Yemen

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Tuesday 1st October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Well, it is not the Foreign Secretary but a substitute for said Minister. He will do his level best, we feel sure.

[The Minister for Africa (Andrew Stephenson)]

The UK is deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen. We fully support the peace process, led by the UN special envoy, Martin Griffiths, and urge all parties to engage constructively with that process. A political settlement is the only way to bring long-term stability to Yemen and to address the worsening humanitarian crisis. A nationwide ceasefire will have effect on the ground only if it is underpinned by a political deal between the conflict parties.

The UK has been at the forefront of international efforts to bring a peaceful solution to the appalling conflict in Yemen. On 26 September, the UK co-hosted a political event at the UN General Assembly to co-ordinate the international community’s support for the UN-led peace process and to endorse UN special envoy Martin Griffiths’ plan to begin wider political discussion. My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa visited the region from 25 to 29 August, in support of the United Nations’ efforts to make political progress and alleviate the humanitarian situation.

Yemen remains the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with nearly 80% of the entire population—more than 24 million people—requiring some form of humanitarian assistance. The UK has shown extensive leadership in responding to the crisis, committing £770 million of support to Yemen since the conflict began in 2015. Our funding for this financial year is providing food for more than 1 million Yemenis each month and more than 1 million people with improved water supply and sanitation.

We have been very concerned by the UN’s funding situation and the fact that it has been forced to stop delivering some of its life-saving support in Yemen. In response, the UK brought forward funding from our £200 million pledge and has already released 87% of the funding that we have pledged to UN agencies this year. We thank Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait for providing approximately $800 million in September and urge all donors rapidly to distribute their humanitarian pledges.

--- Later in debate ---

[Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con)]

I welcome the appearance of the Minister of State at the Dispatch Box, Mr Speaker, even if you do not.

As the Chair of the Select Committee has mentioned, the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains horrendous, but the impact falls disproportionately on women and girls. Since the beginning of the conflict, there has been an increase of more than two thirds in reported incidents of gender-based violence. Maternal death rates have also doubled in the past four years, as only a third of maternal and early years health services remain intact. What more can we do to help the most affected part of the Yemeni population for future generations, for the perfectly good reasons mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Derbyshire (Mrs Latham)?

[Mr Speaker]

I enjoyed the hon. Gentleman’s question. However, as colleagues will know, I always welcome Ministers to the Dispatch Box to answer urgent questions that I have granted. That point is so blindingly obvious that only a very, very, very clever person could fail to grasp it.

[Andrew Stephenson]

The UK has supported 1,700 survivors of gender-based violence since 2017 through our £13 million of funding to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration. My hon. Friend is correct, though, to raise this issue as one of the most pressing in the conflict, with the number of incidents of gender-based violence reported to have risen by more than 60% since the start of the conflict.

Points of Order

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Tuesday 1st October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his attempted point of order. The Minister has signalled an interest in responding, and of course I will hear him.

[The Minister for Africa (Andrew Stephenson)]

If I could clarify, Mr Speaker, I said before that the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa was undertaking Army reserve duties, but it was actually Navy reserve duties. It is not the Conservative party conference that is the reason why the responsible Foreign Office Minister is not at the Dispatch Box today.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Tuesday 11th June 2019 Commons Chamber

[Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab)]

The British Retail Consortium has reported that the high-street footfall is at a six-year low. Town centre businesses across the country are closing. Labour has a five-point plan to reinvigorate our high streets, in stark contrast to the Government’s worn-out platitudes and failure to act. Precisely when is the Minister going to produce a plan—or will the Government just keep walking by on the other side of the high street?

[Mr Speaker]

With particular reference to Morley and Outwood.

[Andrew Stephenson]

John Timpson has produced a plan for the Government, and in successive Budgets we have announced record support for the high street. There is £1.6 billion to help with business rates, and an additional £675 million for the future high streets fund.

Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Monday 10th June 2019 Commons Chamber

[Helen Goodman]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Surely the Government cannot ignore a motion passed by the whole House following a Backbench Business Committee debate.

[Mr Speaker]

The short answer is that that is not a point of order, but it is open to the Government to do that. Whether it is politically wise is another matter. In the event that Members are disappointed, I feel sure they will trouble the Backbench Business Committee for further debates, which may continue ad infinitum. I am sure the Minister would not want to countenance such an unfortunate, even grisly, scenario.

[Andrew Stephenson]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The guarantee gives recipients security because, of course, they know future outcomes can never be known. As referenced earlier, my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has responded to the letter from the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Nick Smith), sent on behalf of a cross-party group, by saying that she will not be reviewing the current arrangements.

I believe that all of us here today are united by our commitment to fairness for our miners and mining communities. Although we may be divided on the best way to deliver that, I can assure the House that I will seek to agree changes to the scheme that benefit scheme members and protect taxpayers.

Bombardier

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Tuesday 7th May 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I do hope that the hon. Gentleman now feels that he has fully ventilated his concerns, at least for now.

[Andrew Stephenson]

Any discussions that are ongoing between Bombardier and potential buyers are of course commercially sensitive. However, one would imagine that a company like Airbus, which is so reliant on this excellent company providing so many components to it, would be taking an active interest in the company and how it goes forward.

[Sammy Wilson]

I bet you wish you had chosen me the first time, Mr Speaker.

The people of Northern Ireland appreciate the political and financial commitments that Governments of all shades in this House have given over the years to keeping aircraft manufacturing alive in Northern Ireland. Bombardier’s lease was due to be renewed this year. When it was privatised, a peppercorn rent was made available for the site—it is a very land-intensive industry—which is a fraction of a per cent. of what the commercial rent would be. That could be a deal breaker when it comes to the sale of the site. What discussions has the Minister had, or will he have, with the Belfast Harbour Commissioners about setting a level of rent that ensures that operations can continue on the site?

[Mr Speaker]

The right hon. Gentleman was not to be outdone by his hon. Friend.

[Andrew Stephenson]

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question. Three weeks into the job, I have not had any conversations with them yet, but I look forward to doing so because, as he says, that could be very worthwhile as we look to secure the future of this company and all those whose livelihoods depend on it.

Business of the House

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 30th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. It has become alarmingly common for business questions to take more than an hour. I have to have regard to the next statement and to the two debates, so I appeal for short questions and short answers in the faint hope that we might be able to move on to the next business shortly after midday.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

May we have a debate on diversity in the arts? On Monday night I was pleased to attend the Muslim News awards for excellence 2017, where my constituent Shahida Ahmed from Nelson was awarded the Alhambra Muslim News award for excellence in the arts, presented by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 2nd March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

The Minister has shown real leadership on the issue and I applaud the Government’s efforts so far. However, for us to make a genuine difference we need other countries to get on board. Will my hon. Friend say more about what she is doing to ensure that we work collaboratively across borders to tackle the problem?

[Mr Speaker]

But not too much more.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 8th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Good; and the hon. Gentleman may be learned, but if not, I am sure it is only a matter of time.

[Andrew Stephenson]

One of the main areas of modern slavery that we are uncovering in Lancashire is the trafficking and subsequent sexual exploitation of women. Often these victims will not come forward because they are being controlled through fear and violence. What more can my hon. and learned Friend do to support vulnerable women through the process?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Monday 14th November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Forgive me, but I think the grouping is with Question 17 rather than Question 15—not that I wish to be pedantic; I just wish to be precise. [Interruption.] I think I have the advantage of being correct in this case, incredible though the hon. Lady may judge that to be.

[Andrew Stephenson]

I met Jan Holmes, the headteacher of Walton Lane Nursery, and many other Pendle nursery headteachers recently. Further to many of the points that have already been made, will my hon. Friend commit to extending the funding for maintained nursery schools beyond the two years indicated in the consultation, as nursery schools really do make a difference to some of the poorest children in my constituency?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Monday 24th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The hon. Member for Pendle has perambulated from one part of the Chamber to the other, but we are nevertheless happy to hear from him.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

T7. Local business rates retention will be a great boost for many local councils. What discussions has my hon. Friend had with local authorities about 100% retention?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 8th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I know that we have overrun, but I want to accommodate remaining questions if they are extremely brief.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

T5. Pendle is home to a number of key aerospace businesses, such as Rolls-Royce. What discussions has my hon. Friend had with the aerospace sector to ensure that we continue to support this vital industry?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 21st July 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Indeed.

[Andrew Stephenson]

Does the Minister agree that the 33% target of women on FTSE 350 boards is achievable?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Wednesday 20th July 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. We are discussing very serious matters, including the security of Northern Ireland, to which exchange the hon. Member for Pendle (Andrew Stephenson), who has a related question, might wish to contribute now.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

10. Following the recent threat increase, will my hon. Friend assure the House that he remains absolutely committed to ensuring that our security agencies, police and others have the equipment to deal with any threats they might face?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Monday 13th July 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Let me just remind the hon. Gentleman, in the most genial spirit but in terms that are unmistakable, that questions must relate to the responsibilities of Ministers, not of other parties. Let us leave it there.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

8. What plans he has to increase the proportion of recruits to the armed forces who come from ethnic minority groups.

Petitions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Tuesday 24th March 2015 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

This is a petition to the House of Commons of the residents of Barnoldswick—[Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

There is no need to hurry the matter unduly. May I say what a pleasure it is to see the hon. Gentleman back in the Chamber and in very good voice? As I say, these matters do not need to be unduly hurried, but we all look forward to his petition.

[Andrew Stephenson]

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

The petition states:

The Petition of residents of Barnoldswick,

Declares that the Petitioners believe that St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, West Close Road, Barnoldswick is over-subscribed and wishes to expand to meet the needs of the local area, including a growing Catholic community.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to support the St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School’s proposed extension.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

[P001471]

Expansion of St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Barnoldswick

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Tuesday 24th March 2015 Commons Chamber

Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)

- Hansard -

This is a petition to the House of Commons of the residents of Barnoldswick—[Interruption.]

Mr Speaker

- Hansard - - Excerpts

There is no need to hurry the matter unduly. May I say what a pleasure it is to see the hon. Gentleman back in the Chamber and in very good voice? As I say, these matters do not need to be unduly hurried, but we all look forward to his petition.

Andrew Stephenson

- Hansard -

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

The petition states:

The Petition of residents of Barnoldswick,

Declares that the Petitioners believe that St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, West Close Road, Barnoldswick is over-subscribed and wishes to expand to meet the needs of the local area, including a growing Catholic community.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to support the St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School’s proposed extension.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

[P001471]

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Tuesday 3rd March 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Foreign Office questions are a box office hit, and demand always exceeds supply. Last but not least, I call Mr Andrew Stephenson.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

Pendle is home to a number of Pakistani Christian families, whose concerns I raise in the House. Given our long-standing cultural and economic ties, and the support that we provide to Pakistan via the Department for International Development, what more can my ministerial colleagues do to ensure religious freedom and tolerance there?

NHS (Five Year Forward View)

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Monday 1st December 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Wow—what a choice! I call Mr Andrew Stephenson.

[Andrew Stephenson]

Thank you, Mr Speaker; I am honoured.

I very much welcome the £2 billion of additional funding announced today. This morning, I was at Airedale hospital for the preview of its new £6.3 million A and E department, which will open to the public this Wednesday. Will the Secretary of State join me in paying tribute to all the hospital’s NHS staff and management, and its patients, who have been involved from the start of the process in making sure that the new A and E department, which is more than double the size of the old one, is now a reality?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 20th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Chris White. Not here.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Wednesday 16th July 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

The last question relates to the commemoration of the first world war, so I hope that there will be respectful attention.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

9. What role her Department is taking in commemorations to mark the centenary of the first world war.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 10th October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

No doubt we will hear about the dog enthusiasms of Mr Andrew Stephenson.

[Andrew Stephenson]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I congratulate the Minister on his new position. Unfortunately, I do not have a dog, so I cannot enter one into the competition.

As for dog attacks, my own mother was attacked in the run-up to local elections by a dog on private property. As the Minister will be aware, around 70% of dog attacks on postal workers occur on private property. What effect does the Minister think the extension of the criminal offence of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control on private property will have on all those whose jobs depend on visiting people’s homes?

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

Mr Kevan Jones—not here.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

8. What steps the Church Commissioners are taking to publicise the introduction of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act on 1 October 2013; and what steps churches are taking to protect themselves from lead theft.

Reserve Forces

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Wednesday 3rd July 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Member for Pendle (Andrew Stephenson) has beetled forward by two Benches from his normal position; I am grateful that I am nevertheless able to see and recognise him.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

There is a lot to welcome in today’s statement, particularly the incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises. Last Friday, I organised a jobs and apprenticeship fair at Colne municipal hall. More than 1,200 people attended and I am pleased to say that there was a great deal of interest in both the regular and reserve forces. What more does the Secretary of State believe right hon. and hon. Members across the House can do to help deliver the plans and ensure that we recruit more reserve forces in our local areas?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 28th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I should inform the House that the present Clerk of the House presented me with a signed copy of the sixth edition of his well-thumbed tome upon my election to the Chair. I hope that the House will feel that I have gained greatly from reading it cover to cover.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

7. What progress the Commission has made on reducing the subsidy on food and drink served in the House. [Official Report, 9 May 2013, Vol. 563, c. 1-2MC.]

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 10th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman feels an Adjournment debate coming on. We shall no doubt discover whether that is the case.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

11. What steps her Department is taking to improve the punctuality of trains.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Tuesday 22nd March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Eric Joyce is not here. I call Andrew Stephenson.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

7. What fiscal measures he has taken to support economic growth in the manufacturing sector.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Tuesday 15th February 2011 Commons Chamber

[The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Kenneth Clarke)]

May I begin by making a topical statement, Mr Speaker?

Hon. Members will know that I am determined to deliver much overdue reform to the way in which the criminal justice system operates. Every year, 1.8 million criminal hearings and trials take place. The police, judiciary and others far too often find that the bureaucratic, inefficient system works against their best efforts, rather than for them. It is immensely frustrating that, for example, the key people in the system—the police, prosecutors and probation staff—are often unable to e-mail each other the crucial information they need to bring a prosecution; it all has to be done in hard copy. The average straightforward case heard in the magistrates courts takes 19 weeks from the offence being committed to the case concluding, and only four out of every 10 trials in the magistrates courts go ahead on the planned day. We cannot afford to maintain this sort of system that wastes the time of the police, victims and witnesses.

I am therefore working on radical plans to modernise and reform the criminal justice system and reduce these bureaucratic failings with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General, the judiciary, the criminal justice agencies and my right hon. Friend the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, who will take the lead role in co-ordinating our efforts. I look forward to receiving any representations on the subject and will report back to the House in the summer.

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I would be grateful if the Secretary of State did not also lay out the plans in the course of his answer.

[Andrew Stephenson]

I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for his very full answer. Many young offenders are drawn into a cycle of crime that sees them spend many years of their life in detention. What steps does he think will help young people to get a second chance?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Wednesday 10th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

Q5. The Deputy Prime Minister might be aware that, in response to the comprehensive spending review, the three most senior officers of Pendle borough council have announced a wage cut of 27%. In contrast, the chief constable of Lancashire police, Steve Finnigan, has started a 90-day consultation on making all Lancashire’s police community support officers redundant. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the chief constable should think again and that he should support our PCSOs—[Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I want to hear the Deputy Prime Minister’s reply.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Tuesday 26th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Opposition Back Benchers must calm down. I am very worried about you, Mr Gwynne. You just calm down. You have a fit of the giggles, but you will overcome it, do not worry.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his ministerial responsibilities.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Wednesday 15th September 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. We also have to move on.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

4. What progress he has made in discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive and the Chancellor of the Exchequer on changes to corporation tax in Northern Ireland.