Debates between Shailesh Vara and Anne McLaughlin during the 2015-2017 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Shailesh Vara and Anne McLaughlin
Tuesday 26th April 2016

(8 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Shailesh Vara Portrait Mr Vara
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The hon. Lady raises a very good point. There is a huge amount of sympathy across the political divide for the individual about whom she spoke. She will appreciate, however, that it would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt what will appear in the Queen’s Speech.

Anne McLaughlin Portrait Anne McLaughlin (Glasgow North East) (SNP)
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In order to avoid discriminating against people with disabilities, will the Minister confirm that personal independence payments will not be used in calculations that determine whether or not someone is entitled to help with employment tribunal cases?

Shailesh Vara Portrait Mr Vara
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Much consideration is given when assessing the criteria to be taken into account. The Ministry of Justice, the Department for Work and Pensions and others are involved, and it would be inappropriate for me to make a decision right now from the Dispatch Box in the way the hon. Lady asks me to do.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Shailesh Vara and Anne McLaughlin
Tuesday 3rd November 2015

(8 years, 12 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Anne McLaughlin Portrait Anne McLaughlin (Glasgow North East) (SNP)
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T9. Legal aid was withdrawn from refugees who safely reached these shores and needed to be reunited with their families because this was deemed to be a straightforward process. The British Red Cross report entitled “Not So Straightforward” indicates that that is not the case. Has the Secretary of State read the report? Will the Government reintroduce legal aid or will they simplify the process so that legal aid is not required and the process in in fact straightforward?

Shailesh Vara Portrait Mr Vara
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I am grateful to the hon. Lady for raising the issue of legal aid again. As I said earlier, we have committed to having a review of the implementation of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. That will be carried out within three to five years of its implementation, but we do keep a watching eye on matters as they evolve.