First elected: 7th May 2015
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
These initiatives were driven by Louise Haigh, 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.
Louise Haigh has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to remove the parental rights of fathers of children conceived through rape; to make provision for an inquiry into the handling by family courts of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls in child arrangement cases; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for the disclosure of information held by public authorities or by persons contracted to provide services for them or on their behalf; to amend the Freedom of Information Act 2000; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend Part 8 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 to make provision about leave for persons donating body organs for transplant; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 to apply its provisions to certain sectors including construction, care services, retail, cleaning, warehousing and the transportation of goods; and for connected purposes.
Assaults on Retail Workers (Offences) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Alex Norris (LAB)
Reservoirs (Flood Risk) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Holly Lynch (Lab)
Minimum Service Obligation (High Street Cashpoints) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Huw Merriman (Con)
Freehold Properties (Management Charges and Shared Facilities) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Helen Goodman (Lab)
Freedom of Information (Extension) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Andy Slaughter (Lab)
Automatic Electoral Registration (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Jo Stevens (Lab)
Employment and Workers' Rights Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Stephanie Peacock (Lab)
Workers' Rights (Maintenance of EU Standards) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Melanie Onn (Lab)
By convention, whether the Law Officers have been asked to provide advice, and the contents of any such advice, is not disclosed outside Government.
The Convention protects the Law Officers’ ability as chief legal advisers to the Government to give full and frank legal advice, and provides the fullest guarantee that government business will be conducted at all times in light of thorough and candid legal advice.
I refer the hon. Member to my answer to her question of 16 January 2023, Official Report, PQ120061.
The Prime Minister regularly travels by train. All Ministerial travel is undertaken using efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements.
Since taking office, the Minister for the Cabinet Office has not taken any non-scheduled flights nor, to date, has travelled by train in his ministerial capacity.
Since taking office, the Minister for the Cabinet Office has not taken any non-scheduled flights nor, to date, has travelled by train in his ministerial capacity.
Details of Government contracts above £10,000, and £25,000 in the wider public sector, are published on Contracts Finder: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search
United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) does not issue priority passes to prospective employees. However, I can advise that since 12 April 2022 arrangements have been made to expedite all National Security Vetting cases for the aviation industry, with dedicated resources allocated, in response to operational challenges currently impacting the aviation sector.
In line with the practice followed by successive administrations, the Government does not otherwise comment on security matters.
I am unable to reveal the average processing time of National Security Vetting (NSV) checks as this is likely to prejudice national security. It would also impact the protective measures employed in safeguarding Her Majesty’s Government (HMG). However, I am able to report that national security checks for the aviation sector are being processed in a timely manner and that there are no delays.
In line with the practice followed by successive administrations, the Government does not otherwise comment on security matters.
I am unable to confirm staffing levels in United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) for security reasons but can confirm that there are measures in place to fast track applications submitted from the aviation sector. UKSV works closely with customer groups and authorities to understand their forecasted demand for the provision of vetting services. In turn this allows for an appropriate resourcing forecast.
I am also unable to reveal the number of National Security Vetting (NSV) checks in progress as this is likely to prejudice national security. It would also impact the protective measures employed in safeguarding Her Majesty’s Government (HMG). However, I am able to report that security checks are being processed in a timely manner and that there are no delays.
In line with the practice followed by successive administrations, the Government does not otherwise comment on security matters.
I am unable to confirm staffing levels in United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) for security reasons but can confirm that there are measures in place to fast track applications submitted from the aviation sector. UKSV works closely with customer groups and authorities to understand their forecasted demand for the provision of vetting services. In turn this allows for an appropriate resourcing forecast.
I am also unable to reveal the number of National Security Vetting (NSV) checks in progress as this is likely to prejudice national security. It would also impact the protective measures employed in safeguarding Her Majesty’s Government (HMG). However, I am able to report that security checks are being processed in a timely manner and that there are no delays.
In line with the practice followed by successive administrations, the Government does not otherwise comment on security matters.
The National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline reports on forecast and projected infrastructure investment across the public and private sectors, and includes projections regarding skills demand. The Pipeline does not include targets for any sector, including UK steel.
This government is committed to creating the right conditions in the UK for a competitive and sustainable steel industry. It publishes a separate Steel Procurement Pipeline setting out the UK government steel requirements over the next 10 years, together with data on how departments are complying with steel procurement guidance. This enables UK steel manufacturers to better plan and bid for government contracts.
I am unable to reveal the number of National Security Vetting (NSV) checks in progress as this is likely to prejudice national security. It would also impact the protective measures employed in safeguarding Her Majesty’s Government (HMG). However, I am able to report that security checks are being processed in a timely manner. There are no delays, and the aviation industry is aware of the time that these checks take to be processed.
In line with the practice followed by successive administrations, the Government does not otherwise comment on security matters.
There is significant ongoing Ministerial and official-level engagement by both the Northern Ireland Office and the Cabinet Office with all the devolved administrations on EU policy issues including the implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and Withdrawal Agreement (WA). Lord Frost, as the Minister responsible for this area, regularly briefs with the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, as well as representatives of the political parties in Northern Ireland.
There is significant ongoing Ministerial and official-level engagement by both the Northern Ireland Office and the Cabinet Office with all the devolved administrations on EU policy issues including the implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and Withdrawal Agreement (WA). Lord Frost, as the Minister responsible for this area, regularly briefs with the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, as well as representatives of the political parties in Northern Ireland.
The government publishes details of ministers’ meetings with external organisations. Transparency returns for Cabinet Office Ministers are published regularly, and can be found here.
Lord Frost and his team are in regular contact with representatives of the UK pharmaceutical industry. We continue to work closely with all those involved in the health care system, suppliers, industry, and the Northern Ireland Executive to put in place robust measures to help ensure the continued supply of medicines and medical products to Northern Ireland.
UK Government funding to support citizens and businesses in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland goes beyond the specific Union Fund recommended by the Dunlop Review.
COVID-19 has shown the value of collective strength of all parts of the UK working together and the importance of the broad shoulders of the UK Government in supporting the whole country.
Our commitment to strengthening the Union is no more evident than in the recent Budget, a budget for the whole of the United Kingdom, in which most of the policies announced were UK-wide, for example, extensions to furlough and self-employed schemes, Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit extension, support for the armed forces, Recovery Loans Scheme, Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, Super Deduction capital investment, Help to Grow, visa reforms and the Community Ownership Fund.
We also continue to work closely and collaboratively with the devolved administrations to deliver various funding schemes, including City and Growth Deals. Through the 2021 Budget, the UK Government confirmed an acceleration of funding for 6 different Deals across Scotland and Wales and on 24 February, partners signed the Heads of Terms for the Derry-Londonderry and Strabane Growth Deal in Northern Ireland.
The UK Internal Market Act allows the UK Government to complement and strengthen the support given to citizens, businesses and communities in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, to ensure we make the most of the opportunities provided by our exit from the EU and build back better from Covid-19. Powers under the act will be used, for example, to deliver the Levelling Up Fund and UK Community Renewal Fund in 2021/22. The UK Government intends to work with the devolved administrations and local partners closest to the needs of communities to make sure that these UK-wide funds are used to best effect.
UK Government funding to support citizens and businesses in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland goes beyond the specific Union Fund recommended by the Dunlop Review.
COVID-19 has shown the value of collective strength of all parts of the UK working together and the importance of the broad shoulders of the UK Government in supporting the whole country.
Our commitment to strengthening the Union is no more evident than in the recent Budget, a budget for the whole of the United Kingdom, in which most of the policies announced were UK-wide, for example, extensions to furlough and self-employed schemes, Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit extension, support for the armed forces, Recovery Loans Scheme, Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, Super Deduction capital investment, Help to Grow, visa reforms and the Community Ownership Fund.
We also continue to work closely and collaboratively with the devolved administrations to deliver various funding schemes, including City and Growth Deals. Through the 2021 Budget, the UK Government confirmed an acceleration of funding for 6 different Deals across Scotland and Wales and on 24 February, partners signed the Heads of Terms for the Derry-Londonderry and Strabane Growth Deal in Northern Ireland.
The UK Internal Market Act allows the UK Government to complement and strengthen the support given to citizens, businesses and communities in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, to ensure we make the most of the opportunities provided by our exit from the EU and build back better from Covid-19. Powers under the act will be used, for example, to deliver the Levelling Up Fund and UK Community Renewal Fund in 2021/22. The UK Government intends to work with the devolved administrations and local partners closest to the needs of communities to make sure that these UK-wide funds are used to best effect.
It is a long-established precedent that information about the discussions that have taken place in Cabinet and its Committees, and how often they have met, is not normally shared publicly.
Article 15(2) of the Northern Ireland Protocol establishes that the Joint Consultative Working Group shall be composed of representatives of the United Kingdom and the European Union. The Government has committed to including representatives of the Northern Ireland Executive as part of the UK delegation to meetings. The JCWG briefly convened for a very short period on 29 January to adopt the Rules of Procedure. This was not a full meeting so was attended by limited delegations of only three officials from each side.
The Rules of Procedure adopted by that Working Group were those included as an Annex to the EU’s Council Decision 2020/1599 adopted on 23 October 2020; and no amendments were made.
The Working Group will continue to meet at dates decided by the co-chairs.
Article 15(2) of the Northern Ireland Protocol establishes that the Joint Consultative Working Group shall be composed of representatives of the United Kingdom and the European Union. The Government has committed to including representatives of the Northern Ireland Executive as part of the UK delegation to meetings. The JCWG briefly convened for a very short period on 29 January to adopt the Rules of Procedure. This was not a full meeting so was attended by limited delegations of only three officials from each side.
The Rules of Procedure adopted by that Working Group were those included as an Annex to the EU’s Council Decision 2020/1599 adopted on 23 October 2020; and no amendments were made.
The Working Group will continue to meet at dates decided by the co-chairs.
Further to the answer given by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the urgent question today, details of the products are available online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/export-food-and-agricultural-products-special-rules#restricted-and-prohibited-goods
Details of the agreements reached within the Joint Committee, including on chilled meats, are also available online.
Further to the answer given by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the urgent question today, details of the products are available online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/export-food-and-agricultural-products-special-rules#restricted-and-prohibited-goods
Details of the agreements reached within the Joint Committee, including on chilled meats, are also available online.
Details of the meetings of the committees established by the Withdrawal Agreement will be announced in the usual way.
The Joint Consultative Working Group met on 29 January 2021. The Working Group will continue to meet at dates to be decided by the co-chairs.
Details of meetings of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee have been published online and dates of future meetings will be announced in the usual way.
The Joint Consultative Working Group met on 29 January 2021. The Working Group will continue to meet at dates to be decided by the co-chairs.
Details of meetings of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee have been published online and dates of future meetings will be announced in the usual way.
I refer the hon. Member to the Government’s Command Paper, ‘The Northern Ireland Protocol’, laid in Parliament on 10 December. This provides details of the agreement in principle reached by the Co-Chairs of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee regarding the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, as well as further information on the UK Government’s work to implement the Protocol and support businesses as it comes into force.
I refer the hon. Member to the Government’s Command Paper, ‘The Northern Ireland Protocol’, laid in Parliament on 10 December. This provides details of the agreement in principle reached by the Co-Chairs of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee regarding the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, as well as further information on the UK Government’s work to implement the Protocol and support businesses as it comes into force.
I refer the hon. Member to the Government’s Command Paper, ‘The Northern Ireland Protocol’, laid in Parliament on 10 December. This provides details of the agreement in principle reached by the Co-Chairs of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee regarding the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, as well as further information on the UK Government’s work to implement the Protocol and support businesses as it comes into force.
As set out in our Command Paper, the Government is delivering the commitment of unfettered access for goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK. From 1 January 2021, goods moving directly from Northern Ireland to Great Britain will continue to do so as they do today.
We recognise that the priority is also to extend as many of the benefits of unfettered access as possible to goods moving indirectly via Ireland. That is why from 1 January, customs duties will not be due on qualifying Northern Ireland goods moved indirectly from NI to GB.
I refer the hon Member to the answer given to PQs 106397 and 106398 on 2 November 2020.
The UK Government is committed to implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol. Work is being progressed right across Government and in partnership with the devolved administrations, with ongoing oversight and scrutiny in the usual way. The tender process for the construction of expanded point of entry facilities is being led by DAERA, with UK Government support. The contract has been awarded. We continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive to progress this work.
The UK Government is committed to implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol. Work is being progressed right across Government and in partnership with the devolved administrations, with ongoing oversight and scrutiny in the usual way. The tender process for the construction of expanded point of entry facilities is being led by DAERA, with UK Government support. The contract has been awarded. We continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive to progress this work.
The UK Government is committed to upholding its obligations under the Northern Ireland Protocol. That includes, as we have set out previously including in our Command Paper, expanding some existing Northern Ireland points of entry for agrifood goods. Further to the answer to PQ 92635 on 28 September, we are working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive, port authorities, district councils, and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland to take this work forward, and to take all measures possible in a timely way. As has been the case under successive administrations, detailed legal advice and whether or not it has been sought, is not normally disclosed.
The UK Government is committed to upholding its obligations under the Northern Ireland Protocol. That includes, as we have set out previously including in our Command Paper, expanding some existing Northern Ireland points of entry for agrifood goods. Further to the answer to PQ 92635 on 28 September, we are working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive, port authorities, district councils, and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland to take this work forward, and to take all measures possible in a timely way. As has been the case under successive administrations, detailed legal advice and whether or not it has been sought, is not normally disclosed.
The UK Government is committed to upholding its obligations under the Northern Ireland Protocol. That includes, as we have set out previously including in our Command Paper, expanding some existing Northern Ireland points of entry for agrifood goods. Further to the answer to PQ 92635 on 28 September, we are working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive, port authorities, district councils, and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland to take this work forward, and to take all measures possible in a timely way. As has been the case under successive administrations, detailed legal advice and whether or not it has been sought, is not normally disclosed.
Further to the answer given to PQ52196 on 4 June 2020 and the approach set out by the Government in the Commons Paper of 20 May, guidance for Northern Ireland businesses was published on 7 August. This is available on gov.uk, and already includes some information on fluorinated gases, the movement of green and amber waste, tobacco and e-cigarette products.
We have established the Business Engagement Forum, and have heard the call for further clarity from business on the requirements of the Protocol, and on the support that the UK Government will provide. We recognise that with implementation work and Joint Committee discussions still underway, we cannot provide all details at this stage. We will set out further information as soon as possible.
We have established a new and unprecedented Trader Support Service backed by funding of up to £200m, providing end-to-end support for businesses engaged in new processes under the Protocol. The service will start to go live later this month so that businesses can register and begin to receive information about preparing for the end of the transition period. In the meantime, all traders who wish to draw upon its support can register their interest on gov.uk.
We have also committed to exploring further support to those agrifood producers engaging with new sanitary and phytosanitary processes, with further detail to be set out in due course.
Further to the answer given to PQ52196 on 4 June 2020 and the approach set out by the Government in the Commons Paper of 20 May, guidance for Northern Ireland businesses was published on 7 August. This is available on gov.uk, and already includes some information on fluorinated gases, the movement of green and amber waste, tobacco and e-cigarette products.
We have established the Business Engagement Forum, and have heard the call for further clarity from business on the requirements of the Protocol, and on the support that the UK Government will provide. We recognise that with implementation work and Joint Committee discussions still underway, we cannot provide all details at this stage. We will set out further information as soon as possible.
We have established a new and unprecedented Trader Support Service backed by funding of up to £200m, providing end-to-end support for businesses engaged in new processes under the Protocol. The service will start to go live later this month so that businesses can register and begin to receive information about preparing for the end of the transition period. In the meantime, all traders who wish to draw upon its support can register their interest on gov.uk.
We have also committed to exploring further support to those agrifood producers engaging with new sanitary and phytosanitary processes, with further detail to be set out in due course.
Further to the answer given to PQ52196 on 4 June 2020 and the approach set out by the Government in the Commons Paper of 20 May, guidance for Northern Ireland businesses was published on 7 August. This is available on gov.uk, and already includes some information on fluorinated gases, the movement of green and amber waste, tobacco and e-cigarette products.
We have established the Business Engagement Forum, and have heard the call for further clarity from business on the requirements of the Protocol, and on the support that the UK Government will provide. We recognise that with implementation work and Joint Committee discussions still underway, we cannot provide all details at this stage. We will set out further information as soon as possible.
We have established a new and unprecedented Trader Support Service backed by funding of up to £200m, providing end-to-end support for businesses engaged in new processes under the Protocol. The service will start to go live later this month so that businesses can register and begin to receive information about preparing for the end of the transition period. In the meantime, all traders who wish to draw upon its support can register their interest on gov.uk.
We have also committed to exploring further support to those agrifood producers engaging with new sanitary and phytosanitary processes, with further detail to be set out in due course.
Further to the answer given to PQ52196 on 4 June 2020 and the approach set out by the Government in the Commons Paper of 20 May, guidance for Northern Ireland businesses was published on 7 August. This is available on gov.uk, and already includes some information on fluorinated gases, the movement of green and amber waste, tobacco and e-cigarette products.
We have established the Business Engagement Forum, and have heard the call for further clarity from business on the requirements of the Protocol, and on the support that the UK Government will provide. We recognise that with implementation work and Joint Committee discussions still underway, we cannot provide all details at this stage. We will set out further information as soon as possible.
We have established a new and unprecedented Trader Support Service backed by funding of up to £200m, providing end-to-end support for businesses engaged in new processes under the Protocol. The service will start to go live later this month so that businesses can register and begin to receive information about preparing for the end of the transition period. In the meantime, all traders who wish to draw upon its support can register their interest on gov.uk.
We have also committed to exploring further support to those agrifood producers engaging with new sanitary and phytosanitary processes, with further detail to be set out in due course.
Further to the answer given to PQ52196 on 4 June 2020 and the approach set out by the Government in the Commons Paper of 20 May, guidance for Northern Ireland businesses was published on 7 August. This is available on gov.uk, and already includes some information on fluorinated gases, the movement of green and amber waste, tobacco and e-cigarette products.
We have established the Business Engagement Forum, and have heard the call for further clarity from business on the requirements of the Protocol, and on the support that the UK Government will provide. We recognise that with implementation work and Joint Committee discussions still underway, we cannot provide all details at this stage. We will set out further information as soon as possible.
We have established a new and unprecedented Trader Support Service backed by funding of up to £200m, providing end-to-end support for businesses engaged in new processes under the Protocol. The service will start to go live later this month so that businesses can register and begin to receive information about preparing for the end of the transition period. In the meantime, all traders who wish to draw upon its support can register their interest on gov.uk.
We have also committed to exploring further support to those agrifood producers engaging with new sanitary and phytosanitary processes, with further detail to be set out in due course.
Further to the answer given to PQ52196 on 4 June 2020 and the approach set out by the Government in the Commons Paper of 20 May, guidance for Northern Ireland businesses was published on 7 August. This is available on gov.uk, and already includes some information on fluorinated gases, the movement of green and amber waste, tobacco and e-cigarette products.
We have established the Business Engagement Forum, and have heard the call for further clarity from business on the requirements of the Protocol, and on the support that the UK Government will provide. We recognise that with implementation work and Joint Committee discussions still underway, we cannot provide all details at this stage. We will set out further information as soon as possible.
We have established a new and unprecedented Trader Support Service backed by funding of up to £200m, providing end-to-end support for businesses engaged in new processes under the Protocol. The service will start to go live later this month so that businesses can register and begin to receive information about preparing for the end of the transition period. In the meantime, all traders who wish to draw upon its support can register their interest on gov.uk.
We have also committed to exploring further support to those agrifood producers engaging with new sanitary and phytosanitary processes, with further detail to be set out in due course.
Further to the answer given to PQ52196 on 4 June 2020 and the approach set out by the Government in the Commons Paper of 20 May, guidance for Northern Ireland businesses was published on 7 August. This is available on gov.uk, and already includes some information on fluorinated gases, the movement of green and amber waste, tobacco and e-cigarette products.
We have established the Business Engagement Forum, and have heard the call for further clarity from business on the requirements of the Protocol, and on the support that the UK Government will provide. We recognise that with implementation work and Joint Committee discussions still underway, we cannot provide all details at this stage. We will set out further information as soon as possible.
We have established a new and unprecedented Trader Support Service backed by funding of up to £200m, providing end-to-end support for businesses engaged in new processes under the Protocol. The service will start to go live later this month so that businesses can register and begin to receive information about preparing for the end of the transition period. In the meantime, all traders who wish to draw upon its support can register their interest on gov.uk.
We have also committed to exploring further support to those agrifood producers engaging with new sanitary and phytosanitary processes, with further detail to be set out in due course.
Further to the answer given to PQ52196 on 4 June 2020 and the approach set out by the Government in the Commons Paper of 20 May, guidance for Northern Ireland businesses was published on 7 August. This is available on gov.uk, and already includes some information on fluorinated gases, the movement of green and amber waste, tobacco and e-cigarette products.
We have established the Business Engagement Forum, and have heard the call for further clarity from business on the requirements of the Protocol, and on the support that the UK Government will provide. We recognise that with implementation work and Joint Committee discussions still underway, we cannot provide all details at this stage. We will set out further information as soon as possible.
We have established a new and unprecedented Trader Support Service backed by funding of up to £200m, providing end-to-end support for businesses engaged in new processes under the Protocol. The service will start to go live later this month so that businesses can register and begin to receive information about preparing for the end of the transition period. In the meantime, all traders who wish to draw upon its support can register their interest on gov.uk.
We have also committed to exploring further support to those agrifood producers engaging with new sanitary and phytosanitary processes, with further detail to be set out in due course.
The Border Operating Model published on 13 July confirmed the requirements for checks and new documentary processes for animals and plant products. Details are available on gov.uk.
Further to Rule 10, Annex VIII of the Withdrawal Agreement, the meetings of the Joint Committee shall be confidential.
Zero cost to the public purse.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ 62460 on 25 June 2020.