. Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker, and I thank my honourable friend for securing this important debate which
needs a greater light shining on it
needs a greater light shining on it in my opinion. It is an emotional debate actually, I find similarly emotional, for someone who has worked with women and girls throughout her career, and working
17:56
Leigh Ingham MP (Stafford, Labour)
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throughout her career, and working with women and girls to help them find their voice to talk in the chamber, about women who use their
voice to uplift so much more than just their own fight, but those
behind them, those who struck all I never know the past tense, sorry!
Gone on strike the year after, without the inspiration of those young women and girls. So I thank you deeply that you have brought
this up today. You have said what
needs to be said in great detail,
but what I think is important is that without them, we wouldn't have the labour movement we have today, we wouldn't have the part we have
today, which is integral.
The legacy lives on really strongly. I really proud to have had young people in
the chamber today, summer school,
and to do my first summer school. One of the things that really matter to me when I got elected was making sure that door was open for
working-class girls behind me. Girls and boys, there are girls and boys on the course, but actually, what really matters is today based on the
best of this place, in my opinion. They were able to witness the
chamber, speak to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and hear what someone who had a modest upbringing was able to achieve with their lives, and I
think that inspiration directly, promoting women, some as young as
13, who went on strike in a really brave move.
They risk so much, their jobs, pay, and safety, they were not just fighting for better pay, but
dignity, it was about justice, a nephew chat for us. So, I thank all of them, deeply, for keeping that
resistance alive. Because I think anyone speaking here, every vote we cast, every justice we try to
challenge, is not just for today,
but for those who come*$$JOIN, particularly the members of my summer school, some of whom are just
learning about politics, who are learning what their voice can achieve, they are spending a big devising a campaign that can change
their community, my constituency of
Stafford, across all the villages.
So, in closing, I would like to say that if we keep fighting for
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fairness, we can change the role for today but also those before us. Minister.
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Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. Can I come first of all,
Can I come first of all, congratulate my honourable friend, the member for Stratford and Bow for securing this debate. Her first adjournment debate, I think she has
adjournment debate, I think she has chosen extremely well. I think it is really important that she
really important that she highlighted that we draw attention to the incredible courage of the
to the incredible courage of the women in the matchgirl strike. I think it is important this House
think it is important this House acknowledges and recognises this very important piece of British history.
As my honourable friend
history. As my honourable friend touched on in her remarks, these
touched on in her remarks, these young women, many of them teenagers
17:59
Justin Madders MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, Labour)
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worked in absolutely appalling conditions and we know we have made great advancements, in terms of
working conditions in recent decades, but even for this time,
this was a particularly horrendous set of circumstances. Women working there suffered from what was
described as a painful disfiguring
disease, phosphorus jaw, brought on by exposure to phosphorus. Working
in poorly ventilated conditions. And their strike was, I think, a
watershed moment. It garnered widespread public support and
ultimately forced Bryant and May to concede to their demands.
So, it is right that the names of these courageous women are included on the
parliamentary record and I thank my
honourable friend for doing that. As one of the members will know, the
matchgirl strike took place a year before the more famous London dockworkers dispute in 1889, which
was so performative in the growth of trade unions. Including, of course, the union we know today, and for the
record, by draw attention to my proud membership of the GMB trade union. The organised female workforce showed those working on
the docks just what was possible when workers stand up for their
when workers stand up for their
rights.
They showed that insecurity never has to be -- And unfairness at
work never has to be tolerated. The labour movement is living and breathing and we can take inspiration from each other, including those that have gone
before us, in the struggle for improved working conditions. As my honourable friend mentioned, I was
also pleased to be able to visit the exhibition on the committee
I would recommend other honourable
members take time to learn more about the history of these struggles. I think it's fair to say that the legacy these women have is
wholly remarkable.
They were part of the trade union movement which when
we look back now we can see how much has been achieved, securing
discrimination detection, paid holiday, paid maternity leave, the right to request flexible working.
So many advances have come from these beginnings. But of course as has been touched on, there are still
many issues of unfairness that need
addressing today. A recent survey by the young woman's trust found that 67% of women said they had faced
discrimination, and 37% believe they had to endure unsafe working
environments, 26% have experienced sexual harassment at work.
50% had
not received pay went off sick. I'm pleased to say these are all things
that we are hoping to address. And I think my honourable friend raised a really important point about young women's awareness of their rights at
work, and it's absolutely crystal clear that in order to be effective
in enforcing your rights, need to have worker protections, and I'm sure that something we will trump it
as a Labour government. My honourable friend. It spoke with
great passion, made a really important point that the courage
that these women showed was
instrumental, indeed inspirational in the formation of the Labour Party because it wasn't of course formed
at the time of the strike, but the growth of the trade movement, trade union movement and the belief that governments of the time not
representing the interests of working people led to the formation of the Labour representation
committee, and then of course the Labour Party itself.
And we are
proud to be part of that tradition. As a Labour government we want to continue the work done by the
matchgirl's and ensure that workplaces are safe for women. Employment Rights Bill is helping us
to achieve exactly that, by tackling nondisclosure agreements used to
cover up sexual harassment in a development which has been called only this week world leading. We are strengthening dismissal protections
for pregnant women and new mothers and expanding gender pay gap action
plans, and of course as has been touched on already, the pivotal role of the Fair Work Agency in ensuring
that these new rights and existing rights are enforced cannot be
understated.
The Employment Rights Bill also addresses insecure work
such as exploitative zero hours contracts and the heinous practice
of fire and rehire. We know from research that women are more likely to be in insecure work with an estimated six and 50,000 women on
zero hours contracts to 590,000 men.
So the struggle continues. The work never ceases, but the determination
of this government to address workers rights, improve protections
in the workplace is not undimmed. I would like to thank my honourable
friend as she touched on for her assistance with the committee on the new Employment Rights Bill, and she
has carried on her keen interest in this area, helping to push the improved rights at work as well as
celebrating quite rightly those who have had to fight for the rights in
the past.
The government's Plan to Make Work Pay is delivering real
change the millions of people. The work this government is doing on its transformative agenda, that of course by women, the Deputy Prime
Minister shows that we are staying true to the spirit of the matchgirl's and to the trade union movement, and we are renewing our
contract so it once again serves the interests of working people. The Employment Rights Bill is a
generational leap forward. In worker protections, and I believe it will be one of the proudest achievements
of this Labour government.
I will now turn to some of my honourable friends points on education. She
will of course know that the Department of education provides a
statutory National Curriculum that
sets out the subjects and broad content to be taught in maintained schools across England, but within that framework schools have a degree of flexible team, especially in
subjects like history. Within the history curriculum there are points in time in teaching history that
lend themselves to the opportunity to teach about the matchgirl/, such as in Key Stage 1 with teaching
about the lives of significant individuals in the past you have contributed to national and international achievements.
The
aspects of life from different periods can be taught, and of course in Key Stage 3 the theme of ideas,
political power, industry and empire in Britain between 1745 and 1901,
and of course particular pertinent the honourable members local connections, any local history
content in the curriculum. By
coincidence having just spoken to my parliamentary system before I am to the chamber, he told me that he was
indeed informed that the match girls struggle in his education. And I hope that something we do see
repeated up and down the country.
Hope National Academy offer a resource on the match girls strike
the year eight pupils, and resources are also available from historical
Association English Heritage and the National archives. I will turn to the honourable members points on
commemoration. This country of course has a long and well- established tradition of
commemorating its national and local individuals through statutes and memorials -- statues. The service
along -- a long lasting reminder and
help bridge the gap between the past
and present.
But it's not normal practice for central government to fund such monuments. There is a long
history of memorials and statues being funded by public subscription and the governor supports this approach, experience has shown that there are often other investors including the private sector happy
and willing to fund memorials. Many organisations public and private are
rightly able to get permission to develop memorials marking a variety of incidents of historical moments in a way that they are best placed team appropriate and sensitive, and
many successful memorials are
created by a wide range of authorities and organisations, which are able to respond sensitively to the particular circumstances that
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they seek to commemorate. With the honourable gentleman
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With the honourable gentleman agree with me and congratulate
Redhill's in County Durham, which was the home of the pitmen's parliament? And it's now my office
parliament? And it's now my office also. But you've just -- they've just been given money to have a huge
just been given money to have a huge refurbishment and make the Redhill's building into a living heritage
building into a living heritage site, which will have education for young people to remember what happened in the past but also for
happened in the past but also for them to see how they can also live out their heritage and the struggles
out their heritage and the struggles of the mining communities and empower them to go on and fight like
empower them to go on and fight like the men and women in the north-east did.
It will be open to the public
did. It will be open to the public in the autumn, but want to congratulate them for this wonderful thing they've done.
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thing they've done. I'm certainly happy to join my
honourable friend and congratulate
honourable friend and congratulate them on that achievement. And if it's opening in the autumn, I do hope that when I come and visit my honourable friend in her constituency, that it will be ready
in time for my arrival. Perhaps it's
a target they would like to work to. So as we know there are a great many
people and organisations interested in establishing memorials, and as a general rule it's for those groups
to work with the relevant local planning authority and other organisations to identify a suitable site and obtain the necessary
planning permissions, but that said the government does provide indirect assistance to the DCMS administered
memorial grant scheme.
The scheme makes grants towards the VAT incurred by charities and faith groups in the construction repair
and maintenance of public oil structures including war memorials.
Scheme has a fixed budget of £500,000 a year for the spending period. My honourable friend to
correspond further with the Department of culture and sport if she seeks to get advice on the
commemoration process. So in conclusion, I would like to once
again thank the honourable friend, the member of the Stratford and Bow for bringing this important debate
to the House, forgiving the chance for the names of those truly courageous and inspirational match
girls to be forever immortalised through Hansard.
I think that is a
fitting tribute that my honourable friend has delivered for this House today.
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The question is that this House do now adjourn. As many as are of that opinion say, "Aye." Of the
contrary, "No." The ayes have it.
18:17
Speaker's Statement
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18:17
Justin Madders MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, Labour)
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18:17
Speaker's Statement
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18:17
Justin Madders MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, Labour)
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18:17
Speaker's Statement
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18:17
Justin Madders MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, Labour)
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18:17
Speaker's Statement
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House House of House of Commons House of Commons - House of Commons - 16 House of Commons - 16 July House of Commons - 16 July 2025.
18:37
Justin Madders MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, Labour)
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18:39
Speaker's Statement
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18:39
Justin Madders MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, Labour)
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18:42
Speaker's Statement
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18:42
Justin Madders MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, Labour)
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18:42
Speaker's Statement
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18:44
Justin Madders MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, Labour)
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18:44
Speaker's Statement
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18:45
Justin Madders MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, Labour)
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18:45
Speaker's Statement
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18:45
Justin Madders MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, Labour)
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18:45
Speaker's Statement
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18:45
Justin Madders MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, Labour)
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18:46
Speaker's Statement
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This debate has concluded