Monday Volume 684 23 November 2020 No. 139

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 23 November 2020 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2020 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 579 23 NOVEMBER 2020 580

Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): Can the House of Commons Secretary of State say how many pupils have been sent home from school for covid-related reasons since the Monday 23 November 2020 start of this term, and of those, how many have been sent home on more than one occasion?

The House met at half-past Two o’clock Gavin Williamson: The hon. Lady raises an important point about the number of pupils being sent home. We keep a close monitor of those children who are sent PRAYERS home and we are working with the sector, so we can provide her with that detail and will send it on to her. [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] Kate Green: I am disappointed that the Secretary of Virtual participation in proceedings commenced (Order, State does not know those figures. Parents, pupils and 4 June). teachers have told me of students having been sent [NB: [V] denotes a Member participating virtually.] home three, four, even five times; some have missed up to one third of their time in school. I am sure the Secretary of State agrees that that will have a disastrous ROYAL ASSENT impact on their learning. As we have heard, promised help with laptops and additional costs has not always Mr Speaker: I have to notify the House, in accordance arrived. School leaders and staff are stressed and exhausted. with the Royal Assent Act 1967, that Her Majesty has I support him in wanting pupils to be safely in school, signified her Royal Assent to the following Acts: but please will he tell our dedicated and desperate Fisheries Act 2020 teachers, heads and support staff what he is going to do Social Security (Up-rating of Benefits) Act 2020. to support them and keep children learning? Gavin Williamson: At every stage, we on the Government side of the House have championed the importance of Oral Answers to Questions schools and getting children back into schools. We have done everything we can to support schools to welcome children back. We have done everything we can in terms of the over half a million laptops that are going to be EDUCATION distributed, and are being distributed, to schools to support remote learning. We recognise the fact that children have lost out as a result of this covid pandemic. The Secretary of State was asked— That is why the Government pledged £1 billion-worth of support to schools to help them catch up that lost Schools: Safe Opening and Covid-19 learning.

Bambos Charalambous (Enfield, Southgate) (Lab): School Admissions Code: Summer-born Children What support he is providing to schools to help ensure their safe opening during the covid-19 outbreak. Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con): What progress [909059] his Department has made on further amending the school admissions code to ensure that summer-born The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson): and premature children can be admitted to reception at To support schools to open fully from the autumn, we the age of five at the request of parents. [909060] published guidance in July and updated it as necessary. The Minister for School Standards (Nick Gibb): The Schools have access to an advice service and supply of Department published updated guidance in September 2020 test kits. By assessing risk and maximising the use of on the admission of summer-born children. The guidance Public Health England-endorsed control measures, schools will help ensure that decisions are taken in the best reduce risk for pupils and staff. interests of the child concerned. It remains our intention to legislate to change the school admissions code when Bambos Charalambous: Schools are facing huge budget an opportunity is available. pressures as costs escalate for increased supply cover as teachers self-isolate and from unfunded covid-19 cleaning Stephen Hammond: I thank my right hon. Friend for costs. More than a quarter of all state schools are using that answer. I agree with him that legislating would reserve budgets to ensure that pupils have devices and ensure that all summer-born children get the opportunity access to the internet to study while isolating at home. and the life outcome they deserve. Will he agree to meet What assurances can the Secretary of State give that me and perhaps a member of the Treasury so that we schools will get the funding they need to cover these can ensure that that legislation comes through in this unforeseen costs? Parliament? Gavin Williamson: I thank the hon. Gentleman for Nick Gibb: May I first pay tribute to my hon. Friend raising that important point. We know how important for highlighting the important issue of summer-born it is. We already outlined a package for the summer children? Of course, I would be delighted to meet him term, and tens of millions of pounds have been distributed to discuss the legislation that we need to put through to to schools. We have kept this matter under review and ensure that his and others’ very strong opinions about will update the House closely in the near future. fairness for summer-born children are implemented. 581 Oral Answers 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Oral Answers 582

Childcare Provision Last week, The Sunday Times reported that a record 600,000 children were absent from class due to covid-related Stuart Anderson (Wolverhampton South West) (Con): reasons. We know that around the country sending What steps his Department is taking to support parents pupils home has, sadly, become more commonplace. It with childcare provision. [909061] is right that exams in some form or another take place next year, but will my right hon. Friend set out the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education measures he is taking to ensure there is an absolute level (Vicky Ford): Wehave made an unprecedented investment playing field for those left behind during the coronavirus in childcare of £3.6 billion this year. Childcare settings outbreak, as well as those who are sent home to self-isolate, have been prioritised for reopening, childcare bubbles so they have as fair a chance as possible in their exams have reduced pressure on working parents, and from as every other pupil? next Easter, disadvantaged children will be able to take Gavin Williamson: What all the evidence points to is part in our holiday activities and food programmes all that exams are the best and fairest way to ensure that across the country.1 children, especially children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds and children from black and ethnic minority Stuart Anderson: The Minister will know of my backgrounds, get the best possible grades. What is so enthusiasm for campaigning for another outstanding important is that we deliver fairness for all youngsters secondary school in Wolverhampton. Will she work with right across the board. We have already announced a me to see that that comes to fruition and that we get package of measures to push back the date when exams another outstanding secondary school in Wolverhampton? will take place, so people can catch up on lost learning. We have also announced a £1 billion package to support Vicky Ford: My hon. Friend shares our passion for schools to deliver extra assistance for those youngsters. making sure that we improve education in Wolverhampton We will announce further measures to ensure absolute and all across the country. He has been championing fairness in our exam system, so that young people have that non-stop, lobbying my right hon. Friend the Secretary the best opportunity to prove themselves when they of State.The free schools programme has created thousands have the opportunity to take their exams. of high-quality school places.Three secondary applications have been received from my hon. Friend’s constituency, National Funding Formula and we hope to make a decision later this year. Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): What steps Self-isolating Children: Online Education his Department is taking to ensure that schools receive equitable levels of funding under the national funding Mrs Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con): formula. [909063] What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that children self-isolating during the covid-19 outbreak receive The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson): The national funding formula distributes funding based high-quality online education. [909062] on school and pupil characteristics. Despite budget pressures due to covid, we have increased funding for The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson): the lowest-funded schools to ensure every school has We are clear that schools have a duty to provide remote the resources it needs to deliver an outstanding education, education for state-funded children who are unable to with at least £5,150 per pupil next year for all secondary attend school due to coronavirus. I gave a direction that schools and £4,000 per pupil for primary schools. placed a legal duty to provide remote education in those circumstances.That has been in effect since 22 October 2020. Sir Edward Leigh: The headmaster of Caistor Grammar School has contacted me. This school produces, for kids Mrs Murray [V]: I thank my right hon. Friend for from all sorts of backgrounds, some of the best results that answer. Many teachers are also having to self-isolate. in the east midlands, but its buildings are in a shocking For those who are healthy, are we ensuring that they are state. He has been refused a condition improvement able to assist with online learning? grant, despite the fact that he has temporary and mobile classrooms that are classed by the Secretary of State’s Gavin Williamson: We very much are, and we are Department as grade A. Will the Secretary of State encouraging schools with teachers who are not in a assure me that, in his national funding formula negotiations, position to be in the classroom, to ensure and support there is no discrimination against grammar schools? I online learning straight into children’s homes. It is often find that, while the education is wonderful, the absolutely vital we do so. As we see more and more buildings are peeling. testing becoming available, we can release staff so they can be back in the classroom supporting the amazing Gavin Williamson: I can absolutely assure my right work that is already going on there. hon. Friend that there will be no discrimination shown against grammar schools. I encourage him to be in Mr Speaker: Let us head to the Secretary of State for contact with the school as the next round of condition Education, Robert Halfon—not the Secretary of State, improvement funding is due in January next year. I very the Chair of the Select Committee on Education. much encourage that school, as well as other schools in [Laughter.] The next promotion! his constituency, to apply. That gives me the opportunity to highlight the fact that we are spending more on the Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con) [V]: Thank you very condition and improvement of our schools, with an much, Mr Speaker. We have a good Secretary of State extra half a billion pounds allocated to support schools already. and their rebuilding.1 1.[Official Report, 24 November 2020, Vol. 684, c. 5MC.] 1.[Official Report, 24 November 2020, Vol. 684, c. 6MC.] 583 Oral Answers 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Oral Answers 584

Home Learning: IT Provision that decision, we are able to ensure that every pupil in those circumstances will receive a computer. All they Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): What have to do is phone the Department for Education, and steps he is taking to ensure that all pupils have laptops they will have the computer, if they fulfil the eligibility, and internet access when required to learn from home. within 48 hours of putting in that call. [909064] Exams and Assessments 2021: Covid-19 Zarah Sultana (Coventry South) (Lab): What steps he is taking to ensure that all pupils have laptops and Lucy Powell (Manchester Central) (Lab/Co-op): What internet access when required to learn from home. steps he is taking to ensure that equal treatment is [909096] applied to all pupils undertaking exams and assessments in 2021 in response to variations in physical attendance The Minister for School Standards (Nick Gibb): We at schools as a result of covid-19 outbreak. [909065] are making over half a million laptops and tablets available for disadvantaged students across the country Ruth Cadbury (Brentford and Isleworth) (Lab): What by the end of the year. Since September, over 100,000 steps he is taking to ensure the (a) effective and (b) devices have been delivered to schools, building on over accessible operation of GCSE and A-level exams in 220,000 delivered in the summer term. Where children 2021. [909066] lack access to the internet at home, we have also delivered over 50,000 routers. Munira Wilson (Twickenham) (LD): What assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on Maria Eagle: Knowsley is one of the most deprived the capability of schools and colleges to hold (a) A-level boroughs in the country and has had its allocation of and (b) GCSE exams at the end of the 2020-21 academic laptops cut from 1,065 to 282 since the Government’s year. [909072] 80% cut in allocations. Fifty-six of the 61 schools in Knowsley have at least one bubble self-isolating and one primary school in Halewood in my constituency Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) (Con): What steps his which currently has 60 children self-isolating has been Department is taking in response to the covid-19 outbreak allocated six laptops. Half the children in that school to ensure that (a) GCSE and (b) A-level exams can take have no access to technology at home, so how exactly place in 2021. [909075] are headteachers meant to comply with the Government’s regulations that schools must provide immediate access Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con): to high-quality, remote learning for pupils who are What steps his Department is taking in response to the self-isolating? covid-19 outbreak to ensure that (a) GCSE and (b) A-level exams can take place in 2021. [909076] Nick Gibb: Any school where pupils are self-isolating, and which has disadvantaged students who do not have Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con): What assessment access to a computer, is able to contact the Department he has made of the potential merits of deferring GCSE to acquire extra computers beyond those allocated. I and A-level examinations in 2021; and if he will make a am told that it takes 48 working hours to have those statement. [909080] laptops delivered to the school. In the context of significant global demand for laptops and tablets, we have updated Tony Lloyd (Rochdale) (Lab): What steps he is taking the process of allocating those devices to schools to to ensure the (a) effective and (b) accessible operation of align more accurately with the number of students GCSE and A-level exams in 2021. [909093] typically self-isolating. This will help to ensure that those who are self-isolating and need a laptop or a The Minister for School Standards (Nick Gibb): We tablet are able to receive one. are working with Ofqual and engaging widely with the education sector to identify risks to examinations at a Zarah Sultana: Teachers in Coventry South have national, local and individual level and to consider the stressed to me the importance of pupils having access to measures needed to address any potential disruption. computers at home, but many children from working-class That could be a student unable to sit examinations or communities do not have that. One school in my schools affected by a local outbreak. More details will constituency, Ernesford Grange Community Academy, be published shortly. found that 12% of students—101 pupils—struggle to access a device at home. The Government introduced a Lucy Powell [V]: GCSEs and A-levels are two-year new duty on schools to provide online learning, but the courses.Most students have missed six months of in-school next day they slashed the allocation of laptops. Ernesford teaching for these courses. Ofsted has concluded that Grange saw its allocation fall from 111 to just 22, so will that has impacted on the disadvantaged the most, and the Minister today guarantee that every school in Coventry significantly, in the three months since school has started, has the laptops that their students need? some students have missed even more, with high pupil and staff absences reflecting the high infection rates. Nick Gibb: The allocation is to schools that are not That is particularly the case for the disadvantaged, necessarily sending children home to self-isolate—that those in the north and BME communities. How can any is to all schools,whether or not their pupils are self-isolating. form of traditional exams be done on a level playing We need to make sure that there is a computer—a field, particularly for poorer kids in the north? Will the laptop—for every disadvantaged pupil who does not Minister be happy that the huge attainment gap that have one who is self-isolating, and because we made follows will be his personal legacy? 585 Oral Answers 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Oral Answers 586

Nick Gibb: Our No. 1 priority is to make sure that we Simon Baynes: Can the Minister say how the arguments help young people catch up on their lost education. put forward by the Welsh Government to cancel GCSE That is why we have allocated £1 billion to schools—the and A-level exams are informing his own decision-making catch-up premium—to help students catch up and, of process at UK Government level? that, £350 million is allocated to disadvantaged pupils. We have delayed this summer’s exams—GCSEs and Nick Gibb: Yes, I can. We of course look at the A-levels—by three weeks to free up teaching time. Ofqual decisions taken by the devolved Administrations on consulted in the summer on changes to assessment on such matters, but the broad consensus remains that issues such as science practicals, field trips, spoken exams are the fairest and best way of assessing student language and optionality in history and English literature, attainment and of ensuring that young people have the again to help reduce pressure on teaching times. We will qualifications that they need for the next stage of their shortly announce other measures to help to ensure that education. The £1 billion catch-up fund, £195 million exams are fair, including the approach to grading to on laptops and computers, the delay of three weeks in ensure that the 2021 cohort is treated fairly compared the exam timetable and the changes to assessment already with previous years’ cohorts of students. announced by Ofqual are all designed to ensure that the experience of students next summer is as stress-free and Ruth Cadbury: Secondary heads in my constituency as fair as possible. told me last month that it was already too late to plan properly for even the delayed GCSEs and A-levels next Gordon Henderson: I have received a number of letters summer, and they are still waiting. If the Republic of from the heads of primary schools in Sittingbourne and Ireland Government could give students and teachers a Sheppey concerned about the potential further loss of clear roadmap for summer 2021 back in August, and a learning time if pupils have to sit standard assessment plan B that went along with it if the situation changed, and other tests. What reassurances will my right hon. why can this Government not do the same and give Friend offer to my hard-working and valuable teachers students in years 11, 12 and 13 a fighting chance? that those tests are essential to the future development of children as they are being prepared for future individual and group study later in life? Nick Gibb: As I said to the hon. Member for Manchester Central (Lucy Powell), everything we are doing is about Nick Gibb: My hon. Friend is right, as he so often is. ensuring that every student has a fighting chance to do The exams, and the preparation for revision, tests and well in the exam. There is a broad consensus that exams exams at primary and secondary are the best way of are the fairest way to judge a student’s assessment. We ensuring that knowledge is retained, so it can be built want to ensure that that fairness is spread right across on in the next stage of a young person’s education and the country, regardless of the experience any individual training. That is why we are determined to do all we can will have had as a result of the virus. That is why we are to help young people catch up on the lost teaching time delaying the exams, why there have been changes to the that they may have suffered while schools were closed to assessment and why we are still working with Ofqual most pupils. and the exam boards on further mitigations and contingencies to ensure that every student is treated fairly. We will have more to say about those issues Michael Fabricant [V]: Despite the excellent news shortly. regarding vaccines this morning—Britain has the largest vaccine portfolio in the world—and despite the millions being put into getting schools on to a level playing field Munira Wilson: Young people across this country, for all students regarding virtual teaching, it is estimated including Sophie, an A-level student in my constituency, that right now some 80% of schools are disadvantaged are extremely anxious about this year’s exams after last when it comes to training their students who are isolating year’s fiasco, and due to the precious face-to-face teaching at home. Can the Schools Minister please tell me what time lost in the first lockdown and to the self-isolations discussions he is having with the examining boards? and teacher absences currently. Why will the Minister Will he ensure that they take all this into account when not, please, listen to Sophie and follow the lead of the they are allocating grades next year? Liberal Democrat Education Minister in Wales by providing clarity and certainty now, by cancelling exams and Nick Gibb: My hon. Friend will know that 99% of moving to a robust teacher-led assessment? As Sophie schools are open and that overall attendance is 83% in said to me: “We are not lazy. We need your help.” Will secondary schools. We are working with the exam boards the Minister listen to her and help her? and with Ofqual on the issue of grading, and we will have more to say on that shortly, but we are also Nick Gibb: We listen to all opinions on this issue, but working with the exam boards and Ofqual to ensure there is a broad consensus, including among unions and that the experience students have next summer is as fair school leaders, that holding exams is the best option for as possible, given all that they have experienced over the next summer. That is the fairest and best way of judging last year. students’ performance. But as I said earlier, we know that all students due to sit exams next year have experienced Tony Lloyd [V]: I was recently in touch with schools disruption to their education due to the pandemic, and across my constituency and, other than the money to that is why we are working closely with the school sector meet the costs of covid, a common theme was the to ensure that clear contingency plans are in place for disproportionate amount of days lost by teaching staff students who are ill or have to self-isolate. We are and pupils in towns such as Rochdale and in Greater engaging widely on contingency plans and other measures Manchester across the piece. The Minister says that he to ensure that exams are fair this year. will make exams fair, but how can he do that when 587 Oral Answers 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Oral Answers 588 young people in Greater Manchester have lost more Further to the question put to the Minister of State by teaching hours than those in other parts of the country? my hon. Friend the Member for Sittingbourne and Also, how can it be fair when young people who are at Sheppey (Gordon Henderson), will the Secretary of the end of the fourth term of their A-level syllabus still State look carefully and again consider the possibility do not know what the regime will be as they approach of allowing teacher assessments to take the place of their exams next summer? SATs, for this year only?

Nick Gibb: We have been very clear that exams are Gavin Williamson: I join my right hon. Friend in the fairest and best way of assessing student attainment, congratulating Herne Church of England Junior School but we are also conscious of the fact that a large on its exceptional ranking, which is obviously down to number of pupils have suffered a different experience the commitment and dedication of the teaching and from other pupils up and down the country. We want to support staff, as well, of course, as the pupils and ensure that the exams are as fair as possible while also parents, who do so much to support the school. He being valid qualifications. That is the work we have raises an important point about SATs and assessment. been doing with Ofqual and the exam boards for several This is a useful internal tool for schools, enabling teachers weeks, and we have announced a delay of three weeks to have a good grasp and clear understanding of where to holding those exams to try to free up as much those children are, especially after so much disruption teaching time as possible. this year. We will be working closely with the sector to ensure that anything we do in this field is very much to Wes Streeting (Ilford North) (Lab): We all agree that support them and the children, and to support the exams would be the fairest and best way to assess pupils learning and understanding of what support those children this year, and given the absolute chaos at the heart of need going forward and not add extra pressures to last year’s exams, it would have been reasonable to them. expect Ministers to have a plan in place by now, yet the Minister’s answers this afternoon have been woefully UK Internal Market Bill: Scotland’s Education System inadequate, at a time when school leaders, teachers, parents and pupils are crying out for certainty. Given Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP): What the obvious challenges to ensuring that exams go ahead recent discussions he has had with (a) the Scottish in a way that is fair to all pupils, and the fact that any Government and (b) professional bodies in the education delay makes the job harder, when will Ministers present sector on the effect of the United Kingdom Internal a plan, which teachers and pupils can see, for exams to Market Bill on Scotland’s education system. [909068] go ahead in a fair way? Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP): What recent Nick Gibb: The hon. Gentleman is a serious Member discussions he has had with (a) the Scottish Government of this House—I was delighted when he was appointed and (b) professional bodies in the education sector on shadow Schools Minister; I congratulate him on that the effect of the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill appointment and welcome him to the Front Bench—so on Scotland’s education system. [909084] I know that he knows that these issues are complex. They need to be thought through and they need to be The Minister for Universities (Michelle Donelan): consulted on, and that is what we are doing with pace, Throughout the development of the United Kingdom rigour and energy, but I recognise that, in opposition, Internal Market Bill proposals and preceding White there is always a temptation to reach for the slogan Paper, the UK Government have engaged constructively rather than the solution. with many businesses, professional organisations and other groups, including the General Teaching Council Self-isolating Schoolchildren: Numbers for Scotland.

Sir Roger Gale (North Thanet) (Con): What estimate Alan Brown: During the debate on that Bill in the he has made of the number of schoolchildren required other place last week, Lord Callanan assured peers that to self-isolate at home on 23 November 2020 as a result “the devolved Administrations will retain the right to legislate in of being in contact with another pupil having received a devolved policy areas.” positive covid-19 test result. [909067] —[Official Report, House of Lords, 18 November 2020; Vol. 807, c. 1520.] The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson): However, during the previous Education questions the The latest published data shows that, as of 12 November, Secretary of State would not give a clear answer on 0.2% of pupils in state-funded schools were absent due whether the Bill could impact the Scottish Government’s to a confirmed covid case, and between 5.8% and 6.7% were ability to set university fees in Scotland. So can the self-isolating due to contact either in or outside school. Minister now confirm that her Government’s internal Statistics are published weekly, and the data for the market Bill will not undermine the Scottish Government’s week of 23 November will be published on 1 December. provision of free university tuition?

Sir Roger Gale [V]: First, will my right hon. Friend Michelle Donelan: I can indeed confirm that it will join me in congratulating Herne Church of England Junior not interfere with the Scottish Government’s ability to School on achieving an extraordinarily high placing in charge no fees for university students. The Sunday Times listings? There are schools in North Thanet with whole classes isolating, including year 1 and Patrick Grady: Well, that is a very unequivocal answer, year 2 children. Those are the children scheduled to so we look forward to that not coming back to bite undergo phonic screening, and others are facing SATs. them at any point in the future. I am glad the Minister is 589 Oral Answers 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Oral Answers 590 engaging with the GTCS, because in the other place the Gillian Keegan: Of course, we are here to support Minister has had to table an amendment to specifically schools and colleges, and we know that they are facing include school teaching in the list of exempted professions. challenges. On top of their existing budgets, we have School teaching could be interpreted narrowly as solely provided up to £75,000 additional funding to schools to relating to the education of children, but of course cover unavoidable costs that could not be met from GTCS-registered teachers teach in many different their existing budgets, which includes additional cleaning, educational settings, so will this Minister clarify whether support for free school meals and increased premises the amendment is intended to include any institution in costs associated with keeping schools open for the holidays. which teaching is delivered? There will be a further opportunity later in the year for schools to claim for eligible costs that fell between Michelle Donelan: We have listened to the concerns March and July that they did not claim for during that about the Bill’s provision covering the mutual recognition first window and, as the Secretary of State mentioned of professional qualifications and have decided to exclude earlier, support for schools is kept under review. the teaching profession, so on Thursday 19 November the Government tabled an amendment to do just that. Mark Fletcher: I would very much like to see higher educational attainment across the Bolsover constituency. Carol Monaghan (Glasgow North West) (SNP) [V]: Does my hon. Friend agree that a vital way in which we That is an encouraging answer from the Minister, so I can make that happen is local post-16 provision and thank her for that response. She says that the Government perhaps a sixth form in Bolsover itself? have engaged with the GTCS, but last month the GTCS wrote to the Secretary of State on this very matter and Gillian Keegan: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. has yet to receive a response. Is that normal Government This Government are committed to bringing excellent practice when dealing with professional organisations? post-16 provision to every corner of the country. I was When should the GTCS expect to hear from the Secretary really glad to learn that West Nottinghamshire College, of State? which serves many of his constituents, ranks among the top colleges in the UK for student satisfaction. He will Michelle Donelan: As the hon. Lady will know, officials be aware that local authorities have responsibilities from the Department for Education and the Scotland regarding young people’s participation in education Office have met the GTCS to discuss these concerns and and training, and I have asked my colleagues in the have passed them to those who are leading on the Education and Skills Funding Agency to look closely at implementation of the UK internal market proposals. post-16 provision in the Bolsover area to identify whether As a result, an amendment to exempt teachers from the further action is required. recognition clauses of the Bill has been tabled. Tulip Siddiq (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): I am Educational Attainment sure the Minister will agree with me that children cannot learn if they are subject to exploitation and neglect, but Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): that is precisely what is happening in children’s homes What steps his Department is taking to help ensure across the country. Last year, more than 37,000 cases improvement in educational attainment in each region were reported of looked-after children going missing of England. [909069] from children’s homes. That is a 150% increase from 2015 and experts attribute this to rising criminal and Mark Fletcher (Bolsover) (Con): What steps his sexual exploitation. The Government promised a review Department is taking to help ensure improvement in into children’s care nearly a year ago. What on earth is educational attainment in each region of England. delaying this? [909082] Gillian Keegan: Local authorities have a statutory The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education duty to protect all children from wherever they go (Gillian Keegan): There are still too many parts of the missing. Children who go missing from home can face UK that have been left behind, and this Government the same risks as a child going missing from local are committed to bridging the gap in every region and authority care. The Department for Education’s statutory levelling up opportunity in every corner of our country. guidance on children who run away or go missing from That is why we are investing £2.5 billion in the national home or care settings sets out clear steps that local skills fund to turbo-charge our economic recovery and authorities and their partners should take to prevent all introducing a lifetime skills guarantee, so that no one is children from going missing and to protect them if they left behind, no matter their age or stage of learning. do go missing. Responsibilities to missing children remain unchanged during the pandemic. Weexpect local authorities Andrew Jones: I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. to feel empowered to use their judgment to find suitable As she is planning the budgets and assessing the regional ways to safeguard children from the risks of going challenges, will she take into consideration the different missing. levels of pandemic across the country? The highest levels of infection lead to the highest levels of people having to isolate, including teachers, so there Holiday Activities and Food Programme are increased budgetary costs from having to backfill teaching staff. King James’s School in Knaresborough, Tom Hunt (Ipswich) (Con): What steps his Department a secondary school in my constituency, briefed me that is taking to ensure the timely implementation of the this is running at £7,000 a week, so schools are facing a expansion of the holiday activities and food programme significant challenge. throughout the regions of England. [909071] 591 Oral Answers 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Oral Answers 592

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education grateful for all those students who opted into a paid (Vicky Ford): Rolling out the excellent holiday activity clinical placement in the NHS during this extremely and food programme for children across the country difficult time, and we have ensured that all those students will mean that even more children will benefit from free were fairly rewarded for their hard work. Nursing, healthy meals and enriching holiday activities. We have midwifery and allied healthcare students who volunteered already written to all the local authorities with guidance. were paid and received the appropriate pensions We will work closely with them, including sharing best remuneration. practice from our pilot programmes, and we are appointing a national organisation from spring next year to support Union Learning Fund the local delivery. Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): What discussions he Tom Hunt: Ipswich was lucky enough to be one of has had with stakeholders in the education sector on his those pilots and, this summer, it actually had the holiday Department’s decision to end the union learning fund activity and food programme in operation. It was great in 2021. [909074] to go there to meet not only the children who benefited from it, but the different organisations and the young The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education adults from Ipswich who were able to play a part in (Gillian Keegan): The Government are transforming the delivering that service. Can the Minister outline what provision of skills. My right hon. Friend the Secretary plans are in place, looking ahead to the Easter and of State for Education and I regularly meet a diverse summer holidays, to make sure that this continues to spectrum of stakeholders from around the further education happen and that the community is completely aware of sector to hear their views. On Unionlearn specifically, I how it can get involved in this fantastic project? met the TUC general secretary, Frances O’Grady, on 12 October to discuss this matter and our expanding Vicky Ford: It was a huge pleasure to visit the commitment to skills through the national skills fund. Government’s holiday activity and food programme The Secretary of State for Education met Frances O’Grady with my hon. Friend in Ipswich this summer. We saw at on 9 November for the very same reason. first hand how local partnerships helped to deliver these excellent schemes, so we want to encourage schools, Mr Speaker: Let us head up to Wansbeck with Ian childcare providers, food suppliers, voluntary organisations, Lavery. [Inaudible.] I think he has been cut off in his sports experts, and arts experts all to come together in prime. I therefore call shadow Minister Toby Perkins. partnership. Interested parties should contact their local authorities and together we will all make sure that next Mr Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): The recent year’s holidays are full of food and fun. Westminster Hall debate on Unionlearn was as illuminating for what was not said as for what was. There was no Healthcare Higher Education Funding attempt by the Government to pretend that there had been a serious consultation with employers or educators before ceasing funding, nor was there a single Conservative Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): What Back-Bench MP willing to turn up to that debate to recent assessment he has made of the potential merits speak in favour of this cut. Does the Minister realise of reforming the funding of healthcare higher education that no one will believe that the Government are serious in England. [909073] about levelling up while they are cutting access to level 2 skills for the lowest paid workers? The Minister for Universities (Michelle Donelan): The Government keep the funding arrangements for the Gillian Keegan: This Government are committed to education of all pre-registration undergraduate and substantial investment in further education, with priority postgraduate NHS health professions under close review given to qualifications aligned with our economic need, to ensure that students are appropriately supported. but, as I said during that debate, we need to focus Most NHS professional student placements are funded taxpayers’ money on those who need it. With only by the education and training tariff, and the allocation 11% of users unemployed, Unionlearn simply is not the of funding is reviewed and published annually. 1 solution. That is why, from April 2021, we will be fully funding the first level 3 qualification for adults who do Lilian Greenwood: Nursing and midwifery students not currently have a level 3 qualification. As I said are required to undertake 2,300 hours of clinical placement during the debate, many of the basic provisions to to qualify. Maintenance grants were reintroduced in which Unionlearn signposts learners are available right England in September, but those student nurses and across the country,and have been available and introduced midwives who just graduated or who are about to, and since Unionlearn was in existence. who stepped up in the first wave of the pandemic despite the personal risks, have huge debts because the Mr Speaker: After the power cut, I think we have Ian Government abolished their bursaries in 2016. What Lavery back. will the Minister do to acknowledge their tremendous contribution and ensure that they do not begin their Ian Lavery [V]: This Government have a real strange careers in caring feeling undervalued, taken advantage way of levelling up, and education is no different. Since of and carrying this massive financial burden? its creation in 1998 by the Labour Government, the Unionlearn fund has enjoyed cross-party support and Michelle Donelan: I echo the hon. Member’s sentiment the backing of dozens of businesses. It is a flagship about the true value that nursing students and graduates policy that costs the Government £12 million and returns have given this country during one of the hardest times £1.4 billion to the economy.It currently supports 200,000 that we have faced. The Government are extremely individuals per annum to access learning; it is absolutely 1.[Official Report, 30 November 2020, Vol. 685, c. 2MC.] 593 Oral Answers 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Oral Answers 594 huge. Minister, put your cards on the table—this is an The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson): out and out attack against the trade union movement Last week I announced the Department’s intention to and its members. What is it about this hugely successful explore a post-qualification admissions system for higher programme, which helps low-paid working people, that education where students would receive and accept so antagonises the modern Conservative party? offers after they have received their A-level or equivalent grades. As set out in our manifesto, we are committed Gillian Keegan: I am the first to recognise that, thanks to levelling up our education system so that everyone to the funding provided by the Government, Unionlearn with the ability to benefit from higher education can do has done good work in directing and supporting people so, regardless of their background. This is a fairer to take advantage of education and training opportunities system that we are moving towards, especially for those in the workplace, but with millions in this country still youngsters from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. lacking basic skills that they need to progress, we need a The Government will consult universities, colleges, schools, solution at scale that can reach everyone, not just those students, and, of course, devolved Administrations to able to access the Unionlearn network. We have therefore understand how a PQA system can best be delivered in created the £2.5 billion national skills fund and the the interests of all students. £500 million skills recovery package to transform lives up and down the country, and to build our country Andrew Gwynne [V]: Weall want to see things returning back better; and we are making that available to everybody to normal, but I note from the two local education across the country. authorities in my constituency that so many staff and pupils are off at any one time because of covid transmission and self-isolation. Given that this is likely to be the Free School Meals: No Recourse to Public Funds situation going into the new year, does the Secretary of State really expect routine Ofsted inspections to begin Neil Coyle (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) (Lab): in January, and if so, how is that going to work for What progress the Government have made on reviewing schools affected by covid? the extension of free school meals provision to children of families with no recourse to public funds. [909077] Gavin Williamson: The hon. Member highlights an important issue about the fact that so many people The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education right across the teaching profession and support staff (Vicky Ford): This Government are completely committed are putting in so much effort to ensure that all our to free school meals, and no Government have ever children get the benefit of a world-class education. We been more generous with entitlements, extending eligibility all know—especially Government Members, and many to all infants and disadvantaged children in further Opposition Members—the importance of keeping schools education. But throughout the pandemic we also extended open and welcoming children into the classroom. We eligibility to groups with no recourse to public funds, will continue to work with Ofsted so that our approach and we continue to work across Government on longer-term ensures that we have high standards and that the eligibility for these families. Meanwhile, the extension safeguarding measures that are properly in place remain of eligibility for free school meals remains. in place, but always having proper regard for the good functioning of all schools and making sure that we do Neil Coyle [V]: It is Government policy that has not get in the way or create barriers or obstacles to forced overstretched schools, charities and councils like schools properly functioning. Southwark to pick up the pieces and pay the price of the hostile environment that has left over 100,000 with [909122] John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and no recourse to support, according to the Children’s Selkirk) (Con): What discussions has the Education Society.The Minister says that there are cross-Government Department had with the Scottish Government and talks. What representations has she made to the Home other devolved Administrations about students returning Office to end this scandal and save schools from this home for Christmas when they have studied in a different huge,inappropriate burden when they are already struggling nation of the United Kingdom from where they call with covid? home?

Vicky Ford: I remind the hon. Member that our new Gavin Williamson: My hon. Friend raises such a £170 million covid winter grant scheme will directly vitally important point, because students right across target the hardest-to-help families and individuals, and the United Kingdom see it as one higher education also provide food for children in need of it over the system and are choosing the best universities for themselves, holidays. Some families with no recourse to public with many English students studying in Scotland and funds do receive support from the Home Office as is vice versa, and many Northern Irish and Welsh students provided for under the Immigration and Asylum Act studying in all the other four nations. It is absolutely 1999, and section 17 of the Children Act 1989 requires important that we have a consistent approach. We have local authorities to safeguard and promote the welfare been working very closely with the DAs. This does show of children within their area if they are in need, regardless the strength of our higher education system as a Union of their immigration status. system and how all universities working together in the United Kingdom strengthens all universities in all four nations. Topical Questions Emma Hardy (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle) [909119] Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): (Lab) [V]: University students have been an afterthought If he will make a statement on his departmental in the Government’s thinking throughout the covid crisis, responsibilities. whether that is the A-level fiasco, the huge spike in cases 595 Oral Answers 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Oral Answers 596 after return in September, financial hardship, mental students, those who have been ill with covid and those health or digital access. All have been palmed off to who have been self-isolating? Secondly, will he set out universities with only slow, token Government support, what measures his Department is taking to ensure that and now time is again running out. Will the Secretary of those students can get home safely for Christmas? State take this opportunity to get ahead of events and publish clear, crisp and quick guidance for universities, Gavin Williamson: I thank my hon. Friend, who has so that they can plan for a safe and smooth student done so much to highlight the concerns and issues—not return in the new year? just of the University of Keele, but also of students whom he represents—and flag them up to the Department. The Minister for Universities (Michelle Donelan): We have worked very closely with the university sector, Following the end of term break, our top priority is and it would be right for me to pay tribute to the January, and we will be ensuring that the welfare of Minister for Universities, my hon. Friend the Member students, staff and communities in higher education for Chippenham (Michelle Donelan), who has done so providers is at the forefront. We will look to utilise mass much to ensure that all students will be able to return testing to make the return of higher education as safe as home for Christmas in an orderly and safe manner. possible, and we will indeed produce further and comprehensive guidance. [909120] Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP) [V]: Scottish universities receive an average of 8% of [909124] Gareth Davies (Grantham and Stamford) (Con): their total research funding from the European Union, Improving skills is critical for addressing disparities with a majority coming from Horizon 2020, so can the in regional productivity. Can my right hon. Friend Secretary of State tell us whether participation in commit to supporting local Lincolnshire colleges such Horizon Europe is still on the table? If not, how should as Stamford College and Grantham College in that our universities be looking to replicate that funding? endeavour? Michelle Donelan: Our universities are world leading Gavin Williamson: Both Stamford College and Grantham when it comes to research, and the Department for College are great examples of brilliant further education Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy recently published provision, and I want to see more and more further a road map. This is a priority for the Government. As education colleges coming to the fore, making sure that the hon. Member will know, Horizon is being actively the skills revolution that this side of the House is negotiated with the EU, and that Department has publicly absolutely committed to delivering is delivered, because said that it is preparing an alternative, should we not be far too often our attention and focus has been on higher successful in those negotiations. education. We know that our further education colleges can be a real driver of productivity, skills, jobs and [909126] Christian Wakeford (Bury South) (Con): The opportunity in local areas, including in Grantham and town of Radcliffe in my constituency has a population Stamford. of roughly 30,000, but for many years it has not had a high school. A new school would not only improve Mr Speaker: It might help the Secretary of State if I educational attainment for the town’schildren but kickstart say that I am actually over here, which is where he the town’s regeneration. As the bidding process is now should address his remarks. in its final stages, will my right hon. Friend help me by supporting my campaign, alongside the people of Radcliffe, Carol Monaghan (Glasgow North West) (SNP) [V]: for the new school that the town desperately needs? With the end of the transition period fast approaching, the Home Secretary’s toxic immigration environment Gavin Williamson: Even before he was elected to this gives our universities little comfort, so how is the Secretary House, my hon. Friend was campaigning to ensure that of State countering the Home Secretary’s damaging the people of Radcliffe and their children have a high rhetoric? What discussions has he had with the Home school for their town. I know how passionately he feels Secretary and the higher education sector about the about that; he has had a petition highlighting the issue importance of our international staff and students? and numerous meetings with me. We are still in the final phases of allocating round 14 of free schools, but his Gavin Williamson: I thank my colleagues in the Home passionate campaigning has been noted, and I am sure Office, who have worked so closely with Universities we will all work to ensure that his constituents get the UK and universities right across all four nations to best educational attainment possible. make sure that visa applications have gone smoothly. Despite the concerns and worries that many people [909121] Jon Trickett (Hemsworth) (Lab): It is well known voiced earlier this year that international students would that working-class boys and young men are severely not turn up, actually international students have been disadvantaged in the educational system, but I wonder turning up, and I pay tribute to the cross-Government whether the House is aware of the recent Sutton Trust work that has been going on. What a powerful brand report, which showed that the situation has become the United Kingdom has around the world, demonstrating deeply entrenched during the Government’s mishandling that universities not just in England, but also in Scotland, of the covid crisis. It is the job of the Department for Wales and Northern Ireland, benefit from being part of Education to promote social mobility, yet the report the Union. predicts that working-class young men and boys will be 7.5% less mobile, with £4,000 less in lifetime earnings. [909125] Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Con): Either the Government are incompetent or they simply Will my right hon. Friend join me in praising the staff do not care about the entrenchment of privilege and at Keele University for all they have done to support poverty—which is it? 597 Oral Answers 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Oral Answers 598

The Minister for School Standards (Nick Gibb): The which have done so much in working with Test and hon. Gentleman will know that everything we have been Trace to ensure that the number of youngsters who doing since 2010 is about closing that attainment gap, need to self-isolate as a result of a case has been reduced and we have closed it by 13% in primary school and by significantly over the past few weeks, making sure that 9% in secondary school. We know that the impact of as many as possible children are attending school. I will the covid pandemic has been devastating across all take up the point my hon. Friend has made and look at sections of society, but particularly for disadvantaged guidance on how best we can give people the right and pupils. That is why we have implemented a £1 billion proper steer. catch-up fund. We are determined that no young person will suffer in the long term as a consequence of interruption [909130] Kate Osborne (Jarrow) (Lab): At a time when to their education caused by the pandemic. LGBT+ hate crime is on the rise, it is extremely disappointing that the Government have cut the [909127] Imran Ahmad Khan (Wakefield) (Con): CAPA funding to support education about LGBT+ bullying College specialises in creative and performing arts. It in schools. Can the Minister assure me that an educates, nurtures and inspires the next generation of alternative will be put forward so that this vital training performers and creative entrepreneurs, while being the can continue to educate our young people in preventing highest-performing free school in the country, with bullying and achieving better mental health? 100% A to C post-16 results—and all this from temporary Nick Gibb: This was the Government Equalities Office accommodation. Its new permanent home is scheduled scheme to support a number of anti-LGBT bullying to open in September. However, the current DFE budget schemes. I have seen these schemes in action myself, and does not cover the specialist technology and equipment they are very good indeed. We will be looking at what required. I have raised this with the Secretary of State more the DFE can do after the spending review to for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, who has committed ensure that our anti-bullying programmes are LGBT- to look at whether funding is available from his budget. inclusive. Will my right hon. Friend look into CAPA’s situation and work with me and DCMS to raise the additional [909129] Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): £800,000 required, to ensure that my young constituents, Before we had even heard the dreaded word “covid”, regardless of background, find pathways to opportunity? the excellent headteacher Rob Williams at Malton School had put in place a scheme to provide an iPad to Gavin Williamson: We all recognise the important all children, and completely free to children accessing role of the creative industries in driving the economy the pupil premium. Would my right hon. Friend agree and the importance of having the right skills and training that this should be a national exemplar and rolled out for young people who want to go into that industry. I as best practice to other schools around the country? would be more than happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the challenges he faces in his constituency and Gavin Williamson: As a Yorkshireman myself, I would how we can best assist. agree that many exemplars come out of Yorkshire. The EdTech demonstrators the Department has been rolling [909123] Christian Matheson (City of Chester) (Lab): out are a brilliant example, and I think that what As a trade union official, I saw union learning centres Malton School has been doing really shows how we can embedded in workplaces meeting the needs of employers best use technology to support pupils, including pupils and employees and often providing the only continuing from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. education and training for those working people. Union learning works, so why on earth do the Government [909131] Jamie Stone (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter want to abolish it? [R] Ross) (LD): Our teachers and school staff are doing a fantastic job right now; they are very much on the Gavin Williamson: We are investing in skills right frontline during the covid pandemic. Could I therefore across the country through the lifetime skills guarantee, ask the Secretary of State whether they could be which gives a sense of opportunity to so many people treated as a priority when it comes to vaccination; and who have never had it before. We want to invest the if he is in agreement with that suggestion, will he share £12 million in our colleges up and down the country, to his methodology and the way he will approach my ensure that they have a real impact in our local communities. suggestions with the Scottish Government, because the Unionlearn was costing £4 million in admin alone. That issue is exactly the same north of the border? money is better spent on delivering skills for not only Gavin Williamson: The hon. Gentleman raises an young people but people of all ages. important point about vaccines. We are working very closely across Government to ensure that those people [909128] Mr Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): At least one who have the greatest clinical need get the vaccine. He school in my constituency is suffering material numbers highlights a really important issue, and he would not be of pupil absences because the NHS covid app is triggering surprised to hear that, as Secretary of State for Education, through walls. Can my right hon. Friend confirm that I always see education as the absolute priority, but I the policy is that under-16s should not be using the app, would be very happy to work with the devolved and will he undertake to reissue guidance to schools Administrations to make sure that we have as combined across the country, to ensure that we get the most out of and co-ordinated an approach as possible, which is keeping schools open? really the greatest strength of our Union.

Gavin Williamson: I can absolutely assure my hon. [909133] Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): Friend that under-16s should not be using that app. I Many schools in West Worcestershire have benefited from would like to thank schools and the leadership of schools, the condition improvement fund, but Malvern Parish 599 Oral Answers 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Oral Answers 600

Primary School, with its leaky,draughty Victorian windows, many teachers in my area have complained about is the keeps missing out. Would the Secretary of State kindly patchiness of some of the advice its application: whole look again at its bid? school groups—sometimes whole year groups—are going down because of the fear of infection. Would my right Gavin Williamson: I have some good news: on 14 January hon. Friend or the Schools Minister be prepared to deal —after Christmas—there is going to be an opportunity with the guidance again and possibly participate in an for such schools to apply for the next round of condition online roundtable with my teachers, who are very keen improvement funding. There is more money in this pot to speak to them? than ever before due to the fact that we are spending more money on the improvement of our schools. Of Gavin Williamson: I absolutely assure my right hon. course, I would always be very happy to sit down with Friend that the Schools Minister would love to do that my hon. Friend and discuss her educational priorities, with his teachers, and is enthusiastically penning in the including for the schools in her constituency.1 date. My right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Sir Iain Duncan Smith) is right [909134] Taiwo Owatemi (Coventry North West) (Lab): that there have been some inconsistencies. That is why I have received numerous emails from concerned parents we set up the national helpline to ensure there is consistency and students about whether or not schools are going to of advice, and are working with schools groups and remain open or closed during this lockdown. Some schools trusts to support them to ensure there is a parents and students are incredibly frightened about the common approach. We know that getting children into risk of educational institutions becoming a ground zero schools, where they have the benefit of education and site for new spikes of infection and, on other side of the learning, will give them the best opportunities, and that debate, others are worried that children and young is why it continues to remain our focus. people will miss out on key learning if schools are shut. Many of my constituents’ concerns on both sides of the Edward Timpson (Eddisbury) (Con): Last month, debate may well be put to rest if testing in schools during National Adoption Week, it was announced that occurred more frequently for students and staff. Could more than 600 children are still waiting to be placed the Secretary of State please let us know what steps he is with their forever families. I know that my right hon. taking to ensure that schools have increased access to Friend has since launched a national recruitment campaign, testing and that staff are in a safer working environment but could he say what progress is being made, despite during the pandemic? the challenges of covid, and what plans he has to ensure that those children are placed with their forever families Gavin Williamson: We know how important it is to as quickly as possible? give children the opportunity to be in school, and that is why the Government prioritise school opening. We had Gavin Williamson: My hon. Friend and I share a more than 1.6 million children back in school before the common passion about the importance of adoption. summer holidays. We opened the door to all our schools We want to drive up the rate of adoption right across right across the country to welcome children back, and the country. There have been delays in Her Majesty’s it is great to see that 99% of schools are open. We Courts and Tribunals Service, which have meant that a continue to take the safety and security of not just number of adoptions have been held up. I am meeting pupils but staff incredibly seriously. That is why, at my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Justice every stage of the way, we will do everything to ensure to see what more we can do to speed up that process and schools remain a safe environment. As the chief medical give children the opportunity to be with a family forever. officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern There is nothing more generous that people can do than Ireland and the Children’s Commissioner for England open up not just their homes but their hearts to ensure said, children are best in school. That is why— that those young people have the opportunities that we all want them to have. Mr Speaker: Order. I call Sir Iain Duncan Smith. Mr Speaker: In order to allow the safe exit of hon. Sir Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford Members participating in this item of business and the Green) (Con): Thank you for squeezing me in, Mr Speaker. safe arrival of those participating in the next, I am It was absolutely right for the Government to keep suspending the House for a few minutes. schools open through the tiered system and lockdown, despite the pressure on my right hon. Friend from some 3.37 pm of the unions and various others. One of the things that Sitting suspended.

1.[Official Report, 24 November 2020, Vol. 684, c. 6MC.] 601 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 602

Covid-19: Winter Plan Unlike the previous arrangements, tiers will now be a uniform set of rules—that is to say, we will not have 3.42 pm negotiations on additional measures with each region. We have learned from experience that there are some Mr Speaker: Before I call the Prime Minister, I point things we can do differently. We are, therefore, going to out that British Sign Language interpretation of the change the 10 pm closing time for hospitality so that it statement is available to watch on parliamentlive.tv. is last orders at 10, with closing at 11. In tiers 1 or 2, Some of the screens in the Chamber are not working, spectator sports and business events will be free to so we will see how we go. We will take it a bit easy if resume inside and outside—with capacity limits and need be. social distancing—providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls. We will also The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson): With permission, strengthen the enforcement ability of local authorities, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement on the Government’s including specially trained officers and new powers to covid winter plan. close down premises that pose a risk to public health. For the first time since this wretched virus took hold, Later this week—on Thursday,I hope—we will announce we can see a route out of the pandemic. The breakthroughs which areas will fall into which tier, based on analysis of in treatment, testing and vaccines mean that the scientific cases in all age groups, especially the over-60s; the rate cavalry is now in sight, and we know in our hearts that by which cases are rising or falling; the percentage of next year we will succeed. By the spring, these advances those tested in a local population who have covid; and should reduce the need for the restrictions we have the current and projected pressures on the NHS. I am endured in 2020 and make the whole concept of a covid sorry to say that we expect that more regions will lockdown redundant. fall—at least temporarily—into higher levels than before, When that moment comes, it will have been made but by using these tougher tiers and using rapid turnaround possible by the sacrifices of millions across the UK. I tests on an ever greater scale to drive R below 1 and am acutely conscious that no other peacetime Prime keep it there, it should be possible for areas to move Minister has asked so much of the British people, and down the tiering scale to lower levels of restrictions. just as our country has risen to every previous trial, so it By maintaining the pressure on the virus, we can also has responded this time, and I am deeply grateful. enable people to see more of their family and friends But the hard truth is that we are not there yet. First, over Christmas. I cannot say that Christmas will be we must get through winter without the virus spreading normal this year, but in a period of adversity, time spent out of control and squandering our hard-won gains, at with loved ones is even more precious for people of all exactly the time when the burden on our NHS is always faiths and none. Weall want some kind of Christmas—we greatest. Our winter plan is designed to carry us safely need it and we certainly feel we deserve it—but what we to spring. do not want is to throw caution to the winds and allow In recent weeks, families and businesses in England the virus to flare up once again, forcing us all back into have, once again, steadfastly observed nationwide lockdown in January. restrictions, and they have managed to slow the growth So, to allow families to come together,while minimising of new cases and ease the worst pressures on our NHS. the risk, we are working with the devolved Administrations I can therefore confirm that national restrictions in on a special, time-limited Christmas dispensation, England will end on 2 December, and they will not be embracing the whole of the United Kingdom and reflecting renewed. From next Wednesday people will be able to the ties of kinship across our islands. The virus will leave their home for any purpose and meet others in obviously not grant us a Christmas truce—it does not outdoor public spaces, subject to the rule of six; collective know that it is Christmas—and families will need to worship, weddings and outdoor sports can resume; and make a careful judgment about the risk of visiting shops, personal care, gyms and the wider leisure sector elderly relatives. We will be publishing guidance for can reopen. those who are clinically extremely vulnerable on how to But without sensible precautions, we would risk the manage the risks in each tier, as well as over Christmas. virus escalating into a winter or new year surge. The As we work to suppress the virus with these local tiers, incidence of the disease is, alas, still widespread in many two scientific breakthroughs will ultimately make these areas, so we will not replace national measures with a restrictions obsolete. As soon as a vaccine is approved, free for all, the status quo ante covid. We are going to go we will dispense it as quickly as possible. But given that back instead to a regional, tiered approach, applying that cannot be done immediately, we will simultaneously the toughest measures where covid is most prevalent. use rapid-turnaround testing—lateral flow testing—that While the previous local tiers cut the R number, they gives results within 30 minutes, to identify those without were not quite enough to reduce it below 1, so the symptoms so they can isolate and avoid transmission. scientific advice, I am afraid, is that, as we come out, We are beginning to deploy these tests in our NHS and our tiers need to be made tougher. in care homes in England, so people will once again be In particular, in tier 1 people should work from home able to hug and hold hands with loved ones instead of wherever possible. In tier 2, alcohol may only be served waving at them through a window. By the end of the in hospitality settings as part of a substantial meal. year, this will allow every care home resident to have In tier 3, indoor entertainment, hotels and other two visitors, who can be tested twice a week. accommodation will have to close, along with all forms Care workers looking after people in their own homes of hospitality, except for delivery and takeaways. I am will be offered weekly tests from today. From next very sorry, obviously, for the unavoidable hardship that month, weekly tests will also be available to staff in this will cause for business owners who have already prisons and food manufacturing, and those delivering endured so much disruption this year. and administering covid vaccines. We are also, as the 603 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 604

House knows, using testing to help schools and universities 3.55 pm to stay open. Testing will enable students to know they Keir Starmer (Holborn and St Pancras) (Lab): I can go home safely for Christmas, and back from home thank the Prime Minister for advance sight of his to university. statement and for his telephone call earlier today, when There is another way of using these rapid tests, and he set out a summary of the proposal. that is to follow the example of Liverpool, where in the Let me start with the good news: the tremendous last two and a half weeks over 200,000 people have taken progress on vaccines. Last week, the shadow Chancellor part in community testing, contributing to a substantial and I went to the Oxford vaccine group at Oxford fall in infections. Together with NHS Test and Trace University. It was inspiring. It was remarkable to see the and our fantastic armed forces, we will now launch a work that they are doing. Our thanks, and I think those major community testing programme, offering all local of the whole nation, go to all those who have taken part authorities in tier 3 areas in England a six-week surge of in the vaccine trials and research. Wewish them Godspeed. testing. The system is untried and there are many unknowns, I also want to make an open offer to the Prime Minister: but if it works, we should be able to offer those who test Labour will provide any support we can in the national negative the prospect of fewer restrictions—for example, effort to deliver the vaccine safely across the country. meeting up in certain places with others who have also That is an open offer. tested negative. Those towns and regions that engage in I welcome the fact that the Prime Minister is seeking community testing will have a much greater chance of a four-nation approach on the arrangements over the easing the tiering rules they currently endure. Christmas period. We will obviously await details on We will also use daily testing to ease another restriction that, and the evidence that supports the steps being that has impinged on many lives. We will seek to end taken, but the four-nation approach is the right approach. automatic isolation for close contacts of those who are Now for the more difficult bit. The vaccine is the light found positive. Beginning in Liverpool later this week, at the end of the tunnel; the question today is how contacts who are tested every day for a week will need we get there and protect lives and livelihoods along the to isolate only if they themselves test positive. If successful, way.The Prime Minister proposes a return to the three-tier this approach will be extended across the health system next system. That is risky, because the previous three-tier month, and to the whole of England from January. Of system did not work. Tier 1 areas drifted to tier 2, course, we are working with the devolved Administrations almost all tier 2 areas ended up in tier 3 and those in to ensure that Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland tier 3 could not see a way out, and we ended up in also benefit, as they should and will, from these advances national lockdown. That was the sad reality of the in rapid testing. tiered system before. Nobody wants a repeat of that. Clearly, the most hopeful advance of all is how I accept that the new tiers are different from the old vaccines are now edging ever closer to liberating us tiers, but many of the questions are the same. They are from the virus, demonstrating emphatically that this is not trick questions. I acknowledge that none of this is not a pandemic without end. We can take great heart easy,but if the Prime Minister is going to carry Parliament from today’s news, which has the makings of a wonderful and the country on this, they need answering. British scientific achievement. The vaccine developed with astonishing speed by the University of Oxford and First, on the tier system—the Prime Minister touched AstraZeneca is now one of three capable of delivering a on this—which local areas will be in each tier? This is period of immunity. We do not yet know when any will the red-hot question. This is the question everybody is be ready and licensed, but we have ordered 100 million going to be asking over their kitchen table tonight. I doses of the Oxford vaccine and over 350 million in had a roundtable with business leaders this morning, total—more than enough for everyone in the UK, the and it was the first question they asked me. The Prime Crown dependencies and the overseas territories. The Minister says it will be decided later this week, possibly NHS is preparing a nationwide immunisation programme, Thursday. I cannot emphasise enough how important it ready next month, the like of which we have never is that these decisions are taken very quickly and very witnessed. clearly so that everybody can plan. That is obviously particularly important for the millions who were in Mr Speaker, 2020 has been, in many ways, a tragic restrictions before the national lockdown, because the year when so many have lost loved ones and faced financial message to them today seems to be, “You will almost ruin, and this will still be a hard winter. Christmas certainly be back where you were before the national cannot be normal and there is a long road to spring, but lockdown, probably in even stricter restrictions.” People we have turned a corner and the escape route is in sight. need to know that so that they can plan for that. I really We must hold out against the virus until testing and emphasise how important that is for the Prime Minister. vaccines come to our rescue and reduce the need for restrictions. Everyone can help speed up the arrival of Secondly—the Prime Minister said he wanted uniform that moment by continuing to follow the rules, getting rules—will the tiers simply be imposed region by region, tested and self-isolating when instructed, remembering come what may, from 3 December, or will there be an “hands, face, space”, and pulling together for one final element of local consultation and negotiation? I understand push to the spring, when we have every reason to hope the uniform rules, but simply to impose them runs the and believe that the achievements of our scientists will risk of not getting buy-in from local leaders and local finally lift the shadow of this virus. communities, which is incredibly important to people complying with the rules. I commend this statement to the House. Thirdly, how long does the Prime Minister anticipate Mr Speaker: The Prime Minister—it was a big each local area will remain in each tier? For those that statement—ran three minutes over, so the Opposition are going to come out of lockdown and almost certainly will have an extra two minutes and the SNP will have an go back to more restrictions than they left, that is going extra minute. to be a very pressing question. 605 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 606

[Keir Starmer] this plan, huge uncertainties and huge risks. We will await the detail. We want the Prime Minister to get this Fourthly, will there be a new economic package to right. He has got a week to do so. Will he start by accompany these new tiers? There is huge concern answering these straightforward questions? among many businesses about their viability in tier 3, particularly a strengthened tier 3, so what new support The Prime Minister: I would like to thank the right can they expect? May I touch again on those who are hon. and learned Gentleman for his qualified welcome self-employed who are outside the self-employed scheme— of these measures. He says that they are risky. It is not the so-called excluded? They will be hearing a message quite clear where he is supporting them or not. I think about the next three months in relation to schemes that they are the right thing for the country. I think they are they are not currently in, and that needs urgently to be the right way of getting the virus down. If he wants to addressed. go back into another or keep a national lockdown on, I do not think that is the right way forward for this I turn to the public health impact of this approach, country. We want to get the economy moving as far as because one of the major reasons that we ended up in a we possibly can and keep schools open, while supressing national lockdown was that, in the words of the the virus. Government’s scientific advisers—the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies—test, trace and isolate was The right hon. and learned Gentleman asks when we only having will make the announcement about who goes into which tier. As I said to him earlier on, and as I said in my “a marginal impact on transmission”. statement just now, that will be announced on Thursday. It is one of the reasons that they suggested a national The reason for the delay is quite simply that we need to lockdown. see the data as it comes in. Of course, we will work with I know that the Prime Minister will talk about increased local authority leaders about which tiers they need to testing, mass testing. That is welcome but it is only part apply. We will discuss it with them, but in the end, we of the story, because the other two parts—trace and have to take some decisions and get on and do it. I think isolate—are not fit for purpose. SAGE advised, and that we saw from the last experience that it was those continues to advise, that for trace and isolate to be local authorities—Liverpool springs to mind—that went effective, the percentage of contacts traced needs to be early and were very collaborative that were most successful about 80%. It is currently nowhere near that level. It has in getting the incidence down. never been near that level, and the figures are not Some of the things that we will look at in deciding getting any better. The latest figures actually show that which tier is appropriate are case detection rates in all every week, about 120,000 close contacts—that is, people groups, case detection rates in the over-60s, the rate at who should be self-isolating—are not being traced by which cases are rising or falling, the positivity rate the system. The likelihood of getting the virus under overall and the pressures on the NHS in the region. control when 120,000 people who should be self-isolating Those are the things that we will be looking at as we are moving around their communities is very low. make our judgment. Clearly, in some ways, the tiers have been changed—I mentioned the point about curfews, Only a fraction of people able to self-isolate are and there are extra possibilities for indoor and outdoor doing so when asked to. We said to the Prime Minister sports and events, as I said in my statement—and it is that this needed to be fixed in the period of the national right that the balance of the impact of those should lockdown, and it has not been. It was barely mentioned continue to be tough. in the Prime Minister’s statement today, and many people will be forgiven for thinking that the Prime Once again, the right hon. and learned Gentleman Minister has given up on trace and isolate and is about criticises NHS Test and Trace. People should bear in to abandon that scheme altogether to reach out for a mind that that operation has helped indisputably in different scheme—mass testing. It is very important identifying the areas that have the greatest prevalence of that we understand that if we are going into a tiered system, disease; it is not just to drive down the disease in those abandoning trace and isolate, or not getting trace and areas that it has been of immense value. We now have isolate where it should be, we are running a major risk. testing capacity of over 500,000 a day. NHS Test and Trace has done more than in any other country in This is not about knocking those on the frontline or Europe. What is so exciting about the new lateral flow knocking those working on track and trace; it is about testing is that, when we come to isolate, there is the being grown up about risk. If we are reintroducing a prospect of using lateral flow tests, as I said, to check three-tier system without having fixed trace and isolate, whether people are actually infected or infectious, thereby that is a major risk and we all need to acknowledge it, obviating the need for the 14-day quarantine. because it raises the million-dollar question: how confident Science is really beginning to ride to our rescue. It is is the Prime Minister that the approach he is proposing in that context, with the combination of the tiering today will keep the R rate below 1? If it does not, the system, lateral flow tests and the gradual roll-out in the infections will go up. They will go back out of control weeks and months ahead of the vaccine, that we are and we could well be back in a national lockdown. That able to come out of the lockdown next Wednesday and is the million-dollar question. to make the progress that we have described. I am Labour has backed the Prime Minister on all the big grateful to the right hon. and learned Gentleman for decisions that the Government have had to take to such support as he felt able to offer at this stage. I am protect public health, including the two national lockdowns. aware that his support is one of those things that is, We have done so because we want there to be a national “Now you see it, now you don’t,” but never mind, I will consensus on such difficult issues and because we will take it while it seems to be there, at least temporarily, always put public health first. Ideally, I would like to be and I look forward to further conversations with him in in a position to do so again, but there are huge gaps in the next week. 607 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 608

Damian Green (Ashford) (Con): After the tremendous of financial support will finally be put in place for the news about testing and the encouraging developments 3 million people who have been excluded from any on vaccines, may I welcome the news that the blanket economic support? Will there be some pre-Christmas national lockdown is ending? In the spirit of a wise cheer for the 3 million who have so far been excluded constituent who told me that if the Government imposes from help? stupid rules, we will all stop obeying the sensible rules as well, may I ask my right hon. Friend that the new The Prime Minister: I do not know who the right tiers be imposed at a local level—districts, rather than hon. Gentleman means in his attack on those who do counties or regions? Restrictions that people feel are not encourage investment in science. He certainly cannot unfair to their particular community will simply not be mean this Government, because we put forward the respected or obeyed, and that itself will have a damaging biggest ever programme of investment in research and effect on our long-term health. development and in a creating an advanced research projects facility that we hope will rival that of the The Prime Minister: I am grateful to my right hon. United States. We are investing in pure science and Friend and for the wisdom of his constituent, but I applied science at a scale undreamed of by any previous respectfully disagree. The people of this country have Government—I think it arrives at about £22 billion a been obeying the rules to an astonishing degree. It is year at the end of the spending review period. I really thanks to the heroic effort of the people of this country do not know who the right hon. Gentleman is talking in following the guidance and the recent measures that about, but whichever right-wing foes he has in view, we have the R down in the way that we have and that we they cannot be this Government. have got the incidence down in some of those areas On the point about supporting the self-employed, where the disease was really taking off—if we look at this has been very difficult, and we are doing whatever the graphs, we see that in the north-west in particular. It we can to help the self-employed and the excluded. So is now starting to track down across the country. I have far £13.5 billion—I think more now—has gone to support every confidence in the wisdom of the British people to the self-employed. Those particularly in the artistic and follow sensible guidance and rules. On my right hon. cultural sectors are beneficiaries of the £1.57 billion Friend’s point about local versus regional, alas, the investment in the arts and culture. There are many disease is no respecter of borough boundaries. We have things that apply generally, such as the cut in VAT, to have some regions in which to constitute the tiers that bounce back loans of all kinds and grants that are are sensible and large enough. available to everybody, but the best thing for everybody in all sectors is just to get the economy moving again, Ian Blackford (Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (SNP) [V]: I get the virus down and move forward. That is the thank the Prime Minister for advance sight of his objective of this winter plan. statement and for his telephone call earlier today. This morning, people right across these islands woke Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): I thank the up to the more encouraging news on the development Prime Minister for agreeing to meet me and my hon. of vaccines to fight this deadly virus. It is right that we Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr Baker) on behalf pay tribute to the remarkable efforts of thousands of of 70 colleagues who wrote to him at the weekend, and scientists across the world who worked at unprecedented we look forward to discussing that matter in more detail speed to produce those vaccines. All those scientists later. Many hon. Members will hold their judgment on offer us hope that there is a way out of this pandemic, this plan until we know which areas go into which tiers, based on the primacy of safety for our society. Far too and I think that areas that go into tier 3 will struggle to often in the recent past, expertise and science have been spot much of a difference from the lockdown. For each questioned or demeaned by right-wing politicians. Let of these restrictions that have such an impact on people us now ensure that those same politicians never forget and businesses, will the Prime Minister set out the impact that it is the commitment and dedication to science that that he is expecting it to have on dealing with covid, as is now coming to our society’s rescue. well as the non-covid health impact, and—importantly—the impact on people’s livelihoods, so that we know that While we all welcome that hope on the horizon, there each measure will save more lives than it costs? remain far too many of our citizens who have not received a single penny of support since the beginning The Prime Minister: Indeed; I would be delighted to of the pandemic. Three million freelancers, sole traders meet my right hon. Friend and my hon. Friend the and the recently self-employed all remain excluded from Member for Wycombe (Mr Baker), who have written an any of the economic support established by this Tory excellent letter to me. I hope that he agrees that many of Government. Those include people across our community the points in that letter were answered in my statement: —painters, bricklayers, musicians, artists, entrepreneurs about sport, the curfew, non-essential retail, gyms, and plumbers—and because of the choices made by personal—[Inaudible.] this Tory Government, they are now facing Christmas with no help and no support. I and my party have been Mr Speaker: Order. Have you pressed the button, raising that issue since March, eight months ago. The Prime Minister? I think we are going to have to stop for excluded are not asking for any special treatment; they a moment so that we can check the sound, as we lost are looking for some of the same fairness that others your answer. Have you pressed the mute button by have seen. Others have received support, and those who mistake? It is not our end, Prime Minister; it could well are excluded should also be getting it. be yours. I wonder whether Mr Hancock would like to The Chancellor’s spending review this Wednesday take over with the answer. Is one of you going to do it will take place exactly one month before Christmas day. or not? It is no use looking at each other. We are going Will the Prime Minister guarantee today that a package to suspend the House for three minutes. 609 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 610

4.16 pm of rolling out testing and rates are now falling locally. Sitting suspended. Will my right hon. Friend do everything possible to ensure support continues to be given to local health and council services, so we do not exit lockdown at the 4.18 pm highest tier? On resuming— Matt Hancock: I pay tribute to everybody in Stoke: Mr Speaker: Order. Before we get too carried away, the council, the Royal Stoke University Hospital, the until we get the Prime Minister back we will continue wider NHS and our three colleagues in this House who with the questions. Is it all right with the Health Secretary represent Stoke, including my hon. Friend, who have to pick up the answer that we lost halfway through? worked so hard together to get high-quality public health messaging out. We can see the cases coming down in The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Stoke. As the Prime Minister set out, on Thursday we (Matt Hancock): Thank you, Mr Speaker. In addition will announce decisions, taking into account the very to what the Prime Minister said before we lost the latest data on which areas fall into which tiers. audio, although the tier 3 restrictions that have been set out are less stringent than the national lockdown, it is Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) (DUP): While millions necessary to get the R down under the tiered system in will welcome the fact that they will now be able to shop, order to avoid a further national lockdown if the cases worship, and associate with friends and family over still go up. As we have set out, we have seen the case Christmas, does the Secretary of State not realise how rates come down in some areas of the country, and now, alarming this statement is today? Rather than being thankfully, we are seeing the case rates come down grateful for an announcement that allows us to exercise nationally. some basic freedoms, should we not be alarmed that to The final point made by my right hon. Friend the do the things that people would normally expect in a Member for Forest of Dean (Mr Harper) was about democracy now rests in the hands of a Minister and the other health and economic impacts.Of course we recognise state? Does he accept that today’s statement will still the economic impacts. On the other health impacts, I deny people the right to earn a living, will drive millions simply reiterate what I have said many times before, into poverty, and will still instil fear? That should which is that the health impacts of not locking down on indicate that this policy is the wrong track. health conditions other than coronavirus and of the spread of the coronavirus going too broad are also bad. Matt Hancock: The first duty of any Government is The best way to protect the health of the nation both to keep the citizens of the country we serve safe. That is from coronavirus and from all other conditions is to the reason we take the actions we do. keep the virus under control. Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): I hope the Ed Davey (Kingston and Surbiton) (LD): I think this Secretary of State will not think me too eccentric if I makes the case for investing in broadband. say that on a winter’s morning I like to start my day by May I ask the Secretary of State a very serious swimming the Serpentine and then going to mass. Of question? From the lack of tests and PPE to the claims course, he abolished both of those things in the past about a protective ring around care homes while people four weeks. More important, he abolished them for died in horrifying numbers, the Government’s abject hundreds of thousands of people. My question to him failure to protect care home residents and care staff has is this: under any tier or future lockdown, can we never been one of the biggest tragedies of this pandemic. Will return to the abolition of healthy outdoor sports or the Secretary of State today guarantee that no care going to religious services? There has never been a shred home in England will be required or pressurised to of evidence that they cause any problem. By the way, admit anyone from an NHS hospital who has tested this is the first time in 800 years that people have been positive for covid? prevented from going to church in this country, since it was put under an interdict by a medieval pope. We want Matt Hancock: Over the summer, we put in place a reassurance on that. As well as having that conversation, new regime for ensuring that people who test positive could he give us some more reassurance about Christmas but need to go to a care home can get the support they carols? We do not want it to be just a holy night; we do need in a way that protects them and also protects other not want it to be a silent night either. residents. That means nobody leaves hospital without a test and that those with a positive test who need to leave Matt Hancock: I very much hope that we will not hospital must be isolated in a CQC-approved isolation have another national lockdown at all. One of the facility. We, of course, need to support people who have reasons that we have toughened up tier 3 is to ensure tested positive and hospital is often not the best place that, if areas are in tier 3, we can get the virus coming for them, but we need to do that in a way that protects down as opposed to just flattening at a high rate, as we all other residents as well. At the same time, I am were seeing earlier. In that way, I hope that we can delighted that we are able to announce the expansion of prevent the whole country from ever having to see the the availability of testing for care homes, domiciliary sorts of restrictions that we have had to introduce in care workers and care home visiting, which I know is order to keep people safe. hugely welcomed. Liz Saville Roberts (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): It Jack Brereton (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Con): We have has to be said that news of the three vaccinations brings seen huge efforts across Stoke-on-Trent to get covid us a much-needed dose of hope as we face the winter rates down. The city council has done an excellent job months. Wales is especially vulnerable to covid-19 because 611 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 612 of our older population and our higher levels of deprivation. that not only is the testing regime and the opportunities Will the Secretary of State ensure that Wales receives a that we have to roll out testing expanding very rapidly—I sufficient allocation of vaccines based on need and not pay tribute to the team for that—but the contact tracing per head of population? is improving. I am really pleased about that and pay tribute to all those who have been working to make that Matt Hancock: It is absolutely vital that we vaccinate happen. fairly across this country—across the whole of the UK— according to clinical need. That is the agreement that Dr Neil Hudson (Penrith and The Border) (Con) [V]: we have reached among the four nations. It is the Quite rightly, we are keeping young people in full-time principle that I am determined to follow, given that, education at this time. The outdoor education sector obviously, the UK vaccination programme will cover provides an amazing parallel education for children, the whole United Kingdom. On that basis, we have and there are many centres in Cumbria and across the agreed a fair allocation of vaccine so that vaccination UK. These centres are ready for covid-secure programmes can occur at the same speed in all parts of the country where pupils who are in bubbles at school can be safely according to clinical need. accommodated. Will my right hon. Friend work across Government to look at reopening these centres as soon Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con) [V]: Given the big as possible for residential visits, so that whole cohorts of sacrifices that York residents have made to get the virus young children do not miss out on this vital and life- down locally, does the Secretary of State accept how affirming educational opportunity? unfair it will feel if the city is kept in high tier restrictions even when our covid rate is considerably lower than it Matt Hancock: My hon. Friend makes a powerful was when we entered tier 2 and one of the lowest in our case for a sector that is obviously prevalent in his regions? Does he agree that the new restrictions policy beautiful constituency, and I look forward to working has to give people hope that self-discipline and resilience with him to see what progress we can make. will be rewarded? Stephen Farry (North Down) (Alliance) [V]: I welcome Matt Hancock: Yes, those values are important and the progress that has been made on a co-ordinated should be rewarded. I hope that, in the areas of the approach across the four countries of the UK around country where the case rate has really come down a long the Christmas season. Given the particular context of way and is coming down fast, we will see the fruits of Northern Ireland and, indeed, all the links across the that effort. Having said that, it is absolutely critical that Irish sea, can the Secretary of State ensure that this areas that need to go into tier 3 do so in order to get the planning also includes the Irish Government? Can I case rate down and to protect the population. We will also suggest that, in doing that, the most immediate take these judgments based on public health advice over priority should be given to clarity on travel arrangements, the forthcoming days. The reason that we have not set but some care also needs to be taken in relation to the those details out today is that the more data we have the precise guidance on household mixing? better. We want to give businesses time to plan to be able to reopen, but, at the same time, we do want to take Matt Hancock: Yes, I will absolutely take the hon. into account the very latest data. In York, as in some Gentleman’s points on board in the conversations that other parts of the country, the number of cases is Ministers are having across the devolved nations of the coming down, and I welcome that, but I want to see a United Kingdom, including his point about the enormous few more days’ data before we can take those final number of ties, including family ties, between the UK decisions. and Republic of Ireland. As he knows, the common travel area is there between the UK and the Republic, so Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green) [V]: If travel to the Republic from the UK side has never been these tougher tiers are to deliver sustained reductions in restricted. That is a point of principle and policy, and I transmission then test, trace, isolate has to work better. know that it is important for the people of Northern Will the Secretary of State learn the lessons from countries Ireland. where compliance with self-isolation is much higher, pay people more where necessary, offer hotel accommodation Tom Hunt (Ipswich) (Con): It is welcome news that if needed, and fix the app so that people told to self-isolate Ipswich Hospital found out on 11 November that it via the app can now qualify for support? Will the would be receiving £5.2 million for a new molecular Government stop repeating that they have given £13 billion laboratory. This will allow the hospital to ramp up to the self-employed when 3 million of them have been rapid testing to almost 3,000 a day by the end of March. unfairly deemed to be ineligible? It is not good enough We have also heard reports that Suffolk’s first site for to say that it is too difficult or that we should wait until delivering vaccinations will be ready in two weeks’ time, the economy is moving again. I say to the Minister: no with the NHS proposing the Gainsborough sports centre ifs, no buts, no excuses, when will he give those people in Ipswich. Testing and vaccinations are two crucial some hope? ways to beat the virus, so does my right hon. Friend agree that having Ipswich at the forefront of both these Matt Hancock: The whole country knows that we are key issues will be a real boost to Ipswich residents? going through very difficult times, but I hope that the news, especially on vaccines, that we have seen over Matt Hancock: We have put millions of pounds into the past fortnight offers some hope about the way out. Ipswich Hospital, and I know that my hon. Friend The hon. Lady mentions the test and trace system, as supports Ipswich Hospital very strongly indeed. I am did the right hon. and learned Member for Holborn glad that across Suffolk and across the whole of the and St Pancras (Keir Starmer). I am very glad to say country we are now putting in place the vaccination 613 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 614

[Matt Hancock] previous tiers, we even split a borough in two in one example. Nevertheless, we do have to look at where hubs that will be there and ready, should the regulator people live and travel to get these decisions right. sign off a new vaccine. I do not want to intrude on the rigorous independence of the medical regulator—the Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): Thousands Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, of jobs have been lost and will be lost in the pub and which will make the decision on the safety of these hospitality sector. At the beginning of the crisis, the vaccines—but should it be approved, the NHS will be Prime Minister said that Government action would ready to begin the roll-out and I set the NHS the follow the science. At a recent meeting, the national challenge of ensuring that it can roll out at the speed at health director was clear that there was no science which these vaccines can be manufactured and produced. behind the 10 o’clock—soon to be 11 o’clock—curfew and said that it was a policy decision. If there is no Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: science behind this decision, what are the reasons for it? Will the Secretary of State impart my question to the Prime Minister? Can I beg him at this late stage to Matt Hancock: We have put in place an enormous change his mind? This is a national emergency, and his amount of support for the hospitality sector and we policy announced today will end up with critical and understand the challenges posed by the measures that perhaps tragic results for my constituents and for our were brought in. The reason behind the restrictions on country. I represent Huddersfield, in Kirklees, which is hospitality is that in order to protect people’s ability to a classic average typical town in Britain, and we have go to work and, in particular, to protect education, it is worked better and harder than anyone else to get the important, sadly, to reduce the social contact on which rates down under the tier system, but we have not been the virus thrives. It is upsetting and frustrating, but it is successful. Under the national plan, however, we have true. It is clear from the evidence that later in the started to get there. We only have to keep ourselves evening and late at night, social distancing declines, and under restrictions for a few more weeks, and then we we know that when social distancing declines, transmission will have the antidote. Please change your mind, Minister. increases. Change your mind, Prime Minister. We must stop deaths occurring that could be avoided. Dr Liam Fox (North Somerset) (Con): May I ask the Prime Minister, through the medium of my right hon. Matt Hancock: The tiered system that has been set Friend, what progress has been made to achieve integration out by the Prime Minister today is calibrated very between the lockdown measures and testing at the carefully, learning all the lessons from the lockdowns country’s airports? Should we not follow the example of that have been in place and from the previous tiered countries that have been successful at boosting business system, as well as from evidence from around the world travel, helping the airline industry, helping inward and and, indeed, from the devolved nations. It has to be outward tourism, and getting airport workers back to calibrated to be able to bring infections down, but to do full-time employment? What encouragement can he so in a way that also protects the other things that give to those at Bristol international airport in my matter in life as much as possible. It is necessary that constituency? tier 3, in particular, is tougher than before, not least because of the experience of Huddersfield, Kirklees Matt Hancock: This is a really important issue. It is and other places that were in tier 3 for quite a long time, another example of how the increased testing capacity but saw a flattening rather than a reduction in their we have built can help improve lives. I have worked with rates. That is why we have brought in a tougher tier 3. It my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, nevertheless allows for the reopening of religious settings the airline industry and the airports,including the important and non-essential retail, which are so important to many. regional airports, to try to get a better regime in place. My right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe) (Con): Millions (Dr Fox) will not have to wait very long to get an of people will be delighted to hear that grassroots sports answer. will return from 3 December. Will the Secretary of State confirm that that will be the case in all three tiers? With Stuart C. McDonald (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and regard to the tiers, will consideration be given to variances Kirkintilloch East) (SNP) [V]: The uplift to universal across big counties and regions? For example,the conditions credit was welcome, but people on legacy benefits, the in the Thames estuary can seem very different and sick and the disabled have also faced additional costs distant from those on the south Kent coast. and hardships because of the pandemic, many of which were incurred to follow Government advice on shielding Matt Hancock: I am delighted that outdoor sports or protecting themselves. How does the right hon. are able to reopen. Like the Secretary of State for Gentleman justify not applying the same uplift to those Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, I have had significant people, and can this injustice be rectified going forward? representations from people who want to exercise, which of course is good for their health, so I am glad that we Matt Hancock: Many people in those circumstances have been able to do that. are also in receipt of universal credit. We have put in an When it comes to the geography of the application of increase of £1,000 for those in receipt of universal the tiers, of course we have to look at the areas in which credit, which is a very significant and generous increase, people live and travel. Where it is clear that there is a alongside the furlough arrangements. That is a very genuine difference that is not represented by administrative substantial package of financial support, and the boundaries, we will look at it and make a decision on International Monetary Fund has described it as one of that basis, as we did previously. For instance, with the the most generous in the world. 615 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 616

Sir Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West) (Con): Kate Osborne (Jarrow) (Lab): I direct my question to May I return to the question asked by my right hon. the Prime Minister or even the Chancellor, but I ask it Friend the Member for Forest of Dean (Mr Harper)? to the Secretary of State. With the infection rates still The Secretary of State said that he recognises the damage high across the north-east, it is looking likely that the done by these restrictions. Will he go further and publish region will come out of this national lockdown in a the Government’s assessment of what the impact is in worse position than it was in going in. When the tier both economic and health terms? Will he ensure that on restrictions were last implemented, local leaders had to Thursday, when it becomes clear which regions are fight the Government for a fair amount of funding for going into which tiers, the Government publish the our region. Can the Secretary of State assure us that exact criteria that will be used to make that judgment? this time the north will not be left behind again? In line with their levelling up agenda, will the Government Matt Hancock: Yes, we will publish the statistics that ensure that all businesses and people receive the correct we look at to make the judgments that my hon. Friend level of the financial support that they desperately need? refers to. It is not possible to put a specific number on it, though, because there are a number of criteria. We Matt Hancock: I am glad to see that the number of would not want to put an area into lockdown—a higher cases in the north-east is falling. That is good news and tier, more accurately—because it triggered numerical testament to people right across the north-east. Yes, criteria if there was a specific reason. For instance, there there will be financial support to the councils that are in has been a very significant outbreak at a barracks in the higher-tier areas, alongside the huge amount of financial past month, which meant that it looked like that area support to individuals through furlough and the increase had a huge spike, but it was entirely—literally—confined in universal credit, and to businesses. to barracks.Therefore,an element of judgment is important in making these decisions, but we will publish the data Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) on which they are taken. My hon. Friend asked about (Con): Physical and mental wellbeing go hand in hand, the economic impact assessment, and I will raise that and both are under attack from this virus. I welcome my point with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor. right hon. Friend’s comments on outdoor sport, but at this time of year, it is the fitness studios, Pilates studios Mr Speaker: We are still hoping to reconnect with the and dance studios that are crucial to keep people active. Prime Minister at some point, but in the meantime we What reassurance can he give the House that, even in will continue with Jonathan Edwards. areas that are in a higher tier, every effort will be made to ensure that people can keep active, recognising the Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) enormous efforts that the industry has made to put in (Ind): Diolch, Mr Speaker. The news of the successful covid-secure measures? development of three vaccines is to be warmly welcomed because it offers light at the end of the tunnel. However, Matt Hancock: I can give my right hon. Friend exactly the Secretary of State will recognise that distribution that assurance, not least because gyms will be able to will be a huge logistical challenge. What guarantee can reopen in all tiers, and I recognise the enormous efforts he give that the Welsh Government will receive any that most gyms have made to ensure that they are additional resources they require to meet the task at covid-secure. hand? Ruth Cadbury (Brentford and Isleworth) (Lab): I talked to Hounslow’s director of public health this Matt Hancock: The vaccines programme is a UK morning. She welcomes the opportunity to have rapid programme, and of course the costs of the roll-out lateral flow testing under her local jurisdiction, and we incur Barnett consequentials and will therefore be available both welcome the fact that the Government have finally across the whole of the UK. We are working closely recognised that local health and public health professionals with the NHS in Wales to make sure that happens as are essential to the successful tackling of infections smoothly as possible, but it will be the most almighty such as covid. However, councils and health trusts huge logistical effort for everyone involved. cannot roll out rapid testing for vulnerable groups, employ, train and enforce in the way described by the Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con): As my right Prime Minister and roll out the vaccination programme hon. Friend knows, I do not support lockdowns, tiered without significant additional resources. The Army has or otherwise, but I welcome the move to get these been helping with the rapid testing in Liverpool, but vaccines. That is very good news. As I understand it, the will the Government adequately resource local authorities Government’s main weapon is test and trace. May I and local health trusts to deliver what is needed? suggest that test and quick result is equally important? When will the Government be able to tell the House Matt Hancock: The hon. Lady is right to praise local when the whole country can be tested and get a quick public health officials. Local directors of public health result, so that when it is negative we can all get on with have done an amazing amount of work throughout this our lives? crisis, and we work incredibly closely with them right across the country. It is very important that further Matt Hancock: I hope that the system for people to funding will come forward for those areas in higher test daily if they have been in close contact with somebody restrictions, not least because of the amount of work who has tested positive, as the Prime Minister has, that we all need to do together. instead of having to isolate, will be in place in January. As the Prime Minister set out, we are piloting it from Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con) [V]: As the Prime this week, and then we will roll it out over December. I Minister said, 2020 has been a difficult year, and hope it will be available nationwide from January. unfortunately,freelancersanddirectorsof limitedcompanies 617 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 618

[Karl McCartney] university. I have discussed that with my colleagues from across the four nations, not least because so many in Lincoln and across the UK have had a particularly students go to university in different parts of the UK. I hard year, with many of them receiving next to no hope we have a good regime in place for the return of financial support from the Government yet. While today’s students, just as we have a good regime in place for announcements are welcome and we are moving in a students to be able safely to go home, using the new positive direction, many will still have to wait several lateral flow tests that we now have available thanks to months before small businesses can return to some form the huge investment and the work we did over the of normality. Will my right hon. Friend urge his close summer. friend the Chancellor to provide grant funding for those individuals and businesses? Local authorities can and Kate Griffiths (Burton) (Con) [V]: So many businesses will step in to provide this funding on a case-by-case and jobs in my constituency are based in pubs and the basis, and to finance that, we can seek the repayment of brewing industry, which are not set up to provide food taxpayer funding from the supermarkets, which have and without further support will struggle to make it through clearly misused taxpayer support that they do not need. December. May I ask the Prime Minister, through my Will he back the Blue Collar Conservative campaign right hon. Friend, to ensure that any support provided and right this wrong? to wet pubs also includes the wider brewing industry, Matt Hancock: I would be happy to look at that which will also be seeing a significant decrease in trade? myself and to take it up with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor,who will be at the Dispatch Box on Wednesday. Matt Hancock: Yes, of course. Everybody knows that Burton is inescapably linked to high-quality beer; anyone Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) (Lab) [V]: The Government who has been to Burton knows that fact. My heart goes have committed to level up the country, and in particular out to the hospitality industry, which has been hit so the north of England. Given the risk that covid will hard. Of course schemes are available nationally,including level us down, what assurances can the Secretary of State the furlough and the support for businesses. There has give that in Wednesday’s spending review, the Chancellor been more support for the hospitality, leisure and will reform the Green Book, replace the local growth accommodation businesses, and there will be cash grants fund with the shared prosperity fund and deliver the for businesses that are closed under the new tiering investment needed to tackle regional inequalities? system, to try to support people through what are, inevitably, very difficult times. Matt Hancock: The Treasury has already updated its Green Book, which is a significant step, and I know that the Chancellor has been discussing this further. The Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): Although I am pleased levelling-up agenda is even more critical after the pandemic that the Prime Minister and Secretary of State have than it was before.It is the agenda on which all Government listened to representations from me and other colleagues Members were elected with enormous enthusiasm about about the importance of reopening gyms, golf and a year ago, and we look forward to putting it in place collective worship, I am disappointed that we heard with renewed vigour once this pandemic is over. nothing from the Prime Minister about helping small business people and small businesses in my constituency Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): I heard who have received little or no help whatsoever; they have the Secretary of State say some welcome things about been financially excluded, and the Government should sport. Given the importance of maintaining fitness to look again at that. Following a freedom of information the ability to deal with this illness, can he confirm request, through my local clinical commissioning group, whether people will be able to go to indoor swimming I compared the GP referrals from September this year pools and play golf? with those from September 2019 and found that there has been a huge drop in the number of people referred, Matt Hancock: Yes, golf is back. Outdoor sport will for example, for cardio, gastric, trauma and orthopaedics. be available under all the tiers, and we will publish all Although we have heard from the Government that the details for each tier imminently. they will put extra financial resources into the NHS, how will the Secretary of State provide the extra doctors, Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD): I welcome nurses and specialists to get the waiting lists down and the plans in place to test students, enabling them to to meet the surge in referrals? travel home for Christmas, and I commend the work of the University of St Andrews, in my constituency, which has stepped in to facilitate that, but a gap remains in Matt Hancock: I am glad to say that we are hiring terms of the new year. We need to ensure that where large numbers of people into the NHS—over 13,000 students must return to university they can do so safely, more nurses over the last year, for instance. I am grateful as well as give reassurance to the communities in which to the Chancellor for putting an extra £3 billion into the they are situated. I understand from the covid winter NHS next year to deal with some of the backlogs that plan that guidance will follow suit, but will the Secretary were inevitably caused by the virus. In answer to the of State, on behalf of the Government, advise me as to first part of the hon. Gentleman’s question, let me say what engagement is being had with devolved nations that there will be grants of up to £3,000 per month for about the return and testing of students in January, businesses forced to close by restrictions in England including discussions on default online teaching? and also backdated grants of up to £2,100 per month for businesses in tier 2 and tier 3 areas that have suffered Matt Hancock: Yes, this is a really important subject from reduced demand—this is on top of the national to get right. The use of testing will make it easier for schemes. I reassure him that we are doing everything we students safely to go home and then safely to return to can to support businesses in these difficult times. 619 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 620

Rob Butler (Aylesbury) (Con): Aylesbury was in tier 1 The latest ONS data estimates that there are now more prior to the second lockdown and my constituents than 600,000 people with the virus. Cases will soar accepted the jump to national restrictions on the basis again if the Government keep repeating the same old of protecting the national health service. Will my right errors, including the failed tier system, which is what hon. Friend reassure them that from 3 December any they are doing, driven by the pressure of their own restrictions will be based on truly local needs, backed right-wing Back-Bench MPs, not by public health needs. up with truly local evidence, so that they can see for Today’s measures risk a third wave. Will the Government themselves why the action is needed? take responsibility for the thousands of deaths and all the pain of the bereavements that that would cause? Matt Hancock: Yes, that is right. We publish unprecedented amounts of data, on which these judgments Matt Hancock: I suppose the good news that I can have to be made. I commit to my hon. Friend that we break to the hon. Gentleman is that by studying the will look at the precise data—in Aylesbury, across impact of the different restrictions that we have had to Buckinghamshire and, of course, nationwide—as we introduce, we have been able to bring in a set within make these difficult judgments. tier 3 that are calibrated to ensure that we can get the rates down. There is also mass testing, which has been Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP) [V]: We so effective in Liverpool, where the rates have come do not often enough thank those public sector workers down by over two thirds. That is a remarkable effort by who have gone the extra mile during covid, particularly everybody in Liverpool, and I put my tribute to Joe those processing furlough payments in Her Majesty’s Anderson on the record once more. So we can do this, Revenue and Customs, those processing universal credit especially if we all act and pull together. payments in the Department of Work and Pensions, and, as the Secretary of State will be aware, those who Felicity Buchan (Kensington) (Con): London is the work in the national health service, for their heroic engine of this country’s economy, and my central London efforts. Will he thank those public sector workers for constituency is suffering hard. As of Friday, London everything they are doing, and will he explain to them had a substantially lower case rate than the English why this Government believe they should be subjected average, coming in at 75 points lower,and my constituency to a three-year pay freeze and whether he thinks that is was 125 points lower. Will my right hon. Friend assure appropriate? me that London will come out at the lowest tier possible, given the health circumstances? Matt Hancock: I pay tribute to all those who have been working on the coronavirus response and, more Matt Hancock: I can assure my hon. Friend that broadly, all those who have been working together across London will come out at the tier that is necessary and the public and private sectors to make it happen. There appropriate based on the public health evidence. What are clear, significant economic consequences to the matters, as my hon. Friend says, is the case rate and the actions that we have had to take, and we as a country case rate among the over-60s, as well as the direction of will have to get through those in the same way as we travel in both of those, and then, of course, the percentage have pulled together to get through this coronavirus of tests testing positive—because if we put more tests crisis so far. We are not there yet, but we are making in, we do not want to punish an area for having a higher significant progress. number of positives—and the impact on the NHS. Thankfully,in London, the NHS has performed remarkably Greg Clark (Tunbridge Wells) (Con): The scientists, in this second peak and has coped with it, despite the their teams and all the volunteers deserve our thanks pressures, admirably well. for getting the breakthrough with the vaccine, as do the Secretary of State and the Government for funding that Mr Speaker: I am going to suspend the House. We research and for acting in anticipation by buying 100 million think we are going to get the Prime Minister back, but doses of the vaccine. In that spirit, and given that we we just need to check the new line, so I will suspend the have made this commitment, will he over the next House for five minutes while we reconnect. Thanks, couple of days ask the Chancellor to advance some of everybody. the money that the Prime Minister referred to—the record-breaking increase in science funding—and put it 5 pm in the hands of other clinical trials that are funded by Sitting suspended. charitable funds but whose fundraising income has dropped, so that there is no interruption to life-saving research for cancer and other sources? 5.5 pm On resuming— Matt Hancock: My right hon. Friend tempts me to give an answer ahead of its time. Like him, I look Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): We forward to hearing what the Chancellor of the Exchequer will recommence the statement. I believe that we have will have to say on Wednesday. the Prime Minister virtually, so first we will go to Alex Davies-Jones. Richard Burgon (Leeds East) (Lab) [V]: When the Prime Minister announced the end of the first lockdown Alex Davies-Jones (Pontypridd) (Lab) [V]: Diolch, in late June, the Office for National Statistics weekly Madam Deputy Speaker. I am grateful that both the survey estimated that about 25,000 people had covid, Prime Minister and I are now back virtually. I am but after the Government ignored their own scientists’ pleased to hear from the Prime Minister that the devolved call for immediate action in September,cases skyrocketed. nations are finally being included in talks on planning 621 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 622

[Alex Davies-Jones] cannot will be losing out on one of the most profitable times of the year. As they have been absolutely battered for the Christmas break. However, like so many of his by the restrictions, is it not time for a sector deal for other promises, it comes too late for people in Wales, pubs, which are the heart of our communities, and for and they have had enough. their supply chain? The Prime Minister may remember that earlier this year, he told the House that he would passport money The Prime Minister: The hon. Lady makes an important for Welsh councils, such as mine in Rhondda Cynon point, and it is appalling that pubs, or any businesses, Taf, that were particularly badly hit by Storm Dennis. have had to face the restrictions that they have. Nobody He told us that the money would be there for the has wanted to do this. The reason for the delay that she landslip in the Rhondda. Weneed in excess of £100 million, talks about until Thursday is that we need to look at the but we have had just £2.5 million. The Prime Minister data and make sure that we get it right about which tiers says he is committed to the Union, but we all know that various areas should be going into. Of course she is right actions speak louder than words, and his negligence in that we have to have plans for our whole economy to supporting the Welsh Government through flooding bounce back, and indeed we do. She will be hearing and in co-operating with them over coronavirus speaks from the Chancellor on Wednesday about that, but we volumes. Will he therefore please confirm his exact must not forget that pubs and other businesses that have plans to make good on his financial commitments— been forced to close remain entitled to furlough until March. Madam Deputy Speaker: Thank you. We will go to the Prime Minister. Gary Sambrook (Birmingham, Northfield) (Con): In Birmingham, the data suggests that the biggest driver The Prime Minister [V]: For the record, Madam for transmission is household mixing. With that in Deputy Speaker, the problem does not appear to be at mind, will the Prime Minister give serious consideration our end. I hope that viewers will not think I am in any to allowing places such as Buzz Bingo and Hollywood way trying to avoid scrutiny by hon. Members. I can tell Bowl in Great Park, in the Northfield constituency, to the hon. Lady that we are investing massively in Wales, open in all three tiers—not just to save jobs and those as we are across the whole UK. If she contains her businesses, but so that family and friends can socialise impatience until Wednesday, she will hear about perhaps in a covid-secure way? the biggest package of investment in infrastructure across the whole UK for generations. I remind the House that The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is totally right it was the Welsh Labour Government who managed to to support bingo halls and bowling alleys. They will be spend £144 million on a study into the M4 bypass, and open, as he knows, in tiers 1 and 2. Alas, we cannot yet then decided not to proceed with the bypass. That is not do it in tier 3, but, as I have said to the House, there is the approach that this Government take. We will be the prospect that where communities come together to investing hugely in Welsh infrastructure and taking get tested together, they can thereby drive down R. Wales forward. I am delighted that Mark Drakeford There is now a route out of these restrictions for and other leaders of the devolved Administrations are communities and towns, not just through the vaccine working with us on a plan for Christmas. but through mass testing. Madam Deputy Speaker: It is wonderful to have the Feryal Clark (Enfield North) (Lab): Schools across Prime Minister back with us. Enfield North face a daily avalanche of challenges to Bim Afolami (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con): Does stay open before a single class has taken place. They the Prime Minister agree about the importance of sport face mounting costs associated with enhanced cleansing and exercise to both mental and physical wellbeing? regimes, procurement of laptops for virtual learning Will he confirm that going forward into the winter, and skyrocketing bills for staff absence and supply facilities for outdoor sport and indoor swimming should teachers as a result of teachers having to self-isolate. remain open in all tiers? What additional funding and financial support is being made available to schools to support them with those The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is absolutely additional covid-related costs? right about the vital importance of sport. I can tell him that even in my current confinement, I am taking whatever The Prime Minister: The hon. Lady is completely exercise I can—mainly on a treadmill, I am afraid. He is right about the heroic achievement of schools and totally right. We will ensure that gyms, leisure centres teachers in keeping going. The vast majority of schools— and swimming pools are open in all tiers and that 99% or so—are open, to the best of my knowledge, and organised sport can resume. most pupils are getting the education that they need. That is one of the reasons why we have had to put Charlotte Nichols (Warrington North) (Lab): As chair pressure on other sectors, such as hospitality. We do not of the all-party parliamentary group on pubs, I have want to do that, but social justice means that we have to been contacted by pubs not only in my constituency of keep schools open. We have put about £1 billion into Warrington North, but from across the country. They supporting catch-up funds for schools, and another £96 are dismayed by the extension of the substantial meal million is now going in for one-on-one tutorials to help requirement to tier 2, but also by the agonising wait to kids who are in danger of falling behind. find out what tier their premises will be in as we come out of national lockdown. For those who will be allowed Scott Benton (Blackpool South) (Con): The to reopen, in order to be able to do so, they need to be Government’s support packages for cultural venues getting their orders in now with suppliers. Those who throughout this pandemic have provided a lifeline for 623 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 624 many attractions in my constituency, and I know that colleagues safe. In response to a judicial review initiated the Prime Minister will join me in welcoming the £760,000 by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, grant that we received over the weekend to support and the High Court ruled that the UK Government were renew the Blackpool Tower ballroom. As soon as our wrong in not extending health and safety protections to local attractions can reopen, will the Prime Minister gig economy workers. Will the Prime Minister ensure join me in the UK’s premier resort of Blackpool to reopen that this is corrected and that his Government do not the Tower ballroom and make sure we can launch a appeal against this finding? campaign to encourage people to holiday here in the UK next year? The Prime Minister: We will study the judgment and take appropriate action to protect workers. The Prime Minister: Like many of us, I have spent happy hours in the Blackpool Tower ballroom, and I Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Con): I thank the know it well. It would be a fine thing to see Blackpool Prime Minister for his statement, and join my hon. Friend open up again as fast as possible. I repeat the answer I the Member for Stoke-on-Trent South (Jack Brereton) gave a moment ago: we cannot say yet what the tiering in praising all the staff at the Royal Stoke for the work will be, but mass testing does offer a route forward for they have been doing. It is the scientists that are giving Blackpool and all its attractions—illuminations included. us the most hope at the moment, particularly with the vaccines. I ask the Prime Minister to join me in Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): congratulating Cobra Biologics in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Small Business Saturday is only a couple of days after who have been part of the Oxford project. Does he the lifting of this lockdown, but the fantastic small agree that the fact that the vaccines are so close now is a businesses in Newcastle do not know how or whether reason why we should redouble our efforts to observe they will be able to trade. Many small businesspeople the guidance and be responsible with the extra permissions are excluded from all support, for one reason or another, we will get over December? and their losses are mounting, so will the Prime Minister set out the per head economic support he will be The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend completely sums providing to local authorities to help small businesses up the strategy that we need now, just as we can see the make it through to the promised land of covid-free light at the end of the tunnel. Now is the moment when vaccines? it is vital that we concentrate on the road ahead and do not veer off one way or the other, and do not allow The Prime Minister: The local authorities have been ourselves to throw away the gains that we have made. It given about £4.6 billion so far to support them through will be a tough few months, but the vaccines that he the pandemic and to help them to support hard-hit talks about have unquestionably changed the logic, and businesses in their areas, and that is on top of the massively, massively improved our position, but it is too investment that we have made in the VAT cuts—the early—far, far too early—to be complacent about that. business rate cuts—right the way through to next year. Obviously I thank the company in his constituency Altogether, it is about a £200 billion package of support. profoundly for what it has done. The whole point of coming out into the tiers now, or next week, is to allow small businesses to get going Daniel Zeichner (Cambridge) (Lab): The Prime Minister again. It was awful to have the restrictions that we have failed to answer the question from the Leader of Opposition had. We hope that we will be able to take them off and about the extent to which local areas would be consulted keep them off, but clearly that depends on everybody on what tier they would be returned to, and the Secretary doing their bit. of State was fantastically vague about the geography of any such areas. Will the Prime Minister therefore clarify Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con) [V]: I understand what exactly the criteria are that are going to be used to that my right hon. Friend is going to require London to make these decisions? be in one regional tier. However, as at the end of last week, the rate of infection in the worst affected borough The Prime Minister: With great respect to the hon. was at 372 per 100,000, but in the least affected area it Gentleman, perhaps that was one of the answers I gave was at 125 per 100,000. What will drive which tier that was mysteriously truncated in the course of my London goes into—the position in the worst affected giving it. I think I said pretty clearly that the criteria we area, the middle, or the least affected area? would use to decide who went into which tier would be case detection rates in all groups, case detection rates in The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend will have to wait the over-60s, the rate at which cases are rising or falling, until the announcements by the Health Secretary on positivity rates, and pressure on the NHS. Those are Thursday about exactly who goes into which tier. As my some of the criteria that we will use. hon. Friend knows, the point about London is that although it is very diverse and massive—650 square Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con): “He miles or so—it is held together by a very dense mass loved Big Brother.” The last ruler that told us how we transit system, and although there are fewer people on may or may not celebrate Christmas was Oliver Cromwell. it right now, the transmission within London means It didn’t well, did it? that it is quite difficult to separate one bit of London from another. The Prime Minister: My right hon. Friend is completely right in his basic instincts, which I share, and his Kirsten Oswald (East Renfrewshire) (SNP) [V]: Whatever fundamental libertarian yearnings, which I also share. I tier of protection, people expect frontline workers to get love Christmas; I love a big get-together. The trouble is the support they need to keep themselves and their that the people of this country can see that there is a 625 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 626

[The Prime Minister] Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD) [V]: Regardless of today’s announcement, many businesses and people real risk that if we blow it with a big, blowout at in my constituency of Edinburgh West and across this Christmas, we will pay for it in the new year. They want country are still completely excluded, and have been for a cautious and balanced approach, and that is what we many months, from Government support. Can the Prime will deliver for the whole UK. Minister assure us that his Government will address the issue of those millions of people who have been excluded? Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): May I make a plea to all Members to be as brief as the right The Prime Minister: We hope that nobody has been hon. Member for New Forest West (Sir Desmond Swayne)? excluded. There is a massive package of support—and After two hours, we are not even halfway through the Barnett consequentials for Scotland running to many number of people who are hoping to ask a question. I billions—with £13.5 billion for the self-employed alone. remind people that they are not making speeches; they are asking questions—brief questions—and they should Anthony Mangnall (Totnes) (Con): I know that the not read them. I am quite sure that I can rely on the whole House will want to join me in sending our hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant). condolences and thoughts to the two crew members of the Joanna C, which sank at sea this weekend. Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): You always say that With regards to today’s announcement, will the Prime before you call me, Madam Deputy Speaker. [Laughter.] Minister make the desire to get the R level to 1 a I see you have united the House in that plea. time-specific objective, or a permanent one? May I make a plea to the Prime Minister? I have asked him about this before this year. We had terrible The Prime Minister: I very much echo my hon. Friend’s flooding in the Rhondda. It led to a landslide from a tribute to the sailors lost at sea. My hon. Friend is right coal tip, which could all too easily have landed on top of to focus on the R. We want to get it down and keep it people’s houses, God forbid, as it has elsewhere in down, if possible for good. Wales in the past. We need £100 million. So far, the Prime Minister has promised one Member of this House to passport the money, in February. He promised me in Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: Wales June that this was going to be sorted. We still have seen is already out of its successful circuit-breaker. When only £2 million of the £100 million we need. Please, England comes out of lockdown into a tiered system, please, please, just say now we are going to get that will the Prime Minister ensure that people who live in money on Wednesday. tiers 2 and 3 are not in a position to make non-essential travel out of those regions into other English regions or into Wales, in order to contain the spread of the The Prime Minister: This is a matter for the Welsh transmission of the disease? Labour Government in Wales to deal with, but I understand the fundamental inability of the Welsh Labour Government to deal with so many matters that concern the people of The Prime Minister: If the hon. Gentleman looks at Rhondda, and we will do what we can to address the the guidance on travel in tiers 2 and 3, he will see that it hon. Gentleman’s point. sets out clearly that in tier 2 people should reduce the number of journeys that they make and avoid travelling Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): Many will be into tier 3 areas, and that in tier 3 they should avoid relieved that collective worship, outdoor sports, gyms, travelling out of the area altogether. There is more shops and personal care will resume business as usual, detail in the guidance, which he might care to study. but can the Prime Minister tell us when the limits for spectators at spectator sports and business events will Mr Richard Holden (North West Durham) (Con): I be set, as this will affect many self-employed contractors? welcome the changes today for gyms, God and golf, Most importantly, what does my right hon. Friend opening in all tiers, but will the Prime Minister confirm think the chances are of getting the over-80s and the that the hospitality sector, forced to close in tier 2 and most vulnerable vaccinated before Christmas so that tier 3 areas, will continue to receive grant support in the that great festival can be a lot more stressful for everyone—a future? lot less stressful for everyone? [Laughter.] The Prime Minister: Yes, indeed. I can tell my hon. Madam Deputy Speaker: While the Prime Minister Friend that local restrictions support grants are still computes what that question actually was, I should available—£3,000 for every 28 days that a business is point out that the hon. Gentleman—I am being kind to forced to close. him, because he is an hon. Gentleman—had two questions. I am not allowing any more two questions; it is one Cat Smith (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Lab): Under question, not a speech, or we will be here all day. Of the previous tiering system, my constituents in Lancaster course, some people want to be. and Wyre were frustrated that, although they had infection rates at the bottom of the Lancashire table of infections, The Prime Minister: I am interested in my hon. they were bound by the rest of the county when it came Friend’s Freudian slip about Christmas, but the answer to the tiering system. Will the Prime Minister reassure is, I am afraid, that it is just too early to say whether we my constituents and businesses that operate in my will get any vaccine before Christmas that we can deploy constituency that district councils will be taken into at scale. We are optimistic but we cannot be confident at account and consulted when deciding which tiers we are this stage. going into? 627 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 628

The Prime Minister: I very much sympathise with the small business. I have no doubt that that investment will hon. Lady’s constituents in Lancaster and Wyre, and I be repaid by growth and dynamism next year as those thank them for the efforts that they have gone to in businesses bounce back. helping to bring the virus down in their area. It is very difficult, as I said earlier, to draw up the boundaries of Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab) [V]: The Prime these regions in a way that is satisfactory, but I hope Minister said that he plans to extend mass testing. Some that people will work together to get the test, to kick 2,000 military personnel were needed to deliver mass covid out and to drive down the virus, thereby— testing in Liverpool, and they were not able to extend it hopefully—to reduce the restrictions in their area. to the rest of the five boroughs in the city region. They are now due to return to other duties. Meanwhile, other Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley) (Con): Will my right public sector workers are flat out on the crisis already, hon. Friend tell us exactly what the criteria will be for so what is the plan for rolling out mass testing? Would it moving up and down the tiered system, and how often a not be better to concentrate on getting contact tracing review of each area will take place? right?

The Prime Minister: Yes. The criteria are as I have set The Prime Minister: The advantage of mass testing is out a couple of times now. The areas will be reviewed that it is instant. Contact tracing by any system takes every 14 days. 24 hours or so to get the result to people. Mass testing can tell people whether they are infectious within 15 minutes. The Army has done a fantastic job in Liverpool and will Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham) (Lab): While the continue to be very valuable as we roll it out. Prime Minister might hope that coronavirus will take the day off this Christmas, key workers in prisons, local Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): The Prime authorities and emergency services will be working hard Minister has given a clear policy direction, together to keep vital services running. Despite that, the Chancellor with the rationale behind the changes about to be is apparently set to freeze their pay. Will the Prime introduced. People will be particularly pleased that Minister order the Chancellor to reverse that decision, spectators can return to sporting events. Will he share or do key workers need to set up unproven personal the scientific evidence and thinking behind this with the protective equipment companies if they want to receive Welsh Government, in the hope that my constituents Government money? can benefit from the same privileges that will be available in England? The Prime Minister: I thank prison workers and all who have done an incredible job in fighting covid and The Prime Minister: Yes, indeed; we will share all the helping the country to fight covid over the last few relevant scientific evidence with my right hon. Friend months. I think the public understand the need to keep and the House. the pressure down on public spending at the moment. We have had inflation-busting pay rises previously, but, David Linden (Glasgow East) (SNP): Showpeople as the Chancellor will be setting out, the economic who run our fairs and showgrounds have been adhering situation is not easy as a result of what this country has to lockdown rules since March, but because they do not been going through. We will ensure that prison workers have fixed premises, they are not eligible for rates relief are among the very first to be able to use the lateral flow or many other aspects of financial support. Will the testing system to help them get the virus down in their Prime Minister agree to meet me and the Showmen’s line of work. Guild to look at how we can support people who run our fairs and showgrounds? Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con) [V]: I strongly support what the Prime Minister has said today. He will know The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman will have to that despite the strong financial support for businesses, forgive me; I think that was a request to meet him. I am many businesses in my constituency of Harlow have very happy to ensure that his request is taken up at the really struggled. Therefore, as well as paying tribute to appropriate ministerial level. I think his question was Harlow’s small businesses, may I urge him to ensure about support for those who have suffered during lockdown. that he takes into consideration the really tough—sometimes I am more than happy to do what I can to help. devastating—effects on small businesses in future decisions on covid? Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire) (Con) [V]: I thank Tom Keith-Roach of AstraZeneca for producing a vaccine The Prime Minister: I thank my right hon. Friend for that, when fairly compared, is actually 90% effective. what he does to champion small businesses in Harlow. Will my right hon. Friend revisit the restrictions that he They are the backbone of our economy, which is why is proposing today if the vaccine is approved in the the Government have done everything we can to keep coming days? businesses going, including through the furlough system, the grants of £3,000 per month for businesses forced to The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is absolutely close, and backdated grants for businesses in tiers 2 and right to be optimistic about the AstraZeneca vaccine. The 3 that have been affected by reduced demand. I mentioned trouble is that it may not be deployed or,indeed, deployable earlier the support for businesses through local authorities. on a rapid enough timescale to allow us to dispense That is about £1.1 billion of the £4.6 billion. He will with the kind of restraints that we need to employ. The have heard me mention many times the reductions in risk is that we would simply see a surge in the virus and business rates and VAT that will go on until next year, a devastating impact on communities before we got and plenty of schemes with loans and grants to help those shots into people’s arms. 629 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 630

Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab): My constituents in Blaydon, Will my right hon. Friend commit to publishing very along with others across the north-east, have been working clear indicators so that local leaders know what they really hard to stop the spread of coronavirus. Our need to do in order to exit down the tiers and eventually councils have responded magnificently, too, but questions get out of the restrictions altogether? still remain about the funding for the more effective local test and trace, additional support for businesses The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend will have seen or already in tier 2 or 3 before the shutdown and funding heard several times the criteria that we are using to for the local roll-out of the vaccination programme. decide which tiers people should go into. The inverse is Will the Prime Minister ensure that funding is now obviously true and everybody now has several exit made available urgently to local authorities to meet routes. There is obviously the vaccine and obeying the these costs? tiering system scrupulously, but also the possibility now of mass testing—get a test as a community, kick covid The Prime Minister: Indeed. We will make sure that out and reduce the restrictions you face. we support local authorities, which will clearly be playing an important role in rolling out the vaccine. As I said, Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab) [V]: On we have already given £4.6 billion to support local 12 October, I asked the Prime Minister if he would authorities. They will continue to play a crucial role, as ensure that British Sign Language was available at will the NHS, the Army and other bodies. future press conferences. He said: “the point is registered.”—[Official Report, 12 October 2020; Dehenna Davison (Bishop Auckland) (Con): I am Vol. 682, c. 39.] incredibly grateful to the Prime Minister for sticking to Registered, but not delivered. Six weeks since that question his word and ending the national lockdown on 2 December and eight months since the start of the pandemic, there as promised. Looking ahead to the new tiered system, I is still no progress on a sign language interpreter. Will have been speaking to hospitality businesses today that the Prime Minister meet me and others, who rely on very much welcome the changes to the curfew but just sign language interpretation, to work out a solution so want the Prime Minister’s reassurance that additional that Government communication is inclusive of all support packages will remain in place if they are to go disabled people? into tier 2 or 3. The Prime Minister: I certainly will make sure that The Prime Minister: I thank my hon. Friend, who is the hon. Member’s delegation is properly received and entirely right to support the hospitality industry in her that we try to come up with a solution. community, and, of course, support packages will remain in place. Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con): Prime Minister, you will know more than anyone else in this House that Liam Byrne (Birmingham, Hodge Hill) (Lab) [V]: On London is a wonderful diverse city. Many Londoners Friday, I met online with nurses in Birmingham who will welcome much of your statement. However, we are said that they had never seen so much death on the not a single homogenous unit. So can I have your wards. They have had to bid goodbye to colleagues who reassurance that when considering the tier system, you have left the hospital in hearses. Many are suffering will look at the regulations, consider London borough from post-traumatic stress disorder. We owe it to them by borough and not treat us all as one unit? to play by the rules to save our NHS, but we have to save livelihoods, too. I have read the action plan that the The Prime Minister: Alas, the virus is no respecter of Prime Minister has published. There is one mention of borough boundaries, as I understand things. My hon. the self-employed on page 39, but in the west midlands, Friend is, of course, totally right in his analysis. The half the self-employed are not eligible for the Government incidence is different in different parts of the city, but support scheme—that is 121,000 people. They are not there are many things that unite London and encourage going to be helped by VAT cuts, bounce back loans or transmission across its vast network and I am afraid the art and culture schemes. What they need is eligibility that is still I think the most sensible way of dealing for the self-employment scheme, so will the Prime Minister with it. bring forward changes to the scheme, or is he hell-bent on starving our entrepreneurs this Christmas? Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab) [V]: People living in care homes need visitors. The plans to The Prime Minister: Of course not, and I feel very test family members so they can visit are welcome, but much for those who are in a difficult position. We have there is a big issue with insurance and the need for care spent £13.5 billion supporting the self-employed so homes to have indemnity if they experience a covid far—I think possibly more by now. Universal credit outbreak after visits. Care homes are already struggling remains there and the increase in universal credit is also financially and they should not be left facing ruinous intended to help those in tough times, as well as all the legal fees because they tried to do the right thing and other provision that I have mentioned. But the best facilitate safe visits. So will the Prime Minister commit thing we can do for all self-employed people is to get to extending the indemnity to care homes, which the our communities and our country moving again, and NHS already has, plus financial support to help the care this winter package offers the best way forward. sector to pay for spiralling insurance premiums?

Danny Kruger (Devizes) (Con): A localised tiered The Prime Minister: I will certainly study the hon. approach is definitely the best way forward, and in Member’s suggestion, but the best way forward is for Wiltshire, we very much look forward to going back care homes to take advantage of the testing system we into what I hope will be the lowest level of restrictions. have in place: not just lateral flow, but PCR—polymerase 631 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 632 chain reaction—testing, too. That is the way to check The Prime Minister: As the hon. Lady knows, we that employees are not spreading it and of course to think we have been able to get the virus down through a stop employees going from care home to care home. As tiered system, and we will continue to do that. The has been pointed out throughout the pandemic, very guidance about the number of people we are allowed to often, it is not the visitors or family members who are mix with in households is clear and, alas, it will remain importing the disease. Alas, I am afraid that sometimes very tough. It will remain tough because that is the way it is the disease moving from care home to care home to get through and beyond Christmas, and through the through employees and we have to stop that as well. new year. The exit strategy is very simple: it is to use these three techniques—tough tiering, mass testing and James Sunderland (Bracknell) (Con): International a roll-out of the vaccine to keep the virus down. We travel is vital for our recovery, not least in the aviation, must push it down further until such time as we are able hospitality, leisure and business sectors. Has the Prime to say that all those who are vulnerable have been Minister given any thought to the utility of having vaccinated and we can move forward and go back vaccination stamps in passports, or an equivalent scheme, completely to normal. As has been pointed out several to get our planes off the ground? times already, that terminus, that end date, looks like being Easter. We may be able to do better and make considerable improvements before Easter, but we should The Prime Minister: I can assure my hon. Friend that aim for Easter. the Secretary of State for Transport is looking at all such schemes. I am sure he will have heard what my Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): On 2 November, I hon. Friend has said loud and clear. He will be making asked the Prime Minister what he felt we had learned in some announcements very shortly. the summer after the end of the first lockdown, and he said that when people were contacted and tested positive, Munira Wilson (Twickenham) (LD): Today’s covid they should isolate. He went on: winter plan confirms a further £7 billion for test and “It does not look to me as though the numbers or the proportions trace, taking the full bill this year to some £22 billion. have been good enough. We need to get those up in the next Could the Prime Minister confirm how much of that phase”.—[Official Report, 2 November 2020; Vol. 683, c. 58.] additional funding will be going to the highly effective Will the Prime Minister update me on that point? Yes, local authority contact tracing teams, how much will be mass testing is critical and the vaccine may well save us, squandered on management consultants and Serco’s but there will be a gap between the first and the last. failed national contact tracing system, and how much will go on further supporting those asked to self-isolate? The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is right to say that that has been a problem; but in fact, more people have been self-isolating than is sometimes supposed or The Prime Minister: I cannot give the hon. Member a alleged, and they have done a great thing. We have breakdown of the figures now, but what I can certainly instituted means-tested payments to help support those tell her is that, actually, NHS Test and Trace has been who are isolating, but what will now really change working hand in glove with local authorities from the things are the lateral flow tests, which we hope will beginning. There are, to the best of my knowledge, enable someone to have a shorter period of quarantine. about 198 local authority testing teams now actively They will not have to stick to the full 14 days, and they going out there and doing what is necessary. They are can get a rapid turnaround test—a lateral flow test—after doing a fantastic job. a much shorter period. That is what we are aiming for.

Edward Timpson (Eddisbury) (Con): Dr Andrew Wilson Margaret Greenwood (Wirral West) (Lab) [V]: The and the Cheshire clinical commission group have done Government have failed to make provision for the delivery a great job maintaining a high standard of care for of remote education to pupils who live in a household patients alongside their covid workload. Can my right where someone is clinically extremely vulnerable. A hon. Friend reassure Dr Alistair Adey at the Tarporley number of my constituents are suffering from extreme Health Centre that additional support will be made anxiety as a result, as they do their best to keep their available to GP practices, so they can continue to deliver family safe. Some are even considering home schooling, that standard, alongside any vaccination programme? despite the fact that their children love their schools. Will the Prime Minister respond to their concerns and ensure that in his new guidance, no family is put under The Prime Minister: Yes, absolutely, and I thank unnecessary stress in such a way? Dr Andrew Wilson and the Cheshire clinical commissioning group, and Dr Alistair Adey from the Tarporley health The Prime Minister: I assure all the parents who are centre, for everything they have done. GPs will obviously coping with exceptionally difficult circumstances and play a crucial role in this vaccination programme, as trying to do the best for their kids when it is very they do in all vaccination programmes, and they have stressful and they have the difficulty of knowing whether been backed with £150 million to prepare. to send them to school that it is much better to send them to school if they possibly can. We have distributed, Carol Monaghan (Glasgow North West) (SNP) [V]: I think, hundreds of thousands of laptops to help Household mixing in a major vector for covid, so unless pupils to learn remotely throughout the summer. We the Prime Minister has negotiated a ceasefire with the continue to support catch-up and top-up learning for virus, the only mixing we should be considering over the vulnerable kids, particularly via one-on-one tuition. I next six weeks is our Christmas drinks. Does the Prime want to see every child supported, and that applies, as Minister have an exit strategy, or is he content to accept the hon. Lady rightly says, to the children of families a certain level of risk through household mixing? who are facing particular difficulties. 633 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 634

Dr Ben Spencer (Runnymede and Weybridge) (Con): The Prime Minister: I refer my hon. Friend to the I very warmly welcome the announcement of the end of answer that I gave just now. national lockdown on 2 December. This morning, I had discussions with school leaders in Runnymede and Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab) [V]: I Weybridge regarding the challenges that they face, and welcome much in the Prime Minister’s statement. a key message was that our schools are open but that Thankfully, Greater Manchester is seeing a downward too many pupils are self-isolating at home. Whole year trend in infections in all 10 boroughs, but we will have groups being sent home following a case and the self- been in some form of restrictions now for four months. isolation of teachers, and the impact and cost involved Clearer rules and better enforcement are welcome, but I with that were causing huge challenges for the delivery still do not understand the logic of pushing people out of learning. We must minimise the harms from both of covid-secure, well-regulated, responsible hospitality covid and the measures being used to fight it. Does my businesses into illegal covid-insecure gatherings to drink. right hon. Friend agree that, as soon as possible, we That would be counterproductive, would it not? need to use targeted testing to support teachers and to change and improve our approach to contact tracing in The Prime Minister: Yes, Madam Deputy Speaker. schools to stop whole year groups having to self-isolate following a case so that our schools can continue to Huw Merriman (Bexhill and Battle) (Con): I welcome provide the learning and opportunities that our children the change that will allow people in care homes to be deserve? visited by two members of their family, who will be tested twice a week. Can the Prime Minister ensure that The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is absolutely care homes promote visiting and that there is a register right to raise the importance of testing in schools—testing that really calls out those care homes that do not the teachers and making sure that we do not send whole allow it? bubbles home. That is why schools and universities, along with NHS hospitals and care homes, are the The Prime Minister: Care homes should follow their primary settings where we want to roll-out not just own instincts about the wellbeing of their residents. They PCR testing, but lateral flow testing as well. should follow all the procedures that we have set out and make use of lateral flow testing and other types of Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): The protection to ensure that people can see their loved ones whole House is very grateful to the Prime Minister for and hug them. That is what the people of this country giving such full and thorough answers and really listening want and that many families across this country want to to what people are saying, but I shall forgive him if, in see. That is what this Government are providing for. spite of colleagues giving ridiculously long questions, the Prime Minister feels like giving shorter answers. Dame Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab) [V]: Hull has had the highest covid infection rates The Prime Minister: I am very happy to do so, Madam in the United Kingdom. Two weeks ago, it was promised Deputy Speaker, but I just do not want to short-change 10,000 lateral flow tests, but today they still have not colleagues. As I was banished by telecommunications arrived. When governing during a global pandemic, from your presence, I do not want people to think that I should the Prime Minister not focus on delivering on am trying to nickel and dime them here. the ground what has already been announced, rather than on grand new promises lifted from the Downing Madam Deputy Speaker: It is much more difficult for Street public relations grid? the Prime Minister as he cannot feel the atmosphere here in the Chamber, so it is better that I explain to him The Prime Minister: I will take up immediately the that both his Secretary of State and the Leader of the hon. Lady’s point about Hull and try to understand Opposition look as if they agree with the point that I why it has not got the lateral flow tests that she rightly have just made. wants to see. Christian Matheson (City of Chester) (Lab): The hope that we have been given by our brilliant scientists Ben Bradley (Mansfield) (Con): Nottinghamshire went will be dashed for millions if the Prime Minister pushes into tier 3 just a few days before the national lockdown, ahead with the public sector pay freeze, which, of course, but it was a very stressful few days for the beauty is not levelling up, but levelling down. He does not want industry in Nottinghamshire, which was uniquely forced to be stand accused of saying one thing and doing to close, unlike in any other tier 3 area in the country. another, so will he give a very short answer now and Given that the premise of the tiered regional system was rule out the possibility of a public sector pay freeze? to have consistent and fair restrictions in each tier across the country, will the Prime Minister assure me The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman should that he will seek to avoid those kinds of irregularities wait until the Chancellor’s statement on Wednesday. under the new restrictions to avoid the upset felt by beauticians and make sure it is fair for small businesses? Paul Holmes (Eastleigh) (Con): I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement and the clarity that he has given, The Prime Minister: Yes, we will indeed. As I said in but there are four independent tap shop and breweries my statement, we will make sure there is much more in my constituency that have gone through a terrible uniformity about the way we do things. time with being allowed to sell only takeaways very late in the day. Will he and the Chancellor look at extending Zarah Sultana (Coventry South) (Lab): Last week, business rate relief to these businesses and giving bespoke the Health Secretary told “Good Morning Britain”, new grants to this industry? “We don’t have parking charges in English hospitals” 635 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 636 for NHS staff Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) [V]: “and we’re not going to for the course of this pandemic.” In a recent survey, 95% of disabled people said that But that is not true, because they were reintroduced for their costs had increased even further as a result of the staff at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire pandemic, with no £20 uplift to their legacy benefits. in June, as they have been elsewhere. I have written to Will the Prime Minister listen to the Social Security the Prime Minister about this matter, and I now ask him Advisory Committee, the Work and Pensions Committee, whether he will live up to the Government’s promise of cross-party MPs and peers, and those who signed the free parking throughout the pandemic for NHS staff in “Don’t leave disabled people behind”petition, and please Coventry and across the country. take action to end this injustice?

The Prime Minister: I will look into the matter that The Prime Minister: I will study the point the hon. the hon. Lady raises, and I will get back to her as soon Member makes, although, obviously, I am proud that as I can. we have been able to uplift universal credit by £1,000 a year, helping some of the poorest families across the country and, of course, helping the disabled as well. Angela Richardson (Guildford) (Con): Does my right hon. Friend agree that by protecting NHS capacity Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con) during the autumn surge in cases, including at the Royal [V]: Families and businesses in Bexleyheath and Crayford Surrey County Hospital in my constituency and investing will share my strong support for my right hon. Friend’s £3 billion in reducing wait times, increasing treatments statement and approach today. However, we have a and mental health care, this Government are taking a thriving hospitality sector that has particularly suffered balanced approach to all health needs? this year because of the necessary restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus. While safety remains the top The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is absolutely priority,does my right hon. Friend agree that the hospitality right. It is a balanced approach that we will have to sector is the backbone of our local town centres, and it continue to follow through to the spring. is vital we continue to provide it with the support it needs to help them survive and to protect jobs? Rachel Hopkins (Luton South) (Lab): Luton airport supports thousands of jobs and provides an income The Prime Minister: Indeed, and I have been with my stream that funds council services and local charities. right hon. Friend to many a fantastic hospitality venue Will the Prime Minister outline what plans the Government in Bexley. I seem to remember going with him to one have to introduce a fast air passenger testing regime to pub where he christened a blue drink: the Bexley Breeze prevent further job losses, restore consumer confidence Block I think it was, from memory. Let us hope that we and ensure that the local voluntary sector survives? are able to get the hospitality sector going across the country in the way that we would all want so that those The Prime Minister: The hon. Lady raises an excellent fantastic businesses can recover strongly in the new point, and I direct her to the answer that I gave a few year. We are going to do that by the techniques that I minutes ago about the statement that will be made have mentioned—tough tiering, mass testing and rolling shortly by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State out a vaccine. for Transport. Carla Lockhart (Upper Bann) (DUP) [V]: The Prime Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab) [V]: Local authorities Minister will be aware of the positive role that churches have stepped up to the plate to tackle covid in their play in our society and the importance of the act of areas, but they are facing additional costs from local public worship for so many. Churches across the UK track and trace, while losing income from taxes and are now closed, but I note the intention to reopen them fees. Will the Prime Minister give us an undertaking soon in England. Does the Prime Minister agree with that local government will be recognised in the current me that the role of churches as we live with covid spending review and that there will be extra resources so cannot be overestimated or overvalued, and that we that it can pay for the extra services it is required to should be looking at opening our churches again right provide? across the United Kingdom? Does he also recognise that, as we deal with the legacy of lockdown, churches The Prime Minister: I thank local government for have a key role to play in supporting what is a broken everything it is doing. I think that it is doing an amazing land and a broken people? job in incredibly difficult circumstances. The hon. Gentleman can be sure that it will be recognised in the The Prime Minister: I think I might quarrel with the spending review. hon. Member’s description of a broken land and a broken people, because I think actually the people of Mr William Wragg (Hazel Grove) (Con): Can my this country have shown fantastic resilience. I do not right hon. Friend the Prime Minister confirm that decisions think that they or we are broken; I think that we are over tiering will be based on local authority areas such going to come back very strongly. I also think that as Stockport, rather than wider combined authority churches play an enormous part in that, and I am glad areas such as Greater Manchester? that they are going to be reopening from next week.

The Prime Minister: I thank my hon. Friend and can Jonathan Gullis (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Con): My confirm that we will be taking decisions about tiering right hon. Friend will know that while Stoke-on-Trent on the basis of the data and a common-sensical division may be a small city, it is a mighty one. Having removed of the areas concerned. itself from Government attention over rising coronavirus 637 Covid-19: Winter Plan23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Winter Plan 638

[Jonathan Gullis] Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): There have been very positive discussions with the devolved Administrations, figures twice this year, the city is once again showing its including in Wales, about a joined-up Christmas, but hardy spirit in pushing down case rates during the can the Prime Minister do something about the terminal second wave by 100 per 100,000 cases in the last week. incontinence of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Will my right hon. Friend consider the approach made in continuing to leak the details of those discussions, today by Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader, Councillor undermining the trust and respect needed for those Abi Brown, of placing Stoke-on-Trent into tier 2 as we discussions to succeed? exit this national lockdown? The Prime Minister: What I can certainly say is that it The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is so right in the does not help to read about confidential discussions in way he champions Stoke and the community spirit of the papers. I must say that a lot of the stuff I have read the people of Stoke. I cannot say which tier, alas, they seems to be very wide of the mark, but I am grateful to will go into. It will depend on all the things that I have all colleagues in the DAs for the co-operation that they discussed, and the figures are not easy. The incidence of are showing in the work we are doing together. the virus is still high, and we have to face that grim, grim truth, I am afraid. But the hope is there that, with Mrs Natalie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): Will the Prime mass testing—and the people of Stoke can do this if Minister join me in congratulating all the arts venues, they choose: you can drive down the incidence, you can such as the Astor theatre in Deal, the churches and drive down the R, you can find the asymptomatic parish halls that have opened their covid-secure doors positives and you can reduce the virus in your area. If to help others during the pandemic and encourage such they can reduce the virus in their area, as Liverpool has kindness and neighbourly behaviour to continue as we done, by about two thirds, partly thanks to the participation tackle the virus together across the nation? of the people of Liverpool in mass testing, then they have the prospect of removing those restrictions as well. The Prime Minister: I do indeed congratulate all the So “Get a test to kick covid out” is what I would also arts venues in Deal that have pulled together in the way say to the people of Stoke, in addition to thanking them that my hon. Friend describes. Let us hope that we can and my hon. Friend for all their hard work. get them all fully open as soon as possible, so that they can enjoy the benefits of a new deal for Deal, or an even Justin Madders (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): better deal for Deal, which I am sure she is championing. Those areas that are placed in tier 3 will be keen to get any help they can receive to get themselves out of that. Tulip Siddiq (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): My Can the Prime Minister tell us how many of the reductions constituents are excited about seeing their families over in infection can be directly attributed to the mass testing Christmas, but they are also nervous about putting their scheme in Liverpool, and what level of population elderly relatives at risk. Will the Prime Minister consider buy-in is needed for that system to be effective? using the expanded testing capacity to allow families to get a covid test ahead of visiting elderly relatives at The Prime Minister: That is an incredibly good question. Christmas, even if they do not have symptoms? In Liverpool, 37% or more of the population has now been tested, and a lot of asymptomatic positives have The Prime Minister: That is certainly one of the use been found. I have to stress that it is not the only cases that we are considering. Rolling that out across thing—it can make a big difference, but to be absolutely the whole country in time for Christmas might be certain that it is playing a decisive part in getting the difficult, but the hon. Lady will have heard what we are R down, we need a bigger proportion of the population doing with those types of test in care homes to allow to take tests, and we need more community buy-in. people to see their loved ones. That is why we are working with local leaders across the areas that may be going into tier 3 to help them with Craig Williams (Montgomeryshire) (Con): I thank that and to get mass testing programmes going, not just the Prime Minister for his statement and welcome the like in Liverpool but even more ambitious. return of the local approach—something that I hope the devolved Administrations, particularly in Wales, Marco Longhi (Dudley North) (Con) [V]: Will my will copy. I pay particular tribute to Powys County right hon. Friend join me in praising all our care workers, Council and its track and trace team, which has contributed our staff at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley and, in massively to both the local and national efforts. What particular, staff at the Barchester Broadway Halls care they and my constituents want for Christmas is a united home, who went out of their way to enable residents approach across the United Kingdom. To please the Stan Plawecki, aged 94, and Myra Staves, aged 87, to be hon. Member for Cardiff West (Kevin Brennan), will part of our Armistice Day commemorations at this my right hon. Friend, as the Prime Minister for the very difficult time? whole United Kingdom, announce that?

The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is absolutely The Prime Minister: I very much hope that we will right to pay tribute to the work of those remarkable have a united approach to Christmas. I think that is staff for what they did to allow Remembrance Sunday what the people of this country want. I repeat that there commemorations to go ahead and allow people to is much more that unites us than divides us on these attend them. I thank them personally, and I thank all issues, which matter so greatly to the hearts of everybody care home staff for the unbelievable service they have in our country. We are working together and will, I given and continue to give. think, come up with a good solution. 639 Covid-19: Winter Plan 23 NOVEMBER 2020 640

Layla Moran (Oxford West and Abingdon) (LD) [V]: Points of Order As an Oxford MP, I echo the Prime Minister’s congratulations to the Oxford Vaccine Group on today’s fantastic news. Will he join me in further congratulating 6.13 pm it on being shortlisted for the NHS parliamentary awards? Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab): On I chair the all-party parliamentary group on coronavirus, a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Thank you and we have repeatedly heard in the course of our for granting me this point of order. If you could help inquiry from experts and scientists who are concerned me on this matter, I would really appreciate it. On that a prospective vaccine, as welcome as it may be, is 15 June, in response to my written question regarding not, in and of itself, an exit strategy. Will the Prime laptop provision for schools, the Minister for School Minister meet me and a cross-party delegation from Standards said: both Houses to discuss our forthcoming recommendations, “ The Department has ordered over 200,000 laptops and so that we can create a covid-secure UK that includes tablets. This order was placed on 19 April.” testing at the borders and locally led test, trace and On 2 July, here in the Chamber, I asked the Secretary of isolate systems? State for Education why documents released by his own Department therefore suggested that the first order was The Prime Minister: The hon. Lady is entirely right in fact placed on 15 May.The Secretary of State responded: about the vaccine—it is wonderful news, but it is premature “I will write to the hon. Gentleman with clarification on that to say that it constitutes, on its own, an exit strategy. matter.”—[Official Report, 2 July 2020; Vol. 678, c. 543.] That is why I have insisted throughout this afternoon that it must be accompanied not only by NHS test, He failed to write to me. I asked the same question to trace and isolate, but by new types of testing, plus the the Secretary of State in the House of Commons on 1 tough tiering that we have had and that we will have September. He said: when we come out of this lockdown. The way forward “I will write to him with reference to that if he will be so is to make those things work together—to make the gracious as to accept a letter.”—[Official Report, 1 September 2020; tiering work in tandem with testing—so that people get Vol. 679, c. 56.] a test with a view to reducing the restrictions under He failed to do so again. I followed this up with his which they, we and she are living. Get a test and help to Department on 2 November. It failed to reply. I followed kick covid out—that is the way forward. this up again with his Department on 19 November. I received a holding email, but I have yet to receive a Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): Finally, substantive response. Madam Deputy Speaker, will you with the prize for patience and perseverance, I call please advise me on what steps I need to take to secure a Jason McCartney to ask question No. 100. response from the Secretary of State for Education, given that he first promised to write to me almost five Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): Thank you, months ago? Madam Deputy Speaker. With a case rate of 552 per 100,000 and the sixth highest case rate in England, Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): The many people expect Kirklees to be in the highest tier hon. Gentleman’s point is not a point of order for the when the announcement is made on Thursday. That will Chair, because the Chair does not have responsibility mean the closure of hospitality, apart from takeaways, for what Ministers say or write—or do not say or write at a time of year when many cafés, bars, pubs and —but I nevertheless understand his purpose in raising restaurants try to make profits to see them through the his point of order in the Chamber at this moment. I can rest of the year. Can I end this session by asking the say to him, as Mr Speaker has said on many occasions, Prime Minister one more time: please will he speak to that Ministers ought to reply to questions and letters the Chancellor again about support for the hospitality from Members of Parliament in a timely fashion, and supply chain and for breweries and cider producers; will the saga that he has just described is not acceptable. they look again at grant funding; and will they please Although I cannot deal with this from the Chair as a consider once again cancelling business rates for another point before the Chamber now, I can say that I hope the year to support our hospitality businesses? matter has been noted by those on the Treasury Bench and hopefully also by the Leader of the House’s office, The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes a passionate and that the hon. Gentleman will receive his answer plea for breweries, cider producers and others. I know soon. that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor will be listening keenly to all of that, particularly the points about Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): On a point of order, business rates and other measures. We want to support Madam Deputy Speaker. You were not in the Chair last the hospitality industry in Kirklees and across the country. week when I made the longest point of order that had ever been made in the history of points of order—for Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): I which I apologise—but at the time I suggested that thank the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for the Government had tabled their motion on virtual Health and Social Care for answering 100 questions participation in debates and who should be allowed to and for bringing the House up to date with their plans. take part in them at the very last moment and without Virtual participation in proceedings concluded (Order, notifying the Opposition. The Leader of the House has 4 June). written to me to clarify that he had, in fact, been in touch with the shadow Leader of the House, so that channel had been open and I want to correct the record. I should have been much more precise in saying that the Government Whips Office had not notified the Opposition Whips Office, so I apologise to the House. I just wonder, 641 Points of Order 23 NOVEMBER 2020 642

[Chris Bryant] Road Traffic Madam Deputy Speaker, whether the process that I have used for correcting the record would also be available 6.21 pm to the Leader of the House, because he said last week The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport that the reason he was tabling his motion in the way that (Rachel Maclean): I beg to move, he did was that the Government rule was that people That the draft Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Kent (No. 1) should to go to work if they could—that is, physically— (Amendment) Order 2020, which was laid before this House on whereas this afternoon the Prime Minister has made it 22 October, be approved. absolutely clear that even if we are in tier 1, the rule is that we should work from home if we can. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): With this we shall take the following motion: Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Gentleman has That the Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Kent (No.2) (Amendment) now made the second longest point of order— Order 2020 (S.I. 2020 No. 1155), dated 21 October 2020, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22 October, be approved. Chris Bryant: I am going for a record. Rachel Maclean: These amendment orders relate to Madam Deputy Speaker: Oh, I am quite sure he will the Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Kent (No. 1) Order make the third longest ere long. I appreciate the point 2019 and the Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Kent (No. 2) that he is making. It is quite in order, as he has realised Order 2019. Although the Heavy Commercial Vehicles that something he said in this Chamber was factually in Kent (No. 3) (Amendment) Order 2020 is subject to incorrect, that he should come to the Chamber and the negative procedure, the House should be aware of it correct it, and I am grateful to him for doing so. As to when considering the other two amending orders. Together whether the Leader of the House will consider that he is they support the effective management of Operation in a similar position, that is a matter for him and not Brock and strengthen the enforcement regime that for me. underpins it. We will now suspend the House for three minutes in Operation Brock is a co-ordinated, multi-agency response order to allow the safe exit of hon. Members and the to cross-channel travel disruption. It replaces Operation entrance of hon. Members for the next item of business. Stack and has been specifically designed to keep the M20 motorway in Kent open in both directions, with 6.18 pm access to junctions, even in periods of severe and protracted Sitting suspended. disruption. The Kent Resilience Forum is responsible for the Operation Brock plans. Any decisions relating to the activation and timing of the different phases of Operation Brock will be taken by Kent police silver command. It is crucial that these instruments are brought into force in time for the end of the transition period, to ensure that the scheme operates as efficiently as possible to reduce the impact on businesses and local communities in Kent. I am grateful, therefore, that time has been found for this debate to take place quickly and also for the speed with which the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments has scrutinised the instruments. Amendment order No. 1 extends to 31 October 2021 the sunset clause in the Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Kent (No. 1) Order 2019. To give a little history, the 2019 order gave new powers to traffic officers in Kent, enabling them to, first, require the production of documents to establish the vehicle’s destination and readiness to cross the border; secondly, direct drivers to proceed to a motorway, removing the vehicle from the local road network; and, thirdly, direct drivers not to proceed to the channel tunnel or port of Dover except via a specified road or route. The amendment sets the amount of the financial penalty deposit, which will be issued and taken immediately at the roadside by the police or staff from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. The amount of the deposit for breaching the traffic restrictions introduced by the other two instruments is set at £300. Amendment order No. 2 extends to 31 October 2021 the sunset clause of the Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Kent (No. 2) Order 2019, which prohibits cross-channel heavy goods vehicles from using local roads in Kent other than those on the improved Operation Brock routes. 643 Road Traffic 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Road Traffic 644

The amendment goes further to define local Kent roads Government have done what is needed to prevent huge that will require a Kent access permit, which can be delays in Kent for those making the short straits crossing. obtained from the “check an HGV is ready to cross the The Government’s own reasonable worst-case scenario border” service. suggests there might be a freight flow of 60% to 80% of the usual volumes in the near year,which could, according Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con): My constituency to the Government, lead to queues in Kent of up to is, in many ways, the gateway to Kent from both London 6,500 HCVs in January, rising to 7,000 in February. and Essex, via the Dartford crossing. Will she assure me That could have significant consequences for the delivery that her Department will use its best endeavours to of vital goods and could severely disrupt the lives of ensure that lorries do not use local, small roads either local residents, too. I would therefore appreciate clarity for travelling to a different location or for parking up from the Minister on the additional measures being overnight? taken to avoid their own estimates of delays in Kent. Unite the union and others have raised concerns Rachel Maclean: I thank my hon. Friend for his about conditions for drivers caught in delays, who will intervention. He and his constituents can be assured need access to food, water and toilet facilities. There is that the powers we are taking in this legislation require also an issue as to what this would mean in terms of Kent lorries to stick to certain specified routes only if driver hours and driver fatigue. So what measures are they are crossing the border. I hope that that provides being taken to provide these basic facilities for them? I him with some reassurance; I am more than happy to understand that when giving evidence to the EU Goods meet him to discuss this matter much further. Sub-Committee in the other place earlier today, the Tocomplete the picture, the Heavy Commercial Vehicles Minister said that she could not give details as to how in Kent (No.3) (Amendment) Order 2020, which is many toilets would be needed in Kent because there are subject to a negative procedure, will extend the sunset still some details the need to be worked out. I would be clause in the Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Kent (No. 3) grateful if she elaborated for us what those details are Order 2019 to 31 October 2021. The order also further and when she thinks the Government would be ready to defines the strategic roads that need a Kent access give a figure. Mention has been made of a plan to permit, as issued by the “check an HGV is ready to deploy Portaloos along the queues if traffic is static for cross the border service”, and allows the fining of HCV a prolonged period. I would be grateful if the Minister drivers without a Kent access permit on those roads. It told us a little more about that. Rod McKenzie of the will also allow HCVs carrying only specific goods of Road Haulage Association recently described information fresh and live seafood for human consumption and provided to hauliers by the Government as day-old chicks to obtain a priority goods permit that “incomplete, inadequate and quite often totally incomprehensible.” allows them to bypass the Operation Brock queues. It One measure that could have helped was the timely also clarifies who local haulier permits may be issued to, delivery of the haulier handbook. I gather that the launch in line with Kent County Council guidelines. These date for the full version, which is intended to provide orders are vital to enable sensible traffic management in clear guidance to drivers, is now set for 7 December Kent. We must show the public and businesses that —only 25 days before the end of transition. Given that Operation Brock will be ready, fully operational and 85% of freight drivers are from the EU, the document enforceable on day one, should it be needed to deal with will need to be published, translated and promoted impact of cross-channel disruption. I commend the across most of the continent in around three weeks, orders to the House. which includes the breaks for Christmas and new year. I understand that it will need to be translated into 6.26 pm 14 languages. Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): Let me start by Hauliers also face uncertainty about the use of the saying that of course we accept the need for this legislation, proposed fixed penalties for drivers who do not have a although the timing, so late in the day, is hardly ideal, Kent access permit. Unite has expressed concerns about particularly for those in the haulage sector. The fact how they will work, because it is the driver who will be that we are still discussing statutory instruments, not to faced with paying a roadside fine if they do not have the mention the fact that we still appear to be teetering on correct documentation, but they rely on the employer the brink of a no-deal Brexit, with only 16 sitting days or customer to provide it. I was a little confused by what to go before the end of the transition period demonstrates the Minister said just now. I think she confirmed that just what a shambles this Government’s handling of the penalties would be roadside fines, but when she gave Brexit has been from start to finish. evidence in the other place this morning, she said that because the fine was levied on the owner, it could be Many of the stakeholders in the haulage sector I have sent by post. Perhaps she could give some clarity as to spoken to feel that the Government have done nowhere how those penalties will work. near enough to prepare for what the Road Haulage Leaving the EU means that we will need to process Association has described as: around 270 million customs declarations a year,compared “the most challenging task the supply chain has ever faced”. with only 50 million now, and we will need around This sector has helped to keep the country going during 50,000 customs agents to manage that properly. In July, the coronavirus outbreak, especially in maintaining essential the Government announced a £50 million fund to try to deliveries of food, medical supplies and other goods. achieve that figure, but the British International Freight However, the sector has also been hard hit this year, and Association warned in September that almost two thirds chaos at our ports and on our roads come January is of customs brokers felt they would not have enough something it does not need. Those in the sector just agents by 1 January, and that covid had made the task want to do their jobs, but the Government are making it even more difficult. It was also very critical of the lack difficult for them. I am yet to be persuaded that the of clear guidance from the Government. 645 Road Traffic 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Road Traffic 646

[Kerry McCarthy] an exciting freeports bid. We want to continue to pursue transit excellence and makethe opportunities for investment, More recently,the Chancellor of the Duchyof Lancaster jobs and money real for our area. That includes new swerved an attempt by my hon. Friend the Member for global trading routes between Dover and the world. Leeds West (Rachel Reeves) to find out from him how As the Member of Parliament for Dover and Deal, many new customs agents have been trained and are ready that means working with Ministers to ensure that the to go to. He now says that the 50,000 figure was only an Port of Dover is successful and that our area as a whole estimate, and that there have been significant increases is successful, too. At the heart of the regulations and in the number. That makes me think that either he does what they are seeking to achieve is the need to ensure not know the answer—that is bad enough—or he does that traffic can transition smoothly to the Port of Dover know, and it is so bad that he does not want to tell us. and Eurotunnel and, through such active traffic Can the Minister do better than the Chancellor of the management, ensure that local businesses and residents Duchy of Lancaster and tell the House how many can get on with their daily lives. It is what we locally call customs agents we now have, and how many have been the “Keep Dover Clear” strategy. fully trained? I have been told that there are probably around 10,000 in place right now. I would be grateful if I thank the Minister for working with me and listening the Minister could confirm whether that figure sounds to the positive suggestions and ideas that have been about right. developed with Councillor Trevor Bartlett, the leader of What does the Minister think will be the consequences Dover District Council, and Councillor Nigel Collor, as if traders cannot find customs agents to do the paperwork well as Councillor Roger Gough, Barbara Cooper and for them? The Kent access permit involves a self-declaration Toby Howe and the whole team at Kent County Council, process. Does she envisage any problem with false who have been working on these Kent-wide proposals. declarations by drivers? What will happen if those We have a meeting with the Minister and the Chancellor drivers are challenged in Calais, and they do not have of the Duchy of Lancaster later in the week to discuss the right paperwork and are sent back to the UK? the next steps and fine-tuning of our Kent proposals, and I look forward to discussing the progress of the I have largely been speaking about potential border “Keep Dover Clear” plans at that meeting. chaos using the future tense, but reports suggest that it has already begun, most notably in Felixstowe, which is In that context, I particularly welcome the second struggling to cope with the volume of business as firms order,which allows controls on local roads. As a backstop stockpile supplies in anticipation of severe disruption. measure, it is vital for people that local traffic can get Clearly, the Government have lost the confidence of around for school, for work and to see family and businesses. As the holiday season approaches, would friends. The orders give control powers to enable that, the Minister like to use this opportunity to reassure an but controls also need people to manage and enforce increasingly concerned public about the timely delivery them. Will the Minister consider whether additional of vital supplies and Christmas presents? traffic control officers can be deployed at our local As I started off by saying, my fear is that these traffic hotspots, such as the Duke of York and Whitfield measures are too little, too late to cope with impending roundabouts, together with real-time traffic cameras to chaos in Kent. However, given that they are all that we optimise the traffic flow for weeks and months ahead? have in front of us today, and given our desire to In the Dover area, we are no stranger to traffic prevent even worse disruption at the end of the transition congestion from time to time when there are hold-ups at period, we will not be opposing them. the port, usually because the French are on strike. We have well-developed and tested mechanics to escalate 6.33 pm and manage extreme traffic events in TAP and Stack. Those are now joined by Brock, which is enabled by Mrs Natalie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): It is with great today’s regulations. enthusiasm that I rise to discuss the motion concerning traffic management and heavy commercial vehicles in Undoubtedly, we face a period of some uncertainty Kent. I am the Member for Dover and Deal, and in the as we transition to new arrangements in the transit Dover area we spend many hours considering, deliberating protocols. It is a matter that is not wholly in our hands. and discussing heavy goods vehicles, light goods vehicles, Just as French strikes can cause some of our most port traffic, holidaymaker traffic, camper van and caravan severe disruption, French border and trade controls parking, local traffic and all types of traffic management. may be similarly disruptive, or they may not be. The That is because we are home to our country’s most Port of Calais, like the Port of Dover, has been working successful and busiest port of its type, the port of Dover. very hard to prepare for 1 January 2021. I wish them In an ordinary year, the port of Dover deals with both every success over the coming weeks as this vital £122 billion-worth of trade—about a fifth of the whole project reaches this major milestone. UK trade in goods—transiting 4.5 million vehicles and I pay tribute to the port’s collaborative work under 11 million passengers. Daily, that means up to 10,000 Doug Bannister, the chief executive of the Port of freight vehicles and up to 90,000 passengers.The importance Dover, in its contributing to transition planning and of the short straits route is unquestionable. It will today’s regulations. Recently, we were discussing the remain the foremost route for trading, not simply because relationship between port and town. Mr Bannister expressed of its geographical convenience and proximity to the the port’s position to me in these terms: continent, but because we are just very good at what we “We never forget how much the success of the Port of Dover do. Passengers are processed at the rate of one per links together with the support of the Dover community. In the second. The time it takes for lorries to be managed off weeks and months ahead please be assured that the strategic the ferries is a matter of minutes. Building on that success, traffic management will have firmly in mind the needs of residents we are determined to expand and thrive. That includes to get to work, school and to see family and friends.” 647 Road Traffic 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Road Traffic 648

With stationary lorry traffic comes the important for myself the problems that she identified in such detail issues of air quality and littering. The regulations bring today. I commit to working closely with her, her local additional traffic controls to the A20/M20 route. Residents government colleagues, her local district council and of Aycliffe, which is situated next to the final part of the Kent County Council, and to listen closely to the concerns A20 coming into Dover town, have long argued that of the local community. We will absolutely look at air the Operation TAP point should be further back along quality and sanitation, and we will look carefully at the the M20. Air traffic quality monitoring is in place and results of the consultation. I look forward to more has been for some time, but I ask the Minister whether meetings with her, including those later this week to consideration could be given to a review of the location which she has made reference. and effectiveness of the air quality monitoring in the I thank the hon. Member for Bristol East next period, alongside these instruments. Will she also (Kerry McCarthy) very much for her consideration, for ensure that the traffic management regulations that are the detailed points that she has raised, and for her under consideration today are matched with appropriate support for these important statutory instruments. The litter and sanitation facilities along both arterial routes? reason that we are taking this legislation through the The A2 does not currently have the same degree of House is so that we can put in place plans to manage sanitation planning as the A20, yet the needs of lorry any disruption that we have outlined in our reasonable drivers stuck in a queue are very much the same. worst-case scenario. I assure her that I engage regularly Let me turn to the bifurcated major road strategy of with the sector, including all the different trade bodies, the M2 and M20, which is at the heart of the traffic along with the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, management strategy underpinned by these measures. my hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch and Dover is one of the best positioned locations in the Upminster (Julia Lopez), who I see in the Chamber; we land. It has two major motorways, the M2 and the work together on many of these issues with the sector, M20, which become the A2 and A20 for the last few so are aware of and pay close attention to the concerns, miles into the town. This excellent road positioning will some of which the shadow Minister has articulated be further enhanced in due course by the lower Thames today. crossing. This is, in essence, a new national bypass that On the issue of driver welfare, including sanitation connects the north and midlands straight through into and toilets, it is not just toilets that are essential, but all Dover. To make the best success of that opportunity, the facilities that drivers would expect. I thank again all there is a parallel programme in the completion of the the drivers who work in the transport industry, because dualling of the A2. Dover is just so well connected, yet they do play a vital role, as we have seen in the pandemic the last few miles into town on the A2 are merely single with how they have kept supplies moving around the track at key points. I welcome the Government’s country. We expect that to continue, but it is very commitment to the A2 traffic management today and, important that we do everything we can to support indeed, the A256, which links east Kent as a whole. them in that. The Kent Resilience Forum is working However, I urge Ministers during this period of post- through detailed plans on the sanitation, and I am very transition work to reflect on whether it is, as I believe, in happy to share the detail of that with the hon. Member the national interest to accelerate a mission-critical last for Bristol East when it is available. few miles of tarmac on both these key strategic roads. In welcoming these provisions, I ask the Minister to The hon. Lady referenced the haulier handbook. continue working closely with our area post transition; This is one part of our plan to make sure that all this 1 January 2021 is the starting point of an exciting information is one place. The handbook will be translated journey to come. into 18 languages and it will be ready very soon. It is already available on gov.uk, and we will also be making Finally, I strongly welcome the jobs and investment hard copies available in 43 information and advice sites, that a new border control point in Dover can bring in which are opening up and down the country.1 July next year. Will the Minister continue working with me and local residents to ensure that it is designed It is very important that we pass these measures into sensitively in order to take into account environmental law this evening so that we can manage all the possible and further traffic considerations—matters on which I outcomes that we will see at the end of the transition know the Minister is already engaging with the community period. I thank the House for its consideration. and council? These measures are a vital first step in Question put and agreed to. ensuring not only that Dover is ready, but that we are Resolved, best placed to make the most of the opportunities to That the draft Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Kent (No. 1) come—for Dover and for our country as a whole. (Amendment) Order 2020, which was laid before this House on 22 October, be approved. 6.42 pm Resolved, Rachel Maclean: I thank hon. Members for their That the Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Kent (No.2) (Amendment) consideration of this very important legislation. Order 2020 (S.I. 2020 No. 1155), dated 21 October 2020, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22 October, be approved.— My hon. Friend the Member for Dover (Mrs Elphicke) (Rachel Maclean.) speaks up for her port and the vital role that it plays in her town. Like her, I am absolutely sure that the work Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): We will now that we are doing today will open up more opportunities suspend for a few moments in order to have the Dispatch for her port and local community. I thank her and her Boxes sanitised. colleagues in local government for engaging so closely with me, for putting on record their detailed concerns 6.46 pm and for inviting me to the Whitfield roundabout to see Sitting suspended.

1.[Official Report, 26 November 2020, Vol. 684, c. 10MC.] 649 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Exiting the European Union 650 (Agriculture) Exiting the European Union (Agriculture) functions correctly after the end of the transition period, and that we have an operable legal framework that 6.47 pm supports farmers and traders and delivers continuity. I urge Members to agree to the amendments proposed in The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for these regulations. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Victoria Prentis): I beg to move, 6.51 pm That the draft Common Organisation of the Markets in Agricultural Products (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Luke Pollard (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) (Lab/ Regulations 2020, which were laid before this House on 19 October, Co-op): As we are discussing agriculture, let me place be approved. on the record my traditional declaration of interest: my little sister is a farmer in Cornwall. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): With this we As these SIs appear to be technical and uncontroversial, will take the following motion: we will not oppose them, but I have a number of That the draft Common Organisation of the Markets in questions that I hope the Minister is able to help with. I Agricultural Products (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) gave her advance notice of some of the most difficult (No. 2) Regulations 2020, which were laid before this House on ones, so I hope she has some good answers. British farmers 19 October, be approved. and British farming matter, which is why Labour has consistently been so vocal on issues relating to agriculture Victoria Prentis:Both these statutory instruments amend and food standards, and I will continue that today. retained EU legislation relating to the common organisation of agricultural markets and domestic secondary legislation These new regulations deal with technical matters relating to that area. The first instrument also makes relating to how food is sold, distributed and marketed, some provision in respect of organic production that so forgive me for jumping into the detail right away. will ensure the operability of retained EU law. I should May I ask the Minister about the periods for bringing make it clear that the amendments made by the instruments the systems contained in the regulations online? It is are technical in nature. They do not introduce new important that we have operable systems so that the policy but instead maintain continuity as far as possible. whole framework of regulation works and people know what information is required and when it is required. The aim of the instruments is to ensure that the relevant retained EU legislation is fully operable at the As the Minister will know, her Department told the end of the transition period. The retained EU legislation Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee that it has was previously made operable to the UK as a whole on retained a two-year transition period for fruit and vegetables the basis that the UK left the EU without an agreement. “in order to allow policy teams to deliver the necessary IT system However, as we have left the EU with the withdrawal changes and recruit additional HMI inspectors”, agreement in place, the retained legislation now needs but for poultry meat the period is 12 months, to be updated to reflect this—in particular, the terms of “as we do not currently enforce poultrymeat marketing standards, the Northern Ireland protocol. As such, the majority of so will need sufficient time to operationalise the regime before the amendments made by these instruments relate to the being in a position to conduct the associated checks.” implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol. For When these SIs were debated in the House of Lords, example, they might remove references to Northern the Minister in the Lords, Lord Gardiner, apologised, Ireland or replace UK references with Great Britain saying that the Department for Environment, Food and references, as Northern Ireland will of course remain Rural Affairs aligned with the EU under the protocol. “did not provide sufficient context on checks relating to poultry Amendments are also being made to a small number meat marketing standards and this may have caused concern, but of transitional provisions, either to align them with the it has since been clarified”.—[Official Report, House of Lords, Government’s border operating model, which introduces 18 November 2020; Vol. 807, c. GC706.] new border controls for the movement of goods between I will be grateful if the Minister mentions that clarification GB and the EU in three stages up to July 2021, or briefly when she gets to her feet to conclude the debate. because they were introduced on the basis that the UK Will she also set out the reason for the two-year delay in would leave without a deal and are therefore no longer the implementation of those systems, and the difference required. Those provisions concern the import of hops between the fruit and veg and the poultry systems? I and hop products, notification requirements for the suspect that the IT system will not be ready for 1 January import of beef and veal from third countries, and 2021, but I will be grateful if she confirms that. marketing requirements for hatching eggs and chicks We have been told that the Government have been imported from the EU. All other transitional provisions engaging with businesses on a sector by sector basis. I will be retained, with references to “exit day” replaced am grateful for that, but may I ask what conversations with references to “IP completion day”. the Department has had with businesses affected by As Members are aware, agriculture is a devolved these particular regulations and how they feel about policy area and of great importance to all parts of the them? UK. Although one of the instruments that we are Lord Gardiner also told Members in the other place debating is reserved, we worked closely with the devolved that the Government are working closely with the Animal Administrations in producing both instruments, and and Plant Health Agency they have given their consent as necessary. “to ensure that we have the right calibre of inspectors.”—[Official These statutory instruments will help to provide necessary Report, House of Lords, 18 November 2020; Vol. 807, c. GC712.] continuity for stakeholders and beneficiaries. They will I thought that was a curious turn of phrase, so I will be ensure that retained EU legislation relating to the common grateful if the Minister sets out whether we have the organisation of the markets and organic production right numbers of inspectors and, perhaps as hinted at 651 Exiting the European Union 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Exiting the European Union 652 (Agriculture) (Agriculture) by the Minister in the other place, whether they have all lessons have been learned from the first time the SI was received the right level of training in order to be operational considered to ensure that we are not in a similar place as well as present. again. Having had to present the SI twice, I know she The Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee also probably shares my frustration. drew our attention to the fact that the UK does not The Minister knows that that is not the first time that currently enforce poultry meat marketing standards. this has happened. Indeed, regular watchers of Department Does that mean that if poultry meat and other products for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs SIs will recall were imported from a third country, they could still be the debate on the Common Fisheries Policy and Animals described as free range or organic and that would not be (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, from checked? Is that what enforcement of those standards 21 October last year, when the same problem was brought means? I would be grateful if the Minister reassured us before this House. I stress the importance of ensuring that that will not be the case. She knows my concern—I that we get such regulations right the first time around. do not want to see any back doors for chlorine-washed However, I am grateful to the Government business chicken being marketed as anything else—so will she set managers for bringing this draft SI before the House, so out clearly that that is not one of those back doors? that the thousands of people who are clearly watching Could unregulated poultry meat be mixed with other this debate will know what is going on, rather than products and given a misleading description? I do not hiding it away in a dusty Committee Room, for which believe that that is the case here, but will the Minister set the viewing figures on parliamentlive.tv might not be as that out? Also, the explanatory memorandum refers to profound as I am sure they are for this evening’s debate. the organic certifiers group having been consulted. I In all seriousness, there is a route to ensure that such would be grateful if she set out whether it is now regulations are gotten correct the first time around. I content with the regulations. would be grateful if the Minister set out whether any The Minister was correct that a great deal of the lessons have been learned in relation to that, because a amendments in the draft regulations seek to change the bewildering scale of new secondary legislation is about designation of “United Kingdom” to “Great Britain”. to come on to the statute books for farmers and for Will she reassure us that all conversations with counterparts industry. It is important that farmers and the farming in Northern Ireland have been successful in respect of community have confidence that when the House passes that, and that no issues are outstanding? Looking at the regulations, they have been passed after detailed scrutiny debate in the other place when that point was made, and are correct. Lord Goldsmith had previously stated that there are Mr Deputy Speaker, you will know, because you have now 72 planned border posts for inspections. As we are probably sat through me saying this a few times before, dealing with the inspection of agricultural products, that I am concerned that the Government still use the which can cross the border between the Republic and phraseology in its impact assessments of “no impact” Northern Ireland a number of times in the lifespan of a and “no significant impact”as similar terms. The Minister food product being made, will the Minister address knows that, because she and I have sat in many statutory some of the issues that Lord Gardiner may have omitted instrument Committees where I have bemoaned such in his response to questions in the other place about usage. “No impact” and “no significant impact” are two whether the planned locations of those border posts very different things. The lack of an impact assessment have all been identified and published, and whether for these statutory instruments concerns me, when there staff have been fully trained and will be operational by is potentially such a difference between “no impact” and the end of the transition period, in particular in relation “no significant impact”, and especially given that we to the inspection of agricultural products, which the are looking at these regulations for the second time and regulations deal with? are having to correct errors from the first time. I know The Minister made mention in her remarks of the that the Minister will say that this is a House matter, but need to have fully operable regulations by the end of the I would be grateful if she could confirm that she will be Brexit transition period. The Opposition would like to taking up that point with the Leader of the House to see them in place, but we are here today because the ensure that it is addressed for future statutory instruments. original regulations were not properly transposed and a Labour stands with our farmers, and we want our food series of mistakes were made. That is why we are and farming standards kept high after we leave the revisiting the regulations. I am of course grateful for the Brexit transition period. We want to keep high-quality Minister laying statutory instruments to correct the food on our children’s plates, and to ensure that there is mistakes and omissions of the previous SIs, but passing a level playing field for British farmers to stop them being bad laws wastes the time of everybody here and is undercut by food produced to lower standards from abroad. particularly frustrating when brilliant Bills such as the We were pleased to see concessions from the Minister Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill struggle to find in relation to the campaign led by Labour and the parliamentary time. We are using a large period on National Farmers Union to put the Trade and Agriculture Monday evening that could have been used to pass that Commission on a statutory basis to allow more scrutiny important legislation. of trade deals. There is still a long way to go, but many When we look at the enormous volumes of secondary of those trade deals will be enacted by secondary legislation, legislation and new regulations that will come from and it is important that they are properly looked at. The DEFRA in the next couple of weeks to deal with our market for agricultural products should matter to every exit from the transition period, it is important to ensure one of us because a market tilted against the interests against any more pollution of our statute books with of consumers harms families, one tilted in favour of bad regulation that will subsequently need to be changed. supermarkets harms consumer pockets, and one tilted It should concern us all that bad laws have been passed, in favour of importers over domestic production risks and I will be grateful if the Minister sets out what signing the death warrant for British farmers. 653 Exiting the European Union 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Exiting the European Union 654 (Agriculture) (Agriculture) [Luke Pollard] On Animal and Plant Health Agency inspectors, again I would not read too much into the word “calibre”. Labour will not oppose these regulations. However, I These are specialist staff, so of course they have to be of would be grateful if the Minister can set out how we can the right type. We are working hard to increase their ensure that we get regulations right the first time round. numbers at the moment. Particularly for regulations dealing with Northern Ireland, On border control posts, we have always been clear we must ensure that the Northern Ireland Executive are that following the Northern Ireland protocol there would comfortable with the proposals that the Minister has be an expansion of facilities at some entry points where set out. certain controls already take place. We are very much in touch with the Northern Ireland Minister. Indeed, I 7.1 pm spoke to him twice last week and I expect to do so Richard Thomson (Gordon) (SNP): The Minister repeatedly in the next few weeks. described the instruments as technical and largely ensuring On the devolved Administrations, we have worked continuity in their scope and measure. There have been collaboratively with them on these statutory instruments. discussions between the UK Government and the Scottish We have sought formal agreement from them on areas Government, and the Scottish Government have given that intersect with devolved policy. their consent for them, so on that basis we will not There are of course many ways of describing our oppose them. produce. We frequently describe produce as being from I seek one key assurance from the Minister, which I Oxfordshire, for example. In brief, we expect to use the hope she will address. She will understand the huge different terms GB, UK and UK(NI) following Brexit, importance to producers of provenance, especially in but this is a very complicated issue. As we reach the end Scotland, where the ability to identify Scottish produce of the transition period, we will set out far more detail as such is of enormous value in all parts of the value about labelling. There is some context in these statutory chain. I seek from the Minister an assurance that there instruments, but not a great deal that needs to concern is nothing at all in either of these instruments that the devolved Administrations at this point on the labelling might prevent Scottish produce from being identified as front. Discussions with the devolved Administrations have such in the export process, either now or in the future. confirmed our mutual understanding of the UK’salignment on marketing standards. They have always been very 7.2 pm keen to align them, so we can work the internal market properly following the end of the transition period. Victoria Prentis: I thank the hon. Members for Plymouth, On lessons learned, as I said in my opening remarks Sutton and Devonport (Luke Pollard) and for Gordon the good thing that happened last year is that we have (Richard Thomson) for their contributions. They asked left the EU with the withdrawal agreement and the a large number of questions, and if I do not answer Northern Ireland protocol in place. The statutory them all, I apologise; it is merely an oversight, and I am instruments, which were done in something of a hurry happy to take them up offline outside the Chamber. at the end of last year, included the whole of the UK On the poultry meat issue, I am always happy to instead of carving out Northern Ireland, because the confirm that there is no possibility of chlorine-washed Northern Ireland protocol did not exist at that point. It chicken entering our food chain unless this House votes is true that in the rush to have a functioning statute for that to be the case, and I really do not see that book for the proposed exit day at the end of last year, happening—do you, Mr Deputy Speaker? As the hon. mistakes were made and references were missed. I think Member for Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport said, the it is right that we take the opportunity to correct those Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee in the other mistakes wherever possible and that is what we have place drew the other place’s attention to the Department’s done. explanation on poultry meat. I apologise; our explanation To end, producers and consumers will be well served did not provide sufficient context on the checks relating by the passing of these statutory instruments. They help to poultry meat marketing standards, and that might to ensure that retained EU legislation, which protects have caused concern because it was not sufficiently our standards and supports our farming industries, clear. The reason is that on these particular operational remains operable at the end of the transition period. indicators, no third country currently uses the standards, They are technical, but nevertheless crucial in ensuring so there is no current need to have an operational the effectiveness and continuity of that retained legislation. enforceable system for checking that they are there. I therefore commend them to the House. That is the reason that that has not been an issue to date. I assure all Members that although the specific Question put and agreed to. matters are not covered by these regulations, the Government remain absolutely committed to high EXITING THE EUROPEAN UNION standards, as we said many times during the passage of (AGRICULTURE) the Agriculture Bill. Resolved, The difference between the poultry meat transition That the draft Common Organisation of the Markets in period, which is 12 months, and the fruit and vegetable Agricultural Products (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) transition period, which is two years, is to enable us, in a (No. 2) Regulations 2020, which were laid before this House on 19 October, be approved.—(Victoria Prentis.) very pragmatic and practical way, to upgrade our IT systems and recruit the right sort of inspectors to do the Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. The checks. We are working closely with the EU Commission sitting is suspended for three minutes. on that, and nobody should be afraid of the difference between the two.This is merely a pragmatic and appropriate 7.8 pm response to an operational issue. Sitting suspended. 655 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Exiting the European Union 656 (European Union) Exiting the European Union day; it provides that retained EU law comes into effect (European Union) on IP completion day instead of exit day; and it establishes relevant separation agreement law. In the light of the introduction of relevant separation agreement law, the 7.12 pm instrument clarifies how references in UK legislation to The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office EU instruments are to be interpreted after IP completion (Julia Lopez): I beg to move, day. That includes how references to EU instruments That the draft European Union Withdrawal (Consequential that form part of relevant separation agreement law Modifications) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, which were laid should be read. before this House on 21 October, be approved. The amendments made to the 2018 Act by the It is a pleasure to be here to discuss these regulations, implementation of the withdrawal agreement mean that and I hope that we are not drawing too much attention it is possible for EU instruments to form part of retained away from the Prime Minister’s press conference, which EU law for some purposes and have effect as relevant is under way as I speak. separation agreement law for other purposes. Therefore, As Members will be aware, at the end of this year the after IP completion day, references to EU instruments process of transition to our future relationship with the in domestic legislation can have dual meaning. The EU will be complete. Wewill have recovered our economic instrument makes interpretation provisions to remove and political independence, upholding a key demand uncertainty about which version of an EU instrument of the British people. The Government have already applies, whether it is the retained version or the version undertaken extensive work to provide for a functioning applied by the withdrawal agreement. This ensures that domestic statute book by 31 December. Ahead of our the correct interpretation of the EU instrument applies exit from the European Union on 31 January this year, following the end of the transition period and, crucially, the Government made a significant amount of exit-related removes room for confusion or uncertainty. legislation, including more than 630 statutory instruments. At this point, I draw the House’s attention to the fact The Government continue to deliver the secondary that while the negative procedure could have been used legislation required to ensure a functioning statute book for making this instrument under the consequential at the end of the transition period, so that we are able to powers, we are following the affirmative procedure. This seize the opportunities of being an independent sovereign is to provide the opportunity for parliamentary debate on nation. This instrument is a clear example of that. It a piece of legislation of significant legal importance— makes various consequential amendments and repeals particularly with regard to the updated interpretive in respect of retained EU law,relevant separation agreement provisions for relevant separation agreement law—even if it law and other EU-derived domestic legislation. I will is not of note in policy terms. To make these interpretive take the opportunity to explain that in further detail in provisions, the instrument makes minor technical a moment, but, in short, this instrument is highly technical amendments to primary legislation, including the 2018 and does not implement any new policy. It will ensure Act, the Interpretation Act 1978 and the latter’s devolved that the UK statute book works coherently and effectively equivalents—the Legislation (Wales) Act 2019, the following the end of the transition period. Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 and the This statutory instrument was laid by my right hon. Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who Although the Government are not required to seek cannot be here today, in exercise of the temporary consent from or consult the devolved Administrations powers provided for in the European Union (Withdrawal) on the provisions included in this instrument, there was Act 2018 and the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) extensive engagement at official level prior to laying this Act 2020. These powers allow Ministers to make provisions instrument to make sure that it works effectively for the that they consider appropriate in consequence of those devolved legislatures. I take this opportunity to note Acts. I raise that because, during the passage of those our gratitude to the DAs for their constructive collaboration Acts, some Members were concerned that these powers on this instrument and on the wider body of readiness were too wide and would not afford Parliament the secondary legislation that is needed by the end of this year. ability to scrutinise important legislation properly. The Government have always been clear that these are standard The instrument also makes technical repeals to redundant consequential powers that are commonplace in legislation provisions in primary legislation arising from the EU and that such powers are inherently limited, with the (Withdrawal) Act 2018, primarily due to the fact that it main expected use of this power being for matters of a repealed the European Communities Act 1972. The technical nature. This instrument is no exception. 2018 Act provided for the repeal of the amended provisions The Government have already made several exit-related of the 1972 Act, but not the amending provisions that consequential statutory instruments in recent years, lie behind them. As a consequence of those repeals, the which were needed as a result of the European Union amending provisions are redundant. Without these (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Since those instruments were regulations,this legislation will continue to sit meaninglessly made, we have left the EU with a deal—namely, the in our statute book, and repealing it ensures that the withdrawal agreement—and entered into the transition statute book remains clear and effective. period. The statutory instrument we are discussing today As well as repealing redundant legislation, this instrument includes provisions required as a result of the withdrawal also makes consequential amendments to the EU agreement and the legislation that implemented it: the (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and the European Union European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020. (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (Consequential Modifications The main changes arising from that Act relevant to this and Repeals and Revocations) (EU Exit) Regulations instrument are that it introduces the transition period 2019 to reflect that they come into effect on IP completion and delays the commencement of exit-related statutory day, rather than exit day, and ensure that they operate instruments until implementation period completion effectively in the light of this. 657 Exiting the European Union 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Exiting the European Union 658 (European Union) (European Union) [Julia Lopez] I am told that jigsaw puzzles have been popular during lockdown, but the Government are creating a I hope, therefore, that all Members of the House can particularly challenging legal jigsaw puzzle in which the agree with me that the draft regulations before them picture on the front of the box is constantly changing. perform a small but worthwhile role in our preparations Nevertheless, the outcome is crucial, because it underpins for the end of the transition period and demonstrate the UK law. Although legal practitioners face a daunting Government’s commitment to ensuring certainty and task, they will at least have the resources to check for clarity in the UK’s statute book. amendments. Again, as is so often the way, those without support and financial resources are the most vulnerable, 7.18 pm and that includes litigants in person, or members of the public who want to know which law governs a particular Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): I am sure situation. In some areas, that is becoming a near-impossible that the Minister is wrong and that all eyes are on us task, with extremely expert lawyers and judges harbouring and not on the Prime Minister’s press conference. I concerns about the state of legal affairs from 1 January congratulate her for her introduction of this most exciting and the uncertainties that they envisage will arise. of the statutory instruments we are looking at over the current period. We are broadly supportive of this At the same time as creating those challenges for the instrument, as it largely clears up the statute book and legalsystem,theGovernment’sfailuretonegotiateeffectively serves to ensure that cross-references to EU law in on behalf of the services sector in the current talks domestic law or in other EU law, which continues as on our future relationship with the EU is creating other retained EU law, make sense after the completion day challenges. By not securing mutual recognition of from the implementation or transition period. qualifications and—specifically for the legal sector— certainty regarding accession to the Lugano convention, The repeals relate mostly to references to the European there are real questions about the ability of UK lawyers Communities Act 1972, which has already been repealed to continue working across Europe with certainty and a by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, so it is lack of confidence in their ability to continue in their further legislative tidying up and not the last that we business. can expect to see in the coming months. This continues Of course, this is not just about lawyers, litigants in the Government’s habit of amending primary legislation person, or interested citizens; this is about businesses by statutory instrument, and in this case, certain provisions and jobs that need legal advice to draw up contracts and of the Interpretation Act 1978 will be directly amended ensure that they comply with the seemingly ever-changing by this instrument. It also amends parts of the 2018 law. That costs money, time and resources, and while the Act. economy is under such pressure from the fallout of the I cannot help but note that the accompanying explanatory pandemic, I urge the Government not to add to that. memorandum is longer than the legislation itself, and I Will the Minister tell the House when the Government wonder if the Minister can tell the House whether that will have finished amending the legal framework for our implies a certain nervousness in the Department about departure from the European Union and say how we publishing yet further changes to the withdrawal Act, are to work with our European partners moving forward? this close to the end of the transition period. Within the Clarity is essential, and the Government have a explanatory memorandum, there is much emphasis on responsibility to provide it. the fact that none of these changes is substantive and that the Government are not trying to sneak something 7.24 pm through under the radar—indeed, the Minister herself Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP): I am grateful made that point. Is that perhaps a result of the rather to have caught your eye, Mr Deputy Speaker, because chastening experience that the Government have had those paying close attention to the call list will see that when they have tried to sneak things—such as, for my hon. Friend the Member for Stirling (Alyn Smith) example, the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill— ought to have been here, but he has been detained in through under the radar? Westminster Hall. We have concerns about legal certainty going forward I am not sure whether it was a happy memory of or a and the fact that the European Union (Withdrawal) nightmarish flashback to the parent legislation and my Act 2018 has already had to be amended on several time served on the European Statutory Instruments occasions. We warned about that when the Act was Committee when I looked at this statutory instrument. debated, and it serves to demonstrate the massive task The purpose of the instrument is that faces practitioners and judges when working out “to ensure that the UK statute book works coherently and what law will be in force from 1 January 2021. That effectively following the end of the transition period.” points to some incompetence and poor planning from I thought that was what the 2018 Act was for in the first the Government. How many more times will they need place and all the 600 statutory instruments the Minister to amend the Act that they pressed through the House? referred to, yet here we are, years after the referendum How many more times will businesses and lawyers have and years after the Act was passed, still having to through to make a plan, scrap it and start again? this process. It is the legacy of the mess of Brexit, Although in principle, the withdrawal Act sets a basic caused by Cameron and his cronies, who had no real rule that existing EU law will be retained, it is clear from vision and kicked off a referendum process with no idea the many subsequent changes to that Act, the enactment what would happen if people actually voted to leave. of other Acts such as the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Here we are dealing with the consequences, and now we Act 2018, and the huge number of statutory instruments have a Government who do not particularly want any that have been tabled, that recourse to a wide range of kind of deal. They would quite happily crash out and statutory materials will often be needed to work out deal with all the consequences afterwards. That is why exactly what the governing provisions are. we are barrelling towards no deal. 659 Exiting the European Union 23 NOVEMBER 2020 660 (European Union) This might be a necessary statutory instrument, but it viewing, but it is a critical piece of secondary legislation really should not be. It is disappointing on a number of that demonstrates the Government’s commitment to levels. First, as I have said, it is disappointing that it is ensuring that there is certainty and clarity about the happening at all. Secondly, it refers to the interesting UK statute book. concept of a UK statute book. Scots law has always Question put and agreed to. been distinct from English and Welsh legislation, before and after the union of Parliaments in 1707, let alone Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I suspend the after the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament in sitting for the sanitation of the Dispatch Boxes. 1999. I accept what the Minister says—of course there has been constructive dialogue with the devolved 7.29 pm Administrations, because nobody wants a messed up statute book or acquis of law, but it does not change the Sitting suspended. fact that the UK Government are using a statutory instrument to directly amend primary legislation passed Business without Debate by Scotland’sParliament, in the shape of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010. DELEGATED LEGISLATION This goes on with a host of repeals of primary legislation by statutory instrument, which is being done Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): With the leave late at night in a not very busy Chamber. Thus these of the House, we will take motions 6 to 15 together. laws are amended. Where is the European research group, where are the Maastricht rebels for this great act Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing of taking back control? In effect, this is ministerial fiat. Order No. 118(6)), Ultimately, the Brussels bureaucrats are being replaced by Whitehall mandarins. This is not parliamentary EXITING THE EUROPEAN UNION (PATENTS) sovereignty; it is effectively executive diktat. That the draft Supplementary Protection Certificates (Amendment) Frankly, let them get on with it, as my hon. Friend—he (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, which were laid before this House on 14 October, be approved. should be my right hon. Friend—the Member for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart) likes to say.Scotland EXITING THE EUROPEAN UNION wants no part of this shabby Brexit process. The more (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION) the Government hasten its implementation through statutory instruments like this, the more it hastens the That the draft Ozone-Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, day when Scotland takes full control of its statute book which were laid before this House on 13 October, be approved. once again as a fully independent and sovereign nation. That the draft Hazardous Substances and Packaging (Legislative Functions and Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, which 7.27 pm were laid before this House on 14 October, be approved. Julia Lopez: As I have set out, the purpose of the instrument really is to ensure that the statute book EXITING THE EUROPEAN UNION (SEA FISHERIES) works coherently and effectively following the end of That the draft Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) the transition period. It does this by making various (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, which were laid before this House on consequential amendments and repeals in respect of 14 October, be approved. retained EU law relevant to the separation agreement law and other EU-derived domestic legislation. MENTAL HEALTH I hear what the hon. Member for Sheffield Central That the draft Coronavirus Act 2020 (Expiry of Mental Health (Paul Blomfield) says from the Opposition Front Bench. Provisions) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020, which were I spoke to my hon. Friend the Member for Bromley and laid before this House on 21 October, be approved. Chislehurst (Sir Robert Neill) before the debate. He shares some of the concerns about the legislative aspects FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS of leaving the EU and was very satisfied with the That the draft Bearer Certificates (Collective Investment Schemes) regulations. He has consulted his friends and colleagues Regulations 2020, which were laid before this House on 28 September, in the legal and financial services professions, and they be approved. believe this to be a useful piece of regulation that clarifies and tackles ambiguity.He has also raised concerns EXITING THE EUROPEAN UNION (FINANCIAL SERVICES) about the complexity of leaving the EU. Yes, leaving the That the draft Financial Holding Companies (Approval etc.) EU is a complex process, and it was always going to be. and Capital Requirements (Capital Buffers and Macro-prudential Measures) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, which I am glad to say that the UK public deemed it to be an were laid before this House on 15 October, be approved. endeavour worth pursuing. They have supported it throughout the referendum and the subsequent general EXITING THE EUROPEAN UNION elections. (FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS) The hon. Member for Glasgow North (Patrick Grady) That the draft Securities Financing Transactions, Securitisation bemoaned politicians kicking off referendum processes and Miscellaneous Amendments (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, without due consideration. I hope that he will take his which were laid before this House on 15 October, be approved. own advice. At least, we listened to the result of that referendum. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS Finally, I reiterate my thanks to Members across the That the draft Bank Recovery and Resolution (Amendment) House for contributing to the debate. This is a highly (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, which were laid before this House on technical issue and not exactly the most exciting television 15 October, be approved. 661 Business without Debate 23 NOVEMBER 2020 662

EXITING THE EUROPEAN UNION (CRIMINAL LAW) Persecution of Ahmadis That the draft Law Enforcement and Security (Separation Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House Issues etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, which were laid before this House on 13 October, be approved.—(David Rutley.) do now adjourn.—(David Rutley.) Question agreed to. 7.32 pm Imran Ahmad Khan (Wakefield) (Con): I am an Ahmadi—an Ahmadi Muslim. Ahmadis are a peace-loving community, whose motto is “Love for all, hatred for none”. At the core of Islam is a belief that the only true way to serve the Lord is to serve and love his creation. It is for this reason that Ahmadis devote themselves to serving the cause of justice and humanity everywhere. Sadly, however, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is an object of hate and suffers vicious persecution around the world. The epicentre of this hatred is Pakistan.

Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden) (Lab): In the light of what the hon. Member has just said, is he aware that, only yesterday, another Ahmadi—Dr Tahir Ahmad—was murdered in Lahore, Pakistan by a teenager? Does he regard it as frightening that the most radicalised and anti-Ahmadi of the community in Pakistan tend to be the young?

Imran Ahmad Khan: I thank the hon. Lady. The tragic news of Dr Tahir and his murder was on Friday evening. A gunman came to their home and shot at him and his family. He sadly died immediately. His father, I understand, is still in a critical condition, fighting for his life. Other members of the family sustained gunshot injuries. I understand they are believed to be making it through. But this is simply a sad testament to the environment of hate and intolerance that is being preached in Pakistan. This is what I was saying: the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is an object of hate and suffers vicious persecution around the world, but the epicentre of this hatred is Pakistan, where Ahmadis are the only religious community to be targeted by the state on the basis of their faith.

Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): Will my hon. Friend give way?

Imran Ahmad Khan: Maybe in a moment or two—I will just make a little progress, if I may. In 1974, the Government of Pakistan kowtowed to the extremist hate-mongers that characterise a perverted form of Islam we now sadly see in so many corners of the world, when Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto shamefully amended the Pakistan constitution to declare Ahmadis non-Muslims. It is a tragic irony that many of the preachers of prejudice from Jama’at-E-Islami are the political heirs of the exact same people who fought tooth and nail against the great Jinnah in his struggle to establish the state of Pakistan, wherein all Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jews and others were promised the right to freedom. Since then, increasingly more draconian measures have been inflicted on the Ahmadiyya community,including the promulgation of Ordinance XX in 1984 under the brutal dictator General Zia. Under that ordinance, it is punishable with three-year imprisonment, an unlimited fine and even the death penalty for Ahmadis simply to 663 Persecution of Ahmadis23 NOVEMBER 2020 Persecution of Ahmadis 664 call themselves Muslim, or to call their mosques a Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab): I mosque. As a consequence, Hadrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, commend my friend the hon. Gentleman for bringing the 4th Caliph, was forced to leave Pakistan. Today, forward this Adjournment debate. He is making a powerful Ordinance XX is used to persecute minorities in Pakistan, speech. I am shocked not only by the deaths and murders including Christians and Hindus. Pakistan suffers the great he describes, but at the fact that the Ahmadi people are ignominy of having codified and granted constitutional denied the right to call themselves Muslims and to call legitimacy to religious discrimination and persecution. their place of worship a mosque, and that they are denied the vote. Does he agree that this is a shocking Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): My hon. Friend is suppression and persecution of a people? making an excellent speech. He touches on the nub of my intervention. Does he not agree that the real tragedy Imran Ahmad Khan: The right of people everywhere in Pakistan is that it is the very constitution and laws of to live, work and worship as they choose is the most Pakistan, particularly the blasphemy laws, that are so fundamental and universal right that we have. It makes often the basis for the persecution of the Ahmadis and no sense, either to an individual or to a state, to inhibit, indeed other religious minorities, when, in any country, stamp on or impede that right, because that means that these should be the cornerstone of the protection of the very blossom and flower of the state and of the fundamental rights such as freedom of religion and children of the state is trampled on. We in this venerable belief? place should not think, “Why would they do such a thing?” because what is happening is of no purpose and Imran Ahmad Khan: I thank my hon. Friend for her of no sense—it is senseless and deeply upsetting because intervention, with which I agree entirely. Her points are of that. incredibly well made. The great tragedy is that Pakistan Freedom of religious belief, as the hon. Gentleman was set up initially with a beautiful vision of a country has mentioned, and other values that we in the United that celebrated diversity and pluralism. Jinnah and the Kingdom hold dearly, such as tolerance and celebration architects of Pakistan saw difference as the gold and of pluralism, are not just ideals to be debated in this silver threads that would weave into the tapestry of the House, discussed in lecture halls or written about by state and make it stronger, not weaker. Jinnah’s lieutenant academics; they have, as we have discussed, very real was Chaudhry Muhammad Zafarullah, with whom I consequences for the lives of people everywhere. grew up and had a very close relationship. He has been declared a non-Muslim. He was Pakistan’s first Foreign My own family understand this only too well. I could Minister, the President of the UN General Assembly place on the record the numerous attacks against my and the President of the International Court of Justice. immediate family, my larger family and myself. For The state was built by great jurists who were great lovers example, my first cousin’s Syrian husband, Dr Mousallam of freedom and justice and that legacy has been shamefully Al-Droubi, left Damascus and was worshipping at an discarded. Ahmadi mosque in Lahore in May 2010 when gunmen stormed in, massacred 87 supplicants around him and This persecution and that loss of the legacy that left him and over 120 other worshippers with grave could have been is just as evident, sadly, in Pakistan’s injuries, all on account of their belief. Their crime? To civil society.Ahmadis are openly declared “wajibul qatl”, worship as Muslims. which means “deserving to be killed”, in the Pakistani Pakistan is the world’s leading exporter of hate across media and by religious and political leaders. The recent the globe, which it fabricates on an industrial scale. This successive murders of four Ahmadis in Peshawar is the dangerous extremism and religiously inspired violence evil evidence of just how impossible it is for Ahmadis has been broadcast, transmitted and normalised in simply to live and worship as they please. Those murdered communities around the world, who ape this hideous include Mr Mairaj Ahmad on 13 August, Mr Tahir behaviour. Ahmad Naseem on 29 July, Professor Naeem Ud Din For example, anti-Ahmadi hate speech has been Khattack on 5 October and Mr Mahboob Ahmad broadcast through television and radio in the United Khan on 8 November. All four men were murdered in Kingdom. Channel 44, an Urdu language current affairs the same city on account of their belief. As the hon. satellite channel, was fined £45,000 by Ofcom for airing Member for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh) two episodes of a discussion programme which featured mentioned, last Friday, 31-year-old Dr Tahir Ahmad a participant making serious and unsubstantiated claims was murdered at his home when a gunman shot at him against the Ahmadiyya community. That was not the and his family. first such case. In 2013, Takbeer TV,a free-to-air Islamic channel, was fined £25,000 after broadcasting statements Horrifyingly, the vile abuse and persecution suffered describing Ahmadis as having “monstrous intentions” by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is not confined to those who and being “lying monsters”. are alive. Some 39 Ahmadi bodies have been disinterred from what should have been their final resting place, There is a direct connection and correlation between and 70 Ahmadi Muslims have been denied burial in that sort of hate speech and violence perpetrated against communal cemeteries.This year,in July,dozens of Ahmadi members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Freedom of speech graves were desecrated and their gravestones destroyed certainly is a vital pillar of our way of life, but incitement by Pakistani state law enforcement officials in Gujranwala to murder and violence is not, and never has been, district. Heartbreakingly, members of the Ahmadiyya freedom of speech. Hatred preached in Pakistan does community are spared no respite from persecution either indeed result in violence on the streets of the UK and in life or death. How is it possible that these atrocities around the world. occur in a country whose leaders answer when questioned The 2016 murder of Scottish Ahmadi shopkeeper that their constitution provides its citizens with the Asad Shah, while working peacefully in his shop in right to freedom of religion and belief? Glasgow, evidences that truth. His crime? Sending out 665 Persecution of Ahmadis23 NOVEMBER 2020 Persecution of Ahmadis 666

[Imran Ahmad Khan] Imran Ahmad Khan: I think it is well known that the Ahmadi community—wherever they stay and live, whether Easter greetings to his Christian neighbours and friends. they are persecuted or otherwise, whether they are Like all Ahmadis, he felt a part of that community, and abused or celebrated—always come to be among the they a part of his. Here we see the Ahmadis’ belief in vanguard of the most loyal citizens, playing a full role in love for all and hatred for none juxtaposed against the the country that they call home. peddlers of hate. Elliot Colburn (Carshalton and Wallington) (Con): A report by the all-party parliamentary group for the My hon. Friend is being generous with his time. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community entitled “Suffocation UK has been a welcoming home for the Ahmadiyya of the Faithful” has raised concerns that the deliberate community.Indeed, many have settled in my constituency targeting of members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat because of its proximity to the Baitul Futuh mosque in in the United Kingdom originates from Pakistan—a the constituency of the hon. Member for Mitcham and result of the filthy reservoir of hate that Pakistan permits Morden (Siobhain McDonagh). Does my hon. Friend and enables. Worse, there is evidence, as outlined in the agree that the UK needs to continue to play a leading APPG’s report, that aid money given by Her Majesty’s role in providing refuge and a safe haven for Ahmadis Government is spent on supporting Government-run fleeing persecution across the world? schools in Pakistan that encourage intolerance and hatred. Imran Ahmad Khan: My hon. Friend is absolutely Professor Javaid Rehman provided damning evidence right. For Ahmadis and so many others, the United on nationalised schools in Pakistan when he spoke at Kingdom has long been a beacon of hope and safety, the second session of the APPG inquiry, which the hon. and we should continue to provide this support and Member for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh) offer Ahmadis escaping religious persecution a route to so ably chaired. He said: safety. Sadly, Pakistan is not a lone perpetrator in the persecution of Ahmadis. There are many countries that “I was just horrified to see what is being taught to our young children, for example this word ‘Kafir’ non-believer or infidel is maintain and enforce discriminatory laws against Ahmadis. openly said about Ahmadiyya but also about other communities, The United Kingdom is a staunch friend of Pakistan. it’s part of our teaching system”. Ending the persecution of Ahmadis will serve to strengthen I fear that the international aid provided to Pakistan by Pakistan and allow all those who truly love it to be Her Majesty’s Government for the purpose of helping active participants in their country’s life and future, education is, on occasion, unwittingly fuelling hatred fulfilling the dream of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-i-Azam, and prejudice in a new generation of Pakistanis. In who famously said the following words at the very order to ensure that that never happens again, I hope moment of Pakistan’s birth: that my hon. Friend the Minister can provide assurances “You are free; you are free to go to your temples. You are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this from the Dispatch Box on behalf of Her Majesty’s State of Pakistan.” Government that UK aid and development funding will not go to groups, individuals or programmes that are As my hon. Friend the Minister is aware, there are a engaged in the promotion of hate, whether that be number of powerful tools at our disposal that I urge directed against Christians, Hindus, Ahmadis or others. him to employ to serve all the citizens of Pakistan, irrespective of their belief. The first is the establishment I have briefly outlined the nature of some of the of a structured engagement at a senior level by the outrages suffered by Ahmadis and their Jamaat, but Foreign Office with Pakistan on the persecution and what effect does the persecution and discrimination of discrimination facing the Ahmadi Jamaat. The second the Ahmadi community have on Ahmadis and on Pakistan is the employment of the Magnitsky-style sanctions itself? Thousands of Pakistanis have sought refuge in established earlier in the year against preachers, politicians freedom-lovingwesternnations.EventheglobalAhmadiyya and others who incite and orchestrate violence and headquarters was moved to the United Kingdom in hatred against minorities, and the refusal of their entry 1984. Others,having escaped from Pakistan, find themselves into our country. The third is that the establishment of in third countries where they are unwelcome and face criteria when it comes to the protection and freedoms of again the horrors of persecution, predicated upon their all to live, work and worship as they choose in Pakistan faith. should be tied to any future trade that Pakistan seeks I urge Her Majesty’s Government to employ their with the United Kingdom. influence and create a coalition of our friends and allies I will be listening intently to my hon. Friend’s response to pressure the Government of Pakistan to reverse the as to whether Her Majesty’s Government are willing to abhorrent constitutional vandalism that has been engineered consider employing such measures in the name of universal on the freedom of religious belief, and to release all freedom and justice for all. In helping Pakistan to right Pakistani citizens from the bondage of zealous tyranny the wrongs of persecution against Ahmadis, minorities and the fear of persecution. such as Christians and Hindus, who also suffer great persecution and wrongs against them, will be protected. John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): I congratulate the hon. If we are to realise the vision of global Britain, we must Member on bringing this important issue into the public be the ones to lead in defence of those innocents persecuted debate. He mentioned the large community who are wherever they may dwell, and to champion and encourage established here, but will he also mention the huge others to follow suit. contribution that they make in the United Kingdom particularly in charitable work and also in community 7.52 pm work? Quite apart from their peaceful message, they The Minister for Asia (Nigel Adams): It is a real play a very valuable and active role, working hard in the pleasure to respond to this debate. I am incredibly community. grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield 667 Persecution of Ahmadis23 NOVEMBER 2020 Persecution of Ahmadis 668

(Imran Ahmad Khan) for securing it, and for his passionate, strongest possible terms. My ministerial colleague Lord thoughtful and considered speech. I pay tribute to his Ahmad also raised the UK Government’s concern about work on freedom of religion and belief, including in these murders with Pakistan’s human rights Minister, promoting and protecting the rights of Ahmadi Muslims, Dr Shireen Mazari, as recently as 16 November. We and his work as a member of the all-party parliamentary have pressed for full, transparent investigations into group for the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. I am also these killings that result in the identification and prosecution grateful for the contributions and interventions of other of those responsible. hon. Members. I thank the APPG for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Matt Western: I am interested in these points. The community for its recent report. On 21 July, Lord Ahmad Minister was saying that the Government are working of Wimbledon, who is Minister for South Asia, spoke tirelessly. I appreciate that and I welcome it, as everyone at the launch event for the report, and expressed the else does. Given that the Prime Minister of Pakistan UK Government’s deep concerns about discrimination was formerly of this country—he lived here for many and violence against the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, years—do we not have a special relationship with him? including in Pakistan. Today we have heard of the Is there some way of encouraging, through that special appalling discrimination suffered by Ahmadi Muslims relationship and good understanding, a repeal of those in many countries.Hon. Members have mentioned Pakistan laws, so that the Ahmadiyya people can be reinstated as in particular, but, as we have heard, the UK is not citizens and be able to practise their faith, like any other immune from such religious intolerance—I think in Pakistan? particularly of the horrendous case of the gentleman in Glasgow. That is why this Government work tirelessly Nigel Adams: The hon. Gentleman raises a good to promote and defend the rights of people of all faiths point. We regularly communicate our concern about and none around the world. People must be able to these issues. People should be able to practise their practise their faith and express their beliefs without fear religion and belief freely,without persecution. Weregularly or discrimination. I will address some of the specific raise this matter with the Pakistan authorities. My right issues raised by my hon. Friend. hon. Friend the Prime Minister knows the Ahmadiyya community well and knows his holiness Mirza Masroor John Spellar: The Minister has rightly drawn the Ahmad, the spiritual head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim attention of the House to the appalling incidents that community. The Prime Minister made it clear in this take place at the extremes of the spectrum, but are there House, on 11 November, that we frequently raise our not also lower-level activities—for example, attempts to concerns about freedom of region or belief in relation organise boycotts against businesses owned by Ahmadis to the Ahmadiyya Muslim community with the Pakistan and general lower-level harassment? Should not the Government. authorities be cracking down on such activity and saying, I can also attest to my hon. Friend the Member for “This is unacceptable in this country”? Wakefield’s love for all, hatred for none maxim by which the Ahmadiyya community lives.In my constituency, Nigel Adams: The right hon. Gentleman is bang on; we had horrendous floods in 2015. The town of Tadcaster of course we should be calling out this behaviour. Many had its bridge destroyed and the town was separated. of these activities take place on social media. We will be Many people came to support that community, not bringing forward an online harms Bill, and we hope least members of the Ahmadiyya community, who came some of these issues will be addressed. In this country, all the way up from London, at their own expense, and we pride ourselves on people’s ability to practise freedom provided a fantastic resource for the community in of religion or belief. He makes an incredibly important bringing succour and support to families who had been point. flooded. I am incredibly grateful for all the support that Wehave heard about recent incidents of discrimination, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association provided to including violence, against the Ahmadiyya Muslim the people of my constituency, and I was more than community in Pakistan. Its constitution does not allow happy to visit them at their mosque in south London Ahmadiyya Muslims to call themselves Muslims. shortly afterwards. Ahmadiyya Muslims face violence, killings and attacks Earlier this month, officials from the British high on their places of worship and, as I have said, social commission in Islamabad visited Rabwah in Punjab media hate campaigns and discrimination in employment province to meet representatives of the Ahmadiyya and education. There have been recent horrifying examples Muslim community. They were able to hear at first of this discrimination. Lord Ahmad publicly condemned hand about the community’s experiences and challenges, the murder of Mr Mahboob Ahmad Khan in Peshawar as well as the concerning rise of persecution and the in November. Everything points to Mr Khan having tragic rise of killings of members of that community. been murdered for his faith, as an Ahmadiyya Muslim. We also provide support to civil society organisations We have heard from the hon. Member for Mitcham and working on freedom of religion or belief issues in Morden (Siobhain McDonagh) about the tragic killing Pakistan. Our Aawaz II inclusion, accountability of an Ahmadiyya Muslim, Dr Tahir Ahmad, in Nankana and reducing modern slavery programme will spend Sahib in Pakistan during Friday prayers last week. I £39.5 million over five years in the provinces of Punjab extend my personal condolences to the families of Mr Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is worth pointing out that and Dr Ahmad, and to members of the Ahmadiyya followers of other religions, including Christians and Muslim community. Shi’a Muslims, also suffer discrimination and violence Those are not isolated incidents; as we have heard, in Pakistan. there have been other abhorrent murders in Pakistan of Let me take this opportunity to underline the Foreign, Ahmadiyya Muslims and other apparently religiously Commonwealth and Development Office’s due diligence motivated killings. We condemn all these murders in the in providing funding. We ensure that all organisations 669 Persecution of Ahmadis23 NOVEMBER 2020 Persecution of Ahmadis 670

[Nigel Adams] groups, including overseas groups. We are working with tech companies, law enforcement and our international that receive funding have procedures in place to tackle partners to tackle the abhorrent exploitation of online any discrimination, including against religious minorities platforms. As I said earlier, our online harms White such as Ahmadi Muslims. We continue to urge the Paper sets out plans for world-leading legislation to Pakistani Government to guarantee the fundamental make the UK the safest place in the world to be online. rights of all their citizens and strengthen the protection It will also introduce a new duty of care on companies of minorities in accordance with international standards. and will be overseen by an independent regulator. As part of that, we continue to raise our concerns about This has been a timely debate on an incredibly important the implementation of blasphemy legislation and the issue, and I thank my hon. Friend for bringing it to the misuse of anti-terror laws to discriminate. House. My hon. Friend rightly raised the issue of trade. The EU’s generalised scheme of preferences plus tier includes Fiona Bruce: Before the Minister draws his remarks provisions that make preferential market access conditional to a close, can I ask whether officials are raising concerns on compliance with human and labour rights, about an issue that the hon. Member for Warwick and environmental standards and good governance. On Leamington (Matt Western) touched on—the fact that 1 January 2021, the UK will introduce its own generalised Ahmadis do not have an equal right to vote in Pakistan scheme of preferences. We are committed to securing or to stand in elections as candidates, and that there is a Pakistani businesses’ ability to trade freely with the UK separate electoral list kept of Ahmadis, which can through an independent unilateral preferences scheme unfortunately be used as a source of intimidation or that will offer the same level of tariff-free access as the harassment? EU’s generalised scheme of preferences plus. The UK’s trade preferences scheme will replicate the EU conditions Nigel Adams: My hon. Friend, who is a long-time for the enhanced framework, similar to the EU’sgeneralised champion on issues of freedom of religion and belief, scheme of preferences plus tier, of which Pakistan is a raises an incredible point. We see that issue in other beneficiary. parts of the world too, including with the Rohingya We work closely with United Nations agencies and population in Myanmar. I struggle to see how any civil society organisations to ensure that the immediate election could be called free and fair when large sections needs of any displaced refugees are met. We raise issues of society are denied the opportunity to participate. of Ahmadi Muslim persecution regularly with other Governments,including in Algeria, Thailand and Malaysia, Imran Ahmad Khan: Following on from the comments and we engage with representatives in those countries. of my hon. Friend the Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce), what consideration will be given to the point My hon. Friend raised sanctions. Our global human that I made about establishing structured engagement rights sanctions regime is a powerful tool to hold to at a senior level between Pakistan and Her Majesty’s account those involved in serious human rights violations Government? I imagine that it may not be particularly and abuses. That could potentially include those who popular with our high commission in Islamabad, but it target individuals on the grounds of their religion or may produce some good outcomes and enable us to belief. As he will understand, we do not speculate on discuss things issue by issue and find some common who may be designated, as to do so might reduce the ground in a structured way. Will the Minister undertake impact of those designations. To return to the issue of to give it thorough consideration? aid, our relationship with any Government is based on an assessment of commitment to our partnership principles, Nigel Adams: I thank my hon. Friend for bringing including human rights. this debate to the House, and I can assure him that we I turn to our counter-extremism work at home. We will obviously continue to stand up for the rights of are committed to tackling those who sow hatred and all religious communities, including the Ahmadiyya division against any community in this country. Our Muslim community, around the world. We will protect counter-extremism strategy seeks to address all forms our communities here in the UK from hatred and of extremism by challenging those who spread extremist discrimination. My colleague Lord Ahmad, who I propaganda. We need to strengthen communities and understand is an Ahmadiyya Muslim, continues to disrupt the most dangerous extremists. As the House raise this issue at the highest level with Pakistani will be aware, policy on this issue is being led by the Government officials. Home Office. It is without question that the Government will continue My hon. Friend mentioned the media and how they to defend the right to freedom of religion and belief for can play a negative role in propagating harmful views, everyone, everywhere. as can social media. Propaganda also finds its way into Question put and agreed to. more traditional channels. We are working to tackle that by using existing legislation, and we are countering 8.8 pm those damaging narratives with a range of civil society House adjourned. 261WH 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 262WH Sport The power of petitions has clearly paid off, with the Westminster Hall Government announcing today that gyms and outdoor sports will be able to get going again. That news will Monday 23 November 2020 come as a relief to many, but it is not the end of the challenge. From financial support for struggling fitness [DAVID MUNDELL in the Chair] venues to tackling health inequalities and ensuring sport is truly open for all, there is still much more to do, and I Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and Sport urge the Government to step up and use this opportunity to build back fitter from the pandemic. 4.30 pm Despite Joe’s best efforts, we know that people have David Mundell (in the Chair): I remind hon. Members been less active this year. Sport England research shows that there are some changes to normal practice in order that more than 3 million people did less exercise during to support the new call list system and ensure that social the first lockdown. Shaun, a personal trainer in my distancing can be respected. Members should sanitise constituency, has had a similar experience. He says: their microphones using the cleaning materials provided “I have 80 members who exercise regularly at the gym but before they use them, and dispose of them as they leave during lockdown very few of those keep up with exercise. The the room. Members are also asked to respect the one-way average weight gain of my members during the first lockdown system around the room. Members should speak only was 18 pounds.” from the horseshoe. Members can only speak if they are As Huw Edwards, chief executive officer of ukactive, on the call list. This applies even if debates are under- has warned, subscribed. Members cannot join the debate if they are “the closure of the sector is creating a second public health not on the call list. crisis”. I remind hon. Members that there is less of an Many community gyms and sports facilities are now expectation that Members stay for the next two speeches in a very precarious position. The sector usually takes once they have spoken. This is to help manage attendance £7.7 billion in membership fees, which have crashed in the room. Members may wish to stay beyond their during the pandemic. There are 60,000 self-employed speech, but they should be aware that in so doing, they workers whose livelihoods have been destroyed, and may prevent Members in seats in the Public Gallery many missed out on the self-employment income support from moving to seats on the horseshoe. scheme, whereas ukactive has warned that without urgent 4.31 pm Government support, up to 20% of facilities could close permanently by the end of the year. The earlier support Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) package from Sport England has been welcome, but (Lab): I beg to move, many providers, particularly charities and social enterprises, That this House has considered e-petitions 333869 and 309851, have fallen through the cracks. Although the £100 million relating to Covid-19 restrictions on gyms and sport. fund for leisure centres announced last week is positive, It is an honour to serve under your chairmanship, there are still big questions around eligibility.Will councils Mr Mundell. The two petitions we are debating have a have the freedom to provide help where it is needed combined total of almost 1 million signatures, and they most, or will it be a case of devolving that money but speak to a very deep concern: that we are sitting on a with strict criteria attached? ticking time bomb when it comes to physical and The early months of the year are especially crucial as mental health. The first petition, on preventing the many fitness businesses make good on all those good closure of gyms, was started by Liam Brannon from new year intentions. Many people sign up to the gym in north Lincolnshire and has over 614,000 signatures. January, motivated to get fitter. As the Government The second, to exempt golf courses from covid-19 finalise their plans for the Christmas period, the science restrictions, was started by Monty Florin from Donnington says that tougher restrictions might be needed later. It and has over 257,000 signatures. would be a catastrophe for many businesses if we faced During this pandemic, it has become very clear just a spike after Christmas and the Government then said how much people value sport and exercise. It keeps us that they were shutting down again. As Martin, a gym fit, helps us maintain good mental health, and is crucial owner, told me, for our resilience to the virus. With sports facilities “if we are closed for January—we will probably have to close our closed during the first lockdown, many took up running doors permanently.” and cycling. Joe Wicks is now a national hero, with an MBE to prove it, leading PE classes from our living Clearly, there is a balance to be struck between managing rooms. However, it is the ongoing support and inspiration the spread of the virus and the wider public health risks, from gyms and other sports that motivates many people so I ask the Minister whether the Government will and keeps them active. consider the wider consequences of shutting down the sector in any future lockdown. My inbox has been flooded with correspondence from people keen to see facilities reopen. To share just a The concerns of individual sports are wide and varied, few from my constituents, Malcolm, 69, says: and I will do my best to summarise them in the time “I try to keep as healthy as I can, especially during the current that I have. Gyms are where many people spend their situation. I go to the gym 3 times a week. Senior citizens like fitness time. The sector has put in place stringent measures myself should have access to facilities.” to be covid-secure. As petitioner Liam told me, gym Natalia says: users are following the safety rules to the letter because “Leisure centres, gyms and swimming pools are an essential they do not want their gyms to close. Data from Test part of our community and have massively helped with my and Trace suggests that that is working, with cases from mental health. It’s a place to go to burn off energy and be in my venues relatively low in comparison with those from own head that I just cannot achieve in my home environment.” other settings. 263WH Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 264WH Sport Sport [Catherine McKinnell] have found that they do not meet the prescriptive criteria to access Government support. We have already seen Golf is a comparatively safe sport played in wide-open established providers such as Xercise4Less calling in spaces.PetitionerMontyquestionswhypeoplearepermitted administrators. Action is needed before more facilities to walk across a golf course as a public right of way, but close for good. The Sport and Recreation Alliance is cannot play a game with members of their own household. calling for a sport recovery fund to support clubs and As one of my constituents put it, “Why is it safe for me facilities across the country. to sleep with my wife, yet I can’t play a game of socially Other helpful measures would include business rates distanced golf with her?” The sport is especially popular relief, in line with other sectors, and a cut to VAT to with older people, helping them to stay active later in life. support ticket sales and cashflow, but beyond that Swimming is one of the most popular physical activities, direct financial help there is a strong case for promoting with 14 million adults going swimming every year, but exercise and fitness more widely,whether that is inducements in many communities swimming pools have not reopened to buy home exercise equipment or support for gym since lockdown. West Denton swimming pool in my memberships. Just as eat out to help out was a boost to constituency is one of those. The not-for-profit operator the hospitality industry, an equivalent to encourage has warned that it could remain permanently closed. fitness in the new year would be a boost to not just the There is a real danger that we will be left with a fitness economy but the health of this country. situation in which facilities in more affluent areas can People have faced huge pressures throughout this reopen while those in more disadvantaged areas stay crisis, and physical exercise is one of the best tools that closed, worsening the health inequalities that we know we have to stay healthy and resilient to deal with them, we need to work hard to address. but without renewed effort to get people fit and active The tennis sector was pleased to reopen in the summer we are storing up bigger public health problems for the as a naturally socially distanced sport with a relatively future. We also risk reinforcing health inequalities as low risk of transmission, but restrictions on sporting community leisure centres battle for survival. activity have hit revenues for community tennis venues, After a difficult year, we have the opportunity to coaches and organisations that help to deliver the sport. build back fitter from this pandemic, to make a collective Grassroots football clubs have lost significant pitch new year’s resolution to get fit and active, and to time this year. The Government must lift the ban as an support local sports clubs, gyms and fitness facilities to immediate step.There are concerns that without community ensure that sport truly is accessible to all. I urge the support through spectators, clubs will struggle to generate Government to take the health and mental wellbeing of the income that they need to survive. The spectator our country seriously and make this a national priority. funding package announced last week is welcome, but the support must reach clubs at every level so that no Several hon. Members rose— community is left out. Gymnastics clubs are a popular place for fitness David Mundell (in the Chair): Order. I am not going activity, especially for our young people who have had a to impose a formal time limit at this stage, but to get particularly difficult time during the covid-19 crisis. everybody in Members should stick to approximately Even amateur athletes need to be able to continue their four minutes. I call Chris Green. training to maintain their strength and ability. I have also been contacted by the horse-riding sector, which is 4.42 pm deeply concerned that horses should not just be left in Chris Green (Bolton West) (Con): Thank you, the stables for weeks on end. There are so many other Mr Mundell. It is fantastic to follow such a good speech sports and activities—I am sure we will hear of many from the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North from hon. Members today—but it will take much more (Catherine McKinnell). She captured so much of what than just lifting restrictions to make sport accessible the debate is about and what people around the country for all. are feeling. There is a sense that we appreciate something I am particularly concerned about the impact that all only when it has been taken away. That certainly applies this has had on children. We know that children lose up to gyms. to 74% of their fitness over the summer holidays when Rather perversely, my attendance at the gym went up they are away from PE, with those from the poorest slightly with the lockdown, because I had to make an backgrounds affected the most. Swimming lessons have appointment to go and then felt that I had to keep that been cancelled, dance classes postponed, and footballers appointment. It helped to a small degree, but I would are unable to get together. With venues and facilities at hardly recommend having this lockdown approach just risk of permanent closure, inequalities could deepen for that reason. further. A great many of my constituents have been in touch What action do we need from the Government? First, on this matter, which shows how much it affects their we need clarity on their strategy and the scientific basis lives. It is not just about the obvious effects on physical for restrictions. The reopening of gyms and sports is health, but the effects on mental health. When so much welcome and crucial for the physical and mental health else in society has been taken away, this is one of the of the country, but the sector needs to know that that areas that could and should have been left open, especially will continue and that it will not face another round of because of the very limited evidence that there is restrictions after Christmas. transmission within the pub—[Interruption.] Well, in The pandemic has been tough on many sports and the pub as well, but there is very limited evidence of businesses, so the second thing that they need is financial transmission in the gym environment. We need evidence- support. The extension of furlough has helped, but there based policy, because that is how we give confidence to is a time bomb of rent going into next year. Some facilities people to follow the rules and instructions. 265WH Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 266WH Sport Sport We also need to recognise just how much time and which dominated the news. I benefited from daily briefings effort gym owners and their staff have put into making from the deputy chief medical officer and Ministers, these environments covid-secure. It is phenomenal. The because of the focused nature of the situation. people working in gyms and the people attending them They told me then that their strategy at the very are so conscientious in what they are doing. The equipment beginning was to delay. They wanted to delay in order is spaced out and people clean it afterwards. There are to learn from the foreign experience, because things certain things that we would like people to carry on were occurring elsewhere first and fastest. As the pandemic doing after this covid phase has washed through entirely. rolled across the continent of Europe, I saw that testing, There is another indicator of the importance of gyms tracing and contacting people was crucial. The second and why they should be left open no matter what future thing we learned in that period was that a third of national lockdowns we have. Other people in the Chamber people who died in Spain and a quarter of those who can speak far more clearly and articulately than I about died in the first wave in France, before the outbreak the experience of the Liverpool city region, but the here, died in social care. The Government did not put a outcry in Liverpool when the decision was taken to protective ring around those institutions. close gyms, in contrast with what happened in Greater I understand that the challenges were overwhelming. Manchester and Lancashire, really showed the importance Gyms had to be closed and exercise had to be limited in of keeping gyms open. I am glad that gyms reopened in the first wave, because of the nature of a first-wave Liverpool. response. Over the summer,however,rather than preparing From the evidence across the board, it is so clear now for the next stage, summer was all about, “Show some that gyms and other exercise venues are incredibly guts and get out on to the beach. Get down to bars and important. This is not just about gyms, but other forms restaurants.” None of it was about a national debate on of sport, such as team sports.Golf was already highlighted. what the second wave would look like. In every single I will not use the same analogy as the hon. Lady’s pandemic for which we have data the second wave was constituent, but people could go for a walk and visit larger than the first, including the Spanish flu in 1918. every tee on that 18-hole golf course, which is legal, but It was entirely predictable that we would be in this they cannot knock a ball, no matter how long it takes, situation, but we did not prepare for it. from the tee to the green. That is not realistic. It is not On my second concern about gyms and their nature, seen as a serious consideration when dealing with covid-19. health and wellbeing is important. The Prime Minister These flaws ought to be resolved. We can understand himself learned that the hard way. Being healthy helps why the decisions were made in the short term, but they you survive illnesses, including covid-19, yet no preparation need to be corrected. went into keeping gyms open during the second wave. With team sports, those who have been doing the There are ways of doing it, because of how modern sport for a while share that experience with the next gyms operate. The gym that I use has electronic entry generation coming through. If we put a brake on that systems and, since February, it has limited the number sharing of experience, it will be difficult to get those teams of people who can be in the gym at any one time. back up and running, especially if this draws on and on. I asked the Government over the summer whether There is so much more to say, but I am conscious of they could devolve responsibility for which gyms can time. I am not overly keen on the phrase “building back stay open and are safe to local authorities. Local public better”, but we all ought to focus on building back fitter. health officials should have been able to make an individual assessment of whether gyms could do social distancing. 4.46 pm We could have had additional measures, such as wearing masks inside the gym, allowing fewer people in, and Peter Kyle (Hove) (Lab): It is a pleasure to speak closing changing rooms, where it is quite difficult to under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell. I thank my hon. socially distance. All those measures could have been Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North put in place; all could have been consulted on way in (Catherine McKinnell) and the Petitions Committee for advance of the need for a second lockdown, but that did giving us the opportunity to have the debate, as well as not happen, which is why we are in this position—not those people who signed the petition. by accident, but because of bad planning. Throughout this period in Parliament, it has been difficult as when we get the opportunity to speak—when 4.50 pm we are successful in the ballot—we often must speak about the biggest ticket issue. Due to the nature of the James Grundy (Leigh) (Con): It is a pleasure to serve virus, the pandemic and the medical emergency we are under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell. going through, speeches are often limited to those subjects I thank the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne and we do not get the opportunity to speak about North (Catherine McKinnell) for securing this debate. others. This subject is very important, but it has been She pointed out that about 1 million people had signed difficult to speak on it. the various petitions we are considering today; I suspect I have two concerns. The first is about the lack of that I am not alone in this Chamber in feeling that all Government long-term strategic planning since the 1 million of them have been emailing me personally. beginning, which has impacted people’s health and I very much welcome the announcement today on wellbeing. The second is about the nature of gyms and gyms. Gyms are important not only for mental health their importance going forward. That first concern has but physical health, and as the nights draw in it becomes been an intense frustration to me, as I represent the increasingly difficult to engage in activity and exercise community of Hove and Portslade, which had the first outside safely. Also, as others have already said, gyms outbreak of covid-19 in the second week of February. have done a great deal to try to make themselves covid- We had the first so-called super-spreader at the time, secure,so it is very important that we had the announcement 267WH Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 268WH Sport Sport [James Grundy] considerable amounts of money to make their gyms covid-secure.It seems the Government were more concerned today that they can reopen. That will be welcomed, about allowing grouse shoots to go ahead than about certainly by the very large number of people who have the amenities vital to the health and wellbeing of my been emailing us all. constituents. Amateur sports teams, of which there are many in my That double standard was dramatically exposed when constituency playing football, rugby and other sports, Lancashire went into tier 3. As gyms were closed in my have been suffering sorely from the restrictions. constituency, I expected the same rules to apply. That Constituencies like mine, and I suspect that that includes has been sorted out today by the Prime Minister, but the hon. Lady’s constituency, are rather poor, so the could Lancashire County Council be so different from clubs’ inability to take in funds has an effect on their the Liverpool city region and Birkenhead? No reason long-term viability.Leigh Centurions is very much looking was given and gym owners on Merseyside were handed forward to reopening. It is not in the dire circumstances hefty fines for breaking the rules—a classic example in that other rugby league clubs have been in, due to both the Dominic Cummings mould. One rule for them and Government help and the sound financial management another rule for the rest of us. of the club itself. It would be remiss of me not to I was deeply concerned by that, and with other MPs mention the club’s attempt to join the Super League this from the city region I challenged the Government to year, which would be a tremendous boost to the physical explain why there were tiers within tiers and to show the and mental health of all my constituents, as well as to science. No business should be breaking the lockdown, the economics of the town. but once it is over, we must guarantee that gym owners This has been an incredibly difficult year and restrictions are given the financial support they need to survive. on the return of spectators will continue, especially for They and other indoor and outdoor sports, such as those in tier 3 areas, but we are getting there. Hopefully, tennis and football, should be provided with scientific the vaccine will come along in the new year and we will advice on any possible risks, so that they can take the be able to transition back to normal by Easter. I hope necessary safety measures in line with covid rules and that we are able to make that transition as smooth as restrictions. possible. 4.56 pm 4.53 pm Jane Hunt (Loughborough) (Con): It is a pleasure to Mick Whitley (Birkenhead) (Lab): It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell. I thank serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell. I thank the petitioners, the hon. Member for Newcastle upon my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell) and, of course, the North (Catherine McKinnell) for securing this debate. 1,659 people in my constituency who signed the petitions. I voted for the current lockdown and I do not regret I recognise that this unprecedented situation has required that decision. Indeed, the scientific advice was that it us to take unprecedented steps to protect the public, should have been imposed earlier, so my only regret is including temporarily curtailing some freedoms. However, that Parliament did not support Labour’s proposal for a physical activity and sport play a critical role in building two-week circuit-break shutdown in October. individual resilience and tackling obesity, in addition to One of the sectors hardest hit by the lockdown is the the excellent benefits to mental wellbeing. It is vital that gyms sector—Members can obviously tell that I go to that is recognised. gyms a lot. I have received a considerable number of Loughborough, including its world-renowned university, letters from constituents—both owners and users of is synonymous with sporting excellence and is home to gyms—outlining the problems that they have faced. a number of national governing bodies. It should therefore From the owners, there has been one major complaint. come as no surprise that many of my constituents are During the full lockdown that began in March, many of passionate about health and wellbeing. That is especially them did not receive the financial support that they true of the large student population. Mr James Greer, needed to survive. Notwithstanding the financial support the Athletic Union president of Loughborough students’ systems put in place by the Treasury as the lockdown union, recently explained to me that organised sport is unfolded it became clear that many of the Treasury’s important to the wellbeing of all students, not only conditions and subclauses fell well short of the fulfilling those who are world champions in their chosen field. the Chancellor’s original promise of, “Whatever it takes.” From correspondence I have received, local residents As a result, many gym owners were forced out of agree. People from all walks of life want gyms and business. For gym users, the issue was more to do with sporting facilities of all types to be back open as soon as the fact that exercise is a vital element of both physical possible, so I was ecstatic to hear the words of our and mental health, and the longer gyms remained closed, Prime Minister earlier today. Earlier this month, local the more people’s health suffered. sporting facilities followed the new rules and closed. If gyms have to be closed during this second lockdown That included CrossFit gym, which is in a converted because they are a major source of infection, then so be warehouse and has a huge bay door that could remain it—I am clear about that. But the period between open for ventilation, in addition to the social distancing lockdown 1 and lockdown 2 raised my suspicion that already practised. I urge that we look at a risk assessment the Government have not followed the science. They did of individual venues in any future arrangements, rather not provide any data to show that, during the tier than implementing a blanket ban on the operation of system, gyms were a major source of infection. Even all sporting facilities. worse, when gyms were forced to close as my constituency I have been contacted by Swim England, which set was placed in tier 3, gym owners were given less financial out a compelling case for why it is particularly important support than previously, despite many having spent for swimming facilities to remain open throughout the 269WH Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 270WH Sport Sport outbreak. It has explained that the unique properties of knows that early intervention works. Getting children water mean that swimming pools are an ideal place for running again would be good for their wellbeing and people who may otherwise struggle to be active on firm mental health, and good for our communities. ground. Furthermore, swimming pools are chlorinated This strange year has reminded us of the importance controlled environments where the risk of transmission of our health and wellbeing like no other. Sport needs can be successfully mitigated. That has been proven by to be a fundamental part of the covid-19 recovery, not the safe way in which they operated between the first an afterthought. Organisations such as parkrun, and and second lockdowns. many others, want to restart as soon as it is safe and The impact of the strict restrictions on pools is feasible to do so, but they must be supported. exacerbating the existing problem of permanent pool I am sure there are many keen parkrunners in the closures. Before covid-19, Swim England was already Government, as there are across the country. I can see forecasting a 40% reduction in the number of swimming some running colleagues from across the House here pools by the end of the decade. The Government’s today.I ask them to reflect on the important contribution announcement of £100 million for public leisure centres that parkrun makes and to work to support the organisation is welcome, and I am hopeful that that will alleviate the as it plans return. Getting active again benefits us all. I situation. I am keen for swimming facilities to be available, look forward to my first parkrun back as soon as now and in the future, as a key element in the education possible. of every child and as a much-needed facility for many adults. 5.3 pm I put on record my support for Swim England’s calls for swimming pools to be allowed to remain open Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): It is a throughout any restrictions. I also support starting pleasure to be here with you in the chair, Mr Mundell. I from the presumption that gyms and other sporting thank my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon facilities and activities should stay open, unless their Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell) for securing the particular circumstances mean that it is unsafe. debate and speaking in the way in which she did at the beginning of it. Very many of my constituents—well over 4,000—have 4.59 pm signed the petition, and hundreds also contacted me Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): I thank my hon. separately to ask me to be here today to put forward Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North their concerns. We have had a difficult situation in the (Catherine McKinnell) and the Petitions Committee for Liverpool City Region, because we have had a bit of securing this important debate. hokey-cokey: open, closed, open, closed, open again I am proud to chair the all-party parliamentary group next week. We need more stability for our gym businesses on parkrun and I have seen at first hand the impact that and to at least understand the evidence on which they parkrun can have on deprived communities. In a pre- have been closed so frequently. pandemic world, 170,000 people were taking part in Advice from the meeting of the Scientific Advisory this fantastic activity across the UK. On many Saturday Group for Emergencies on 21 September was that closing mornings at 9 o’clock, I ran for 5 kilometres around our gyms would have a “low to moderate impact” on the beautiful Parc Bryn Bach in Tredegar in Blaenau Gwent, spread of covid-19, and that closing gyms could lead to and 18,000 children took part in junior parkrun on “potentially increasing health inequalities for…groups that do Sundays. I have regularly volunteered on both days. It is not engage in outdoor physical activity due to safety concerns.” a delight to encourage young people to get active. We are now entering winter. It is particularly cold in The joy of parkrun is that it is free to join, accessible here at the moment, which reminds us that it is about to to all age and ability groups, and led by the community get a lot colder outside, and perhaps many people who itself. There is a further incentive at Parc Bryn Bach, would want to exercise will not feel like doing so in the where people are given a free piece of toast to have with cold, the wet and the dark and in the ice and the snow. If their tea. As well as being a fun weekend activity, gyms can be safely opened, we want them to be open all parkrun also has a proven record of addressing health the way through the winter and for as long as possible inequalities. Research has shown that parkrun attracts thereafter while it is safe. even the hardest-to-reach groups: those who live in As my hon. Friend the Member for Birkenhead deprived areas, those who were previously inactive and (Mick Whitley) said, the Government have not set out those who fit into both those groups. Even better, the basis on which they said gyms ought to close. My participation in parkrun is often a catalyst for further understanding from the industry is that since gyms physical activity. reopened on 25 July they have had over 50 million visits, Like all sports organisations, parkrun is ready to get with a virus prevalence rate of 1.38 cases per 100,000, back to what it does best—encouraging people to get which is not bad compared to some other settings. active and to stay healthy. It is particularly keen to Given the physical and mental health and wellbeing restart events for children and young people. Children advantages of having them open, perhaps there is a may not be the face of the covid-19 pandemic, but they balance to be struck. have certainly been among those who have been hardest At the end of the lockdown, we may be going back hit. In areas like mine, keeping children active is a vital into the tier system and there may be more national part of tackling inequality. Involving children in sports lockdowns in the new year—we do not know yet, but when they are young helps to maintain healthy habits that cannot be ruled out at this stage—so will the throughout their lives, and prevent issues, such as obesity, Minister say whether, if there does have to be another before they arise. Parkrun wants to restart events for national lockdown, gyms will be expected to close again, primary school-aged children from January, because it or are the Government now satisfied that they are safe 271WH Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 272WH Sport Sport [Maria Eagle] their carers. The new Move Forward Gym in Ottery St Mary offers memberships to NHS-referred cancer places and that it is worth keeping them open for their patients, as well as special programmes for cancer survivors. mental and physical wellbeing and health and fitness Great work is being done locally across East Devon. advantages? Should we be watching out yet again for The Government have announced a £100 million gyms to close? support fund for leisure centres, which will help to cover One thing that affects those businesses more than losses incurred in the pandemic. While we await specific anything else is the uncertainty of being open, then allocations, councils including East Devon District Council closed, then open again and then closed again. Nobody should also look to the discretionary grant funding can plan sensibly in that situation. I hope the Minister scheme to support local gyms and independent leisure will have something to say about that. It is welcome that centres. the Prime Minister announced—when his sound was I know that the members of Cranford Sports Club in working—that gyms are to reopen next week. Will the Exmouth would welcome the support. Minister say whether the Government are now satisfied We should welcome the move from national to local that they are safe, even when there has to be a broader restrictions next week. I believe that Devon should be in lockdown? the lowest tier of restrictions to reflect the hard work Finally, local councils in deprived areas are often the and significant sacrifices that we have made to suppress custodians and operators of gyms and fitness facilities, the virus. As the Prime Minister announced, leisure but they have had only half of the costs of covid centres and gyms will reopen next week—I may even reimbursed to them. Even though they have deprived sign up myself—but councils must explore every communities with more people at risk of ill health, their opportunity to safely reopen leisure centres to support financial situation means it is toughest for them to keep those that they do not have a hand in running. their gyms open. Will the Minister say what the Chancellor will do next week to ensure that leisure and sporting 5.11 pm facilities can stay open in our most deprived areas? Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): It is a pleasure to speak under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell, and I congratulate 5.7 pm the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell) on introducing a very timely Simon Jupp (East Devon) (Con): It is a pleasure to debate. I will speak about rugby. My hon. Friend the serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell. I am grateful Member for Leigh (James Grundy) mentioned rugby for the opportunity to speak in this timely debate. It is a league, but I will talk about rugby union. Both codes pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Garston and have their birthplace in my constituency. Halewood (Maria Eagle). We have heard some excellent points about the merits of exercise for our physical and Rugby union is normally played on Saturdays, and mental wellbeing—I will take a personal note of all of there was a pretty good win by England on Saturday, if them. The communities I represent in East Devon in the you noticed, Mr Mundell, but the busiest day for a south-west depend on their local gyms and leisure centres rugby club is Sunday. On Sunday mornings, hordes of regardless of their age. For example, constituents in young people take part in mini rugby, at the youngest their 80s have contacted me this month, really disheartened levels often chasing the ball like bees around a honeypot. about not seeing friends at weekly aerobic classes or We often think of rugby as being a game of big men swimming. They are some of the 1,000-plus signatories running into each other— to the petition from my area. Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): Big people. More than 500 members of the LED leisure centre Women play too. group, supported by East Devon District Council, have emailed me asking for the physical activity centre to be Mark Pawsey: Forgive me, but I was going to draw recognised as essential and able to remain open safely attention to the fact that rugby is a sport for players of over the winter months. It is important to recognise that all sizes, and we have the mini game, the junior game, we must stay healthy, but it is important that we do so veterans, and women’s rugby, which is part of every safely in an environment designed to help people reach club. When the principal rugby club in Rugby got into their goals. financial difficulty, it was the community game—the Gyms and leisure centre owners such as Cranford youngsters and the women’s game—that kept the club Sports Club in Exmouth are desperately worried that, alive. Neil Back’s book “The Death of Rugby” draws having received welcome Government funding since attention to that. March to keep afloat and keep staff on their books, Rugby is one of the most social of games, and among money is drying up. They sometimes feel that their role its values is loyalty to teammates. We sometimes see a in our communities is underappreciated. Cranford Sports bit of argy-bargy on the pitch, but after the game it is Club is so much more than just its title: it hosts Help for traditional to meet in the clubhouse and have a drink Heroes, Parkinson’s support groups and disabled rackets with players from the opposing side. Many players have sports, as well as junior and teen tennis and badminton. missed the social side as much as they have missed the It is also a centre for GP referrals from the two nearby action on the pitch. The top tier of the game has medical practices. Those recovering from serious medical resumed. We have a new international tournament and conditions have closely supervised exercise sessions in the premiership—all without spectators, although they small groups, which reduces the burden on our NHS. are who the major clubs rely on for money. Local clubs, Close proximity to the new Deaf Academy in Exmouth of course, rely tremendously on hospitality and bar takings. has already meant that children facing profound difficulties All levels of the game welcome the package announced are being taught to swim safely in a small pool with by the Minister only last week, which is much appreciated. 273WH Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 274WH Sport Sport I mentioned the different versions of the game. The We have a couple of local football clubs, which I want one that I did not mention is golden oldies—the version to talk about. They are low-key, local football clubs played by the parliamentary rugby team. That game doing great work for our community. Uckfield, enables old people to continue playing. There is less Crowborough and Hailsham football clubs have been contact, and with less contact we have a safer game. put under extreme hardship with the uncertainty of Many of the players in the parliamentary team are old lockdown. Perhaps the Minister will explain how the players who know what to do but are not fit enough to £550 million that was going to go to local football clubs do it. That is where gyms are important, because we go and associations will be spent in an area such as mine. to the gym to make certain that we are able to do what I want to move on to the bigger picture. I hope the we know we should be doing. Minister will answer these questions, which I will try to I have had a huge number of representations from put in the most constructive way possible. It is not rare members of gyms in my constituency. The biggest site, that when large organisations face huge risk, the managers, and the one I have had the most contact from, is the our Ministers, tend to go native—that is, they start to Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Centre, which is owned by become deal-makers rather than deal-questioners. Deal- Rugby Borough Council, the local authority—I think makers ask what should and should not stay open, but another Member raised that issue. It is operated by deal-questioners ask what the real scientific evidence is Greenwich Leisure Ltd under the “Better” brand. That behind the decisions we are taking. is where I have my membership. Given that, I would like the Minister to address three Like many, I missed the gym during the first lockdown, key things. Will he work with us Back Benchers on the and I have seen the substantial measures that the club evidence that shows us the real impact on people’s has put in place to ensure that it is safe. There are livelihoods of every restriction that is put in place? Will booked timeslots, there are no showers or changing he work with the Government to show us the full rooms available, the machines are set apart and sanitiser cost-benefit analysis of every proposed restriction? Those is readily available, with a trigger spray immediately affect not only people’s livelihoods, but their mental adjacent to most machines. I see everybody honouring and physical health. The lockdowns have been particularly the etiquette of wiping down before and after use. harsh in East Sussex and for my Wealden constituents: Many constituents have told me how important going we have had a very low infection rate and few beds have to the gym is to their mental, as well as physical, health. been taken up, but people’s livelihoods have been lost. We welcome the measures that have been announced Finally,I ask the Minister to work with the Government today, which will enable us to return on 3 December. to publish the models that inform the policies that they are taking forward. We, as Back Benchers, should be David Mundell (in the Chair): Thank you, Mr Pawsey. able to review the data that is made available to Ministers I am glad that you did not define “old” in that speech. and the Government, so that we can make the best judgment on behalf of our constituents. 5.15 pm The cure of endless lockdowns, which we are prescribing, Ms Nusrat Ghani (Wealden) (Con): It is a pleasure to runs the real risk of being worse than the disease itself. serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell, and I It is time to start removing these restrictions. It is congratulate the hon. Member for Newcastle upon fantastic news that our vaccine is coming down the line. Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell) on securing the We need to ensure that people can live their lives to the debate. We are hearing today that we will exit a national fullest. Every restriction needs evidence. Surely that is lockdown and move to a tiered approach. I am anxious the basis of good democracy. how that will be prescribed. As a member of the Covid Recovery Group, I am pleased that some of our concerns 5.19 pm seem to have been met: looking at the 10 pm curfew, opening up outdoor sports, opening up covid-safe gyms, Catherine West (Hornsey and Wood Green) (Lab): It and opening up covid-safe retail. is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell, Covid-19 is a deadly disease—many in this room will and a delight to be in another debate led by my hon. have lost family and friends to it—but, just as we want Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North to limit the spread of the infection, we need a long-term (Catherine McKinnell). Perhaps like you, Mr Mundell, strategy for living with the virus that goes beyond being a rugby fan and a Scotland supporter, I did not Christmas.Our sports and gyms sector needs that certainty. have such a great weekend. However, we must go forward. We live in hope with the navy jersey and the white thistle I will raise four cases with the Minister. First, on every week. One never knows one’s luck. gyms, Daniel Sanger, who lives in Uckfield, wrote to me asking how we can justify that a takeaway such as Like the hon. Member for Wealden (Ms Ghani), I McDonalds, which serves fast food, can be open, whereas have two golf courses in my constituency and many he has had to close his business. Of course, he is grateful upset constituents who are unable to keep taking their for the furlough scheme, but people have been limiting constitutional. That also refers specifically the indoor their subscriptions and a business like his may have to piece: gyms, leisure centres, indoor tennis and cricket face further financial damage and lay off people in centres, and, of course, swimming pools. In these brief the future. Of course, the Minister knows that remarks, I will focus on swimming. Wealden is stunning, and we have lots of golf courses. The hon. Member for Loughborough (Jane Hunt) Mr Robert Hessey wants to know how he can walk has outlined the lifelong benefits of swimming, but as down the street with one of his golfing friends but chair of the all-party parliamentary group on swimming, cannot play golf with them at one of our stunning golf may I thank the Minister for twice attending the APPG sites in Wealden. Hopefully the Minister can explain and listening carefully, and crucially, for ensuring that that away. school swimming continued during this second lockdown? 275WH Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 276WH Sport Sport [Catherine West] referred to, that sport will be coming back. That is a very welcome development, but it still raises the question It is so important that we do not lose a cohort of of why it was cancelled in the first place, because the children, some of whom would carry a lack of swimming one thing we know about sports and exercise is that ability through their secondary school years and beyond, there is scarcely anything better when it comes to a and perhaps end up in Spain or somewhere during a defence against covid, whether practised by older people gap year and tragically lose their lives because they had or children. A comprehensive ban on an activity that never learned to swim. helps against covid is a mystery. I am really pleased that, in theory, swimming lessons That mystery is deepened further when one considers have continued, although that depends on people’s access that outdoor sport was—and at this moment, still to a swimming pool. We know that the statistics on is—prevented from taking place as well, especially as swimming pool sufficiency have dropped over the past the incidence of covid transmission out of doors is decade, owing to austerity and to developers not building virtually unknown across the world. Again, the environment enough pools under their section 106 and community in which we can feel most secure and safe from this infrastructure levy agreements. I hope that when the dangerous and serious disease is the outdoors. The fact Minister gets a chance, he and his officials will look at that for the last month the activities that have been the issue of swimming pool sufficiency, because there enjoyed by our constituents up and down the country are lots of regions in the UK where children will not have been suppressed for, it seems to me, no good have access to this crucial hardware, so that they can reason is something that we need to learn the lessons of, actually learn to swim. to prevent this situation from happening again. I also hope that the Minister will use any time that However,this is not the first time that this has happened. might be available to be strategic and look at the role of During the summer, I was supported by Members from swimming instructors, paying those people properly all parties in the House when I asked why cricket had and having them in proper arrangements, whether through again been banned in leisure settings involving children local authorities or the third sector. and adult teams across the country. Again, it is difficult The other element of the announcement I am pleased to imagine a more covid-secure sport. about is the fact that the third sector will be able to On the Select Committee that I chair—the Science apply for funds. Obviously, all our local authorities are and Technology Committee—we know that Professor really stretched, so given that some money has had to be Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance have both commented spent—I would hope—on mitigating the impacts of on the very low incidence and risk of infection from covid, there has not been enough to cover all the leisure outdoor sport, and that outdoor sport’s impact on the estate in many of our local authority areas. R rate, in so far as it can be modelled, is negligible. I am pleased that the provider in my local authority, However, one of the things that they said that concerned which is the charity Fusion, will be able to apply to the me was that their advice was at a general level—a Minister for funds. In my constituency, I have an active strategic level—and they did not give specific advice on outdoor swimming group, the Park Road Lido User activities such as sport. That is a concern because, as Group, which is vocal about how much it is missing its has been evidenced by the subscription to and participation swimming and keen to get back in the pool. A case in this debate, sport is of great importance to all our study has been carried out by Hesketh Benoit, one of constituents. I completely respect the expertise of our our key swimmers. He swims every morning—he is up leading scientists, but we need to have the ability to at six, then down to the swimming pool—and also runs influence these decisions, and to scrutinise the evidence basketball and other sports for young people during the that is being adduced to cause lockdowns, and we summer. He is a fantastic example of a lifelong swimmer. should not just to have to accept this as a fait accompli. I hope that the Minister, whose commitment to and I pay tribute to those workers who look after our passion for sport is known to all Members of the swimming pools locally. I am thinking of West Reservoir House, can take from this debate a resolution that in the in Hackney, the ponds on Hampstead heath, and all future it will be possible to consider the views of Members these outdoor swimming areas, because research has and to share with them the evidence on which important come out recently that suggests outdoor swimming can decisions are based, so that a return to sport will endure play a role in preventing dementia—something I and we will not again be subject to these unexpected recommend that the Minister look at. and, it seems to me, unnecessary restrictions. I hope that I hope that, as the fund is brought forward, the his closing remarks might confirm that the lifting of Minister will come back to this House and tell us restrictions that we heard about in the main Chamber exactly how it has been spent, and hopefully that our today—indeed, just a few moments ago—will extend to disadvantaged communities will have access to sport in spectators at amateur clubs and children’s sporting events. the same way that everybody else does. My hon. Friend the Member for Wealden (Ms Ghani) referred to Crowborough Athletic Football Club. She 5.23 pm will know that the much-awaited derby match between Greg Clark (Tunbridge Wells) (Con): It is a great Tunbridge Wells Football Club and Crowborough is on pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell. Boxing day. I will be there to support my home team I was sorry to miss the speech of the hon. Member for David Mundell (in the Chair): I must ask the right Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell) hon. Gentleman to conclude his remarks. and congratulate her on having secured the debate. We had a few delays in the main Chamber, which I Greg Clark: Exciting as the occasion will be—indeed, think colleagues have mentioned, but I am glad to be it will be a red letter day—I suspect that there will be here because we have discovered, as has also been social distancing outdoors. I hope that there will be no 277WH Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 278WH Sport Sport other restrictions on our being able to support that much safer, with the process that has been put in place, event and the many other sports that have been referred for gyms to remain open? I hope he will say that, even in to in this debate, including rugby, tennis and golf. tier 3-plus, gyms can look forward to remaining open. Indeed, I hope that many of us will be able to enjoy that event on Boxing day and other sporting events on many David Mundell (in the Chair): If the Minister and the weekends ahead. shadow Minister confine their remarks to about 10 minutes each, that will allow Catherine McKinnell to respond to 5.28 pm the debate. I call Alison McGovern. Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): It is a pleasure to 5.33 pm serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell, and to follow the right hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): I will do my (Greg Clark). I will concentrate particularly on gyms, best to do that, Mr Mundell. I thank my hon. Friend rather than making general comments on sport, although the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine I support all those we have heard. McKinnell) for leading the debate. She made a compelling Also, I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for argument, and as my very good hon. Friend the Member Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell), for Wallasey (Ms Eagle) mentioned, it is good that she who, before she even stood up to speak, had persuaded has already persuaded the Prime Minister. What more the Prime Minister to do what she asked him to do in could we ask for? I thank all Members for their excellent this debate. [Laughter.] Nevertheless, we need to hear a contributions. We had a huge number of speeches from bit more detail from the Minister, given the arbitrary Members from all over the country, but I feel that nature of some of what has gone on in the last year, Merseyside has been represented well this afternoon. It particularly with respect to gyms. is possibly the sporting capital of the nation, so we I will mention Nick Whitcombe, who owns and runs would expect nothing less. [Interruption.] It is the home Body Tech Fitness in Moreton and who is a constituent of the champions—just saying. of mine, and Thea Holden, who runs EmpoweredFIT. The debate is very important. It comes at a slightly She is also a constituent of mine, although her gym is odd moment in the day, after we have heard the Prime close to Arrowe Park Hospital, which I believe is in the Minister announce in the Chamber some of the details constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Birkenhead of the next phase of our pandemic response, including (Mick Whitley). We all know how important the battle the important details that we have heard Members against obesity is if we are to make covid-19 less of a discuss. However, we have yet to see how that will affect problem, and how important it is for people to have a our daily lives in practice. None of us knows exactly chance to become fitter, which is guaranteed if you which areas will be in which tiers, so we are still at a loss manage to get yourself embroiled in a gym. to understand how the announcement will affect our I want to talk about the mental health benefits of sporting and physical activity, and our constituents. being able to work out, which have been alluded to and That feeling is not new. Too often during this crisis, are very well known everywhere. Both Nick and Thea sport and the physical and mental wellbeing that comes Holden, my constituents, would attest to that. There is from it has felt like an afterthought. That is not good another aspect: going to the gym can help people to enough. Every Member who has spoken today has said deal with health conditions. Thea, who runs her own that it is a fundamental part of life for many of us in gym, suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which results this country, so we need better. As my hon. Friend the in multiple joint dislocations. She was confined to a Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North and others wheelchair and on medication before discovering that have said, we need clarity from the Government on the disease could be managed by going to the gym. She what is going to happen, not just at the end of this is now drug-free, wheelchair-free and very fit as a result month and into December, but in the months to come. of the work that she did. She helps clients with the same I have questions for the Minister that I hope will help issue and keeps them out of wheelchairs. When I spoke us to get clarity. First, while the return of sports and to her the other day, she told me that some of the people gyms is welcome, we know we are not out of the woods that she helped have been going backwards, because the yet. What will happen to sport if further lockdowns are gym has closed and they cannot get the workout that required in January? Will sport be cancelled again? Will they need. team sports be cancelled? Will gyms be affected again? Thea has clients with mental health problems. One As the right hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells had a history of self-harming, attempted suicide and (Greg Clark) asked, what is going on with spectators? other mental health conditions. They could not relate to We have seen the Secretary of State’s tweets saying that many people, but found that the atmosphere in the gym, spectators will be back, but why have those limits to the the friends they made there, the effort they put in and number of spectators been chosen? I will not ask any the support they got there were very good for her further questions about this now, because we have not mental health. Thea worries that, with her gym closed, got time for all the questions that there will be in the people are really missing out and being put in danger. coming days about the return of spectators to sport. Nick, who runs Body Tech in Moreton, asks why we The issue is very important to people, so I know we will cannot make health and fitness an essential service—not return to it, potentially on Wednesday, when we will be like a blue-light service, but in terms of the role that it talking about football. plays in physical and mental wellbeing—and protect it Secondly, we need to consider the possibility of a more. Will the Minister tell us the scientific basis for the third wave. We hope it will not happen. We all hope that decision to close? Will he admit publicly that we now the vaccines that are being worked on, and the mass-testing, know more about the disease, and that the prevalence of which Merseyside has been trialling, are going to work, covid was very low over the summer months, making it but if there is a third wave and we face a future lockdown, 279WH Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 280WH Sport Sport [Alison McGovern] We need a proper plan. The future of our country, including its economy, happiness and longevity, depends what will happen? A number of leisure centres up absolutely on the wellbeing of us all. I ask the Minister—he and down the country—they were mentioned by my has heard me ask this before; I am sorry to be boring hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood about it—for a cross-Government, comprehensive plan (Maria Eagle)—have been shut since March. Many of for future wellbeing beyond the virus. Is he prepared to them serve some of the most deprived communities in create that, and where is it? The Government have spent our country. Several have been mentioned in the House far too long running from crisis to crisis. Frankly, when by hon. Members. Will the Minister commit to getting it comes to sport—and everything else—we need much in touch with each of those Members, and to shifting better than that. heaven and earth to get those leisure centres open? I know he has allocated £100 million, but there is a difference between paying the money out and getting 5.40 pm the doors open. Will he work with me to get the doors The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, of those leisure centres open? Culture, Media and Sport (Nigel Huddleston): It is a Thirdly, I mentioned mass-testing. Can the Minister pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell. say what conversations he has had with Mayor Steve I am grateful to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Rotheram, Mayor Joe Anderson or the director of Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell) for leading this public health for Liverpool, Matt Ashton, to work out important debate, to the hundreds of thousands of how we can apply the lessons coming out of mass-testing people—nearly 1 million—who have signed the petitions, to sporting participation? That has to be part of the and to the hon. Members who have spoken so eloquently answer. Will he have those conversations with people in today, and with whom I have had many conversations Liverpool? over the past few weeks and months. It is worth noting that since the debate was scheduled, Fourthly, sports have made huge changes to their we have entered a four-week period of national measures, coaching processes to make themselves covid-safe. Has which means that almost all businesses, including gyms that work been a waste, or will the Minister encourage and leisure centres, have had to close their doors to the sports and others to work with him on plan B? If we go public. As all hon. Members present are aware, the back into lockdown, those covid-safe measures can national lockdown, with its vital purpose of protecting help us keep sport open. our NHS and saving lives, will last until 2 December. Fifthly and importantly, as several Members have As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced asked, what conversations has the Minister had with the in the main Chamber earlier—in fact, I think he is still Schools Minister? As my hon. Friend the Member for on his feet—organised grassroots sport will be allowed Wallasey said, our kids have lost out massively from to resume from 2 December.There will be some restrictions this. Will the Minister explain what steps his Department on higher-risk activities in very high alert level areas, is taking with the Department for Education to make and on indoor adult sports, but this is a good day for sure that every child has sporting opportunities, if not sports. Gyms and leisure centres will be allowed to before Christmas, then in the new year? reopen in all tiers. As ever, we expect social distancing While we are talking about our children and the and the requirements for heightened hygiene to remain health of the nation, we need to look at the facts about in place. More detail will be available on the announcement what this virus has done, not just to those who are in the coming days. vulnerable, but to all of us. It has had an impact on the The importance of sport and physical activity for the health of every single one of us, so, sixthly, what work nation’s physical and mental health has never been has the Minister commenced with the Department of more apparent, as many hon. Members have mentioned. Health and Social Care to understand the physical Sport can be one of the most powerful defences against health of the nation, to assess where sport can help, and the covid-19 pandemic, and we will need raised levels of to create a proactive plan? fitness among the population as we prepare to return to The Conservative manifesto, published last December, our normal lives, now that an effective vaccination included promises about sports facilities and an allocation programme looks imminent. of money.This is an issue close to my heart, Mr Mundell, As we have said before, nobody, including me as so forgive me for banging on about it. Grassroots Sports Minister, wanted to introduce further national football is in dire need of better facilities. There were restrictions, or restrictions on sport. However, as the promises made in the Conservative manifesto about Prime Minister said when introducing the second lockdown, that. Can the Minister say where he is up to with that with the virus spreading faster than expected, we could plan? As ever, we are a constructive Opposition, and if not allow our health system to be overwhelmed. We there are things that he wants to do to improve our introduced very serious lockdown measures; there was sporting facilities, I, for one, will help him. no question of making exceptions. We needed to go into I come to my seventh and final question for the lockdown and allow people out for only a very strict Minister. I hope to finish a little under time to give the and limited number of reasons, including going out to Minister plenty of time to answer my questions fully. exercise, albeit not necessarily the exercise that everybody The right hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells rightly said would personally desire. that the chief scientific officer and others can give The national restrictions are designed to get the broad advice, but not specific advice on the sporting R rate under control through limiting social contact issues that have been raised by hon. Members on both and reducing transmission. For the measures to have sides of the House. It is clear that we must go much the greatest impact, we all need to sacrifice, for a short further if we truly care about the health of the nation. period, doing some of the things that we would like 281WH Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 282WH Sport Sport to do. As the Prime Minister announced today, it will be Nigel Huddleston: I thank my hon. Friend for his for a short period; after 2 December, we can go back to comments. Many people have asked for the data. I think some of those activities. I have articulated that the point is the possibility of Unlike in the previous lockdown, sport is still taking there being a risk. As the chief medical officers and place behind closed doors. At schools, which are still others have said, there is always a risk with any social open—I have spoken, and speak regularly, to the Schools interaction. We saw death rates go from a dozen or so a Minister—PE lessons are able to take place. Exercise day in August to dozens a day—in fact, there are now can be done with one other person; that recognises that more than 500. That is the evidence. That is why we had we are in winter, and many people, for safety and other to take significant action. reasons, wish to exercise with another person outside I have always said, though, that as soon as it is their household. possible to start lifting restrictions, grassroots sport will Sport has been and will continue to be a priority. be among the first things to return. That has been Even during peak lockdown in March, in this country, confirmed by the Prime Minister today, as promised. I unlike in many others, exercise was still an absolute pay tribute to all the hard work carried out by sports’ priority and could be taken by everybody. That was not governing bodies and clubs across the country to ensure the case everywhere around the world, and it shows how that we were ready for the return of sport—from gyms, important sport and physical activity are to the UK. leisure centres and pools, to rowing and badminton clubs. There have been many calls, from many sports representatives and the public, for exemptions to the Maria Eagle: Does that imply that if there is a further current restrictions, some of them giving highly plausible national lockdown in the new year, gyms will all have to reasons why their sport should be exempt. I heard many close again? of those arguments again today, and of course the Nigel Huddleston: The hon. Lady raises an important petitions are good examples. I have heard the arguments point, but let us be “glass half full”, rather than “glass for gyms, golf, tennis, swimming, basketball, children’s half empty” on this issue. We are at the point at which football, parkrun, cricket, rowing and many other sports. we are reopening sport. She and everybody knows that That exemplifies why we have had the problem and the we have to respond to circumstances; it is ridiculous to issues that we are facing. As I am sure hon. Members ask a Minister to come to the Dispatch Box and make will understand, the difficulty is that when we unpick promises based on future hypothetical scenarios. We one thing, the effectiveness of the whole package of will base decisions on the information at the time, but restrictionsiscompromised.Whenwekeeptakingindividual we are now in a pattern. We have the vaccination bricks out, the whole wall falls down. Instead of there coming. I am very confident that we are looking to a being one exemption for one person to conduct their much more positive future,and that is what the Government preferred activity, all of sudden there are tens, hundreds, will be focused on. thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, and millions of potential additional interactions—the I pay tribute to the hard work and effort of so many very thing that we wanted to avoid. sports bodies and clubs that have made their facilities as safe as possible and minimised the risk. It has involved The focus had to be on minimising the number of a huge amount of work for them at not inconsiderable potentially risky interactions. That is not to say that any cost to ensure that social distancing, improved hygiene individual sport is high risk—quite the contrary. If we and other measures have been implemented to increase thought that, we would never have allowed them to take safety and lower the risk to their members and, indeed, place. The point, as many have mentioned, is that there their staff. I thank all those who have played their part, is a very small risk of the infection spreading in each of many of whom volunteered to go the extra mile for the those interactions. We therefore had to take action, and work that has got us this far. the Prime Minister was very clear that there should be no exemptions, for clarity, and to ensure that everybody Alison McGovern: This is a simple question. The understood that this is a deadly serious lockdown. Minister thanks sports groups for their work, and I Unfortunately, that meant that everybody had to agree with him. If we have future lockdowns, either the make compromises. I know that closing these facilities work done to make sports covid-safe is good enough was incredibly inconvenient, compromised people’s health that they will not be included, or they will need to and was very upsetting and disturbing, but there is no prepare to be included if there is a future lockdown. doubt that the restrictions that we have all had to live Which is it? under for the past few weeks, and for the next week or so, will have saved lives, so that inconvenience, I think, Nigel Huddleston: What everybody is going through was worth it. at the moment—the sacrifices everybody is making—is precisely to reduce the chances of a future lockdown. I Chris Green rose— appreciate the work that everybody is doing. David Mundell (in the Chair): Order. Members need The return of golf has had a tremendous amount of to come to the horseshoe in order to speak. support from the public, as seen by over 250,000 people signing one of the petitions that led to the debate. Golf Chris Green: A number of colleagues have raised has great reach across society for all ages, backgrounds concerns about evidence and data. The Minister talks and abilities, bringing people together to experience the about the risks that interaction poses. There must now great outdoors. Like gyms, leisure centres and pools, the be data and evidence, accumulated over the last nine golfing community has made strenuous efforts to ensure months. A report could be published and shared on the that its players can take part safely. Once again, I pay evidence of the impact that opening clubs and gyms tribute to its shared efforts. I say to the hon. Lady that would have on covid transmission. every piece of effort and energy that has gone into 283WH Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and 284WH Sport Sport [Nigel Huddleston] in our constituencies and many who are not represented in the Chamber because there are not enough spaces for making grounds and sports facilities safe has been well all Members to come and speak. Members of the public worth it. That is exactly why we have been able to make have been emailing their MPs in huge numbers, which is the progress we have so far. The Government recognised a powerful way of conveying the strength of feeling on those efforts and the importance of golf by ensuring this issue. that golf courses were among the first facilities to My personal inbox is now pinging with emails from reopen following the lockdown in the spring. local sports clubs—those for my children’s swimming Sports and physical facilities are at the heart of our lessons and my daughter’s gymnastics—that are getting communities and play a crucial role in supporting adults in touch to say how delighted they are that they will be and children to be active. The Government have provided able to reopen. That is why it is hugely concerning that unprecedented support to businesses through tax reliefs, we are not really getting any certainty from the Government cash grants and employee wage support, which many that that could be long lasting in any way. I absolutely sports clubs have benefited from. However, many leisure appreciate—we all appreciate—that we cannot predict centres have faced acute challenges during the pandemic, the virus or how things will go, but we have learned which is why on 27 October the Government announced some things over the last nine months. I would have a £100 million support fund for leisure centres affected thought that one of the lessons that we have learned it by the pandemic, which many hon. Members have that it is absolutely fundamental that people stay fit, mentioned today. My Department is currently working active and healthy. That is not a nice-to-have or a leisure closely with Sport England and MHCLG on the design activity, but a fundamental part of people’s health, of that scheme. Further details will be released shortly. mental wellbeing and ability to stay resilient and resistant Once the funds are open, I urge local authorities to bid to the virus. for the money. I hope that people will make the most of I had hoped that the Minister would be much clearer these precious local facilities once they are open again. that any of the relaxations announced today will not That funding is all on top of what DCMS’s arm’s mean that the very sports that are delighted about length body Sport England has already provided, which finally being able to reopen may have to close down has comprised over £220 million directly to support the again in January. That is just unthinkable, to be perfectly sport and physical activity sector, with £35 million set honest. I really hope that the Minister will take that aside as a community emergency fund for our very away and that, once the Government have been able to important sports clubs and exercise centres through the iron out all the detail on the relaxations being announced, pandemic. We continue to work with organisations to they will give greater clarity, certainty and reassurance understand what they need and how we may be able to to those sports clubs that they will not be open just a support them into the future when restrictions are lifted. matter of weeks, until another spike after Christmas. I am in regular dialogue with representatives from That spike could come as a result of the relaxations, but sports’ governing bodies, member bodies and providers also because of the inability to track and trace the virus of leisure facilities and gyms through the DCMS-hosted properly through a system that truly works. sports working group, which provides a forum for My final point, which has been made by colleagues, is representatives from the sports sector to discuss the about how vital it is that we have resources in place to impact of the pandemic on the sector and allows members ensure that every community—not just in those where to put questions and suggestions directly to me and the people can pay—can keep a whole variety of sports, Department. I am grateful to all those involved for their gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools afloat. The continued advice and support. Government should commit not only to ensuring that I thank hon. Members for their contributions and every community that had those facilities before the interest in helping to get sport and physical activity up pandemic still has them afterwards, but to building on and running again. I look forward to further increasing those facilities, making them even better, so that we our efforts, particularly with the increasingly good news come out of the pandemic knowing not only that sport, about vaccines. People from all backgrounds and of all health, fitness and mental wellbeing matter in this country, levels of ability should have the opportunity to play but that we are truly going to build back fitter and even sports and keep active, and that is a commitment of this better than before. Government. Question put and agreed to. Resolved, 5.53 pm That this House has considered e-petitions 333869 and 309851, relating to Covid-19 restrictions on gyms and sport. Catherine McKinnell: I thank right hon. and hon. Members for what has been an excellent debate, putting 5.58 pm the arguments on behalf of all the petitioners who live Sitting suspended. 285WH 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Nigeria: Sanctions Regime 286WH

Nigeria: Sanctions Regime Several people are looking for missing loved ones, including Elisha Sunday Ibanga. An eyewitness told CNN that Elisha’s brother, Victor, was shot in the head during the protest and his body taken away. The US broadcaster [JAMES GRAY in the Chair] reported that it has seen and geo-located a photo of Victor Sunday Ibanga lying in a pool of blood and 6 pm wrapped in the white and green Nigerian flag, one of the same flags held by protesters earlier in the evening Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) (Con): I beg to as they sang their national anthem. Similarly, and equally move, tragically, Peace Okon has not seen her younger brother, That this House has considered e-petition 554150, relating to Wisdom, since he went to the demonstration on the Nigeria and the sanctions regime. night of the shootings. She said: It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, “I’ve gone to hospitals, I’ve gone to police stations, I’ve gone to Mr Gray. I thank the 220,330 people who have signed everywhere. I can’t find him”. the petition—when I last checked it this morning—especially It is not clear how many were injured or lost their the 853 who are my constituents in Chipping Barnet. lives at Lekki, but Amnesty International estimates that This petition has been prompted by disturbing events in 56 people have died since the protests began, and it has Nigeria over recent weeks. There have been widespread documented many instances where excessive and protests regarding the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery disproportionate force has been used to try to control Squad of the Nigerian police, known as SARS. or stop protests. The shootings at the Lekki tollgate That unit has a deeply controversial reputation and shocked many in Nigeria—it has seemed like the last the hashtag #EndSARS started to appear prominently straw. The Government there have promised judicial on social media in 2017. Reports of violence and human panels of inquiry to investigate what happened, but rights abuses by SARS date back several years, but there is widespread scepticism about whether these processes these latest protests followed circulation of a shocking will be effective in holding to account those responsible video in early October, which many believe shows a for the bloodshed and human rights abuses that have man being killed by SARS officers. occurred. That concern, I believe, is felt by many On 11 October, President Buhari announced plans to constituents here in the UK, especially those with Nigerian disband the unit. However, such promises have been heritage or family links to Nigeria. That is illustrated by made in the past, yet SARS has seemingly continued to the huge support for the e-petition we are considering operate. This would be the fourth time the unit was this evening, which asks the UK Government to consider abolished. Many protesters felt that disbanding SARS— imposing sanctions. even assuming it happens—would not be sufficient to As I read it, the petitioners are asking for Magnitsky-type tackle long-standing problems with police brutality, sanctions against known individuals within the Nigerian particularly if SARS officers are simply assigned to Government and security forces. There is a recognition different parts of the police service. Activists are now that generalised, old-style sanctions applied to the country calling a complete overhaul of policing in Nigeria. They as a whole might cause hardship to ordinary people not also want police officers responsible for beatings, killings, in any way responsible for the problems highlighted by extortion, unlawful detention and other crimes to be the petition, so this debate is a vital opportunity to hear held to account. from the Minister and have her respond to the urgent The protests continued and thousands of Nigerians, appeal from the e-petitioners that the Government consider mostly those under 30, took part in peaceful marches, imposing targeted sanctions against certain individuals candlelit vigils and multi-faith prayer sessions. People believed to be culpable in relation to the violent and came together despite having different social, cultural excessive police response to peaceful protests in Nigeria. and tribal backgrounds. Supportive comments flowed The new Magnitsky sanctions regime started to operate in from the Nigerian diaspora around the world, including in July, and I believe its creation is one of the best and from celebrities, and the #EndSARS movement quickly most important foreign policy decisions made since the widened beyond the initial concerns about policing. It Conservatives returned to Government in 2010. It puts started to capture the general frustrations of a young us ahead of many other countries in showing how population demanding an end to poor governance and seriously we take human rights abuses around the world; corruption. I gather that it even earned us praise from Guy Verhofstadt, I am afraid, however, the situation became far graver which is undoubtedly a rare thing. I believe that the on 20 October when the Nigerian army and police petitioners have a credible case for the imposition of opened fire on a peaceful demonstration at the Lekki individualised sanctions such as travel bans and asset tollgate in suburban Lagos. What happened is disputed, freezes.Of course,I appreciate that there are real sensitivities but Amnesty International has tracked events through about anything that might be considered interference in photos and video footage posted by protesters. These the domestic affairs of another country, especially where show army trucks approaching the protesters from both there was a previous colonial involvement. However, I sides of the tollgate and blocking them in. Shooting still hope that Ministers will give serious consideration with live rounds started almost immediately with no to what the e-petitioners request. warning. My second ask of Ministers is that they provide A local musician, Obianuju Catherine Udeh, was reassurance about UK aid and security programmes streaming the events live on Instagram as it happened. which involve Nigerian police, military and security She later said: forces. In their responses to written questions on this “There was a guy that was running and he just…he fell, and we matter, the Government have emphasised that these looked at him. He was shot in the back”. programmes are intended to improve transparency and 287WH Nigeria: Sanctions Regime23 NOVEMBER 2020 Nigeria: Sanctions Regime 288WH

[Theresa Villiers] disbanding the Special Anti-Robbery Squad; it is a movement led by the youth of Nigeria who took to the accountability, as well as strengthen respect for human streets peacefully to demand an end to brutality, extortion rights, the rule of law and protection of minorities. and extrajudicial executions, and a truly democratic However, my constituents who have signed this petition Nigeria. The bravery of the youth-led movement will want more clarity and certainty about what these UK never be defeated. programmes have achieved and how they are assessed. Today, we need to consider how the Government They will be reassured if we have a clear statement that should respond to both the movement and the violent UK taxpayers’ money cannot be misused by security actions of the Nigerian regime, but we must also take forces in Nigeria or, in any circumstances, used on the opportunity to look beyond sanctions to the way activities that suppress peaceful protests. that development funding is spent in Nigeria. Instead of My third question for Ministers is what representations funding corrupt security services and investing in projects they have made, or are prepared to make, to the Nigerian that do not benefit ordinary Nigerians, we need a new Government about human rights abuses against Christians. focus on poverty relief and anti-corruption programmes. Charities such as Christian Solidarity Worldwide and It is vital that we recognise the role of the UK in how Open Doors have documented a worrying increase in these events have unfolded in Nigeria. Despite previously attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria by terrorist stating the opposite, the Government have now admitted groups over recent years, and their plight must never be to funding SARS units for the last four years. That forgotten. funding included not only the provision of training to Fourthly and finally, I ask Ministers to step up those units, but the supply of equipment. At the very engagement with the Nigerian diaspora in the United moment that Amnesty International declared SARS Kingdom. There are many British Nigerians who want units to have been involved in extrajudicial killings, to deploy their knowledge and understanding of the corruption and torture, the Government were using the country to help shape the UK’s response to unfolding aid budget to train and equip those units. In fact, events in Nigeria. Worried about the situation and between 2016 and this year, more than £10 million went distressed about the Lekki tollgate tragedy and other towards programmes from which SARS units benefited. loss of life, they are brimming with enthusiasm to help, That not only is immoral, but makes it harder for the to make a difference, and to be involved in building a UK to play a positive role in Nigeria during this vital better future for Nigeria. In this regard, I particularly period. How can the Government call for an end to want to thank my constituent Lara Ayodeji Akindiji for violence against protesters with a straight face, having contacting me to share her concerns and offer her helped to train and equip the security forces that are help—her support and briefing for this debate has been carrying out the violence? I hope that the Minister will invaluable. My final request is therefore to ask the publicly apologise today for the decision to fund the Minister to meet me and a group of constituents to SARS units, and pledge a full and independent inquiry discuss these matters further. into the matter. Nigeria is a country with so much going for it: a young and hugely talented population, massive natural The day of 20 October 2020 will be remembered for resources and a rapidly developing economy. If the the Lekki tollgate massacre—the day a deliberate and #EndSARS protesters secure the reform and improved coldly calculated attack on peaceful Nigerian civilians governance they are demanding, Nigeria could become was carried out by the Nigerian army. The Nigerian a formidable economic powerhouse, and the diaspora Government have since taken part in an attempted community here can be a vital bridge linking our two cover-up of the massacre. Security forces in Nigeria make countries in a brighter future of increased trade and muted responses to the murder of protesters. While prosperity in the years to come. Governments across the world have called on the Nigerian Government and the security forces to stop killing 6.10 pm protesters, the UK Government have hedged their bets Kate Osamor (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): It is a pleasure and issued only weak and timid statements. It is therefore to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Gray. I thank the a gift to the Nigerian Government when our Government right hon. Member for Chipping Barnet (Theresa Villiers) fail to explicitly condemn them for killing their own for her passionate opening speech. I also thank Silas citizens. Will the Minister today finally condemn the Ojo for creating the petition, which now has more than Nigerian regime for its part in the tollgate massacre and 220,000 signatures, including from almost 2,000 of my the continued killing of peaceful protestors in Nigeria? constituents in Edmonton. The Nigerian Government say that they have disbanded I am sure that I am not the only Member to have been SARS, but the corruption and brutality of the security inundated with messages from constituents in recent forces continues. The Nigerian Government’s violence months urging them to do whatever they can to lend against their own citizens appears only to be intensifying. their voice to the #EndSARS protests. As the chair of The Nigerian Government need to stop freezing the the all-party parliamentary group on Nigeria, I was bank accounts of key protestors and illegally detaining keen to speak in the debate and highlight the need for them. The Minister for the Federal Ministry of Information the UK to stand with the Nigerian people against an and Culture went on record to state that the CNN increasingly cruel and brutal regime. reporting of the massacre was “fake news”. That is The situation in Nigeria is incredibly serious, with undemocratic conduct that needs to be called out. tragedy after tragedy unfolding on the streets in state I ask the Minister to use this opportunity to end the after state, as the Nigerian Government and their security UK Government’s neutrality on this issue. The UK forces take ever more repressive measures to end a must never be neutral when it comes to human rights protest movement that has given hope to millions across abuses. Are the rights, needs and dreams of young the globe. The #EndSARS movement is not just about Nigerian people not the same as those of young people 289WH Nigeria: Sanctions Regime23 NOVEMBER 2020 Nigeria: Sanctions Regime 290WH here in the UK? The UK should not be safe haven for oil of the Rivers state, but in the imagination and anyone who denies their own citizens the same freedoms creativity of its people, as witnessed every day in Nollywood they have come to enjoy in the UK. and, perhaps more my style, at the great University of All too often, when a repressive regime is targeted Jos. It is a country that gives so much to the world with economic sanctions, it is the civilians who pay the already, despite the fact that it is ill governed, brutalised price, while the regime itself becomes more entrenched and robbed. Imagine what it could give if the Plateau and less open to change. The UK Government can use state was not a scene of conflict and anti-SARS movements, the sanctions under the global human rights regime that but instead was the global centre of learning that it really targets individuals involved in human rights violations and truly could be, and indeed was up until the 1960s. and abuses. If the UK’s position is as a global force for This is an opportunity for the UK to do something good, then I ask the UK Government to add the names real, not just in the interests of Nigerians, although it of the Nigerian Government and the security services would be, and not just in the interests of Africans, to the designated list of those responsible for the worst although it would be that, too, but fundamentally in the human rights abuses. interests of the British people. This is a moment when To close, it is time for the UK to change course and the petitioners have got it absolutely right. They are not stand in solidarity with those fighting for a new Nigeria. just arguing for the rights of young Nigerians who are Let us stand together and get rid of corruption, extortion, claiming their own rights, but for the rights of democrats, extra-judicial murders and massacres, because it is time free people, and honourable people everywhere. I hope for a new Nigeria. that my hon. Friend the Minister and her colleague, the Secretary of State, will listen, look at the sanctions 6.17 pm regime and choose carefully where they apply. Tom Tugendhat (Tonbridge and Malling) (Con): Thank you for calling me to speak, Mr Gray. It is a pleasure to 6.22 pm follow my friend, the hon. Member for Edmonton (Kate Osamor), who speaks quite rightly with passion Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab): It is a pleasure to about one of the world’s great countries, which is sadly speak in this meaningful debate and to follow the hon. being wracked by violence against young people. Member for Tonbridge and Malling (Tom Tugendhat). There may be some debate about this, but I argue that The events surrounding the #EndSARS protests in the greatest book in the English language is “Things Nigeria have caused global concern and outcry. Last Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe, the great Nigerian writer. month, mainly young Nigerian people took to the streets The beauty of that book is the way it explains the in a peaceful protest against police brutality.On 20 October challenge to changing generations of living together, in Lagos and in other parts of the nation, the military and the way it speaks about values falling away and are alleged to have attacked peaceful protestors with community being eroded by outside pressure. disproportionate force, and to have killed and injured What we are seeing in Nigeria today is part of that civilians. The world watched the horrific videos, saw the story. It is a tragedy that we are all watching and awful pictures from the scene, and heard the eyewitness witnessing. As we see things falling apart, the pressure accounts from survivors who managed to escape the this time is not foreign colonialism, but corruption, horrors of that night. Human rights agencies such as violence and attempts at control. I totally agree with my Amnesty International have supported those claims. friend, the hon. Member for Edmonton, that we need to Despite overwhelming evidence, the Nigerian call out the corruption and use the powers we have in Government and military initially denied that the military this country to stop those who are profiting from the were at Lekki and labelled the events as fake news. wealth of that great nation, and hiding it here. Media companies received a memorandum from the Some people will remember when General Gowon Nigerian National Broadcasting Commission to silence left Nigeria with half the Central Bank of Nigeria, so it them, telling them not to embarrass individuals, is said, and moved to London. We know that today, organisations and the Government, or to cause disaffection even now in this great city of ours, there are some or panic in society at large, following reporting on the people who have taken from the Nigerian people and events of that dreadful night. hidden their ill-gotten gains here. Sadly, we know that Some media houses that did report on the events our banks have been used for those profits and for that were fined. The bank accounts of some organisers illegal transfer of assets. That means that the UK is in involved in the protests have been frozen by the Central an almost unique position in being able to do something Bank of Nigeria pending investigations. Some organisers to exert pressure on those who have robbed the Nigerian have been arrested or harassed by the authorities. Such people. actions equate to the prevention and indeed stopping of This puts a particular onus on my hon. Friend the free speech and the right to peaceful protest by the state. Minister, and I know she knows it. Using Magnitsky That is unacceptable. Peaceful protests are vital to the sanctions today is not just about protecting Nigeria, functioning of democracy and are a fundamental human although it is. It is not just about respecting Nigerian right. Such rights should be upheld and respected. young people who have been robbed and murdered by Many of my constituents who have a Nigerian the SARS units.It is about protecting the United Kingdom, background are in great distress. Those that have relatives because what happens in Nigeria matters fundamentally and friends in Nigeria are concerned about the safety of to us here. their loved ones and have contacted me about the This country is the third country of the Commonwealth situation. I have close friends in Nigeria who are also and has 200 million people. It will be the great economic deeply concerned and have contacted me about this. powerhouse of Africa and one of the great economic They all ask for one simple thing: that the UK Government powerhouses of the world. Its wealth is not just in the defend the right to peaceful protest and free speech and 291WH Nigeria: Sanctions Regime23 NOVEMBER 2020 Nigeria: Sanctions Regime 292WH

[Janet Daby] high as 70%, according to Oxfam. The people of Nigeria have the right to come together and call for an end to ensure that those within the Nigerian Government and those injustices. As we know, however, in recent months army are held to account for the atrocities committed their powerful but peaceful actions have been met with against peaceful protestors. horrific violence. Amnesty says that at least 56 people Given the shared history between the UK and Nigeria, were killed during the recent protests, including at least and given that Nigeria is a fellow member of the 10 in Lekki. Commonwealth and our ally, the UK has a duty to I have been fortunate enough to hear from a young stand up for the human rights of Nigerian citizens. In journalist with direct knowledge of what happened at the case where Nigerian officials are avoiding accountability the Lekki tollgate. I will read out her words: “It was over the killing of protesters, I believe that the UK devastating—something you don’t want to imagine. The should consider imposing sanctions on state officials protesters did not know that the cameras and the lights involved in the human rights abuses of Nigerian citizens. were going to be removed. There were no cameras to In July, the Secretary of State for Foreign, witness anything.” Then, as we have heard today: “The Commonwealth and Development Affairs introduced soldiers opened fire on the crowd of protesters, and my the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020. contact said, ‘One of the survivors jumped in the water, Under this statutory framework, priority themes relate but the soldiers kept on shooting’. For days after, a to cases that threaten media freedom and human rights friend of mine didn’t come online because of the shock defenders. Furthermore, another priority theme considers and the fear, and it took him a long time to come to cases where the relevant jurisdiction’s law enforcement Facebook and say, ‘Thank God I survived. I did not authorities have been unable or unwilling to hold those think I was going to.’” She said: “Someone else I know responsible for human rights violations or abuses to left the tollgate with a bullet in him, and later they account. moved all the bodies so that there would be no evidence. The Government clearly have the tools to ensure that For them to close their hearts and kill protestors like Nigerian state officials respect the constitutional and that is simply unforgiveable.” fundamental human right to protest and free speech. If The response from the authorities, who feel threatened those who ordered and facilitated the killing and harming by the protests, has been insidious, as we have heard. of protesters are not held accountable,the UK Government Media agencies have been fined for telling the truth. should advocate for independent investigations to take Bank accounts of activists have been suspended because place, and following such investigations any individuals they supposedly finance terrorism, and Government found responsible for these atrocities against human spokespeople have even blamed the protesters for a rise dignity must face sanctions. in food prices. Those in power will clearly do anything 6.26 pm to ensure that the movement ends now and that SARS is technically disbanded. They are terrified that the calls Ms Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): It is a pleasure to for action on corruption and police brutality will go on serve under your chairmanship, Mr Gray, and it is and on. really good to see you looking so well. I, too, thank the right hon. Member for Chipping My plea to the Minister is that we stand with the Barnet (Theresa Villiers) for introducing this debate young people of Nigeria who are demanding change far and for her passion about the subject. I also thank all beyond the closure of SARS. They are demanding a my hon. Friends for their passion and expertise, and for future worthy of their courage and leadership, and here the clear demands that we are all making today in this in the UK we need that too, because Nigeria is a Chamber. It is good to hear that the demands are being massive, fast-growing, youthful country,which has massive made unanimously and across what is sometimes a potential. It is a country that will play a leading role in divide. decades to come, not just within Africa but in our world. For that positive leadership to happen, the sense As we know, the SARS police unit was suspected of of justice that motivates the #EndSARS protests must abuses against thousands of innocent Nigerians over prevail, to shape Nigeria’s future and our future too. the past 28 years. Sadly, it is clear that Nigeria has a serious problem with abuses of state power and corruption I do not think that words from the Government that goes way beyond SARS. The protest movement today will be enough. We have to demonstrate our that we are seeing rise in Nigeria wants all these abuses solidarity by identifying and targeting those who we to be addressed. know are responsible for the terrible violence and abuses SARS and other police forces in Nigeria were well that the activists have faced. The least we should do is known for targeting young people for arrests, extortion ensure that those who have murdered Nigerians and and beatings, almost at random. I am told that if deprived them of their human rights cannot benefit someone is young and has the wrong hairstyle or clothes, from trade or travel to the UK. In my view, that should or if they are driving a car and playing music, they include the leaders of the Government and the military, could be targeted. Their money or possessions could be who are even now refusing to allow transparent and fair seized without any evidence, and people know that if investigations to happen, and justice to be implemented. they resist they will be beaten and possibly killed. I want to hear from the Minister that a list of Magnitsky SARS created an environment of fear and injustice, —I never say that word properly—sanctions is being and until the protests there was no real sign that those created, and action against those on that list will be in power were listening or prepared to act. Sadly, it taken in weeks, not years. Our role must be to work with appears to be just the same with many other issues in everyone we can to identify those responsible and ensure Nigerian society. There is terrible unemployment, little that justice is done. I would be so very grateful if, on this access to healthcare or education and a poverty rate as occasion, the Government act decisively. 293WH Nigeria: Sanctions Regime23 NOVEMBER 2020 Nigeria: Sanctions Regime 294WH

6.33 pm We must continue to seek clarity about what happened on 20 October, when power was cut from the Lekki Taiwo Owatemi (Coventry North West) (Lab): It is a tollgate, and SARS police forces began spraying with pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Gray, bullets the protesters gathering there. I am sure that and to follow my hon. Friend the Member for West many of us have seen the footage of peaceful protesters Ham (Ms Brown), who spoke so passionately in favour linked arm-in-arm, singing the Nigerian anthem, while of justice for Nigerians. I thank the right hon. Member they were indiscriminately gunned down. Now is the for Chipping Barnet (Theresa Villiers) for securing this time to hold officials to account for the crimes against very important debate. This was, of course, a popular humanity that they have embarked on, so I am calling debate, and it is unfortunate that my hon. Friend the for an impartial UN investigation into those human Member for Vauxhall (Florence Eshalomi) was not rights violations, to begin a process of securing justice called to speak in it. She sends her solidarity to the for the victims and their families. #EndSARS movement. As we try to make sense of those incidents, we must I must begin by addressing the horrific violence inflicted ask ourselves uncomfortable questions. I am referring on young Nigerian civilians who were peacefully expressing to the fact that British officials trained SARS officers their fundamental human rights against police brutality. from 2016 to 2020, as well as the Nigerian army. What We have seen on media platforms armed military officers did that training entail? Could it have prevented escalation discharge live ammunition at those peaceful protesters, of this kind? Standing here as a proud British Nigerian, injuring and killing them. It is unfortunate that, as of I implore the Minister and colleagues across the House today, both the federal and state Governments in Nigeria to pursue answers to those questions and to do what have issued conflicting statements on the events that they can to facilitate Nigerians’ fight for freedom. occurred at the Lekki tollgate, which has left us with a series of yet unanswered questions. Who exactly ordered 6.38 pm the military to shoot live ammunition in a civilian territory? Why were the bank accounts of some individuals Abena Oppong-Asare (Erith and Thamesmead) (Lab): who partook in the protests frozen? Thank you for chairing the debate, Mr Gray.It is an honour to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry North If a democratic country deprives its people of their West (Taiwo Owatemi). I thank the right hon. Member aspiration, livelihoods and voices; strips them from for Chipping Barnet (Theresa Villiers) for leading the their loved ones; forces them into hiding; and instils in debate in response to the petition, which calls for sanctions them fear of retribution through violent attacks on free against the Nigerian Government and officials. It is a speech, that country can only be a dictatorship disguised very timely debate that needed to be had. as a democracy. Is Nigeria a dictatorship? Having asked The atrocities in Nigeria in recent months are, the question, I will leave the Nigerian public to decide understandably, very worrying for my constituents, many for themselves. of whom have friends and relatives in Nigeria and want On sanctions, which we are here to discuss, if we can our Government help to ensure their safety. I firmly ensure that they will not negatively affect civilians—directly believe that we have an obligation to condemn violence or indirectly—I support a travel ban and asset seizure and human rights abuses wherever we see them, which sanctions for individual officials who are found responsible. is why I have publicly condemned the violence that took Although our discussion of sanctions is crucial to place on 20 October, when young people’s right to determining how we as a nation respond to the violence protest was tragically suppressed. that has cumulated in the recent #EndSARS movement, Some 4,469 from Erith and Thamesmead have signed it can only be the tip of the iceberg. We must use our the petition—the highest number of petitioners from a platforms to hold the Nigerian Government accountable single constituency—and I have been contacted by dozens through more than just sanctions. We must do the right of individuals who want to see action to ensure that thing by the people in Nigeria who are protesting for human rights are upheld in Nigeria. One constituent their human rights, and ask the questions that we have recently wrote to me to say she had watched a documentary been given the platform to ask. What role do the Nigerian on how the Nigerian military opened fire on unarmed Government play in these attacks? Will there be an children who were happily and peacefully demonstrating independent investigation into the 100-plus cases of and carrying Nigerian flags. Many were killed mercilessly. torture, rape and extrajudicial executions throughout She cried, and she said, “This could’ve been anyone.” the #EndSARS protests? My constituents are right to demand long-term action. The world knows about the violent attacks on Nigerian As hon. Members have said, a statement of condemnation protestors because civilians at the Lekki tollgate massacre is not enough. As a country that subscribes to international bravely risked their own lives to post videos on social human rights law, we must be quicker to act to support media. Only a few Nigerian news outlets even reported those around the world who are having their rights the stories and were all subsequently fined, before the infringed. Nigerian Government denied the attack’s existence and Accountability is the cornerstone of democracy. I began silencing reporters. Agencies and individuals have was pleased that the Minister for Africa, the hon. Member since blamed one another; no one seems to be taking for Rochford and Southend East (James Duddridge), responsibility. Nigerian civilians risked everything to wrote to me to confirm that the UK Government will give themselves a voice that they used to expose the continue to work with the Nigerian Government and atrocities inflicted upon them, and today, 4,000 miles international and civil society partners in support of away, the Nigerian Government propose to strangle police reform. However,it is clear that suitable accountability that voice with a social media censorship Bill. We must methods have not been implemented. It was only yesterday demand transparency about what is happening to civilians that the Nigerian military admitted that soldiers fired and amplify that news using our platform. live bullets at anti-SARS protesters on 20 October. 295WH Nigeria: Sanctions Regime23 NOVEMBER 2020 Nigeria: Sanctions Regime 296WH

[Abena Oppong-Asare] and hon. Members on both sides of the House about events in Nigeria. I, too, warmly congratulate the right However, there is still no confirmation of the number of hon. Member for Chipping Barnet (Theresa Villiers) on young protesters who tragically lost their lives. According securing the debate and the drafters of the petition. to the Nigerian officials, two young people were killed Above all else, I commend the #EndSARS movement, in the shooting, but reports by Amnesty claim that which has done so much to shine a bright light on the 10 lives were lost. How can it be considered there is corruption and oppressive practices of the regime in appropriate accountability if we cannot even reach a Lagos. consensus on the number of lives taken at Lekki toll I have read the Government’s response to the petition plaza in Lagos in October? carefully and I have some concerns. Nigeria is not a I do not believe that placing economic country-wide far-off place of which we know nothing. The UK has sanctions on Nigeria will help address the ongoing clear links to the issue and to Nigeria, historically and issues of police and military violence.The UK Government in future. We have influence and we could use a lot more should first call for an independent investigation into of it. We know that the UK funded, supplied equipment allegations of misconduct by the Special Anti-Robbery for, and trained the police and paramilitary forces that Squad. Organisations such as Amnesty International we now know have been involved in abuses. At the very and Human Rights Watch, which have followed the abuses least, we need an urgent review of the UK’s involvement taking place in Nigeria for years, should be consulted, in those programmes. I would be glad of an undertaking with their evidence collated alongside an independent from the Minister this evening that such a review is investigation to form a judicial review. Furthermore, under way. that investigation should look at the wider issues of On the Magnitsky sanctions that have been called for, violence and human rights abuses by military and police the Government’s response to the petition says: across Nigeria. “This sanctions regime will give the UK a powerful new tool to The UK Government should regard the findings of hold to account those involved in serious human rights violations an independent investigation with the utmost seriousness or abuses.” and take action to implement sanctions against individuals I have yet to hear any hon. Member speak against the identified as responsible for those atrocities. They should Magnitsky regime; we all support it, but it is only a tool also make appropriate adjustments to the overseas security if it is used. I appreciate that speculation is unhelpful, and justice assistance funding and the training of any but we need some announcements. Nigerian military security and policing organisations that may have committed violations in line with their I am glad that in his discussion with the Governor of guidance to ensure that OSJA funding meets our human Lagos on 11 November, the Minister for Africa, the rights obligations and our values. hon. Member for Rochford and Southend East (James Duddridge), called for an investigation into the specific This issue does not begin and end at Lekki toll plaza instances that we have heard of. Can we have an update on 20 October. There have been reports of violence by on how that investigation is going? Can we also have an the Special Anti-Robbery Squad since 2017, and there undertaking that there will be consequences of the continue to be serious consequences as a result of the findings of that investigation and that if it has been protests that took place earlier this year. Young people insufficient, there will be an independent review? have reported intimidation by the Nigerian Government and, as hon. Members have said, there have been reports More generally, we need to look in the round at of bank accounts being frozen, social media being whether the UK’s actions help or hinder the aims of the banned and people being detained in prison for their #EndSARS protests. Between 2015 and 2020, the UK involvement in speaking out against police violence and licensed arms exports and riot control equipment to the calling for accountability for those wrongdoings. Those tune of £43 million. At the very least, pending a review actions are unacceptable in a democracy. of our actions and the effect of the UK’s foreign policy and trade policy in Nigeria, we should surely suspend No action can replace the lives that have already been arms exports to the country. lost, but that does not mean that we should not take action. I hope, at the end of the debate, we will get a The #EndSARS movement could be a new Arab commitment from the Minister that the UK will follow spring for Nigeria. Given the demographic and economic up its actions by holding officials in Nigeria responsible. forces in play, the enthusiasm is there. We must learn from history and not let the #EndSARS movement Finally, I take the opportunity to raise the case of the down as we did the Arab spring. That would be a Nigerian DJ and songwriter, DJ Switch, who has had tragedy and would bring culpability on us even more. her life threatened for her role in speaking out against military and police violence. The prominence of young It is not enough to express solidarity while aiding, Nigerian females at the forefront of the #EndSARS abetting, arming and funding the oppressors. The UK protests has highlighted the need to take more action to has a case to answer. We need to look at the consequences end violence against women and girls in Nigeria. Will of our actions and make sure that we do all we can to the Government take this opportunity to ensure that ensure accountability on the ground. I look forward to their actions to uphold human rights around the world the Minister’s comments. extend to protecting women and girls against violence? 6.48 pm 6.45 pm Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/ Alyn Smith (Stirling) (SNP): It is a pleasure to serve Co-op): It is a pleasure, as always, to serve under your under your chairmanship, Mr Gray, and to take part in chairmanship, Mr Gray. I thank the right hon. Member such a cross-party consensual discussion. I am glad to for Chipping Barnet (Theresa Villiers) for introducing have heard some excellent contributions from right hon. the petition today and all hon. Members for their incredibly 297WH Nigeria: Sanctions Regime23 NOVEMBER 2020 Nigeria: Sanctions Regime 298WH powerful and passionate contributions on a crucial promised investigations, but often they have not occurred. issue. I thank the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, The Federal Government of Nigeria have repeatedly the hon. Member for Tonbridge and Malling (Tom promised to reform SARS but have failed to do so. The Tugendhat), for his comments, and the chair of the recent protests originate not only in that record of all-party parliamentary group on Nigeria, my hon. brutality, but in other documented incidents across the Friend the Member for Edmonton (Kate Osamor), who country, in Delta and Oyo states. In recent days, I have has done so much to speak out on the atrocities and, received reports of extra-judicial killings, allegedly by long before they happened, on the wider SARS movement the Nigerian army in Oyigbo in Rivers state. What and the brutality that it has exposed. assessment has the Minister made of the most recent We have heard incredibly powerful speeches from my reports? This is still carrying on after the shocking hon. Friends the Members for Lewisham East (Janet Daby), events we saw just a few weeks ago. for West Ham (Ms Brown), for Coventry North West The violent repression of protesters in Nigeria is (Taiwo Owatemi) and for Erith and Thamesmead (Abena unacceptable and has rightly garnered international Oppong-Asare), and indeed the hon. Member for Stirling condemnation. President-elect Biden has called on the (Alyn Smith). As has been pointed out, other hon. Nigerian Government to end the violent crackdown. Members would have been here who have been speaking The Secretary-General of the United Nations has said out equally powerfully on the issue. that Nigerians’ right to protest peacefully needs to be I also thank the more than 200,000 individuals who guaranteed and that police brutality needs to stop. The have signed the petition and its creators, which includes official Opposition absolutely agree with that sentiment. many significant signatures from the Nigerian diaspora The violent crackdown on these protests must end and in the UK and many others who share deep concerns there must be accountability for those responsible for about what is happening in Nigeria and about wider human such brutality and loss of life. rights abuses around the world. This is not a country The Leader of the Opposition and the shadow Foreign that will turn a blind eye when such atrocities happen. Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Wigan The scenes we have witnessed and the reports that have (Lisa Nandy), have made it clear that the UK must act come out of Nigeria of the response by the police and as a force for good in the world, in line with our the army against protesters in the #EndSARS movement international partners and multinational organisations, have shocked us all. whether the United Nations, the African Union, the We have heard from colleagues about the events of UN Human Rights Council or others, to encourage and 20 October, when it appears a group of #EndSARS strongly advocate for the end of violence in Nigeria, to protesters were fired upon by members of the Nigerian end police brutality in Nigeria and, crucially, to call for army at the Lekki tollgate plaza, after the CCTV was independent investigations into these violations by Nigerian taken down and the lights were turned off. That resulted policing, security and military forces. It would be better in tragic deaths and injuries. I spoke to those who had if we had confidence in the systems of investigation within been in the vicinity of those incidents, who saw and Nigeria, but the ongoing failure and the record of the witnessed first hand the brutality meted out by SARS Nigerian Government in dealing with SARS underlines and those attempting to defend them. I can tell you, Mr why many people do not have faith in that process. That Gray, that they were shocking testimonies. Many of us is why independent investigations will be crucial. have witnessed the video footage and pictures of the The petition refers specifically to sanctions. The official events, which are absolutely horrific. Opposition welcome the Foreign Secretary’sestablishment Despite having denied it for over a month, the Nigerian of a Magnitsky-style sanctions regime, which we have army has been forced to admit at the judicial panel been calling for since 2018, to allow for targeted sanctions inquiry that soldiers were deployed to the tollgate protest based on attacks on human rights, and to enable us to with both blank and live ammunition. As many hon. target the wider network of perpetrators, including all Members have pointed out, some of those protesters of those who facilitate, incite, promote or support such are still in detention today, and many others have had crimes. That extends beyond state officials to non-state financial restrictions on them and other actions taken actors, as well. against them. I would be interested to know what At that time, the Foreign Secretary told us in the assessment the Minister has made of the situation of House that those sanctions would be used to target those who were involved in those protests. “those with blood on their hands.”—[Official Report, 6 July 2020; As hon. Members have explained, this massacre and Vol. 678, c. 663.] the other atrocities that we have seen are part of a picture It is clear that individuals do have blood on their hands of brutality that has gone on over a number of years— in relation to the activities of SARS and these atrocities extraordinary brutality and violations by the Special over the past few months. Given the allegations against Anti-Robbery Squad, known as SARS. The report from members of SARS and the growing evidence of the Amnesty International documented 82 cases of human atrocities that were committed, we urge the UK Government rights violations between January 2017 and May 2020, to use their full investigative capacity, including by including various methods of torture against detainees drawing on the evidence provided by independent human such as hanging, mock execution, beating, punching rights organisations in Nigeria and elsewhere, to identify and kicking, burning with cigarettes, waterboarding, individuals responsible for those atrocities and, if near-asphyxiation with plastic bags, forcing victims into appropriate, designate them for sanctions under our stressful bodily positions, sexual violence and rape. Magnitsky regime. We cannot stand by in the face of That is a shocking record of behaviour, yet few of such wilful perpetration of human rights violations and those cases have been investigated and hardly any officers killings. Not least given our close political, economic have been brought to justice on credible accounts of and security relationship with Nigeria, we cannot be a torture and other ill-treatment. The authorities have disinterested or unconnected party. 299WH Nigeria: Sanctions Regime23 NOVEMBER 2020 Nigeria: Sanctions Regime 300WH

[Stephen Doughty] programmes; they are proposing to cut the 0.7% target and support to development and peace programmes I turn now to the UK’s role in relation to SARS. We across the world. I hope that the Minister will be able to have heard about this from a number of hon. Members reassure us that that will not happen. in the debate. Despite initially denying it, the Minister From the Black Lives Matter movement in the USA for Africa has admitted that through the conflict, stability to the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria, it is clear that and security fund in Nigeria, SARS members were any democratic Government must respond to the needs trained as part of the Nigeria policing programme and first and foremost of their citizens in providing policing that the UK Government have been involved in training and security. They must be accountable to the people of members of SARS, despite that happening during a they serve and not hold themselves above the law. They time when there were ongoing public, well-known must defend the law and conduct themselves in line with allegations of extrajudicial executions, extortion, torture the principles and values that underpin it. We stand on and rape by this unit. I am sorry to say that although the side of all those in Nigeria who are calling for peace, this is shocking, it is not an entirely unexpected revelation for democracy and for the rule of law to be upheld. to me. It is also not surprising—I have the review of the Killings must end. Democracy and the rule of law must programme here—that this programme was led by the prevail, and the UK should be a partner to all Nigerians Foreign Office rather than the Department for International seeking peace, justice and development. Development. UK support for security and justice reform in countries 6.59 pm around the world can have positive impacts, but what is The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, absolutely obvious is that in a growing number of cases, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Wendy Morton): it is not clear what impact we are having or whether, in It is a pleasure to take part in this debate under your the worst cases, we are actually supporting agencies that excellent guidance and chairmanship, Mr Gray, so thank have a role in committing atrocities or human rights you. Let me begin by saying that I am very grateful to violations. What we are discussing today is just one my right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet example. Whether it is this example, the ongoing supplying (Theresa Villiers) for securing the debate and to all the of arms to the Saudi Arabian Government for use in hon. Members who contributed today. We heard from the Yemen crisis or the training of the special investigation my hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge and Malling unit in Bahrain, which has been complicit in the torture (Tom Tugendhat), from the hon. Members for Edmonton of prisoners—of course, that country uses the death (Kate Osamor), for Lewisham East (Janet Daby) and penalty—the UK Government are having to repeatedly for West Ham (Ms Brown), and from others. I will come and justify their involvement with organisations endeavour to answer as many of their questions as I and institutions that appear to breach our own standards, possibly can—I cannot say “within the time allowed”, let alone international law and human rights. because we are doing quite well on time at the moment, Can the Minister tell me whether she has considered Mr Gray, but I know you will keep me in good order suspending support and training for such programmes and not let me get carried away. for Nigerian security, military and justice institutions This is an important debate. The Minister for Africa, until she is absolutely satisfied that they are not supporting my hon. Friend the Member for Rochford and Southend individuals and organisations that have been implicated East (James Duddridge), has asked me to offer his in these atrocities, and will the Government commit to a apologies to Members present, as he is away on ministerial review of the effectiveness of OSJA—overseas security business and is therefore not able to attend. However, he and justice assistance—projects? It was extraordinary has a very close interest in this topic, and I feel sure that to find, while reading the summary, that the programme he will be paying great attention to this debate, as we was listed as scoring an A and an A in 2018-19 and to would expect of the Minister for Africa. I will therefore read that the risk was only medium. That sounds completely respond in his place on behalf of the Government. out of kilter with the facts that we have heard today and have been hearing for many years. We are grateful to the nearly 220,000 members of the public who signed the petition and enabled this debate Looking beyond Nigeria, given the deeply concerning to take place. Quite rightly, there is significant public news coming from locations across Africa in recent concern about the recent protests in Nigeria, especially weeks, what measures are the Government taking to the issue of police brutality. I also acknowledge the protect human rights across the continent and to tackle strong feeling about this issue in this place, and am those responsible, whether it is those responsible for thankful for the contributions made by all colleagues atrocities in Ethiopia, those who are involved in suppressing today. As I said, I will try to respond to all of the points the democratic process in Tanzania and Uganda, or that have been raised, but I will first set out the whoever? We cannot have impunity for those causing or Government’s position on the protests and on police carrying out atrocities or war crimes, whatever their role reform, and will then address the topic of sanctions. or status, whether that is official or unofficial—whether I assure the House that the Government have been they are official Government forces, official military following developments in Nigeria very closely since the forces, or irregular forces who are acting on behalf of protests. We are deeply concerned about violence during different groups,and whether those are central Government, the protests, which tragically claimed lives, and I am sure regional government or rebel groups. It does not matter right hon. and hon. Members present will join me in who they are—we cannot have impunity for the people passing on our condolences to the families of those affected. who are carrying out these atrocities. The UK supports the right to peaceful protest. We It appears to be a double irony that we are seeing condemn violence by any party, and in doing so make support for wrong programmes like this one when the an important distinction between the rioting and looting Government, we hear, are proposing to cut the right that took place and the original, peaceful protest movement. 301WH Nigeria: Sanctions Regime23 NOVEMBER 2020 Nigeria: Sanctions Regime 302WH

We have raised the protests and the response to them Africa wrote to us to outline the Government’s position at the highest levels in the Nigerian Government. The on this issue, and to explain why we are not being Foreign Secretary issued a statement on 21 October assured this afternoon that sanctions will be imposed. calling for an end to the violence. He called for the Nigerian Government urgently to investigate reports of James Gray (in the Chair): Order. Although that is a brutality by its security forces, and to hold those responsible perfectly reasonable question, and no doubt the Minister to account. The Minister for Africa spoke to Foreign will read Hansard, it is not actually in order to call for Minister Onyeama on 23 October to reiterate his tweets that letter in this debate. It is a perfectly sensible thing that recognised the Nigerian people’s democratic and to ask for, and no doubt it may well occur, but the peaceful calls for reform, and encouraged the Nigerian Minister is not required to answer that specific point. authorities to restore peace and address concerns regarding brutality towards civilians. The British high commissioner in Abuja continues to raise the protests with senior Wendy Morton: Thank you, Mr Gray. I am grateful representatives of the Nigerian Government, including to the hon. Lady. As I said, I am sure the Minister for our concerns about intimidation of civil society groups Africa will be following the debate. I will make a few and peaceful activists. more comments about sanctions, but if the hon. Lady will bear with me, I want to answer a few more of the We welcome President Buhari’s decision to disband other questions. the federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, the police unit at the centre of recent protests, and it is important that I reiterate that it is long-standing practice not to historical reports of police brutality and violence during speculate on our future sanctions, as it could reduce the recent protests are investigated fully. We also welcome impact of those sanctions. Right hon. and hon. Members the emerging dialogue between state governors and raised the issue of corruption; I agree that tackling young people: in a country where more than 50% of the corruption in Nigeria is absolutely critical to the country’s population is under 25, that conversation is important prosperity and security, and to reducing poverty and in understanding the concerns of the next generation. inequality. Work is under way to consider how a global We also welcome the President’s request for his Cabinet corruption sanctions regime could be added to the Ministers to do the same in their home areas. Lastly, we Government’s armoury. welcome the establishment of judicial panels of inquiry Several Members gave examples of intimidation that to investigate all the alleged incidents. had been highlighted to them, and we are aware that I can inform Members that the Minister for Africa some protestors have reported facing intimidation. The spoke to the Governor of Lagos on 11 November, and British high commissioner in Abuja continues to raise also spoke to the President’s chief of staff, Ibrahim our concerns about the intimidation of civil society Gambari, on 21 November. He stressed the importance groups and peaceful protestors with the Nigerian of police and military co-operation with the panels, and Government, because it does not build an environment expressed the urgent need for panels to progress for groups and protestors to come forward and help investigations, including into the incident at Lekki. As build genuine accountability. I can assure Members that Members can see from the Government’s written response we are aware that some protestors face intimidation. to this petition, we continue to monitor these investigations My right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping and their outcomes very closely. We also continue to Barnet and others raised the matter of UK aid. I monitor progress on police reform, and support Nigerian- reassure her that no UK taxpayers’ money goes directly led reform. Earlier this year, for example, we supported to the Nigerian Government. The UK provides assistance civil society efforts to secure the successful passage of to Nigeria to meet immediate humanitarian needs, and the new Police Act. Implemented effectively, that Act to address long-term structural issues. While I am on will be an important step towards a more transparent the topic of aid, the hon. Member for Cardiff South and accountable police force. and Penarth (Stephen Doughty) tried to tempt me to I would like to set out the Government’s position on speak about the Government’s commitment to spending sanctions. On 6 July, the Government established the 0.7% of GDP on aid. As I am sure he anticipated, I will global human rights sanctions regime. In a statement to not speculate ahead of any spending review. Parliament, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary set out its full scope. It gives the UK a powerful new Stephen Doughty: Will the Minister elaborate on that? tool with which to hold to account the perpetrators of I appreciate that she is not the Minister for Africa, and serious human rights violations or abuses. It is a long- that she will be less familiar with the specific programmes, standing practice not to speculate on future sanctions but it was very clear in the Minister for Africa’s letter to designations, as doing so could reduce their impact. us that the UK Government were funding training The sanctions regime complements our ongoing human programmes that directly involved SARS, despite the rights activities around the world and demonstrates this allegations. Does she not believe there is a problem with country’s commitment to being a force for good, and we our wider security and justice assistance programmes will continue to keep all evidence and potential listings across the world? There is example after example of under very close review. their impact being questioned, or, worse still, of our being implicated in some way when organisations do Ms Lyn Brown: I am grateful to the Minister for not uphold our standards. being here this afternoon, given that the Minister for Africa, the hon. Member for Rochford and Southend Wendy Morton: The hon. Gentleman pre-empts part East (James Duddridge), was not able to be with us of my notes, as I will touch a little more on the SARS because of foreign travel. All of us have asked for programme, and I hope to give a bit more detail about sanctions. It would be courteous if the Minister for work that we are doing and supporting. 303WH Nigeria: Sanctions Regime23 NOVEMBER 2020 Nigeria: Sanctions Regime 304WH

[Wendy Morton] by my hon. Friend the Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Mrs Grant), who is the UK trade envoy to Before I come to that, I want to note quickly that my Nigeria, and the British deputy high commissioner in right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet Lagos. My right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping raised the issue of the persecution of Christians. That is Barnet asked about requesting a meeting with the Minister another important topic, and I reassure her that we for Africa, and it would perhaps be wrong of me to commit have made clear to the Nigerian authorities, at the him to that, but I can certainly pass on her request. highest levels, the importance of protecting civilians, This Government will continue to press the Nigerian including Christians, and human rights for all Nigerians. Government and their security services to uphold human I will now discuss the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. rights and the rule of law; to investigate all incidents of The UK supports police and justice reform in Nigeria. brutality, illegal detentions and the use of excessive All assistance is compliant with our human rights force; and to hold those responsible to account. We will obligations and values. Through our Nigeria policing closely monitor the judicial panels of inquiry, and will programme, funded by the conflict, stability and security continue to advocate for investigations of police brutality. fund, which ended in March 2020, federal Special Anti- The Government will consider their options as the Robbery Squad officers participated in training on amended panels’ work progresses. Nigerian police guidance designed to improve human The Government will also continue to work with the rights, training on public finance, and community policing Nigerian Government, and international and civil society workshops. The Nigeria policing programme was part partners, to improve the accountability and transparency of our security and justice reform programme, which is of the Nigerian police, for the benefit of all Nigerians. working to help to deliver a criminal justice system that will better protect the human rights of all Nigerians. 7.15 pm As a result of the programme, relationships between Theresa Villiers: Like others, I believe this has been communities and the police improved in four states. an excellent debate, with well-informed contributions Trust was built, with communities and the police working and real insight from Members on the Back Benches together to resolve safety and security issues. The Nigerian and Front Benches. police force’s recent adoption of the community policing I will take the last minute to urge the Minister and the framework developed by the Nigeria policing programme rest of the team at the Foreign, Commonwealth and is a positive outcome. Our support to civil society was Development Office to use all diplomatic means available instrumental in the President recently passing the Nigeria to get the message to the authorities in Nigeria that they Police Act 2020, which provides for greater citizen need to listen to what the protestors are asking for. While protections and improved police training, which we the Minister, for all sorts of reasons, has felt unable to believe will benefit Nigerians. make commitments on targeted sanctions today, there Through the CSSF-funded north-east public safety is a strong case for putting them in place. I hope that behind and security programme, part of which is delivered the scenes, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development jointly with USAID, radio equipment was issued to Office will continue to pursue this, so that we see an Borno police command. That was for police units working announcement about it in the not-too-distant future. to improve local security, and to counter violent extremist In the debate, we heard disturbing accounts of what organisations, including Boko Haram and Islamic State happened at Lekki, and about a long history of brutality in West Africa. Borno police command distributed free and extra-judicial killings. Particularly grim accounts radios to the local FSARS unit, which were returned were given by the shadow Minister, the hon. Member after FSARS was disbanded. The north-east public for Cardiff South and Penarth (Stephen Doughty). I safety and security programme is part of our north-east hope that we also take away from the debate the optimism Africa security, conflict and stabilisation programme, that everyone has shown about the future of Nigeria. It working to help to stabilise one of Nigeria’s poorest has so much potential. As the hon. Member for Edmonton and most fragile regions, affected by Boko Haram and (Kate Osamor) said, there is potential for a new Nigeria Islamic State in West Africa. and a better future. I hope that these protests signal a I acknowledge and understand the strength of feeling change in addressing concerns around corruption, brutality in the House and among the public. The UK and and poor governance. If there is real progress on those Nigeria have a long and close relationship that extends issues and they are resolved, we will see a Nigeria that is beyond our Governments to our people, especially through successful and flourishing, not least economically. the British Nigerian diaspora community,which contributes It has been my privilege to lead this debate. I thank so much to this country.The diaspora was also mentioned everyone who signed the e-petition. This is a great by my right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping example of the e-petition process working effectively, Barnet. The UK is home to more than 200,000 members because nearly a quarter of a million people signed that of the Nigerian diaspora, who contribute much to the petition. We in the mother of Parliaments get the country. As I am sure you will be aware, Mr Gray, my opportunity to urge and advocate for change and reform hon. Friend the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, in Nigeria, and it has been my privilege to take part in the Member for Saffron Walden (Kemi Badenoch), was that process. the first British Nigerian Minister. Question put and agreed to. As to communications and engagement with the Resolved, diaspora, on 18 November my hon. Friend the Minister That this House has considered e-petition 554150, relating to for Africa led a virtual business roundtable with members Nigeria and the sanctions regime. of the Nigerian diaspora business community, the better to understand challenges in increasing trade and investment 7.18 pm between the UK and Nigeria. That roundtable was joined Sitting adjourned. 19WS Written Statements 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Written Statements 20WS Written Statements PRIME MINISTER Ministerial Code: Home Secretary’s Conduct Monday 23 November 2020 The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson): I would like to update the House on the outcome of an investigation FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND under the ministerial code. DEVELOPMENT OFFICE In reaching my decision I took advice from the independent adviser, Sir Alex Allan, in relation to the allegations made earlier this year around the Home Hong Kong: Six-monthly Report Secretary’s conduct. I take this issue very seriously and recognise that it is always difficult for individuals to The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth come forward and raise concerns. I am grateful to those and Development Affairs and First Secretary of State who have done so. I am also grateful to Sir Alex for his (Dominic Raab): The latest six-monthly report on the advice and considered his conclusions carefully. implementation of the Sino-British joint declaration It was clear from Sir Alex’s advice that at times on Hong Kong was published today, and is attached. there have been difficult working relationships all round. It covers the period from 1 January to 30 June 2020. Sir Alex’sadvice found that the Home Secretary had become The report has been placed in the Library of the House. —justifiably in many instances—frustrated by the Home A copy is also available on the Foreign, Commonwealth Office leadership’s lack of responsiveness and the lack and Development Office website (https://www.gov.uk/ of support she felt in DfID three years ago. He also government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth- found, however, that the Home Secretary had not always development-office). I commend the report to the House. treated her civil servants with the consideration and [HCWS591] respect that would be expected, and her approach on occasion has amounted to behaviour that can be described as bullying in terms of the impact felt by individuals. HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE He went on to advise, therefore, that the Home Secretary had not consistently met the high standards expected of her under the ministerial code. Dental Patient Charge Uplift 2020-21 I have noted Sir Alex’s advice that many of the concerns now raised were not raised at the time and that the Home The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Secretary was unaware of the impact that she had. I am and Social Care (Jo Churchill): The National Health reassured that the Home Secretary is sorry for inadvertently Service (Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations upsetting those with whom she was working. I am also 2020 (“the Amendment Regulations”) will be laid before reassured that relationships, practices and culture in the Parliament to increase National Health Service dental Home Office are much improved. As the arbiter of the patient charges in England from 14 December 2020. code, having considered Sir Alex’s advice and weighing up all the factors, my judgement is that the ministerial This is the fifth and final year of the spending review code was not breached. 2015 commitment to annually uplift dental patient charges Together with the Cabinet Secretary,I have this morning by 5% for the duration of the spending review period. written to all Ministers and permanent secretaries. This Following a six-month freeze, the dental charge payable letter sets out the paramount importance of relationships for a band 1 course of treatment will rise by £1.10, from of mutual trust and respect between politicians and their £22.70 to £23.80. A band 2 course of treatment will officials.Thisincludeskeepinginternalconversationsprivate, increase by £3.10 from £62.10 to £65.20, and a band 3 feeling able to speak freely and honestly about matters course of treatment will increase by £13.50 from £269.30 of state and to speak constructively about things that are to £282.80. not working so that we can fix them together promptly. Details of the revised charges for 2020-21 can be I am clear that there is a particular duty on Ministers and found in the table below: permanent secretaries to create jointly across government a culture which is professional, respectful, focused and 2020-21 (Proposed ambitious for change and in which there is no place for Band Description Patient Charge) bullying. 1 - This band includes examination, diagnosis £23.80 The Cabinet Secretary and I are enormously grateful (including radiographs), advice on how to prevent to civil servants for the commitment they have shown as future problems, scale and polish if clinically we navigate through these challenging times. We are also needed, and preventative care (e.g. applications immensely proud of the fantastic work that is going on of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant) across government, and know that this work would not 2 - This band covers everything listed in band £65.20 1, plus any further treatment such as fillings, have been possible without strong relationships between root canal work or extractions Ministers and their officials. 3 - This band covers everything in bands 1 and £282.80 I have full confidence in the Home Secretary and 2, plus course of treatment including crowns, consider this matter now closed. dentures, bridges and other laboratory work I am placing a copy of Sir Alex Allan’s findings in the Urgent -This band covers urgent assessment and £23.80 Libraryof theHouse.Acopyof thelettertoCabinetMinisters specified urgent treatments such as pain relief and heads of Department will be made available on gov.uk. or a temporary filling or dental appliance repair [HCWS592] [HCWS593]

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 23 November 2020

Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 579 EDUCATION—continued Childcare Provision...... 581 School Admissions Code: Summer-born Children. 580 Educational Attainment...... 589 Schools: Safe Opening and Covid-19 ...... 579 Exams and Assessments 2021: Covid-19 ...... 584 Self-isolating Children: Online Education ...... 581 Free School Meals: No Recourse to Public Funds . 593 Self-isolating Schoolchildren: Numbers ...... 587 Healthcare Higher Education Funding ...... 591 Topical Questions ...... 593 Holiday Activities and Food Programme ...... 590 UK Internal Market Bill: Scotland’s Education Home Learning: IT Provision ...... 583 System ...... 588 National Funding Formula...... 582 Union Learning Fund...... 592 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Monday 23 November 2020

Col. No. Col. No. FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND PRIME MINISTER ...... 20WS DEVELOPMENT OFFICE...... 19WS Ministerial Code: Home Secretary’s Conduct ...... 20WS Hong Kong: Six-monthly Report ...... 19WS HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE...... 19WS Dental Patient Charge Uplift 2020-21 ...... 19WS No proofs can be supplied. Corrections that Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked on a copy of the daily Hansard - not telephoned - and must be received in the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Monday 30 November 2020

STRICT ADHERENCE TO THIS ARRANGEMENT GREATLY FACILITATES THE PROMPT PUBLICATION OF BOUND VOLUMES

Members may obtain excerpts of their speeches from the Official Report (within one month from the date of publication), by applying to the Editor of the Official Report, House of Commons. Volume 684 Monday No. 139 23 November 2020

CONTENTS

Monday 23 November 2020

Royal Assent to Acts passed [Col. 579]

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 579] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Education

Covid-19: Winter Plan [Col. 601] Statement—(Prime Minister)

Road Traffic [Col. 642] Motions—(Rachel Maclean)—agreed to

Exiting the European Union (Agriculture) [Col. 649] Motions—(Victoria Prentis)—agreed to

Exiting the European Union (European Union) [Col. 655] Motion—(Julia Lopez)—agreed to

Persecution of Ahmadis [Col. 662] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Covid-19: Restrictions on Gyms and Sport [Col. 261WH] Nigeria: Sanctions Regime [Col. 285WH] E-petition Debates

Written Statements [Col. 19WS]

Written Answers to Questions [The written answers can now be found at http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers]