Oral Answers to Questions

Lindsay Hoyle Excerpts

Wednesday 4th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Louise Haigh]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right that the Brexit deal we inherited damaged our economy, weakened our ability to control immigration and took opportunities away from young people. Negotiations are ongoing, but we know that an SPS deal could add billions to our economy, cutting costs for exporters, helping supermarkets offer better prices, and supporting British farmers. We are working with the EU to create a balanced youth experience scheme that creates opportunities for young people to live, work and study abroad. Meanwhile, the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Alex Burghart) has already said that the Conservatives would rip all that up, no matter the benefits; perhaps he would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight?

[Mr Speaker]

I call the deputy Leader of the Opposition.

[Alex Burghart (Brentwood and Ongar) (Con)]

I associate myself with the comments the First Secretary of State made about Remembrance Sunday, which I look forward to marking in my constituency of Brentwood and Ongar.

This year, how much will the Government spend on working-age welfare?

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[Louise Haigh]

Mr Speaker, I know—[Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Mr Rankin, we had a little eye contact earlier. I do not think that it looks good to try to shout down a woman. I call the First Secretary of State.

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[Louise Haigh]

I am very happy to congratulate Fleetwood Town with my hon. Friend. As a Barnsley fan, we live for those David versus Goliath moments.

We published the UK’s first ever plan to better protect people and our environment from forever chemicals earlier this year. Just this week, the UK Health and Security Agency launched its first study into the levels of forever chemicals in the population. As we continue to build the evidence, we will consider the case for any appropriate measures, including national standards to manage the risks and protect communities. The Environment Agency is supporting a thorough investigation into the Thornton-Cleveleys site and I will make sure that the DEFRA Minister of State keeps my hon. Friend updated.

[Mr Speaker]

I call the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats.

[Daisy Cooper (St Albans) (LD)]

May I associate myself with the remarks of the First Secretary of State about Remembrance Sunday, when we will join in honouring our service personnel and their sacrifices? May I also join her in wishing a happy Diwali to all those who celebrate?

American voters have rejected Trump’s warmongering and the economic chaos that it has caused, unlike the Conservatives and Reform who cheered on Trump’s illegal war. Trump has renewed his threat of strikes on Iran—strikes that would be devastating for security in the region and devastating for the cost of living in the UK. Will the Government stand together with our reliable allies and send a clear message to Trump and Netanyahu that there must be no more strikes?

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[Louise Haigh]

I vividly remember visiting the station with my hon. Friend. He has been a strong campaigner on this and I know just how important it is for his constituents. We have awarded over £640 million to the Lancashire combined county authority for its local priorities, which could help deliver schemes such as this one. I know that the Rail Minister will be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the campaign.

[Mr Speaker]

Chorley’s campaign has already started.

[Gavin Robinson (Belfast East) (DUP)]

Political stability in Northern Ireland should never, and certainly cannot now, be taken for granted. A fundamental principle in our democracy is that Ministers who take up office uphold the rule of law and support the police, the courts and our rule of law, yet the lawless First Minister of Northern Ireland and three of her Ministers have shredded their pledge and, with it, the responsibility that comes with office.

Do the First Secretary of State and our Labour Government believe in the rule of law and believe that where one errs it should not be that all are punished, that lawmakers cannot be lawbreakers, and that there therefore needs to be an amendment to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to ensure that, in circumstances such as these, the punishment applies to those who stepped outside all respected norms and their pledge of office?

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[Gregory Stafford (Farnham and Bordon) (Con)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I wish to for ask your advice about the First Secretary of State having potentially inadvertently misled the House on two occasions during Question Time. She said that the Conservatives voted against every change in the Budget. That is not true—we voted against six specific measures. She also said quite specifically that the Conservatives voted against a council tax cut for 20 million households. We did not—we voted against increasing council tax by opposing resolution 86—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. When I stand up, please do me the courtesy of sitting down. Look, we cannot continue the debate. I am not responsible for the answers. What you have done, Mr Stafford, is to correct the record by putting down what you believe to be the facts. I do not want to continue a debate at this time.

Bills Presented

Energy Independence

Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)

Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, supported by the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary Angela Rayner, Secretary Dame Angela Eagle, Secretary Chris Bryant, Secretary Mr Douglas Alexander, Secretary Stephen Kinnock, Michael Shanks and Martin McCluskey, presented a Bill to make provision about the regulation of the energy sector; about energy schemes; about heat networks; about the Independent System Operator and Planner; about the North Sea Transition Authority and activities relating to petroleum; about the Mining Remediation Authority and coal-mining operations; about hydrogen power; about employment rights for offshore workers; about the energy efficiency of properties in the private rented sector; about radioactive waste; about fees relating to the assessment and certification of fuels and fireplaces; and for connected purposes.

Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Tuesday 10 November, and to be printed (Bill 176) with explanatory notes (Bill 176-EN).

Visitor Levy (England)

Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)

Secretary Angela Rayner, supported by the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary Louise Haigh, Secretary Lisa Nandy, Jim McMahon and James Murray, presented a Bill to make provision for and in connection with the imposition, by strategic authorities, of a new local tax in respect of stays in residential accommodation.

Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Tuesday 10 November, and to be printed (Bill 177) with explanatory notes (Bill 177-EN).