Oral Answers to Questions

Rachel Blake Excerpts

Thursday 23rd April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Nick Thomas-Symonds]

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend’s assessment of Capita’s lamentable performance on the civil service pension scheme. We have to take individual decisions on contracts. For example, yesterday I cancelled Capita’s contract for the Royal Mail statutory pension scheme. I am robustly holding Capita to account, including by withholding milestone payments on the civil service pension scheme. With regard to the Synergy contract, that was led by the Department for Work and Pensions through the normal process, and it too will be managed robustly.

[Rachel Blake (Cities of London and Westminster) (Lab/Co-op)]

18. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to increase trade with the EU.

[The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Nick Thomas-Symonds)]

We are taking forward negotiations with the EU to drive investment, jobs and growth for the UK pragmatically. On ideological grounds, the Conservatives and Reform would undo it all, and Green party foreign policy—let us be frank—is a dangerous fantasy.

[Rachel Blake]

I wish you a very happy St George’s day, Mr Speaker. The Cities of London and Westminster hold many celebrations for St George’s day.

We heard significant movement earlier today regarding energy. What economic assessment has been made beyond food and drink, the youth experience scheme, Erasmus and the emissions trading system to make sure that, at the forthcoming summit, we deliver on our commitments?

[Nick Thomas-Symonds]

My hon. Friend can be assured that we will continue to drive forward to deliver on our commitment. The electricity trading negotiations are absolutely vital, not only for energy security but to bear down on household bills.