Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Rosindell and Kemi Badenoch

Wednesday 15th May 2024 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Con)]

3. What steps the Government are taking to help ensure community cohesion.

[The Minister for Women and Equalities (Kemi Badenoch)]

In this country, we believe in religious freedom. Everyone should be able to express their identity, faith and beliefs. However, this must be done in a way that respects the rights of others. Community cohesion in many of our towns and cities has been strained in recent months, following the 7 October attacks in Israel. The boundaries of acceptable behaviour in the public sphere are being tested. That is why on 18 December 2023 I published new guidance for public authorities, reminding them of their legal obligations under the public sector equality duty, and specifically that they should consider how they contribute to the advancement of good relations in communities as they deliver public services.

[Andrew Rosindell]

My right hon. Friend will know that, in Romford, our national, country and county flags—the Union Jack, the cross of St George and the flag of Essex—are flown with great pride as inclusive symbols of our shared identity. Does she agree that all public buildings, schools and organisations should be encouraged to fly the appropriate flags as symbols of unity, patriotism and equality, rather than of division?

[Kemi Badenoch]

I do agree with my hon. Friend. The Union Jack and the cross of St George are symbols of unity, not division, and of course, as an Essex MP, I am also particularly fond of our county flag. The point is that national pride should be celebrated, not shunned. That is why anyone in the UK is able to fly any of our national flags without needing the consent of their local authority, as per Government regulations that exempt national flags.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Rosindell and Kemi Badenoch

Thursday 7th March 2024 Commons Chamber

[Kemi Badenoch]

UK Export Finance does not give the money; it provides guarantees to loans that are being provided by banks. There is quite a significant distinction: we have not given that money; we have guaranteed a loan. The reason why we provide those guarantees is that they guarantee jobs to British businesses. There is a big difference between a loan guarantee and giving money. If he would like more of an explanation on that, we are happy to provide one to him.

[Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Con)]

T5. As chair of the British-Switzerland all-party parliamentary group, I am delighted to commend the Government on the forthcoming new trade agreement with Switzerland, but will the Secretary of State please update the House on progress? Particularly, will she tell us which of the 20-plus working groups the Government intend to prioritise as part of the negotiations?