Business of the House

Jo White Excerpts

Thursday 9th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I also express our deepest condolences to Jordan’s family and friends. I know that consular officials are in touch and supporting his family. While I would not want to encourage people to go to Ukraine in that way, I absolutely share this Government’s commitment to ensuring that Ukraine wins in this war against Putin’s illegal aggression. We will do whatever it takes to support Ukrainians in that endeavour.

[Jo White (Bassetlaw) (Lab)]

I have tabled an early-day motion calling for Disclosure and Barring Service checks for all Members of both Houses.

[That this House believes that all Parliamentarians should be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check when they take their place in the House of Commons or House of Lords.]

That would make us all feel safer in the corridors of power, but more importantly, would give the institutions we visit—such as care homes and schools—much greater confidence in who they are letting through their doors. My submission to the Modernisation Committee also makes that proposal. Would the Leader of the House support such a proposal?

[Lucy Powell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue, and for writing to me and to the Modernisation Committee about it. I absolutely understand her motivation —to ensure that the House of Commons and, indeed, the wider Parliament is a safe place for people to work, and that our constituents and others can feel safe in their interactions with us. That is why over recent years, we have developed more robust systems around those issues, and we are looking further at them. However, I say gently to my hon. Friend that we need to strike a balance that ensures we can also represent our constituents freely and openly.