Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Christina Rees Excerpts
Thursday 9th February 2017

(7 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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I am glad that I can provide the reassurance that my hon. Friend seeks. The United Kingdom had a strong and proud tradition of human rights and liberal values before we entered the European Union, and that tradition will continue after we have left it. She has only to look at another non-EU country in Europe, Norway, to see that there is no bar to a liberal approach to individual rights as a result of being apart from the European Union.

Christina Rees Portrait Christina Rees (Neath) (Lab/Co-op)
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It is currently possible for the widowed parent of a new-born baby to receive up to £119,000 over 20 years, but if a partner dies after 6 April 2017 bereavement payments will be limited to a mere £9,800 over 18 months. May we please have a debate in Government time to discuss these Department for Work and Pensions reforms, which will cause severe hardship to grieving families?

David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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There will be questions to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on our first day back, Monday 20 February, so the hon. Lady will have an opportunity to raise the matter on that occasion.