Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tracy Gilbert and Diana Johnson

Tuesday 20th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Tracy Gilbert (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab)]

Demand for surrogacy from the UK is leading to the exploitation of women in countries across the globe, including Ukraine, Nigeria and Mexico. Can my right hon. Friend give a commitment on when legislation will come to the Floor of the House, so that we can play our part in ending that exploitation as soon as possible?

[Dame Diana Johnson]

We are clear that no surrogacy arrangements should place any party at the risk of exploitation, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provides guidance on the risks of overseas surrogacy and the steps that intended parents must take to return to the UK with their child. The Government have no current plans to legislate to prevent people domiciled in the UK from entering international surrogacy arrangements.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tracy Gilbert and Diana Johnson

Monday 13th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Dame Diana Johnson]

We are currently looking into whether there is a need for more regulation of live facial recognition, but I recognise that it is a very important tool to which the police should have access. I am having a series of stakeholder meetings with various groups to discuss how we take this forward, but I do recognise how important the technology is and how it can be a really positive way of identifying people and solving crimes.

[Tracy Gilbert (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab)]

Can I place on the record my thanks to the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham Yardley (Jess Phillips), who I know will ensure that this Government do more to tackle violence against women and girls than any other Government? In doing so, will the Government amend the strategy to consider prostitution and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation as violence against women and girls?