Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Ellis and Margaret Ferrier

Thursday 25th November 2021 Commons Chamber

[Michael Ellis]

It is up to this House to regulate its disciplinary affairs. Of course, this House has done so and, under your leadership, Mr Speaker, will no doubt continue to do so.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Ind)]

I have previously written to the Minister for Defence People and Veterans about the delay that one of my constituents has experienced while waiting for a decision on his military pension. Will the Minister please look into this case and ensure that my constituent does not wait any longer than the year that has already elapsed since his application?

Brexit: Opportunities

Debate between Michael Ellis and Margaret Ferrier

Thursday 16th September 2021 Commons Chamber

[Michael Ellis]

My right hon. Friend makes a very good, apposite point. We will certainly take that back.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Ind)]

As the Government look to consult on reform to personal data protection policy, concerns have been raised about the potential removal of article 22, which guarantees that people can seek a human review of an artificial intelligence-made decision, creating cause for concern for data protection campaigners. Will the Paymaster General confirm whether the Government have assessed the impact of this potential removal in relation to negotiating trade deals with other countries?

[Michael Ellis]

Of course, the whole area of AI will open up myriad issues such as the one that the hon. Lady referred to. The Government are alive to those points and will take all those issues into careful consideration.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Ellis and Margaret Ferrier

Thursday 13th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[The Solicitor General]

My hon. Friend is right to raise that point. I am pleased to say there is good co-operation across jurisdictions—between the English and Scottish authorities—and between the different counties in England that co-ordinate on these matters. The NCLCC is working in this area, and I understand it is working very effectively.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (SNP)]

The work of these gangs stretches right across the UK, with more than 20 known to be operating county lines in Scotland. Can the Solicitor General assure me that prosecutors in the different criminal jurisdictions are working closely together to ensure that those behind “country lines” are brought to justice as speedily and effectively as possible?

[The Solicitor General]

The hon. Lady raises a good point. We know that county lines do not respect internal borders, and Police Scotland is engaged in the national law enforcement response to this issue. I am pleased to say Police Scotland is working as part of the NCLCC, which was established with £3.6 million of Home Office funding in 2018.