Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Amber Rudd and Luke Graham

Monday 1st July 2019 Commons Chamber

[Amber Rudd]

The hon. Lady may be aware that I have some concerns about no deal; I would much prefer that this country chooses to leave the European Union on the basis of a deal, and I am hopeful that when we have a new leader in place we will be able to arrive at that position, possibly even with the support of the hon. Lady, to try to ensure that we get an exit that supports disabled people as well as everyone else.

[Luke Graham (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Con)]

T6. I established a universal credit action group in my constituency to track local progress and add performance indicators to see how the roll-out is going in Clackmannanshire. What measures are in place to track local success and progress? Are Ministers willing to meet me to discuss the progress of my action group?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Amber Rudd and Luke Graham

Monday 18th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Luke Graham (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Con)]

23. What comparative assessment her Department has made of the levels of financial support available through (a) universal credit and (b) the legacy system.

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Amber Rudd)]

When fully rolled out, universal credit will be £2 billion per year more generous than the support it replaces. As a single system that integrates six legacy benefits, universal credit will enable 700,000 households to access approximately £2.4 billion of welfare that previously went unclaimed. Our welfare reforms are about targeting support at those who need it most.

--- Later in debate ---

[Amber Rudd]

I thank my hon. Friend and near parliamentary neighbour for pointing out the excellent work done by work coaches. The defining difference between universal credit and the legacy benefits that it replaces is that tailored, personal approach, which really helps individuals to get back into work.

[Luke Graham]

What support is being given, through not only universal credit but schemes such as Access to Work, to those who experience mental ill health?

[Amber Rudd]

I thank my hon. Friend for pointing out this important element of universal credit. We are determined to make sure that universal credit really supports the most vulnerable. We are piloting a new scheme in Milton Keynes in which people with mental health difficulties are given an early referral to make sure that their needs are dealt with early on, so that they can be given the appropriate, personal, supportive care that they need.

Salisbury Incident

Debate between Amber Rudd and Luke Graham

Thursday 8th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Amber Rudd]

We always make sure the police have the resources they need to keep this country safe. On this particular incident, on this attack, I have made it absolutely clear to the police and the emergency services that they have our entire support to do whatever is necessary to get to the bottom of this investigation. I understand the hon. Lady’s willingness to raise the issue of resources, but I reassure her, this House and this country that the police have the resources they need and are full tilt on this investigation.

[Luke Graham (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Con)]

I wish to add my tribute to the Wiltshire police force. My best friend from school serves in that force, and I know how dedicated he and his colleagues are to the security of the county. How are Wiltshire police working with national teams collaboratively to progress this investigation? What lessons will be shared with police forces throughout the UK?