Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Ward and Rachel Taylor

Thursday 23rd April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Chris Ward]

The hon. Gentleman is right to flag that concern, and it is something that the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister is working hard on with a package of reforms around transparency. On procurement changes, I emphasise that I am trying to work with businesses, unions, charities, the voluntary sector and as many people as I can to bring them in. The more we listen to them, the more we will get this right, but he makes a broader point that I know my colleagues are working hard on, too.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

4. What recent steps his Department has taken to help tackle issues impacting the civil service pension scheme.

Government Procurement Strategy

Debate between Chris Ward and Rachel Taylor

Wednesday 22nd April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Chris Ward]

What an excellent question! I am afraid that I will have to get back to the hon. Gentleman as I do not know the answer—[Interruption.] None of the measures in the announcement that I have made require additional Treasury funding—they are within existing budgets—but the point that he makes is a good one, so I will come back to him, if that is okay.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

Will the Minister join me in congratulating Bedworth company Toye, Kenning and Spencer on its proud history of ribbon weaving and supplying ribbons for insignia and medals to the Queen, the King and the Government for many years? Will he tell me how the procurement strategy will help other local manufacturers in North Warwickshire and Bedworth?

[Chris Ward]

I certainly can. I thank my hon. Friend for raising that company. It is exactly the kind of British company that we want to help and back, and such communities should have a real stake in how procurement money is used. I hope that we can do more on that, and I am happy to take up this specific point and this specific company with her.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Ward and Rachel Taylor

Thursday 4th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

T9. To support transport operators in North Warwickshire and Bedworth, what discussions has the Minister had with EU counterparts on securing a professional driver exemption from the 90/180-day Schengen travel restrictions for UK drivers of heavy goods vehicles and coaches?

[Chris Ward]

I recognise the importance of this issue to my hon. Friend’s constituents. Amendments to Schengen rules are predominantly a matter for member states, but the Minister for the Cabinet Office has regular discussions with his counterparts in the EU, and I will ensure that he is aware of those concerns.