Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

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We have introduced a new era of accountability and outperforming and revolutionising the water sector, pitting public health and the environment first and delivering the change greatly demanded by the British people. It is the most ambitious target in sewage and water history and we will reduce pollution by 50% by 2030. For over the summer by 50% by 2030. For over the summer we saw £50 million of investment into the waste water treatment works into the waste water treatment works to reduce the sewage rose to three to reduce the sewage rose to three per bathing season.

Does the Minister agree with me that this level of investment is very much did level of investment is very much did it after over a decade of Tory neglect of the waterways? -- Very neglect of the waterways? -- Very much needed. We have got a Labour government, Mayor, council. government, Mayor, council. I thank my honourable friend and, understandably, I could not agree more and I thank him for his work to champion his community. The previous government oversaw record levels of pollution in rivers, lakes, seas, and this government has secured and £4 billion investment to update trembling pipes and reduce sewage by 50% so communities can take pride once again in rivers, lakes, seas.

09:57

Ellie Chowns MP (North Herefordshire, Green Party)

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As I have reminded ministers of numbers of cases, tackling pollution in rivers and seas requires agricultural pollution being tackled as well as water. Recently I visited a landscape recovery project in north Herefordshire which is an innovative project led by farmers, reducing pollution, restoring nature, producing great quality food. With the Minister or perhaps a quality Farming Minister come to visit this innovative project to see how we can tackle river pollution and protect nature and food production?

09:58

Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

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The honourable lady raises an important point. Agricultural pollution is agreeably serious and this is something recognised by the government. We have updated the statutory guidance on farming rules water with Defra and I attended a roundtable with the water industry and farm owners to bring stakeholders' voices to be for and there is an agreement with the new regulator to ensure involvement in what planning and by moving to a catchment model for water systems planning, we can tackle all sources of pollution including agricultural matter entering the water system.

She will be aware of the £1 million of funding research projects we have announced to look into pollution and what we can do to clean up this beautiful place in our country.

09:59

Noah Law MP (St Austell and Newquay, Labour)

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Under our government, the reporting of dry day spills has become mandatory and I will come back but this has led the track record of Southwest Water, which is among the worst offenders in terms among the worst offenders in terms of spills. How do we ensure companies like them feel the full force of the law with dry day spills?

09:59

Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

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I recognise the trouble are failing what a company causes for his constituency and this is why we are committed to revolutionising the water sector and that establishing the new single, powerful regulator that can fully hold all companies to account and ensure they all deliver for the British people and clean up our waterways for good.

10:00

Helen Morgan MP (North Shropshire, Liberal Democrat)

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There is a particular problem with manure in the bathing waters in Shropshire but I visited with a local university and they have great new technologies to deal with it, stabilise it, and move the stabiliser to other parts of the company but they cannot scale it up. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure this is used across the ensure this is used across the

10:00

Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

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She raises an interesting point and it is worrying how interested I'm getting about what we can do with manure and human waste, to provide organic fertiliser in our country. This is the billions example she has just given. I will make sure my honourable friend who is responsible for the circular, get to hear more about it. to hear more about it.

10:01

Q7. What steps he is taking to increase access to the Sustainable Farming Incentive for small and medium sized farms. (905430)

I welcome the... Sorry number seven.

10:01

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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Funding for the Environmental Land Management Scheme paid to farmers will increase by 150% from farmers will increase by 150% from £800 million in 2023/ 24. But we inherited a set of schemes that did not necessarily distribute funds fairly. We are working with farmers to reshape the SFI, and further information will be provided shortly.

10:01

Alistair Strathern MP (Hitchin, Labour)

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Like the NFU I welcome the protection to the agriculture Ben of budget, and visiting my farmers it is clear the difference this is making in supporting nature-based farming. Far too many medium-sized farmers, the scheme is too difficult farmers, the scheme is too difficult for them to access at the moment. And private finance will need to fund it. How can we make sure we reform the scheme to ensure more of those farms can benefit from it?

10:02

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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My honourable friend makes a very important point. I commend him for his interest and insight. We are learning from those past SFI iterations, and from what we are hearing from farmers to improve for all farmers to make sure we can give better guidance and make sure that everyone can have a share of the pie. We are also looking at new local advice and collaboration is list considering how we can get the best environmental out comes on the money we are spending.

10:02

Greg Smith MP (Mid Buckinghamshire, Conservative)

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After the elephant in the room that is that farm destroying family farm tax, the number one issue raised with me by Bucks farmers not least in the show last week, the uncertainty over the future of SFI. It won't cut it to say further details in due course. You need certainty now. The Minister come to the Dispatch Box and put a firm date on when farmers will have that certainty, and the new SFI will have food production at its very heart?

10:03

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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The honourable gentleman will be pleased to know we will be making announcements very shortly on this. We are picking up a disastrous mess inherited from the previous government, it is absolutely true. They were quite cavalier in the way the schemes were run. Having to clean up that mess. I sympathise with farmers who should not have been in that position in the first place.

10:03

Vikki Slade MP (Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat)

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Liberal Democrats. mid Dorset where a farm is doing some innovative things on a very small family farms especially with manure. Mr Randall who runs that farm joins the farming initiative last year which enabled him to start growing a new crop. Because climate change is making farming so tough, he is trying everything he can to keep his business going. The SFI allowed him to take that risk. It is no longer available to him, and as he put it, "We need farming security we are to have food security.

" What steps is the Minister taking to look after our smallest farmers who are critical in food production?

10:04

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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There is a lot in that. I would Have been effective in the dry weather, and the schemes available to smaller enterprises compare to previous schemes. There is much that can be done and we are redesigning the schemes to make them work to achieve the outcome she is seeking.

10:04

Topical questions: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Tropicals.

10:04

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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Secretary of State. burning across our countryside. I want to add my thanks to the emergency services who are out in force to battle those fires. And farmers, gamekeepers, and local volunteers who gave up their time and resources to control the fires and help put them out. I pay tribute to all of them for their selfless bravery and community spirit. The fires came at the end of a long period of drought. This thing farms this week earlier in the summer I saw for myself how food production has been affected.

It is clear that further work is required to support farmers to build reservoirs and irrigation systems that can sustain businesses through dry periods. I have invited the NFU to work with me on that. I want to use this opportunity to thank farmers for the outstanding work they do to feed our country through thick and thin. country through thick and thin.

10:05

Andy MacNae MP (Rossendale and Darwen, Labour)

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As we move into autumn, flooding is important. The government has made commitments to flood defences but some communities have expressed concern that flood modelling is out of date. In not identifying risk areas properly and high risk areas. Will the secretary of state join me in urging the environment agency to prioritise any new model on this?

10:06

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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He makes an important and timely point. Of course we are looking through the Floods Resilience Taskforce and how we can update the modelling to make sure that all areas that need protection will get the investment to protect them. Far too many communities are exposed to the dangers of flooding. That is why we are investing £4.2 billion between 2026 and 2029 to protect our

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communities and better maintain our blood defences. Shadow Secretary of State.

10:06

Rt Hon Victoria Atkins MP (Louth and Horncastle, Conservative)

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Shadow Secretary of State. May I join the secretary of state and everyone across the chamber in thanking the fire services and farmers, and rural communities, for their hard work and bravery in tackling wildfires that we have seen the summer. May I say, I am heartened to discover the Secretary of State new fondness for farmers. We will all be listening carefully to his answer on the next question. With 89% of farmers saying they have paused or delayed investment because of the Budget, food prices rising, record farm closures under his watch, and Labour's own think tank admitting the family farm tax needs changing, will you finally do the right thing, but rural committees above his own ambitions, and axe the family farm tax?

10:07

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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Can I welcome her back to the chamber because it was very disappointing that she did not bother to turn up for the water statement was not I can only assume she does not care much about pollution that her party is responsible for across the country. When it comes to farming, we are working with the farming sector on a roadmap to bring them back to profitability. That is the route to secure that those businesses remain financially viable and successful into the future.

It was her government that left so many farmers facing the brink of bankruptcy. So it takes only small problems to push them over the edge. 12,000 farms closed under the previous government. We are working with the sector to make them profitable for the future.

10:08

Rt Hon Victoria Atkins MP (Louth and Horncastle, Conservative)

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I suspect I have spoken to far more farmers than he has in the last 12 months. I don't believe a word he says because he betrayed what he said to them before the election about the family farm tax. As for this roadmap, if farms continue to close and more than half of farmers are thinking of giving up in the next five years because of this government's plan, it will be a roadmap to nowhere. Yesterday the Governor of the Bank of England told the Treasury select committee that the rise in food prices was due in part to measures in the last budget.

Facing higher costs on food businesses. In light of this and the terrible summer harvest, will the Secretary of State do farmers a favour for once and rule out a new wealth tax on farmland in the next budget? Yes or no?

10:08

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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The causes of food price inflation include the rising global energy prices, the extreme weather events that has been affecting harvests as we have heard, and global supply chain problems including the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is affecting food prices right across the country. What we are doing as part of the roadmap is working with farmers to ensure there is more supply chain fairness so the producer gets a fairer share of the money made through the system for the food they grow.

That is the best way we can support farmers to get their fair share of the revenue that comes in for the food they produce.

10:09

Paul Davies MP (Colne Valley, Labour)

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In my constituency, produces exemplify British quality. Can I ask the Minister what specific steps the Department is taking to prioritise the purchase and promotion of this produce, ensuring support for domestic farmers, and strengthening the U.K.'s food security?

10:10

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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I thank my honourable friend. He is right and we should all be proud of high quality British producers. Back in July I announced a food strategy that will build pride in British food by ensuring a food system that backs British food, growth economy, feed the nation, nourishes individuals, protects the planet now and in the future.

10:10

Wera Hobhouse MP (Bath, Liberal Democrat)

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4 billion pieces of plastic chewing gum are released each year. A single piece in the body is linked to cancer, diabetes, and strokes. For the government consider to

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commission independent research into the environmental and health implications of plastic chewing gum? I thank the honourable lady for

10:11

Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

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I thank the honourable lady for her question. I share the concern her question. I share the concern and risk that microplastics may pose on the environment and human health. That is why we are looking at all sources of pollution that enter our rivers lakes and seas. There is more that can be done to improve our understanding. The Enivornment Agency is collaborating with different sectors including the water industry and National Highways to increase our evidence-based knowledge of these materials. Can I express my disappointment with Global Plastics Treaty and that we were unable to reach the international agreement.

I reassure everyone across the House that the government remains committed to seeking global solutions to the problem of plastic pollution we all face.

10:11

Adam Thompson MP (Erewash, Labour)

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Erewash industrial base was built on the Erewash Canal, now a lovely letter spot my constituents. But abandoned boats that sat rotting for over two is pose serious risks to public safety and local wildlife. I was very glad to work recently with the canal and Rivers Trust to get these two boats remove, can the Minister advise how we can support the trust in the future with the tools that they need to get similar boats removed in a more timely manner?

10:12

Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

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I commend my honourable friend for his successful championing of this issue behalf of his constituents. I know how much it means to the community to have these removed. It is an important issue I will be more than happy to follow up the canal and Rivers Trust to understand if there are additional tools they need to complete this work around the country. work around the country.

10:12

James MacCleary MP (Lewes, Liberal Democrat)

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I recently spoke to David in a village in my constituency. He told me his recent good at raising livestock altogether due to the lack of local abattoirs in the area. His nearest option as well over an hour away. Could the Minister tell me what action it is taking to support new and existing abattoirs so farmers in similar situations to David don't stop raising livestock as well?

10:12

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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He raises an important point. What we have seen over a number of years with changes to the system as a concentration of facilities, and we all want to see more small abattoirs. The previous covenant introduced a scheme that has difficult to increase uptake. We want to work with him to sort this out.

10:13

Chris Ward MP (Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, Labour)

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I have had a huge number of emails from constituents about continued sewage discharge into otherwise dutiful these, and the shocking record Southern Water has on this. I noticed earlier the Secretary of State said he had been to Bournemouth. Can he come further down the coast to visit my constituency and set out what the government is doing to clean up our government is doing to clean up our waters and hold Southern Water to account?

10:13

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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I was not far away a couple of weeks ago I was down in Lewes. Can I him in being such a powerful campaigner on issues relating to sewage in his constituency? He tells me he has brought together a group of campaigners. I would be delighted to meet with him and them to see some of the problems and talk together but how we can start to fix the appalling problems with

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pollution that the party opposite has landed us with. Thank you Mr Speaker. I'm joined

10:14

Mr Lee Dillon MP (Newbury, Liberal Democrat)

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Thank you Mr Speaker. I'm joined in the gallery with farmers from my constituency, it is the fifth time constituency, it is the fifth time they have come to the house, with the intent to lobby an individual loan Labour MPs to stop the family farm tax. Will the Secretary of State agreed to meet with the farmers from my constituency, or attend the Berkshire County Show in a couple of weeks time and explain to them directly why they believe that having an inheritance tax on farms is the right way to go forward rather than protecting the rural economy?

10:14

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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I am always happy to meet with farmers, that is why I visited two farms already this week and sat down with a group of six farmers to talk about their concerns. I am more than happy to make sure that the people he has got visiting get an appropriate meeting to discuss their

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concerns. We will let the Frontbench change over and come to questions to that

10:15

Oral questions: Attorney General’s Office

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Solicitor General. Question number one. Minister.

10:15

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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Minister. Mr Speaker anyone involved in that vile trade of people smuggling will be met with the full force of the law. This year 67% more offences for facilitating illegal entry into the UK were prosecuted. I'm pleased to tell him that the government borders bill will allow for more prosecutions including my criminalising the creation of online material, which creates, which facilitate a breach of UK facilitate a breach of UK

10:15

Warinder Juss (Wolverhampton West, Labour)

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I think that they need to be dropped.

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together. As well as attempts to limit

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As well as attempts to limit people smuggling, I want to highlight measures to in my constituency to help refugees rebuild their lives. As the Home Secretary confirmed this week, one Secretary confirmed this week, one of the major government reforms is of the major government reforms is controlled drips for a genuine refugees and does the Minister agree having safe and legal routes for

10:16

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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having safe and legal routes for asylum seekers is a crucial part of undermining the business model for the smuggling gangs? The it is important and is one of a host of robust, concrete and practical measures the government is taking to crack down on the vile practice. The previous government left us with this crisis and Reform are happy to this crisis and Reform are happy to stoked anger but have absolutely no suggestions. suggestions.

10:17

Alan Strickland MP (Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, Labour)

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We must stop the criminal gangs and can diminish to separate the steps we are taking to work with other countries to protect the borders and end this appalling trade in human life?

10:17

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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My honourable friend rightly highlights the government's global leadership on these issues and we have to fix the borders crisis left to us by the last government. We financed a landmark deal with France I have removed 35 people with no right to be here, increase the removal of failed asylum seekers by 35% and are giving border security and counterterrorism powers as part of the bill and that is a bill that both Reform and the party opposite voting against.

voting against.

10:18

Alex Ballinger MP (Halesowen, Labour)

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My constituents continue to be concerned about the number of people crossing to the UK and small boats and we are calling for swift pint of action against those responsible for these people who are putting lives at risk.

10:18

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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I've heard from prosecutors about the deplorable actions this estate, not only facilitating very young people on the boats but even sitting them to ensure they are compliant during the crossing. -- Sedating. My honourable friend is right that the dangers faced by people, particularly when crossing the Channel, are great, and we must protect our borders and stop putting young lives in such danger.

10:18

Mr Joshua Reynolds MP (Maidenhead, Liberal Democrat)

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Will this Solicitor-General committee working across cabinet to publish the number of people smuggling cases that have collapsed before trial and the reasons that they have in the last five years?

10:19

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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It is important to look at and they want to highlight that the CBS are taking considerable action when it comes to the prosecution of these offences. We have given the CPS extra funding to increase capacity to increase capacity to work on border control cases and the money will allow them to recruit additional staff.

10:19

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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Can I thank the Solicitor general for what she is personally trying to do and I thank the government as well. If we are going to look at prosecution of people smugglers, we need to look at the licensing and I would mention the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic and the people smuggling gangs are using that with no inhibition whatsoever. What is being done in the Republic of Ireland to ensure the Republic of Ireland to ensure that is not happening? Check I'm happy to look at that but the point he makes about international cooperation is extremely important cooperation is extremely important that is why I highlighted the groundbreaking deal with France which is a deal that the party opposite unable to do and will be key to stopping people from crossing the Channel.

the Channel.

10:20

Helen Grant MP (Maidstone and Malling, Conservative)

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Thank you very much indeed. For once, I disagree with what the Solicitor-General said about the record of US government in this area and I think it is rich in terms of what she said about her government's record. Reports reveal ministers will soon replace immigration judges with professionally trained adjudicators and we hope this will help tackle the 1000 case backlog help tackle the 1000 case backlog which will of course involve cases involving people smugglers.

Can the Solicitor-General confirm how long it will take to put this in place and it will require private legislation? legislation?

10:21

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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They left us with our borders crisis and we are fixing it. The shadow Solicitor-General refer to the fight were setting up a new body to deal with appeals more quickly and that is what we're doing, we have doubled the number of decisions already as we sort out their mess.

10:21

Helen Grant MP (Maidstone and Malling, Conservative)

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I think figures are going up and up and she knows this. On the same issue, can the Solicitor-General confirm who these adjudicators will be? It would be lovely if you could answer this question and will be first-year tribunal judges of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber eligible to apply? Stigma we are setting up a new independent body to clear appeals more quickly, we are clear appeals more quickly, we are clearing up their mess, and the new body will be open to the measures she refers to.

she refers to. Question number two please. Question number two please.

10:22

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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The drilling of children and young girls is nothing short of sickening and the government is doing everything it can to secure justice for victims. -- grooming. The CPS has recently secured convictions against three offenders for hideous crimes going back to 1999.

10:23

Mr Andrew Snowden MP (Fylde, Conservative)

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From my time as police commissioner and Lancashire I saw the fruits of the work when the lease, Crown Prosecution Service and courts work together to deal with cases that involve rape and serious sexual assault. Tom is are less likely to continue with prostitution, the further it continues. Can the missioner assure they are working together to do with this? this?

10:23

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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Listing is a matter for the independent judiciary but there are pilot schemes and weekly listings going on across criminal justice partners to ensure, as he refers to, that we are lessening victim attrition, which, unfortunately, is that rates which are too high as a result of the record court backlog.

10:25

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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I welcome the fact that the backlog over the case will be examined once over the case will be examined once again and historical cases will be looked at but one of the challenges looked at but one of the challenges is that whistleblowers, who are in situations in local authorities and were sacked, were sacked with nondisclosure agreements put in nondisclosure agreements put in place. What advice is the Crown Prosecution Service providing to Prosecution Service providing to ensure the NDAs are removed so we can get to the truth of this

10:25

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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can get to the truth of this terrible crime against children and young girls? Is Is we Is we have Is we have got Is we have got making Is we have got making grooming Is we have got making grooming and Is we have got making grooming and aggregating factor in sentencing and crucial changes to address safeguarding loopholes.

10:25

Claire Hughes MP (Bangor Aberconwy, Labour)

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safeguarding loopholes. The Conservative party too implement a single measure. Could the Solicitor-General tell me what rugby government is doing to implement recommendations and those from the Kishida view? Speak as we from the Kishida view? Speak as we heard from the Minister in the house, the Home Office is making progress in implementing these recommendations and thousands of recommendations and thousands of cases have been identified for review and priority cases which review and priority cases which involve allegations of rape are being urgently reviewed.

Increasing being urgently reviewed. Increasing funding to the the funding program will combat these horrific crimes. will combat these horrific crimes. They alongside the field to go after some evil perpetrators of the some evil perpetrators of the some evil perpetrators of the crimes, one of the other fielders are the criminalisation of young people by a system that fails to see them as children and victims first. How is the Solicitor-General working How is the Solicitor-General working to disregard such issues as quickly as possible and make sure it cannot happen again.

10:26

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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The CPS is working actively alongside government to ensure criminal convictions for victims of CSE, where the offence in that case is prostitution, are regarded, but I think is extremely important.

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Question number three. You better use of technology is

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You better use of technology is key to reforming services, from courts, prisons, probation. The government is looking to harness the government is looking to harness the power of new technology, to the benefit of the public, those in

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benefit of the public, those in public services, and to the public purse as well. Thank you for that answer. The

10:27

Sarah Russell MP (Congleton, Labour)

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Thank you for that answer. The court system and the IT associated with it has been left in a with it has been left in a catastrophic state by the former government and it is shocking to billion pounds was spent on a system that cannot even handle this investigation where there is more than one defendant. This is basic and normal. There is the Legal Aid Agency and the state of the IT system and that was subject to a cyber attack in spring, as he knows.

I wonder if she could update us about that and any plans to potentially build back better.

10:27

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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Unfortunately, my honourable friend accurately describes years of neglect of the justice system under the last government and she asks specifically about the Legal Aid Agency. Government took action to bolster and an injunction was put in place to prohibit sharing of bridged data and we put plans to make sure those most in need of support and access help that they need -- breached. We are working at pace to restore services quickly and safely. restore services quickly and safely.

Question number four. question four with question seven. The government is committed to restoring confidence in the criminal justice system which means ensuring victims of crime are properly supported through the justice process. The CPS is taking a range of measures to better support victims including pre-trial meetings for adult victims of rape and serious sexual assault and recruiting liaison officers to act as a point of contact for victims and delivering the groundbreaking victim transformation program.

10:28

Mr Bayo Alaba MP (Southend East and Rochford, Labour)

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Earlier this year, I visited a rape crisis centre and we discussed how court delays put pressure on organisations to provide vital support. Under the previous government, the total backlog of court cases sword with 73,000 victims left waiting years for their day in court and we finally have a government putting victims first and Labour has allocated the highest number of sitting days on record. How are the CPS playing the role and getting better justice for victims?

10:29

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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He highlights the necessary and important action the government is taking to address justice in court and alongside that of the CPS is using every tool at its disposal to reduce the backlog including new methods to expedite trials and weekly meetings in the criminal justice system with victims.

10:29

Pam Cox MP (Colchester, Labour)

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I recently visited an organisation which offers vital support to victims of rape and sexual abuse. Would the Solicitor- General reaffirm the government commitment to supporting such organisations who undertake so much of that frontline work and look at what is being done to increase the number of trials that actually number of trials that actually proceed pretty much I'm grateful to my honourable friend for raising the my honourable friend for raising the role that organisations like Kara do role that organisations like Kara do in supporting victims of rape and sexual violence.

This is a priority for the government undertaking a range of measures to do that range of measures to do that including introducing a law to have including introducing a law to have dedicated 999 control rooms and improving measures for victims of improving measures for victims of improving measures for victims of

10:30

Joe Robertson MP (Isle of Wight East, Conservative)

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I have been campaigning to support victims of spiking I thank her for the meeting. Unfortunately the correspondence that came from her office afterwards seemed entirely to miss the point and does not follow at all the conversation we had. Given it quotes heavily the CPS, she agreed to meet further with me and representatives from the CPS to understand the loophole in the law that I have identified, because it would be a tragedy for the victims of spiking if this was not dealt with through something as frustrating as a misunderstanding by people who are not in the room at the time? the time?

10:31

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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Mr Speaker, the honourable Member has done important work in this area. He is right, we met previously to discuss the potential for reckless spiking which I entirely understand why he is concerned about that. The correspondence that we sent reflected the fact that we have had discussions with the CPS who felt that the circumstances he was concerned about was very unlikely to arise. However, I am more than happy to meet with him again if he believes there are issues which need to be further clarified.

10:32

Vikki Slade MP (Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat)

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Close followers of Parliament will note that I have raised on more than one occasion stalking. Continuous reporting and continuing arrest and charge by police, and he continually gets released on bail. The police are frustrated and my resident is let down. What assurance can she give that the CPS takes seriously the offenders and this will be taken into account when they finally come to court?

10:32

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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Your member raises an important point and I acknowledge how damaging stalking will be in terms of people's lives particularly when it comes to repeat offenders. We have set out new measures to tackle stalking, cleaning statutory guidance to empower police to release the identities of online stalkers and a review of stalking legislation to ensure it is fit for purpose.

10:32

Q5. What steps her Department is taking with the Serious Fraud Office to tackle economic crime. (905454)

Question number five.

10:32

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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Mr Speaker fraud is the most common type of crime in the UK and unfortunately it undermines everyone that plays by the rules. It hurts individuals and businesses and undermines economic confidence. That is why this government has underlined its commitment to tackling economic crime by providing the SFO with an £8 million boost as part of the spending review. It will boost the SFO intelligence capabilities so it can identify and prosecute the biggest and most complex economic crimes.

10:33

Mr James Frith MP (Bury North, Labour)

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A businessman in my constituency has been defrauded of £100,000, with local police lacking the skills to investigate, and the National fraud intelligence bureau sing it cannot identify a line of inquiry even though my constituent has compiled evidence himself. To his great credit, my constituent is more concerned as to how many more victims there will be such crimes go uninvestigated and unpunished. Will the Solicitor General meet me to discuss how we can ensure this crime is properly investigated and these wretched fraudsters brought to justice?

10:34

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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I'm very sorry to hear about the The Opposition that might honourable Friend constituent has been put in. It encapsulates perfectly I'm sorry to say why fraud is so damaging. This government is doing every thing in our power to crack down on fraud and corruption and to support victims of these crimes. I am more than happy to meet with him to see what more might be done in this case.

10:34

Ben Maguire MP (North Cornwall, Liberal Democrat)

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Liberal Democrats. was demolished and then rebuilt costing millions of pounds because of serious defects in the building. The contract at fault went into administration. But unfortunately this is far from a stand-alone case, it is happening across the country. Individual developers are putting their companies into liquidation, and setting up a new one, evading their obligations to finish vital infrastructure like roads and sewage works. Such cases often leave government departments, homeowners, and the British taxpayer out of pocket.

What steps is the Serious Fraud Office taking to tackle the all too common cases? Will the Solicitor General please consider new legislation to prevent such developers from getting away with such serious fraud?

10:35

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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I am very sorry to hear about the position which my honourable Friend constituent has been put in. It is a terrible example and I'm sure it needs to be looked at much more closely. As he nodes, the SFO are operationally independent. But as a highly specialised agency they take on complex economic crime each year. It may be a case for them, but it may also be for Action Fraud. I am more than happy to examine it further and to raise it with the appropriate agency.

10:35

Q6. What steps she is taking with the Crown Prosecution Service to help reduce the backlog of court cases. (905455)

Question six. government inherited a record court backlog and on taking office we took immediate action including by immediate action including by funding a record high number of sitting days. The CPS is playing its part to help tackle these issues was not it include setting up a surge not it include setting up a surge team which is completed more than 12,000 precharge decisions, contrary to significant lead to reducing the backlog. backlog.

10:36

Mr Will Forster MP (Woking, Liberal Democrat)

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The Solicitor General confirms the horrendous backlog in the Crown Courts to us all here. In one case, one victim, Danny, will have to wait more than six years to get justice. Danny is just 21 and has been a victim of grooming and sexual abuse. Does the Solicitor General agree that, for Danny and many others, justice delayed is justice denied? What will the government do, what further urgent steps will they take to tackle this backlog?

10:36

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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I am extremely sorry to hear about Danny's case. The previous government closed over 260 court buildings, and the human cost of the delays as a result of the backlog is considerable. Victims are waiting years for justice, and attrition in rape cases in particular has doubled. More than doubled in the last five years. As I said, on taking office we took immediate action not only in relation to sitting days. We have committed to investing up to £92 million more each year in Criminal Legal Aid.

We are taking action to ensure there are more specialist counsel available.

10:37

Andy Slaughter MP (Hammersmith and Chiswick, Labour)

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Thank you. Last year 446 Crown Courts trials were ineffective because the prosecutor failed to attend. Given the government getting to grips with the backlog inherited by increasing sitting days by Brian Leveson's proposals, is she concerned that the CPS also needs to step up to the plate? What is she doing to ensure that happens? doing to ensure that happens?

10:38

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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The CPS are indeed stepping up to the plate to play their role in reducing the backlog. In line with the government's manifesto commitments, the CPS are exploring options to expand nonlegal resources to support the system. They have also set up the surge team that I referred to earlier. I also confirm that the CPS are working with the judiciary, HMCTS and other stakeholders, on a range of local initiatives including a trial blitz, case resolution and weekly listings as well.

10:38

Q8. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to introduce a duty of candour. (905457)

Questionable eight.

10:38

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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I know how much work my honourable friend has been doing to support justice for Hillsborough families and indeed to push for a Hillsborough Law. She knows why convention I am unable to disclose whether or not law officers are advising the governors on this issue, nor the content of any advise. I know that colleagues are working to bring forward a Hillsborough Law as soon as possible.

10:39

Anneliese Midgley MP (Knowsley, Labour)

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. The families have been campaigning for a Hillsborough Law for 36 years and a law with the duty of candour at its heart. Too many broken promises and missed deadlines. Can the Solicitor General tell me when will the government bring forward the Hillsborough Law and will it honour the promises made to victims of state cover-ups and finally deliver justice for the 97?

10:39

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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Madame Deputy Speaker, I thank her for her question full stop she has been a resolute and steadfast champion for Hillsborough families and indeed for the justice that she refers to. She knows the government including the prime minister had been working closely with families, and I can confirm the draft bill will include a statutory duty of candour for public servants with criminal sanctions for those who do not comply. Measures to decisively tackle the disparity between the state and bereaved families inquest.

As to timing, I know everyone is working hard to get this legislation

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right. The government hopes to be in a position to introduce a bill to Parliament soon. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.

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Questionable 12. Is a law officer, you'll

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Is a law officer, you'll appreciate I can't talk about the specifics of legal advice to specifics of legal advice to government. He will be aware in paragraph 1.6 of the Ministerial paragraph 1.6 of the Ministerial Code, it acknowledges the overarching usual ministers to comply with the law. The obligation is inherent to all the advice that law officers give to government.

10:40

Edward Morello MP (West Dorset, Liberal Democrat)

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law officers give to government. By the end of September, more

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By the end of September, more than 640,000 Gazan people are projected to face food insecurity, projected to face food insecurity, while the IPC predicts a further huge number of Palestinian children will be at risk of death by next year. The government will have received legal advice regarding Gaza and Israel's role. The Solicitor General commits to publishing any advice the government has received, and when breaches of international law have occurred?

10:41

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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The honourable member will appreciate I can't comment on any legal advice to government may or may not have given and indeed whether it has been sought. What I can confirm is twofold. First this government takes its legal obligations extremely seriously, and second that this government is very clear in our position that the

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horrors taking place in Gaza need to be brought to an end. That concludes the Solicitor

10:41

Business Statement: Business Questions to the Leader of the House

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That concludes the Solicitor General questions. I will give the Front Benches a moment to shuffle Front Benches a moment to shuffle We come to Business Questions. I call the shadow Leader of the House.

10:41

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

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker..

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The leader give that House the forthcoming business? Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I

10:42

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

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I shall. Business for the week commencing eighth of September will include, Monday eighth of September, include, Monday eighth of September, incineration of Lords Amendments to that Renter's Rights Bill. Tuesday ninth September, second reading of the Diego Garcia military base British Indian Ocean Territory bill. Wednesday 10th of September, remaining stages of the bus services number two bill. Thursday 11th of September, general debate on regional transport inequality followed by a general debate on suicide prevention.

Subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. Friday 12th of September, the house will not be sitting. The provisional business for the week commencing 15th of September includes, Monday 15th of September, consideration of Lords Amendments to the Employment Rights Bill. Tuesday 16th of September, second reading of the Sentencing Bill. The House will rise for the conference recess at the conclusion of business on Tuesday 16th of September and return on Monday, 13 October. Honourable members will also wish to note, the written statements made this week confirming that the Chancellor will deliver her budget statement on Wednesday 26th of November.

10:43

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

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.. I hope you had, and everyone in this chamber had a very good summer break. And with just the right proportions of son, sleep, and family. Let me start with a double round of congratulations, first to the prime minister and his 63rd birthday this week putting him squarely in the prime of life. And to my brilliant colleague the MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk who has just been appointed to the giddy height of deputy shadow Leader of the House.

That is the reshuffle that really matters. As befits a former lawyer of Freshfields, he will be bringing his forensic intellect to scrutinising the government. I was planning to talk about the government's performance over the summer in Business Questions today, but taking into account the escalating union demands for pay, the rise in inflation employment and build yields, the record number of small boat crossings in the first half of this year, I think it is fair to say the past few weeks have been a total shambles for the government.

Little wonder the Prime Minister has undertaken yet another of his performative government resets in order to distract the media and the general public. He insists everything is fine, which establishes why it is all being changed round yet again. They can't blame these things on the previous government, though doubtless the Leader of the House will try in her response. No, today they can only be one topic, and that is tax. In the real world, it seems that those of us poor souls who actually do pay tax are about to be confronted with a massive tax-raising budget, perhaps with a particular focus it has been rumoured in the media on property taxes.

Last year, the Chancellor increased spending by £70 billion funding half of that through taxes in half to increased borrowing. Of course the only person who won't be paying more tax it seems celebrity prime minister. I like and rather admire the Deputy Prime Minister. Uniquely amongst the government at least she has a policy government at least she has a policy We have heard in this House the Solicitor-General talk about government taking a strict line on fraud but I did not hear so much about a strict line on tax fraud.

We now have a situation in which the Deputy Prime Minister has tried to dodge paying £40,000 in tax on her third home after a demanding previous ministers resign over tax. It appears she did not look at HMRC guidance on the internet as to further the higher rate tax was applicable and it seems unlikely any individual questioning their own tax rate would have a look at it. The Deputy Prime Minister signed a deed for what appears to be an off-the- shelf trust scheme from her solicitor.

Was this crafty to avoid tax? We need to do more about what disclosure she made to the civil service about her three homes, what reviews they did, and the advice she was offered. I hope the Prime Minister's advisors will look at these in addition to the other issues he is looking at. Does the Leader of the House believe cabinet ministers, let alone the Deputy Prime Minister of the country, should be using schemes to dodge tax? Should the Secretary of State responsible for housing be flipping her main residence to avoid paying the tax due on it? Does she agree there is the appearance of serious impropriety about the proceedings? Does she see how difficult we have made the situation for her colleague, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is planning to put a Budget in front of the House which will include tax-raising measures, many of which are likely to be focused on body.

Above all, Labour and -- on property. Above all, Labour promised to meet the highest standards in office on record. That was in their manifesto. Does the Leader of the House accept this conduct massively falls short of that and the spreaders the Prime Minister and the government as a whole? -- It discredits whole? -- It discredits

10:48

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

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Welcome back to you and all the House staff, Madam Deputy Speaker. And I joined you in wishing the Prime Minister happy birthday for earlier in the month. There have been some happy events in the House and I'm not talking about the engagement of Taylor Swift to Travis Kelce, although I am sure we will wish them a happy engagement, but we have our own power couples with the honourable members for Derbyshire and Loughborough he could manage to each other and the honourable member who married her long-term partner and the honourable member for Cardiff South who married Christian this recess.

The happy news does not stop there because the member for Southampton test had her beautiful baby daughter and I'm thrilled for her and the member for Leicester her and the member for Leicester East and the new arrival, too. We are very much a family friendly Parliament these days and I'm determined that the modernisation will continue in this trend. I joined the Shadow Leader in welcoming the new Shadow Deputy Leader to his place but I hope on occasion he will ask me some questions and talk about his constituency and invite me from the backbenches, as he often does.

I'm also pleased to announce that this first one per session of Parliament of this Labour government will last until spring 2036. By any measure, our legislative program is highly ambitious and delivers on the promises we made in our manifesto and shifting power and opportunity to working people. There are a few highlights which I'm sure the shadow leader will be happy to hear but with the biggest boost to workers' rights in a generation, stopping false evictions, said Great British Energy to get bills down, bringing back rail into public ownership, saving jobs at British Steel and seizing and crushing dangerous off- road vehicles and finally re- criminalising shoplifting and assuring buses are affordable and serve communities and protecting much loved football club.

We are taking on the vested interests holding the country back and we have more to do in the rest of the session. In contrast, the party opposite have showed whose side they stand on, landlords against the Renters' Rights Bill, on the side of criminal gangs, voting against the Borders bill, and for the few, the many, with education and, as ever, dying in the ditch to save hereditary peers in the other place because we know whose side they are on. He chose to have another go at the issue of tax and property to be.

I noticed it was the subject of the opposition day debate yesterday but they could not muster enough speakers in the debate for it to go for the full three hours and so he is having another go at that today. I will repeat, the deputy Prime Minister has given a full account of her family circumstances and living arrangements and made clear she is now rectifying the mistakes she has made and has referred herself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards whose looking into it and I will not say any more on that because he is looking into it but, suffice to say, the Deputy Prime Minister is a huge asset to the government.

She is an incredibly effective minister and she has been delivering, whether that is record investment in social housing, the flagship employment rights, the biggest settlement for local government in many years, major planning reforms to get more homes built, and delivering devolution and community empowerment, and much more. They have a go at her because she is so good at her job. And yet again, he comes here and wants to talk about the economy, about the talk about the economy, about the Budget.

Yet another year has gone by and we still have had no apology from him or his colleagues on the front bench about the state be left the country's finances. Let us remind ourselves about that. A huge black hole in public spending, high levels of debt and borrowing, and living standards that fell over the last Parliament for the first time in history. He is always selective with his statistics but he did not want to mention that the British economy has grown faster than all other G7 countries in the first half of the year.

He did not mention that of the year. He did not mention that mortgages are at a five-year low and after 1.5 decades of poor productivity after a lack of investment, we are empowering the company and investigating the jobs of the future with jobs coming every day. The Chancellor will set out the budget as she does in the usual B and has made clear that most of the speculation is rubbish and is damaging. You know, let's not forget, shall be, because it is coming up to the 3-year anniversary of the disastrous Liz Truss mini budget.

I think I remember he was the financial secretary to the Treasury for the Liz Truss mini budget. That is what happens when you lose confidence and take irresponsible decisions. It is the purest in society who pay the heaviest price. -- poorest. That is when the economy crashes. We will take no lectures from them. He wanted to talk about the government performance over the summer. He did not do that. Let's be honest, his leader does not need so much of a reset at a full-blown -- but a full-blown resuscitation, doesn't full-blown resuscitation, doesn't she? Her party spent most of the summer checking for her pulse.

The truth is that her leadership of the party opposite is quite frankly at death's door.

10:55

Blair McDougall MP (East Renfrewshire, Labour)

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The SNP-led Glasgow City Council is proposing to introduce a car tax on motorists in East Renfrewshire so every time they enter Glasgow City, they have to pay a fee. I wonder if she will make time for a debate on the enormous levels of waste by the SNP government and things like the Brazzale prison but is 10 times over budget. -- Barlinnie Prison. I would tell her to get out of the pockets of motorist. of motorist.

10:56

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

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I know the issue of parking charges in city centres, like my own. He is right, I think it would make a good topic for debate. Let's look at the performance of the SNP government in Scotland. They have had the biggest settlement ever in Scotland. What are they doing with it? How are they serving the people of Scotland?

10:56

Marie Goldman MP (Chelmsford, Liberal Democrat)

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Yesterday, at Prime Minister's Questions, the Prime Minister told the leader of my party the situation in Gaza was horrifying and the man- made famine. We agree. Over 60,000 Palestinians are estimated to have been killed in the conflict and F-35 idols et al. Reported to have died from malnutrition, a direct consequence of the Israeli man-made famine and illegal actions made with aid entering the strip. At least 492 journalists have been killed and 20 Israeli hostages are still thought to be alive and brutally held by Hamas terrorist.

Across the House, we have bagged the government to do more to enter the -- bagged the government to do more to end the conflict and save the lives of Palestinian situation. Action has been slow and in July the Prime Minister said, "U cable recognise the state of Palestine by the in general unless Israel commits to ceasefire and commits to long-term peace. The deadline is fast approaching and the UN General Assembly convenes in less than one week.

This House should surely have the right to debate and vote on this important step. Recognising Parliament will break for conference recess in less than two weeks, will Leader of the House grant the full debate in government time before the recess to show support for the recognition of the city Palestine from the South? -- State of Palestine. Palestine.

10:58

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

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I welcome her back from recess and I look forward to working with her and I thank her for raising this important issue this morning. Let's be under no illusion, the situation in Gaza is truly horrific, unimaginable. The horrifying images and the counts we are seeing every day I think has seared on all of our minds as we go about our business and after so many civilian deaths and so much destruction, we are saying I man-made and wholly avoidable famine and widespread starvation.

The government is leading international efforts for peace plan. That involves the release of hostages, as she says, a ceasefire, and a massive thank you Ethereum response which we -- and a massive humanitarian response that we have to see. The creation of a Palestinian state is an important step towards this and that is why the Prime Minister said pays plans the Prime Minister said pays plans ahead of the UNRWA conference and I have backed the creation of a state of Palestine including lifetime I was asked for my opinion.

On Monday, in a statement that lasted two hours, the Foreign Secretary updated us on steps we are taking to recognise the state of Palestine and made clear that unless the Israeli government takes urgent steps to end the urgent situation in Gaza and commits to long-term peace, we will make that assessment before you leaders meet in New York. -- The leaders. We will make sure the House has the opportunity to discuss these important matters. important matters.

11:00

Mrs Sharon Hodgson MP (Washington and Gateshead South, Labour)

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In February, my constituent's son Paul Holborn won the men's section of the 777 World Marathon Challenge and run seven marathons in seven continents on seven consecutive days and then pop this by running a marathon in the north pole and now he plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in January and run a sled for 293 miles across the frozen Arctic tundra in February. Throughout his journey, Paul has raised thousands for local charities including £4000 for Age UK in Sunderland.

Will the leader of the House join me in congratulating him on his bravery and join me in wishing him the best of luck for his upcoming endeavours where you will not just do the North-East pride, but the whole of North-East pride, but the whole of

11:01

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

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I join her in congratulating Paul and his extraordinary achievements. I'm exhausted just listening to what he is doing let alone doing it myself.

11:01

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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I thank the Leader of the House for announcing the Backbench Business for next week. She will know that 50 Back Benchers were frustrated on Monday that they were not able to debate transport inequalities. Obviously there were important statements. I would ask to consider giving protected time next week to all those who wish to contribute can do so rather than being confined to 30 seconds in the debate if it is squeezed next week. In addition to the business in the chamber, next week on Tuesday, Westminster Hall there will be debate on hydrogen supply chain.

On Thursday, 11 September, there will be two debates, one on improving regulation for nonsurgical aesthetic and cosmetic treatments. In the second debate on consumer affairs. I would ask on behalf of the committee for early notice on business that we will be allocated in the week when we come back after the conference season, so we can allocate debates. Next week, London Underground network is likely to grind to an absolute hold, as the trade unions are calling out individual sections along that week which will literally ring the underground network to a halt.

The last time the unions went on strike, Labour Mayor of London had to find £30 million to buy the unions. The Transport Secretary here has long experience having been the deputy mayor for transport in London but she has not uttered a single word as far as I am aware about what will happen next week. Could we ask the leader to encourage the Transport Secretary to come to the house, let us know what will happen in London next week, if this strike actually goes ahead? I know we have

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transport questions next Thursday but frankly that is too late. First of all can I welcome the

11:03

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

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First of all can I welcome the chair of the Backbench Business Committee back after recess, and thank him for announcing forthcoming thank him for announcing forthcoming Backbench Business. I absolutely recognise the disruption to those wanting to speak in the transport inequality debate in Derby North and I'm least it has been rescheduled for Thursday. I'm happy to look at protecting time for that so members can be confident about their contributions in what is honestly very well subscribed debate.

On the very well subscribed debate. On the issue of tube strikes, nobody wants to see strike action in London, it is incredibly disruptive for commuters and for businesses in London. As ever, the government and I am sure the Mayor of London call on TfL and the unions to get back round the table so that those strikes don't go ahead next week.

11:04

David Burton-Sampson MP (Southend West and Leigh, Labour)

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I'm becoming increasingly concerned at the level of fraud facing individuals and businesses in the UK stop accounting for over 40% of all crime. From online fraud, push payment fraud, fishing, fishing, and swishing to name a few schemes. In my constituency, I have seen examples of businesses being hit through various Companies House scams. With the Leader of the House grant a debate in government time to discuss how we can tackle these challenges moving forward?

11:05

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

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He is right to raise these issues because fraud is becoming increasingly prevalent across our country and economy. It is becoming increasingly sophisticated especially advances in technology such as AI. That is why the government is continuing to focus on these issues will top I think it would make a good topic for a debate.

11:05

Alison Griffiths MP (Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Conservative)

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. In a week when the Liberal Democrat Aaron district councillor has been found to have the worst possible grading for their social housing provision, including over half of its homes being without smoke alarms, it is alleged that two senior directors, including one responsible for housing, have left the council with redundancy payments totalling £350,000. Can the Leader of the House advised me on how best to hold the council to account in this place, for the benefit of taxpayers in my Bognor Regis and Littlehampton constituency?

11:06

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

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I am sorry to hear of the issues that she has rightly raised on behalf of their constituents will stop I don't know about the allegations that she is making but I can assure her that we take standards in local government incredibly seriously as we take standards across all of our politics seriously. We will be having further

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legislation at some stage in this Parliament. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.

11:07

Mr Bayo Alaba MP (Southend East and Rochford, Labour)

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. This summer in Southend, whilst very busy, most botany this weekend we busy, most botany this weekend we hosted City Jam, a festival. Will the Leader of the House join me in commending all the organisers who took part in producing such incredible event, solidifying our flourishing culture? Lazy dates, some in Nashville and Southend and much more. The U.K.'s largest street festival will line our streets for a few weeks yet.

I invite the whole House to join the in enjoying the culture and perhaps we can arrange a

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large ministerial visit. That sounds a great visit and I'm

11:08

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

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That sounds a great visit and I'm pleased to hear that he had such a sunny summer pack full of events in his constituency of Rochford and Southend East. I am delighted to join him in congratulating the organisers.

11:08

Robbie Moore MP (Keighley and Ilkley, Conservative)

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Starting a family is of course a huge milestone for any couple but crucially it comes with a huge financial hit as parents must scale back their working lives in order to care for their newborn. Ben Barnes, the winner of Best Butcher in Yorkshire across the constituency has seen first-hand that despite working extra hours, one of his employees is still worse off because his partner is on maternity pay. Will the Leader of the House grant a debate on the merits of extending marriage allowance so that claimants can transfer a much greater proportion of their personal allowance to help young people make that crucial step to starting a family?

11:08

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

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Can I pass on my congratulations to Ben Barnes of Vicky said, a local butcher on the birth of his new child. I am pleased to hear him so strongly advocating for stronger maternity and Paternity Leave in pay. It has not always been what we have heard from the party opposite and from some of his colleagues. We are committed to strengthening rights, to supporting pay, just this week we have obviously brought in the free childcare package which will be worth £7500 a year to families of those that qualify, and we are extending that further.

So I look forward to working with him on strengthening that in the coming

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months. Have over 80 colleagues bobbing.

11:09

Rachael Maskell MP (York Central, Independent)

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Have over 80 colleagues bobbing. Unless colleagues are sure they are denying opportunities for colleagues to get in. Many of the parameters of the

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Many of the parameters of the Fair Funding Review will address the social injustices in the community, but places like York will but places like York will significantly lose out ready with being the lowest unitary funding authority across the country. The LibDem counsel previously spending the reserves. We cannot afford to make further cuts. Would she ensure that local authorities that will lose out under the Fair Funding Review can meet with the Minister and have those discussions before parameters are published?

11:10

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

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Can I thank her for raising issues around Fair Funding Review because I know this is an important matter for a number of colleagues. She will be aware that the Deputy Prime Minister has ensured a record local government funding settlement, but she is absolutely right, the devil is in the detail and we need to make sure the funding follows need and I will arrange for her to have a meeting with the Minister. have a meeting with the Minister.

11:10

Wendy Chamberlain MP (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)

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We all deal with DW heat casework throughout teams but we are seeing a transition to Universal Credit which means honourable constituents, often dyslexic with learning disabilities, I really struggling. They are not being offered the enhanced support, and all are suffering due to departments not communicating and miscalculation. We have a debate in government time on this issue as I'm sure it is an issue that affects people across the House?

11:11

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

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I am sorry to hear about the cases that she raises in her constituency that I'm sure will be familiar to others especially those in Scotland. I'm happy to facilitate a response from the Minister for her so we can make sure the necessary steps are in place to alleviate that.

11:11

Paul Davies MP (Colne Valley, Labour)

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. Libraries are vital spaces for learning, cohesion, and community. The library my constituency marks 150 years, and we celebrate this role in enriching lives and preserving local heritage. I hope the leader will join me in wishing them a happy birthday and every success for the open day next week. Can I ask if we can have a statement from the government on how we can better support libraries like this to grow and adapt for future generations?

11:11

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

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Libraries are vital to our communities, to our high streets, but also to access to knowledge and information, as they have been in decades gone by, and they will be in decades in the future. I support all his efforts in supporting the library his constituency.

11:12

Rt Hon John Glen MP (Salisbury, Conservative)

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. One month ago I met with Oliver Robinson from the British Trout Association. They have produced an excellent report on the trout farming industry in the UK. You struggling to get engagement from DEFRA ministers. I did try to ask the Minister earlier, but it would be much appreciated if the Leader of the House make representations and try and set up that vital conversation.

11:12

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

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I'm absolutely happy to help facilitate a conversation with him on trout farming.

11:12

Dr Marie Tidball MP (Penistone and Stocksbridge, Labour)

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. Under the Conservatives, 53% of buses were cut in my constituency, including the SL1 tram bus link leaving many constituents unable to go to work and school in Sheffield. Thanks to our Better Buses Bill, and the work done by our Labour mayor, Oliver Coppard, he is bringing our buses back under public control. Cannot Leader of the House advise me how I can work with ministers, our Labour mayor, Sheffield City Council, in order to reinstate that

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vital bus link? I am really sorry to hear that this bus route was scrapped under

11:13

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

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this bus route was scrapped under the previous government. She makes a very strong case for our Buses Bill, and all the action we are taking to ensure that buses serve the local community. They are affordable, they are reliable, and we see that when these powers are used, we see a massive increase in the use of buses.

11:13

Jamie Stone MP (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, Liberal Democrat)

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. As I have said many times in this place, we have a highly skilled workforce in my constituency. We have a local population that supports the nuclear industry for top Rolls-Royce of Tom without interested in prototype advanced modelling, and we know that the SNP government in Edinburgh will lock this with their powers. Can I ask the leader what advice she has to me I would she facilitate a meeting with the Minister to try and get rid of this roadblock?

11:14

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

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As ever, he is a strong advocate for jobs and businesses in his constituency. He knows this government is committed to new nuclear power, nuclear program, and the most ambitious one for a generation. I'm sorry to hear that the SNP government are, as ever, likely to set themselves against this new investment and new job opportunities in Scotland. It is frankly a pattern that we are now

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seeing time after time. I join him in calling on them to look again. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.

11:15

Adam Jogee MP (Newcastle-under-Lyme, Labour)

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. It was a busy summer recess in my It was a busy summer recess in my constituency with many meetings, my office was delighted to put you on the train on Monday. One of the highlights was attending the 50th anniversary's elevations of the branch of the Royal Air Force Association. The leader join me in paying tribute to the branch, its officers, and volunteers, and send them a happy anniversary?

11:15

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

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As someone who follows him on social media, I know he has had a very busy recess, as have many colleagues. I have looked on jealously and the visits people bidding over the summer recess. I would join him in congratulating the Royal Air Force branch in his constituency all they do.

11:15

Rt Hon Mark Francois MP (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)

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I will be short because I am. Can we have a debate about the late in obtaining driving tests? There is a growing problem where unscripted operators are using box to sweep up months worth of tests and selling them back to frustrated parents and students at a profit. The DVSA seem to be in denial. Can we have a debate in Parliament and try and fix debate in Parliament and try and fix

11:16

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

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As ever, a very big presence with his shirt present. It is a big topic and we get many emails and complaints as well. -- His short presence. We are delivering 10,000 additional driving test and he really is an important issue about bots and technology and I will make sure we get several. sure we get several.

11:17

Michael Payne MP (Gedling, Labour)

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Will they join me in thanking the team at the local All-Stars program for the building this year and the welcome 3-year extension announced by the Labour government? They the by the Labour government? They the first business question as well. first business question as well. Welcome to the delight of business questions. They are normally followed by a compliment to me and followed by a compliment to me and an invitation to a constituency, which I was waiting for, before I which I was waiting for, before I got up to reply but I will join in by thanking Tina, Nathan, Matthew, and all those who provided wonderful facilities for his children.

11:17

Rt Hon Sir Roger Gale MP (Herne Bay and Sandwich, Conservative)

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In spite of the fact there is no legal requirement on the UK government to transfer ownership of British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius, the government has challenged the Opposition figures about the cost of this exercise. Before the debate on Tuesday, will the government place in the Library of the House of Commons detailed estimates of the cost to the British taxpayer? taxpayer?

11:18

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

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As ever with legislation, alongside the legislation republish the necessary documents, including the costings which we have been transparent about as well. What I would say to the right honourable gentleman is his government embarked on 11 rounds of negotiation before the election. They knew that this was something the government had to work on to protect generations to come and I'm pleased we managed to get the debate across.

11:18

Lee Pitcher MP (Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, Labour)

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Last weekend, volunteers lodged a fundraising activity for a new agricultural show and hosted a hoedown in a birth. Will be minister join me in wishing the rooting tooting team the best of luck and with the fundraising for the year 2026? Check that is how it is done. 2026? Check that is how it is done. He was once the master of Doncaster He was once the master of Doncaster airport and now the master of business question plans.

I will follow that up. follow that up.

11:19

Victoria Collins MP (Harpenden and Berkhamsted, Liberal Democrat)

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I am afraid I cannot follow that. I have a great number of constituencies reached out with concerns about cancer care and could be one family where the father passed away and struggled to access consistent cancer cure support and even lost access to as consultant while his mother-in-law had access to Macmillan nurses who made a world of difference. Can the Minister make time for a debate to address this? There is not the first time we have There is not the first time we have heard about the postcode lottery which remains when it comes to cancer care, particularly with children's cancer care and I thank her for reaching that.

I will raise the issue with the Secretary of the issue with the Secretary of State. Announced extra funding and State. Announced extra funding and the publishing the National Cancer Plan later this year and I will Plan later this year and I will ensure the Secretary of State comes to the House to update us.

11:20

Clive Efford MP (Eltham and Chislehurst, Labour)

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My honourable friend was as shocked as I was that a member of the House went to another country and in front of the Parliament started to run this country down. What is the point of being elected here if you are not prepared to bring the issues before the House and have the bit. I asked my honourable friend the rate to members and remind them of the opportunities to raise these issues and scrutinise them in a proper way and not to scuttle off to another country and act in a way that is totally unpatriotic.

totally unpatriotic.

11:21

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

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Absolutely. People say, "Where are the." And I think they are doing each other's eye make up. He's right, to watch a member of Parliament who claims to be acting in British interests go to another country to frankly suggest tariffs are increased on the country and steps are taken to reduce job opportunities is not just unpatriotic but anti-British.

11:21

Alberto Costa MP (South Leicestershire, Conservative)

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Following on from that question, Reform-led Leicestershire County Council and the Council in Hertfordshire have made a number of decisions impacting the people of the surrounding villages. Would the Minister agree that freedom of information requests regarding public body should be answered and will she discuss the lack of answers

11:23

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

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from these public bodies? I thank him for raising that and, as we see, we have got members of the House we have got members of the House from Reform going around the world, from Reform going around the world, savaging our right to free speech in this country when, in their own this country when, in their own councils, they are not prepared to answer questions on free speech and are blocking local newspapers from are blocking local newspapers from scrutinising their work and are not making themselves open to freedom of making themselves open to freedom of information requests, as he says.

I will ensure he gets a ministerial

11:23

Rosie Wrighting MP (Kettering, Labour)

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will ensure he gets a ministerial response. Over the summer recess I volunteered at the junior Park Run volunteered at the junior Park Run and it was exciting to see children getting involved in exercise and getting involved in exercise and getting there hard-won response. Volunteers make this possible every week across the country and so will week across the country and so will the Leader of the House join me in thanking Park Run volunteers around the country and provide time for a

11:23

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

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the country and provide time for a debate to discuss this?

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These are fantastic initiatives, really engaging people in daily activity to keep them healthy and they bring people together as well and tackle issues like loneliness and so I join her in thanking the organisers for their hard work. organisers for their hard work.

11:23

Rt Hon David Mundell MP (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, Conservative)

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Would the Leader of the House join me in recognising Gretna Green as not just the wedding capital of the UK but Europe. It is particularly popular with couples from the North-West and any MPs still looking to get married would be made most welcome there. Many of the rules and regulations around civil ceremonies are arcane and bureaucratic. There must always be proper checks but simplicity, spontaneity, innovation and joy must also be important. Would the Leader of the House bring forward a debate on modernising marriage laws? The I'm not sure if any of the couples I mentioned at the beginning of the session got married at Gretna Green.

I hope they can be clear that if I hope they can be clear that if they did but we are all familiar they did but we are all familiar with the iconic place for weddings in this country. He raises an important issue about simplifying bureaucracy and making sure we remember what marriage is all about. remember what marriage is all about. I will make sure I get in touch with the Minister and we will see what we can do. can do.

11:25

Liz Twist MP (Blaydon and Consett, Labour)

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Next Wednesday is Role Suicide Prevention Day. So many people in communities affected. The Samaritans are sharing this message this year, "If you think someone is suicidal, take action and show them that you care." Would the leader join me in encouraging readers to participate in the debate on suicide prevention next Thursday which has been announced by the chair of the Backbench Business Committee.

11:25

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

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She is a part a long-standing campaigner on these issues and has raised them many times and I thank her on raising the issues around suicide. Suicide prevention is often an uncomfortable and difficult issue to talk about and she leads from the front and I join her in encouraging people to participate in the activities. One of my constituents is one years old and suffers from a is one years old and suffers from a rare mitochondrial condition and so will the Leader of the House join me will the Leader of the House join me in tribute to the parents for raising money and will she commit raising money and will she commit government time for a debate to discuss the condition? I join him in congratulating and thanking the parents of Charlie, Harrison, and Ellie for the phenomenal fundraising and these are difficult diseases to tackle and we need extra response but I will make

11:27

Liam Conlon MP (Beckenham and Penge, Labour)

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sure he gets full response. I and sure he gets full response. I and from the Hawks in March about the from the Hawks in March about the research for funding for an incredible gunman who, at 14, is incredible gunman who, at 14, is already representing Great Britain in field your tennis. -- The House. in field your tennis. -- The House. in field your tennis. -- The House. I am delighted to and from the House we've raised money from companies including easyJet and we've met with including easyJet and we've met with the Sports Minister to Discuss This.

the Sports Minister to Discuss This. He Won the Paris Open Yesterday and is the youngest competitor in the trimming. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking the lawn tennis Association and everybody tennis Association and everybody else supporting Lucas and wish him

11:27

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

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else supporting Lucas and wish him all the very best in the semi-final? Kick a wonderful story and raising that as a business person helped the that as a business person helped the honourable gentleman to secure the funding and sponsorship so that funding and sponsorship so that Lucas could go to the US Open and complete. Fantastic news he won the quarter-final and will now be in the semi-final and I join him in thanking the Lawn Tennis Association, easyJet, and all of those responsible.

those responsible.

11:28

Ellie Chowns MP (North Herefordshire, Green Party)

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The government decision to proscribe Palestine Action has caused a legal and judicial crisis with a review, struggling with the volume of arrest, and the reputation of the UK seriously harm. Does the Leader of the House recognise they rushed proscription and the cynical decision to bind it together with two other terrorist organisations is bad politics and we should have the chance to revisit the decision, learn from the debtor, and consider the serious human rights allegations -- dither.

11:28

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

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I would say there is an extremely high bar for proscribing any organisation and the decision was not taken lightly and was taken on strong advice about the activities of Palestine Action, and was activities were increasingly severe and with increasing frequency and were incredibly damaging. That is not to say that people cannot peacefully protest in support of Palestine or many other organisations who support the Palestinian cause. As I said earlier, I strongly support recognition of Palestine and support the Palestinian cause.

It is not to say we should support organisations that seek to cause real problems in this country. this country.

11:29

Mr James Frith MP (Bury North, Labour)

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Back to Skill in Berry north has seen primary schools introduce smart phone fans and I congratulate the head teachers and I've heard from hundreds of parents, teachers, and pupils during my campaign and the overwhelming view is smartphone use damages behaviour and puts pressure on children to be permanently online. Will my right honourable friend drank time to help government plans to manage smart phones for every child can learn free from distraction and in a happier state? distraction and in a happier state? I thank him and other colleagues for continuing to campaign and raise continuing to campaign and raise these important issues.

I think we can all see as parents and MPs the damage social media and unmitigated damage social media and unmitigated use of smartphones can cause poor teenagers. He is right to highlight the skills have powers to confiscate the skills have powers to confiscate smartphones and I'm pleased to hear that a couple of schools have done that in his constituency and we will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the guidance we have issued. I implore schools and parents to take a more proactive approach and monitoring what approach and monitoring what children are up smartphones.

11:30

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

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I urge colleagues to keep questions short and the Leader to questions short and the Leader to

11:31

Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford, Conservative)

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Leader of the saw be aware of the issues around homes of multiple occupation and asylum seekers. This is happening in Romford with a massive boom in HMOs. My constituents want to see an end to illegal immigration, to the housing of asylum seekers in local hotels, however, transferring the problem to roads and neighbourhoods and putting families and children at risk in residential streets is not acceptable. So will the leader of the allow for a debate on the floor of the house regarding the need to adopt an urgent strategy to end the use of hotels and HMOs for this purpose?

11:31

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

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I share his frustration and the concern and anger in many parts of this huge use that we now have of asylum hotels and HMOs in dealing with the asylum backlog which was frankly left by his government when they were in power, and indeed, I remember the Shadow Home Secretary and the shadow justice secretary going around the country opening these hotels and allowing this to happen, and in fact, left us with such a huge backlog.

We need to take all the necessary steps to bring down illegal migration, deal with these issues, close the hotels, that is what we want to do, but as he says, we can't just make that dissipate into other parts of the community and that is why we are working to tackle it.

11:32

John Slinger MP (Rugby, Labour)

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Does my friend agree that while the leader of reform, the member for Clapton, is yet again in the US speaking to freely about freedom of speech in this country and doing Britain down? This government was building Britain up including with the much welcomed £10 billion deal to supply Norway five type XXV brackets. Will the leader join me in supporting BAE Systems in Scotland who will build the ships and GE Renova in rugby who will supply the propulsion systems meaning quality

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jobs all across our great country. What a reminder that this huge

11:33

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

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contract with Norway to build frigates in this country, a huge reminder that the effects of that will be dissipated right through our economy in constituencies like his and across the country where we should be celebrating the agreements we have, not going abroad in doing this country down.

11:33

Munira Wilson MP (Twickenham, Liberal Democrat)

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If I may, I was disappointed the leader of the 20 were celebrating some moments and didn't mention the lioness's victory defending the European title. But on a less positive moment, the Met police announced the closure of Twickenham police stations front counter as part of its plan to close half of London's police councillors and reduce hours that many others. This comes despite Siddique Khan's manifesto commitment to maintain a 24-hour police counter in every borough, and Richmond Borough will now be left without.

So will the leader of the grant a debate in government time to the forthcoming year and beyond, especially as it comes on the back of slashing the Royal box and liaison officers.

11:34

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

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I thank her for reminding me about the brilliant lionesses earlier this summer, and I take this opportunity to congratulate them on that. She raises an important issue about neighbourhood policing and community policing. We are determined to fix that. The nature of policing has changed but we are providing the funding with additional funding for community and neighbourhood policing for constituencies.

11:35

Ms Julie Minns MP (Carlisle, Labour)

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May I congratulate the ice cream tour of your constituency during the recess? I recently met with my constituents who was part of a group that developed turning point and learning disability in the information pack on do not attempt resuscitation. We know from reports and other sources that too many learning disabled and autistic people die with a DNR in place. With the leader of the please arrange with the Secretary of State for a statement to ensure that learning disabled people and their families are fully informed of any DNR decision.

11:35

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

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She rightly raises a really important issue which is better explained than I could myself around the challenges of DNR's in relation to vulnerable people, and I hope that those have listened to her question. I will ensure we get the full ministerial response.

11:36

Mr Andrew Snowden MP (Fylde, Conservative)

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In December 2021, part of the roof was blown up during storm conditions leaving all of the rural areas without access to public bath. Since the operators were unable to fund repairs, we stepped in to purchase the bath's and embark on a project to refurbish the bath's. I'm very grateful that the leader of the has already agreed to look at the project and now would be testing her generosity for inviting her, so instead, could we have a debate in government time on how grassroots funding can support swimming baths in local areas? in local areas?

11:37

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

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I'm very happy to have an ice cream, but I'm not sure that his constituents are quite ready to see me in a swimming costume just yet, but I'm really pleased to hear that the bath have been saved. It is now going to be refurbished and that is exactly why we have put the money into grassroots sport but it is also why we have given local government such a big settlement as well because things like Kirk and Bath are so important to our communities.

are so important to our communities.

11:37

Apsana Begum MP (Poplar and Limehouse, Independent)

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Asking my question, I have taken extraordinary situation that I continue to face in relation to my safety and security. It is just over a year since my husband stood against me after he was expelled from the Labour Party last year for his treatment of me. And the campaigning of harassment and abuse. campaigning of harassment and abuse. Excuse me. With the stated aim of can exposing who I really wasn't getting even with me. I continue to endure this on an ongoing basis with relentless attempts to unjustly remove me as an MP by a click of his associates still active and seeking to stand for office at next year's elections.

The impact of all of this is devastating. It is incredibly chilling. Well the leader of the grant debate on Domestic Abuse Act public life to explore the duty of care to be placed on employers and political parties to ensure that survivors of Domestic Abuse Act are not exposed to further harassment in their roles, including those of us undertaking public service. This is something I have been working with MPs from all political parties to call for. Thank you.

11:38

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

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Can I thank her once again for her bravery and her powerful testimony which I know many of us continue to be appalled by the experiences she has had over a number of years now. In relation to the campaign brought by her abusive ex-husband and what he has tried to do in undermining her capacity to be an effective Member of Parliament which he continues to be, and I hear her calls today for the steps that need to be taken to ensure that this can't happen again and it cannot happen again to her particularly.

We will have an Elections Bill coming will have an Elections Bill coming to this house soon, and that will be looking at issues around the suitability of candidates and the behaviour of other candidates towards other candidates, and there will be ample opportunity for us to support her in raising these issues in relation to that bill.

11:39

Wera Hobhouse MP (Bath, Liberal Democrat)

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Can I just express my sympathy. I think no women in this place will not feel deeply horrified and touched by what we have just heard. I won't invite the leader to visit a paper mill in my constituency, although she should because it is an amazing company built 300 years ago, producing security grade paper manufacturing and producing passports for countries across the world but absurdly not our own. They are produced by a French company abroad.

Can we have a statement from the Home Office considering the security implication of primary production and personalisation of UK passports to take place here in the UK?

11:40

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

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I think we all remember when the previous government gave the contract to our passport production to a French company in the post- Brexit era, and I think we all found that rather strange at the time. This government is committed to buying British and British procurement, and we will be bringing forward legislation and other means to ensure that that can better happen. happen.

11:41

Warinder Juss (Wolverhampton West, Labour)

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Over the summer recess, to older taxi drivers were attacked outside Wolverhampton train station, one of whom is a constituent of mine. Although I commend transport police making arrests, meeting with me and acknowledging that the attacks were racially motivated, many are shocked and horrified by the nature of these attacks making the local community feel vulnerable, particularly in light of the far right rhetoric which has recently been spreading, so will the leader of the please arrange a meeting with the relevant ministers that I can reassure my constituents that this government treats hate crime with the utmost seriousness and will do all within its power to tackle racial prejudice and discrimination.

11:41

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

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Absolutely and I thank him for raising this awful case with me today. This government takes hate crime incredibly seriously. No one should ever be a victim of hatred because of their race or religion and we do need to combat and stand up to rhetoric and campaigns that can make people feel insecure in their own communities and I look forward to working with him to that end. end.

11:42

Sir Ashley Fox MP (Bridgwater, Conservative)

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In December, I asked Leader of the House of Lords debate on the environment agencies failure to adequately dredge Somerset's rivers and maintain our drainage network. The EA has now announced that he is withdrawing entirely from river maintenance in Somerset. My constituents have said that without governance, we may see a return of the floods, so may I repeat my request to the leader of two find government time for debate on environment agencies failure to fulfil its duties.

11:43

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

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It is not the first time that I have heard of problems in the Environment Agency and then not following through on the commitments that they have given. I will ensure he gets a ministerial response, but we are determined that the agency is held to account for the actions they take and they do take more responsibility for prevention.

11:43

Andy McDonald MP (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, Labour)

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The passage of the passenger rail public ownership act into law is a great achievement of the government's first year, and the completion of the employment rights act will be another, so as we get into the business of taking the franchises and their employees and the public sector, it is vital that the transfer processes, trade unions ringing private franchises from varying terms, levelling them up to a national goal standard. We have a statement on how the government is preparing for that transition?

11:44

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

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He is absolutely right to say that bringing rail back into public ownership as well as our employment rights bills are to flagship policies of this government of which I am particularly proud, and we will ensure that, as we take rail back into public ownership, that that is in the best interest of passengers but also to ensure that staff are well looked after and don't go on industrial strike as they did under the previous government. the previous government.

11:44

Ann Davies MP (Caerfyrddin, Plaid Cymru)

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After the insolvency of our steel and wire, money paid into the pension schemes was not fully inflation proofed through the financial assistance scheme. The last committee of the work that the UK government legislate to provide free indexation. I've tabled two amendments to the pension scheme spell to do exactly that. Can the leader of the allow, in government time, to update the house to rectify the scandal and others such as the British superannuation scheme scandal? scandal?

11:45

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

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I thank her for raising another important issue on behalf of her constituents. That bill is currently in committee on the committee corridor and will return to this house where I'm sure she conveys these important matters, but in the meantime, I'm sure we will get a meantime, I'm sure we will get a

11:45

Mr Luke Charters MP (York Outer, Labour)

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British passenger railway service 200 this month, let's give it what it deserves, European rail in the north. Here we have a debate on using this used HS2 land for a line that can transform the visitor economies in Leeds, Manchester, York and beyond.

11:45

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

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First of all, I congratulate him on becoming a new dad earlier this summer, and once again, thank you for being such a brilliant champion for proper investment in our Northern Rail and northern connectivity, which is absolutely In my constituency, there is little mobile signal, and emergency sirens were removed 16 years ago, after the emergency test, I asked Cabinet emergency test, I asked Cabinet Office what they would do for communities like ours, we went back and forth three times and I'm really frustrated that the answer is knock frustrated that the answer is knock on doors in a rural isolated community that is susceptible to rapid tidal flooding, can the Leader of the House convey to the Cabinet of the House convey to the Cabinet Office to save the people, because the government doesn't get it.

I am sorry for the response he has had, we are talking with companies to improve poor mobile signal, particularly in rural areas which is not an easy task. We have got the Shared Rural Network deal, but I will ensure that you get a better ministerial response to the question.

11:47

Gareth Snell MP (Stoke-on-Trent Central, Labour )

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Thank you very much, Madame Deputy Speaker, my constituents, like yours, want to have ready access to cash and banking facilities but when Lloyds bank closes its doors later this year in my constituency, the town will have no banking facilities, and there are Just outside the town centre which are not sufficient. Can the Minister look at the criteria for access to banking hubs, so that as the government rolls out more, we can government rolls out more, we can make sure they hit communities as well as rural?

11:47

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

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Can I thank him for raising this important issue, today, which gets raised with me all the time, in business questions, because I know there is nothing more concerning to there is nothing more concerning to a local community, when I see a bank closing, and what that will mean for their constituents or families, in terms of accessing cash, I will make sure you get a response about the rollout of banking hubs.

11:48

Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat)

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Over the summer, a constituent of mine in Edinburgh West was a mortgage adviser, he came to me with concerns about so-called conditional selling by estate agents, prospective homebuyers, feeling pressurised to take the estate agents with mortgage, rather than risk losing out on a house. It breaches the Estate Agents Act 1979 to do this, and has been raised in investigations. Which suggested the practice is common. Could I ask the Minister if, the leader, if you could point me to the Minister who would be responsible for this and discussion, and perhaps if there would be time for a debate in government time?

11:48

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

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I would make sure she will get a meeting about the issue of conditional selling which sounds like something that concerns all.

11:49

Mr Calvin Bailey MP (Leyton and Wanstead, Labour)

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This Labour government has committed 30 million to tackling food poverty, supported by an expansion of free school meals, and the drive to get fresh produce from farmers to families tables. Because after 14 years of Tory economic failure, too many families still struggle and food banks remain struggle and food banks remain indispensable. Plate for You a much loved food bank, recently faced eviction, but thanks to the swift action of the council, it has a new home.

And I am sure the honourable member for Walthamstow will be pleased to invite the Leader of the House to see it, will the Leader of the House make time for a debate in nature we support food banks, securing aid and food premises, while the government get on with tackling Tory failures that remain.

11:49

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

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Much shorter questions, please. Leader.

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Food poverty remains a huge

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Food poverty remains a huge blight on our country. This government is absolutely committed to tackling it, that is why we have extended free breakfast clubs, it is extended free breakfast clubs, it is what we have seen this huge expansion in free school meals, which is something I am sure we can

11:50

Shockat Adam MP (Leicester South, Independent)

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which is something I am sure we can all be proud of, and I thank him for raising this issue. In the month of August alone, across our country, women, children, across our country, women, children, and families, have been subjected to Islamophobia abuse and attacks, a young woman and her child were abusing a park forcibly wearing a hijab, to a young autistic man in Manchester threatened to have his throat slit and asked to go to his mask, does the Leader of the House agree with me that language, some language and rhetoric used by members in this chamber and some media outlets feel this hatred on the streets? Will she urge the government to Expedia the ongoing The definition of Islamophobia?

11:51

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

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Arising Islamophobia, which I know we all have seen in our own constituencies, I see it in mine, is absolutely unacceptable, and hate crime itself is unacceptable. And we need to call it out, and we need to root it out. We have got the independent working group you are soon to be advising ministers on the definition of Islamophobia. Under wider action plan to tackle these issues. But he is absolutely right to say we should all be mindful of the language we use at the impact it might have.

11:51

Melanie Ward MP (Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, Labour)

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At the peak of summer this year, at the height of terrorism, beaches in Kinghorn and Bird Island were close, because sewage spills made the water unsafe to enter. My constituents have been let down by the SNP Scottish government's failure to invest in the network, and by publicly owned Scottish Water, which the executive astonishingly said concerns should not be overblown. Does the Leader of the House agree that clean water is the least that the people of Fife deserve and will she make time for a debate on the subject?

11:52

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

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Really sorry to hear the beaches in her constituency have been close, that is unacceptable, to hear of sewage flowing, into the seas around her constituency. As she says, the Scottish government is responsible for Scottish water, they should get their act together, and should follow what we have been doing here in England.

11:52

Vikki Slade MP (Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat)

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Yet again, this summer, the stunning Dorset HeForShe as it was they were devastated by fire. The National fire chief counsel said that before this and the devastating North Yorkshire was fire, this year's numbers were 600 times higher than last year, I have written to all 17 fire services that came to our aid, but we cannot carry on like this, so will the Leader of the House agree to a debate on government time, for emergency government time, for emergency resilience, in climate -related crises.

11:53

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

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She is absolutely right to highlight, as the climate changes and changes rapidly, we are going to see, unfortunately, more wildfires in the summer and more flooding in the winter. We are funding a national resilience, wildfire adviser, and we are looking at how we can work with stakeholders and everybody else to really tackle this if you.

11:53

Dave Robertson MP (Lichfield, Labour)

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For 16 years, People, Places and Things a 20 have been visiting their GP in Portakabins in the car park of a data centre. It was closing 2024, no replacement, 5,000 patients with a beauty to other surgeries, no one agreed with the decision but we were told all would be well because the county council would have a replacement built and ready to by the end of the show, and now the reformed county council failing as well, they have not even submitted a planning application, there is no chance that they will keep their promise to the people to open a centre this year, will you join me in telling the council to get their thumb out and get this done.

11:54

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

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When he says will you be joining me, obviously he means the leader.

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But I am happy to join with him to say to Staffordshire County Council, for whom I do hear a lot of

11:54

Helen Morgan MP (North Shropshire, Liberal Democrat)

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Council, for whom I do hear a lot of complaints in business questions I have got to say, to get their act together, get this new GP surgery

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open, so we can serve his constituents. The people in Whitchurch in my constituency will be quite pleased to see the response to my written question, regarding the access to a railway firm, that shows that £280 railway firm, that shows that £280 million spending allocated for the spending review period, but I would be keen to know when we are getting step free access at Whitchurch station, so can we have a statement station, so can we have a statement from the Secretary of State for Transport, to outline how this money is going to be spent, and critically, where and when it is critically, where and when it is going to be spent.

If the Leader of the House would like to come to Whitchurch, if she came from her own

11:55

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

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Whitchurch, if she came from her own constituency, she could experience the footbridge and lack of step free access herself. Can I thank her for raising the

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Can I thank her for raising the issue of step free access at her local station, which gets raised again with me all the time in business questions, and I am sure business questions, and I am sure that the topic would make a very well subscribed to debate if she wanted to have it, but I will ensure she gets a ministerial response and I'm pleased to hear about her question.

11:55

Baggy Shanker MP (Derby South, Labour )

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It was absolutely fantastic to see Darby buzzing over the summer, when over three days, 40,000 visitors were in the city visiting the greatest gathering, as we brought together the largest ever collection of historic and modern rolling stock. Well my right honourable friend join me in acknowledging the huge effort made by volunteers, not just by Derby, wrote all over the UK, to pull off this spectacular event and also agree with me that, with the arrival of GBR headquarters in Derby, we can build on this great heritage and look for a bright future in rail manufacturing.

11:55

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

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It might not quite be an awaited concert, but I am sure the gathering he describes in Derby was a fantastic event, and to champion the rail industry in his constituency, and I am really pleased that great British Rail will be placed in Derby, so that we can continue to provide the jobs of the future.

11:56

Charlotte Cane MP (Ely and East Cambridgeshire, Liberal Democrat)

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Last Sunday, I visited the river St Andrews Healthcare, chalk stream in my constituency, I was horrified to see not a river, water dried and cracked riverbed. Our chalk streams are under increasing threat from climate change, and they are really important parts of our biodiversity, could the leader make government time for a debate on how we are going to protect our precious chalk streams.

11:56

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

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I know how important chalk streams are to our biodiversity and many of our rural communities. We will be bringing forward further plans about how we can secure our waterways in all of their forms, and I will ensure she gets an update from the Minister.

11:57

Laura Kyrke-Smith MP (Aylesbury, Labour)

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Whether it is the much needed link road, the link to Milton Keynes or traffic hotspots, so many of the conversations I have come back to the issue of poor infrastructure and the impact it has on people's quality-of-life. So, the government's investment of £1.4 million into transport funding into Buckinghamshire announced this week is usually welcome, opening a potential to decrease congestion, improve pedestrian safety and much more. Will the leader join me in welcoming this funding and will she urged Bucks Council to use it to give I'll show what we need?

11:57

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

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I will join her in welcoming this funding going into Buckinghamshire, and joining her in her calls for the council to use this funding wisely constituency.

11:58

Claire Young MP (Thornbury and Yate, Liberal Democrat)

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Concerns were raised with me about the delay in publishing a new hate crime action plan foreign and Wales, to replace the one that expired in 2020. Can the Leader of the House tell us when a new plan will be published, and if not, will she agree to raise this with the policing minister as a matter of urgency? urgency?

11:58

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

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We are determined to tackle all forms of hatred and division, and take action on hate crime, this has been a topic for much discussion in our Crime and Policing Bill as well, but I will ensure she gets a ministerial response about the timeliness of the new action plan. timeliness of the new action plan.

11:58

Tracy Gilbert MP (Edinburgh North and Leith, Labour)

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Over the summer recess, I met with the sure collective, a group of hospitality businesses, who have come together in my constituency, including one it has recently won the best local restaurant award in Scotland's 2025 awards, many businesses like them are struggling with rising energy and raw ingredient costs. Will the Leader of the House join me, obviously to go there, but will she congratulate them as well, and can she outline what the ministers are doing across the government to work together to support businesses like mine?

11:59

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

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Well, I will certainly join her in congratulating the collective in her constituency and always happy to get an invitation to a hospitality venue. But I am very well aware of the challenges for the hospitality sector, in terms of rising costs, in terms of access to staff and still

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