Liz McInnes Portrait

Liz McInnes

Labour - Former Member for Heywood and Middleton

First elected: 9th October 2014

Left House: 6th November 2019 (Defeated)


Shadow Minister (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
10th Oct 2016 - 6th Nov 2019
Shadow Minister (Communities and Local Government)
18th Sep 2015 - 28th Jun 2016
Science and Technology Committee (Commons)
13th Jul 2015 - 26th Oct 2015
Health and Social Care Committee
8th Jul 2015 - 26th Oct 2015
Science and Technology Committee
13th Jul 2015 - 26th Oct 2015
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
13th Jul 2015 - 26th Oct 2015


Division Voting information

Liz McInnes has voted in 840 divisions, and 3 times against the majority of their Party.

20 Mar 2019 - Amendments Relating to the Provision of Integrated Care Regulations 2019 (S.I., 2019, No. 248) - View Vote Context
Liz McInnes voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 5 Labour No votes vs 205 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 216 Noes - 317
19 Apr 2017 - Early Parliamentary General Election - View Vote Context
Liz McInnes voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 9 Labour No votes vs 174 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 522 Noes - 13
8 Feb 2017 - Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada - View Vote Context
Liz McInnes voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 68 Labour No votes vs 85 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 409 Noes - 126
View All Liz McInnes Division Votes

All Debates

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Chris Grayling (Conservative)
(49 debate interactions)
Andrea Leadsom (Conservative)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
(46 debate interactions)
Jeremy Hunt (Conservative)
Chancellor of the Exchequer
(39 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department of Health and Social Care
(177 debate contributions)
Leader of the House
(60 debate contributions)
Department for Education
(60 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Higher Education and Research Act 2017
(1,780 words contributed)
Finance Act 2018
(729 words contributed)
Criminal Finances Act 2017
(54 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Liz McInnes's debates

Heywood and Middleton Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

The men who killed our daughter drove a stolen a car at 83 mph in a 30 mph zone. They killed our 4-year-old daughter Violet-Grace and severely injured her nan, who has life-changing injuries. They will serve less time in prison than Violet was alive. I don’t want other families to suffer like this.

Thousands of cats are just disposed of every year without being scanned for a chip after being involved in RTAs. Owners search for months and years and never get closure. Scanning takes two minutes. Cats are a part of a family and deserve to be returned home, not thrown into landfill.

Hi I'm Natasha, I am making this petition because I want to make a difference to all woman living in the UK.

I am 30 years old and I have metastatic cervical cancer. I believe that the age of screening should be lowered to age 18 to enable all woman to detect cell changes and prevent cancer.

We call on the Government to urgently increase college funding to sustainable levels, including immediate parity with recently announced increases to schools funding. This will give all students a fair chance, give college staff fair pay and provide the high-quality skills the country needs.

Safe Standing offers a much safer alternative to fans who wish to stand, rather than sit at football matches. After the highly successful introduction to rail seating at Celtic Park, as well as numerous Bundesliga clubs, many football fans feel that laws preventing standing areas should be relaxed.

Every single person who works in public services needs and deserve a pay rise. It’s time for the pay cap to be scrapped, for the government to provide additional funding for public sector pay and for employers to put public sector workers pay up now.


Latest EDMs signed by Liz McInnes

5th February 2019
Liz McInnes signed this EDM on Wednesday 27th February 2019

Medicines

Tabled by: Jeremy Corbyn (Independent - Islington North)
That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I., 2019, No. 62), dated 14 January 2019, a copy of which was laid before this House on 18 January, be annulled.
46 signatures
(Most recent: 23 Apr 2019)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 34
Scottish National Party: 6
Independent: 4
Plaid Cymru: 1
Liberal Democrat: 1
25th February 2019
Liz McInnes signed this EDM on Tuesday 26th February 2019

National Health Service

Tabled by: Jeremy Corbyn (Independent - Islington North)
That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Amendments Relating to the Provision of Integrated Care Regulations 2019 (S.I., 2019, No. 248), dated 13 February 2019, a copy of which was laid before this House on 13 February 2019, be annulled.
69 signatures
(Most recent: 13 May 2019)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 60
Independent: 7
Green Party: 1
Crossbench: 1
View All Liz McInnes's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Liz McInnes, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Liz McInnes has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Liz McInnes

Monday 26th February 2018

Liz McInnes has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

1 Bill co-sponsored by Liz McInnes

Stalking (Sentencing) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Alex Chalk (Con)


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
2 Other Department Questions
25th Apr 2019
When the Government plans to publish its response to the Gender Recognition Act consultation.

We have had an exceptional response rate to the consultation on the Gender Recognition Act, receiving over 100,000 responses. We are currently analysing all of these contributions and we intend to publish a response later this year.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
27th May 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if his Department will launch an investigation into the closure of the car dealer Carcraft.

On 30 April 2015, Daniel Smith and Joe McLean of Grant Thornton UK LLP were appointed as administrators to the companies trading as Carcraft.

When a company goes into administration the insolvency practitioners must, within six months of their appointment, report confidentially to the Insolvency Service about the conduct of the directors. Where there is serious public concern, the Insolvency Service will not wait for that report. In this case it has made early contact with the administrators to discuss the conduct of the directors and whether there are any matters giving rise to concern.

19th Mar 2015
To ask the Attorney General, for what reasons the Crown Prosecution Service made the decision that it would not be in the public interest to pursue a private prosecution on gender abortion charges against Dr Prabha Sivaraman and Dr Palaniappan Rajmohan.

In accordance with the two stage test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, the CPS carefully considered the evidence submitted by the private prosecutor both on its own and in addition to the material already in its possession from the earlier decision. In both cases the CPS concluded that there was no realistic prospect of conviction for the charge selected by the private prosecutor.

In addition the CPS considered whether both sets evidence taken together might be sufficient to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any abortion offence. It was concluded that there was sufficient evidence to prosecute an offence of using poison, instruments or any other means with intent to procure an abortion but that this was very finely balanced. It further concluded that the public interest considerations in not pursuing a prosecution outweighed those in favour for the same reasons as in 2013, most importantly the lack of professional guidance on how doctors should approach comparative risk assessments.

The full reasons for the decision are available on the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) website: http://www.cps.gov.uk/news/latest_news/cps_decision_to_stop_private_prosecutions_of_doctors_charged_with_abortion_offences/

23rd Nov 2017
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent estimate his Department has made of the size of the Zimbabwean diaspora in the UK.

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.

2nd May 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with the Minister for the Northern Powerhouse on the Shop Direct closure in Greater Manchester.

I have regular meetings with ministerial colleagues, including the Minister for the Northern Powerhouse (Jake Berry). Government is responding to the Shop Direct closures and has held a number of conversations with various parties to ensure proper processes are followed and employee rights are upheld. We will continue to engage with relevant parties as appropriate. My rt. hon Friend the Secretary of State has already met with the hon. Member for Oldham East and Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams) about Shop Direct and will be having a further meeting with her in due course.

5th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the role of his Department was in drafting the Government's childhood obesity plan.

The Department of Health led on drawing up the action plan to tackle childhood obesity with input from across Government, including this Department.

24th Jan 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing an inquiry into the events which led to the closure of the Presidents Club Charitable Trust.

This is a matter for the Charity Commission as independent registrar and regulator of charities in England and Wales. The Commission has said that, on seeing the reported events, it immediately contacted the Presidents Club Charitable Trust and called for an urgent meeting. The Commission is also engaging with the Financial Times whose investigation uncovered the activities of the Presidents Club Charity Dinner, and has requested any further evidence to ensure it can look into these matters fully and robustly. The Commission has said that it will deal robustly with any misconduct or mismanagement it finds, will consider what further regulatory action may be required and will ensure that the charity is wound up in an orderly manner and that any remaining funds are distributed correctly. The Commission has also confirmed that it is in discussion with Equality and Human Rights Commission about these matters.

24th Jan 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he plans to have discussions with the Charity Commission as result of the closure of the Presidents Club charitable club; and if she will make a statement.

This is a matter for the Charity Commission as independent registrar and regulator of charities in England and Wales. The Commission has said that, on seeing the reported events, it immediately contacted the Presidents Club Charitable Trust and called for an urgent meeting. The Commission is also engaging with the Financial Times whose investigation uncovered the activities of the Presidents Club Charity Dinner, and has requested any further evidence to ensure it can look into these matters fully and robustly. The Commission has said that it will deal robustly with any misconduct or mismanagement it finds, will consider what further regulatory action may be required and will ensure that the charity is wound up in an orderly manner and that any remaining funds are distributed correctly. The Commission has also confirmed that it is in discussion with Equality and Human Rights Commission about these matters.

5th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the role of her Department was in drafting the Government's childhood obesity plan.

The childhood obesity plan was developed and drafted by Department of Health with input from departments across Government, including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. DCMS will continue to work with DH on the implementation of the actions within the plan.

19th May 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on students living away from home of the closure of the iPlayer loophole.

The Government consulted on adding on-demand programme services to the TV licence framework as part of its Green Paper published in July last year. Under the new proposals, all individuals will need to be covered by a TV licence if they stream or download television programmes through on-demand services provided by the BBC (notably the iPlayer). If an individual has a licence already, then they are automatically covered to watch BBC on-demand services under the new proposals.

19th May 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make representations to the BBC on ensuring the Your Paintings archive is maintained as on online resource.

As set out in the Government's White Paper, A BBC for the future​: a Broadcaster of Distinction, the government encourages the BBC to do more to open up its archive and ensure that it can be used by the public and as wide a range of institutions and organisations as possible​. How the BBC presents its online content is matter for the BBC.​ Your Paintings is now available on artuk.org.

18th May 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what account his Department is taking of the substance of responses to Question 11 in the Government's consultation on the future of the BBC published in July 2015, which are set out in Annex 7 of its White Paper, A BBC for the future: a broadcaster of distinction, published in May 2016, in formulating its policy on paying for access to BBC iPlayer services.

Responses to all questions in the BBC Charter Review public consultation were analysed and the results published in a Summary of Responses document in April. This document set out the strong support for the continued provision of the licence fee from consultation respondents, as well as significant support for reform or modernisation. On the basis of this, and wider consultation with stakeholders, the government has committed to modernise the licence fee to include BBC on-demand programmes.

3rd Feb 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will take steps to ensure that the National Gallery pays its employees the London Living Wage.

Where possible the Government supports the London Living Wage. However, the Department's sponsored Museums and Galleries operate at arm's length from the Department, and as such they have responsibility for their own staffing and service arrangements, including wage levels.

3rd Feb 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the value for money of security provision at the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery.

The National Gallery operates at arm's length from the Department, and as such they have responsibility for their own staffing and service arrangements, including security services. As such the Department has not assessed provision of security at the Salisbury Wing.

3rd Feb 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the value and duration is of the contract between the National Gallery and CIS Security for the provision of security at the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery.

The National Gallery operates at arm's length from the Department, and as such they have responsibility for their own staffing and service arrangements, including security services. As such the Department does not hold information on specific contracts.

20th Feb 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of students entering (a) English and (b) Welsh universities in 2014 on a three-year course failed to complete their courses in 2017.

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) collects and publishes statistics on students studying at UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). As part of the publication ‘Performance Indicators for Higher Education’, HESA estimate learning outcomes for UK domiciled full-time students starting first degree[1] courses.

The table below shows the projected outcomes for those commencing their studies in 2014/15 at UK HEIs, by country of institution.

Projected learning outcomes of UK domiciled full-time first degree entrants

UK Higher Education Institutions

Academic year 2014/15

Projected outcome (% of entrants)[2]

Country of institution

Degree

Neither award nor transfer

Other award

Transfer

Not known

England

80.7

10.3

3.7

5.1

0.2

Northern Ireland

84.3

10.9

2.1

2.6

0.1

Scotland

80.7

9.7

5

4.6

0.1

Wales

80.4

10.8

4.3

4.5

0.1

Total UK

80.8

10.3

3.8

5

0.2

Source: HESA UK Performance Indicators (Non-Continuation), Table T5

The table shows that even where a student does not complete their degree course, they may go on to achieve a different qualification or transfer to another higher education provider.

Further information on how projected outcomes are defined and calculated by HESA can be found in the UK Performance Indicators Non-Continuation Publication at: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/performance-indicators/non-continuation-summary.

Figures for entrants in the 2015/16 academic year will be published by HESA in March 2018.

[1] Whilst the majority of full-time first degree courses are three year courses, this group will also include some individuals enrolled on four year courses (for example integrated masters degrees).

[2] Percentages are rounded to one decimal place so may not sum exactly to 100.

19th Oct 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what trigger she plans to put in place in the universal credit system to replace that of working tax credits to entitle children to free school meals.

My department is working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions, other government departments and other interested parties to establish criteria for determining entitlement to benefits-related free school meals as the roll-out of universal credit progresses.

No decision has been taken yet; our proposals on this matter will be announced in due course.

6th Oct 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many students from disadvantaged backgrounds graduated from university in the last three years.

Information on the number of disadvantaged young people entering higher education, and non-continuation of young disadvantaged first degree students is published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England via the following link:

http://www.hefce.ac.uk/analysis/HEinEngland/students/social/.

5th Sep 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of fire safety standards in university halls of residence.

The Higher Education sector is taking this issue very seriously. The Department has had a very positive and comprehensive response from all of the 238 HEFCE-funded providers and designated Alternative Providers. All providers have been tested where necessary. Where issues have been identified providers have been quick to respond to protect the safety of students. Officials will continue to work with those in the Department for Communities and Local Government reviewing private student accommodation.

22nd Jun 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when she plans to publish the outcome of the consultation on the school funding formula.

We received over 25,000 responses to the consultation, which we are analysing in detail. We are grateful to all those who expressed their views on school funding and the proposed formula as part of this process. We will publish the response to the consultation in due course.

27th Mar 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the value to the public purse of the sale of the student loans book.

The decision to start the sale process for part of the student loan book (set out in Written Statement HCWS458) is based on a robust and comprehensive assessment of the market which showed that it has a good prospect of achieving value for money.

As part of assessing value for money, the Government compares the value of keeping the student loan book and receiving uncertain and fluctuating repayments over time, and selling the rights to the remaining future repayments made on the student loan book and receiving a fixed sum of money for them now.

The sale process itself is also designed to achieve the best possible price for the taxpayer.

A further assessment will be made before the sale is completed (and before any further sales).

As required by the Sale of Student Loans Act 2008, the Government will provide a report to Parliament on the sale arrangements within three months of sale completion. As required by the Act this report will make reference to value for money.

23rd Mar 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of the numbers of teachers aged over 60 taking up new posts within schools in each of the last five years.

Information on the number of teachers taking up new posts is not available. The following table provides the number and percentage of full-time equivalent teachers aged 60 and over in each year between 2011 and 2015.

FTE Teachers aged 60 and over (thousands)

Percentage of all FTE Teachers aged 60 and over

2011

10.8

2.5

2012

11.0

2.5

2013

11.5

2.6

2014

10.9

2.4

2015

10.5

2.3

Source: School Workforce Census

23rd Mar 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many teachers over the age of 60 were employed in schools in 2015-16.

In November 2015, there were 10,500 equivalent teachers aged 60 and over employed in state funded schools in England. This represents 2.3 percent of all full-time equivalent teachers in England. These figures are derived from the November 2015 School Workforce Census.

17th Feb 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment the Government has made of the effect of the proposed sale of the student loans book on those paying off such loans.

The position of all graduates, including all those whose loans are in scope of the proposed sale, would not change as a result of a sale. Graduates are protected by statute.

The proposed sale would not alter the mechanisms and terms of repayment, and sold loans would continue to be serviced by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Student Loans Company (SLC) on the same basis as equivalent unsold loans. Investors would have no right to change any of the current loan arrangements or to contact people with student loans directly.

9th Feb 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions her Department has had with HM Treasury on whether the planned sale of the student loans book will affect the repayment formula for people paying off such loans.

The position of people who hold student loans, including those whose loans are within the scope of the planned sale, will not be affected in any way as a result of the planned sale. The sale would not and cannot alter the mechanisms and terms of repayment.

5th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans the Government has for the distribution of funding from the soft drinks undertaking levy between schools across the UK for sporting activity.

Revenue from the soft drinks industry levy will be used to double the PE and sport premium for primary schools in England from £160million a year to £320million from September 2017. This will enable schools to make further improvements to the quality and breadth of PE and sport they offer, including introducing new activities and after school clubs, and hiring specialist coaches to work alongside teachers.

Schools currently receive an average of between £8,000 and £9,000 a year from the premium, depending on pupil numbers. We are currently reviewing how best to allocate the doubled funding for September 2017 onwards, and will announce further details in due course.

29th Feb 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the effect of teachers leaving the UK to work abroad on the education system.

The quality of teachers trained in the UK means that there is considerable demand for them across the globe. Every year a number of teachers choose to leave the UK to work in schools overseas and many are likely to return.

Office for National Statistics figures, based on International Passenger Survey data, provide an estimate of the long-term migration of ‘teachers and research professionals’ since 2010 and break down the numbers leaving the UK between British and Non-British citizens. The data is available here: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20160105160709/http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/about-ons/business-transparency/freedom-of-information/what-can-i-request/published-ad-hoc-data/pop/september-2015/index.html

A 2015 report published by the National Foundation for Educational Research, using data from the Labour Force Surveys, suggests that of those joining the teaching profession 4% had been working outside of the UK compared to 1% leaving to work outside the UK. This suggests that the country is in fact gaining more teachers that we are losing to work overseas.

25th Jun 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many primary schools have gone from an inadequate to a good Ofsted rating in four years since 2005; and what steps her Department takes to recognise the achievements of headteachers, teachers and governors.

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, will write to the hon. Member regarding the number of primary schools that have gone from an inadequate to a good Ofsted rating in four years since 2005. A copy of his reply will be placed in the libraries of the House. Information regarding this can also be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/monthly-management-information-ofsteds-school-inspections-outcomes

The National College for Teaching & Leadership (NCTL) recognises the achievements of head teachers, teachers and governors who raise standards in their own and other schools, by designating them as system leaders. Over a thousand head teachers have so far been designated as National Leaders of Education (NLEs) with the schools they lead designated as National Support Schools. Furthermore, over 6000 outstanding teachers, working within teaching school alliances, have been designated as Specialist Leaders of Education (SLEs).

Whenever a school achieves an outstanding Ofsted grading the Secretary of State conveys her congratulations by writing to the school concerned. The department also encourages organisations and individuals to put forward teachers and governors for National Honours.

8th Dec 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her Department's policy is towards the National Union of Teachers' eight steps to reduce excessive teacher workload.

The Secretary of State for Education has confirmed that reducing unnecessary workload for teachers is an absolute priority for this government. We are committed to taking action, and are exploring ways to do this with trade unions through the current programme of talks at the Department for Education. We welcome the National Union of Teachers’ contribution to the programme of talks, and their further contribution to the debate through the proposed eight-step action programme for tackling workload. We will consider carefully the proposals put forward by the NUT. These will be considered alongside the results of the recent ‘Workload Challenge’, a survey of teachers launched by the Secretary of State and the Deputy Prime Minister, which closed recently after receiving more than 40,000 responses. The results are being analysed and a programme of action will be published early next year. This government has taken steps to reduce bureaucracy and burdens on schools, but we know that there is more to be done, and we are committed to working with teachers to find solutions.

20th Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many (a) primary and (b) junior schools in Heywood and Middleton constituency have class sizes in excess of 30 pupils.

According to the January 2014 school census, there were a total of seven schools with one or more infant (key stage 1) classes in excess of 30 pupils in Heywood and Middleton constituency. All of these classes had between 31 and 35 pupils.

There were a further eight schools with one or more junior (key stage 2) classes in excess of 30 pupils. All but one of these classes had between 31 and 35 pupils.

24th Jan 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to prevent online sales of illegal ivory.

The National Wildlife Crime Unit assists law enforcers in their investigations and helps prevent and detect wildlife crime, including cybercrime related to the illegal sale of ivory.

The issue of online sales was raised in response to our recent consultation on banning UK sales of ivory. We are considering this carefully, along with other issues, in developing the Government’s response to the consultation.

Several online retailers have voluntarily banned the sale of ivory online.

11th Sep 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to introduce a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles to increase recycling rates.

As part of the Litter Strategy for England that was published in April this year, we have established a working group to look at different voluntary and economic incentives to improve the recycling and reuse of packaging, and to reduce the incidence of commonly littered items. As well as voluntary models, the scope of the working group includes consideration of regulatory options and measures to target particular types of item or product, including the full cost impacts and benefits of different types of deposit and reward and return schemes for drink containers including plastic bottles. This working group will be consulting widely in developing its evidence base and analysis.

29th Feb 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the UK remaining in the EU on the farming industry.

Defra has not made any assessment of the UK remaining in the EU on the farming industry.

29th Feb 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential effect of a UK withdrawal from the EU on the UK farming industry.

Defra has not made any assessment of the potential effect of a UK withdrawal from the EU on the UK farming industry.

25th Oct 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, pursuant to the oral contribution of the Prime Minister of 22 October 2018, Official Report, column 46, if he will place in the Library a copy of the (a) protocol and (b) underlying memoranda relating to Gibraltar.

The Protocol on Gibraltar will form part of the Withdrawal Agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The Agreement will be laid in the House under section 13(1) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 once negotiations are concluded. We expect to make the Memoranda available in due course once negotiations on the overall agreement between the United Kingdom, the Government of Gibraltar and Spain are complete.

23rd Jun 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what the cost to the public purse has been of private consultancy firms working for his Department on the process of the UK leaving the EU since his Department was established.

The Department for Exiting the European Union has used the services of a number of consulting firms to help with departmental set-up and planning. A small number of individuals are also on secondment from consultancy firms and external organisations. The Department will make further use of external support and recruitment as appropriate to ensure it has the right expertise available.

The total expenditure on professional services and consultancy in the financial year 2016-17 will be published in the annual report and accounts. Specific contracts awarded over £10,000 and items of expenditure over £25,000 will be reported in due course.

Steve Baker
Minister of State (Northern Ireland Office)
29th Nov 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether his Department has awarded any contracts to private companies to assist in the process of the UK leaving the EU.

The Department for Exiting the European Union has used the services of a number of consulting firms to help with departmental set-up and planning. A small number of individuals are currently on secondment from consultancy firms and external organisations. Going forward, the Department will make further use of external support and recruitment as appropriate to ensure it has the right expertise to deliver its objectives.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 1 December 2016 to the Question 55210 and 55211.

22nd Jul 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment he has made of the decision to move Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to the island of Bhasan Charan, which is at risk of severe flooding and cyclones.

We have made clear to the Government of Bangladesh that any relocation of refugees must be safe, dignified and meet international humanitarian principles and standards.

The UK fully supports the UN’s position that full and detailed technical and protection assessments should be conducted of Bhasan Char before any relocations of Rohingya are considered. We welcome the Government of Bangladesh’s commitment to ensure any relocations are voluntary and are conducted in coordination with UN agencies.

Andrew Stephenson
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
22nd Jul 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what further steps his Department is taking to stop the spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the World Health Organization declared the crisis a public health emergency of international concern.

The UK has been one of the major supporters of the response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since it began in August 2018. This has included providing significant funding and technical expertise. Two days before the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), on 15 July, DFID announced additional financial and technical support of up to £50 million – recognising the seriousness of the situation in DRC and the high risk of regional spread.

Following the PHEIC declaration, the UK has echoed the WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in encouraging countries, companies and individuals to avoid measures that could undermine the response and further fuel insecurity, notably the closure of borders.

Andrew Stephenson
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
15th Jul 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what support his Department provides to Mali to tackle the increasing number of internally displaced persons.

The UK is deeply concerned by the increasing levels of violence in Mali. The number of displaced people across Mali has more than tripled in the past year. Through the Sahel Humanitarian Emergency Response Programme (SHERP), the UK is providing Mali with £11.1m of humanitarian aid this year, providing emergency food aid, emergency nutrition activities, and protection assistance to conflict-affected and displaced people across Mali.

8th Jul 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment he has made of the potential risk of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo spreading to South Sudan.

The risk of spread to countries neighbouring eastern DRC remains high, including to South Sudan. This is why the UK is the leading donor to regional preparedness efforts in neighbouring countries, helping support a range of activities, including screening at border crossings and the vaccination of health workers. The recent confirmed Ebola case in Ariwara, DRC, 70km from South Sudan, has further encouraged the international community to step up preparedness activities, particularly in high-risk areas along the border, in the support of the Government of South Sudan.

1st Jul 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what support his Department provides to the Ugandan Government to help with refugees in that country.

The UK is the second largest bilateral donor responding to the refugee situation in Uganda, through UN agencies and international NGOs, and in coordination with the Government of Uganda. Between March 2015 and April 2019 UKAid provided extensive support that has enabled the delivery of a range of life-saving assistance and protection services. These include providing 1.2 million people with food assistance, 130,000 people with access to clean water, and 342,000 women and children with nutritional support. We have also led efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola into refugee settlements in Uganda.

The UK’s response in Uganda will continue to protect people in crisis and invest in long-term livelihood and self-reliance options. It will capitalise on the fact that Uganda’s refugee policy, which allows freedom of movement and the right to work, means that it is well placed to deliver commitments made at the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit under the Grand Bargain and is a pilot country for implementing the 2018 Global Refugee Compact.

18th Jun 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment he has made of the potential effect of state development plans on indigenous populations in the lower Omo valley in Ethiopia.

We are aware of concerns raised about the impacts of development projects on the Omo people in southern Ethiopia. The UK makes regular assessments of the development context in Ethiopia. We are currently funding research which considers the impact of development on income inequality, conflict, and the environment in South Omo. The research is currently being finalised.

18th Jun 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment he has made of the level of risk of Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo spreading to other countries in Africa.

On 11 June, the first cross-border cases of Ebola since this outbreak began in August 2018 were confirmed in Uganda. Although these were quickly contained, the risk of further spread to countries neighbouring eastern DRC remains high. This is why the UK has been the leading donor to regional preparedness efforts, helping support a range of activities, including the construction of screening facilities at border crossings and the vaccination of health workers.

11th Jun 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment he has made of the humanitarian effect of the drought in Somalia; and what steps his Department is taking to support those at risk of starvation.

The drought in Somalia and subsequent widespread crop failure and decline in livestock productivity has resulted in a projected increase in people experiencing acute food insecurity, from 1.7 million to 2.2 million by August 2019. The UK is a leading donor to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Somalia and my Department has recently allocated £8 million to support both emergency, life-saving interventions, and longer-term resilience actions focusing on sustainable water supply and the protection of livelihoods. This brings our total humanitarian spend in Somalia in 2019 to £40 million. We continue to actively monitor the situation and are considering what further support might be required.

3rd Jun 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment he has made of the recent HIV outbreak among children in Pakistan.

We are closely tracking reports of an outbreak of just over 600 new cases of HIV, 75% of them among children, in a town called Ratto Dero in Sindh province. The UK government invests significantly in the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GF), which works closely with the provincial government in Sindh.

There has been an intensive effort to test the population for HIV to establish the extent of the outbreak. Over 20,000 people have been tested to date. We are in close contact with the Global Fund and will work with them to ascertain whether any further assistance is needed, for example to make treatment available for those who need it and prevent onward transmission.

3rd Jun 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what support his Department is providing to health workers working on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The UK continues to take the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC extremely seriously, providing funding and technical assistance to the response. Our funding to the WHO goes to directly support the public health response. Health workers are provided with training, vaccination, and access to personal protection equipment to reduce the risk of infection. We are also supporting other efforts within the response that are essential to building community trust.

The UK strongly condemns attacks on health workers and facilities and will continue to support the DRC Government and UN system to work with affected communities to ensure the safety and security of all frontline responders. All those involved in fighting Ebola must be able to work in safety for the benefit of those being affected by this outbreak.