Parole Board: Transparency and Victim Support

Debate between Huw Merriman and David Gauke

Friday 19th January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

In the context of legal aid generally, the hon. Lady will be aware that there is currently a review of that. I do not intend to say any more on that until that review has been completed.

[Huw Merriman (Bexhill and Battle) (Con)]

It is very reassuring that despite having been in post for only a short time, the Lord Chancellor has sought to get behind the victims of this terrible, terrible case. May I press him on the point that has just been made about legal aid? He has mentioned that he supports the rights of the victims potentially to pursue their own cases. Will there be discretion from the Legal Aid Agency perhaps to provide funding for those victims to do so?

[Mr Gauke]

In terms of the action that may be brought by victims on this, I do want to be very careful in my remarks. As I have said, just because I am not taking action does not mean that others cannot, because these legal cases can depend precisely on the position that they are in. It is the case that legal aid generally remains available for advice, assistance and representation in relation to judicial review of an enactment decision, act or omission, and that would include decisions of the Parole Board where there is sufficient benefit to the individuals in bringing judicial review.

Parole Board and Victim Support

Debate between Huw Merriman and David Gauke

Tuesday 9th January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

I will look at that case and, if I may, respond to the hon. Gentleman subsequently in greater detail.

[Huw Merriman (Bexhill and Battle) (Con)]

Rather than welcoming the Lord Chancellor to his position, may I tell him how sorry those who worked for him until yesterday will be that he is no longer at the Department for Work and Pensions? I welcome what he said about the transparency of Parole Board decisions, but may I urge him to put a timescale on when the House will know more? It is important for the public to be reassured that the Worboys case will not be forgotten and that we will not move on without a change.

[Mr Gauke]

I thank my hon. Friend for his remarks. As for the timescale, I said earlier that I expect the review to conclude by Easter.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Huw Merriman and David Gauke

Tuesday 19th July 2016 Commons Chamber

[Huw Merriman (Bexhill and Battle) (Con)]

T2. Last year, the former Chancellor came to Hastings and committed to extending high-speed rail from Ashford to Hastings and Bexhill. This investment is the key to delivering local housing, a labour market and business expansion. I welcome the Chancellor to his position and ask for his commitment to this vital project.

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his question. On the particular proposal he sets out, he is a strong champion for his constituents. If he will forgive me, in my new position of trying to control the purse strings all such matters have to be looked at. As I have made very clear, however, the Government are committed to improving transport infrastructure throughout the country, including in Sussex.

Tax Avoidance and Evasion

Debate between Huw Merriman and David Gauke

Wednesday 13th April 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

This is a Government that closes loopholes year in, year out, whose actions led to the OECD work on base erosion and profit shifting, that have given more powers to HMRC, that have seen a significant fall in the tax gap, particularly in the context of avoidance, and that have a proud record on dealing with tax avoidance, tax evasion and with all abuses in the tax system.

[Huw Merriman]

This Government, via HMRC, have raised £2 billion since 2010 from offshore tax evasion. Does that not demonstrate that this Government ensure that the tax that should be paid is paid?

[Mr Gauke]

That is absolutely right. I should make some progress with my speech, because it sets out what we have done and what we continue to do.