Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Thursday 11th January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

These texts are always delivered by Ministers in mellifluous tones, but they are often far too long. I know that there are people who scribble them for Ministers, but Ministers have a responsibility to recognise the virtues of the blue pencil.

[Jeremy Quin]

But I also recognise the wisdom of the Minister’s answer, Mr Speaker, and I am grateful for it. I share his aspirations. Will he please remind the House what he will do to give those aspirations legislative effect?

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members rose—]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am sorry but demand has exceeded supply, as is commonplace, and we must now move on.

The Minister for Women and Equalities was asked—

--- Later in debate ---

[Amber Rudd]

Well, Mr Speaker, I am sure that you listened carefully to that question, as I understand that that is a matter for the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art.

[Mr Speaker]

The Works of Art Committee is a very important Committee. I have a feeling that the hon. Member for Livingston (Hannah Bardell) is going to beetle her way towards it and pitch in person. I am sure that the Committee looks forward to that prospect with eager anticipation.

[Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)]

9. What steps her Department is taking to promote the right to a balanced share of statutory pay for mothers and fathers taking parental leave.

--- Later in debate ---

[Alan Brown]

The Scottish Government are providing essential training to around 14,000 police officers to help them to spot coercive control. What discussions has the Minister had with herself, in her role as Home Secretary, about the Home Office providing similar training for the police in England and Wales?

[Mr Speaker]

I do not know whether the Minister is going to admit to talking to herself, but I think we are about to discover.

[Amber Rudd]

I shall draw a veil over that particular suggestion, but as the hon. Gentleman is aware we have introduced a new offence of coercive or controlling behaviour, which is an important part of our efforts to make sure that we support women and that we address additional forms of abuse that take place in that way. We have also rolled out domestic violence protection orders. Most importantly, this year we will introduce a domestic abuse Bill to do everything we can to protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice.