Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Urgent Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government if she will make a statement on the new policies announced in the Government’s Strategy for Elections

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you. To ask the Secretary of State for housing communities and local government, if she can make a local government, if she can make a statement on new policies announced in the government strategy for elections.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you. The government has today published our strategy for modern and secure elections. When we modern and secure elections. When we came into power just over a month ago, the government committed to its manifesto to bring forward measures manifesto to bring forward measures to uphold the integrity of our elections. The strategy we have elections. The strategy we have published today will set out how we will legislate and implement will legislate and implement provisions to extend the voting franchise to 1617-year-olds,

10:43

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

increased dissipation in elections, tackle the inconsistencies in voter ID rules and protect our democracy by overhauling our political finance rules. We also recognise that there is a growing and worrying trend of candidates, administrators and electors who face harassment and intimidation which is having a chilling democracy. I want to tackle this opportunity to make sure that speakers in the conference for the work that is being doing in the report published on harassment and intimidation.

And will be fixing the foundation, taking forward a range of practical measures to ensure elections continue to be delivered successfully. Our democracy is central to who we are as a country. We can take pride in its evolution and how it has and continues to inspire. As a government, we have a responsibility to protect and strengthen it. The plans we have announced today will future proof our democracy at elections and protect them against interference. We will deliver them during the lifetime of this Parliament through a programme of reforms, including Elections Bill to be introduced in due course.

Through this strategy, we will usher in a new chapter in our democracy, reflecting our principles and restoring faith in our politics and I look forward to

**** Possible New Speaker ****

working with colleagues across the house on this very important agenda. Yesterday, the Department gave

10:45

Paul Holmes MP (Hamble Valley, Conservative)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Yesterday, the Department gave notice of a written ministerial statement on the government strategy for elections which is a significant for elections which is a significant policy document on changes to election and pentacle finance law, something that affects us all in this house. But instead of the democracy minister using the stem aquatic chamber to announce the new strategy on democracy, the government chose to announce that the press in the Monday number 10 lobby briefing, typical of government by press release.

It is just been announced on BBC News there will be no opportunity for Parliaments scrutiny until September due to the pending recess, so I asked the Minister why did she not choose to come to this house to announce this policy, despite word that they would do so by written statement and why did she not think it was right to come here of her own accord, and why has there been no consultation of political parties to date? This is contrary to the approach of the last government consulted on changes.

This strategy has revealed their ambition for allowing 16-17 to vote in election but not standing it, probably because young people are being abandoned by the Labour Party, so why does the government think a 16 year old can vote but not by a lottery ticket, drink, marry or go to walk, or even stand in the elections? Isn't the position and the age of majority just hopelessly confused and does the Minister agree that foreign donations are already illegal and should remain so but will steps be taken to tighten the law to prevent donations from those who are not in the electoral roll including funnelling money from sources? We welcome the U-turn are not scrapping ID but will allowing banks cards not undermine the security of the ballot box and what security measures will she bring in now automatic registration has been What steps will she bring in to tackle the important issue of intimidation in public life? The government still abide by the long- standing convention government of the day does not unilaterally impose measures directly affecting critical parties, as brittle parties, without proper engagement and discussion? And if future, not announce constitutional policy by press release?

10:47

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. This government was elected on a manifesto committed to granting 16- year-olds the right to vote. In protecting our democracy from foreign money. Can I remind the honourable gentleman that his party lost the general election, in the worst general election defeat for decades. It is no wonder that the party opposite are scared of the electorate. The truth is young people deserve to have a stake, and you have a say in the future of our democracy.

Young people can vote for any party they like. And it speaks volumes that the honourable gentleman would prefer for them to be silent. Can I also remind the house that it was his party that sat in government for 14 years and did nothing to close the gaping loopholes allowing foreign interference and foreign money to enter our system. This is despite independent experts calling for change. Intelligence and Security Committee Ruston Report exposed malign efforts to channel foreign money into UK politics.

Both the Committee on Standards in Public Life and the Electoral Commission have called for strengthened regulations and greater transparency in political donations alongside modernised enforcement. We make no apologies for finally taking the tough choices, and to protect Britain's democracy from malign foreign interference. The real question for the honourable gentleman 's will his party finally end their addiction to donations from shell companies? Under these new laws, they won't have a choice. And we won't stop there. They were finally have to update their due diligence checks and conduct enhanced checks.

We will give the Electoral Commission the power to administer a hefty fine of up to £500,000 maximum fine to deter bad behaviour. Instead of pointing the finger, the onward gentleman to be welcoming these changes and taking the opportunity to finally clean up his party. We have published the election strategy. We have laid a written statement. I have responded in the constitutional affairs committee, the Speaker's Committee, and I will continue to engage with parliamentary colleagues in the coming days, over the summer recess, and in the autumn.

There are a series of changes that we want to make and I'm determined to make sure we get as much cross-party agreement as possible. I look forward to working with him because I believe, on a range of issues, there is common ground. He knows all too well the harassment and intimidation many of us have faced, and threats to our lives. It is really important that we work on these agendas together. And on moving towards automated voter ID as he mentioned. We will take careful consideration on how we implement those changes, ensuring they are done safely.

And I look forward to working with colleagues on doing that. We have retained the voter ID changes that were made under the previous government but we recognise that legitimate voters, particularly those of certain groups, including disabled voters, were excluded. We need to address that gap. And I know his party recognised that challenge. So we are ensuring that, as we go forward, we do not exclude legitimate voters was top I look forward to working with him on common issues of interest and agreement.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Select committee chair. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I

10:50

Florence Eshalomi MP (Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, Labour )

- -

thank the Minister for laying the statement, and for the work that has gone behind-the-scenes on this. On this written statement, and the work that has gone behind-the-scenes. In essence we should welcome the fact that we are now going to see an opportunity for more young people to be enfranchised. We should be very clear that one person losing the right to vote at the ballot box is one person too many. It is important we look at the issues around voter ID, because we have more opportunity and other forms of voter ID at the ballot box.

It is important we enfranchised our young people to vote. They participate in public life already so they should also be entitled to vote. It is important when we have a system where, when you move home, before you have even unpacked, you can get your council tax bill. Should be easier for you to be registered to vote. The council already have your details so it is good that we are looking at the system and making sure that people are registered to vote. For far too long we have knocked on doors was the people say they are not registered to vote.

I wanted to ask the Minister in terms of the issues around making sure that candidates still feel safe coming forward. This is a big challenge, a threats to democracy was can she please outline what more work she will be doing the Electoral Commission with regards to intimidation and abuse faced by

**** Possible New Speaker ****

candidates? Minister. I thank my honourable Friend for

10:52

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I thank my honourable Friend for her questions. She does important work in a committee. We will introduce, the changes we are introducing will ensure that elected representatives, candidates, campaigners and electoral staff that play a unique role in our democracy are properly protected. That means ensuring that we will give, we will increase sentences and give courts the power is to increase sentences for those who are hostile to candidates. And an aggravating factor for intimidator offences will be introduced allowing courts to pass tougher sentences.

We will remove the requirement to publish addresses of candidates and we will consult with the CPS and Sentencing

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Council on this. Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

10:53

Sarah Olney MP (Richmond Park, Liberal Democrat)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Liberal Democrat spokesperson. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I am pleased to see the government has published the strategy today. There published the strategy today. There are many aspects within it that have the support of the Liberal Democrats. We have many years champion vote at 16 we are glad the government has listened to those calls. We welcome the measures to tackle darkened illicit money in our politics, and the recent plans to introduce supplementary voting for mayoral elections. I am concerned that this strategy shows nowhere near the kind of ambition that we need to fix the system of elections need to fix the system of elections which has left a large swathes of the public feeling their vote does not count.

As members across the House will know, last year's general election turned out the most disproportionate result in history, with nearly 60% of people who voted not represented in Parliament by the candidate they voted for. This opportunity cannot be wasted. What the government go further? They look at scrapping voter ID in its entirety? They look at introducing further measures to ensure that foreign oligarchs such as Elon Musk are not able to interfere in British politics including through party funding? Will they finally scrap First Past the Post and introduce fair votes via proportional representation?

10:54

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

The honourable lady has a lot of questions. The government has no plans to change the electoral system for UK parliamentary election's. Her party in the coalition government had the opportunity to the referendum to campaign, and also to implement the appropriate changes will stop our focus is on making sure that we address the manifesto commitments that we have made including voting age at 16. I'm grateful to her and her party for their support. We are also taking action to tackle illicit finance and foreign interference was I very much hope that she and her colleagues will work with us on this very important agenda.

10:55

John Slinger MP (Rugby, Labour)

- -

I declare an interest as a member of the Speaker's Conference which looks at candidates in elections. Does my honourable Friend agree with me that there are a very wide number of behaviours in our democratic system which are intimidating, candidates and members of this House? This is detrimental to our democracy. Could she expand on some of the measures in the strategy that will seek to alleviate these serious

**** Possible New Speaker ****

problems? I thank my honourable friend for

10:55

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I thank my honourable friend for his question. As the member of Parliament for 15 years, we have Parliament for 15 years, we have seen the rise in hatred and hostility towards candidates and elected officials. Sadly, we faced the loss of our dear colleagues Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. I am determined, as is this government, to make sure that elected representatives, candidates, and election officials protected because this is having a devastating and chilling effect on our democracy.

We need to make sure we work together to protect our democracy while of course protecting freedom of speech. I will be happy to speak to my honourable Friend about the specific proposals further, as we proceed with implanting them.

10:56

Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford, Conservative)

- -

I thank the Minister for her statement. I have not heard her say anything about the work of the boundary commissions for local government and four constituencies. I think that should be part of this discussion. Particularly in terms of ensuring that constituencies can be made up of genuine communities. Therefore getting rid of this pointless rule that a constituency cannot go beyond a certain region, so that areas of Essex for instance in my constituency cannot be included within Romford, only going into London.

Local council wards would surely be better if they were one member wards. Therefore they will be like many constituencies looking after a particular community. Would that be a better way forward? Would she consider that as part of her review?

10:57

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

I thank the gentleman. He will understand the process of the boundary commission, and its work. The focus of the strategy is on the themes that I spoke to earlier on. And that is what we will be focusing on.

10:57

Alex Sobel MP (Leeds Central and Headingley, Labour )

- -

As the chair, I will be welcome this white paper. I want to say that when the Minister and I were 18, much more poorly equipped to vote than today's 16 year old. I will be welcome that measure. I warmly welcome the devolution bill, where the government said that First Past the Post can lead to individuals elected on a small proportion of votes cast. The government believes that there is and and it will give the local electorate and increased voice and better support democratic mandate.

Will the Minister consider reviewing because of the flawed nature of First Past the Post elections to this place?

10:58

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

I am grateful to my honourable friend for the work he does with the All-Party Parliamentary Group. He is aware of the Labour Party's policy on the First Past the Post and I refer to my previous answer.

10:58

Robbie Moore MP (Keighley and Ilkley, Conservative)

- -

Fair elections must be elections that we can all trust in. The most important elements of our electoral system is that it is a secret ballot. It should be down to the individual to make up their own mind. Therefore I'm deeply concerned that across the country, the widespread use of postal voting is allowing dangerous fraud in which many voters still remain intimidated and coerced into using postal votes on the instruction of somebody else. The review covers any practical aspects of postal voting.

What steps is the government taking to ensure the accuracy and honesty of the postal voting system?

10:59

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

The honourable gentleman will be aware that his party introduced a series of changes crooning on voter ID and other checks, as electors registered to vote. I am all too aware of areas where these issues need particular focus. We have retained the protections on postal votes. I want to reassure the onward gentleman that, as he knows, the number of issues around postal votes but there are laws in place to make sure that forgery and impersonation does not happen.

And we are making sure that we retain the appropriate

**** Possible New Speaker ****

checks and safeguards that were put in in the past. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.

11:00

Rachel Blake MP (Cities of London and Westminster, Labour )

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I put on record my profound thanks to the Minister for her thanks to the Minister for her personal commitment to this agenda about making sure that we renew confidence in democracy. I warmly welcome the proposals moving from First Past the Post in the regional elections, and restoring that part of our democracy. I want to ask the Minister to outline how she will be tackling the illicit finance flowing into our democracy. I have real concerns about how this is damaging, influence, foreign infant into a democracy will stop I would be grateful for information on the grateful for information on the

11:01

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

As I mentioned, the intelligent security committee reported malign interference, and we are making sure that the Electoral Commission will have the appropriate powers to support political parties to make sure that they do know your donor checks and supply the appropriate support on that. And where parties fail, a maximum fine can be applied. Of course, we will do that in resource issues .$$NEWLINE

11:01

Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat)

- -

I welcome the government policy, particularly votes for 1617-year- olds which we already have in Scotland and I have campaigned for it. We already have that in the Scottish parliamentary elections, so could the Minister confirm there will be a place and time in the next general election, and how this will be passed out to 16 and 17-year-olds that they will now be able to vote?

11:02

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

Thank the honourable lady for her support on this agenda. We are looking very closely at the work in Scotland and Wales and we want to make sure that we take the time to implement the changes in time for the next general election, but we will work with the relevant education establish, the Department of education, charities, youth organisations and of course, other interested organisations to make sure we get this right.

11:03

Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP (Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North, Labour)

- -

I welcome the measures that take out money from politics, but they will mean nothing unless we move forward aggressively to ban crypto currency donations into British politics. They are used for money- laundering, and they have no role in British politics. She confirmed the Elections Bill will ban crypto currency donations? currency donations?

11:03

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

Am grateful to my friend on this through the committee and the issues he has raised. There are already a number of rules in place or ethical donations and they must be made, including for crypto currency. Our reforms gather strengthen democracy regardless of form, and that confirms and includes crypto currency.

11:04

Bradley Thomas MP (Bromsgrove, Conservative)

- -

Here in the UK, our democracy is in the crosshairs of steps of those who don't share our values. We are seeing increasing activity online, particularly to distort the outcome of elections through platforms including TikTok that have links to communist regimes in China. Can the Minister update the house and what steps are being taken to protect our democracy from misinformation that vehemently seeks to destroy it? I thank him for that question. We will thank him for that question.

We will be aware that the task force is leading the work on a range of issues, including in relation to the issues, including in relation to the points made. We are taking a cross points made. We are taking a cross government approach to make sure we take action to bear down on those issues. The online harms act is also issues. The online harms act is also important in terms of the points he important in terms of the points he important in terms of the points he has made, looking at the dangers of foreign interference in foreign state actors, and that is why these state actors, and that is why these reforms are really important in protecting the integrity of our system and democracy.

11:05

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

Is a member of the commission, I have heard evidence on this group which shocked me to the core, so I know how much needed these reforms know how much needed these reforms are. This week, I have had my first meeting. 20 of them were learning about how they can make change in the community and in the country the community and in the country they live in, so will the Minister agree with me that they deserve to have their voices heard at the ballot box as well?

11:05

Leigh Ingham MP (Stafford, Labour)

- -

I thank my friend for the work she does supporting young people to participate in democracy. Young people can work at 16. They can pay people can work at 16. They can pay taxes. They can join the army. There is no reason why they shouldn't have the right to have a say in who the right to have a say in who represents them and shape their future. They are passionate about the issues affecting communities and the issues affecting communities and the country.

I know this from the work I have done over the years to support young people in their support young people in their leadership journeys and in participating in our elections.

11:06

Chris Law MP (Dundee Central, Scottish National Party)

- -

The S&P welcomes the UK government catching up to Scotland and votes. However, it is real change requires work in a literal system. Also shown that we have a majority of seats in the next election unless the 30% of the vote. It is time that the broken electoral system introduced supposed representation as the Welsh Labour is doing in the Welsh Senate.

11:06

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

I will refer the honourable gentleman to my previous answer. The government has no plans to change the system for UK Parliamentary or local elections.

11:06

Dr Scott Arthur MP (Edinburgh South West, Labour)

- -

I do welcome the announcement. I can only speculate why the party opposite didn't agree to clean up funding. I can only speculate, but I do want to look at some of the comments around reputation. I fill comments around reputation. I fill it is the heart of many of the province we fix is a country in recent times. We have been able to use PR to strengthen democracy but also with a more collaborative one.

11:07

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

I think my friend raise question first I refer him to the previous answer and the Labour Party's position. The government has no plans to change the system. He is right that we should always learn from international experience and we are certainly doing that on a range of different agendas, including some of the themes of the strategy, and we will continue to do that.

11:08

Nick Timothy MP (West Suffolk, Conservative)

- -

The PM's visit on the franchise to include additional foreign nationals, well the government take this opportunity to rule out ever extending the franchise to foreign

**** Possible New Speaker ****

nationals beyond these rules? The focus of this strategy is on

11:08

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

The focus of this strategy is on eligible voters in this country. Thank you. My right honourable

11:08

Matt Western MP (Warwick and Leamington, Labour)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you. My right honourable friend will be aware that the joint committee on national has been doing a lot of work around defending democracy, and I'm sure he will welcome proposals around finance and the crackdown on incorporated associations, but can I urge her gently to look very closely at crypto currencies which are clearly the choice for criminal and rogue states, and just by way of example, one individual has rooted 13 million people into political organisations people into political organisations in this country.

11:09

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

My honourable friend is absolutely right to be concerned about new challenges in relation to crypto, and I refer him to my previous answer. Of course we will look very closely at these issues to make sure that loopholes are closed, but I want to reassure him that the current powers cover donations through crypto and the changes we

**** Possible New Speaker ****

are making will also include crypto. There are lots of things I

11:09

Tom Gordon MP (Harrogate and Knaresborough, Liberal Democrat)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

There are lots of things I welcome in this strategy. I just wondered if the Minister might be wondered if the Minister might be able to outline and explain why there is that difference between Westminster elections and mayoral elections. We want to see the scrapping of First Past the Post. The majority of people in this Parliament want to see the scrapping of First Past the Post, and we know a majority of Labour members want to see the scrapping of First Past the Post, so why is there the difference between these different types of elections? Technically honourable member may have critiques of the member may have critiques of the First Past the Post system but it provides a direct relationship between members of the legislature and local constituencies which is and local constituencies which is really important.

The Lib Dems in coalition with the Conservatives for five years had the opportunity to five years had the opportunity to introduce a referendum, they lost that referendum. The supplement to that referendum. The supplement to voting system was implemented on the introduction of both mayoral and police crime commission elections. We believe it is more appropriate for selecting executives there. for selecting executives there.

11:10

Kevin Bonavia MP (Stevenage, Labour)

- -

I must declare a former interest as specialising in election law. I can say from that previous life that the previous Tory government over there left our election law in an unfair and dangerous state. Unfair by making it harder for people to vote. Dangerous by doing nothing to prevent foreign actors spending needs of pounds, rubles and dollars to interfere with democracy. So does the Minister agree that it is now high time to take robust action to make a democracy safe and fair for everyone, and can she assure the House that this will be a speedy and fair process?

11:11

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

I am grateful to my honourable friend, and I look forward to using the expertise of colleagues, not only in my party but in other parties so we get this right because it is in all of our interests to close those loopholes that is so dangerous and damaging to our democracy.

11:11

Richard Tice MP (Boston and Skegness, Reform UK)

- -

There is much to welcome in these proposals to enhance democracy, particularly around the safety of candidates. We are very much against votes for 16 to 17-year-olds. It is interesting to know that they are completely split down the middle on this issue, but I would urge the Minister, in regard to postal voting, we have grave concerns about the risks to security and the risks of impersonation passed the voting. I have seen people carried back loads of postal votes to a polling station on election day.

That is surely completely wrong.

11:12

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

I want to reassure the honourable gentleman that we take those issues very seriously. Impersonating another voter is a deliberate act of fraud. It completely undermines democracy and can be prosecuted. If he has examples, he should report it to the police.

11:12

Joe Morris MP (Hexham, Labour)

- -

Young people in my constituency were frustrated for 14 years of politicians who did not listen to their concerns, unaffordable housing, climate crisis or good local jobs. Does she agree that listening to young people is a key first step in rebuilding some of the damage done to our democracy over the 14 years?

11:13

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

My honourable friend makes a powerful case for giving young people from 16 the chance to engage in democracy. They are the future and it is vital that we all work together to make sure young people learn about our political system, our democracy, and are able to participate because that is how we are going to make sure our democracy is appreciated, and its influence is

**** Possible New Speaker ****

shared by the next generation. The Conservative government tried

11:14

Sarah Coombes MP (West Bromwich, Labour)

- -

to do everything possible to destroy trust in politics and make it harder for people to vote. In my constituency, that led to a 49% turnout. Can the Minister tell us more about how these announcements today will make it easier for people to engage in democracy and how they will give the next generation essay on the future of our country through giving votes at 16?

11:14

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

It is absolutely crucial that we engage electors, young electors, but also those who are not registered to vote. Millions are not registered to vote, and that is why the work we are going to do to work towards automated voter registration, working carefully to ensure the success is about making sure that every citizen eligible to vote does

**** Possible New Speaker ****

register and is able to vote. Previous Parliamentary enquiry into the funding of Northern Ireland

11:15

Robin Swann MP (South Antrim, Ulster Unionist Party)

- -

into the funding of Northern Ireland parties expressed concern of the lack of visibility into how cross- border parties, the likes of Sinn Fein manage fundraising. The difficulty of regulations in verifying that no Republic of Ireland or U.S.-based funds were used in UK elections. It was recommended to have stronger audits and cross jurisdictional finances which were put in place. Can the Minister provide me assurance that the measures being brought forward in this bill will apply equally across all parts of the UK and the regulators outside the UK will work together to make sure that there isn't that cross jurisdictional problem?

11:15

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

I can reassure the gentleman that we are working through the interministerial group which includes the Northern Ireland minister in ensuring that we are introducing changes that are consistent with the Good Friday Agreement and recognise the specific issues in relation to different parts of the UK. And I am very happy parts of the UK. And I am very happy

11:16

Chris Kane MP (Stirling and Strathallan, Labour)

- -

In Scotland we have votes for 16 and 17-year-olds, some of the most engaging, respectful, and searching questions that I have had have come from 16 and 17-year-olds. Whereas in general elections the response of a 16 year old or 17 year old is that my dad has told me to tell you he is not in. Given how respectful and engaged 16 and 17-year-olds are, does she agree with me they should have the right to express that

**** Possible New Speaker ****

engagement at the ballot box? I could not agree more with my honourable friend. Young people like honourable friend. Young people like he says are a passionate and very he says are a passionate and very engaged and interested in the issues affecting their lives. It is right they should have the opportunity to

11:17

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

vote. Again, according to the latest British social attitudes survey, 60%

11:17

Shockat Adam MP (Leicester South, Independent)

- -

British social attitudes survey, 60% of the British public now support proportional representation. Given that mayors will be elected under the system from 2027 onwards, why is she refusing to even consider this fairer system so that by the time of the next general election, voters

**** Possible New Speaker ****

will have their views more fully and fairly represented? I refer the honourable gentleman

11:17

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I refer the honourable gentleman to my previous answers on this question. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I

11:17

Patricia Ferguson MP (Glasgow West, Labour)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I wonder if my honourable Friend would reflect on the fact that my reflect on the fact that my experience suggests having been elected under three electoral systems, AMS, STV and First Past the Post, none of them are perfect. But there are advantages to First Past the Post that we should be very careful about doing away with. The other two systems I have been elected with served my constituents far worse than First Past the Post does.

However, on the subject of voting for 16 and 17-year-olds, something that was passed by the Scottish government a number of years ago, and which enabled young people to vote in elections is of 2016 in Scotland. I was delighted to vote for this as were almost at the Scottish Parliament. With the Scottish Conservatives perhaps be able to give lesson to colleagues at Westminster about why they voted for it in 2016?

11:18

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

I very much hope that the Scottish Conservatives join us in supporting votes at 16.

11:18

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

- -

With Northern Ireland used photo ID since the 2002 electoral fraud acts, I've seen the benefit to Northern Ireland of the simple form of accountability. The difficulty still remains with the abuse of the postal vote system. Does the Minister looking at Northern Ireland as an example, and evidentially where the issue is, in relation to abuse of the post about system, does the Minister intends to make changes to ensure the ability to vote by post is not abused as it currently is in so much of Northern Ireland?

11:19

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

I want to reassure the honourable gentleman that I'm working with ministerial colleagues including the Northern Ireland minister, and we are very sensitive to the differences in different contexts. I am very happy to continue the

**** Possible New Speaker ****

dialogue with him. Having spent more than a decade in financial crime before I came

11:19

Phil Brickell MP (Bolton West, Labour)

- -

in financial crime before I came here, I welcome the Minister's remarks today and the strategy on elections which will protect our hard won democracy from foreign interference. And which incorporates demands from the all-party group on anticorruption, and the Electra commission on critical finance rules. Can the Minister say whether she expects the forthcoming Elections Bill to be in place before the local elections in May next year? Full company donations only be permitted from firms with UK owners? What guidance does she envisage be made available to Political parties to fulfil they "Know-Your-Donor" obligations.

And does she think the CPS will need additional resources to fulfil their obligations under the bill?

11:20

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

My honourable friend has huge expertise on this, and I am happy to write to him on the specific questions. I want to reassure him that we will be working, we are working with the Electoral Commission. We want to make sure that the powers that it is given go hand in hand with the support that it provides Political parties on "Know-Your-Donor" checks. And to ensure the appropriate safeguards.

11:21

Luke Myer MP (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Labour)

- -

Final question. the government. Under the previous covenant we saw the serious issue of MPs taking thousands of pounds from Russian entities despite the MoD raising significant security concerns. I am concerned that we still see issues such as this today. We have seen reports of Reform UK taking tens of thousands from a company whose owner is based overseas. Does the Minister agree this raises the urgent need to tighten donation rules and protect democracy?

11:21

Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)

- -

My honourable friend is right. Foreign interference is a growing problem in our democracy and it is right we tackle it. Our changes will boost transparency and accountability in politics by closing the loopholes. It would allow foreign funding to influence our politics and our elections. This is an evolving and sophisticated threat that has made it too easy to funnel illicit money from abroad to Political parties. That is why we are introducing these checks. We will be legislating as soon as

**** Possible New Speaker ****

possible entry time allowance in this Parliament. That is the end of the Urgent Question. Point of order.

11:22

Points of Order

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. It is very important for us as members of Parliament to be accurate

11:22

Florence Eshalomi MP (Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, Labour )

- -

members of Parliament to be accurate in our statements. I wanted clarity, the member for Boston and Skegness mentioned bags of postal vote, but you will be aware that the Elections Act 2022 and the subsequent SI which I served on as the Shadow Minister for democracy state, " People handling postal votes were never limited to handling no more than five postal votes for elections plus their own post about. " With the honourable Member want to reflect on

**** Possible New Speaker ****

that statement of people carrying multiple bags of postal votes? I am grateful to the honourable

11:23

Ms Nusrat Ghani MP (Sussex Weald, Conservative)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I am grateful to the honourable member for giving notice of a point of order. I take it she has notified the honourable Member, you are the honourable Member, you are nodding. Her point of order is not a point of order for the chair but she has put her point on the record. We are now going to move on to the second Urgent Question, if the Front Benches want to quickly shuffle over. We have the Urgent Question on NHS pension frontline patient care.

Dr Luke Evans.

11:23

Select Committee Statement: Select Committee Statement on the Second Special Report of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, Accountability For Daesh Crimes: Government response, HC 1211

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care if you will make a statement on NHS pensions and the impact of administrative delays on frontline patient care?

11:23

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

- -

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. As the house knows the NHS Pension Scheme is administered by the NHS Business Services Authority. The authority is facing challenges, as are all public sector pension schemes, as a result of the coalition government's public sector pension reforms in 2015 which were found in 2018 to have been discrimination re-. Known as the McCloud remedy. The work to remedy this is complex. Much of it is detailed in Ministerial Statement on 31 March the subsequent Urgent Question.

It is complex technical work. As the NHS BSA began to produce an image of statement it was clear the estimates of the time needed to sort it was too low. My initial statement first of July updated the house that the NHS authority did not meet the deadlines. And the actions that I was taking. Let me be clear that this government remains committed to providing effective members with their statement at the earliest opportunity. That is what we are doing full stop the authority revised plan and deadlines.

I met with the chief executive of the authority, and to be clear of my disappoint about the progress in my expectations of the authority to remedy the situation for members. And the need to have a more robust assessment of the delivery plan. I made sure the independent chair of the NHS pension board is ready to set up an independent review of the plans will stop I met with her yesterday. I made it clear I expect a thorough review of the crisis, realistic assessment of delivery and to hear her initial assessment.

She will give her full report after the summer recess. I will set new deadline to clinic those members who were expecting this month. And I will update the House of course. The progress with the assessment and the revised deadlines. Let me be clear, members will not face further financial detriment as a consequence of the service statement delays. Interest on pension arrears will be paid 8%, and my authority has already put in place competition arrangements for direct financial losses that members may have occurred.

People who have served in the NHS deserve the Jews. We will prioritise members based on need. And reassuring the house there will be no direct impact on patient care and I will update the House.

11:26

Dr Luke Evans MP (Hinckley and Bosworth, Conservative)

- -

I declare an interest on behalf of myself and the shadow team who all have NHS pensions. In April, you granted an urgent question because the government had no real plan for NHS pension statements. Today we return because the government now admits in writing that the new plan is failing. Deadlines have been missed, then pushed back, and now we have no idea where the deadlines are. Just 1059 statements have been issued out of the required total of three and 81,920.

It is just 0.35%. There is no comment on the remedial pension saving statements, RP SS, the government delayed own deadline of July. Has that been met? Was that discussed? This matters. Hundreds of thousands of frontline doctors are not getting the pension statements was not the BMA's clear, senior doctors are stepping back from extra work for fear of unexpected tax liabilities. In short, taking on extra work risks and extra tax bill. Thousands of pounds. When I raised this in April, the Minister retorted that I could have asked about the impact of cancelling the stripes on services for people.

I will now, as the strikes are back on. It will be the senior doctors who have to pick up the slack. The very ones avoiding extra shifts for fear of the tax. If they will not take on the extra work for fear of a heavy tax burden, we have a huge problem. This should therefore be a priority for the government especially as we plan for winter pressures. What will she do to remedy the situation with RSS? What will she do regarding RPSS? Ministers cannot announce deadlines and then miss them.

We should be kind enough to publish a delivery plan? She said before that the government had faith in NHS PSA. Is that still the case? Would she demand the pension regulator step up their investigation and expedite it, given the referral was made in December last year? In the end, doctors are counting on her, and so are patients.

11:28

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

- -

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. As I outlined in the response and further to the written ministerial statement, we have asked for an independent review of the process and will report back as soon as possible with realistic deadline for that. With regard to the strikes, we will continue to be open to discussing the avoidance of those strikes. The opposition support us in that.

11:28

John Slinger MP (Rugby, Labour)

- -

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. Given that there is an imminent summer recess, Can the minister uses opportunity to update the House or the number of additional appointments and, more importantly, number by which the NHS waiting list has fallen under this government? Does she agree with me that it would be very nice of the party opposite address the crisis they left our NHS in. It is a mess that this Labour government is proud to be clearing up.

11:29

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

- -

I thank my honourable friend for the question. He is a superb advocate for his constituents. I met him yesterday advocating for services in his constituency, which is the focus of members on this side of the house. He is actually right, as I said in my statement, it is part of the overall mass inherited from the party opposite. The problems outlined by Lord Darcy are both wide and deep. It is shocking each week after a year in government that we are faced with the level of disaster that was left to us.

The complete abdication of responsibility for sorting out the problems. We will continue to do that. We will continue to focus on getting more of those appointments for people that they so deserve. And reducing those waiting lists, is what our constituents expect.

11:30

Jess Brown-Fuller MP (Chichester, Liberal Democrat)

- -

Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I thank the Minister for Care me to the House to answer the urgent question. These administrative question. These administrative delays are deeply worrying and they make financial planning for those affected are difficult. More affected are difficult. More importantly, stop doctors from taking on additional work for the taking on additional work for the NHS they could face large and unknown tax penalties. This was highlighted at the start of the year highlighted at the start of the year when 4000 NHS staff missed out on pension tax compensation after administrative failings.

This is having a direct impact on patient having a direct impact on patient care. How will the Minister reassure NHS staff regarding the pension entitlements and when can they entitlements and when can they expect to see compensation mentioned? To encourage them back mentioned? To encourage them back into the workforce. Can the minister assure the House that the government is taking steps to prevent doctors is taking steps to prevent doctors missing pension records who are being unfairly penalised? Can she tell us how the governance will tell us how the governance will address the 156,000 years of missing address the 156,000 years of missing pension data for GPs? Finally, the major reorganisation of the NHS,

11:31

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

- -

especially the 50% cuts to the organisations that oversee local health services could potentially health services could potentially

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I found the honourable lady for those questions, she highlights a number of important issues on the complexity of dealing with this. complexity of dealing with this. There is a large number of high earners in this particular scheme. With regard to tax liabilities, that does make the system complex and will continue to be complex, as well will continue to be complex, as well as in and she alludes to this in her as in and she alludes to this in her points, the movement of doctors in particular, throughout the system, and the complexity of following them and the complexity of following them through their careers, is one of the issues I discussed with the independent reviewer yesterday is indeed about the need to make sure there is both a technical outlook, the solutions of looking at things the solutions of looking at things like missing years, she is right to highlight that changes make a difference as well to following difference as well to following people's careers through, so there are wider lessons which I have already started to discuss with the already started to discuss with the reviewer.

About how we make sure we make the best use of technology, so we can track people through their careers and give confidence to the current workforce that we are addressing this, not just for this

11:32

Dame Harriett Baldwin MP (West Worcestershire, Conservative)

- -

addressing this, not just for this cohort now who have immediate issues, but addressing it for the future. That is the sort of action as government is taking. Not just

**** Possible New Speaker ****

sticking plasters, we are looking at this very seriously. Can I declare an interest as a trustee of the Parliamentary trustee of the Parliamentary trustee of the Parliamentary contributory pension fund and ask the Minister if she is going to take the opportunity presented by the pensions Bill, currently going through this Parliament. Because through this Parliament. Because many people in the public-sector receive a pension contribution, that is significant, but they are not aware of its value. And there is an aware of its value.

And there is an opportunity for this legislation to place on someone's paycheck a pay place on someone's paycheck a pay offer, the annual value of that incredibly important contribution, to a public sector pension fund that to a public sector pension fund that actually, very few people now in the

11:33

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

- -

actually, very few people now in the private sector are able to enjoy. It feels like it is undervalued by those who benefit from it, would she

**** Possible New Speaker ****

consider taking that opportunity? And I thank the honourable lady, for that really constructive for that really constructive suggestion. In my discussions with the BSA and the reviewer and the BSA and the reviewer and officials at the Department, I raised some of these similar issues. raised some of these similar issues. raised some of these similar issues. Myself, and a member of the NHS pension and parliamentary pension, pension and parliamentary pension, and I said young people, this is a real valuable asset and I encourage my constituents, when looking for my constituents, when looking for jobs in the NHS, this is sometimes something that people do not look at immediately and we should look at ways to both encourage people to ways to both encourage people to take part in the pensions scheme, particularly for low or no, it is really valuable and stable really valuable and stable contribution.

And the value of it, from the public purse, should be well known. I have not got the well known. I have not got the details of the pension bill, but certainly, I will come back to her

11:34

Tom Gordon MP (Harrogate and Knaresborough, Liberal Democrat)

- -

when I talk with my colleagues across the government to look at how we can do that, because I agree with her it is a really valuable thing. It rewards the contribution of public service and we should make the most of it.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I would like to quickly take the opportunity to put my thanks on the record for the Minister, I know I have spoken outside this place of have spoken outside this place of the money we have secured for the hospital I've been campaigning on for years, so I would like to place for years, so I would like to place for years, so I would like to place my thanks on the record. I do worry that it is great having hospital facilities that are state-of-the-art facilities that are state-of-the-art and good, but if we do not have the staff there, it is all a little bit moot.

So, to push further on the points being raised by colleagues

11:35

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

- -

points being raised by colleagues about the concerns people might not come back take on additional hours in the NHS, as a result of this issue, and will she commit to

**** Possible New Speaker ****

updating members throughout recess period, and progress of this matter? Can I congratulate, him shoehorning it again, in his shoehorning it again, in his hospital, for which she does a great job. People are determined to work and support the service, we do take seriously, the confidence in pensions, and the remedying of this. pensions, and the remedying of this. I am not going to give further deadlines without being very clear about the assessor, I have asked to about the assessor, I have asked to come back as soon as possible after summer recess to give a very clear statement, on what they expect, and statement, on what they expect, and I am very happy to update the House in any of those ways.

In terms of in any of those ways. In terms of individuals, choices about coming forward to work is a matter for individuals, and we want to make sure we work with, particularly,

11:36

James Wild MP (North West Norfolk, Conservative)

- -

sure we work with, particularly, consultants to make sure their career progression is as best as it can be. And we very much value their work at the service.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

With the British middle authority set to -- British medical authority set to strike, and those pleading set to strike, and those pleading

11:36

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

- -

, many patients are said to have appointments cancelled, can the Minister reassure the House she will grip this issue, so that senior doctors do not also reduce their hours and bushy black bonuses for any NHS business authority executives? -- And will she talk about bonuses for any NHS business

**** Possible New Speaker ****

authority executives? Hopefully the resident doctors do

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Hopefully the resident doctors do

11:36

Robbie Moore MP (Keighley and Ilkley, Conservative)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Hopefully the resident doctors do not go on strike, with a very clear in negotiating pay for this year but we will work with everybody to improve conditions, some of them are

**** Possible New Speaker ****

improve conditions, some of them are very shocking and we want to work constructively with them to avoid strike action. The Telegraph reported in April

**** Possible New Speaker ****

The Telegraph reported in April that one quarter of doctors have reduced their overtime, to avoid potential five figure tax bills. Meanwhile, the NHS capacity has been reduced by about 10%, as a result, this has been something raised on many a door, when I have been around doorknocking. What steps will the government take to rectify this absurd situation, which is preventing doctors from working more preventing doctors from working more to reduce waiting lists?

11:37

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

- -

Again, he highlights yet another mess we have inherited with regards to the workforce, and the party opposite, his party's, lack of engagement with the workforce properly over the decade. In order to resolve the disincentives to making the system work more making the system work more effectively. Making the system work more efficiently and effectively a key part of our 10 year plan, I am very proud of the 10 year plan announced, I think it was only last week, but the dates keep rolling through.

As well as the public and the conversation we had, we had really valuable conversations and insights with all staff groups, and we had a real spirit of optimism, but everyone does want to pull together to make sure that the incentives are rightful staff at all levels of the NHS. Over 1.5 million of them, to make the NHS fit for the of them, to make the NHS fit for the future, as that is what we are focused on.

11:38

Blake Stephenson MP (Mid Bedfordshire, Conservative)

- -

the Minister knows that I have keen interest in NHS reorganisation and the impact on frontline services, particularly in my constituency, given the failures of NHTSA, has consideration been given to reorganisation reorganising that authority? It cannot react the question that I honourable friend ask, given the failures, would the Minister rule out bonuses for its leadership?

11:38

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

- -

I am totally focused on remedying this situation and learning from the mistakes, and if there is any further action to take, I will happily update the House at that point. We are absolutely focused at the moment, getting everybody in the organisation and the independent reviewer focus on sorting out these pension situations for the people who have already lost out. who have already lost out.

11:39

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

- -

And I thank the Minister very much, as always, for her answers to the questions. I recently read an article, which referred to the mechanism of the NHS Pension Scheme as a Ponzi scheme. It gave me great concern, as the scheme's ability to cope in 20 years time how does the government and the Minister intend to convert a transitional arrangement, since 2019, of topping up pension from another source, and to permanent transparent arrangements, so that we can stop robbing Peter to pay Paul, ensuring those who are working into a 25 will have a real pension, for 2065.

Thank you.

11:39

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

- -

The honourable gentleman tempts me to stray further from the Urgent Question asked. But I think he raises an important point, further to the honourable lady, Chair of the Parliamentary Scheme, earlier. It is an extremely important part of the reward package that the NHS staff at all levels absolutely deserve, we want to make sure that it is, like the rest of the NHS, fit for the future, and if honourable members have suggestions on how we make that part better, in on current discussions, I am happy to hear them.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

That is the end of the Urgent Question. Give benches a moment to shuffle over before we start

11:40

Business Statement: Business Questions to the Leader of the House

shuffle over before we start business questions. We are just waiting for the shadow leader to waiting for the shadow leader to refresh himself. I call shadow leader.

11:40

Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP (Hereford and South Herefordshire, Conservative)

- -

Thank you very much indeed, Madame Deputy Speaker. Would the Leader of the House gives the forthcoming business? forthcoming business?

11:41

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

I shall. The business for the week commencing 21 July will include Monday, 21 July, general debate on the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day. Tuesday, 22 July, so David Amess summit adjournment debate, the subject of this debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee. The House will rise for the summer recess at the conclusion of business on Tuesday, 22 July, and return on Monday, 1 September. The business for the week commencing 1 September will include, Monday, 1 September, general debate on regional transport inequality, followed by general debate on devolution in Scotland.

Subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. Tuesday, 2 September, second reading of the English and community empowerment bill. Wednesday third September, tends a lot today, debate on the motion in the name of the official opposition, subject to be announced. Thursday, 4 September, consideration of Lords amendments, to the House, of Lords hereditary peers bill. Friday the. September, the house will not be sitting. The provisional business for the week commencing 8 September includes Monday, 8 September, consideration of Lords amendments to the Renters' Rights Bill.

Further to the dates that have already been announced for the conference recess, where the House will rise at the close of business on Tuesday, 16 September, and return on Monday, 13 October, members may also wish to know that, subject to the progress of business, the house will rise for the November recess at the close of business on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, and return on Tuesday, 11 November. Perhaps will rise for the Christmas recess at the close of business on Thursday, 18 December, and return on Monday, 5 January.

The House will write for the February recess, the close of business on Thursday, 12 February, 2026, and return on Monday, 23 February, 2026. The House will rise for the Easter recess at the close of business, on Thursday, 26 March, and return on Monday, 13 April. The House will rise for the early May bank holiday, on Thursday, 30 April, and return on Tuesday, 5 May. The House will rise for the Whitsun recess, the close of business on Thursday, 21 May 2026, and return on Monday, 1 June, and, the house will rise for the summer recess on Thursday on Thursday, 16 July, 2026.

11:43

Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP (Hereford and South Herefordshire, Conservative)

- -

Where do we go from there? Shadow

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Leader of the House. I doubt if the leader has ever given a more popular statement! given a more popular statement! House of Commons. I thank you very much for someone seriously, this is much for someone seriously, this is a welcome development and we will give guidance to colleagues and their families, and I'm sure it is widely welcomed across the House, I widely welcomed across the House, I thank her for that. I understand that Robert, the acting director of catering services, will be leaving on Friday, after 25 years in this on Friday, after 25 years in this House.

One shudders to think of the thousands of members of the Commons thousands of members of the Commons thousands of members of the Commons and their staff whose lives will have been enriched by the joy of eating the food from the catering services under his demand and we services under his demand and we thank you very much for his services. I am sure the whole house will want to join me in thanking him for his work. We are getting close for his work. We are getting close to the end of term, and I want come in the same spirit, to thank all the staff in the comments for their service, and of course, you, Madame service, and of course, you, Madame Deputy Speaker, and the other deputy speakers and the clerks, for the resilience, courage, determination, and, of course, poker faces, that you have kept you all business you have kept you all business questions.

That we have had since the beginning of the year. This may, slightly more of a surprise to the House. I also want to thank the Leader of the House. No one who has not been there understands the amount of work involved in scheduling and managing the business of this House. Let alone the amount of work involved in scheduling and managing the Prime Minister and Cabinet colleagues. The Leader of the House distinguished herself with her very grateful remarks, but my father, some months ago.

I thank for that again. And those who want to thank for the engagement and humour, and I must say, some groan inducing poems, of which we will undoubtedly see considerably more this morning, with which she has dealt with questions from colleagues from all part of this House. I hope I may part of this House. I hope I may register, it is a slight sadness to me that she had not been willing to answer my own questions in the same spirit, I do not ask those questions in personal capacity, but as the spokesman of His Majesty's official opposition, whose function is, after all, hold the government to account, so the refusal to answer genuine sensible questions it actually a discourtesy, not just to the House would have a wider constitutional framework, and ultimately to the supreme source of sovereign authority in this country.

That is the King and Parliament. Any fair- minded person reviewing our exchanges will conclude that my questions are always directed at some public purpose, and I think will undoubtedly improve business questions, and of course improve the leader's own accountability and authority, if you are able to engage with them. In the same spirit, and I want to raise some serious questions about what that permit's position is in regard to Northern Ireland veterans. As a leader will know, hundreds of thousands of men and women went to Northern Ireland, not of their own accord, but under orders and in the chain of command on the Queens business, to combat the most serious terrorist organisation in the world.

At the time. And to protect human lives and Many of those veterans cannot respond to the terrible injustice that is being done to them. Almost one year ago, the government decided to abandon appeals to the Supreme Court that were... In order to uphold the key sections of the legacy act. The veterans debate on Monday, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said that these sections were unlawful as a result of the judgement. Yesterday, in the Minister's questions, the Prime Minister said the legacy act had been struck down.

Unfortunately, all of these statements are both untrue and misleading. There can be no doubt what the law is on this topic, doubt what the law is on this topic, a succession of senior judges have made absolutely clear that a declaration of incompatibility does not mean a law is unlawful and has been struck down. As Lord Bingham said, in such cases, the validity of the law remains unaffected. The Secretary of Northern Ireland is not a lawyer that he should understand this basic job.

The Prime Minister has been a barrister for 30 years. It is inconceivable that he did not understand the distinction and he was deliberately or inadvertently misleading the House. The Secretary of state appeared to say he would abandon the appeals on political grounds, it is clear that the government is split. Leaving thousands of veterans, many in their 70s and older, exposed to legal harassment, anxiety and trauma. I want to put two serious questions to the Leader of the House.

As Leader, upholding the practices in the honour of this House, will she ask effective state and the Prime Minister to correct these statements to the House and when will we see the legislation to address the legal That the decision to abandon these has created.

11:49

Ms Nusrat Ghani MP (Sussex Weald, Conservative)

- -

In case I misheard, we do not accuse colleagues of misleading the House inadvertently... In case I House inadvertently... In case I misheard. Leader of the House.

11:49

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Thank you, first of all, I was pleased to announce the recent dates for the whole of the next academic year, this is one of modernisation that I said I would bring in to give colleagues more certainty one year and advance. I am pleased we have announced those dates today. As the House goes into recess next week, can I join the shadow Leader in thanking you, Deputy Speaker, the other deputies, and all of the House staff for the work that you do for us all year round.

In the spirit of the shadow Leader, can I thank the shadow Leader, behind-the-scenes we worked closely on a number of boards and committees and I always find his contributions to be valuable and considered and I want to thank him for that. I also want to share his comments about Robert Gibbs, the acting director of catering services, who will be leaving the House after 25 years of service, he has kept us all well fed, perhaps at times too well fed, and I wish him all the best.

Can I also take this opportunity to mention that I know that many across the House are deeply concerned by the use of a super injunction which had the effect of keeping important policy and government filaments from this House. As a Leader of the House of Commons, I am uncomfortable and concerned that this situation continues. Along. We have long established committees able to scrutinise secret and sensitive information in such cases and, as the Prime Minister said, the previous government has got serious questions to answer, including White House was kept in the dark.

I look forward to the Defence Committee and other committees looking into these issues. He asked me to answer the questions, I am always happy to do so when he wants to bring them forward to me. He has raised questions about the Northern Ireland legacy act and I think it is important that these issues are discussed sensitively and we work together on them without raising the temperature or using irresponsible rhetoric about them. We all have profound respect and we over a debt to our veterans.

This is a complex situation and we need to resolve it. He might disagree with this but the previous government's legacy act was found to be unlawful and unworkable and is now subject to further court action and that means that currently, nobody is protected by it and nor does it give people to justice that they want because there would be so much legal uncertainty about the status of doing so. That is why our priority is finding a way forward that gives veterans, survivors and communities confidence in this process.

We will take our time to do this and we will, of course, brings those updates regularly to the House as we consider them. If you will forgive me, to date marks today... Year anniversary of the first Labour Kings speech in 15 years. The story of our labour Government is told through the legislation that we have brought in already. We are standing up for ordinary working people against vested interests that hold our country back, giving people powers, rights and opportunities and making the powerful more accountable.

This has already brought in real change and real impact and I thought the House might impact and I thought the House might want to think about those today. We stopped water bosses taking bonuses and polluting waters. We brought South Western Railways back into public ownership. We saved the jobs of stale workers, we band ninja swords and soon off-road vehicles will be seized and crushed under shoplifting taken seriously. We put fans back at the heart of the national game. We are ending no- fault evictions and ensuring renters have right over their landlords.

We have changed right to buy so that councils can build more social homes. We are ensuring buses are run for people and we capped bus fares, increased the living wage, the biggest increase since it was introduced. Soon, we will see an end to exploitative zero hour contracts and it will be against the law to fire and rehire. There is much more, but I will not go on. It has been one year... My first Business Questions, in that time, I have answered over 1,700 questions.

I have had countless invitations to cafe's and pubs, more of those please, to sporting events, less of those thank you. We have heard about the people in all corners of our country who are all here to represent and there is healthy competition about who represent the most beautiful, active, charitable, visited, worst connected, most congested constituency. I am sure colleagues will allow me to abuse my position at the despatch box because obviously Manchester Central is the best constituency.

Talking of which, I could not let this opportunity pass without telling the House at Manchester is buzzing right now, with its bucket hats, its music, and even Parkers in this hot weather. As we all come together to celebrate the oasis reunion. As we say, Manchester vibes in the area. When oasis was left performing, it was under a Labour government. And the shadow Leader invited me to give the House a few more groaning pans. If he will forgive me...

Some might say, this government has a master plan for change. I know it has not been a great year for the party opposite, since their biggest election defeat in history, but perhaps they need to stop crying their heart out. Don't look back in anger. And hope that reform fade away. Speaking of which, last year we have seen reform come on the scene, some of their MPs have had better attendances than others. The honourable member for Clacton, as usual, is probably on a beach half a world away.

There is more, one last one... Let's hope this Labour government live forever.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

That was interesting. To correct

11:57

Perran Moon MP (Camborne and Redruth, Labour)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

That was interesting. To correct the record, Sussex is the greatest constituency.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

constituency. In Cornwall, there is a word that means at the sum unspecified time in means at the sum unspecified time in the future. There is an equivalent Parliamentary expression, in due course. Of the five Celtic languages, which include Manx Gaelic, only the Cornish does not have minority language status. How can I get a Minister to tell me, using the words in due course, when this ridiculous anomaly will be rectified.

11:57

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

He is a very powerful representative for Cornwall, and I will not use that phrase for him but I will ensure that a Minister gives him a more immediate response about when we can see action on this.

11:58

Marie Goldman MP (Chelmsford, Liberal Democrat)

- -

Thank you, if you will indulge

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, if you will indulge me, I would like to join the shadow Leader and the Leader in thanking you, the other Deputy Speakers and the clerks of House, the House staff, for all of the amazing work that they do. It is not an exaggeration to say we could not do exaggeration to say we could not do it without all of you. I would like to join the shadow Leader in thanking the Leader of the House for thanking the Leader of the House for the responses that she gives to the responses that she gives to Business Questions which I see every week, it has been a pleasure to get to know her and the shadow Leader.

I would like to thank them for that. Turning to a serious matter, last week, the Secretary of State for week, the Secretary of State for Transport announced the government cancelled the 812 widening scheme. This is disappointing and a blow to my constituents, ethics residents my constituents, ethics residents and the East of England. The letter and the East of England. The letter a 12 is a crucial link for communities across Essex. It is also communities across Essex. It is also dangerously congested.

It would have addressed both of these problems and improve the journeys that 90,000 vehicles that travel on this road every day. Critically, the cancellations impact on housebuilding could be profound. Local plans, including that of Chelmsford City Council, are reliant on this scheme going ahead. This could severely hamper the building of an estimated 55,000 new homes in the area. With Labour pledging to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliament, this is a matter that cuts across party lines, whilst I appreciate the constraints under which the Treasury is operating, it is notable that the major road schemes were both in the East of England and this region is a net contributor to the UK economy and has huge growth attention.

Will the Leader of the House ask the secretaries of state to meet with me across party group of MPs so we can discuss how we might find ways to move forward with this vital project that will help the government to deliver on its promises? deliver on its promises?

12:00

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Can I thank the honourable lady for all of the work that we have done together over the last year, in her role as shadow Leader of the House, we do work very closely together on Modernisation Committee, the House commission and other committees and boards. I feel like she has been here for a long time, she has really got into the detail of these issues, to clearly the restoration and program which has dedicated a huge amount of her time and energy to.

Moving forward, and I thank her for that, as the shadow Leader for the Lib Democrat, we might see a change in M.O. Over this recess and not have the first press release for recalling Parliament one week yesterday, as we generally have. If she could arrange that, we would be very popular with the House. She raises an important issue about making sure we have the instructor and transport infrastructure that we need in our communities. She will be aware the previous government announced a raft of projects, including some in her constituency, and in Essex, but without any plan to pay for them and that is why we had to look at all of those projects and make sure that only those that are fully costed and affordable can be given the green But I do understand her constituency area will be frustrated that the expansion will not progress as I hope, but very happy to arrange for her to have a meeting with the relevant minister to discuss options on the way forward.

12:02

Chris Kane MP (Stirling and Strathallan, Labour)

- -

Sometimes when the puns keep coming you have to roll with it. In my constituency, Braehead community Garden is a remarkable 2 acre community led projects where residents grow fruits and vegetables, it also has a workshop, a 30 kW solar array, pumpkin festivals, flower shows, and was once called the U.K.'s best community space by the Society of Garden Designers, this year it celebrates its 10th birthday. Just 2 miles away, a community garden no publisher, after a strong start.

The leader join me in thanking the remarkable volunteers of both projects, for all they do and will she make time for debate on the value of community gardens to well- being, different education and local life, and I suspect to know the life, and I suspect to know the answer to the next bit, none of the volunteers like Weedon, will she join me in a spot of reading?

12:03

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

He has given a very good addition therefore parliamentary pun of the year, maybe, better than most of mine, but that is not hard is it, let's be honest. I will absolutely join him in congratulating all those involved in the Braehead community garden project, it sounds a really wonderful project, and he is absolutely right that gardening, getting people outdoors and active, brings people so much communities, in terms of well-being, and tackling issues around food poverty and the like. I may be up for a bit of reading one day, when I have time in the future.

the future.

12:03

Martin Vickers MP (Brigg and Immingham, Conservative)

- -

Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker, the chairman of the Backbench Business Committee sends his apologies today, it has asked me to report on his behalf, the leader has already drawn attention to next week's debate, and in particular, of course, the Sir David Amis debate which I would urge members across the House to participate in. Sir David used of around 20 issues -- Used to rattle off around 20 issues in a few minutes, every day of the recess. It is a tactic I can recommend to members.

I thank the leader forgiven the government time for the Victory over Japan Day debate which was through the Backbench Business Committee. And she drew attention to the debate in the chamber on 1 September. Can I also draw attention to the fact that, in Westminster Hall during that week, there will be debates on defibrillator access, the adoption is guardianship support form, and future of terrestrial television. Turning to my own question, Madame Deputy Speaker, I am sure the leader will be familiar with the welfare of animals and transport Amendment regulations 2025.

If she is not, could I ask her to look at that? It affects a major business in my constituency. The honourable member has already prayed against it, and I have added my name to that. Can I ask the leader to approach the Minister at DEFRA, and ask for a delay to the implementation of that, to allow greater consultation with the industry. the industry.

12:05

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Well, can I thank him for deputising for his colleague, and he himself, as well as the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee, are both very regular attendance here, and I think up until today, the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee hadn't missed any of my sessions, apart from the one after Tottenham won the Europa league, for which, you know, it was maybe just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him. Given it is Tottenham! Maybe. He is absolutely right, to draw colleagues intentions to the David Amis debate.

And for those who weren't in the House alongside a David Amess, I would strongly recommend people looking back through Hansard or viewing some of his contributions in those debates. Because they carry his name for a reason, because they really did make reason, because they really did make Frees some adjournment debate and I am sure it is a model many others will want to follow next week. He asks me about the saturation, I think that is being brought forward under the welfare of animals act.

I haven't studied that particular statutory instrument. Recently, I don't think. But I will ensure a minister is in touch with him directly to discuss his concerns and make sure they are addressed.

12:07

Leigh Ingham MP (Stafford, Labour)

- -

Whilst members, frequent flyers of business questions, might contradict me on Stafford being the best constituency, I don't think any word contradict me on it being the most gridlocked, so thank you for your answer last week, to the Leader of the House. This week I have seen of the House. This week I have seen a huge surge in casework from constituents unable to access blood tests, huge delays, there are 20 venues in North Staffordshire to get blood tests, but only one in South Staffordshire, so we are being left behind in our area, it is not fair constituents.

We have a debate on constituents. We have a debate on government time and access to primary care?

12:07

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Can I thank her for being a regular attendee here, she uses these sessions to great effect, and behalf of her constituents. And I am really sorry to hear about the difficulties constituents are facing in accessing basic services like routine blood tests. And that is clearly not good enough. It is part of our 10 you plan to expand the availability of appointments. From a 10 year plan. I think we have another 4 million GP appointments in since the election last year, to expand opening hours, and community diagnostics, and I hope her constituents will see an improvement on that soon.

on that soon.

12:08

Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford, Conservative)

- -

I would like to make the Leader of the House aware of the serious delays to cladding remediation faced by residents of the apartments in Mercury Gardens, Romford, it is a common problem across the country. Residents of the apartments have enjoyed years of uncertainty, since fire safety issues were identified, nearly 4 years ago, following Grenfell Tower. Despite the building's management agent applying for permission from remediation works over a year ago, the building safety regulator has still not approve the application.

This regulatory delay has led leaseholders strapped, unable to remortgage, or sell their homes, whilst facing ever-increasing insurance premiums, and unaffordable safety costs. Will the Leader of the House ask the Secretary of State for housing, communities and local government, to make an urgent statement on this matter, so that my constituents, and others across the country, facing similar problems, can escape financial ruin, and move on with their lives?

12:09

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Well, I am really sorry to hear about the situation in his constituency. It is one that I am extremely familiar with. As a constituency MP, with dozens and dozens of buildings in my own constituency facing many of the same problems. There have been some very serious teething challenges, with the building safety regulator. I am processing caseloads as he describes. That is why the Secretary of State announced some changes to leadership, capacity, and management of the building safety figure later, which were laid before this House, two or three weeks ago.

I think I would have confidence that will now speed up the cases he describes. We do have remediation action plan as well, and I know the Secretary of State will be coming to this House to keep us updated. to keep us updated.

12:10

Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (Clapham and Brixton Hill, Labour)

- -

In April, I raised PQ about the need for blood donations and people being turned away from diverse abilities, and in response to parliamentary questions about diversity of the referrals, I initially received data provided by the NHS blood and transport services, that 70% of black blood donors were being turned away for no haemoglobin levels, the state was stated as incorrect, and two months and a point of order later, I received a new date saying 40% of black and mixed heritage blood donors were being turned away follow haemoglobin levels, but not even for the same period of time.

The NHS needs three blood donations every single minute, for people for emergency situations, women who have given birth, people with blood cancer conditions, like the fastest growing condition in the country, which requires very specific matched blood, if receiving donations, and honour the NHS's own website, the indicated they could only be systematically % of the time. I would like, when we return, to ask the Leader of the House, it would have an urgent debate what happened the other 50% of the time, because receiving mismatched blood is a very serious situation, with increasing demand we simply cannot afford to turn away blood donors, particularly those from diverse communities.

12:11

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Can I thank her for raising this incredibly important issue, and I am really sorry to here that she has had either confusing or incorrect or slow responses to parliamentary questions are correspondence from the Department of Health, something I was totally taken up for her. She is absolutely right that we need as many people as possible to be giving blood, especially those from diverse communities. Because we have got shortages of blood supplies, and we need to breakdown the barriers to doing so, that is why her question today is so important, and I will make sure she gets a full response.

make sure she gets a full response. make sure she gets a full response.

12:12

Rt Hon Wendy Morton MP (Aldridge-Brownhills, Conservative)

- -

With no garden waste collections or recycling collections since the start of the year, all our pinstripes are now entering day 129 and no sign of an agreement. The impact of the Birmingham pinstripes is impacting not just on the UK's second city, in terms of its residence and reputation, it also the broader West Midlands. We are seeing radio silence from the Deputy Prime Minister and the benches opposite, not a squeak from the mayor, so can I ask the leader, if, before we rise for summer recess, given the incredibly hot weather we are having as well, because she urge her ministerial colleagues to bring a statement to this House, and an update on how we are going to fix this problem? Perhaps she will do better than I have done, I have been trying all week to Urgent Question trying all week to Urgent Question and I have failed.

12:13

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

I know this is an issue of great concern to her and her constituents and to many others across the House. And this government's priority is, and has always been, to Birmingham's residents and to dealing with this issue. We have worked closely and intensively with the council, to make sure any backlog and rubbish collections have continued, and to clean up the streets for residence, and for public health, and we remain in close contact with the council. We want to see an end to this dispute as soon as possible, and that is why we continue to urge the unions to come to the table and engage in the conversations constructively.

12:13

Liz Twist MP (Blaydon and Consett, Labour)

- -

This morning, we had the

**** Possible New Speaker ****

This morning, we had the incredible news that a novel IDF procedure developed at Newcastle University has resulted in eight babies being born free from mitochondrial disease, this is life mitochondrial disease, this is life changing for families affected by this previously incurable condition. this previously incurable condition. On behalf of myself and the honourable friend for Newcastle Central and West, we pay tribute to all the academics and clinicians, who open many years have played a vital role in developing these vital role in developing these treatments.

And supporting patients. treatments. And supporting patients. Research on rare disease is, I have visited the centre and seen the work they do on mitochondria, which affects many conditions. Can we have

12:14

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

affects many conditions. Can we have a debate in government time please on the north-east's role in developing leader, patient lead, research.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Can I first of all thank her and

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Can I first of all thank her and the honourable member for Newcastle Central for all the campaigning and excellent work they have done on excellent work they have done on this issue. I am sure, like other members of the House, this really members of the House, this really did bring a smile to me last night, and this morning, to have some good and this morning, to have some good news for a change, coming through. On the airwaves. And it goes to show, she says, how all the lead we show, she says, how all the lead we are in this country, and in the north-east, and some of these issues.

And that the mitochondrial donation treatment is donation treatment is groundbreaking. I remember when we groundbreaking. I remember when we discussed this in Parliament at the time, we do grapple with these ethical issues, as parliamentarians, but when we see the results coming

12:15

Lincoln Jopp MP (Spelthorne, Conservative)

- -

but when we see the results coming through years later, I think we can all be pleased we took the right

**** Possible New Speaker ****

decision back then. The Leader of the House, in her

**** Possible New Speaker ****

The Leader of the House, in her remarks, mentioned the statement by the Secretary of State for defence, in the super injunction. Andy Defence Select Committee will Defence Select Committee will undoubtedly again embark on an inquiry into that. -- And the Defence Select Committee was before

12:15

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Defence Select Committee was before we embark on that, come the Leader of the House state very clearly the government position, is it ever right to use the super injunction?

**** Possible New Speaker ****

As I said at the beginning, I am the Secretary of State and the Prime the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister and less of the government are deeply uncomfortable with how this situation unfolded, and many this situation unfolded, and many who did know about themselves until this week either, and that the House this week either, and that the House was kept in the dark, which it shouldn't be at any time. I do understand the intention behind trying to keep people safe, but I think personally, that some of the think personally, that some of the actions could have been different so that the House certainly was that the House certainly was informed on some of these issues.

We look at the things on a case-by-case basis, but I think, as he will, I

12:16

David Smith MP (North Northumberland, Labour)

- -

basis, but I think, as he will, I hope, have recognised, we are deeply uncomfortable and concerned with how uncomfortable and concerned with how

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I'm sure the House will agree, grassroots community football clubs grassroots community football clubs play a vital role in building elite play a vital role in building elite footballers. Such as Lucy Bronze, who hopefully will go supersonic tonight in her game for the lionesses. Will she join me in congratulating players like Lucy Bronze who started out at a club in Bronze who started out at a club in my constituency. And also grant a debate in government time about how

12:17

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

debate in government time about how we can ensure that elite football... The money get to grassroots football

**** Possible New Speaker ****

to develop the Lucy's of the future. I join him in congratulating Lucy

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I join him in congratulating Lucy and the rest of the women's euros team, we are all getting behind them team, we are all getting behind them in the coming days. He is right to say that our grassroots clubs are say that our grassroots clubs are the engine of the football pyramid, whether that is women's or men's whether that is women's or men's football. That is why I am really football. That is why I am really pleased that the football regulator Bill has passed all of its stages Bill has passed all of its stages and should soon receive Royal assent.

We are putting fans and community clubs at the heart of

12:18

Tom Gordon MP (Harrogate and Knaresborough, Liberal Democrat)

- -

community clubs at the heart of football pyramid. As it should be.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, a couple of weeks ago, I met with the Quaker asylum and I met with the Quaker asylum and refugee network, and I met constituents who came to the UK from constituents who came to the UK from Afghanistan who still have family living in Afghanistan. They showed me photos of their loved ones, some me photos of their loved ones, some smiling, some in a lot more bleak after attacks they faced. The statement earlier this week focused on the AR scheme and the associated on the AR scheme and the associated super injunction, will the Leader of the House look for further opportunities for MPs to meet with

12:18

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

opportunities for MPs to meet with relevant ministers to discuss existing applications under the ARAP

**** Possible New Speaker ****

scheme? I thank him for raising this issue on behalf of the Afghan refugees in his constituency. He is right to say that the UK made a commitment, the right commitment, to honour our obligations, that we go honour our obligations, that we go to those Afghans who stood with us through those years of conflict and through those years of conflict and terror. He will be aware that, to date, around 36,000 Afghans have restarted -- resettled in the UK.

restarted -- resettled in the UK. That is a significant number. We That is a significant number. We have to keep these schemes under constant review and assess the risks to those in countries like Afghanistan and that is why we have

12:19

Lee Barron MP (Corby and East Northamptonshire, Labour)

- -

Afghanistan and that is why we have taken the decision to close some of these schemes recently but I will ensure he gets a response from the Minister.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you. On Monday, I hosted

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you. On Monday, I hosted the second special educational needs the second special educational needs roundtable. On Tuesday, in Parliament. Parents and Parliament. Parents and professionals tell me how important early years support is an early years support is an intervention for children with special. With the government rolling at family hubs across the country at family hubs across the country come including one in Corby, will the Leader of the House back to

12:20

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

schools to make sure that these hubs give real early intervention and support for families with special educational needs.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Absolutely, this is an issue that has been raised with me more than has been raised with me more than any other in the year of Business Questions that I have been doing and I thank him for raising that today. I thank him for raising that today. Early intervention and early diagnosis and early support is critical, that is what family hubs is all about. What we see at the moment, in special educational moment, in special educational needs, is an adversarial system that takes too long for people to get the support they need and in the end of that does not give us the good

12:21

John Lamont MP (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, Conservative)

- -

that does not give us the good outcomes, it costs more and that means we have to take more serious interventions later on. interventions later on.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

The SNP government fire and rescue services are consulting on plans to downgrade eight fire station to weekday, daytime hours station to weekday, daytime hours only. Thousands of people have signed a petition and residents are concerned these proposals could put lives at risk. Will the Leader of the House pay tribute to the hard the House pay tribute to the hard working fire crews and call on the SNP government to properly fund

12:21

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

SNP government to properly fund Scottish fire and rescue services so that fire stations are not put at risk.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Can I thank him for being such a doughty champion for his doughty champion for his constituency, the many invitations I have had to his constituency, he has have had to his constituency, he has raised with me before the shocking situation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, I am sorry to hear Rescue Service, I am sorry to hear about this downgrade that he describes today. I share his calls for the Scottish Government to take heed of his calls, they have been heed of his calls, they have been given the biggest ever settlement in

12:22

Uma Kumaran MP (Stratford and Bow, Labour)

- -

the recent budget, there are no excuses for not properly supporting and funding the Scottish fire and rescue services.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, I am happy and so

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, I am happy and so proud that the dialogue express cafe proud that the dialogue express cafe has opened in my constituency. They have opened in a refurbished train carriage, a vibrant hub that combines great coffee with learning and interacting through British Sign and interacting through British Sign Language. In order to order your drink, customers see a video of how to order in sign language and communicate with the barristers. As one of the first ever Labour candidate to make a video in sign language, over a decade alone -- ago, it is close to my heart.

It is ago, it is close to my heart. It is part of identity and culture, one we should all embrace and be part of. I should all embrace and be part of. I am so pleased that the council see this first hand. With the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the House join me in congratulating the cafe, its founders and the whole the cafe, its founders and the whole team and agree that it is a trailblazing example of how to celebrate DSL, create visibility for

12:23

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

celebrate DSL, create visibility for deaf culture and death pride. I could not put that better myself. What a great tribute the honourable lady just gave to the dialogue express cafe in her constituency. And all of the work that they are doing in bringing people together and breaking down barriers and making opportunities for those from the deaf community, celebrating culture and identity and BSL. I will dig out her video, perhaps we could have training about how to order a coffee in signing which.

12:24

Robbie Moore MP (Keighley and Ilkley, Conservative)

- -

In a few weeks time over 500 Kate Bush fans will descend onto the moors for one of the most withering height days ever. This year, it is doubling up as a protest against proposals to place a huge onshore farm at the heart of the country, damaging Peterson. I'm not sure if she is a Kate Bush fan, will the Leader of the House consider joining us on the moors and does she agree with me, climate experts and nature experts, destroying peatland in the name of net-zero makes zero sense.

12:25

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

May be we will come up that Hill... I just thought of that, it might be wrong. He raises an important issue which gets raised many times, the balance we need to strike, ensuring we are a clean energy superpower and we have energy security. That has meant lifting the moratorium on onshore with. At the same time, protecting nature. We are seeking to get the balance right, I will ensure he gets an update.

12:25

Claire Hughes MP (Bangor Aberconwy, Labour)

- -

This week I joined a foundation for the launch of a new report that reveals the root causes of declining mental health among young people. It identified four key factors. Financial security, decline in its sleep quality and cut to youth services and social media. Given the need to address this crisis, would the Leader grant aid beat to talk about young peoples mental health and wish all of the young people finishing school this week a brilliant summer.

12:26

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

I will certainly join her in wishing all of the young people and children finishing school this week a full and happy summer, which I hope most will get. She raises the issue of children's mental health. She will know that we inherited a dire situation, especially post- Covid, I whole generation of children have been let down. We are determined to put that right, it is a priority for this government and that is why we are putting in specialist mental health professionals in every school, we are making sure there is support for one million more children this year and we will do more to tackle this issue in coming months.

12:27

Rt Hon Liz Saville Roberts MP (Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Plaid Cymru)

- -

I refer the House might register in interest. Substantial changes to these short will come into effect on 22 July and an anomaly that permits no opportunity for debate. Trade unions want thousands of the UK government's own staff could face deportation because their pay will be too low. Such as prison officers, who is going rate appears to full short by at least £3000. Noting the motion I tabled against the statement of changes, will the Leader of the House grant a debate to scrutinise these decisions as otherwise how will that scrutiny be done?

12:28

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

These issues are scrutinised by the House and laid before the House, I will ensure the Minister respond to her about the issues that she raises. We have had to get net migration down from record levels of nearly one million per year over the last year of the party opposite, unacceptably high levels of net migration, putting pressure on housing and on our services as well. That is why we had to look at the appropriate levels of pay and income and skills this country needs so we can ensure we are giving users to people in the areas we need and not giving users where they could fill those roles.

12:28

Michael Wheeler MP (Worsley and Eccles, Labour)

- -

Last week I visited a fire station when their professionalism and designation were plain to see where they taught me through their life-saving work. With the station home to any to specialist units across Greater Manchester, who can be called upon as a national asset, they raised the challenges posed surging demand for water rescue services during hot weather. Will the Leader of the House pay tribute to their service and consider a debate in government time on the importance of properly funded water rescue services, including whether the service should be a statutory one.

12:29

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

He is right, especially at this time of year, people are out and about, young people are out and about, raising the issue of water rescue services. I am pleased to hear that he had such a good time at the Roadwatch firefighting service in his constituency, this would make a good topic for debate when we get back after the summer. back after the summer.

12:30

Rt Hon Mark Pritchard MP (The Wrekin, Conservative)

- -

If I raise with the Leader of the House 1666 and say, what happened in that year, it was the last time anybody in this Parliament was fined for lying. Of course, there is the Ministerial Code, there are the Nolan principles, and there is a contempt of Parliament procedures. But there has not been a fine since that time. For members and nonmembers alike, what is the deterrent... What is the incentive, even, for telling the truth to this place, I am not suggesting...

Ministers can be brought back to collect the record, but people giving evidence to select committees, there is a gap, is it time we put fines on a statue basis so we can be assured that people are incentivised to tell the truth and have a deterrent should they be have a deterrent should they be

12:31

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

He obviously didn't seem in last year's Christmas University challenge, which I answer the question on 66, which I got right. Just for the record. But he raises a very serious issue. And he knows that misleading, knowing misleading, Parliament in this House carries with it serious consequences, as we found in the last Parliament when a sitting Prime Minister was found of misleading this House and was false misleading this House and was false out of office as a result.

No higher punishment, I don't think, could have been found. That was done by the privileges committee of this House. There are many, many ways for members to hold ministers to account on things they say in here, at the Dispatch Box, and other members to hold things to account, whether that is three points of orders, questions, interrogation, through requiring people to correct the record, or indeed making complaints to our very high standards regime, and of course, the privileges committee.

12:32

Joe Morris MP (Hexham, Labour)

- -

It was a privileged a few weeks ago to visit Saint Matthew's Catholic primary school in my constituency and meet with all the students, particularly the year one class, who reiterated to me some of their concerns about global debt at the impact on poorer countries and citizens living there. Will she join me in recognising the incredible initiative and incredible education of those students, in that class, and commend them at their teachers for having such interest in global affairs and could we have a debate affairs and could we have a debate perhaps when you come back from summer?

12:32

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

That is pretty amazing that year one students it would be, six? Or maybe at the oldest seven. Taking such a keen interest around global debt and global affairs. That is a real testament to his constituents and the teachers in his school, that they are taking such a keen interest. It is a matter of importance to that house, I thank him for raising it today, it make a him for raising it today, it make a great topic for debate.

12:33

Jess Brown-Fuller MP (Chichester, Liberal Democrat)

- -

Starting a family it's a huge moment for all who choose to start one and those who choose fertility issues, can be a hard time for those who cannot conceive without help. West Sussex has chosen to reduce their offering of IVF cycles from three down to just one, citing financial difficulties. When data clearly shows that multiple cycles are more likely to result in a positive result. cannot the Leader of the House started debate on IVF, of the House started debate on IVF, so that families don't miss out based on their postcode? based on their postcode?

12:33

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

I thank for raising this issue of IVF postcode lottery essentially, which has been raised with me before and can be very distressing for those seeking to conceive a child, those with facility issues, where these things are changed and reduced access to IVF treatment. NICE are currently reviewing, and will continue with a recommendation to access to NHS funded treatment is still appropriate, and that is something, I hope, that would apply across all areas and not then be subject to a postcode lottery.

But I know this is of an issue of importance of the House, so I will importance of the House, so I will make sure it is brought to the House.

12:34

James Asser MP (West Ham and Beckton, Labour)

- -

I recently visited a hospice in my constituency. It is the first dedicated children's hospice in London. And currently supports over 300 families every year. This summer, they are celebrating their 25th anniversary. The Leader of the House join me in congratulating them on their silver jubilee commander to agree with me that when we discuss hospices in this place, as we often do, read to make sure we put time aside to discuss the work specifically of children's hospices, who do important work supporting families, children, parents, in the most difficult time for family life.

most difficult time for family life.

12:35

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Can I join him in thanking all of those at Richard House children's Hospice, and all of those around the country who work in and with children's hospices. As he says, this is a job I personally would not be able to do, and we are incredibly grateful for all the people who do work in children's hospices, and support children and their families, is one of the most difficult times in their lives, and actually make that experience a happy one and one that experience a happy one and one that, you know, as I say, I just wouldn't be able to do myself.

12:35

Dame Harriett Baldwin MP (West Worcestershire, Conservative)

- -

Further to the question that was just asked, in the beautiful constituency, there are decisions people back in anger about at labour's first term in office, not least the decision of the Budget, to bring in a tax on my local children's hospice, Acorns, but has added £400,000 to their bills. Could the Leader of the House find time between now and recess to schedule debate or a statement from the health minister, about renewing the Children's Hospital grant from 2026 onwards? onwards?

12:36

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Can I thank her for also raising the issue of Acorns children's hospice in her constituency, who I am sure do amazing jobs alongside all those who work in children's hospices. I know it is an issue of concern, it grips raised in this House. We have had many debates -- It gets raised in this House a lot, we have had many debates. We want to increase revenue by 26 million for children hospices, as well as some capital funding for all hospices, and through our 10 year plan, and through our plans for the NHS, we are supporting hospices and others, as best we can.

So, they are the decisions we have taken to support the NHS through tax rises, that I am not sure she supports, but we have had to make those tax rises, in order to pay for the healthcare, and hospice care, I she describes but I will ensure the House is kept updated on these issues.

12:37

Alex Baker MP (Aldershot, Labour)

- -

For more than 200 years, the Gurkhas have served our country with extraordinary loyalty alongside British forces. Yet thousands who enlisted in or before 1993 remain on an inferior pension scheme, believes too many of them living in poverty, including comic my -- Including in my constituency. I know how deeply this injustice is felt across the community, from the many meetings I have held, including the G 10 in Parliament a fortnight ago. I am delighted to hear the MoD has started in government to government talks, but will the Leader of the House one time a debate in honouring the service and sacrifice of the Gurkhas, so that et al.

Can properly Gurkhas, so that et al. Can properly consider how we can do right by those who have stood by us?

12:38

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

My honourable friend has been a great campaigner on the matter, as Chair of the APPG for Nepal as well. She will now, and share with us, I She will now, and share with us, I am sure, that we greatly value the Gurkhas' long and distinguished history of servicing our armed forces and remain committed to supporting the welfare of veterans and their families, both in the UK, and in Nepal. The Secretary of State was in his place, as she asked this was in his place, as she asked this question, so I am sure he will take up these issues, but if he doesn't, I will make sure he does.

12:39

Robin Swann MP (South Antrim, Ulster Unionist Party)

- -

The shadow Leader of the House referenced on this Westminster Hall debate regarding Northern Ireland veterans, unfortunately, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland had to delay, well, run out of time before he could give his full response. There seems to be a difference in regards to the government response between the Ministry for, and the -- Between the Ministry of Defence and the way the Northern Ireland veterans could be progressed. So, can I ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, give the notification that he intends to make a statement next Monday in regards to legacy matters in Northern Ireland, how to proceed.

And if he has, can she give this House insurance it will be made in this place, and not at a press conference in Belfast?

12:40

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

First of all, can I just repeat what I said earlier and acknowledge the outstanding service that our British service personnel who worked in Northern Ireland over many, many years, the outstanding service they gave to this country. As I said earlier, this is a complicated issue which is now subject to great deal of legal uncertainty and legal challenge, and that is why we need to get it right. We are keen to work together to get it right.

I can absolutely assure him that the Secretary of State takes his obligations to make statements on these kinds of matters to this House, and to this House first. And he will bring forward those statements, as he progresses that dialogue to get some of these issues right over the coming weeks. right over the coming weeks.

12:41

David Williams MP (Stoke-on-Trent North, Labour)

- -

In 1942, 57 men and boys were killed in a disaster, while serving both King and country. Their efforts helped power our country and the war. I recently spoke at a memorial service at my constituency, Stoke- on-Trent North, and gets with the Leader of the House join me in paying tribute to them? paying tribute to them?

12:41

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

I thank him for bringing to the House's attention this disaster as the tragedy that unfolded, but also the aftermath of this disaster. I saw great acts of generosity and selfishness, rather, in bringing people -- Selflessness rather comic bringing people together, and father Smith at the holy Trinity Church for putting on the service. -- Selflessness rather, and bringing people together.

12:42

Dr Luke Evans MP (Hinckley and Bosworth, Conservative)

- -

On Tuesday, the second phase of the health investment happened in Hinckley. A planning meeting, planning for the £10 million day case unit was improved, but with a condition after the third party put in her appeal after the listing had been a client -- Had been declined twice before. It is often coming into this chamber to raise agape, I actually want to raise populations because I contacted the Department, the NHS spoke to the CEO of the council as well, but also the Minister who is responsible in his place, his department deserves some recognition for having heard today that the designated review team have already looked at the application, said the old one stands, which means we can now have a green light.

Can she assure all of those involved in the NHS itself, the planning department and all people who have got behind it in two weeks to sign the petition, to get us over the line, it is now that the green light, will she congratulate them and wish them forward, because if we don't get on with it, will use the funding by 2026.

12:43

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Can I thank him for his leadership of coordinating and bringing everyone together to get this project over the line and getting the green light. I am sure his constituents will be very grateful for the role he has played in making sure all those various agencies pull together to get this over the line and for that, he should be congratulated. should be congratulated. should be congratulated.

12:43

Jon Pearce MP (High Peak, Labour)

- -

I am so proud that high peaks are very own George has qualified for the Golf open championship, and will be playing his first round this afternoon. This is a tremendous achievement. It was George's childhood dream, and all his hard work and dedication is paying off. But the leader join me in congratulating George, wish him every success in the Open, and we have a debate in government time, and how we can make sports accessible, particularly golf and tennis, so that all children can achieve their childhood dreams?

12:44

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

I will of course join him in congratulating George on qualifying for the Gulf Open Championship, what an achievement, this is a very high bar to attaining it over. -- Golf Open Championship. I will watch him and hopefully he can get a few underpar... Whatever they are called! Under his belt and maybe beatRORY DAVIES:Of Roy in the open. -- And maybe beat Rory in at the open.

12:44

Wera Hobhouse MP (Bath, Liberal Democrat)

- -

I had to talk about cricket the other day, couldn't remember what bowling is, except rollerball! Madame Deputy Speaker, one of my constituents had virtually no meaningful education since year one. Now, nearly at the end of his primary education, he cannot cope with being at school at all, traumatised by the repeated failures in the system. Either government is planning long-term transformation of the system, and early intervention, which is all very well, but the crisis is now, and chinos, and I know, the transformation takes years know, the transformation takes years to actually take hold and people need help now, can we have a statement from the government on how the government is actually dealing with the immediate crisis, with the people who are immediately facing all these difficulties, and they can get immediate answers? get immediate answers?

12:45

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

She raises the important issue of SEND and G outlines -- And the case she outlines I think addresses the challenges many families face in the SEND system, support comes far too late, outcomes are poor, and it is very costly to all concerns, and that is what we do need to take a proper and concerted and overtime proper and concerted and overtime look at how we can reform the Senate system. She asked about immediate support, we have put in 1 billion extra pounds for this financial year, and we hope that will get onto the front line so constituents like her can get the support they need.

her can get the support they need.

12:46

Sonia Kumar MP (Dudley, Labour)

- -

Residents of Gaul, which was completed in a few thousand 13, beginning with the collapse retaining wall for years now, the management agency originally confessed it was poorly instructed when it was repaired, I should have had a 60 year lifespan. However, it is once again collapse, the management agency is demanding £6000, for local residents, to prepare the wall and it is simply disgraceful and completely unjust. Will my right honourable friend grant a debate on holding builders, housing developers, management agencies, to account, to protect

12:47

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

She is right, for too long these kinds of remediation issues have been... The book has been passed from developers to freeholders to others with no action taken. That is why this government is committed to putting power and agency back into the hands of leaseholders, homeowners, residents, so it can hold people to account and get the works done quickly. works done quickly.

12:47

Shockat Adam MP (Leicester South, Independent)

- -

Autism and other conditions in children present challenges to any parent, but stigma and ignorance remain high in some communities, including some parts of the South Asian community. This adds strain to families suffering and navigating complex journeys, that is why I hope the lead of House will join me in congratulating sisters who have just opened Cafe Nero, a welcoming space, offering not just tea and sweet treats but training and community support. If the Leader is ever in Leicester South, I would share a Leicester South, I would share a charity and a motor with her there.

charity and a motor with her there.

12:48

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

He is a regular attender at these sessions and has raised issues around autism before. I know it is an issue of keen interest for him. That sounds like a great spot and I will check it out next time. He would like to know that NHS England has established a cross sector task force to look at how we can better support people with autism and ADHD. support people with autism and ADHD.

12:48

Dr Scott Arthur MP (Edinburgh South West, Labour)

- -

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, I thank the Leader of the House for her statement and also for the good humour and patience she has brought to the Dispatch Box. Last week, Mike and Claire, two climate activists, were brought to this place dozens of climate change posters created by eight primary school in my constituency, these posters were fantastic, covering everything from supporting bees to planting trees, to encouraging parents to drive less and also installing solar panels.

Will she join me in congratulating children for the leadership they are showing, they are demanding we take action, and wish them well for the summer holiday, underway already in Scotland, and for the coming academic year. academic year.

12:49

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Can I thank him for his kind words about business questions and join him in congratulating Mike and Claire and all of those from the prime school, their posters sound like they really are an education and once we should all look at, they are right to say that the climate and nature emergency is now and we all need educating and training on how we can take steps to deal with it.

12:50

Ann Davies MP (Caerfyrddin, Plaid Cymru)

- -

Coming from a rural background and constituency, and having to be honest, only visiting London a couple of times before I became an MP, coming here last July was a massive culture shock for me. Representing our constituents would not be possible without the kindness and consideration from the whole of the House, from the speakers office and all of the staff, the catering staff, even having your office clean and tidy in the morning, the tearooms, everybody plays their part in ensuring that we are able to do our work.

On the behalf of right honourable friend and myself, and also on behalf of all of the 2024 intake, I would like to thank you for all of the help we have received over the past year and I hope the Leader of the House will join me in thanking everybody that ensures the cogs of this place run so efficiently.

12:51

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Can I thank her for that lovely appreciation of the Speaker, the Deputy Speakers, all of the House staff and those who make our job possible in this place. I did not realise the honourable lady was .24 intake, she has done an excellent job, thought she had been here for a lot longer, she represents her constituents brilliantly, she is a regular attender at these sessions. Notwithstanding that, the 2024 intake are my favourite intake. intake are my favourite intake.

12:52

Melanie Ward MP (Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, Labour)

- -

Thank you, I am not the only member who is deeply concerned by reports of armed police in Kent this week, threatening a peaceful protester with arrest for holding a Palestinian flag and having a signs saying " Free Gaza" And " Israel is committing genocide." Members are horrified by Israel's actions against Palestinians which appear to include bombing a Catholic Church where people with special needs were sheltering. Of course, people want to exercise their right to protest what is happening.

They must be free to do so without police harassment. Will the Leader of the House ask Home Office ministers to meet with concerned MPs about this.

12:52

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Can I thank her for writing this, what we are seeing happening in Gaza right now truly horrifying and I do not think there is any member of this House or indeed the public who is not moved to want to see action taken to stop what is happening in Gaza, the killing of innocent civilians and children, the withholding of aid and it being distributed, the withholding of hospital and much-needed care for those in Gaza, it is right that we say, loudly and clearly, people who want to protest and make their views known about these issues can do so should be able to do so freely and without fear of arrest or action being taken, whether that is against this government or against the Israeli government or whoever else, I will ensure that she gets a ministerial meeting on that.

ministerial meeting on that.

12:53

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

- -

Can I, first of all, thank the Leader of the House for all of her answers so far, this is the last Business Questions before recess. Sincere thanks to the honourable lady. More importantly, thanks behalf of all the people who have no voice, the voiceless people who have a voice through this chamber and the Leader of the House who can convey all of the requests that I and others give, directly to the FCDO. I wish to raise reports of rising economic discrimination against Christians in Nigeria, these include destruction of Christian owned businesses, and widespread impunity.

Given the U.K.'s trade and development ties with Nigeria, will the lead of the House ask the Minister to update the House on the FCDO assessment of these concerns, what steps is the UK taking to ensure the partnership promote religious freedom and protect the livelihoods of minority communities, the voice of the voiceless. the voice of the voiceless.

12:55

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Can I thank him for his question, I think the honourable gentleman is the only person who has never missed a Business Question session since I began in this role, I'm not sure he has missed any debate or any Adjournment Debate in this House over the last year, whether it is him or me who have got the highest speaking contribution, think he should win the award, he really does give voice to those around the world and his constituents every day.

We have discussed the issues happening in Nigeria before, I will ensure The Home Office update him on that, those conversations are ongoing and those conversations are ongoing and we do ask the Nigerian government to take action.

12:55

Patricia Ferguson MP (Glasgow West, Labour)

- -

Thank you, residents in particular areas of my constituency have raised with me support Postal Service they have been receiving in recent weeks, they have not received important information on time, or they have missed hospital appointments as a result. I realise this is an issue raised often, I wonder if she will join with me in saying that Royal Mail and OFCOM need to get their act together and stop this second class service that my constituents are receiving.

12:56

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

This is an issue raised very often in these sessions, there have been systematic problems in Royal Mail over recent years, that is why OFCOM has sanctioned Royal Mail twice over its service levels and are further investigating. From my own meetings, I know that under the new ownership of Royal Mail and the new leadership, we are seeing some improvements to services, I would implore her to arrange those meetings in her constituency as well. I think this would make a very popular and well attended topic for a debate.

a debate.

12:57

Laura Kyrke-Smith MP (Aylesbury, Labour)

- -

Thank you, last week I met Martin Waters to do/the closure of our much loved pub, the unicorn, Martin is working hard to buy it and give it a future. I am grateful to the Leader of the House to make space to debate community right to buy. Can the leadership more about how this will help protect places like this pop?

12:57

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

I am sorry to hear about the closure... The proposed closure of the unicorn club -- pub and the effort to keep it open. As she says, last week we introduced the English devolution and community empowerment Bill which will bring a generational shift in community empowerment, including community right to buy. So that communities like hers can take over assets like the unicorn. I just announced second reading of that bill when we return.

12:58

Gregor Poynton MP (Livingston, Labour)

- -

In my constituency, they have been let down by the SNP government, the failure to deliver a promised health centre. Despite record funding, including 5.8 billion for health, the Scottish Government have failed in their promises. This Labour government showing public money can be used to rebuild, reform and reinvest across the country. Does the Leader agree it is time for a debate on how the government can learn from this approach.

12:58

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

I could not put it better myself, I think the contrast between the NHS in England and the NHS in Scotland under the SNP government could not be clearer. They have had a record budget settlement, there really is no excuse and they should learn some no excuse and they should learn some lessons from what we are doing here.

12:59

Johanna Baxter MP (Paisley and Renfrewshire South, Labour)

- -

Under the previous Conservative government, changes were made to the way that claimants accessed the diffused payment scheme, designed to compensate those with rare asbestos related lung cancers. They forced claimants to use outdated paper forms instead of online applications and people facing terminal illness experienced unacceptable delays. experienced unacceptable delays. Including one case in my constituency, they were left waiting months because of this bureaucracy. Can I ask the Leader of the House she will facilitate a meeting between myself and my constituent with the relevant Minister to ensure this process is streamlined.

12:59

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

Those who suffered with

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Those who suffered with

13:00

Luke Myer MP (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Labour)

- -

mesothelioma still suffer a great injustice and I am sorry to hear about this case, I will ensure she

**** Possible New Speaker ****

gets a full response from a Minister and hopefully a meeting on this matter. I welcome the commitment to provide homes for heroes but some providers are focusing on those with very recent service only. My very recent service only. My constituent is a veteran 12 years service but he's living in an overcrowded property and sleeping on the floor in the living room so his

13:00

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

the floor in the living room so his children can have a bed. Real Leader ensure I can obtain a meeting so that veterans like him can get the

**** Possible New Speaker ****

housing they need. The levels of homelessness and housing need amongst our veterans is housing need amongst our veterans is something that is shocking and is a wake-up call for all of us. I will

13:00

John Slinger MP (Rugby, Labour)

- -

wake-up call for all of us. I will ensure that he gets a meeting with the Minister, that is why we are taking steps to ensure there is more housing provision.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, in July 2023, two police officers stationed in my police officers stationed in my constituency courageously rescued someone from a burning car, risking their lives in the process. Before attempting to save his life with attempting to save his life with immediate first aid. Recently, the Chief Constable awarded the two officers with the Chief Constable's commendation and describe the actions as " Acts of bravery of the actions as " Acts of bravery of the highest degree." They have been nominated for the National police nominated for the National police bravery awards 2025.

Will the Leader of the House to me in honouring brave actions of these officers and brave actions of these officers and does she agree that their actions epitomised the very best of our

13:01

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

service? Selfless dedication to

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Can I join him in giving our heartfelt thanks to them for their heartfelt thanks to them for their heartfelt thanks to them for their heroic efforts. And I hope the nominations for the awards is taken forward as they are given those

13:02

forward as they are given those awards, it sounds like they are

**** Possible New Speaker ****

deserved winners. Following the recent Channel 4 documentary Poisoned: A Killer in the Post, can be a statement from the military of justice actions taken to tackle that growing threat taken to tackle that growing threat of online content promoting suicide. Mike Scituate was affected by this Mike Scituate was affected by this and I know they are not alone. Can

13:02

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

and I know they are not alone. Can we talk about how platforms can be held accountable, and what steps are being taken to prevent further harm?

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I am sorry to hear of this case. She will be aware that the Online Safety Act's content duties do require platforms to tackle illegal suicide and self-harm content and suicide and self-harm content and activity. And this act is now coming into force, with new guidance, being

13:03

Phil Brickell MP (Bolton West, Labour)

- -

into force, with new guidance, being put forward regularly. But we will keep this matter is under review and a need to strengthen the law, we will.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

May I thank the Lead before confirming reset dates for the next 12 months, which my wife has already 12 months, which my wife has already messaged me about. The Leader of the House will be aware that despite important draft government important draft government legislation, banning single use of legislation, banning single use of vapes, bakeshop -- Vape shops masquerading as candy shops still masquerading as candy shops still pop up. We are fighting against the rising tide. Will the leader set rising tide.

Will the leader set aside government time to debate how

13:03

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

aside government time to debate how the tackle on vapes -- Tobacco and Vapes Bill prevents stores being used as front businesses for

**** Possible New Speaker ****

organised crime gangs? I am pleased to have announced before your recess dates, I feel that is my most important KPI as a that is my most important KPI as a Leader of the House. He raises a real important issue about the real important issue about the proliferation and use of vapes and the challenge this brings to our the challenge this brings to our high streets for young people, public health, and many other areas. We have banned single use rates We have banned single use rates already, through a -- Single use vapes already, through a statutory,

13:04

Emma Foody MP (Cramlington and Killingworth, Labour )

- -

vapes already, through a statutory, and our flagship bill is being sent through the House and I'm sure will make progress.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I recently met with one of my

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I recently met with one of my constituents, Sean, who is one of the founders of the Safe Clicks Foundation, their calling for greater Debility for social media companies to tackle bullying online and ensure digital spaces are safe, respectful and rooted in responsibility and they have responsibility and they have recently launched a parliamentary provision as well. Can we have a debate on the act and the government

13:04

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

debate on the act and the government is taking to protect online spaces and when social media companies take action to stamp out bullying and harassment online?

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Tackling online abuse and hate is The biggest challenges of our time. I am sure she will agree. The

13:05

Douglas McAllister MP (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)

- -

I am sure she will agree. The Minister is in his place. The Online Safety Act has been an important first step, but tech platforms need to do more and we will hold them to account for that, and the government wants to go further and we will keep the House updated.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

May I thank the Leader of the House for her courtesy and generosity over the last year, during these business question sessions, she deserves a holiday sessions, she deserves a holiday during recess. Can I suggest no during recess. Can I suggest no better place in my constituency. Of West Dunbartonshire, where she can enjoy a round of golf, the golf enjoy a round of golf, the golf course run by the community. Or visit the banks of Loch Lomond, and

13:05

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

visit the banks of Loch Lomond, and join the Ashley Scottish Championships in Dumbarton, on Saturday 26th of July, admission is

**** Possible New Speaker ****

free! Can I thank him, I am looking

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Can I thank him, I am looking forward to a well earned rest, and he is very much on the theme of the day in invited me to his favourite day in invited me to his favourite spots in his constituency, and he spots in his constituency, and he has done very well. The Minister sitting next to me just say it is

13:06

Paul Waugh MP (Rochdale, Labour )

- -

sitting next to me just say it is very nice, his constituency, actually! Maybe one day I will visit Loch Lomond and do better at golf than I did in answering the previous

**** Possible New Speaker ****

question. Hanson springs in Rochdale was

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Hanson springs in Rochdale was founded 52 years ago, and it has gone from strength to strength, this year, it has invested in machinery year, it has invested in machinery and space, he still works 40 hours a week, his granddaughter, Lucy, has joined the firm this week straight joined the firm this week straight

13:06

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

from Rochdale sixth form College. Will the leader join me in wishing Malcolm a very happy 80th birthday, because he is the exact sort of grafter and entrepreneur that makes it such a special place and makes this country such a special place.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I will absolutely join him in wishing Malcolm a very good 80th birthday. His granddaughter has got birthday. His granddaughter has got a very good name, I will say that, but it is great to see he is offering great job opportunities to people during his constituency, and

13:07

Dr Allison Gardner MP (Stoke-on-Trent South, Labour)

- -

people during his constituency, and Hanson springs sounds like it is going from strength to strength.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

For the past year, I have been working with Nicolas partnership foundation trust to secure and foundation trust to secure and indeed unlock the funds to build a new neighbourhood health centre, in the home of the Great Pottery the home of the Great Pottery Throwdown, welcome to come visit. Obviously, the plan for this is to Obviously, the plan for this is to deliver better joint of healthcare in the community, naturally, I am delighted to see this government's commitment to moving healthcare from hospital to community in a 10 year plan, will the Leader of the House

13:07

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

allow for a debate on government time, and how we can deliver a neighbourhood health service as quickly as possible.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

She is a great champion of the constituency, and Great Pottery Throwdown is one of my favourite shows, maybe I will make a visit to

13:08

Mark Sewards MP (Leeds South West and Morley, Labour)

- -

shows, maybe I will make a visit to her constituency. She is right to call for more healthcare provision in her constituency and an integrated health care hub in the

**** Possible New Speaker ****

long term, I will help her to get off the ground. Last Friday, I met with business

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Last Friday, I met with business owners who operate, they have managed to turn one of the most managed to turn one of the most undesirable part of our town, into undesirable part of our town, into the destinations that people travel into Morley to experience. And of course, you, Madame Deputy Speaker, have an invitation to come and join me anytime, as does the leader, the first round is on me. They are victims of their own success though. victims of their own success though.

Unfortunately, a spate of burglaries of the last few years has really been affecting the businesses there. We have met with the police, doing We have met with the police, doing work with them to sort it out, and absolutely welcome the government's move to ensure that our town centres are protected this summer, with are protected this summer, with increased police presence. But we have to go further, we have to go faster, we have to increase the number of police, and we have to increase the powers available to them as well.

Will the Leader of the

13:09

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

them as well. Will the Leader of the House quite a debate on the incoming time, and perhaps encourage the other place, to send out the police bill as fast as possible, so we can

**** Possible New Speaker ****

do that. Absolutely, that is why our neighbourhood policing guarantee, putting more neighbourhood police on the streets, and our Crime and the streets, and our Crime and Policing Bill and many others that we can many other measures were taken, is so that Morley town centres, or town centres like Morley, can thrive in business it can go about their business without fear of antisocial, shoplifting or

13:09

Frank McNally MP (Coatbridge and Bellshill, Labour)

- -

fear of antisocial, shoplifting or crime putting a blight on their

**** Possible New Speaker ****

business. As the final person to ask a question of the leader in this question of the leader in this session today, can I join the thanks that have been placed to the House and to the leader for her commitment and to the leader for her commitment to these sessions. Madame Deputy Speaker, the Motoneuron Disease Association, is holding a day of action in Parliament Square today, to raise awareness of a to raise awareness of a groundbreaking precision therapy.

The aim is to highlight the growing number of patients eligible to access the drug, but unable to do so due to a lack of capacity and clinical support. Will my right clinical support. Will my right honourable friend make time for a debate in government time, to debate in government time, to explore what more can be done to

13:10

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

- -

breakdown the barrier to this treatment? And explore what more government can do in partnership with scientists, researchers and clinicians, to ultimately find a

**** Possible New Speaker ****

cure for devastating disease? Can I first of all thank him for his thanks, it has been my absolute pleasure to answer the hundreds of questions I have answered over the last year, and he raises another very important one today, as well. very important one today, as well. He is absolutely right, motoneuron disease is an utterly devastating disease. Which is currently disease. Which is currently incurable and I wish all those well who are here for the day of action who are here for the day of action That it is currently being reviewed, the review is campaigning rapidly, the review is campaigning rapidly, so we can get these innovative new treatments in use as quickly as possible, so we can enter this devastating disease once and for all.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

all. I thank the Leader of the House for her answers this morning. There will be a short moment for the

13:11

Ministerial statement: Ukraine update

frontbenchers to swap over. Statement on Ukraine, Secretary of Statement on Ukraine, Secretary of State for defence, John Healey.

13:11

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker, with permission, I wish to make a statement on the war in Ukraine. Today is day 1239 since President Putin launched his full-scale invasion. And more than a decade since the Ukrainians have known piece in their homeland. They have had hopes destroyed, lands seized, children abducted, loved ones killed, by Putin's forces. And yet the Ukrainian people still fight with remarkable determination, military and civilian alike, and almost 3.5 years on, I am proud to say this House remains united for Ukraine.

And Britain remains united for Ukraine. In fact, polling shows that we retain the strongest public support for Ukraine of any European nation. The solidarity is grounded in our deep respect for their courage, and in recognition that the defence of Europe starts in Ukraine. Because we know, if Putin prevails in Ukraine, he will not stop with Ukraine. Madame Deputy Speaker, let me begin by providing a battlefield update. Russia is maintaining pressure along the whole length of the front line, with a focus on the north-east, and places in the south-east, as well as Kursk.

Last month, Russian ground forces likely sees approximately 550 km of Ukrainian territory, that is an area greater than the size of Greater Manchester. And yet, they face continuing difficulties, attempting to take fortified towns and cities, they have not taken a significant account for months. Indeed, they have tried, without success, to have tried, without success, to seize one for nearly a year. It is coming at great cost. Last month, the number of Russian troops killed and wounded surpassed more than a million.

This year alone, Russia has sustained 240,000 casualties. Despite these catastrophic Russian losses, Putin's Rufus ambitions do not appear to be waning. -- Ruthless ambitions. High numbers of attackers launched at Ukraine. 1,900 and launched at Ukraine. 1,900 and April. 4,000 in May, 5,000 in June, and already, this month, in July, 3,200. On 9 July, a week ago today, the largest aerial strike of the war was recorded when Russia launched more than 700 attack drones in a single night.

Despite the onslaught, the Ukrainians are taking the fight to Putin, striking military targets in Russia, that his people see and know about. Spiderweb, Madame Deputy Speaker, was in operation of remarkable precision and extraordinary success, which dealt a fierce blow to Putin. One year of meticulous planning, resulting in bombers, planes, which threaten not only Ukraine, and also NATO as well. Madame Deputy Speaker, we must step up now our efforts are getting further military support to the frontline.

Last month, on the Eve of the NATO summit, we welcomed President Zelensky to Number Ten Downing Street, where the Prime Minister signed a UK-Ukraine agreement to share enhanced battlefield capabilities, and technologies. A deal which means our defence industry can rapidly develop the cutting-edge technologies, from Ukraine, and step up their production for Ukraine. The NATO summit that followed, 32 nations came together to sign a new defence and national security investment pledge. To spend 5% of GDP by 2035. They came together, 32 nations, to reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine, with 40 billion clenched in security systems for this year.

It was a good summit for Ukraine, it was good summit for Britain, it was a good summit for NATO, it was a bad summit for Putin. Those commitments at NATO have been basis for President Trump to signal a significant shift this week, on Ukraine. Announcing that NATO weapons transfers and 50 day deadline for Putin to agree to peace, so with the NATO Secretary- General, President Trump agreed to large-scale purchases of US monetary equipment by NATO allies. Including Patriot missiles, air defence systems, and munitions which are committed to getting " Quickly committed to getting " Quickly We plan to pay our full part and on Monday we will discuss this further NHS the next meeting of the contact group alongside my German group alongside my German counterpart.

That group, the contact group, continues as the forum for more than 50 nations to provide Ukraine with what it needs to fightback at Putin's war machine. I am pleased that Monday's meeting will be attended by the US Secretary, the NATO Secretary- General, and others. Written is providing more than 4.5 billion military aid to Ukraine this year, more than ever before. I will provide the following updates, first, on the extraordinary acceleration scheme, two thirds of the U.K.'s ERA total of 2.26 billion has been dispersed.

Including 700 million of artillery shells, long- range rockets and air defence missiles, exactly what Ukraine needs most. Second, drones, since March, the UK has supplied nearly 50,000 drones to Ukraine, helping to meet our commitment to increase tenfold our supply this year. Third, air defence, the UK and Germany have agreed to partner in providing critical air defence missiles to Ukraine. Fourth, on the NATO comprehensive assistance package, the UK will donate a further £40 million, which Ukraine can use on a range of programs, from de-mining to rehabilitation the of the wounded.

It is now four months since President Zelenskyy responded to trumps peace negotiations with Ukraine's full commitment to an unconditional ceasefire. President Putin has shown no such interest in an end to the fighting. But peace in Ukraine is possible and we must be ready for when that peace comes. Since March, the UK and France have led the coalition on the planning new arrangements to support Ukraine in any ceasefire. More than 200 plans from 30 nations have worked intensively for weeks, with Ukraine and reconnaissance in Ukraine led by UK personnel.

Last week at the summit, they said this phase would detail military planning had concluded. I can confirm the command structures have been agreed for a future multinational force in Ukraine. The mission will be to strengthen the defences on the land, at sea and in the air because the Armed Forces are the best deterrent against future Russian aggression. It will include a three star command headquarter in Paris, rotating to London after 12 months. When the force deploys, there will be coordination in Kyiv.

Headed by a to start military officer. It will regenerate land forces by providing logistics and training experts, it will cure Ukraine's skies -- secure Ukraine's skies for the policing mission. And it will support safer sees by bolstering the Task Force with additional specialist teams. When peace comes, we will be ready. When peace comes, we will play our part in securing it for the long- term. Next month, the 21st... Apologies, next month, from 24 August, Ukrainians will gather to celebrate the Independence Day.

For celebrate the Independence Day. For another year, the anniversary of Ukraine's liberation will be marked under the pain of occupation. We must therefore move -- never lose sight of the illegal invasion of this proud sovereign nation. And we must never forget the price Ukraine is paying, fighting for its own freedom and the security of all free nations. Madam Deputy Speaker, the UK will stand with Ukrainian people, today, tomorrow, the day after and for as long as it takes for Ukraine to prevail.

13:22

James Cartlidge MP (South Suffolk, Conservative)

- -

I am grateful for the Secretary of State for advanced site of the statement, it was less than a month ago that the United States undertook the bombing raid of facilities, one of the most significant actions taken in the world. With such developments understandably dominating the headlines and almost 3.5 years collapsing since Russia first launched the unprovoked invasion, it is right that the government update the House, as we did, on defence in Ukraine. The reality is, there has been no letup in Russian aggression, on 9 July, we saw the largest drone attack by Russia and yesterday's report of Russia using 400 drones to target infrastructure and cities across Ukraine.

This barbarism has led to further civilian casualties, can the Secretary of State confirmed that on the military side, it is Russia that has suffered the greatest losses, last month, they surpassed one million. Does this not show the extent to which Putin has callous regard for the human impact of his actions on either side? We are proud of the assistance we provided in office to Ukraine and we will continue to stand with support but it is vital that all of our allies play their part.

On France, what was previously called the coalition of the willing, I agree we have to be ready for when peace comes, how many other nations will provide fighter jets? Can he confirm there is no longer any planning for inland combat element to the in NFU. In the United States, we welcome provision of military hardware by the US, on paying for it, he says we plan to play our part in full. Will the UK be purchasing equipment from the United States to pass on to Ukraine? The Secretary of State did not mention potential sanctions or tariffs, it has been reported that Trump is considering Paris of 100% on goods coming into the US from any country.

Has the government discussed this plan and will the UK follow suit? Today's times report the senior adviser has stated the imposition of secondary sanctions on nations following oil and gas from Russia could end the war before the end of this year. Does the Secretary of State agree and, would the UK join in any secondary sanctions policy directed against countries importing oil and gas. On Germany, we understand the Prime Minister is meeting the Chancellor to date, can I urge the government to push the counterpart on provision of the missiles to Ukraine, alternatively, given that we understand they are compatible with Typhoon, backfilling UK stops to enable provision of more missiles.

Turning to the impact on the UK, we understand Germany will sign an agreement today that we will come to each other's aid in the event of an attack on the other. How is this different from NATO Article 5? In my own discussions with senior German parliamentarians, as has been widely reported, Germans believe that Jeroen overflights of their military bases were linked to nefarious activity. In the context of recent threats, in particular, Jeroen overflights of Suffolk basis, can he update us on whether there is any indication of Russian involvement.

In particular, the progress of the review of security of UK bases that he announced last month. I stripped out a whole load of processes and redtape to accelerate the date of our groundbreaking laser, 2032. Given the potential for the weapons, can I ask the sector estate if he will accelerate the adoption further and ensure rapid testing in the context of anti-drone defence. And, on drones more broadly, in a written question, ministers confirmed they had ordered three military drones since the election.

I have tabled questions on progress and ministers now say they cannot answer, what is the latest figure. When SMEs have provided some of the best drones and countermeasures used on the battlefield in Ukraine, why are we not ordering the same kit in a parallel for our own army at scale and pace so we can train today, not years away, on how war is fought right now in Ukraine. To conclude, after 3.5 years of war, we have to keep reminding the British public that the most important point for our interest, namely that the best way to defend our homeland right now is to give all possible support to Ukraine so that the democracy trials over the dictatorship and stopped Putin's aggression from spreading.

13:27

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

I welcome the Shadow Defence Secretary's update and I welcome his continued commitment to support the opposition. Backing the steps we are taking to support Ukraine, he is right to point out that the massive Russian casualties show the contempt for President Putin for the lives of his own people as well as those in Ukraine and he is right to point out that the level of Russian casualties and numbers those of Ukraine. On the coalition of the winning, there are 30 nations involved in the planning at this stage, we will keep it refreshed in a period up to the point of renewed ceasefire negotiations, which we hope to see soon.

As part of the plans as they stand at the moment, there will be activity in the air and on the sea. I am pleased to say that he backs military aid that we are putting into Ukraine. He asks questions about the coalition of the willing, I do not recall, and I have checked, I do not recall him backing the coalition of willing and I would like to ask him, does his party support Britain's leadership of the multinational force for Ukraine. As far as discussions on the trump NATO plan, these will be developed on Monday, the meeting that I will co- chair.

If sanctions and economic measures play a part in the actions that we, as an international committee, need to play, we will do that. His government had a good record, we have gone further in the last year as well, we have introduced, since July, over 500 new sanctions against individuals, entities, across all of the regimes, and we sanction them as a nation, a and we sanction them as a nation, a total of 289 vessels in the fleet. He asked me about a couple of other things, I will update the House when the full basic security through is complete.

On a DragonFire, he is right to say he was instrumental in the first steps of this UK technology but he left the program largely unfunded, we were already accelerating it, we put it into four of our naval vessels, not just one, on drones, he knows the people the question he keeps exciting is very specific. He knows that, after the strategic defence review, we are doubling to over £4 billion the amount of money in this Parliament that we will invest in autonomy and drones.

He knows we will establish a new drone centre of excellence which means we can accelerate the use of drones in every service, the army, for instance, will train thousands of operators, we will start rolling out 3,000 drones followed by over 1,000 surveillance drones. We will This is what we mean when we say we will bring the power of new technology alongside the heavy metal of platforms like tanks and planes and ships to make Britain the most innovative Armed Forces in NATO.

innovative Armed Forces in NATO.

13:31

Alex Baker MP (Aldershot, Labour)

- -

Thank you. As a member from Aldershot, I know how deeply people in my constituency understand the cost of conflict. And the value of standing by our allies. So I welcome this statement and thanked the Secretary of State for his leadership on this issue. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that the outcome in Ukraine matters, not just for European security, but also, for the UK standing as a reliable defence partner, and for us to maintain this reputation, long- term investment in British capabilities and industries in constituencies like mine where, incidentally, Dragon Fire was created, is essential to sustaining aggression.

13:32

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

My honourable friend is entirely right, and the UK has been the most reliable ally for Ukraine since before the full-scale invasion almost 3 1/2 years ago. And she is also right to say that a test of this nation is whether we are willing to step up the leadership on Ukraine as we have, whether we are ready to step up leadership as we have, but underpinning it all, whether we are ready to step up the level of defence investment for this country which we have, and when the prime minister announced that this secretary would invest 2.5% of GDP by 2027 in defence, alongside the 5 billion extra in defence of this year, the first year in government, this is the largest increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War.

13:33

Helen Maguire MP (Epsom and Ewell, Liberal Democrat)

- -

I also thank the Defence Secretary of advanced sight of his statement. We welcome the additional support to Ukraine as we must continue to support Ukraine to defend Europe. Russia's increased attacks. Pres Trump only now realises what has always been clear, that Russia's brutal dictator has no interest, so while I was relieved to see the present announced sanctions if no ceasefire is agreed within 50 days, we all know that he is as changeable as the wind.

No one has forgotten the humiliating ambush he made in the Oval Office, and there is nothing saying he won't do that again. A 50 day deadline could encourage Putin to estimate his attacks in the meantime. That is why the UK must go further to support Ukraine and increase pressure on the Kremlin. The Defence Secretary update the house towards seizing frozen Russian assets in the UK and deploying them to Ukraine, and what discussions are underway with European partners on doing the same across the continent? More must be done in terms of fuelling the war machine, and I recognise the Secretary of State has mentioned the shadow fleet, but can we do this in the Russian shadow fleet, including those already sanctioned by the EU, Canada and the US, and finally, the announcement on the multinational Ukraine, I welcome the U.K.'s role in shaping future security architecture we do need clarity on what this means in practical terms.

So the UK Armed Forces contribute, and will be a planned deployment of UK personnel on land, at sea or in the air once the mission is operational, and if so, deployment? operational, and if so, deployment?

13:35

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

First, we stand ready to expand sanctions on the Russian shadow fleet. Second, she asks about the coalition of the wedding. The military planning is complete. With the prospect that we help to see soon but can't see immediately of a ceasefire, then the commitments and the details would be firmed up, reported appropriate to the house at that stage, and finally, she asks about the use of frozen assets. She will know the complexity of this challenge.

She will know the interest and the will of the government to work on this, but she will also recognise that the majority of those assets are held outside the UK, so any action on this front must be taken with others, must be taken alongside others, and therein lies the complexity of the discussions at present.

13:36

Dame Chi Onwurah MP (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, Labour)

- -

Can I think the Secretary of State for his statement and the expression of his and his houses unwavering commitment to Ukrainian people against Putin's illegal war? I would also like to welcome the 40,000 drains, 50,000 drains that the UK has sent to Ukraine, and to express my own admiration for the Ukrainian people and to say that they are fighting on behalf of all of us. No one predicted the role of drones in this conflict and there was no outstanding speed of that technology.

In Ukraine and in Russia and China. So can I asked a Secretary of State what steps he is taking with our allies to ensure that we maintain or develop technological advantage in key defence capabilities to make it to the front line?

13:37

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

My friend is entirely right, and for the first time in human conflict history, drains are now killing far more and causing far more casualties than heavy artillery. She asks the challenging question that was at the heart of the strategic defence review that we published at beginning of last month. Learning lessons from Ukraine, how do we recognise the way that the change in warfare is accelerating? That is the reason we are now making a £4 billion increase in technology that she cites and the potential of autonomy to reinforce the war fighting residents of our forces and the deterrence that we can play as a nation within NATO.

nation within NATO.

13:38

Rt Hon Mark Pritchard MP (The Wrekin, Conservative)

- -

Operation orbital is the UK training programme for the Ukrainian military. The Secretary of State confirmed the house that that very personal and personnel data is safe at the MoD, and he mentioned aerial tax, 15,000 drone attacks over the last four months. He referenced meeting with Germans to look at counter drain munitions et cetera and capabilities, but of course, Ukraine is being attacked today, right now, so I wonder what thought has been given to the use of the RAF to Carno aircraft.

Could they be redeployed? They are slow flying aircraft that could interdict Shaheen drones, and also the propeller prop trainer as well, whether they could be provided. These are slow flying aircraft, they could interdict these drains and maintenance.

13:39

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

I am not familiar with the to Carno aircraft. If they are still in inventory, they have not come across my desk, but I will look into that and write to the right honourable gentleman. On the matter of the orbital training programme, I am confident that the data involved in those personnel are secure and I am proud of that program. It was a program that didn't just follow Putin's full-scale invasion in February follow Putin's full-scale invasion in February 3 and 1/2 years ago.

But was in place after Russia first took Crimea and had proxy forces enhanced. There was a UK Canadian training programme supporting Ukrainians from well before Putin's invasion, and since then, we have now trained over 56,000 Ukrainian forces.

13:40

Gregor Poynton MP (Livingston, Labour)

- -

Does the secretary of state agree with me that the actions of Russia on 9 July, one of the largest bombardments of the water date, are still in a fight for their lives and future of the country, and that this house, our government and our country must do everything possible to stand with them in that fight?

13:41

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

I do indeed, and my honourable friend is right to remind the house and the public, these Russian attacks are not just directed at Ukrainian frontline and forces. These are directed at Ukrainian cities, Ukrainian civilians and Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. And that is the harsh reminder of the sort of character that Putin is. A brutal illegal invasion, entirely contemptuous of the lives of his own people, and attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure.

13:41

John Lamont MP (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, Conservative)

- -

I fully support the work of UK government in providing military assistance to Ukraine. The Rotary club have supported Ukraine during the war. They have delivered several pickup trucks loaded with medical equipment and other essential supplies to Ukraine, so will the house join me on this, and what more support, government provide to voluntary groups in the UK who want to provide assistance to Ukraine.

13:42

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

I certainly paid tribute to his local Rotary club and the other clubs that are reflecting that. Continuing public well to offer support where we can to Ukraine. If there are specific aspects of support, that those groups are looking for in order to facilitate the sort of supplies, then I would encourage them to contact me with those details.

13:42

Alex Sobel MP (Leeds Central and Headingley, Labour )

- -

I would like to thank the Defence Secretary for the very comprehensive statement. As trade envoy, I was in the local government mission to the Ukraine recovery conference last week in Rome, and two of the top asks for the civilian recovery were improved defence, so I was very pleased to hear those in his statement. The statement was about our support for Ukraine, but for the long-term security in the whole of Europe, could I ask the Secretary of State what lessons we are learning in the Ministry of Defence and UK defence industry from Ukraine because those are the ones innovating.

13:43

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

My honourable friend is probably one of the most energetic and ceaseless supporters of Ukraine, not just in this house, but I know that he has gone out with supplies to Ukraine in order to support civilians and comrades out there. I am very glad he was that the Ukrainian conference in Italy last week, and could I say to him also that if he is looking for the lessons at the UK Ministry of Defence is pulling from Ukraine, I will send a personal copy of the strategic defence review.

13:44

Richard Foord MP (Honiton and Sidmouth, Liberal Democrat)

- -

These plans for the so-called coalition of the willing our contingency plans. They are designed for time when Putin agrees to a ceasefire in Ukraine, acknowledging he shows no sign of doing. With the prospect of allies such as the UK deploying Armed Forces to Ukraine after a ceasefire, how does this prospect incentivise the Kremlin to sue for peace? sue for peace?

13:45

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

I think one of the signals to Pres Putin that the coalition of the willing is that there are a large number of deeply committed democratic countries willing to stand with Ukraine in their fight against Putin's invasion, but willing also to stand alongside them in any peace in order to have a long lasting settlement. And the single message that Putin should take is that Ukraine will keep fighting, we will keep supporting them, and we have to accept he needs to come to the negotiation table, he needs to the negotiation table, he needs to talk and put an end to this fighting.

13:45

Melanie Ward MP (Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, Labour)

- -

I thank my friend for his important update. It is clear that Russia's growing aggression undermines our security here at home. Does the Defence Secretary agree with me that the outcome of the war in Ukraine matters deeply to everyone of my constituents as much as it does across the whole world and Europe, and can he update us further on the measures taken to further on the measures taken to

13:46

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

Her constituency represent the sentiment of Britain across the UK. Strong support for Ukraine, 3 1/2 years into this war. A recognition that this is a matter that rises above party politics. And a recognition in general that UK does not just need to say we stand with Ukraine but to demonstrate that in the actions we are taking. I hope her constituents will support the

**** Possible New Speaker ****

government in what we are doing. Before I call the next member,

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Before I call the next member, could I urge everybody in here whose phone might be going off, that is the fifth time I have heard it.

13:47

John Cooper MP (Dumfries and Galloway, Conservative)

- -

**** Possible New Speaker ****

the fifth time I have heard it. Silence is golden. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I can confirm it is not my phone. My ring tone is very distinctive. It is ring tone is very distinctive. It is tremendous that the planning for a coalition of the willing has been put together so quickly, but plans are paper tigers and we need flying Tigers. If we are to secure the peace, we will need air superiority over Ukraine. Can the Secretary of State for defence give us a clue, perhaps not naming individual countries, but how many of the 30 in the coalition of the willing will be able to put combat aircraft into this plan? this plan?

13:47

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

It wasn't my phone either. I have to say to the honourable gentleman, he does an injustice to the role of 200 military planners that have worked in the last four months from more than 30 nations on the detail of the military planning. It has not just been an exercise with Ukraine based in France and the UK, but has involved detailed reconnaissance in Ukraine led by UK personnel. These are serious military plans. They are designed for the circumstances of a ceasefire.

Circumstances that are not entirely clear now, but we hope to see full stop they will be refined regularly between now and the end point of peace. They are designed to make sure that when we get that piece, we are ready to support that piece. We are ready to support that piece is multinational force for Ukraine.

13:48

Johanna Baxter MP (Paisley and Renfrewshire South, Labour)

- -

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I thank my for his update, and also the leadership he is displaying on this issue. In Russia, and that temporary occupied territories of Ukraine, Russian authorities have introduced military patriotic training in skills and youth groups and exposed Ukrainian children to military propaganda urging enlistment in the Russian Armed Forces. There are also reports that Russia is recruiting Ukrainian teenagers and young adults to carry out espionage and sabotage within Ukraine. Does my honourable friend agree with me that Ukraine's children have no place on the battlefield in this war? And can he say a little more about the work he is doing with colleagues in the FCDO on holding those responsible for the militarisation of Ukraine's children, and their forced deportation, to account?

13:49

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

Can I pay a huge tribute to my honourable friend for that ceaseless work she is doing to try and draw public attention in the UK to the plight of children and teenagers from Ukraine in Russia. They certainly have no place on the Russian front line. They have no place on the battlefield. Abducted Ukrainian children have no place in Russia. When the Foreign Secretary and I were still in opposition, and we first went to Ukraine together, we met with the magnificent charity that was bringing abducted Ukrainian children back from Russia.

We sat down with four of the young teenagers who had been subject to exactly the sort of treatment my honourable friend identifies. I will look to work with her to reinforce any of the steps that we can take in this country with colleagues from the foreign office, in order to draw greater attention to this brutal abuse.

13:50

Robbie Moore MP (Keighley and Ilkley, Conservative)

- -

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. It has been 3 1/2 years since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. And we all know there has been a huge amount of loss of life, credible disruption, and pain to many residents, not only in Ukraine across the world. I saw this myself and I was meeting with the Ukraine Association who is going gone above and beyond what any raising funds in Ukraine, in my constituency, but the owners are in Ukraine as we speak delivering sports equipment for those sport organisations in the rugby league in Ukraine who are unable to have the equipment that they need as a result of the war.

Will the Secretary of State join me in paying tribute to those two organisations? He also just comment on the fact that we all know that a divided West only benefits Russia. Following the latest talks with NATO, what more could the government be doing to ensure other nations are playing their part both through military support and in terms of funding and developing key defence capabilities to continue to support Ukraine?

13:52

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I would say to the honourable gentleman, UK is playing a leading part by cochairing the Ukrainian defence contact group, that is the defence contact group, that is the forum in which 50 nations coordinate the needs that Ukraine has for battlefield support. We are also leading by it, alongside the French, developing a coalition of the willing planning for the future. Relation to his constituency, I paid Relation to his constituency, I paid huge tribute to the organisation.

There out in Ukraine delivering sports equipment and hats off to them and thank you. I see that is typical of the generosity of the people in Yorkshire.

13:52

John Slinger MP (Rugby, Labour)

- -

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. Brave Ukrainians in my constituency of rugby who are a long way from their compatriots of home tell me the continued suffering of civilians due to Russian aggression. Will the Defence Secretary join me in welcoming the new drive from President Trump and NATO to make sure that Ukraine is in the best possible position, both to defend itself, and in any future negotiations?

13:53

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

My honourable friend in reminding the house of that Ukrainian families in rugby reminds us that this is a war, and invasion, that has forced many to flee their home. Many are still receiving shelter from UK families, and I pay tribute to those who offering that shelter. He is absolutely right. We have been willing to back President Trump in his bid to secure a negotiated peace in Ukraine from the outset. We look to this next stage is a hopeful sign.

We will do whatever we can to reinforce efforts to put pressure now on put in and bring to the negotiating table.

13:54

Phil Brickell MP (Bolton West, Labour)

- -

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. As secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group, may I take opportunities to welcome the joint sharing of the U.K.'s Ukrainian defence contact group alongside his German counterpart? Like ratchet governance on today's landmark bilateral treaty between the UK and Germany? Sign here in London between the Prime Minister and the German Chancellor on security and defence, on industrial collaboration. It demonstrates our determination to stand up to Putin's continued act of aggression. And this is an enduring commitment to Ukraine.

13:54

Rt Hon John Healey MP, The Secretary of State for Defence (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, Labour)

- -

I welcome my honourable friend's role in sharing the all-party group on UK Germany. This is a new coalition for the government, for Germany, it is making a massively welcome contribution to increased support to NATO and to European security. I welcome that greater contribution. The defence is still led by an SBD Minister, and ably so, I woke at the heart of this new friendship treaty that German Chancellor and our prime minister will sign today, is the Trinity House agreement that Boris Pistorius and myself signed back in October for a deep defence agreement for the first time between the UK and Germany.

It means we will do so much more together. It means we will do

**** Possible New Speaker ****

so much more as two nations, but as two nations within NATO. Could I thank the Secretary of State for his statement this

13:55

Select Committee Statement: Select Committee Statement on the Second Report of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, Social Media, Misinformation and Harmful Algorithms, HC 441

State for his statement this afternoon. We now come to the first Select Committee statement on behalf of the Science, Innovation and Technology committee. The Dane will speak for up to 10 minutes ring which no interventions may be taken. At the conclusion of her statement, I will call members to ask questions on the subject of the statement which should be brief questions and not speeches. Can I emphasise that questions should be directed to the select committee chair and not to the relevant government investors? Although Front Benchers may of course take part in questioning.

I call her to speak. call her to speak.

13:56

Dame Chi Onwurah MP (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, Labour)

- -

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I am grateful to the Backbench Business Committee for allocating time for this statement. Today I speak on behalf of the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee. But also for the hundreds of thousands of people who whose lives were profoundly affected by last year's riots, as well as everybody impacted by the long shadow of social media misinformation. I want to put on record my thanks to the committee clerks, and specialists who have supported this inquiry.

As well as the many witnesses who gave evidence. By doing so they have helped to shape a report, and we are very grateful particularly to those who shared their real-life experience of the riots and the online hate to complete them. The committee would also like to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the three little girls murdered in Southport and everyone affected. The UK, like many nations, is grappling with the immense challenge of regulating global tech giants.

Companies whose platforms shape our societies, economies, and democracies. Often with resources that dwarf those of governments. The entire UK public sector budget is about equal to matters market capitalisation for example. As the representative of the British people, it is essential that Parliament understands the impact of these companies and is able to scrutinise their actions and regulate them in the public interest when necessary. But the committee experienced significant challenges in seeking to do so during the course of the inquiry.

We were reassured by statements from Google, Meto, TikTok and X that they did accept their response ability to be accountable to the British people through parliament, and we hope to see this in practice as our work in this area continues. The horrific attacks in Southport on 29 July 2024, and the violent unrest which followed, are a stark reminder of the real world consequences and the viral spread of online misinformation. Hateful and misleading content spreads rapidly amplified by opaque recommendation algorithms.

Protests are violent and often target Muslims and migrant communities driven in part by the spread of the messages. The events proved a snapshot of how online activity can contribute to real- world violence and hate. Many parts of the long awaited Online Safety Act were not fully in force at the time of the riots, but the committee found little evidence that they would have made a difference if they were. Moreover, the act is out of date. It regulates at a technology and content level rather than on principles or outcomes.

Therefore it fails to adequately address generative AI, ChatGPT, deep fakes, and synthetic misinformation. Even as it becomes cheaper and easier to access it. Generative AI will make the next misinformation crisis much more dangerous. Having spent six years working for Ofcom before entering Parliament, I believe strongly that reggaeton technology does not work. Our online safety regime should be based on principles that remain sound in the face of technological development. Social media has many important positive contributions, in helping to democratise access and connects people far and wide.

But it also has significant risks. The advertisement -based business models of most social media companies means they promote engagement of content regardless of its authenticity. This spills out across the entire internet via the unclear under regulated digital advertising market. Incentivising the creation of content that will perform well on social media, as we saw in the 2024 unrest. So this is not just a social media problem. It is a systemic issue that promotes harmful content Our concerns were exacerbated when we questioned representatives of regulators and the government.

We were met with confusion and contradiction at high levels. The regime has some major holes. So, after four public sessions, it is clear for the British people are not adequately protected from online harms. We have identified five key principles that we believe are crucial for regulation of social media and related technologies which drive our recommendations to government. Firstly, public safety. Algorithmically enhanced misinformation is a danger that companies, government, law- enforcement and security services need to work together to address.

This is basically saying that misinformation is harmful. That may sound obvious, but it has not been recognised as such. As a consequence, platforms should be compelled to denote fact checked information and establish processes to take more stringent measures during crises. We propose that the government carry out research into how platforms should tackle misinformation and how far recommendation algorithms spread home. Furthermore, all AI content should be visibly labelled. Second principle, free and safe expression. Steps to tackle amplified misinformation should be in line with the fundamental right to free expression and measures to meet misinformation.

The third principle is responsibility. Users should be held liable for what they post online, but the platforms they post on is also responsible and should be held accountable for the impact of the amplification of harmful content. This may sound obvious and it is not the first time that a Select Committee has said this and yet there remains widespread uncertainty as to whether platforms have a responsibility for legal content. The report recommends that companies take risk assessments and report on content that is illegal but harmful.

New regulatory oversight, clear and enforceable standards and proportionate penalties are needed to cover the process of digital advertising. Forcefully control critically, users should have control over both their personal data and what they see online. We recommend users have a right to reset data used by platform recommendation algorithms, and our final principle, transparency. The technology used by social media companies including recommendation algorithms and generative AI should be transparent, accessible and explainable for authorities, and transparency is needed for participates in the digital advertising market.

Basically, if you can't do it, you can't understand the harm it may do. I am a tech evangelist. I believe technology like politics is an engine of progress. But that doesn't mean we have to accept it as it is. Our report sets out detailed recommendations to ensure that we do not have a repeat of the violent and harmful lie last year. We urge the government to acknowledge that the online safety act is not fit for purpose. To adopt these five principles to build a stronger futureproof online safety regime with clear enforceable standards for social media platforms and to implement the representations.

Without action, it is only a matter of time before we face another crisis like the Southport rise. Or even worse. Thank you.

14:05

Dr Ben Spencer MP (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)

- -

I think the honourable lady and the Select Committee chairs for delivering this important review and her statement to the house today which has highlighted the scale of challenge we face in relation to the proliferation of misleading and harmful content online. I join her in sending my thoughts to all those affected in Southport last year. Given the reports findings that young people are susceptible to misleading and harmful content, as well as online radicalisation, due to the state of their cognitive development, she considered that the government should commit to conducting a review of the existential case to raising the little eight of consent for social media platforms from 13 to 16?

14:06

Dame Chi Onwurah MP (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, Labour)

- -

I think the question for the question in talking about cognitive development and the lack of protection they enjoy from misinformation as a consequence of that. The committee did not find or give a recommendation that the government should commit to a review, but we are considering ourselves a further enquiry into the impact on the cognitive development of young people, and I am sure that we would have a recommendation with regard to that as a consequence.

14:06

Liz Twist MP (Blaydon and Consett, Labour)

- -

I thank my honourable friend and her committee for highlighting the challenges we face in scrutinising powerful technology companies. As my friend knows, I am concerned about suicide and self-harm related suicide and self-harm related content. In 2022, more than three quarters of individuals surveyed by Samaritans said they first saw self-harm content online at age 14 or younger, often without searching for it, and 76% said they self-harm more severely. After viewing such content online. We have taken steps forward by implementing the online safety act, but we still face the challenges of regulator emergency technologies as well as small platforms.

Does she share my concern about this issue and what is her about this issue and what is her committee's view on how we can tackle it and monitor it?

14:07

Dame Chi Onwurah MP (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, Labour)

- -

I thank my honourable friend and neighbour for highlighting this incredibly important issue. And she is absolutely right to say that it is the committee that had very distressing evidence that suicide and self-harm content can be amplified by social media algorithms, and that this can play a role in suicide and self-harm, included by young people. Promoting suicide is illegal, and the online safety act introduces an offence of promoting self-harm, but it does not do enough to tackle legal content that promote suicide or health harm, and as with the rest of legal but harmful content like misinformation, the committee's recommendations that platforms should be held accountable for the algorithmic amplification of misinformation would address part of what my honourable friend is concerned about, and we would hope that the government, and in permitting those representations, which set out how it would fully address those concerns.

address those concerns.

14:09

Tom Gordon MP (Harrogate and Knaresborough, Liberal Democrat)

- -

I should say that I'm a member of the Select Committee upon which the chap resides over. I would like to thank her and the staff that those who have helped with that report and enquiry, and I should also say thank you with another hat on. I also sit on the Joint committees of human rights, and we are doing an enquiry into AIN human rights, and some of the work from this report will be helpful and inform us going forward and looking at those key issues.

One of the evident sessions that stick with me from the report was when we had social media bosses in front of us, and they were talking about how they removed most of the content off-line within 90% of cases within 10 minutes, but they didn't accept responsibility for that data, that information being proliferate out of those spheres, so what worries me is that, at a time we have advancing technologies and great pace of change, we need to keep that regulation at a breakneck pace, so companies unravel and unpick their content notes and their monitoring at how they look, removing that information that might be harmful, so with the chair of the Select Committee agree with me that we need to do both more in terms of regulating current approaches, but also make sure the companies don't backslide on their obligations as well?

14:10

Dame Chi Onwurah MP (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, Labour)

- -

I thank my honourable friend and committee member for that question, and also, for his contribution to this report and to the work of the committee. That has been exceedingly valuable. He raises a really important point, and as we had, some meta, we had evidence from matter in regard to Facebook content checking, that they were moving, outside of the UK and the US, moving from fact checking to community notes, and we have seen that X has also done that.

As part of the committee recommendations, that the principal that the platforms are held accountable, that must also go hand-in-hand with them setting out how they're going to demonstrate that accountability, and honour the representations that they should undertake research into what is effective fact checking, and how misinformation is spread because one of the things that the committee observed was the lack of evidence, the lack of real evidence in this area, partially because the algorithms and platforms are so opaque and secretive about how they actually operate.

actually operate.

14:11

Jon Pearce MP (High Peak, Labour)

- -

I'd like to thank my honourable friend and chair of the Select Committee which I am also a member of. This report makes vital recommendations for government and social media companies on how we can make the online world safer. I am to clearly concerned about the impact on young people. Does my honourable friend agree with me that Hamas happening today for young people going home from school, having harmful content pushed at them. Would she agree with me that social media companies shouldn't wait for government to implement these recommendations should get on with it themselves and stop this harm happening to children across this country?

14:12

Dame Chi Onwurah MP (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, Labour)

- -

I thank him for his outstanding contribution to the report and the committees were, and also that comment because he is absolutely right. We should not be in a position of having to force the online companies to take action. They should be able to see evidence, no what is important, to know what is happening to the mines, the brains of young people, and they should be able to implement the recommendations in this report without waiting for government action, though I very much believe that government action will be necessary to ensure that this is impairment across all platforms.

14:13

Dr Allison Gardner MP (Stoke-on-Trent South, Labour)

- -

Are committees evidence supports the conclusion that social media business models, particularly in user recommendation algorithms push users to see more extreme content and misinformation incentivised as the spread of dangerous content and so behaviour is. Both as a member of the committee and co-chair of the AIP PPG, another one that has many hats, I welcome our committee's conclusion that users and social media platforms should be held accountable for the impact that their amplification causes. She agree with me that the report provides clear opportunities as to how these platforms should be held accountable, including the labelling of all generated content and new regulatory oversight with clear and forceful standards and penalties.

Accountability must have teeth.

14:14

Dame Chi Onwurah MP (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, Labour)

- -

I thank my friend for her contribution to the committee's report and her understanding and knowledge of AI has been invaluable, and she is absolutely right, that the AI content must be labelled and that the platforms and content generators must take action now to address this because things are going to increase, and I look forward to the government ensuring that that action, there is teeth in enforcing those platforms which do not take action or to recklessly

**** Possible New Speaker ****

action they take. I think my honourable friend and the team behind it that have drafted the team behind it that have drafted this report. On concerns and recommendations on digital marketing, we have a direct

14:15

marketing, we have a direct communication tool which very few people engage with as though it is a classic social media platform like Facebook or Instagram or X. It is a place for private conversations, but having said they wouldn't, matter having said they wouldn't, matter will now start serving up ads to make more money by targeting marketing, including those who have 3 billion users worldwide. If we have our WhatsApp connect to Facebook and Instagram, we may get more personalised ads.

Never have I want to disconnect my WhatsApp more. Already, when we click on Instagram, it follows to our Facebook feeds. There is no escaping it. We are being shaped by organisations that being shaped by organisations that drive the most revenue to the platform. So, to the control of digital advertising recommendations in this report, this my friend agree in this report, this my friend agree with me that we should be able to communicate with our loved ones communicate with our loved ones without being sold to and influenced an OS of options to opt out for our an OS of options to opt out for our

14:16

Dame Chi Onwurah MP (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, Labour)

- -

Let me thank my honourable Friend her championing of technology. She is right, firstly it is essential that the technology is properly regulated. Secondly, that it should be based on principles. So what's out whether it is user-to-user or communication, should be subject to the same regulatory environment. Secondly, we must be able to opt out, and we must be able to reset the algorithms which drive the advertising we receive. And finally, digital advertising is unfortunately a free for all with very little regulation and control.

That needs to change in order for consumers to be adequate and protected.

14:17

Select Committee Statement: Select Committee Statement on the Second Special Report of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, Accountability For Daesh Crimes: Government response, HC 1211