Wednesday Volume 696 9 June 2021 No. 14

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Wednesday 9 June 2021 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2021 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 937 9 JUNE 2021 938

in November. I understand the difficulties related to the House of Commons pandemic, but can the President give the House an update today on when guidance will be provided to Wednesday 9 June 2021 stakeholders about online versus offline and whether presence will be allowed in ?

The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock Alok Sharma: I have always been clear, and I reiterated in a speech I gave in Glasgow with six months to go to PRAYERS COP, that we want this to be a physical event. That is the basis on which we are planning, and we are ensuring that we are exploring all measures to ensure this is covid- [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] secure—safe for the people of Glasgow and, of course, safe Virtual participation in proceedings commenced (Orders, for participants as well. 4 June and 30 December 2020). [NB: [V] denotes a Member participating virtually.] Deidre Brock ( North and Leith) (SNP) [V]: The recent G7 agreement on an international minimum BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS corporation tax shows the significant progress that can be made at such forums. What can the President-designate MONKEN HADLEY COMMON BILL tell us about the environmental Marshall plan the Prime Bill, as amended, considered. Minister reportedly intends pursuing at the G7, and how Bill to be read the Third time tomorrow. will that impact on the discussions he is currently having with other countries in his capacity as COP President?

Oral Answers to Questions Alok Sharma: Matters related to what G7 leaders are discussing will of course come forward in the communiqué at the end of that process, and that is up to the Prime COP26 Minister and his fellow leaders. What I can tell the hon. Member is that we had a successful Climate and The President of COP26 was asked— Environment Ministers meeting of the G7, which I co-chaired together with the Secretary of State for Climate Change: International Engagement Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In that meeting, we made commitments on overwhelmingly decarbonising Stuart C. McDonald (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and power systems in the 2030s in the G7 countries, but also Kirkintilloch East) (SNP): What discussions he has had commitments on phasing out fossil fuel support overseas. with Cabinet colleagues on increasing international engagement on climate change ahead of COP26. [900910] Climate Action and Green Recovery

The COP26 President (Alok Sharma): I am in regular Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): What contact with Cabinet colleagues on COP26, including steps the Government are taking to promote climate on co-ordinating our international engagement. The action and a green recovery from the covid-19 pandemic Prime Minister and Ministers across Government are ahead of COP26. [900911] raising climate change with international counterparts to secure ambitious climate commitments by November this year. Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab): What steps the Government are taking to promote climate Stuart C. McDonald: Does the President agree that action and a green recovery from the covid-19 pandemic diplomatic efforts ahead of COP will need to be more ahead of COP26. [900919] than discussions with other states, and with non-state actors as well? What discussions is he having with TheCOP26President(AlokSharma):ThePrimeMinister’s non-governmental organisations—in particular, with the 10-point plan sets out our blueprint for a green industrial Under2 Coalition—ahead of COP, and what role does revolution. The plan invests in green technologies and he envisage their playing in November? industries. It leverages billions of pounds of private sector investment to create and support up to 250,000 Alok Sharma: The hon. Gentleman raises a very highly skilled green jobs and level up across the UK. important point. We want this to be the most inclusive COP ever. As he will know, we have set up a civil society and youth advisory group, which is an opportunity for Andrew Gwynne: And that is very welcome, but building groups from the global south and the global north to back better after covid cannot just apply to us here in come together and discuss issues. I can say to him that, the ; there absolutely has to be a ahead of the climate and development ministerial meeting global approach. So is the President frustrated that the we had on 31 March, we took a lot of feedback from big emitters such as Australia, Japan, South Korea and this grouping in deciding what we needed to discuss. Russia have only resubmitted their previous climate pledges, and worse, that Brazil has backtracked on its Darren Jones (Bristol North West) (Lab): Many stake- climate pledge? What is he doing to convince them that holders that would normally engage at COP26—civil meeting their fair share is important so that we can society groups, NGOs, politicians, business leaders—still achieve the 45% reduction in emissions to keep our do not have clarity about how they will engage at COP climate change within 1.5° C? 939 Oral Answers 9 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 940

Alok Sharma: I would just say to the hon. Member youth advisory council, allowing a regular dialogue with that when the UK took on the COP26 presidency, less those groups as we plan for COP26, and the Department than 30% of the global economy was covered by a net for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has also zero target; that is now 70%. All the G7 countries have launched this week the “Plant for our Planet” campaign committed to 2030 NDCs that are aligned with net zero to encourage all our constituents, and perhaps my hon. by 2050. Of course, he is right that we want all countries, Friend, to think about the natural world and how we particularly the big emitters, to come forward with can live and work better within it. ambitious emissions reduction targets. Anthony Mangnall: May I ask the President, and indeed Matt Western: The credibility of the COP presidency theVice-President,of COP26toengagewithmyconstituents rests on demonstrable climate change action at home. and the sustainability groups we have? It is incredibly However, the decision by the Government back in 2015 welcome to hear the steps they are already taking, but to scrap the Labour Government’s zero carbon homes we would really like to see a Devonian perspective on legislation has meant that we have lost 1 million zero carbon COP26 this year. homes in the past five years. It is a simple question: why do this Government seem to want to allow non-zero Anne-Marie Trevelyan: Well managed agriculture will carbon homes to continue to be built? be a critical contributor to our planet’s climate solutions, and the UK wishes to use its COP26 presidency to drive the global transition to sustainable agriculture and land Alok Sharma: I would point out to the hon. Member use. We are committed to using our presidency platform that the UK is the country in the G20 that has decarbonised to amplify local climate action, so I am delighted to its economy fastest since the year 2000. He will know hear about the activity being led in my hon. Friend’s that the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and constituency, and COP unit officials would be very happy Industrial Strategy is working on a heat and housing to follow up and meet with them. decarbonisation strategy as well. That will come forward, and of course we will set out our net zero strategy ahead Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con): Devon is not the only of COP26. area that is leading the way in developing community action plans, and indeed South Shropshire Climate Engagement with North African Partners Action has produced the first constituency-wide action plan, which I will be delighted to present both to the Damien Moore (Southport) (Con): What steps he has President and the Vice-President following this session. taken to engage with international partners in north Will there be scope for such community groups that are Africa on preparations for COP26. [R] [900912] leading the way in finding practical means for communities to help get to net zero to attend COP26 in Glasgow in The COP26 President (Alok Sharma): First, can I thank order to spread this great practice? my hon. Friend for the work that he does as a trade envoy in north Africa? Of course, I and fellow Ministers Anne-Marie Trevelyan: We are really fortunate in the speak to—and, indeed, our whole diplomatic network UK to have, as my right hon. Friend has demonstrated, speakstoandengageswith—Governmentsacrosstheworld, a passionate civil society that is among the world leaders including in north Africa. In recent months, I have spoken in climate action. The UK launched the domestic “Together to Ministers in a range of countries, including Morocco, for Our Planet” campaign to celebrate climate initiatives Sudan and Egypt, which I visited in February. across the UK and to inspire the public—and clearly they are already inspired—to be more engaged in climate action in the run-up to COP26. So I would be delighted Damien Moore: What plans are there to sustain to receive further information on climate action from engagement in this region in the forthcoming months? Ludlow, as well as any other constituency that wishes to submit it, because to be able to share that is absolutely Alok Sharma: Weare working proactively with countries what COP26 is all about. in the region through our COP26 energy transition council. We co-chair the adaptation action coalition with Egypt Discussions with Welsh Government and we will continue to engage in north Africa, one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change. Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) (Ind): What recent discussions he has had with the Engagement with Sustainability Groups Welsh Government in preparation for COP26. [900914]

Anthony Mangnall (Totnes) (Con): What steps he is The COP26 President (Alok Sharma): We are working taking to engage with sustainability groups ahead of with the Welsh Government and indeed the other devolved COP26. [900913] Administrations to ensure an inclusive and ambitious summit for the whole of the UK. I have spoken with Mr Speaker: I call the Vice-President of COP26. Welsh Government Ministers at the COP26 devolved Administration ministerial group, which I chair, and I look forward to speaking to Julie James, the Welsh The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth Government’s new Minister for Climate Change, at the (Anne-Marie Trevelyan): Thank you, Mr Speaker. group’s next meeting, which is taking place tomorrow. Sustainability groups and wider civil society are essential partners to the UK presidency with their links to Jonathan Edwards: Offshore energy generation will communities most impacted by climate change. That is have a vital role to play in achieving ’s energy, why we have established the COP26 civil society and economic, decarbonisation and wellbeing goals, yet we 941 Oral Answers 9 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 942 are operating at the moment with one hand tied behind The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth our back, because the Crown Estate has sole responsibility (Anne-Marie Trevelyan): The Government are introducing for allowing development on the seabed. What discussions legislation to transform our environment, including has the right hon. Gentleman had with the Welsh measures to improve how we manage our resources and Government about devolving the Crown estates in Wales waste, through the Environment Bill. We continue to to Wales, as is the case for , as part of the British work with other countries to move towards a resource- Government’s COP26 legacy? efficient and circular economy.

Alok Sharma: As the hon. Gentleman knows, I do of Dr Evans: I am grateful for the Vice-President of course talk to the devolved Administrations, but the COP26’s answer. I have had many conversations with role of the COP presidency is to ensure that we get passionate young people from schools around my patch— consensus across 197 parties. However, my right hon. St Margaret’s School, St Martin’s School and South Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Anne-Marie Charnwood School—who are dedicated to recycling. Trevelyan)—the Vice-President, as she is now styled—is They wanted me to ask: will the Government consider also the Energy Minister and the adaptation champion, asking for international targets on recycling rates to drive and she will be very happy to discuss these matters with up recycling across the globe? him. Anne-MarieTrevelyan:Asinmyhon.Friend’sconstituency, Methane Emissions the schoolchildren in my own constituency are passionate and regularly communicate with me about reducing Sir Robert Neill (Bromley and Chislehurst) (Con): waste and reusing materials. The Government’s view is What progress the Government has made on raising that taking action is the best way to drive progress, international ambition to cut methane emissions in harnessing that consumer power to drive changes in preparation for COP26. [900916] packaging use in the goods that we all buy. Our children are the ones who are going to help all us parents across The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth the country to drive that. Domestically,we are introducing (Anne-Marie Trevelyan): As incoming COP President, the extended producer responsibility scheme to ensure the UK is committed to reducing all greenhouse gas that producers cover the full net cost recovery for packaging emissions and is encouraging all countries to raise their waste, and a deposit return scheme to increase the climate ambition in nationally determined contributions recycling of drinks containers. That will help us achieve and long-term strategies ahead of COP26. The UK a 65% recycling rate by 2035. announced its NDC last December; it is an all-economy target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least Biodiversity Increase 68% on 1990 levels by 2030, and the UK’s sixth carbon budget will require UK greenhouse gas emissions to be Chris Grayling (Epsom and Ewell) (Con): What steps reduced by 78% by 2035. The emissions scope of these he is taking through COP26 to help ensure that increased targets does include methane. biodiversity is part of the international strategy to combat climate change. [900921] Sir Robert Neill: A lot of the debate and discussion focuses on reducing the carbon footprint. I am glad that The COP26 President (Alok Sharma): Through the the Minister includes methane; as she will know, over COP26 nature campaign, we are driving action to protect the course of 20 years, 1 tonne of methane will warm and restore forests and critical ecosystems, as well as the atmosphere about 86 times more than 1 tonne of helping to catalyse a sustainable transition of the agriculture carbon. Given that the UN and Climate & Clean Air sector and food systems through our forest, agriculture Coalition report demonstrates that we can nearly halve and commodity trade dialogues. those emissions by 2030 by using existing technology, will my right hon. Friend assure the House that the Chris Grayling: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend Government will make securing commitments to reductions for what he is doing. May I ask him to step up his work in methane a priority at the upcoming COP? on ensuring that protecting ecosystems is part of the agreement that we hope will be reached at COP? I know Anne-Marie Trevelyan: In the UK, we are tackling that we have the summit in China, but the protection of methane emissions domestically by supporting the habitats and ecosystems around the world is such an agriculture sector to reduce its emissions further through important part of dealing with climate change that the agricultural transition plan. We have made good I hope it will be part of the deal in the autumn. May I progress already to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, also ask him to put some pressure on the Brazilian including methane, in our domestic agriculture sector. Government over the measures that appear to be happening We produce a litre of milk with 17% less greenhouse gas there that could accelerate, rather than reduce, the loss emissions and a kilogram of pork with 40% less greenhouse of the Amazon rainforest? gas emissions than in 1990. In our role as COP president, the UK has established a new international dialogue to Alok Sharma: My right hon. Friend raises a very raise international ambition on the transition to sustainable important point. He will know that the UK co-led the agriculture,with around 20 countries currently participating. development of the leaders’ pledge for nature, which almost 90 leaders around the world have endorsed, Recycling committing to global action to protect nature. Of course, we are campaigning for strong biodiversity targets to be Dr Luke Evans (Bosworth) (Con): What steps he is set at the biodiversity COP in Kunming this October. taking to raise international ambition to increase recycling As he would expect, I am in contact with the Brazilian ahead of COP26. [900917] Government as well. 943 Oral Answers 9 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 944

Bioeconomy: Research and Innovation course, I am very happy to look at the event that the hon. Gentleman is talking about and, if my diary permits, ( Central) (Lab/Co-op): What I will certainly come to it. steps he is taking to promote investment in research Policy Objectives and innovation in the bioeconomy ahead of COP26. [900922] Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): What his policy objectives are for COP26. [900924] The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth (Anne-Marie Trevelyan): We are exploring opportunities The COP26 President (Alok Sharma): Our overarching for strengthened international collaboration on innovation objective is to keep within reach the target of limiting focused on the bioeconomy through Mission Innovation, global temperature rise to 1.5 °C. Todo that, we are asking a global initiative to enable affordable clean energy and countriestosetoutambitiousemissionsreductioncommitments, achieve the goals of the Paris agreement. Leveraging come forward with plans to protect communities and growth of the bioeconomy will support clean growth nature, mobilise finance and reach agreement on the across multiple sectors and contribute towards achieving outstanding elements of the Paris rulebook. net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Mr Bone: Mr Speaker, you will remember when David Rachael Maskell [V]: The climate crisis is turbocharged, Cameron was hugging huskies, and I thought it was a as the trajectory of mitigation ever deviates from planet- great idea to try to do something to save the planet, so I saving targets while the Government move at a glacial got rid of my polluting petrol car, bought a biofuel car pace to establish a climate economy. BioYorkshire will and then discovered that I was destroying the rainforest. not only create 4,000 new jobs and upskill 25,000 people I knew what to do next: get carbon dioxide down and but lay the foundations for world-beating research in buy a diesel car; now I know that when I drive along the biosciences here in York and Yorkshire, offsetting carbon street I am poisoning people. Could the President of and waste. All we ask is for the Government to bring COP26 please give me some advice? Before I buy an forward the funding already committed ahead of COP26. electric car, will he assure me that the mining of cobalt Will the Minister agree to do that and meet me to discuss and lithium is not killing people in the mines, or would the project and the importance of BioYorkshire? it just be easier for me to buy a horse?

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: I am always happy to meet Alok Sharma: That would certainly be sustainable. I new, interesting and innovative projects, and I am very am really pleased to hear that my hon. Friend is indeed happy to commit to doing that. We are absolutely leading a climate activist at heart; it is a revelation for all of us. the way on this. Mission Innovation is an extraordinary It is great that he has made a decision to purchase an organisation, driving and shining a light on some of the electric vehicle. I can tell him that he will not be most forward-thinking processes. One key challenge in disappointed. Plug-in grants are available and he knows helping developing countries move to clean growth is that the Government are also backing the sector with ensuring that the technologies that UK businesses and almost £3 billion-worth of support. our scientists invent and take to market can be used in those developing countries. Matthew Pennycook (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): As the President of COP26 knows, the International Energy Agency latest world energy outlook makes it UK Negotiating Team: Diversity and Inclusion clear that a net zero pathway for global energy requires that there be no new fossil fuel supply beyond projects Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab): What already committed to as of this year. That means not steps he has taken to champion diversity and inclusivity just coal, but oil and gas. The report reinforces the in the UK’s COP26 negotiating team. [900923] obvious need to secure agreement on a global framework for a managed and fair phase-out of fossil fuels. Will the TheCOP26President(AlokSharma):TheUKiscommitted President therefore tell the House whether he accepts to championing diversity and inclusion throughout the IEA’s conclusion and, if so, whether ending all new our COP26 presidency. More than 45% of the senior fossil fuel supply from next year will be incorporated management team in the COP26 unit are women, including into the objectives of the UK’s presidency of COP26? our chief operating officer and communications director, and around half the COP26 negotiating team are women. Alok Sharma: I actually commissioned that report and I am very pleased that it is so substantive. The hon. Gentleman is right: we need to make sure that we help Mr Virendra Sharma: Later this year, I am hosting all countries with a clean energy transition, and that is the British South Asian youth summit, focusing on what we are doing through the work of the COP26 Energy COP26. Will the Minister meet our youth champions to Transition Council. hear the perspective of young people living in some of the areas of the world that are most vulnerable to Topical Questions climate change? [900950] (Harlow) (Con): If he will make Alok Sharma: As I said in response to an earlier a statement on his departmental responsibilities. question, we have the civil society and youth advisory group, co-chaired by two young climate activists, one The COP26 President (Alok Sharma): Two weeks from the global south and one from the global north, ago, I chaired the G7 Climate and Environment Ministers and on every visit that I do, I meet youth activists. Of track with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State 945 Oral Answers 9 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 946 for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. At that meeting, Alok Sharma: The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely the G7 nations agreed overwhelmingly to decarbonise right: the $100 billion is a totemic figure. We are doing their power systems in the 2030s, consistent with their everything we can to ensure that we are able to deliver it 2030 nationally determined contributions and net zero by COP26. I can assure him that I am having very frank commitments.In addition, they committed to take concrete discussions with donor countries—with developed countries steps to end support for international coal power generation —to ensure that they deliver on that commitment made by the end of 2021. This is a critical step in consigning in 2009. coal power to history and accelerating the international transition to clean energy. [900953] Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con): Does the COP presidency share my concern at Robert Halfon: Of course we welcome plans for a the reputational hit that the UK will take in the event cleaner, greener Britain, but can my right hon. Friend that it continues to approve old-style carbon-belching reassure my hard-working Harlow residents that the waste incinerators such as the one proposed at Westbury Government’s environmental measures will not mean a in my constituency? more expensive Britain, hitting the low-paid with extra costs and increasing the cost of living for ordinary folk? The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth (Anne-Marie Trevelyan): All energy-from-waste plants Alok Sharma: The Government are committed to in are regulated by the Environment Agency getting the transition to net zero right for all consumers. and must comply with the strict emissions limits set in We are committed to driving savings and making our legislation. I am aware that Northacre Renewable Energy homes better insulated with more energy-efficient measures. Ltd has applied for an environmental permit from the My right hon. Friend will know that through the energy Environment Agency to operate an incinerator in Westbury, company obligation and the expanded warm home Wiltshire, and the Environment Agency is considering discount, we will provide at least £4.7 billion of extra responses to the public consultation. support to low-income and vulnerable households between 2022 and 2026. [900951] Joanna Cherry (Edinburgh South West) (SNP) Edward Miliband ( North) (Lab): For a [V]: Some 11% of Scottish renewable generation comes successful COP26, we have a particular responsibility as from small projects such as Harlaw Hydro in my hosts to build trust with developing countries. The constituency. Ahead of COP26, will the Government Government’s decision to cut aid spending—the only introduce a replacement for the feed-in tariff that is G7 country to do so—is therefore an appalling one, not better placed to encourage similar new projects than the just because it is wrong in principle, but because it is smart export guarantee scheme? staggeringly self-defeating. The COP26 President knows that that decision makes a successful outcome at the Anne-Marie Trevelyan: We will be launching a new conference of the parties harder, not easier, so may I contract for difference auction at the end of this year. invite him to add his voice to the powerful calls we The opportunity for a number of smaller sources of heard yesterday,including from the former Prime Minister, energy storage will be available. the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), to immediately restore Government aid spending to 0.7% of [900955] Marco Longhi (Dudley North) (Con): Will the GDP? COP26 President detail what steps he has taken to engage with the G7 ahead of COP26? Alok Sharma: As the right hon. Gentleman knows, the UK is doubling its international climate finance Alok Sharma: May I commend my hon. Friend for all commitment to support developing countries; I can tell the work that he is doing in Dudley on supporting the him that that has been very much welcomed around the local economy and green jobs? As I set out earlier, I world. With regard to the overall official development co-chaired the G7 climate and environment Ministers assistance spend, this is a temporary measure, as he meeting, which came forward with some ambitious knows. As the economic situation improves, I hope that commitments. it will be possible to restore the 0.7% target at the earliest opportunity. [900952] Lloyd Russell-Moyle (Brighton, Kemptown) (Lab/Co-op): The world is not currently on track to Edward Miliband: The problem is that cutting aid meet our Paris targets, is it? The current pledges only spending severely undermines the ability of developing add up to less than 10% of emissions; we need 45% to countries to tackle the challenges of climate poverty meet the target. In the last parliamentary Session, 109 MPs and public health. The COP26 President knows that: it signed the climate and ecological emergency Bill. When is what developing countries are telling him in the it is reintroduced, will the Government give time to negotiations. We need vulnerable countries to be calling debate it so that, as we did with the Climate Change Act for more ambition from big emitters such as China, but 2008, we can lead the world on legislation, not just they will be much more reticent in doing so when they follow? do not feel that we can be trusted. Totemic on the issue of trust is the promise made at Alok Sharma: I would recommend that the hon. Copenhagen for $100 billion of public and private Gentleman talks to the Leader of the House on the finance for developing countries. More than a decade matter of the timetabling of the debates and other on, it still has not been delivered. It is our job as hosts to events in the House. I would also say to him that we are deliver on that promise. Can the COP26 President therefore working very hard and pressing all the big emitters to tell us whether the $100 billion will finally be delivered ensure that they come forward with the ambition that is this weekend at the G7 meeting? required to be able to halve emissions by 2030. 947 Oral Answers 9 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 948

[900960] Beth Winter (Cynon Valley) (Lab): I am our development corporation, which will work in tandem currently doing a lot of work with people in my with our unique inland freeport. Decisions about HS2, constituency on the climate agenda in preparation for and specifically the Toton hub, will have a huge impact the COP summit, and local schoolchildren and young on whether we can deliver on our vision for the east people are particularly interested. One child in particular midlands. Will the Prime Minister meet me urgently, so has asked me raise this question with the President that we can ensure we can deliver on that commitment of COP: to local people? “To beat climate change we’ve got to look at it as one whole world. Surely this means giving more not less help to poorer The Prime Minister: The east midlands could have no countries to help them make the changes needed to save our planet?” more fervent or effective a champion, and I congratulate my hon. Friend on his vision for the east midlands Alok Sharma: The right hon. Member for Doncaster freeport and all the benefits that rail integration will bring. North (Edward Miliband) raised this issue with me, and I know that he is about to have a meeting with ministerial I have set out the position on overseas aid. In terms of colleagues to determine how the integrated rail plan can our schools, we are engaging, and I hope I will shortly work with HS2 best to achieve his objectives. be able to send out a pack that will encourage young people in our schools to get even more involved in COP26. (Holborn and St Pancras) (Lab): This is the first PMQs since the Prime Minister and Carrie got married, so may I offer my warm congratulations to the PRIME MINISTER Prime Minister and his wife and wish them a happy life together? I have to say that I admire the way they managed to keep it secret. I join the Prime Minister in his comments The Prime Minister was asked— about Carers Week. I also send our deepest sympathies Engagements to the four people killed in Sunday’s terror attack in Canada. It was, as the Canadian Prime Minister said, [901060] Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire an attack motivated by hatred and Islamophobia, and North) (SNP): If he will list his official engagements for we must all unite against that at home and abroad. May Wednesday 9 June. I ask the Prime Minister to pass on our thoughts and condolences to the Canadian Prime Minister when he The Prime Minister (): I am delighted sees him later this week? that the UK is hosting the leaders of the world’s greatest Why does the Prime Minister think that his now former democracies at the G7 summit in Cornwall this week. educationadviser,KevanCollins,describedtheGovernment’s This is the first meeting between G7 leaders since the education plan as a “half-hearted approach” that start of the pandemic. This week is Carers Week, and I “risks failing hundreds of thousands of pupils” am sure the whole House will wish to join me in thanking care workers and everyone caring for family, and that friends and loved ones. Their selflessness and devotion “does not come close to meeting the scale” to helping others is an inspiration to us all. This morning of what is needed? I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. The Prime Minister: First of all, I want to thank In addition to my duties in this House, I shall have Kevan Collins for his work, but above all I want to further such meetings later today. thank pupils, parents and teachers for everything they Gavin Newlands: I very much echo the comments of have done throughout this pandemic. The struggle has the Prime Minister on the lot of unpaid carers. After been enormous and, in addition to the extra £14 billion plenty of warm words for the victims of fire and rehire, we have committed—taking per pupil funding up to including from the Prime Minister himself, the Government £4,000 in primary schools and up to £5,150 in secondary yesterday announced their legislative response to the schools—we are now putting another £3 billion into ACAS report, which is to do absolutely nothing. They educational catch-up with the biggest tutoring programme will do nothing for the hundreds of thousands already anywhere in the world, and it is based on the best evidence threatened or, as the ACAS report points out, for the that we could find and that Sir Kevan could supply. many more who are anticipated to face fire and rehire Keir Starmer: Let me get this right. In February, the when the furlough scheme ends.They should be thoroughly Prime Minister appoints an expert to come up with a ashamed of themselves. It is increasingly clear that this catch-up plan for education—a highly respected expert, Government will not protect workers, so will they devolve who consults widely and comes up with a plan—and employment law to Holyrood so that the Scottish the Treasury baulks at it and says, “We’ll only provide Government can? 10%.”Yes, one tenth of what is needed. The Prime Minister, The Prime Minister: Actually, this Government have whatever he says, rolled over and children lose out. So been absolutely clear that it is unacceptable to use the much for levelling up. threat of firing and rehiring as a negotiating tactic. We Let me help the Prime Minister with the numbers. welcome the ACAS report, which finds that fire and The funding he announced last week is about £50 per rehire should be used only in limited circumstances, child per year. Even if you add in previous announcements, such as to prevent job losses, when other options have in England it is only £310 per child over four years. The been exhausted. Wehave therefore asked ACAS to produce US has a catch-up plan worth £1,600 per child, and in clearer guidance to help employers with other options. the Netherlands it is £2,500. So can the Prime Minister explain why, when he was told by the expert he appointed [901064] Ben Bradley (Mansfield) (Con): We are on a that only an ambitious, fully funded catch-up plan mission in the east midlands to create 84,000 jobs for would do, he came up with something that, in the words local people. We are legislating for planning powers for of the same expert, is too small, too narrow and too slow? 949 Oral Answers 9 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 950

The Prime Minister: I think the right hon. and learned Prime Minister last week. He talks about the various Gentleman needs to catch up on his mathematics because, measures, so let us look at this more closely. Which part in addition to the £14 billion I have already mentioned, of our plan—the plan being voted on this afternoon—does there was already another £1.5 billion of catch-up funding. he oppose? Is it breakfast clubs for every child? Does he This is a £3 billion catch-up plan, just for starters, and it oppose that? Is it quality mental health support in every includes the biggest programme of tuition—one-to-one, school? Does he oppose that? Is it more tutoring for one-to-two, one-to-three tutorials—anywhere in the world. every child who needs it? Does he oppose that? Or is it We all know there are schools and classrooms in this additional investment for children who have suffered country where children are getting private tuition, thanks the most? Which part of our plan does the Prime Minister to the hard work of their parents. The right hon. and object to? If he does not object to it and he agrees with learned Gentleman asks about levelling up. What we it, why does he not vote for it? want to do is to get on the side of all the kids who do not have access to that tuition and to support them. The Prime Minister: With great respect, Mr Speaker, That is what I mean by levelling up. I do think I am entitled to draw attention to what the Labour party stood on at the last election. They have Keir Starmer: Who does the Prime Minister think he not yet repudiated it; they did want to get rid of Ofsted. is kidding? He asked Kevan Collins to tell him what was But I will tell the right hon. and learned Gentleman that necessary to catch up. Kevan Collins told him, and he if he is now saying that he supports our tutoring said no. Who does he think he is kidding? The Chancellor’s programme—that is what I understood from him just decision—I assume it was the Chancellor’s decision; it now—that is a good thing, because hitherto what has always is—to hold back the investment that is needed is happened is that the kids of well-off parents, thanks a completely false economy, as the long-term costs are to their hard work, have been able to rely on private likely to be at least £100 billion, and probably more. tutoring. What the Government are now doing is coming Who will be hardest hit? Kids from disadvantaged in on the side of all the other kids who do not get access backgrounds. to that tutoring—6 million children will have access to tuition thanks to this programme. It is a fantastic thing; If the Government do not change course, this will it is a revolution in education for this country. If he is hold Britain back for a generation. Here is the difference now saying that he supports it, that is a good thing, between us and them: when Labour says education is although I have learnt in the course of the last year that our No. 1 priority, we mean it. That is why we published his support can sometimes be evanescent. a bold £15 billion plan for every child to catch up on education, and we are putting it to a vote this afternoon. Keir Starmer: The Prime Minister pretends he is here If the Prime Minister is really serious about this, he for the other kids. The report says that the attainment would back the motion. Will he do so? gap will go up by between 10% and 24% if the action is not taken, and he has just rejected it. How can he be on The Prime Minister: Mr Speaker, I will tell you the the side of the other kids? Come off it! We have been difference between us and the party opposite: we put in here before: free school meals—U-turn; exams fiasco— the tough measures that are needed to give kids across U-turn; and now catch-up. The Prime Minister has the country a better education. When we rolled out the been all over the place when it comes to education, and academies programme, which has driven up standards, he is on the wrong side of it again. who opposed it? They did. When we put in tough I now want to turn to this week’s G7, which will be measures to ensure discipline in schools, they opposed the first major summit since the recovery. The UK it. At the last election, they even campaigned to get rid needs to lead, not just to host. The priority must, of of Ofsted, which is so vital. [Interruption.] They did. course, be a clear plan to vaccinate the world. As the He stood on a manifesto to get rid of Ofsted. delta variant shows, nobody is safe from this virus until Will he now say that he supports not only our tuition everybody is safe. The Prime Minister has made big programme but our radical programme to support teachers promises on this, but it needs a truly global effort to with better training? We are now putting in not only a make it happen, so will he take the lead at the G7 and starting salary for teachers of £30,000, which we have do whatever is necessary to make global vaccinations a introduced, but another £400 million to support better reality? training for teachers. That is what we are backing in our party.These are serious, costed reforms, based on evidence, The Prime Minister: Yes, indeed. What the people unlike anything he is producing. [Interruption.] of this country also understand is that not only were we able to give one of the first authorisations for the Mr Speaker: Order. Can we have just a little less -AstraZeneca vaccine, but, thanks to the deal shouting? I remind the Prime Minister that this is Prime the Government did between the Oxford scientists and Minister’s questions, and it is not about the agenda of AstraZeneca, we were able to ensure that one in three of the last general election. [Interruption.] Ofsted was not the 1.5 billion doses that have been distributed around the question. I am not interested in what the Opposition the world are the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. That is put on the agenda; I am more interested in you answering global Britain in action, to say nothing of the billion the question. vaccines that we hope to raise from the G7 this week.

Keir Starmer: Mr Speaker, let me take this very slowly Keir Starmer: That would sound a lot better if the for the Prime Minister. The Collins review, commissioned Prime Minister was not the only G7 leader cutting his by the Government, was very clear: if the Collins proposed aid budget. I hear what he says about vaccines, but we action is not taken, the attainment gap will rise by also need clear global agreement and global funding. between 10% and 24%. That was on a slide shown to the Hundreds of former leaders, businesses and development 951 Oral Answers 9 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 952 groups have called for exactly that kind of leadership at this opportunity to wish all the best to our country,Scotland the G7, and that is what we need to see from the Prime —to Steve Clarke and the team—and to remind the team Minister this weekend. The G7, bilateral discussions that it is time for heroes? with President Biden and the possibility of a new Later this week, the Prime Minister will walk into the Government in Israel also provide a real chance to restart G7 summit as the only leader who is cutting development a meaningful middle east peace process. The appalling aid to the world’s poorest. At the very moment when violence recently, which killed 63 children in Gaza and global leadership is needed more than ever, this Tory two children in Israel, shows just how urgent this is. For Government are walking away from millions still struggling too many people in Palestine, the promise of an end to from the covid pandemic and a poverty pandemic. The the occupation and a recognised sovereign Palestinian Prime Minister has been hiding on this issue for months. state feels more distant than ever, so will the Prime This is a Government on the run from their own moral Minister take the opportunity this weekend to press for and legal responsibilities and on the run from their own renewed international agreement to finally recognise Back Benchers. The Prime Minister cannot hide from the state of Palestine, alongside a safe and secure Israel; this issue any longer and he cannot run from democracy to stop the expansion of illegal settlements; and to get a in this House. Will he stand up today and commit to a meaningful peace process back up and running? straight vote in this House on his inhumane cuts, as demanded by the Speaker? Prime Minister, it is a very The Prime Minister: It has been a long-standing simple question: yes or no? objective of this Government, and I think it is common ground across the House, that the solution for the middle The Prime Minister: I wish all the very best to Scotland east peace process is a two-state solution. We continue and England and all the home nations that may be to press for that, and I have made that position plain in playing—I do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman my conversations with both the Palestinian Authority is going to reciprocate, Mr Speaker, but you never know. and of course with Israel. It was worth a shot, I thought. The right hon. and learned Gentleman attacked the Ian Blackford indicated assent. Government for failing to be sufficiently ambitious in our overseas aid spending—I think I heard him say that The Prime Minister: Oh, he did. Good—that’s nice of in that compendious question. [Interruption.] He is him. gesturing at the Government Benches. Under this Anyway, the answer is clear: as I said to the right hon. Government we have spent more and continue to spend and learned Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Keir more than Labour ever did under Blair and under Brown, Starmer), the people of this country were given a vote and even when they were spending money on Brazilian on this and many other matters very recently and they dancers in Hackney—which is what they did—to raise adjudicated very firmly in favour of the balance that the consciousness of global poverty.Weare spending £10 billion Government are striking. We are in very, very difficult a year at a time of acute financial difficulty for this financial times, but you should not believe the lefty country, and I think the British people know that that is propaganda, Mr Speaker, that you hear from those on the right priority for this country. If Labour Members the Opposition Benches. We are spending £10 billion want a vote on that matter, I remind them that the overseas. We have actually increased—[Interruption.] people of this country had an opportunity last month All they want to do is run this country down when we to vote on the way the Government were handling have increased spending on girls’ education alone to things and the balance that we were striking, and they half a billion pounds—almost half a billion pounds. adjudicated firmly in favour of the Government. The That is a fantastic sum of money to be spending in Opposition pontificate and prevaricate and procrastinate— difficult times and we should be proud.

Mr Speaker: Felicity Kendal, come on! [Laughter.] Ian Blackford: I have to say that I do not think I ever Buchan even! heard the previous Prime Minister,the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), call the left propagandists. [901065] Felicity Buchan (Kensington) (Con): Thank The simple fact of the matter is that every single party, you, Mr Speaker. You have made me slightly older. every single Member of this House, stood on a manifesto commitment of 0.7%. The Prime Minister has reneged I am proud of my Government’s record on the on that, and Mr Speaker has indicated that the Government environment and the fact that we have cut emissions at should allow a vote on it. It is pretty basic stuff. After a the fastest rate of any G7 country. I welcome the fact year dealing with the deadly virus, why cannot the that the Lancaster West estate in my constituency has Prime Minister get this? In a pandemic, no one is safe benefited from a green grant of almost £20 million to until everyone is safe. Now is the time to support each decarbonise. Does my right hon. Friend agree that we other, not to walk away from those in need. People are need to build back better in a green way and in a way dying and they need our help. The Prime Minister has that levels up all parts of the United Kingdom? the nerve to brag about the Government’s support for the vulnerable, and at the very same time he is slashing The Prime Minister: Yes, I do—my hon. Friend is £4.5 billion from the world’s poorest. In the week of the absolutely right. That is why we have committed a total G7, what kind of world leader washes their hands of of £3.8 billion to fund energy improvement in the responsibility by cutting water and hygiene projects by performance of social rented homes in particular. more than 80% in the middle of a pandemic?

Ian Blackford (Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (SNP): I am The Prime Minister: I may say that I think that the sure we are all looking forward to the European last contribution was absolutely disgraceful. The people championships kicking off later this week. May I take of this country have gone through a very difficult time. 953 Oral Answers 9 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 954

We have had to spend £407 billion supporting jobs, [901061] Mr (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): families and livelihoods throughout the country, and In his very first speech, the Prime Minister mentioned yet we are continuing to support international vaccination. levelling up. My constituents want to know when it is This country has contributed £1.6 billion to Gavi, the going to start. I understand that he has lived a life of Vaccine Alliance and I think £548 million to COVAX. privilege and does not know much about the public, Let me just remind the right hon. Gentleman of the state sector; he knows a lot about the private sector in statistic that I mentioned earlier.One in three of the vaccines education. What are the markers for success? The fact being distributed around the world to the poorest and of the matter is that the head of his own Industrial the neediest come from the Oxford-AstraZeneca supply, Strategy Council says that his levelling up, with these thanks to the deal that this Government did—or does resources and with this management team, will not the name “Oxford-AstraZeneca” continue to stick in his work and will not be successful, and my local Kirklees craw? Council says it is so complex that nothing is flowing down to the grassroots. When will we see the first signs [901066] Scott Benton (Blackpool South) (Con): I of genuine levelling up in our country? welcome plans outlined by the Education Secretary last week that will oversee a tutoring revolution in this The Prime Minister: What we are seeing across the country—a proven way to help the most disadvantaged country is people responding to massive investment— children to catch up. Will the Prime Minister confirm a £640 billion programme of investment in roads, in that this is just one part of our wider plan to ensure that schools, in hospitals, in policing—that, bit by bit, is no child misses out as a consequence of the disruption transforming people’s lives, hopes and opportunities. caused by this pandemic? That is fundamentally the difference between the hon. Gentleman’s side of the argument and ours. We believe The Prime Minister: Yes. I thank my hon. Friend, that there is talent, genius and flair around the whole because the whole point of the tutoring programme is country but opportunity is not evenly distributed. That that it is evidence-based. Every tutoring programme—there is our ambition and that is what we are doing with our are 6 million children who can benefit—is equivalent to campaign for levelling up. If he is now saying, by the three to five months of educational catch-up. We will way, that he supports what we are doing on the tutoring also be looking at increasing time in schools. I hope that revolution—because I know he is a great educational the loyal Opposition will use their influence with their expert—then I am glad to hear it. paymasters in the teaching unions to encourage them in that objective. [901071] Brendan Clarke-Smith (Bassetlaw) (Con): My constituents in Bassetlaw have been the victims of Colum Eastwood (Foyle) (SDLP): The Prime Minister illegal encampments, most recently at Farr Park in knows full well that the best way to reduce checks in the Worksop, where local taxpayers have been left with a Irish sea is make do a Swiss-style sanitary and phytosanitary clean-up bill running into thousands of pounds, and agreement with the European Union. So far, he has residents have been left feeling powerless following a decided not to do that. Why is he prioritising cheap, sustained period of antisocial behaviour in the locality. dodgy beef from Australia over the concerns of the Could the Prime Minister tell us what steps we are now people of and reducing checks in the taking to ensure that we stop this happening in the Irish sea? future and allow residents and local authorities to take back control of trespassing? The Prime Minister: No, what we are prioritising is the right and the ability of the people of Northern Ireland The Prime Minister: The Police, Crime, Sentencing to have access—as they should, freely and uninterruptedly and Courts Bill, my hon. Friend will be pleased to know, —to goods and services from the whole of the UK, and introduces a new criminal offence where a person who we are working to ensure that we protect the territorial resides or intends to reside on land in a vehicle without and economic integrity of our country. That is what permission and has caused or is likely to cause significant matters. damage or distress can face new penalties. Guess who voted against that Bill on a three-line Whip? Does [901070] (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): anybody know? It was the right hon. and learned Member The Prime Minister’s excellent First Homes policy will for Holborn and St Pancras and his entire party. allow tens of thousands of key workers and local first-time buyers to buy a home every year at a discount of up to [901062] Fabian Hamilton ( North East) (Lab): A 50% on the market price. Will he consider turbocharging few years ago, one of my elderly constituents with late- that policy by establishing a national land commission stage dementia was married by a man who had befriended to assemble public sector land to facilitate the development her. Upon her death, the man subsequently inherited the of potentially hundreds of thousands of more half-price whole of her estate because under the law as it stands homes so that more people can see the benefits of home their marriage had revoked her previous will. Hundreds ownership? of people since then have contacted me citing similar experiences, but three Registrars General have refused The Prime Minister: I thank my hon. Friend. Last to meet me to discuss it. So will the Prime Minister now year, in spite of the difficulties we faced, we delivered act to bring this cruel exploitation to an end? the highest number of new homes for over 30 years, but his point is an extremely good one. As all hon. Members The Prime Minister: I thank the hon. Gentleman for know, we must find better, faster ways of releasing raising the concern that he has and the injustice that publicly owned land—brownfield sites—for development, he mentions. I will make sure that he gets a meeting and that is exactly why we are looking at the suggestion as soon as possible with the relevant Minister in the he makes. Justice Department. 955 Oral Answers 9 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 956

[901073] Mr David Jones (Clwyd West) (Con): According expert witness who told them that he thought the company to newspaper reports, the European Union is unhappy was breaking the law, but before the FCA took any with the negotiating style of the right hon. Lord Frost. decisive action. How many more scandals like that will Does my right hon. Friend agree that in fact Lord Frost it take before we have a regulatory environment that is is doing a superb job negotiating in the national interest? fit for purpose and that offers our constituents proper Does he further agree with Lord Frost’s assessment that protection against investment scams? the Northern Ireland protocol, as currently applied, is unsustainable and that matters would be considerably The Prime Minister: I thank the hon. Gentleman for easier if the European Union were to adopt a more raising that case. I am afraid I had no advance notice of pragmatic approach rather than the purist approach it the question and cannot comment on the case, save to is adopting at the moment? say that if he will send me details, we will get back to him as soon as we can. The Prime Minister: I thank my right hon. Friend and I agree with him completely, because I think that Sir (Southend West) (Con): I am delighted David Frost—Lord Frost—is doing an outstanding job. that Southend-on-Sea has now been given the opportunity I venture to say that he is the greatest Frost since the to become a city. Great Frost of 1709 or whenever it was. In the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, a million and a half ladies were forced to give up their babies for adoption. By any [901063] Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): standards that was cruel, and the hurt is still felt by The Prime Minister has seen his adviser on ethics and those ladies today. Does my right hon. Friend agree that standards resign over his failure to uphold the ministerial an apology should be given, and that all those involved code, he has seen the head of the Government Legal in the process should acknowledge that forced adoption Department resign over his failure to uphold international was wrong? law, and he has seen his adviser on education catch-up resign over his failure to provide proper funding for The Prime Minister: I echo my hon. Friend’s sentiments children. Why does the Prime Minister think this keeps about Southend, but also what he says about those who happening to him? have been affected by forced adoption. The practices that led to forced adoption cannot now occur because The Prime Minister: I am indebted to everybody who the law protects birth parents. He asks for an apology; I serves the Government in whatever capacity. We have a can tell him that the agencies involved in forced adoption lot of very tough decisions to make but we will continue in the past have apologised for their role—and quite to get on with delivering the people’s priorities—and by right too. the way, we will continue to ensure that we deliver value for money, that we do not waste taxpayers’ money, and [901072] Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab) [V]: As eloquently that Ministers follow the ministerial code. highlighted by my right hon. and learned Friend the Leader of the Opposition, recent reports have revealed Mrs (Maidenhead) (Con): In April 1989, that during the pandemic the loss in learning has been 96 fans were unlawfully killed at Hillsborough, absolutely catastrophic. The north-east is once again, yet nobody has been successfully prosecuted for their sadly, trailing the field, with the loss in some subjects part in those unlawful killings. The most recent trial more than double that of other regions. The attainment collapsed, because although it was accepted that police gap, which has been mentioned, between the most and evidence had been altered, as it was evidence to a public least affluent areas is potentially set to grow by between inquiry, it did not constitute perversion of the course of 10% and 24%. That is desperate, ye knaa—really desperate. justice. Will my right hon. Friend urgently look at the The Government’s catch-up funding is quite simply ramifications of that judgment for current and future derisory, too small, too narrow, too slow—comments public inquiries, and ensure that people are given the articulated by the former education recovery chief before justice that has been so cruelly denied to the families of his unfortunate resignation. Prime Minister, the parents the Hillsborough 96? in Wansbeck in my constituency are listening. You have a wonderfully privileged educational background. Can The Prime Minister: I thank my right hon. Friend for you use it to explain how 20p per day helps kids in my her question. Of course, the families of the 96 who died patch catch up? in the Hillsborough disaster and those who were injured have shown tremendous courage and determination. The Prime Minister: I can tell the hon. Gentleman My right hon. Friend raises a particular issue about the that, again, I am afraid what he is saying is completely recent court case and asks for a review of the law. I can wrong. The sums that we are already investing in education give her the reassurance that we will always consider are huge and we have announced a £3 billion additional opportunities to review the law and how it operates if package of catch-up, investing not just in teacher training— necessary, and we will certainly be looking at the case another £400 million to help teachers improve their she describes. qualifications as they go up the ladder—but in the biggest tuition programme in the history of this country: [901067] Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP) [V]: In just the biggest anywhere in the world. That will make a over three years, the directors of Blackmore Bond plc huge difference to young people in Wansbeck and across took £46 million of other people’s money and made it the country. Many kids are getting private tuition at the disappear. Around 2,800 small investors, whose money moment, but loads are not. We want to level up. the directors promised would be secure, now face losing everything. Most of the money—around £26 million—was Nicola Richards ( East) (Con): Recently, taken by Blackmore Bond after the Financial Conduct I met Giani Singh, who 25 years ago founded the Sikh Authority had received compelling evidence from an Helpline UK, which is based on West Bromwich High 957 Oral Answers 9 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 958

Street. I went to hear about the fantastic work that it Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab): “Our has done over the years, supporting the community with greatest national asset”; “Best of this country”; “Record advice on issues such as hate crime, domestic violence, increase in funding”; “Saved my life—no question”; bullying, mental health, addiction and more. Will the “My No.1 priority”—all things that the Prime Minister Prime Minister join me in thanking Giani Ji and the said about our NHS. Yet award-winning South Tyneside team for their work and wish them the very best of luck District Hospital has lost vital services and been told by with their 350-mile charity bike ride from Edinburgh to his Government to make further cuts to remaining West Bromwich next month? services. Later today, I am presenting a petition on behalf of more than 40,000 of my constituents who are The Prime Minister: I thank my hon. Friend for against these cuts. Like me, they want him to help us raising the important work of the Sikh Helpline UK. I save our hospital and ensure, for once, that he is able to am very happy to join her in wishing Giani Singh and match his rhetoric with some action. Will he? the team the very best of luck for their charity bike ride. The Prime Minister: Yes, and all the changes that the [901074] JonathanEdwards(CarmarthenEastandDinefwr) hon. Lady mentions will be consulted on in the usual (Ind): is quickly turning into a story of betrayals. way. I note that Dr Shahid Wahid, the executive medical First, it was the Northern Irish Unionists, then it was director of the trust, was recently quoted in the Shields the fishermen, and now our farmers face a skewed Gazette as saying: trade deal with Australia. The big question therefore is: “This is about improving surgical services…It is not about who comes next? Considering that the Trade Remedies downgrading anything”. Authority wants to cut protections on half of the steel products previously protected by the EU, are our steel The hon. Lady mentions cuts: this Government, this year industry and the vast supply chain that it sustains next alone, have given another £92 billion—£92 billion—to in line? support our NHS, on top of the huge commitments that we have already made. The Prime Minister: No. I suggest to the hon. Gentleman that once again he is completely missing the dynamism Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con): Yesterday we had the and optimism of so many people I meet in the agricultural fantastic announcement of £25 million of investment sector, who see opportunities for Welsh lamb and Welsh into Redcar town centre, which will allow us to build a beef around the world. Why is he not thinking of this as new water sports facility at Coatham, a new indoor an opportunity for exports, instead of cowering in this activity centre on the Esplanade and give the town a way? Welsh lamb, Welsh beef and Welsh farmers can do much-needed lift. I am working with the council on brilliantly from the deals that we are opening up around other bids for Eston, a tier 6 area, but in the meantime the world. He should be championing Welsh agriculture may I invite the Prime Minister to come to the mighty and Welsh produce. Redcar and see our plans for levelling up our area—and I will even treat him to a lemon top? Claire Coutinho (East Surrey) (Con): In East Surrey I have been working with brilliant parish councils in The Prime Minister: I thank my hon. Friend, who is a Smallfield, Burstow and Horne to ensure that we can fantastic advocate for the people of Redcar. Thanks at get a better balance on heavy goods vehicle movements, least partly to his advocacy, we have announced a town allowing local businesses to thrive but ensuring that deal to benefit Redcar and the levelling-up fund will residents feel safe. I welcome the Government’s work to help secure local investment in infrastructure and clamp down on moving traffic offences, but would the communities in Redcar. As and when my diary permits, Prime Minister also consider taking another look at the I will be thrilled to join him for what I think he described powers of the traffic commissioners to ensure that we as a lemon top. can find a balance? Mr Speaker: I am now suspending the House to The Prime Minister: I thank my hon. Friend for enable the necessary arrangements to be made for the raising this point. Traffic enforcement outside next business. can only be undertaken by the police, but I will certainly look at the role of the traffic commissioners in the cases 12.40 pm that she describes. Sitting suspended. 959 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 960 Young People Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): Is the hon. Opposition Day Lady suggesting that that figure she has just given for the US relates solely to catch-up funding and therefore 1ST ALLOTTED DAY is comparable? Does she need to add up a number of figures from the British Government for English schools? Investing in Children and Young People Is she suggesting that that is what that figure refers to? Kate Green: It is certainly not 30 times out in its 12.44 pm accuracy. The right hon. Gentleman is right, of course, Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): I beg to to ask about the make-up of the different figures, but move, even on my most generous interpretation of the amount the Government have put in over the past year to That this House regrets the resignation of the education recovery support children’s catch-up, which I calculate would commissioner,Sir Kevan Collins, over the Government’s inadequate proposals to support children after the coronavirus pandemic; amount to £310 per pupil, we are still well short of what agrees with Sir Kevan’s assessment that the current half-hearted other countries are spending. approach risks failing hundreds of thousands of young people; and therefore calls on the Government to bring forward a more Tim Farron: The hon. Lady has rightly pointed out ambitious plan before the onset of the school summer holiday that the Government’s own expert adviser recommended which includes an uplift to the pupil premium and increased 10 times more money than is being given, so I am sure investment in targeted support, makes additional funding available she would agree that this is an outrage. Does she also to schools for extracurricular clubs and activities to boost children’s agree that headteachers and teachers will make the best wellbeing, and provides free school meals to all eligible children use they can of what paltry money the Government do throughout the summer holiday. give them, so is it not right that the professional judgment It is a privilege to open this debate. Today I invite hon. of headteachers should be trusted in how they spend and right hon. Members from all parts of the House to that money? Yes, there has to be accountability, but put children and young people first and support our surely they should be given the freedom to make the motion. I do not believe there is a single Member of this best choices of how to make the best use of what money House who does not agree that children and young they are given. people are our country’s most precious asset, that as we emerge from the pandemic and begin to rebuild our Kate Green: I am grateful for the opportunity to echo country their education and wellbeing must be our top the appreciation of the work that school leaders and priority, and that we owe it to them to match the staff have been doing over the past 15 months of the ambition, optimism and enthusiasm they have for their pandemic, and of course we must respect and recognise own lives and their futures with measures to ensure that their professional judgment. every child can enjoy an enriching childhood and achieve The suggestion that last week’s announcement is just their full potential. So Conservative Members must an instalment and that there will be a review of what understand not just my dismay, but the dismay of every more is needed is both wholly unnecessary,when Sir Kevan teacher and parent I have spoken to in the past week at Collins has laid out a clear and comprehensive plan, the wholly inadequate announcement from the Secretary and is an insult to children who have already lost of State, providing just 10% of the funding that the between two and four months of classroom time and Government’s own highly respected expert education should not have to wait another term or more for the adviser Sir Kevan Collins had said was needed to enable support that they need to recover from the pandemic. children and young people to bounce back from the pandemic. If this Government really want to make Jonathan Gullis (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Con): In the good on the Prime Minister’sclaim that children’seducation proposals that Sir Kevan Collins made, how much of is his priority, the paltry announcement we got last the £15 billion was related to the half-hour extension of week is simply inexplicable. As we know, the plans fall the school day? Does the hon. Lady agree that if we are so far short of what is needed that Sir Kevan refused to to do something as radical as extending the school day, be associated with them and resigned last Wednesday. which I support, the evidence base should be looked at He described them as too small, too narrow and too late and it should be done carefully? We will have trade unions —and he was right. to negotiate with, and rightly so, as well as teachers who are not on contracts and may have had their hours Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale) (LD): Will the extended beyond 4 o’clock already. There are problems hon. Lady give way? with suddenly announcing things without having carefully thought them through. Kate Green: I will not at the moment, if the hon. Gentleman will forgive me. There was nothing in the Kate Green: If I may say so, I think that the hon. plans to support children’s socio-emotional wellbeing, Gentleman is probably building up more problems than which parents and teachers have told us again and again actually exist in the provision of extended activities at is their priority for children and young people. I support the end of an enhanced school day. We already know small group tutoring as an element of supporting children that many schools are able to provide some such activities, to catch up on lost learning, but last week’s announcement and that it is not just through schools, but through of additional funding will amount to just one hour per youth and community organisations, that such activities fortnight per child of tutoring, and the Government’s can be added to the school day. We are talking about package performs woefully when compared with those ensuring that every child has the opportunity to benefit of other countries, amounting to just £50 per pupil as soon as possible—we had 15 months to plan this— compared with £1,600 in the USA and £2,500 in the from the enhancement that those activities can bring to Netherlands. their childhood. 961 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 962 Young People Young People The Conservative party’s plans are a terrible betrayal three months for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. of children and young people’s excitement at being It is therefore all the more disappointing that the back in class with their friends and teachers, their Government have failed to invest in these activities. optimism and their aspirations for the future. Today, I Of course, as the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent hope that we can come together as a House to resolve to North (Jonathan Gullis) rightly says, children are resilient, do better. Last week, I was proud to publish Labour’s and many will be able to overcome the challenges and children’s recovery plan, which proposes a package of disruption of the past 15 months, but some will struggle measures for schools, early years and further education and need more help to recover. That is why Labour’s plan settings to address children and young people’s learning also proposes funding to meet their needs by providing loss and their wellbeing. schools with additional resources to hire specialist counselling or mental health provision. Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con) rose— Mental health support, and activities that make use Kate Green: I give way to the Chair of the Select of schools’ fabulous facilities to provide an enhanced Committee on Education. offer at the end of the school day, are important in and of themselves. They also free up teachers to concentrate Robert Halfon: I agree with my hon. Friend the more of their time on children’s learning. However, Member for Stoke-on-Trent North (Jonathan Gullis), more must be done to make up lost learning. Although because I think that a longer school day is essential. In small group tutoring will help, the truth is that most the media last week, the hon. Member for Stretford and children are going to do most of their learning in class, Urmston (Kate Green) said that she opposed a longer alongside their classmates. school day. There is a big difference between a longer That is why Labour would reverse the Government’s school day and enhanced activities, and a longer school £133 million stealth cut to the pupil premium, and why day is a core part of Sir Kevan Collins’s programme. I we are calling for a further boost to the pupil premium think we need the Labour party to be clear on exactly in early years and schools, as well as for its extension to what it supports. further education, to reach the most disadvantaged children and young people—including, of course, those with Kate Green: My reading of Sir Kevan’s proposals is special educational needs and disabilities or in alternative that the longer day would be used for exactly the kind of provision. That targeted funding will enable teachers to activities that the Labour party supports: social and focus extra attention on the children who need it most, emotional play,learning and development-related activities, helping to close the attainment gap, which Sir Kevan including sport, the arts, drama, debating, music and so suggests could have increased by between 10% and on. There is also time, of course, for some focus on 24% as a result of the pandemic. formal, more structured learning, but we have heard Finally—hon. Members must forgive a sense of déjà again and again from teachers and parents, as I am sure vu here—our motion calls on the Government fully to Conservative Members have, that children get tired and deliver free school meals to every child eligible for them their concentration wanes after seven or eight hours. over the summer holidays. The current guidance for the Government’s holiday activities and food programme Jonathan Gullis indicated dissent. proposes that children should receive that support on Kate Green: There is no point in the hon. Member just 16 out of 30 weekdays this summer. No one in this shaking his head. That is what they told us. Any parent House would think it acceptable for their children to be will recognise the fact that expecting children— fed only once every two days, so why do the Government think it is acceptable for the 1.6 million children eligible Jonathan Gullis: Children are far more resilient. for free school meals? Children do not go on half rations just because it is the holidays. The Government really Kate Green: I am coming on to children’s resilience, must put this right before this term ends, to ensure that so it will be good to speak about that in a moment. I no child goes hungry over the summer. think we have to be realistic about expecting children to Today, more than 200 charities, education experts, work full on, especially children who may already have business leaders, unions and young people have called a large amount of homework. We have to be realistic on the Government to put children at the heart of the about what childhood is for. Enhancing a school day, of recovery, so it would be especially fitting for every hon. course, increases some learning opportunities, but we Member in this House to support our motion today—to have to recognise that play, social activity, arts, culture support our call for the development, by the summer, of and music are also learning activities and will therefore an ambitious recovery plan that enables our children to enhance children’s attainment. access world-class education, receive support for their In recent months, parents and teachers have told us mental health and wellbeing, enjoy the opportunity to again and again that socio-emotional wellbeing and make the most of their childhood, and achieve their full time for children to be with their friends is their top potential. priority. That is why our plan would see all schools As adults, we have a responsibility to match the offering new extracurricular activities, from breakfast ambition that children have for their own future. That is clubs to sport, music, art and drama, creating time for why addressing the impact of the pandemic on young children and young people to play and socialise, and people must be our priority, for their life chances and removing the cost barrier that prevents all schools from wellbeing, and for our country’s future success and offering those activities or all children from participating prosperity. Today, we have set out how Labour would in them. Such targeted programmes can also help to make Britain the best country in the world to grow up accelerate children’s academic development, delivering in. This afternoon, I hope that Members across the House two months of additional progress, which rises to around will join us in voting for that bold ambition. 963 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 964 Young People Young People 12.58 pm critical workers have been able to attend school throughout the pandemic. What a debt of gratitude we all owe to The Minister for School Standards (Nick Gibb): I the thousands of teachers and support staff who have welcome this debate and the opportunity that it gives us kept our schools open, even during the darkest days of to set out clearly what we have done and what we plan this pandemic. to do to ensure that no child—no child, Mr Speaker—will suffer damage to their long-term prospects because of In 2019, we secured the biggest school funding settlement the pandemic. As I listened to the hon. Member for in over a decade—a three-year settlement adding Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green) talk about vision £14.4 billion in total to school funding—and we reconfirmed and ambition, I asked myself, where was she—where the 2021-22 school funding settlement, even as the Treasury was the Labour party—on all the big strategic decisions faced enormous bills as we fought the pandemic, while we have taken since 2010 to transform our education protecting people’s incomes and jobs. system and drive up academic standards in our schools? Kate Green: Surely the Minister accepts that the Where was the Labour party in 2010, when we reformed figures he suggests for school funding ignore and overlook the national curriculum, replacing Labour’s dry, the fact that we have seen a real-terms funding cut for bureaucratic, competence-based curriculum with a schools of 9% over the last 10 years. curriculum rich in the knowledge that children need to succeed? Where was Labour when we transformed the Nick Gibb: That is not what the Institute for Fiscal teaching of reading and introduced the phonics screening Studies says is the record of our spending on schools check, ensuring that every child is set on the path to once we reach the end of the three-year financial settlement becoming a fluent reader? Where was Labour when we for schools. extended the academies programme to primary schools When schools were closed to most pupils in March and to good and outstanding schools to give them the last year, we continued to provide support to pupils autonomy to drive up standards even further and to help eligible for free school meals, even though they were at underperforming schools improve? Where was Labour home, and we extended it to the Easter holiday, to the when we introduced the EBacc performance measure, Whitsun half-term and, with inspiration from Marcus ensuring that more young people are studying the core Rashford, to the long summer break. Altogether, over academic subjects at GCSE—English, maths, science, £450 million has been spent through the food voucher history or geography and a foreign language —that are scheme. We invested more than £400 million to provide so fundamental to later progress and success? laptops, tablets and internet access, with over 1.3 million It is this party’s vision, ambition and actions that, computers built to order, imported, configured and under three Conservative Prime Ministers, have led to delivered to schools, so that every child, regardless of the attainment gap between those from disadvantaged means, could continue to study and be taught while backgrounds and their peers closing by 13% in primary locked down at home. Again, what a debt of gratitude schools between 2011 and 2019 and by 9% in secondary we owe to our teachers, who have developed lessons and schools. It is this party’s vision, ambition and actions learned how to teach remotely and to engage their that have resulted in 86% of schools being judged by pupils while confronting their own challenges in working Ofsted as good or outstanding, compared with just from home. 68% when we came into office, despite the bar of what We supported the inception of the Oak National makes a good or outstanding school being raised. It is Academy, helping schools to provide high-quality online this party’s ambition, vision and actions that have led to lessons. Thanks to the hard work and brilliance of scores this country rising in the international league tables of of highly talented teachers, that has led to over 94 million children’s reading ability—we were up to joint eighth views and downloads of those lessons, and Oak will place in the progress in international reading literacy continue to have a critical part to play in helping schools study published in 2016—with nine to 10-year-olds and helping pupils to catch up. from this country scoring our highest ever results and low-attaining pupils improving the most. We put in place a system of controls in schools to ensure that as they reopened after the summer, they The commitment of Conservatives to educational would be as safe as possible from the spread of the standards and to the success of our school system was virus. We also provided £139 million to help schools demonstrated clearly when, in 2010, even as we had to cope with the exceptional costs that they faced during tackle the crisis in the public finances after the global the first lockdown. Again, I thank teachers and support financial crisis, school funding was one of just three staff for all their hard work last summer to adapt their areas of public spending that were protected from the schools and introduce the new safety measures. spending constraints needed at the time to restore confidence In June 2020, while we were still in lockdown, the in our public finances and our economy. At every stage Prime Minister announced the first £1 billion commitment of this appalling pandemic, it is the commitment of this to ensuring that pupils were able to catch up: £650 million Conservative Government, the Prime Minister, the of catch-up premium and £350 million for a teaching Chancellor and the Education Secretary to education programme—a new initiative to provide private one-to- standards and to the success of our schools that has one or small-group tuition for the children most in meant that we have taken every step possible to protect need. Wecreated a market. Weworked with the Education the education and life chances of young people. Endowment Foundation to identify and evaluate the Our commitment to education has been at the core of best tutoring companies—33 in all—and asked them to the Government’s decision making, only closing schools expand their number of tutors. So far, more than 230,000 when absolutely necessary and reopening them before pupils have been enrolled, and our announcement last any other sector of society and the economy, and ensuring week extends that further still to 6 million courses. This that the most vulnerable children and the children of is an evidence-based approach that research suggests 965 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 966 Young People Young People that could help to boost progress by up to three to five If having pupils back at school and benefiting from months for every pupil who takes one of those 6 million great teaching is key to catch-up, why would not a courses. Combined with our provision through the 16 to proposal to extend the time that children spend at 19 tuition fund, it will amount to 100 million hours of school be a highly effective measure to increase attainment tutoring over the next three years. and help children to catch up what has been lost during the pandemic? That is why we are reviewing the evidence Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): Would the money not be of the benefits of a longer school day and consulting better spent through the schools themselves? Are teachers with parents, teachers and pupils about how and whether not in the best position to identify the pupils who are in to introduce such measures. It would be a big change the greatest need of additional tuition? Could teachers and would require significant funding and more teachers, not work in small groups with children to advance them which is why we are right to take a short period of time through the school curriculum, rather than involve outside to review the evidence and consult. The review will be companies that have no idea of the history of the children ready in time for the spending review later this year. or their records? Cat Smith (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Lab): The Nick Gibb: We want to have both. In the package that Minister has been on his feet for over 10 minutes now. we announced last week, £579 million is allocated to Does he share my concern and that of the Disabled schools to do just that. They can use that money either Children’s Partnership that disabled children and parent to employ local tutors or to free up their own teachers carers have been completely missed out of the Government’s to tutor the pupils who they know need the most help. plans for education catch-up? What message does he The idea behind the hon. Gentleman’s exhortation was send to parents of disabled children? announced last week. Nick Gibb: I do not accept the hon. Member’s views. Tim Farron: I have raised with the Prime Minister the We have put disabled children and children with special issue of the Government directly commissioning outdoor educational needs absolutely at the core of our decision education centres—of which there are dozens of excellent making. We have enabled vulnerable children to remain examples in Cumbria—to make use of their skills and in school—in special schools or in mainstream schools— talents to help re-engage young people with a love of throughout the pandemic. As for all the funding that learning. It is not about cramming subject-wise. Will we have allocated to schools, particularly through the the Minister engage with me and Brathay, the charity in £650 million catch-up premium, three times as much my constituency that has written a draft proposal for funding per pupil was allocated to children with special the Prime Minister, to see whether we can make that a educational needs and disabilities through that programme, reality in schools right throughout the country, not just demonstrating our understanding and concern about in Cumbria? those children, in particular, in our school system.

Nick Gibb: Yes; we share the hon. Gentleman’sambition. Valerie Vaz ( South) (Lab): May I put on Outdoor education centres are wonderful places, and record my thanks to the Minister for taking a personal none are more wonderful, of course, than those in the interest in Joseph Leckie Academy? The building is Lake district, which the hon. Gentleman represents. I looking absolutely fantastic, and I hope he comes to visit. would be happy to discuss those issues with him further. However, I want to pick him up on funding, because He will know that residential courses are now available some of my heads in Walsall South do not recognise the for schoolchildren as a result of our moving to step 3 of extra funding that the Government say they are giving. the road map. Many are operating on a deficit. Will he write to me and In February this year we announced £700 million of set out exactly which schools are operating on a deficit funding to extend the tutoring programme, to provide and which are operating on a surplus? extra funding to schools through the recovery premium, and to fund a summer school programme aimed at Nick Gibb: Yes, I would be delighted to write to the year 6 pupils who are about to start secondary school. right hon. Member. We know that schools are spending But of all the catch-up and education recovery initiatives considerable sums during this period. As I have set out, and funding that we have announced and provided this we have all the different funding provisions that we have year and last year, the most important catch-up is allocated to schools for catch-up and, indeed, through happening every day in tens of thousands of classrooms the exceptional costs fund during the period from March throughout the country. Eight million pupils are back to July. There have been other schemes—when there in school—back to the routines and disciplines of study have been excessive numbers of staff off, for example—in and to being taught by 450,000 highly qualified and which we have provided funding for schools. Schools committed teachers. That is why the Government have that are in serious trouble with their finances will always been so determined to reopen schools to all pupils at the have recourse to their local authority or to the Department, earliest, safest moment, and it is why the £400 million of if they are an academy,to tackle those particular challenges. funding for continuing professional development and teacher training is probably the most important element Craig Williams (Montgomeryshire) (Con): The Minister of the package of measures that we announced last is right about the importance of face-to-face and in-school week. We are supporting teachers with 500,000 courses education. I welcome a lot of the funding announced over the next three years, helping the profession to be for England, but as a Welsh Member of Parliament, I the best that it can be, and supporting the professional note that our school attendance is the worst in the development of early years practitioners, with all the Union. I implore him to work with the Welsh Government, benefits that great teaching will bring for pupils and on the review, the funding and the tutors that he is for catch-up. making available, on a cross-border basis to address this 967 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 968 Young People Young People [Craig Williams] a tough year for young people. It has been tough for everybody. In the most formative years, a year really is a issue. We need to work with the Welsh Government and long time. I believe that young people are resilient, but help them with schemes such as the ones he is announcing there is no doubt that the last year will have had an today, which we look enviously over the border at. effect on their mental health. The brilliant mental health charity Mind published a survey last year on the impact Nick Gibb: I thank my hon. Friend for that comment. of the first lockdown and it said that two thirds of I am always delighted to work with the devolved young people said that their mental health had worsened Administrations, particularly on issues of mutual concern during the first period of lockdown restrictions. We have and in education, in particular. now had another year of various lockdowns and restrictions. It has been hard for young people, so we need the best BenEveritt(MiltonKeynesNorth)(Con):WilltheMinister mental health support we can give to children affected give way? by the crisis. There is an equally worrying issue around lost learning Nick Gibb: If my hon. Friend will forgive me, I would and the widening of the disadvantage gap in attainment. like to try to conclude my remarks, so that other people Despite the brilliant work of teachers and schools generally, can speak. there are pupils who have not been able to access As we have shown throughout this crisis,the Government learning as they should. I know that my own niece and are ready to spend to deliver on our commitment to nephew, who live in quite a small crowded home, really education. We announced £1.4 billion only last week, and struggled to get the internet access that they needed to as the Prime Minister said then, be able to properly access online learning. It is really “there is going to be more coming down the track, but don’t tough in disadvantaged areas to be able to do that. In forget this is a huge amount that we are spending.” ,the gap in months between our disadvantaged pupils and non-disadvantaged pupils nationally is likely Behind the Opposition’s warm words and hot indignation, to be 8.2 months at primary and 18.2 months at secondary there is no substance and no real plan, but the Government level. That is really worrying and we need a plan for are getting on with the challenging job of tackling the recovery. pandemic, keeping our economy alive, supporting people’s incomes, supporting the NHS and our doctors and When the Government bring in a highly respected nurses, vaccinating the nation, and providing education adviser such as Sir Kevan Collins as education recovery and support to 8 million children and young people. commissioner, and when he puts forward well-received Working with tens of thousands of able civil servants and well-respected proposals, we would expect any and supported by Conservative Back-Bench MPs, we Government to act on those proposals. Can there be are doing every day what we believe to be right in order any more damning condemnation of this Government’s to get the country through this crisis. We know that actions, any more damning illustration of their failure there is more to do, not just to tackle the impact of the of our young people, than their own adviser resigning in pandemic, but to continue to spread the benefits of our protest at the inadequacy of the Government’s response? reforms since 2010 across the country to ensure that all It is a shocking indictment, but, unfortunately, it is only children are taught an extensive,knowledge-rich curriculum the latest sign that the Government have got education by well-trained teachers in a disciplined and caring policy wrong all along in the last year. environment, with high expectations and where success I met a group of heads last month to talk about issues is rewarded and celebrated. That is our vision, that is in school. I have to tell the Minister that, from my our commitment, and that is our ambition. conversations with those heads, you would not recognise the rosy picture of the education system that he has just Mr Speaker: May I remind hon. Members that there painted. They were pretty damning in their assessment is a speaking limit of six minutes for Back Benchers? of the Government’s performance on education over The countdown clock will be visible on the screens of the last year. The biggest complaint was on short-termism hon. Members participating virtually and on the screens —not knowing what was happening from one week to in the Chamber.For hon. Members participating physically the next; items never arriving until the last minute; and in the Chamber, the usual clock in the Chamber will the Government not thinking through policy properly. operate. Is Jeff Smith ready? We all recall the chaos over exams and the issues on assessment; the Government should have defined the 1.14 pm process months ago. Problems on nursery funding compounded the difficulties, making life impossible for Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab) [V]: I am, teachers trying to ration places for keyworker children. Mr Speaker. Thank you for calling me so early in the Reductions in pupil premium had a massive impact in debate. First, I pay tribute to all the teachers and school big cities such as Manchester. staff in Manchester, Withington for the amazing job Budgets have been reduced in real terms, as my hon. that they have done over the last year. They have kept Friend the Member for Stretford and Urmston said, our schools open. They have kept children learning and meaning that schools are looking at having to lose staff they have supported families in really difficult times. They when they are most needed. On budgets, over the last have been some of the heroes of the pandemic. year, it has been a case of the Government giving with It is a pleasure to follow my neighbour, my hon. one hand and taking away with the other. Those are just Friend the Member for Stretford and Urmston (Kate some of the problems that headteachers have brought Green), who made an excellent speech. The key point up with me. was when she said that Labour would put children and On top of all that is the failure to properly support young people at the heart of the recovery from the families. About 100 yards from where I am speaking pandemic, and they deserve to be, because this has been now, there is a mural on the side of our local coffee shop 969 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 970 Young People Young People that has become something of a tourist attraction. It is reaches the most disadvantaged pupils. The second is a brilliant portrait by the street artist Akse of a man my hope that the Government will implement an important who has become a national treasure. Even a lifelong part of Sir Kevan Collins’s recommendations—a longer Manchester City fan such as me has to doff my cap to school day.I have huge respect for the shadow Education Marcus Rashford for his brilliant work highlighting Secretary, but she still did not make it clear whether the food poverty, but, again, what an indictment that it Labour party genuinely supports a properly structured, took a football star to help to shame the Government longer school day. into providing free school meals during school holidays. My worry about the catch-up fund is that it appears Labour would extend free school meals into the that not enough is reaching disadvantaged pupils. Recent holidays, including this summer. We have a plan, outlined figures suggest that 44% of people receiving the pupil by my hon. Friend, to make a real difference to young premium were missed. There is also significant regional people across the country: small group tutoring for disparity: for example, there is huge take-up in the south- everyone who needs it; high-quality mental health support west, but just 58% take-up in the north-east. If the in every school; support for teachers; and a proper catch-up programme is to be the success that I believe it education recovery premium, investing in the children could be, Ministers must ensure that funds are directed who have had their schooling disrupted most. towards the most disadvantaged pupils who have learnt The amount committed so far by the Government is the least during the pandemic. inadequate, as Sir Kevan has said. It is just a 10th of Perhaps one way of doing that is to allow schools what he recommended and what is needed. I know that more autonomy to choose their tuition routes to permit the Prime Minister has suggested that there is more to teachers to choose their own catch-up tutors, not leave come. If there really is more money to come, it is needed it solely to the groups already chosen by the Department now so that pupils can be catching up now.The Government for Education, however good they may be. I accept that really need to put their money where their mouth is there must be absolute, definitive criteria for quality now. Sir Kevan wrote to the Prime Minister saying: and outcomes. The teachers and support staff are best “I do not believe it is credible that a successful recovery can be placed to identify those most in need of additional support achieved with a programme of support of this size.” and they can offer the quality catch-up that those pupils Those are damning words. The Government are failing require. hundreds of thousands of children. Our children need a I want to discuss the key part of Sir Kevan Collins’s plan that will not fail them, and Labour has that plan. plan. It is no good going on about his resignation if a I hope Members from all parties will support it this key part of his plan is rejected, as it appears that the afternoon, for the sake of all our young people. Opposition are doing. It is the idea of a longer school day.I was encouraged by the Secretary of State’s response 1.20 pm to my question during the statement on Monday.He said Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): I welcome the debate. that I begin by paying tribute to all the teachers and support “there is a body of evidence that can be collected that shows that staff in my constituency of Harlow and the villages for extra time in the classroom can deliver real benefits for pupils. It is all their work to try to keep children learning over this about getting the combination right.”—[Official Report, 7 June 2021; difficult time. Vol. 696, c. 691.] My views on education funding are clear. Before the The Schools Minister has been even more encouraging 2019 election, the Education Committee published a today about what could happen once the evidence is proposal that focused on a long-term plan for a secure there. That is a huge step forward. funding settlement for schools and colleges. I have I have said previously in the House that I am talking campaigned hard, since Easter 2020, for money to be not about an extended school day in terms of pupils spent on a catch-up fund because of damage from learning algebra—though, knowing the Schools Minister, school closures and the lasting effect on children. That is he would be delighted if that occurred—until 7 o’clock why, while not a lockdown sceptic, I was a schooldown in the evening, but a combination of academic catch-up sceptic. My position is therefore clear. and extracurricular activities to improve mental health However, I reject the premise of the motion because and wellbeing. We know that 39% of academies set up it implies that the Government are doing nothing for before 2010 have seen success for pupils from the education funding. The Secretary of State and the introduction of a longer school day, and I have seen Schools Minister deserve credit for the £3 billion that that in my constituency. I urge the Government in the has been secured for the catch-up premium and recovery, meantime to set up some school pilot schemes in as does my constituency neighbour, the Minister for disadvantaged areas of the country, inviting civil society Children and Families, for the extra £220 million for the groups to help to run the extracurricular activity, and holiday activities and food programme, for catch-up, gather the evidence that will feed into the proposals for sporting and wellbeing activities and free school meals. the comprehensive spending review. Many millions of pounds extra have been given to local In conclusion, the Government have provided a hefty councils and charities to ensure that children are fed starter, with billions of pounds allocated to catch-up properly. There is also an extra £79 million for mental funding, mental health wellbeing and free school meals. health. The motion should have acknowledged that extra This commitment to education, alongside the lifetime funding. skills guarantee and the Chancellor’s kickstart funding At any other time, funding of more than £3 billion to for apprenticeships, shows real direction of travel. I the schools system would be welcome, especially when mentioned that this was a hefty starter—the main course £400 billion has been spent on the covid pandemic. will be a serious long-term plan for education, along With all that in mind, I want to focus on two matters. with components such as a longer school day with a The first is the catch-up fund and ensuring that it secure funding settlement. I hope—the Minister suggested 971 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 972 Young People Young People [Robert Halfon] the point at which they were confined to the four walls of their homes, or children with special educational this in his statement today—that the Government reach needs and disability who simply have not been able to this point by the time of the comprehensive spending engage with online learning at all and have missed out review later this year. on months of education and support, we must ensure that no child is left behind. 1.25 pm But the mean and paltry nature of the Government’s Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab): I response is an insult to every child, every parent and am grateful for the opportunity to speak in this important every teacher, school leader, early years practitioner and debate. It is a pleasure to follow the Chair of the Select youth worker in the country. The Government employed Committee, the right hon. Member for Harlow (Robert Sir Kevan Collins for his expertise to set out what was Halfon). required to enable our children and young people to There is not a part of the UK population that has not catch up and recover, and then decided they would felt the severe impact of the covid-19 pandemic over the ignore his recommendations and do it on the cheap, last 16 months. Whether it is the pain of bereavement or with a tutoring offer of less than £1 per day for each day long-term health impacts, the hardship of reduced income that children were out of school. This insult comes on or unemployment, all of our communities have suffered. top of stealth cuts to the pupil premium, which will cost But the impacts of the pandemic have been further schools in , which covers part of my constituency, fuelled by pre-existing inequality and disadvantage, and £1.2 million and mean that 723 children in are that is no more clearly seen than in the impact on no longer eligible for free school meals. This Government children and young people. Our education system should are adding to food poverty for our children and young be—and, indeed, thanks to the dedication and commitment people, not reducing it. of our teachers, often is—a bulwark against disadvantage. Our children and young people are the future of our From early years through to college and university, economy and our communities; we cannot afford not to education services provide the opportunity to reduce invest in their recovery. Labour has set out an ambitious the impacts of poverty and deprivation. But faced with and comprehensive plan to invest in our children based a stay-at-home order and the requirement to switch to on a clear understanding of children’s needs. We would online learning, we saw very quickly the impacts that ensure that no child is left to go hungry by funding 10 years of cuts to school funding have had on the breakfast clubs and free school meals during the holidays. resilience and capacity of our schools. We would deliver the mental health support in every The stark reality is that UK schools were lagging far school that is absolutely vital in helping children come behind on investment in IT. Our schools should not to terms with their experiences over the past year. And have faced an impossible scramble to get laptops and we would ensure an effective tutoring programme for broadband access to the most disadvantaged children. every child who needs the support to catch up and provide In the 21st century, the ability to learn through modern funding for extra-curricular activities, which should be technology should have been a basic requirement, as it not a luxury for a privileged few but available to every is in many other countries around the world. Instead, in child to expand their horizons, discover new talents and my constituency, we saw our local council stepping in passions and have fun with their friends. to provide laptops where the Government were far In closing, I pay tribute to the teachers, support staff, too slow, with communities fundraising and donating school leaders, youth workers and voluntary sector technology. While I pay tribute to all of that work, it organisations across Dulwich and West Norwood who should not have been necessary: our schools should week by week for more than a year have been straining have had the investment in basic IT equipment for every every sinew to deliver support for our children and child already. young people. There is so much commitment, innovation IT is just one example. Throughout the pandemic, and creativity in our communities and in our schools, the Government’s approach to children and young people but that work should be in addition to comprehensive, has been chaotic and they have often seemed to be an fully funded support provided by the Government, not, afterthought—from the utter scandal of last year’s exam as it so often is, plugging the gaps. results, to the abandonment of so many university I hope the Government will listen today, rethink our students, left to pay for accommodation they did not approach and fund the recovery programme our children need, with little recourse for poor-quality online provision, so desperately need. to the failure of the catch-up tutoring programme and the shameful reluctance to fund free school meals during school holidays. Our children and young people feel 1.31 pm left behind because they have been left behind by this Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): The hon. Government. Member for Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green), who We turn now to the national recovery from the speaks for the Opposition, was quite right when she coronavirus pandemic. The Government have a special said that children are our most precious assets, and, as duty to our children and young people to ensure that parents, we share with our brilliant teachers; we rely on the harms they have suffered over the past year remain them for the education and preparation for adult life of superficial wounds from which they recover fully, not our children, and I want to join with colleagues across deep, permanent, debilitating scars. Children must be at the House in paying tribute to them and thanking them the forefront of recovery. Whether it is the babies born for all they do. during the lockdown who have missed out on the earliest This is a moral imperative: we all know that there is a opportunities to socialise with other children so vital whole-cohort effect from this pandemic and a risk of for speech and language development, or the teens lasting effects on this generation of children and young whose independence was just beginning to expand at people, and we cannot let this generation be put at a 973 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 974 Young People Young People disadvantage because of covid. We also know that the I also welcome the involvement of Teach First in the effect has been felt very unevenly: some children have programme, but I would ask the DFE to redouble its progressed entirely as they would have done in a regular efforts in its search for where talented professionals can year,but many have not, and we know that the attainment be found to support this effort. Of course, teachers gaps that had been closing since 2010 will have started themselves are a big part of the effort. For example, to widen again. We also know that this is not just about every year teachers volunteer to be exam markers, and academic attainment; far from it, it is about the whole many teachers will want to be involved in this programme, of children’sdevelopment—their extra-curricular activities, but we also need to think about recent retirees and their socialising and their development as people. PGCE returners. As my right hon Friend the Minister knows, many thousands of people in this country have This calls for a whole-of-society response including a postgraduate certificate in education but are not currently expanding mentoring programmes, having more volunteer teaching. It would be wonderful to get some of them to readers, firms working more closely with schools, and come back to the profession, either full time or part having more STEM—science, technology,engineering and time—[Laughter.] I am not trying to shame anyone maths—ambassadors, accelerated careers programmes here. We also need to redouble our efforts on teacher and work experience. We need established broadcasters workload to free up their time to be able to do these and new media to step up on early literacy programmes,and incredibly important things. sports clubs and governing bodies have a key role to play, as do cultural organisations and the voluntary Like my right hon. Friend the Member for Harlow sector. In fact, everybody has a part to play in supporting (Robert Halfon), I would like to see us move to a this generation. For the Government of course it is rational, long-term, predictable system of funding that about many things, too: it is about a bolstered school works both for when pupil numbers are shrinking as sports and activity plan, the holiday activities programme, well as for when they are expanding, and perhaps this is the mental health services support reforms, working the moment when that might be possible. It is important with local authority children’s services, innovations in that we look at extra time to make up for lost time, and early language and literacy, and the major upgrade to the tutor programme is of course part of that, as is technical and vocational education which has at its moving back public exams a bit, but it is right to look at heart T-levels. the question of a longer school day. Not everybody is excited about that prospect, but there is clearly a role for And of course it is about money. A higher proportion some of these important, enriching and broadening of national income—Government money—is spent on activities. It is right that the Government are taking an British state schools than in many other countries, but evidence-led approach, and I was delighted to hear what clearly additional resourcing has been needed during my right hon. Friend the Minister said. We look forward the pandemic to support schools, and clearly it is needed to hearing more in due course and at the spending now to support schools and children in its wake. Some review. of the figures bandied around about what other countries are doing are entirely misleading; they are not comparing, Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame ): In as it were, apples with apples or apples with pears, but order to ensure that we get everybody in, I am going to comparing apples with pomegranates. I am a little have to reduce the time limit to five minutes. surprised that the hon. Member for Stretford and Urmston speaking for the Opposition just repeated them without 1.37 pm doing some basic fact checking, and I could say the Tahir Ali (, Hall Green) (Lab) [V]: In same for her boss, the Leader of the Opposition. However, May, the End Child Poverty campaign released a report it is the case, of course, that many countries around the detailing the shocking levels of child poverty in the UK. world are looking at the extra support that is now needed, For my constituency of Birmingham, Hall Green the and here we have just recently had the £14.4 billion report confirmed what many of us already knew all too uplift over three years and since the pandemic £3 billion well: that child poverty was on the rise. Nearly half of in three different funding packages over the past 12 months. all children in Birmingham, Hall Green live in abject The last tranche of that will cover 6 million 15-hour poverty with no sign of this improving. I wrote to the tutoring courses in an unprecedented and unparalleled Chancellor on behalf of my concerned constituents programme of individual and small group tuition. It is about this very issue and pointed out how his most right that my right hon. Friend the Schools Minister recent Budget contained no hope for those millions of and his colleagues in the DFE have focused on the families living in abject poverty.This Government clearly programmes with the best evidence, and we know that have no intention of putting an action plan in place to there is very strong evidence for one-to-one and small meaningfully tackle the extreme levels of child poverty, group tutoring. and therefore they are failing not only the people of It is also true that we cannot just dial these things up Birmingham, Hall Green but the people of Birmingham, infinitely. People who have spoken to schools recently—I the west midlands and the rest of the UK. guess that is most colleagues here in the Chamber I cannot say I was surprised when I saw the news of today—will know that the No. 1 thing that people are the insulting offer made to schools. Sir Kevan’sresignation, talking about is often not a lack of money for tutors but while regrettable, was wholly justified considering the a lack of tutors, because obviously there were not Government’s “half-hearted” approach to the so-called 100,000 tutors hanging around who were not already catch-up plan. This is yet another milestone in the busy when this thing hit, and that is a difficult thing to failure of this Government to take seriously the issues scale up for. It is right that schools should have the faced by families and children. Schools in Birmingham, flexibility to source tutors locally—I was pleased to see Hall Green have not seen their funding grow to meet the that in the package—because it is they who will know challenges of the pandemic, with many schools seeing a their schools’ situation best. decrease in funding in the last year. This means that the 975 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 976 Young People Young People [Tahir Ali] universities has fallen. Graduates from Welsh universities are now the lowest paid in the UK. That is the hard overall increase in funding for schools in my constituency evidence of Labour’s education plans. is below the average for England. Many schools do not If I were marking Labour’s education performance, provide a full five-day education due to the funding I would give it a big F for fail. Labour trying to teach constraints. Children deserve a full five-day education. anyone else how to run an education system is like The Government’s catch-up plan will do next to nothing Mr Bean trying to teach someone how to be a secret to assist these schools in meeting the needs of teachers, agent—it has no credibility. The fundamental problem pupils and parents. with Labour on education is that it suffers from producer I implore the Government to look closely at and capture—theblobsays,“Jump”andLaboursays,“Howhigh?” learn from Labour’s children’s recovery plan to remedy Labour is, in effect, the political wing of the education this shameful situation. I also suggest that the Government unions. Education unions no doubt do a lot of good seriously consider the current state of funding for our work for their members, but as we have seen time and local authorities, which continue to provide essential again during the pandemic, the unions do not really services to families and children in need, despite their have the best interests of children and parents at heart. increasingly precarious financial situation. I call on the From free school meals to league tables to academies Government to ensure full and proper funding of local for our primary schools, education unions and Labour authorities, so that essential services can continue to have resisted every successful education reform. In 2001 meet demand. I also urge the Government to rethink in Wales, working closely with its education union their approach to universal credit in line with what End paymasters, Labour scrapped league tables for schools, Child Poverty has suggested and make the £20 uplift which was followed closely by scrapping national testing permanent. for 14-year-olds. Nationally, the Labour party stood on an election platform with a manifesto commitment to 1.41 pm scrap Ofsted, which plays such a vital role in keeping Anthony Browne (South Cambridgeshire) (Con): I very standards high in education. Labour will never improve much welcome this debate and, like my colleagues, I pay education standards if it does just what education unions tribute to the teachers in my constituency, who have tell it—they have nothing to teach about education policy. been working really hard during the difficult last year in The pandemic has been terrible for the education of extraordinary circumstances, delivering education to many children. The Government must help, and are pupils and ensuring that as few as possible fall behind. helping, children to catch up with their education recovery Inevitably, some children have fallen behind across the plan. I fully commend it. country, and it is vital that we do everything we can to ensure that we do not leave a generation behind and 1.45 pm that no child loses out from this pandemic. The Opposition have called this debate because they Cat Smith (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Lab): I put on say that they have a plan to recover education, so it is record my appreciation for the teachers, support staff, fair enough for us to look at how previous Labour parents and pupils of the schools in my Lancaster and education plans have done. What is the evidence on Fleetwood constituency,who have faced a torrid 16 months whether Labour’s education policies actually work? The of interrupted education. Parents have faced the unexpected last Labour Government up to 2010 had a range of opportunity—some might say—of home tutoring while education policies. “Education, education, education” trying to hold down their own jobs. was their mantra, and where did we score on international I particularly thank two primary schools that I visited league tables in that time? From 2000 to 2009, we dropped a couple of weeks ago. Carter’s Charity Primary School from seventh to 25th place in the international scores in Preesall is a beach school. It was already very focused for reading, we dropped from eighth to 28th place in the on outdoor education, but throughout the past year it international league table for maths and we dropped has had a school allotment, engaging children in learning from fourth to 16th place in the international league through doing, being outdoors and growing things, table for science. which is so important for their mental wellbeing after What about Wales? Labour has been in charge in the time that they have had. Fleetwood’s Charity Primary Wales for the last 22 years and responsible for education School, also in Preesall, has turned its playing fields policy there, and what are the results? Labour education into a community orchard to bring the community policies have led to Wales scoring below the international together and create a space where we can take what we average on the PISA scores not just in one subject but in have done over the past 16 months of creating community every subject tested. In science, maths and reading, and have a lasting legacy. Many of the children have children in Wales fall below the international average. planted trees that will be a reminder in years to come of In contrast, pupils in England score above the international the resilience that they have shown through what has been average in every single subject. It is not that pupils in such a difficult time. Wales score less than some in the rest of the UK and There is no doubt that the impact of covid-19 on young better than others; they score worse in every subject people and children has been profound. Their education compared with every other part of the UK—compared has been interrupted, the employment opportunities with Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. have gone for our older young people, and their mental So there you have it: Labour has controlled education health is in crisis. It is on those topics that I wish to policy in Wales for 22 years, and now Welsh pupils score address my remarks. worse in every subject tested compared with pupils in From speaking to headteachers across schools, it has every other part of the UK—talk about a lost generation. been really clear that children and young people are not This has real world consequences. The number of students able to learn while their mental wellbeing suffers. Given from Wales studying in the UK’s top Russell Group the importance of play for young children and of youth 977 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 978 Young People Young People work for older young people, we cannot see education I would like to ensure that it is on the record that through a narrow prism of just academic learning. Labour’s when the £3 billion announced over the last 12 months children’s recovery plan includes funding for schools to specifically for catch-up is added to the increase in core deliver new extracurricular activities, boost wellbeing school funding, the raising of the pupil premium, investment and target support for children who have missed out, and in the school estate, increased higher needs funding, an extension of free school meals for pupils this summer. investment in the free school meals national voucher On mental health, recent data from NHS Digital scheme, in digital devices and in the holidays, activities suggests that one young person in six now has a probable and food programme, and the exceptional funding to mental health disorder. We must not underestimate the cover specific unavoidable costs incurred by schools due impact that the pandemic has had on those young to covid, it racks up to a total spend of £14 billion from people, because experiencing mental health difficulties this Conservative Government on education and young can have far-reaching impacts, including on young people’s people. So the idea that the Conservative party, which I educational outcomes, their future earnings and their am proud to be part of—I am also a proud ex-teacher— relationships. We know that the earlier a young person somehow has not invested in young people and education gets support for their mental health, the more effective is for the birds. that support will be, yet just over a third of young people There must be an immediate response, but there also with a diagnosable mental health condition are currently has to be a longer-term vision. I wish to focus on the able to access NHS care and treatment. idea of extending the school day, of which I am a huge I draw the Minister’s attention to a new joint campaign advocate. I am delighted that there will be a review of it. called Fund the Hubs, which is run by the Children and Especially for disadvantaged students, such as the 31% Young People’s Mental Health Coalition in partnership of children in low-income families in Stoke-on-Trent, with YoungMinds, the Centre for Mental Health, the an extended school day could have a transformative Children’s Society, Youth Access and Mind. The charities impact in the long term, not only for them, but for their are calling for a systematic approach to supporting parents. We are talking about parents who have to take young people’s mental health so that young people can half a day out of work, and therefore lose their earnings, have a one-stop shop to access mental health support. because they are having to go to collect their loved ones They are calling for hubs across the country to be able at 2.45 pm, 3 pm or 3.30 pm. It is simply unfair on those to provide early support for young people’s mental people, who are working hard to put money on the table health, with no need for appointment or referral, so that for their kids. Having an extended school day will go a they can address their mental health issues sooner and long to helping with that. get support faster. I was shocked to hear the shadow Education Secretary Finally, youth work is phenomenal. It can support saying that she does not want children doing maths in and bolster academic and educational learning outside theevening.IcompletelyconcurwithKatharineBirbalsingh, the classroom. Given the crisis that our young people the fantastic headteacher of Michaela Community School, are currently living through, it is appalling—I find it who, in response to a BBC news clip, tweeted: unacceptable—that the sector is on its knees. In the 2019 “What is it…where we think ‘doing maths’ is some kind of Conservative party manifesto, the Government promised massive strain on our brains?!” a £500 million youth investment fund. That has been Ultimately,an extended school day means the opportunity promised, but not a single penny has materialised in the for kids to learn and have that extra time with their youth sector and we have had just £30 million announced teachers, just like many a private school child has had for next year. From that announcement to today, not a the advantage of being able to. That is about creating penny has gone into supporting our young people through equality and fairness in our education system. Not just delivering youth work and youth services. the academic, but the extra-curricular is important. Will the Minister at least confirm that the piggy bank Some 500,000 young people currently do not get to has not been raided and that the money will be forthcoming? enjoy those sort of activities or holidays outside school. Can she give an indication to those who work in the I want every child who attends a state school in this youth sector—those delivering youth work through local country, especially disadvantaged children, to get access councils, but also those in the voluntary sector such as to the very best, rounded education possible, such as the the Sea Cadets, the Guides and the Scouts—that the one I was able to have, as were many other Members in money will be forthcoming? Our young people need this House. So when we are thinking about post-pandemic academic support and tutoring catch-up, and they need recovery, we have a huge opportunity to get this sorted, food in their bellies, but they also need youth work to and there is a simple way we could overhaul after-school provide the mental wellbeing and resilience that allow activities in order to so do. them to achieve academically, go out into the workplace, contribute to our economy and build those relationships. Robert Halfon: My hon. Friend is a brilliant member After all, after the year we have all had and the crisis we of our Education Committee. Does he agree that a have all lived through, if young people are to be the wealth of evidence shows that an extended school day, future, we need to put our money where our mouth combined with academic, mental health and wellbeing is—£500 million was promised; when will it be delivered? activities, increases educational attainment, as well as helping pupils’ mental health? There is a wealth of 1.50 pm evidence out there that makes his case absolutely. Jonathan Gullis (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Con): As the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Cat Smith) Jonathan Gullis: I thank my right hon. Friend for that has just done, I would like to thank my local teachers, and could not agree with him more. Even though we support staff, parents and pupils for all they done sometimes cross swords in the Select Committee, on this throughout this global pandemic across Stoke-on-Trent we are absolutely united in understanding the importance, North, Kidsgrove and Talke. both academically and to the wellbeing of the student. 979 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 980 Young People Young People [Jonathan Gullis] 1.56 pm

I have an idea for the Minister on how this can be Matt Rodda (Reading East) (Lab): I thank the hon. achieved without having to get any new money. When it Member for Stoke-on-Trent North (Jonathan Gullis) was originally brought in, the pupil premium was intended for advocating a similar policy to that of my right hon. to offer activities and enrichment opportunities to pupils. Friend the Member for Barking (Dame Margaret If weweretoring-fencejust10%of theexistingpupilpremium Hodge) when she was Chair of the Education Committee budget—worth about £2.7 billion—for its original purpose, in 2000. we could ensure that disadvantaged children get the Weshould respect the fact that there is general agreement same access to activities outside school as their better-off in this House that one of the first duties of any Government peers. Schemes such as The Challenger Trust are ideally is to invest in education and our children’s future, and I suited to deliver this model. Run by Charlie Rigby, the am glad that that sentiment has been expressed in this trust offers activities to disadvantaged children that debate. havebeenshownbytheEducationEndowmentFoundation I thank teachers, parents and students for their hard to boost confidence and motivation and, from this,improve work and perseverance during what has been an extremely attendance, behaviour and attainment in school. difficult year that no one could have anticipated. The The trust is already working with schools to offer pandemic was clearly a once-in-a-century event. We need after-school activities and is trialling its model in Gateshead. to try to put ourselves in the place of those young Working in local partnership trusts with school staff people and imagine—it is very difficult to do this—what and youth services, who volunteer to carry on beyond they have been through in this incredibly difficult year. the normal 3 pm closing time, the trust can extend the They have faced all sorts of obstacles, as have their school day up to 6 pm, without increasing teacher teachers, and they have risen to enormous challenges, workloads. Without allocating any more money, in this but despite all that effort, they have still fallen behind in way we can extend the school day by three hours, seven their studies, through no fault of their own. This once- days a week. We do not need masses of extra money to in-a-century event demands a response in line with the give all our children a better future. If we all use the scale of the problem, and I am afraid that for all the pupil premium funding in the way it was originally warm words and the emphasis on the importance of intended, the funding will already be in place. education, there has clearly been a failure of Government I would like to talk about the fantastic holiday activities on this important issue. and food programme. I am delighted that the Under- Looking at this in very general terms without getting Secretary of State for Education, my hon. Friend the distracted by the detail—we have had some interesting Member for Chelmsford (), came to visit debates about education policy, and I am sure more will Ball Green Primary School in Stoke-on-Trent North to follow later as the debate pans out—there is the central look at the unbelievable Hubb Foundation, led by Carol question of money.On the issue of whether the Government Shanahan and Adam Yates,a former professional footballer are willing to commit sufficient national resources to who delivered 140 activity sessions for young people this crucial problem, they have fallen short, as £50 per across the city of Stoke-on-Trent in the Easter holidays, child is not comparable with £1,600 per child in the not just to boost their education and socialisation but United States or £2,000 in the Netherlands. Both those to give them the skills to be able to cook and eat a really countries have followed active policies of school reform good cooked meal throughout the day. and investment in education over 20 to 30 years, as arguably The idea of shortening the summer holiday is something we have also done in that time. that my right hon. Friend the Minister has heard time It is important to see this in the context not just of and again from me by text. Estimates in a report I did the detail of education policy but of the Department’s with Onward show that reducing the school summer failure of leadership—I do not say that lightly—on a holiday from six to four weeks would save the average series of crucial issues during the last few months: its family £266. That has a huge financial impact in the pockets woeful mismanagement of the exam system last year; of parents while also helping to tackle the plight of its failure on universities, where first-year students faced children not being able to get fed over a long summer unbelievable pressure due to mismanagement; the failure break. More importantly, it means that the attainment of its tutoring programme; and its repeated failure on gap of children from disadvantaged backgrounds, which free school meals and holidays, where it had to be pushed widens during the six-week summer break, can continue by a footballer. I commend Marcus Rashford for his to be narrowed, so that when they return they do not work—I am not a Man United fan, I am afraid, but he have to spend the first seven weeks of term, on average, has done the most amazing job on this and we should catching up to where they were in the previous academic all respect him—but the issue should have been taken year. Longer school days, shorter summer breaks, and up by Ministers long before he needed to come in and ring-fencing the pupil premium: these are realistic long-term save the day. solutions that I hope the Minister will have in his mind when the review is undertaken. What is worse, that follows a series of very poor decisions since 2010. The Minister may try, in a very Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): smooth and sophisticated way, to defend some of those Before I call the next speaker, let me just say that I am spending decisions, but it is quite clear that there has absolutely not against taking interventions, but it would been a lack of investment in education since then. On be helpful if colleagues who do so still stick to the five teachers’ pay and a series of other indicators, this minutes, because otherwise we are preventing others country fell behind where it should have been. That was from speaking later. I want us to help each other out a conscious decision of the Government, and it has led and do the maths as well: you can see from the clock to a series of major problems in the system, such as that you are keeping within the five minutes. the crisis in special needs—arguably, it deeply worsened 981 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 982 Young People Young People that—the recruitment and retention crisis among teachers, I turn to the Opposition’s motion of regret. Last year, which has a direct effect on children’s learning, and a while we did everything we possibly could to keep schools series of other problems. open to the prevent the disruption and damage that we It is no good trying to criticise the record of the knew that would cause down the track, the Opposition Labour Government from 1997 to 2010 when, clearly, were demanding closures. A few months ago, we sought there was both major investment and, as a result, a to reopen schools as soon as we possibly could, yet we major improvement in standards and attainment, faced pressure from the Opposition and the unions to demonstrable on a whole series of metrics. It is unfortunate keepthemclosed.Wherewerethesechampionsof education that the hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Anthony then? And now we mount an incredible package of support Browne) quoted selectively from some international and they express regret. You couldn’t make it up. studies when a whole range of extra countries joined Now is the time, not for political posturing or point- them in the intervening period. scoring, but for addressing the real issues facing our I appreciate that I am nearly out of time. The question children, families and schools. This debate should not now is, will the Prime Minister and the Chancellor be about who can promise the biggest headline, but about rethink—will they listen to their own officials and, I how to deliver long-term support where it is needed, to believe, the ministerial team at the DFE—or will this be ensure the best opportunities and education for our children, another example of the Government’s being all talk and, as we are doing. I am afraid, very little action? 2.4 pm 2.1 pm Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab): I want to start by Dr Ben Spencer (Runnymede and Weybridge) (Con): applauding the ambitious plan set out by my hon. Friend Education is one of the best opportunities we can the Member for Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green), provide for young people; it is the best leveller-up. who opened the debate. I am pleased to follow the hon. Sadly, our children have felt the burden of this pandemic, Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Dr Spencer), with school closures, cancelled exams, learning at home, who is a member, with me, of the Work and Pensions and enrichment and extracurricular activities stopped. Committee, because I want to talk about the Committee’s It is on us to fix that and to ensure that our children do work. Weare conducting an inquiry into children in poverty, not become the lost covid generation. because the number of children in poverty is climbing That is why I very much welcome the Government’s sharply. I am very grateful to the Education Committee package of support and work on education recovery, for its support for our work; the Chair, the right hon. and in particular the discretion given to our school Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon), spoke earlier in leaders, the training and support for their profession, the debate. and the careful thought that is being put into longer-term, In evidence to the Work and Pensions Committee sustainable interventions to support education. I particularly on 27 May, Anne Longfield, who was the Children’s support the provisions mentioned by my hon. Friend Commissioner for England until February, told us: the Member for Stoke-on-Trent North (Jonathan Gullis). “Those that are living in poverty and at disadvantage are much The impact of this pandemic will be felt for a generation, less likely to achieve academically at various points we measure”. and our response must be equally broad and sustained. Pointing out that child poverty is now twice the level of I have regular Zoom meetings with my school leaders, pensioner poverty, she identified to the Committee a and the message from each meeting is clear. Yes, things gap in the Government’s capacity because of the loss of are tough, but in my nurseries, primary schools, secondary joint Department for Work and Pensions/DFE working. schools, prep schools and colleges—state and independent She said: —our teachers have risen to the challenge. They have “There used to be a policy team, there used to be a policy got on with it, and they continue to deliver for children around poverty. That was then able to look at how the impact of living in Runnymede and Weybridge. We owe them all a national policies needed to drive not only alleviation of poverty debt of gratitude. Honestly, I believe that it is only but a reduction of poverty.” through their passion and dedication that they have I think Anne Longfield is right: those two Departments been able to continue delivering so much despite such should be working together as they did in the past. adversity. I say to all my teachers and staff working in Problems, obviously, have greatly worsened during the education: thank you. pandemic,aswehavebeenremindedinthedebate.Research However, the best way that we can thank those staff by Kellogg’s has shown that nearly a fifth of schools have is to listen to them and respond to concerns that they startedafoodbanksincethepandemicbegan.BenLevinson raise. My school leaders tell me that they will do whatever is headteacher of Kensington Primary School in my is needed to support our kids, but they need help with constituency—I am delighted that the shadow Secretary one thing in particular: what is coming down the line. of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford and They put in the work, the graft, the inspiration and the Urmston, plans to visit that school tomorrow.It is Primary passion—my God, do they do all they can for the Schoolof theYearinthecurrentPearsonNationalTeaching children they teach!—but they need warning of what is Awards. Ben Levinson told the Committee of a coming down the line. I think there may be a few more “sizeable population…of families who have no recourse to public twists in the tale in terms of what this pandemic could funds who have really struggled through this period.” throwup—thirdwaves,nowaves,winterpressures.Whatever The school runs a food bank. the future holds, we must give schools as much run-in Joanne Ormond, head teacher of Maryport Church time, preparation and contingency planning as possible of EnglandPrimarySchoolinCumbria,toldtheCommittee so that they can start laying the groundwork. I ask the about Minister, please, as part of our recovery plan, can my “that next level of families up that are struggling—the ones who teachers have as much time and contingency planning have low-paid jobs, so they don’t necessarily qualify for the free as possible for whatever the future may hold? school meals”, 983 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 984 Young People Young People [Stephen Timms] the evidence. I would actually support the school day being extended by more than half an hour, but we need and how difficult those families had found things during to know what that review says, and yes, that will then the pandemic. She singled out single parents as being take money. very hard-hit. I think money is the easy part here. the Labour party The Social Metrics Commission has found that 57% of motion contains nothing about evidence or outcomes; children in families working just part time are today in it is about money—four areas where Labour wants poverty. The Resolution Foundation has shown that the more money. Generally speaking, when individuals and poverty rate for families with three or more children has organisations call for money, the Opposition will get now risen to almost half—47% of those families are in behind that call and will amplify it, and they are perfectly poverty. In written evidence, the charity Magic Breakfast entitled to do that. But when we went into lockdown told us that food insecurity, worse physical and mental last March and the National Education Union said health outcomes and lower educational attainment are “teachers should not be teaching a full timetable, or routinely all impacts of child poverty. marking work”, So the Government need to be very serious about this and we knew what impact this was going to have on challenge and put their money where their mouth is. childrenandparticularlydisadvantagedchildren,theLabour There is no sign of any willingness to do so as yet, as party said nothing. When we wanted to get schools back last week’s resignation of Sir Kevan Collins dramatically so that we could start repairing some of this damage, the highlighted. We need a change of heart. same union worked with other unions and came up with a 180-point checklist of things it wanted to see before 2.8 pm schools could open, as though working with children was like working with radioactive material, again the David Johnston (Wantage) (Con): I think the point Labour party said nothing. When the same unions were that the whole House agrees on is that teachers and scaremongering—telling teachers that they were more at schools did a tremendous job, and continue to do a risk of covid than other professions that were also working tremendous job, throughout covid-19, and they have with the community—again, Labour said nothing to worked through all the holidays and were among the challenge this. It actually went further and said, “Let’s unsung heroes of the pandemic. The bit that we all ought not follow the Joint Committee on Vaccination and to be able to agree on is that the Government have put Immunisation’s age-based approach to vaccinations; tremendous amounts of money into education, children let’sjust vaccinate teachers”, because of the scaremongering and young people. That started with a £14 billion that was going on. commitment to raise the per pupil funding to £5,150 per secondary pupil and at least £4,000 for every primary The easy thing to do is to be on the side of more money. school pupil, and to raise the teacher starting salary We could all do that all day, and say we need more to £30,000. There has been money for mental health, money for things. The harder thing to do is to focus on laptops, summer schools, food and summer activities, outcomes and on the evidence, and that is why I am and there has been money for catch-up. Last week’s pleased that that is what the Government are doing. announcement took the amount that we have committed Yes, I would support a longer school day, as long as it in the last 12 months to £3 billion, which is paying for means well targeted and well structured activity, but no, 6 million courses of tutoring. We know that one course I cannot support the Labour party’s pose that the only can raise a child’s attainment by between three and five issue is “Let’s give something more money”, and I will months from where they are at the moment. There have not be supporting its motion today. been issues with recruiting tutors in certain parts of the country, and that is why I am very pleased that, with 2.13 pm this money, schools will be able to pay their own staff to Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab) [V]: deliver some of this tutoring where there are those issues. The past year has taken a toll on everybody’s mental There is money for teacher training, too. health. According to the Government’s own former It is wrong to suggest that we just take that amount of education adviser, more than 200,000 children have money, divide it by the number of pupils and come up developed mental health conditions over the last year. with a small amount of money that is being spent—that Barnardo’s charity says: does not take into account all the other money that has “A defining impact of the pandemic has been on children’s been spent, and part of the point of this money is to mental health.” direct it at the children who need it most. It is to direct it After months of missed face-to-face education and time at the children who we know are behind rather than away from their friends, this is no surprise, and it is not ones that we know are not, and to direct it at disadvantaged a new problem. It comes on top of years of Government young people, which is something I am particularly neglect of children’s mental health services, which has keen that we do. The Government are looking at the led to a situation where young people are pushed to evidence and at outcomes rather than simply the amount breaking point before they get help. of money being spent. The Health and Social Care Committee recently heard The bulk of the money cited as the figure from the from two young people who described how services report is to extend the school day, and I support extending simply were not there when they needed them. One of the school day. I was a governor of schools for 10 years, them described being on a two-year waiting list for child and I have been to charter schools in the US and seen and adolescent mental health services, and because he them use an extension to the school day very effectively. had that referral, he could not even access the support But the important thing is not what I think; again, it is offered by charities while he waited. In his words: what the evidence suggests about the outcomes we will “There wasn’t anything until things got so dire that it was the achieve, and it is right that the Government are reviewing crisis team.” 985 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 986 Young People Young People As his mental health deteriorated, he ended up in A&E and I urge them to change their approach to ensure that seeking emergency support, but that was only a sticking our children do not end up paying the price for Government plaster. incompetence. If we do not provide the mental health support that 2.18 pm our children and young people need now, we are simply storing up problems for the future when they hit crisis David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) point. As Sir Kevan Collins has made clear,the Government (Con) [V]: It has been a great pleasure for me in my had an opportunity to take bold action and put in place constituency of Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner to have robust support services to help children recover from engaged directly today with children from Holy Trinity the past year. They have totally failed to rise to the scale Primary School in Northwood, and a few weeks ago, in of this challenge. Rather than having the kind of ambition a direct personal visit, with children at Cannon Lane shown by Labour’s children’s recovery programme, the Primary School. It is very clear how much progress Secretary of State and the Prime Minister have allowed those children are making now that they are back in the the Treasury to dictate the terms and block any real classroom and how much they are enjoying being back progress. with their friends. The message that I have consistently received from We all know that the recovery funding provided falls headteachers, school staff and mums and dads is that far short of what is needed—of course, before that, the they have valued enormously the support that has been funding of children’smental health services was inadequate. put in place—the priority that the Government have rightly Even if the Government meet their targets for mental placed on ensuring that children can access education health support by 2024, there will still be 7.5 million where it has been safe to do so and on ensuring that children without access to mental health support at schools are able to reopen and stay open. Education is school. That means that early intervention and targeted important not only in its own right, but in the way it support will be unavailable to the vast majority of children supports the economy. and young people, forcing them to wait until they hit crisis point and then have to access heavily rationed I pay particular tribute to the work of the Minister, NHS services. In contrast, Labour’s plans would put a my hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Vicky trained mental health counsellor in every school, providing Ford), in leading the programme to support the most the early intervention needed to support the mental vulnerable children in my community and communities health of our children and young people. across England. The roll-out of the programme has included not just ensuring that children get fed, but Across the board, the Government have failed to promoting other activities to help to keep their education, offer the support that our children need. They have had their social development and their lives on track and to be shamed into feeding children over the school ensure that they are safeguarded. For me, that is probably holidays. Their latest holiday activity and food scheme the most important lesson from the pandemic: to recognise proposes providing food for just 16 days over the summer. the complexity of the circumstances that the most vulnerable Not only is that scheme not covering every weekday, but children in our country face, and acknowledge that in Salford it is set to reach barely one in five of the local authorities, which know their communities best children on free school meals. That means that more and are generally already engaged with those children than 10,000 children are going hungry in Salford alone. and their families, are in the best place to design packages While councils have stepped up in the past to make of support. up the shortfall, we cannot expect them to keep doing It is right that the siren calls for a simple extension of so when they are already overstretched and underfunded. free school meals have been resisted: they do not help Rather than continuing to try to do this on the cheap, many households in which the children are below school will the Minister finally do the right thing and agree to age, for example, and they do not help households feed every child who needs it across the whole school which, for whatever reason, have not made an application. holidays until the end of the pandemic? It is very clear that we need a much more nuanced and Further, after a year that has taken a real toll on targeted approach if we are to make a genuine difference disabled children and their families, the Government’s in the lives of those children. proposals contain nothing specific to help them recover. Hon. Members have raised a variety of concerns. It The Disabled Children’s Partnership found that four in has certainly been very clear to me from speaking to five disabled children have seen their support services headteachers that there have been issues with the availability withdrawn over the past year, and three in four are now of tutors under the national tutoring programme; the socially isolated. At the start of the pandemic in March quality of what is available has been good, but sometimes 2020, the Government took sweeping steps that allowed identifying the support required has been a challenge. local authorities to stop providing many services to That goes to the heart of what I think is a reasonable disabled children. While similar provisions related to criticism of the Opposition motion: we need to ensure care for adults were repealed this spring, there has been that we have qualified, experienced people able to do no change for children’s services. what they need to do to help children to get their lives Will the Minister confirm that not only will the back on track. A motion that is about simply spending Government ensure that all funding for those services is more money, not thinking about where we will identify reinstated urgently, but that more funding is put into those people and get them into jobs to make the difference the services to help disabled children to catch up? Half that they need to make, is not worth the paper it is an hour of tutoring a week will not make up for a year written on. We need to ensure that we can demonstrate of missed speech and language therapy, which is why we that anything debated by this House is credible. need a dedicated plan to help disabled children and It is clear, once again, that the role of local authorities their families to recover from the pandemic. The in supporting schools has been critical. I certainly would Government could and should show more ambition, not criticise regional schools commissioners, but it is 987 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 988 Young People Young People [David Simmonds] I would like to talk briefly about special educational needs. You know—sorry, I should not use that word clear that the scale of their task and their inability to here. I apologise for that, Madam Deputy Speaker, but I engage at a micro-local level, particularly with directors am getting there. You know—[Laughter.] I care very of public health, has been an inhibiting factor in the much about special educational needs; I spoke about it response that schools have been asked to produce to the in my maiden speech. Not everything is about money pandemic crisis. We need to ensure that we look at how when it comes to improving special educational needs local authorities interact with all the schools for which provision, but a lot is about money. The reality is that a they are a champion in their local area, so that in future huge number of young people in Suffolk are being we have the resilience that is required at a local level. failed and let down by the status quo, and I will speak to Especially as we look at a more localised approach as that, because the stakes could not be higher. we unlock the country in June, we need to ensure that On the Education Committee, we have just launched that capacity is in place locally. an inquiry into prison education. It is thought that I will finish on what I think has been a really positive 35% of those in prison have some kind of special need. decision by my hon. Friends at the Department for Actually, the figure will be far higher, because we are not Education to invest significantly in the professional diagnosing properly every prisoner going into the system. development of our early years workforce. As all parents The reality is that the figure could even be higher than of young children know, it can make a transformational 50%. Is that not shameful? Is that not something that we difference, especially to the lives of the most vulnerable should be ashamed of—the fact that that many prisoners and disadvantaged children, if they can access high-quality are individuals who have special needs that have not early education. The structure in place with tax-free been met? When we come to making the justification for childcare and free hours has enabled the capacity to be ploughing in what I think is a lot more money into special created for people to access. It is absolutely welcome educational needs, we need to explain that to the public. that the Government have made the decision to invest a Yes, it is morally the right thing to do to get the potential very significant sum—approximately £150 million—in out of these individuals, but, even thinking about it in a the development of that workforce, so that we can hard-headed way, it will save us money down the trail. ensure for future generations that we have the top-quality The other thing is that if you are an unconventional staff in place who can give children the very best start in thinker, if you are a creative thinker, who feels that the life. That is an example of practical action: not just system is failing you, you are more likely to turn against promising money, but choosing to do the thing that will that very system. There is nothing more depressing in a make the difference in a child’s life. class than looking in the eyes of a young child who has 2.23 pm special educational needs that are not being met; their eyes are glazed over and they are not engaged. There are (Ipswich) (Con): It is a pleasure to speak in steps that we can take. We can look at teacher training. this debate. The pandemic has been immensely challenging, Wecan raise awareness of things such as autism, dyspraxia not just for all the young people at school in Ipswich, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, because but for the teaching staff. One way or another it has there is a big problem there. As a dyspraxic, I can say been challenging, but no one child’s experience has been that the understanding of dyspraxia, as an article recently the same, so it is very important that we steer clear of said, is in the “dark ages”. Yes, awareness and teacher generalisations. However, it does seem that those from training are part of it, but a lot of it will have to be the most disadvantaged backgrounds have been hit the money and investment to ensure that those unconventional, hardest by what has happened and have probably lost creative thinkers get that tailored tuition as much as out the most. they possibly can to unlock their potential. The stakes In Ipswich, we benefited from being a pilot scheme could not be higher, because, quite frankly, so many for the holiday activities and food programme; we have have ended up in the criminal justice system, a nuisance also been an opportunity area for some time. That has to society, costing us money. This is not just about been extended, which is good news—it has done some making them average achievers. Given the right support really brilliant work and has been welcomed by all teaching and the right funding, young people with special educational staff in my constituency. needs can weaponise their disability as unconventional With regard to the Government’s position, it is quite and creative thinkers, and they can make more of a clear that any interventions that they make need to be contribution to society than almost anyone else. evidence-based. Like many colleagues who have spoken My plea would be this: I very much understand the today, I sympathise with the idea of extending the position that the Government are in—I believe that the school day, but we need to figure out how we are going Labour party is only looking to score political points—but to do that so that we do not place even more burdens, when it comes to this medium to long-term debate pressure and demands on teaching staff, who have had about funding, let us level with the country about how an incredibly difficult pandemic, or on young people high the stakes are when it comes to how we fund special who are under pressure to catch up. I would like to see educational needs. We cannot let down our young people more money on the way when it comes to a new with special needs. spending review. One of the reasons I supported the Government on the international aid cut from 0.7% to Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): 0.5% was that I would like to see more money going Order.I now have to announce the result of today’sdeferred into education. Ultimately, the Labour party does not Division. On the motion relating to the remuneration of have a clear strategy for how it will pay for what it says it the Information Commissioner, the Ayes were 369, the wants. When it comes to any key spending decision, it Noes were 2, so the Ayes have it. says, “Yes, more money, more money.”Same old Labour: [The Division list is published at the end of today’s absolutely no strategy for how it is going to pay for it. debates.] 989 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 990 Young People Young People 2.28 pm to to see at first hand what the city has to (Bradford West) (Lab): I start by referring offer. I ask her to commit that the Government will to the Daily Mail, which ran an absurd story—a wholly ensure that cities such as Bradford are not neglected inaccurate story—about places such as Bradford, which and left behind. I appreciate and value the opportunities is my city, being a no-go area. It was based on a recently fund and the increase in it, but that is not enough for published book. Today, I want to set the record straight: the youngest city in the whole of Europe and I would Bradford is a young, energetic and diverse city where welcome the Minister’s response to my invitation so around 85 languages are spoken. Bradford is also the that I can demonstrate what I mean. I invite her to meet youngest city in Europe. Recent research shows that, on young people, the teachers who have done what they the list of the 20 most entrepreneurial UK cities, Bradford have done during the pandemic and the people who comes second. have shortcomings in child and adolescent mental health In 2020, 4,786 new businesses were created in the district, services, and to put real investment where we need it. and that continues, but, just like any other city, we have If we want generation covid to thrive for the future of our our challenges. The past 15 months have been extremely country,the Government have some serious commitments difficult on all fronts. It breaks my heart to say that this to make, and I would welcome an intervention for Bradford Government have treated our children as an afterthought. from the Minister. Throughout the pandemic, and even now, they are neglecting them when it comes to the education recovery 2.33 pm fund, which simply does not go far enough. Mrs Flick Drummond (Meon Valley) (Con): I pass on Sir Kevan Collins’sresignation was a damning indictment my thanks to Sir Kevan Collins, who was kind enough of the Conservatives’ catch-up plan, which is failing to to read my One Nation education paper and give me deliver for our children. The Government threw out his some of his valuable time to talk through the extended ideas and expertise as soon as it became about the need school day and my views on assessment. I hope that we to stump up the cash. We know that early-years education will see more of his impact, with his ideas implemented needs further investment, but the Government choose in the next few months, not least in the forthcoming not to do anything about it. Over the last decade, the comprehensive spending review. Government have slashed further education funding by Covid has given us the opportunity to revamp our a third and the adult education budget by half. Colleges education system and the school day. Brexit has given have been allocated funds only to hold small group us the opportunity to look at what skills we need within tutoring for the most disadvantaged 16 to 19-year-old our population to maximise our new economy for the students with no one-to-one support. global world. I therefore believe it is time to look at our The Government recently admitted that there had education system; to look at the extended school day in been an underspend of £2.1 billion in the apprenticeship the round, our assessment system, which is no longer fit levy fund since May 2019. Labour proposes a wage for purpose, our teacher training and child pedagogy, subsidy incentive to create 85,000 new apprenticeships and what we teach. Wemust finally put an effective careers from last year’s underspend. The Government must service in schools, which will help guide our young people now look at our plans for giving our next generation in this new world. their first step on the ladder. I am pleased that the Government support an extended Recent data shows that 32,260 people in Bradford school day, and it was good to hear so much support claim unemployment benefit. Of those claimants, 6,880 are from Back Benchers who spoke before me. I agree with aged between 18 and 24. Young people are desperate for the Secretary of State’s statement on Monday that it is jobs. Meanwhile, the kickstart scheme has created jobs extraordinary and inefficient that some schools send for only 3% of unemployed young people nearly a year their pupils home at 2.30, leaving empty school buildings, after it was announced. The Government must work yet others are open until 5 pm. with us to deliver our jobs promise, which guarantees I recently read about Fulham Boys School in west jobs, training or education and placements for all young London, where the school day goes until 5 pm, Monday people who are out of work for over six months. to Thursday, and the normal 3.20 pm on Friday. The Youth clubs are the beating heart of our communities, extra hours are spent on additional activities such as working day in, day out to empower and advocate for sport, music, drama, public speaking, coding and cooking. young people, but youth services are on the brink of I would personally add community work, including the collapse due to Government cuts of 73% since 2010. National Citizen Service, and a comprehensive personal, The Government must now deliver their manifesto social, health and economic education programme in commitment to give £500 million to youth services. every school. That is a proper education in my eyes, one Despite this extremely difficult period and lack of that develops the whole child. funding, Bradford Council has worked extremely hard With so many parents working full time, this must be to support children and young people through a range the way forward, even if it means voluntary contributions of services. That can carry on only with the right resources from those parents who can afford to contribute, which and funding. For example, if we look at exclusion from is exactly what happens at Fulham Boys School, but it school, we see that fewer than 10 children were excluded must not be to the disadvantage of those who cannot in 2018-19 in the whole of Scotland and Northern afford it. Imagine what well-rounded individuals we Ireland, but in England, several hundred children were could produce, with the skills that employers want. excluded. I also welcome the Government’s£3 billion commitment Poverty plays a big part in children’s learning. There to catching up through targeted interventions. I have is no poverty of aspiration in Bradford West or in the seen the impact of past initiatives as a school inspector whole of my city, but there is poverty, and it is growing. and school governor, and it makes a huge difference. We I really want to showcase Bradford. I invite the Minister should be focusing on that now and in the future. 991 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 992 Young People Young People [Mrs Flick Drummond] This is against the backdrop of a wider crisis in schools funding, which I see, for example, in maintained I am delighted that we have provided an extra nursery schools. I am proud to say that, four years ago, £400 million for half a million training and development we started a campaign in that became nationwide opportunities, including for those in early years settings. to win transitional funding for nursery schools, to avoid We need to look again at teacher training across the what would have been a complete catastrophe as a board, at the ways into teaching and at their continued consequence of a new funding formula. Four years on, professional development. Teachers have been incredible however,nursery schools still do not have secure, long-term during the pandemic, with teachers having to learn new funding. They are being subjected to a year-by-year techniques, sometimes teaching both in the classroom settlement, the consequence of which is that they simply and online, as well as preparing for those who do not cannot plan ahead, and more and more nursery schools— have access to computers. Our children deserve the best partly due to the impact of the pandemic—are seeing a training and the best teachers. loss of income through that, which is pushing many of Education is not just about structures or buildings; it them into deficit. They are having to cut back on the is about teachers and leadership. Everyone remembers services they provide, and some are threatened with closure. the good teachers and the bad, so this must be a major There is a wider scenario, one aspect of which is nursery focus. We are fortunate enough to have excellent teachers schools, which are the jewels in the crown of early years in Meon Valley, and I want to thank them once again provision. I see that at first hand in my constituency, in for all they have done over the last year. Nursery School, Featherstone Nursery School, Finally, I thank the Government for the extended Osborne Nursery School and Marsh Hill Primary holiday activity scheme through the summer.Many children School—wonderful institutions giving young children in Meon Valley have benefited from this scheme over the the best possible start in life. past few years, and I am very pleased that it is continuing. In conclusion, I pay tribute to all the school staff, and the headteachers in particular. I have seen just how 2.36 pm tough it is for them on the frontline, dealing with the Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): Erdington immediate financial pressures and utterly determined may be rich in talent, but it is one of the poorest that they will give children the best possible start in life. constituencies in England. According to the Government’s Led by Vicky Nussey, the headteacher of Paget Primary own figures, 42.5% of children in the city of Birmingham School, the primary and secondary schools in Erdington are now growing up in poverty, a total of 116,552. are first-class—they are exemplary in what they do—but their message is crystal clear: if they are to continue to In Erdington, child poverty has increased by 6.6% since give young people the best possible start in life and give 2015, with 10,000 children now living in poverty. I have joy to the parents and grandparents who see the lives of seen at first hand the heartbreaking, devastating their children and grandchildren transformed, their voice consequences for young people. A generation of young must be heard by the Government. What the Government children is being scarred by poverty and hunger, which have done is simply not enough. Weneed more investment holds them back at school. There are, no doubt, some in our schools, because the future of a whole generation welcome developments on funding, but the truth of the depends upon it. matter is that schools do not have the resources available to combat the financial aftershocks of the pandemic 2.41 pm rightly described as Ben Everitt (Milton Keynes North) (Con): It is a “the greatest peacetime threat to education in living memory”. pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Birmingham, The irreversible scarring of a generation is now a serious Erdington (Jack Dromey) in this important debate. The possibility, the devastating consequence of poverty and pandemic has been a mental as well as a physical health covid, and that is whythe appointment of Sir Kevan Collins crisis. It is not enough simply to treat people who have as the Government’s education recovery commissioner the virus, as crucial as that is; we also need to focus, as was so important and, indeed, so welcome, and why the we have, on protecting everyone’s emotional and physical information that emerged on his proposed education wellbeing, and of course, children are at the top of our recovery plan was so unanimously welcomed by the sector. list. Children need the structure of a school day to help If ever there was a city or, indeed, a constituency in them learn and develop. Members across the House will need of a properly funded long-term recovery plan, be acutely aware that the Government prioritised reopening Birmingham would surely qualify. Instead, what we saw schools as soon as it was safely possible to do so. last week was a derisory offer from the Government Children’s education was our priority then, and it is our that satisfied no one, least of all the commissioner. He priority now. Which party was it that sided with the did the noble thing and resigned, not least because what unions when they tried to keep the schools closed? It the Government did flies in the face of assurances given was not the Conservative party. by the Prime Minister that no child will be left behind as How wonderful it is to see schools open. I had the a consequence of the covid crisis. pleasure of visiting virtually a year 5 group at Haversham According to the Education Policy Institute, the latest Village School a few weeks ago, and they asked me spending commitment means the Government have some excellent questions, especially about space. It is committed to £310 per pupil, compared with the equivalent the Conservative Government who got schools like total funding of £2,500 in the Netherlands. To add Haversham Village School open, and it is the Conservative insult to injury, the Government have refused to confirm Government who have delivered more than £3 billion in that they will extend free school meals over the summer catch-up support so far. period or make the £20 universal credit uplift permanent This debate is centred on the latest tranche of the beyond September,both of which will hit the disadvantaged education recovery plan, worth £1.4 billion. Included in hardest—so much for levelling up. that package is £1 billion-worth of tutoring courses, 993 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 994 Young People Young People which is so important. As my hon. Friend the Member ages. I do not come from a well-educated family myself, for Wantage (David Johnston) said in his excellent but the teachers have so much commitment, compassion, speech, just one course of high-quality tutoring has passion and care for our children. They are safeguarding been proven to boost the attainment of disadvantaged our children as well as teaching. pupils by three to five months, so it is entirely right that It is not just the children; schools take care of the we target this at the most disadvantaged children first. families, too. I was told of a mother who came in and If I understood the hon. Member for Bradford West was hanging around because they did not have the paper (Naz Shah) correctly, I think she was asking for this to and pencils so that the kiddie could work at home. She be targeted at the most disadvantaged children first, went to school to explain, so a special blue bag was which is exactly what we are doing. That is what levelling provided for those parents who needed it, to give them up in education means and why we are investing more the little that they could not afford. than £1 billion to deliver 6,000,000 15-hour tutoring People who had not been employed for two years courses for those disadvantaged pupils. We are expanding previously did not get furlough money—they were not the 16 to 19-year-old tuition fund, targeting key subjects entitled to it. People who were on zero-hours contracts such as maths and English. We are investing in teachers, did not have the stamps and they did not get the money. with £400 million to make sure that they have the They turned to the schools for help, as well as to the resources, skills and training they need to support the councils. All the teachers and headteachers praised the children they teach. We are providing £253 million to support that they got from local authorities. expand the existing teacher training and development scheme, giving half a million teachers the chance to A well-rounded education is the greatest gift that a access world-leading training. There is £153 million to child can receive. As a society and country, we should provide early years practitioners with evidence-based take pride in ensuring that our children receive the professional development. skills, knowledge, education and confidence they need This is simply the latest stage of the ongoing support to navigate themselves through the uncertainties in life. that is being provided to children, schools, teachers, Over the past 15 months, children’s education has been headteachers and governors as we build back better in disrupted in a way that I have never seen in my lifetime, education. We have already announced £700 million of and as I was born shortly after the second world war—not catch-up funding to help children catch up on the the first—that is saying something. I have been truly learning they have lost during the pandemic. The summer humbled to listen to the headteachers, teachers and school programme for primary and secondary schools parents who have spoken to me during this pandemic includes additional clubs and activities. The structure about the care and compassion that has been given by that children need to learn and thrive is so important schools. Children of all ages have missed out on the for their mental and physical health, as well as for their hours of in-person learning—I stress that it is in-person educational progress.Wehave already invested £200 million learning—that our excellent teachers provide. There in expanding the existing statutory programme to boost have been times when the extra teaching provision did catch-up learning. Of course, in the previous financial not turn up, or the IT that was supposed to go to those year there was the £1 billion educational covid catch-up who needed it most—such as in Knowsley, one of the plan to help schools provide tailored support. Crucially, most deprived areas—was taken away from them. headteachers have been given the discretion to make Education is vital to the lives of those young people interventions where they are needed most. and to the future of our country. Investing in young The real heroes during this pandemic have been the people is investing in our country’s future. The children parents, schools, teachers, headteachers and governors. of today are our greatest future asset. They will be I know at first hand how hard parents have worked to paying off the coronavirus debt for decades, as they are home-school children. The Government have consistently still paying for the global financial crisis and austerity, prioritised schools, put children and young people first which more or less robbed them of all the youth services and invested in the education and wellbeing of pupils. and libraries. They have suffered from the lack of contributions to the voluntary sector, and I praise the people in the voluntary sector and the community who 2.46 pm have come out to help during this pandemic. Ms Marie Rimmer (St Helens South and Whiston) It makes no sense to cheap out on these children’s (Lab): I pay tribute to the teachers and headteachers in future. It makes no sense to cheap out on the whole St Helens and Whiston for their work during this dreadful country. Society, not just the pupils, benefits from the pandemic and for the care and support that they have investment provided to education. The Government’s given to their pupils. In fact, teachers talk about how safe supposed catch-up plan fails to live up to its name; it is they felt—how protected they were by their headteachers. about one tenth of the recommended size. Their own I heard the pride of the head of a special nursery for education recovery commissioner, Sir Kevan Collins, special children with special needs. She said, “There resigned over the plan. He accused the Government of have been some positives, Marie.” There was the little taking a “half-hearted approach”to the problem. Perhaps boy who took his own coat off and hung it up on the after Marcus Rashford’s school meals saga, this comes hook because mothers could not come into the nursery— as no real surprise. The Government need to get this the children had to come in by themselves because of right or they will create a lost generation. Hundreds of the isolation and the care taken. thousands of children in our country will feel the impact I have been told about the pride taken in the children, of this Government’s error for decades to come. but also the horrors of the child who could not lift up Inequalities have been exposed by the coronavirus. their head and face people. So much work goes in—I We know the areas that need levelling up; they have felt was a governor for more than 40 years in my time, and I the brunt. The Government have talked a lot about have seen the commitment that teachers put in for all their levelling-up agenda, yet they fail the country by 995 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 996 Young People Young People [Ms Marie Rimmer] an opinion poll. Such actions just prove to my constituents that they made the right choice at the last election, and skimping on education provision. Under the Government’s that by making that choice, they will not be left behind plan, the very areas that they are promising to level up any longer. will suffer the worst. Every child must be valued and Finally, I say this to all my local parents: I know it is supported based on their needs, and the funding provided tough after a long day at work, and that long division must follow those needs. might not be your strong point, but sitting down with 2.52 pm your kids to watch a Bitesize tutorial is the best thing you can do. It will pay dividends for your children and Nick Fletcher (Don Valley) (Con): Attitude—that is pay dividends for your relationship with them, too. what I want to talk about today. More specifically, I Having the right attitude towards your children’s teachers want to talk about having the right one. I believe that and school will also make all the difference, so back the Opposition have the wrong attitude. In fact, if I your teachers and your head. This will ensure that your were writing the Opposition’s school report, I would children have the right attitude, not just an excuse. That mark their attainment as “poor”. The poor attitude of way, our children will grasp life’s opportunities so that the Opposition is something that my constituents have they can have the future they deserve. noticed over the past year and a half. Why? Well, rather than constructively scrutinising the Government, the Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): In Opposition instead seek to undermine and demoralise order to ensure that we get everybody in, I will reduce every Department. Today, they are doing so with the the time limit to four minutes after the next speaker. Department for Education. I hope they realise that when they do that, the only outcome is to dishearten teachers and pupils, and I know that from speaking to 2.56 pm individuals in schools across Don Valley. (Leeds East) (Lab): No one seriously If Opposition Members and their party spin doctors thinks that the Government’s education catch-up plan want to carry on like this, so be it, yet I implore the is adequate: not teachers, not parents and not pupils. Some Opposition to think just for one moment about what Conservative MPs do, of course, but the Government’s they are doing. They are saying to our children that they now former education recovery commissioner certainly will not do well because of the Government, that they does not. I suspect that even some Conservative Members did not get their apprenticeship or university place would privately admit that it is nowhere near enough, because of the Government, and that they do not have because these plans represents just a tenth of what the the career they wanted because of the Government. Let Government know is required to get our children’s me tell the House that by promoting this attitude, the education back on track. They know what is needed, yet Opposition are fuelling emotions of helplessness and they refuse to deliver. What is needed is proper investment promoting a culture where young people believe that in our children’s futures: breakfast clubs, mental health they will get nowhere, yet I want to tell the pupils in my support, extracurricular activities and small group tutoring schools that you can have an excuse, or you can do well. for all who need it. That is what Labour would be doing. You can have an excuse, or you can work hard to get an apprenticeship or a dream university place. You can Just like with our national health service and with have an excuse, or you can have a great career. This is a our care system, the problems started years before this wonderful, dynamic country and, ultimately, your future pandemic. Our schools went into this crisis after a is in your hands. decade of Conservative cuts. School spending has been Yes, more money is always needed, which is why I slashed so much that spending per pupil will remain thank the Government for the money that they have lower in real terms in 2023 than it was 13 years earlier, spent over the last 18 months and the further £1.4 billion in 2010. That is a lost decade of funding for our kids’ in catch-up funding that was announced last week. I education. Youth services have been decimated, with thank them for the new school that is being built in funding cut by three quarters since 2010. The Tories had Hatfield, Doncaster. I thank them for all the laptops a choice and, with these cuts,they chose to rob working-class that they have issued, as these all help massively. I thank kids of their futures. them for the food activity programmes, as, again, those The funding allocated for education recovery is truly have helped thousands of children in Don Valley. But if miserly, with less than £1 for each week that kids were I have the option of a school with more money or a out of school. The cost of the catch-up plan is about the school with a can-do attitude, I know what I would rather same amount that the eat out to help out scheme cost in have. a month last summer. We are one of the richest countries Between the millennium and 2010, England fell in the on the planet, and during the pandemic UK billionaires league tables for English, science and maths under a increased their wealth by over £106 billion, yet we have Labour Government, and from what I have heard so far 4.3 million children growing up in poverty. We have from the Opposition Front Benchers, I am not surprised thousands of children relying on emergency food bank that that is the case. What children need more than parcels each day, and we have 1.7 million children from anything else is great teachers and headteachers, and low-income families who do not get the free school I am pleased that I have many in my constituency. I meals they need all year round. It really is absolutely believe that they need an MP who champions them at shameful. every opportunity and plays an active part in speaking The truth is that a social emergency is facing children to their pupils. I do not believe that teachers and pupils and families in this country. It is a fact that more than need MPs who grandstand in this Chamber on motions 11,000 children in my constituency of Leeds East live in that will achieve nothing other than a few likes on a poverty. That is more than half, and it has gone up year social media account and a percentage point swing in after year under successive Conservative Governments, 997 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 998 Young People Young People so forgive me, but when I hear Conservative MPs and MP, but he has been an invaluable source of advice for Ministers talking about levelling up, I just do not believe schools across the county during this difficult time. them. I would love the Education Secretary to come to Every single headteacher I have spoken to in Peterborough east Leeds, to the gates of schools such as Parklands thinks that Jonathan has done an outstanding job. He is Primary School in or Bankside Primary School an excellent council officer. down in , and explain to the parents, to their The Minister saw for himself the excellent work going face, why their children’s catch-up is worth a measly on in Peterborough when I took him to the Queen quid for each week of normal education that they have Katharine Academy in Walton. We met the principal, lost. What kind of money has been spent at Eton? You Lynn Mayes, and her leadership team, and were impressed can bet your bottom dollar that it is more than £1 extra with their plans and their ambition—this is a school that per week. I ask myself this question: for all the rhetoric, went the extra mile—but perhaps most valuable was for all the talk of levelling up, if it is not good enough listening to some of the students themselves and hearing for pupils at Eton, why the hell do this Government at first hand how they managed during the pandemic think it is good enough for working-class kids in my and how excited they are to be back. constituency in east Leeds? Like many great schools in my constituency, the The truth is simple.Strip away the Government’srhetoric, Queen Katharine Academy makes me proud to be the face the facts and forget the censorious speeches that city’s MP, but it would be wrong for me to turn around blame children and families for the lack of opportunities and say that everything is fine and dandy. Young people that they face under a Conservative Government; the fact in Peterborough have had to make huge sacrifices to is,andthefiguresshowit,thatthisConservativeGovernment tackle the virus. That is why the £3 billion that has been and this Conservative Prime Minister do not care about provided so far in catch-up support is important. The working-class children. A decade of education cuts before support is targeted at the right children with high-quality 2020 shows that, and the Government’s refusal to invest tutoring, including the 6 million 15-hour tutoring courses in our children’s education recovery after 2020 shows targeted at those students who need it the most. that they have not changed one jot. That is why that we have just heard a Conservative MP saying that it is not As my hon. Friend the Member for Milton Keynes all about money—it is not all about money because they North (Ben Everitt) said, it has been shown that just do not want to make the political choice to give our one course of that high-quality tutoring has been proven working-class children the money that they need and to boost attainment by three to five months. This has deserve. the potential to have significant merit for young people in my constituency. Of course, that is on top of giving Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): I every pupil in England a funding boost as part of a have just been informed that one hon. Member has £14.4 billion investment in schools and an increase in withdrawn, so I will keep the limit at five minutes for as funding of more than £1.5 billion for children with special long as I can. educational needs. Schools are more than just a building; in fact, they 3.1 pm are more than just a school and often they are the hub (Peterborough) (Con): It is truly an honour of a local community. We already have the infrastructure to follow the hon. Member for Leeds East (Richard there to build back better. These buildings are open Burgon). The most troubling element of restrictions beyond school hours for youth clubs, community activities and lockdowns associated with the covid-19 pandemic and sport, so why do we not make use of them for has been the impact of school closures on our young extended school hours to help our young people to people. Even withstanding the impact on their education, catch up? Extending the school day could have a profound socialising with others and learning in a classroom impact on the wellbeing of our young people, on mental environment has a whole host of obvious benefits. That health, on physical fitness and of course on academic is why this Government did everything in their power to attainment. So I was astounded to hear the Labour keep children in the classroom and prioritised the safe shadow Education Secretary say that we do not want reopening of schools in the first step of the road map children to be doing more formal learning. This is an out of lockdown. extraordinary position for the Opposition to take, and Schools and teachers in Peterborough have done parents up and down the country will be appalled. outstanding work supporting young people, either through Finally, I would like to say how pleased I am about remote learning or through supporting directly in the the roll-out of new T-levels. These new qualifications classroom the children of key workers, often going the will be very welcome for young people and parents in extra mile. That has involved regular phone calls to my city, and I am thrilled that City College Peterborough families and young people just to let them know that will be offering them by 2023. They are the perfect they are not on their own and that their schools are still complement for our new STEM-focused university, which with them. As schools have reopened, they have been will transform our local area, and it is just one way in working hard to make sure that young people are not which Peterborough is building back better. left behind. I place on record my thanks to teachers and all the school support staff in my city for what they have done. 3.5 pm I also place on record my thanks to Jonathan Lewis, Claudia Webbe (Leicester East) (Ind) [V]: The the director of education at Peterborough City Council Government are failing our young people, too many of and Cambridgeshire County Council. Council officers whom have been left behind since long before the do not always get the appreciation that they merit: not coronavirus crisis. With chronically underfunded schools, only has he had to put up with phone calls and queries youth services slashed and persistently high levels of from an inquisitive and sometimes exasperated local mental health problems, young people are already being 999 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 1000 Young People Young People [Claudia Webbe] Young people did not ask for this pandemic or choose to grow up as it took hold. They have made incredible deniedtheopportunitiesenjoyedbytheirparents’generation. sacrifices to protect demographics who are more at risk Due to this Government’s paltry support, the long-term from the virus. We have a moral duty to repay their impact of covid-19 will exacerbate the difficulties they sacrifice with adequate support. That requires much, already face. much more than the insulting package put forward by The Government’s new funding package amounts to this Government. just £50 per pupil. For the Netherlands this figure is 3.10 pm £2,500, while in America it is £1,600. Why do our Government not place the same value on the future of Duncan Baker (North ) (Con): This Government our children and young people? If the UK were to have spent more than £400 billion protecting the lives match the US, it would cost £15.5 billion, which is how and the jobs of the people of this country. We have much the Government were advised to provide by their borrowed £300 billion in just the last fiscal year. The own education adviser. Yet they have only announced a last time we exceeded 10% of GDP was in the financial 10th of what our children and young people need. crisis in 2008, and before that world war two, so forgive the common theme: we must have a degree of fiscal Under the Government’s current programme, an entire prudence, and the Treasury should have the right to year of funding for the crucial 2021-22 academic year challenge what it is asked to spend in these very difficult will amount to around £984 million. That is barely times. more than the £849 million spent on the Chancellor’s The problem is that the adage that children are like eat out to help out scheme, which only ran for one vessels—that we fill them up with tutoring and they will month and was found to contribute to the spread of the be back on track—is only part of the answer. We will virus, at great cost to the taxpayer. That reveals the spend £1 billion towards a national tutoring programme warped priorities of this Government of the super-rich. for disadvantaged students, on top of £1.7 billion for Two thirds of the current Cabinet were privately educated, summer schools and mental health support and already yet they systematically deny young people—especially £3 billion in catch-up support. We should remember those from African, Asian and minority ethnic communities that the very first step of this Government’s road map and working-class children—the opportunities and was getting our young people back into the classroom, privileges they benefited from. because everybody knows the damage that being away Children have missed over half a year of in-person from their school does to children. However, children school, yet this Government believe that less than an and young people need more than that. They need a hour of tutoring a fortnight can bridge that gap. Their varied curriculum—one of breadth. That is why I have measly tutoring offer amounts to less than £1 per day fought tooth and nail back in my constituency to get for each day children were out of school. Shamefully, outdoor learning centres open. There can be no better the Government are only proposing to feed children on way of ensuring a depth and diversity of learning free school meals for 16 of 30 weekdays during the experiences. Outdoor learning centres are invaluable, upcoming summer holidays. Do they really think it is and they must be part and parcel of a programme to get acceptable to expect children to go hungry every other children back outside after such an enormous “stay at day? This is a Government who are happy to fork out home” message for so long. We should get them learning billions in shady deals to their donors and large outside in the natural environment. What better way is corporations, yet cringe at the prospect of guaranteeing there to support their social and emotional needs? food for vulnerable children. They must significantly I am blessed to have many such centres in North improve the quality of, and widen access to, free school Norfolk, and the Education Secretary knows only too meals, including over the school holidays. well that I have pushed him all the way to get their Youth work is a powerful tool for young people, reopening on the road map as soon as possible. In providing on their terms someone to speak to, something particular, my constituents Sara Holroyd and Mark to do and somewhere to go, and thus youth services are Holroyd from Aylmerton Field Study Centre, and Martin a vital lifeline for all young people. But due to severe Read from Hilltop, have been through the most horrendous Government cuts over the last decade, hundreds of of times, unable to take bookings, and have suffered youth centres have closed in Leicester and across the enormous losses due to the absence of firm news on UK. This is nothing short of daylight robbery of young when their businesses can start to accept young people people’s futures. Youth services have been decimated—cut back again. by 73% in less than a decade. That also significantly I therefore wonder whether I can call on the Government reduced the support available for young people referred to do even more with imaginative schemes for young people. by social services, reduced support for working-class What about embracing the National Citizen Service? children needing extracurricular activity, and reduced That is a golden opportunity not only to get the outdoor to zero issue-based detached youth work to young learning sector going again, but to get our young people people who are at risk. It is to our shame that detached in the outdoors for that valuable and enriching learning youth work is something of a relic, practically extinct in experience. the UK. Average spending per 16 to 24-year-old in the Today, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the fact east midlands also fell by 50%, from £134 to £66, that it is Carers Week. One of the ways this £1 billion of between 2012 and 2019. Taken together,this Government’s support must be channelled is to help young carers in neglect of young people is a generational betrayal, and our society. I have talked about young carers in this still the Government have offered nothing, coming out place many times. As a patron of the Holt youth club in of this pandemic, for services to young people. They , I know just what incredible work Julie have not even offered to return youth clubs and after-school Alford, Kevin Abbs and all their team do for the provision they stole from young people. community, as does Carers Matter across Norfolk. 1001 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 1002 Young People Young People The Holt Youth Project has looked after more than been an increase in the number of children with mental 50 young carers who have suffered disproportionately in health conditions, with NHS data now showing that the pandemic. Just imagine those children who are one in six young people in England were experiencing looking after a parent who is simply too sick to home such a condition in 2020. Youth services were on the school them. Those young people must be given the brink of absolute collapse due to Government cuts. In opportunity of the further support that this package Liverpool, 86% of spending was cut between 2011 and will entail. We already know that young people caring 2020—it is unforgivable. for a parent do not have a normal childhood, and they As I finish, my question to the Minister is simple: in will undoubtedly have fallen even further behind during the light of everything that I have just outlined, why do the pandemic. I know that the Government will match the Government treat the working-class kids of this country that fund with those people in society, to help them as so appallingly? an absolute priority, and I commend them for it. 3.18 pm 3.14 pm Ian Byrne (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab): I pay tribute Andrew Bowie (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) to pupils, parents, teachers and support staff in Liverpool, (Con): It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for West Derby for their efforts during this difficult period Liverpool, West Derby (Ian Byrne) this afternoon. and for the support they give our communities. The Before I go on, I, like everybody else this afternoon, pandemic has seen the growth of existing inequalities pay tribute to the amazing work done over the past year that children and young people face, caused by a decade and a half by teachers, support staff and everybody else of austerity and Government cuts to vital services. involved in delivering education in my constituency of The Government have clearly learned nothing from West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine and across the the past year, as we can see in the lack of funding for entire country. millions of working-class children who have suffered It is incredibly interesting that the SNP have chosen through no fault of their own. The Government’s plans not to have any representation in this debate—its Benches for education recovery,announced last week, are inadequate, are deserted. That could be because today’s Opposition incomplete and frankly immoral. The £1.5 billion offered motion deals entirely with investing in young people in is way below the £15 billion that Kevan Collins, the England; the SNP may have decided to take a principled former education recovery commissioner, judged was stand in not involving themselves in matters that do not needed. No doubt he walked away from his position affect their constituents—unlike me and my Scottish because he had listened to the teachers, trade unions Conservative colleagues, who care just as much about a and parents and understood the gravity of the situation child’s welfare in Penrith as we do about that of a child and the inequality it would cause the next generation of in Perth. working-class children. However, that SNP principle is allowed to lapse from The Government have continued to ignore the opinions time to time, as we have seen on such important issues of the people who devote their lives to trying to deliver as foxhunting, in which the SNP does feel it has a role to the education that the children in our communities play in deciding what goes on south of the border. So I deserve. In England, the Government’s pledge amounts do not think it is that. I think that, as when the SNP to just £50 per pupil per year for education recovery—one removed Scotland from international league tables on fiftieth of what the Netherlands is delivering and one educational performance, it is terrified of having to tenthof whatwasrecommendedbytheirowncommissioner. defend its shameful record of supporting children and We can spend £37 billion on a failed privatised track and young people in Scotland. trace system, but we cannot invest in our children’s Today’s motion talks about the Government’s plans future? Shameful! The inadequacy of that £1.5 billion to support children, investment in targeted support and will not affect the children of Eton, but it will impact the additional funding in England, and it is usually at this children at Lister Junior School in my constituency for point that a separatist would jump up from the Benches years to come. opposite primed with their SNP HQ briefing points—sent, Let us touch on the Government’s record and the by the wonders of the internet, from Murrell towers in impact it has had on communities like mine in Liverpool, Edinburgh—to opine to the world on how much better West Derby. Some 4.3 million children are living in things are in Scotland, but not today, and why? Because poverty, including 34% of the children in my constituency while this Conservative Government are committing —children left without digital devices and without free £1.4 billion to education recovery, £1 billion for tutoring school meals in the middle of the pandemic because of courses to help students recover from lost teaching the failure of the Government’s food voucher scheme during the past year, £400 million for training and delivered by Edenred, with teachers delivering food development of teachers, £700 million on a catch-up parcels and schools setting up food banks. Yes, you funding package, raising the pupil premium, eliminating heard that right—schools setting up food banks. Maybe digital exclusion—including £3 million for laptops and the Minister can join the National Education Union tablets for students in need—and extending our holiday and support the Right2Food campaign, which calls for food and activities package, the SNP is failing Scotland’s universal free school meals for every child in this country. children. There is an attainment gap of 9.3 months for primary The Scottish National party Government claim to pupils and 22 months for secondary school pupils in have invested £400 million in catch-up funding and, per Liverpool. The Government have forgotten about kinship pupil, that would appear on the face of it to be more care throughout the pandemic, but figures show that a generous than the UK Government, but take a look at third needed access to digital equipment that was never how that money is being spent: the vast majority is offered and half now believe that their children need being spent on increasing ventilation in classrooms. additional support to catch up on education. There has That is very important in getting kids back into the 1003 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 1004 Young People Young People [Andrew Bowie] child—32 times less than the US and 50 times less than the Netherlands. Is this really “build back better”, classroom of course, but it does not help the children because to me it seems like “build back cheaper”? and young people of Scotland catch up. More than half Fortunately Labour has offered an alternative plan: of children and young people in Scotland had no contact one that invests in children’s education, nourishes their at all from teachers over the first lockdown, a fact not extra-curricular interests, and gives every child the mental helped by the roll-out of tablets and laptops in Scotland health support they need. Not only does this plan place last year being a complete and utter shambles, and I will children at the heart of the recovery—it does so without not even go near the situation regarding exams and scapegoating our incredible school staff, as the Education assessments. Secretary did so shamelessly yesterday. It is disgraceful That is even before we examine the record of the SNP how Conservative Members have been attacking our in education before the pandemic hit, with the attainment trade unions, whose members are actually teachers and gap widening, children from less advantaged households support staff who have been working tirelessly for our in England now more likely to get a place at university young people and children. than those from similar backgrounds in Scotland, and However, for many pupils in my constituency, the the trumpeted and ironically named curriculum for education barriers extend beyond the Government’s excellence leading to a situation where in the poorest miserly plan. Under the Labour Government in 2009, parts of Scotland one pupil in five—one in five—leaves Framwellgate School Durham was earmarked for a full school without achieving a single pass at national 5 level, rebuild. Yet when the Conservative-Liberal Democrat and where across Scotland one in 10 children fails to coalition came to power, the plans were scrapped under meet the required standard for national 4 in literacy and the right hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove). numeracy. In the decade since, the school has grown to 1,300 pupils. So what is the plan in Scotland? What is the SNP’s Between them there are just 16 toilets. There is no grand plan—the ambitious project to help children and disabled access to the classrooms on upper floors, while parents catch up for lost time? It is a £20 million summer poor drainage means the site regularly floods. This is of play.Of course,encouraging and providing opportunities far from the optimal learning environment. Yet despite to socialise and play and to improve the mental wellbeing Fram School being scheduled for rebuild in 2009 and of children is vital, and I actually think we should be having a very poor condition report, it was not included looking towards the Scandinavian model of education in the first 50 schools allocated rebuild funding from the and examining how the model there is based much more Government, and it does not know when it will receive on putting the health and wellbeing of children first, the funding it desperately needs. In the meantime, decisions but our young people need so much more than the must be made on how best to spend maintenance funding derisory £25 per head that is being pledged by the SNP without the ability to plan for the long term. on this. If the Labour party is criticising us for not In comparison with the Government’s inaction, under investing enough—that is its position today, and that is Labour leadership, Durham County Council backed a completely respectable—to help young people get back £34 million investment for a new joint campus for on track in England, what on earth are we to make of Belmont Community School and Belmont Primary School. this laughably poor situation in Scotland? Except that it If only central Government would show the same ambition. is not laughable, because this is incredibly serious. With this in mind, I wonder if the Minister could Our Government—any Government—have a duty to answer two simple questions from Fram School: when the next generation to provide them with the skills and will Fram School receive funding for a rebuild; and will education needed for them to get on in the world of the Government give schools transparency by publishing work. In this duty—this sacred duty—the SNP has a priority list and a long-term rebuild list so that the failed and are failing the young people of Scotland. conditions of schools can be compared? I urge the Today’s students in Scotland will pay the price for SNP Government to accept Labour’s education recovery plan failure. Scotland will pay the price for SNP failure. I and to invest in children’s futures in Durham—and for oppose the motion today because this Government are Framwellgate School, recovery must come with a rebuild. doing the right thing by children and young people in this country. I only wish that our ambition was matched 3.27 pm by the Government in Edinburgh. Kim Johnson (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab) [V]: I pay tribute to all parents, Liverpool City Council, and all 3.23 pm staff working with children and young people in Liverpool, Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham) (Lab): First, I pay Riverside, who have provided invaluable support over tribute to all the teachers, school staff and parents who the past 14 months during the pandemic. have worked tirelessly to educate our children and keep In this country, 4.3 million children are living in them safe during the pandemic. poverty, and in my Liverpool, Riverside constituency, The Government’s failings on children’s education 38%—11 children, on average, in every single classroom are clear. Over 140 organisations, including the North East in my constituency. That is totally unacceptable. It is the Child Poverty Commission, have slammed the disgraceful legacy of this Government, including a decade of Tory recovery plans, stating that austerity that hollowed out vital services, leaving millions “supporting babies, children and young people to recover from of children in need and at risk, and my council with the impact of the pandemic is still not a priority for Government £450 million less to spend on those in greatest need. investment.” If there was any doubt about this Government’s That is simply damning. As my hon. Friend the Member priorities, the pandemic has laid them bare for all to see. for Liverpool, West Derby (Ian Byrne) highlighted, the In the past year, this Government have chosen to spend Government’s recovery plan places a value of just £50 per more on one month of the disastrous Eat Out to Help 1005 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 1006 Young People Young People Out scheme than on the entire year’s budget for schools increase. The Collins report calls for an investment of catch-up, and put only £50 per pupil into the education £15 billion—£700 per pupil—over three years to support recovery fund. This is scandalous when £25 million of children’s recovery. That would have gone a long way to this meagre budget has been spent on a contract outsourcing reversing those figures, yet the Government have decided teaching to a HR firm with little teaching experience— to go with only a tenth of what is needed. The stated another example of cronyism. That the Government’s figure of around £50 per child is an insult to hard-working own education recovery commissioner has resigned over families, schools and teaching staff in Jarrow and beyond. the pitiful funding pledge to help pupils catch up speaks It is time that this Conservative Government began to volumes. They are still threatening to cut the universal wake up and realise that investment in our children is credit uplift of £20 that has been an invaluable lifeline both the morally and fiscally responsible thing to do. for so many families living on the breadline in Liverpool Children and young people in my constituency cannot and across the country. Barnardo’s, the largest children’s wait until the spending review for emergency funding to charity in the UK, has identified that nearly 300,000 arrive. It must come now for it to have any effect on children were referred to children’s services during the learning and social outcomes. pandemic, many of them previously unknown to local A Labour Government would see action and investment authorities. Two thirds of its workers have supported to ensure quality mental health support in every school, families in the last year who were unable to put food on small group tutoring for all who need it, not just the table. This speaks to a crisis of poverty and the 1%, continued development for teachers, extracurricular welfare of children. It is a shameful state of affairs for a activities for all, an education recovery premium and a country as wealthy as ours, the fifth richest country in guarantee that no child will go hungry. Only through the world. This Government have presided over the Government delivering those things can we begin to see expansion of the wealth of billionaires by 25% during a reverse of the shocking child poverty figures across the pandemic, while the use of food banks has rocketed our regions. by a third in the same time. There is no economic reason why this Conservative If this Government are serious about ensuring that Government could not deliver for our children and no child is left behind, we need an urgent change in young people. They have been warned that failing to direction. Can the Minister give me a straight answer: help children to recover lost learning could cost the does he accept that this Government’s funding pledge economy and taxpayer as much as £420 billion—almost for post-pandemic education recovery is entirely inadequate, 30 times the cost of Labour’s comprehensive £15 billion and will he commit today to go back to his Government plan. It is time that the Prime Minister stepped up and and get a commitment to proper resourcing on a par sent a message about what really matters, because this with the investment made by other countries, so that we Government cannot afford not to make an investment can provide an education system that supports high in our children’s future. standards and places pupil wellbeing at its heart—yes or no, Minister? 3.34 pm We are emerging from an unprecedented crisis that has shone a spotlight on the struggles of the poorest Navendu Mishra () (Lab): I pay tribute to and most vulnerable in our country, particularly black every single teacher and member of school staff around young people, who are twice as likely to be unemployed, the country who does so much to educate our children, six times more likely to be excluded from school and as well as to the important role that parents fulfil as part over-represented in the criminal justice system. This must of the education process. I also thank all the education be a turning point—one where our country fundamentally unions, including the National Education Union, for shifts our priorities and commits serious resources towards their important work supporting and campaigning on eradicating child poverty, improving our welfare and behalf of school and college staff. I know that Dawn education systems and creating a country in which Taylor and the team at Stockport’s National Education every child can thrive, for the many, not the few. Union branch are well respected in our town. I am proud to have not one, but three maintained 3.31 pm nursery schools in my Stockport constituency.Hollywood Kate Osborne (Jarrow) (Lab): It is clear from Kevan Park, Lark Hill and Freshfield do a brilliant job of Collins’s resignation that the Government’s catch-up serving children and parents in my constituency.Families plan is failing to deliver for our children. It has highlighted across our country also benefit from our maintained that supporting children and young people to recover nursery school system. However, research by the National from the pandemic is not a priority for this Conservative Education Union reveals that there are only 389 such Government. Let us make no mistake: child poverty schools left in England, of which many are located in was rising long before the beginning of the covid crisis. the most deprived areas of the country. In the three years before the onset of the pandemic, my I pay tribute to the hard work of my good friend, my region of the north-east had the second highest child hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Erdington poverty rate in the UK at 37%. The north-east has (Jack Dromey). Much more needs to be done by the urgently needed a new and credible Government strategy Government to support maintained nursery schools and to end child poverty for some time. For too long, school properly fund them in the years ahead. As the all-party budgets have been under extreme pressure, waiting lists parliamentary group for nursery schools, nursery and for mental health services have been too long, and reception classes made clear last year: services to support families and children have been “Maintained nursery schools need long-term certainty about stretched by a lack of Government funding. funding if they are to continue to provide vital services to In my constituency, the child poverty rate stood at disadvantaged communities during the pandemic and beyond.” 24% in 2015. That is a shameful figure, but the latest I would like to hear the Minister provide that reassurance data shows that in 2019-20, it stood at 36%—a 12 point to the House today. 1007 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 1008 Young People Young People [Navendu Mishra] 3.38 pm

In the country with the fifth largest economy in the Peter Kyle (Hove) (Lab): I put on record my thanks world, no child should ever have to go hungry, but and gratitude to every student, teacher and support unfortunately, as we saw in the past year, that is exactly worker who has worked so hard in these difficult times. what this callous Government attempted to allow when I also thank the Minister for School Standards for they planned to scrap free school meals during the kicking off the debate with his usual leadership skills. holiday period, despite many families being financially So effective were they that in his 15-minute speech he crippled by the pandemic. Fortunately for millions of pretty much failed to mention the catch-up plan or the children around the country, including thousands in my moment that we are living through. That trend was followed constituency of Stockport, the embarrassment caused by most of his hon. Friends. by the brilliant intervention of the premier league footballer It was a debate where there was sometimes more Marcus Rashford forced the Government to scrap those constructive agreement than was apparent. I was struck plans. That situation can never be allowed to happen when the right hon. Member for East Hampshire (Damian again, which is why the Labour party has committed to Hinds) made a passionate speech calling for a whole-society extending free school meals over all holidays, including approach to supporting children. I really hope he finds the long summer break. the time to read our plan, because we have championed I would like to say a few words about the challenge that in opposition. I know that the shadow Education that our youth clubs face. These clubs are the beating Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford heart of our communities, working day in, day out to and Urmston (Kate Green), has a driving passion for it empower, advocate for and educate young people. They too, and it is riven through our educational catch-up also perform a vital role in our children’s wellbeing: one plan. survey revealed that more than 80% of children and This is a pivotal moment: one when students and young people who attend youth groups consider themselves school communities across our country will discover to be happy—a significantly higher proportion than whether Ministers match the ambition that young people among those who do not. Furthermore, youth clubs can have for themselves and for our country, or whether this help to combat the rise in antisocial behaviour and ease week will be like the last, when those in government, the burden on our police services. from the Prime Minister down, made the decision—yes, However, youth services are on the brink of collapse it was a decision—to become the barrier to young people because of this Government’s cuts. A staggering 73% of bounding forwards after the challenges that pandemic funding has been slashed since the Conservatives came life has presented them with. Anyone who has played a to power in 2010. That flies in the face of the Conservative role, large or small, in the running of schools, colleges party’sown manifesto commitment to set aside £500 million or nurseries will pay testament to the resilience, character for young people’s services in its much-publicised youth and sense of purpose with which most students approach investment fund. Almost unbelievably, the chief executive their education. Even in the last 13 years, as the core of the National Youth Agency revealed earlier this year curriculum and testing became myopic, funding per that the money had “gone missing”. Given that the fund pupil was slashed, class sizes grew and teaching assistants was first announced two years ago, I find that completely dwindled, students and their teachers found ways to move unacceptable. forward. The Government have also suspended their requirement The challenges disproportionately placed on those for councils to reveal their spending on youth services, living with disabilities was covered very well by my hon. leading to well-founded concerns that a fresh round of Friends the Members for Worsley and Eccles South cuts may be on the horizon. After the Government have (Barbara Keeley) and for Lancaster and Fleetwood already presided over the closure of at least 763 youth (Cat Smith), and, in a very thoughtful speech, by the centres since 2012, this latest kick in the teeth is shameful hon. Member for Ipswich (Tom Hunt). For too many and leaves more and more young people isolated and individual youngsters down the generations,insurmountable unsupported. The funding is crucial not only for traditional barriers have existed. The doors to the education they youth services, but for community and volunteering deserve need to be broken down—they are not wide organisations such as the Scouts, the Guides and the open, as they should be. Tackling that has been the cadets. central mission of education policy across the political divide for as long as I have known it. We may disagree Finally, , where my constituency over how to achieve it, but both parties have usually is, faces one of the highest rates of persistently tried their very best, until now. The events of the last disadvantaged children in the country. The situation week show us that the challenge is no longer just about has worsened dramatically during the pandemic: research knocking down barriers for individual student learning; by the Education Policy Institute recently revealed that it is about the Government slamming the brakes on an the attainment gap between poorer pupils and their entire generation, making it harder for every student to more affluent peers has stopped closing for the first learn, capping the potential—the essence of what is time in a decade. In my local authority, Stockport, that possible—for young people up and down the country. means that the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged This is a new low, even for the party that voted against children ranges from six months at early years level to feeding hungry kids over the holidays. For all of history 10 months by the time they are at primary school, and there has been one great leveller: education. Yet before almost two years by the time they reach secondary us is a party that promises to “level up”, but in practice school. That is simply not good enough. The Government puts bricks before people. You can’t level-up without need to urgently address this rising crisis or risk long-lasting giving people who are trying to overcome the greatest damage that will take years to overturn. barriers all the support they need. 1009 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 1010 Young People Young People To take just one example, students in the north-west calling for a day that is long and full of activity. The are seven times more likely to be absent from school for shadow Secretary of State has called for that consistently covid-related reasons than those elsewhere. They need in the past week. We want to discuss how that extra time the greatest support to overcome this simple but immense is used, which should be a cause for considerable challenge. The only significant catch-up programme to deliberation by the House. However, given the number survive the butchery by Government of the Kevan of Members who stood up today to say that they do not Collins report is the national tutoring programme. Overall, want any extra money to be spent on additional days, I it is reaching only 1% of students, but, crucially, even do not see how the right hon. Gentleman can call for then 40% fewer students are participating in the north anything. than in the south. It is about time Ministers heard the The House will shortly divide and Members will have truth: this is not levelling up; this is robbing opportunity the chance to support key priorities in the Collins from those in greatest need. Covid has disrupted the report and Labour’s national children’s recovery plan: a incredible effort that our students and teachers are temporary uplift in the pupil premium; resources so putting in every single day. The average pupil has missed that school facilities can be used out of hours; and 115 school days and the attainment gap has widened by emotional support so that every student can focus on a devastating 24% in some circumstances, and this has the learning, and those challenged by stress in these come on top of many wasted years, when no progress times are not held back. If the motion falls and the was made on helping those with barriers to learning to Government continue on their current course, students keep up with those who do not have such barriers. will have more challenges to overcome, not just in the Perhaps most shocking of all is this Government’s weeks to come, but into the future. Our economy will be inability to make the link between investment in education scarred for decades as will our ability to compete around today and economic prosperity for all tomorrow. In the world against countries, which, in this moment of that, their lack of imagination is breathtaking. The crisis, are investing 30 times more in their students than Collins report outlined colossal scarring to our economy we are. That will haunt our nation and hold back our in the absence of immediate, large-scale intervention. economy. The Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests that half a In the weeks and months ahead, our schools should year’s lost learning could cost our economy £350 billion be hubs of buzzing, healthy activity during school hours in lower lifetime earnings. At the start of the pandemic, and way beyond. A school without students is not a the Chancellor announced a furlough scheme, which school; it is just another empty building. This summer, Labour supported, at a cost of £14 billion per month. whenever we pass a quiet, empty school, that building He did not tell workers to wait six months until his will also represent something else: it will be a monument spending review to see whether they would be supported. to this moment of greatest need, when students and Individual workers and our economy as a whole needed those who support them were truly abandoned by this support then, and, rightly, they got it. At the last Budget, Tory Government. the Chancellor announced a super deduction—£25 billion in tax breaks for the 1% of companies at the top. He 3.49 pm said they needed that much, right at that moment, so he delivered it. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Vicky Ford): Madam Deputy Speaker, thank you for However, when it comes to the moment of greatest the chance to debate this important topic. I thank every need for education, the difference is stark and everyone single person who has contributed. Members across the sees it. Furlough covers 80% of workers; the National House have spoken with deep admiration for teachers, Tutoring Programme covers 1% of students. The difference teaching assistants, parents and our children and young could not be more stark. Instead of doing “whatever it people. I agree with them. I want to add my thanks to takes” to support students in their quest to learn, the early years staff, to social workers and to everyone who Government have given them a tenth of what their own has cared for children during this time. adviser said was needed, and shelved most of the We in the Government completely agree that we must recommendations in a report that they commissioned. do all it takes to ensure that our children recover from The National Audit Office tracked how much different the impact of the pandemic. Our children have had a Departments have spent in additional spending during deeply turbulent time. We owe it to them to steady the the pandemic. The Department for Education came ship, and this Government are committed to ensuring eighth. The Prime Minister said that education was his that we leave a legacy that underpins our promise that priority and the Chancellor said the same, but now we no child should ever be left behind. know the truth. The education, wellbeing and resilience Let us look at this Government’s track record in of our nation’s youngsters are the Government’s eighth delivering first-class education for children. Back in priority. They are all but forgotten, and the Secretary of 2010, when we took over from Labour, only 68% of our State is all too forgettable in the Prime Minister’s eyes. country’s schools were rated “good” or “outstanding”. That figure is now 86%. Over the past decade, the Robert Halfon: Further to my question to the shadow attainment gap between children from disadvantaged Secretary of State, does the hon. Gentleman agree with backgrounds and their peers has narrowed by a substantial the core part of Sir Kevan Collins’s plan that there 13% at primary schools and 9% at secondary schools, should be a structured, longer school day? Is that the and that is because of this Government’s continual Labour party’s position or not? focus on improving education standards. We have prioritised children above everyone else during Peter Kyle: What struck me when people said throughout the pandemic. We made sure that our schools were the the debate that we are against a longer school day is that last to close and the first to open. However, instead of if they read Labour’s plan, they would see that we are focusing on what is happening in our schools and our 1011 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 1012 Young People Young People [Vicky Ford] Vulnerable children are often cared for by local authorities, so during the pandemic we increased the school standards, the Labour party has been talking funding for councils, with an additional £4.6 billion of about the money. As a former math student, I think that un-ringfenced funding for both children and adult social if we are going to talk about the money, we should look care, and another £1.55 billion went to councils at the at all the numbers. last spending review. The £1.4 billion announced last week takes the total As we know that early education is critical, we invested investment so far in education recovery to over £3 billion. around £3.6 billion last year in early years entitlements It is quite correctly targeted at top-class tutoring and and continued funding nurseries and pre-schools at teaching, because evidence shows us that those are the pre-covid levels throughout 2020, even if children were interventions most likely to make a real difference. My not attending. The hon. Member for Birmingham, right hon. Friend the Member for East Hampshire Erdington (Jack Dromey) spoke with great praise for (Damian Hinds), a former Education Secretary, correctly our early years settings, and I agree that early education pointed out that it is vital that we put the investment in provides the building blocks of a child’s future. I am where it makes the most difference to children. It is also sure he will be pleased that £153 million—more than weighted more towards those schools with higher numbers 10%—of the funding announced last week goes to early of pupils from low-income families, because we know years. that that is where the covid-19 impact has been the greatest, When schools were not open to most pupils, we set and towards those in special schools. up the school meal voucher system, putting nearly an The £3 billion package is only one part of what has extra £500 million in the school food system, and we been invested in our children. A few Members, including invested more than £400 million in laptops and devices. the Chair of the Education Committee, my right hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon), and my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent North Stephen Timms: Can the hon. Lady tell the House (Jonathan Gullis), spoke in favour of extending the why she believes that Sir Kevan Collins resigned last week? school day. The next stage of our recovery plan will include a review of time spent in school and college, and Vicky Ford: Sir Kevan is a very thoughtful person. He the impact that that could have on helping children and worked very closely with us on the two first key elements young people to catch up. The review’s findings will be of the catch-up packages, which is the improved teaching set out later in the year and they will inform the spending and tutoring. In all my engagement with him, I found review, but it is absolutely right that we consult and look him to be very helpful, especially on the elements to do at the evidence first. with early years. I do not know the rationale behind his The £3 billion package is only one part of what we resignation, but I do know that, as I said earlier, we are are investing in our children. Before the pandemic even looking at the proposals to extend the school day, but started we had committed to the biggest school funding that needs to be done with deep consultation and thought boost in over a decade, a three-year programme of to make sure that that money, if it is invested, delivers £14 billion— the best education for our children. I am completely confused by exactly what Labour is suggesting it will do Stephen Timms: Will the Minister give way? with the school day. We have also invested £269 million in local authority Vicky Ford: I will not, because I want to address as welfare schemes, including ring-fenced funding for families many hon. Members’ comments as possible. If I have to help with food and fuel, and I know that many time at the end, I will come back. Members have been interested in that. Our £220 million That three-year programme of £14 billion takes the holiday activities and food programme is now live across whole schools budget to £52.2 billion by next year. We the country. The hon. Member for Bradford West (Naz levelled that up across the country, so that per pupil Shah) very kindly invited me to visit her constituency. funding is at least £4,000 in every primary school and Bradford is, of course, one of the areas where we have £5,150 in secondary schools this year. Over the past two tried, tested and piloted this holiday activities and food years we have also put record funding into high needs, programme. It means that children of families on lower increasing the funding for special educational needs and incomes can take part in holiday clubs and enjoy enriching disabilities by £1.5 billion—nearly a quarter—over that activities, giving them both food and friendship. period. The hon. Member for Leeds East (Richard Burgon) The hon. Member for Worsley and Eccles South said that we did not care about kids in his constituency. (Barbara Keeley) and my hon. Friend the Member for Actually, Leeds has benefited from the HAF funding Ipswich (Tom Hunt) spoke about special educational every year since 2018. It has developed and delivered an needs. Twenty-six of our 33 providers under the national excellent programme, and I do hope that, this summer, tutoring programme can support those with SEND; he will pop down and visit some of the kids who are 17 can support those in special schools. I visited some having so much fun and getting food from that project. special schools last month. They are using their catch-up The hon. Member for Leicester East (Claudia Webbe) funding very sensibly to invest in speech and language asked about projects for children and young people in and other therapies for children, exactly as the hon. her constituency. Well, of course, Leicester was a partner in the HAF programme in 2019, and will return again Member for Worsley and Eccles South requested. I am 1 very proud that we were one of the few countries in the as a partner in 2021. world to keep open schools for vulnerable children, Mental health does matter. My colleagues at the including those with more acute special educational Department for Health and Social Care have put another needs and disabilities, even at the height of lockdowns. boost of £79 million into children and young people’s 1.[Official Report, 28 June 2021, Vol. 698, c. 2MC.] 1013 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 Investing in Children and 1014 Young People Young People mental health, so that over the next three years another Hamilton, Fabian Norris, Alex 345,000 children will be able to benefit. As the Prime Hanna, Claire Olney, Sarah Minister said last week: Hardy, Emma Onwurah, Chi Harman, rh Ms Harriet Oppong-Asare, Abena “There’s going to be more coming down the track, but don’t Harris, Carolyn Osamor, Kate forget this is a huge amount we are spending.” Hayes, Helen Osborne, Kate Our skills package will also help young people to open Healey, rh John Owen, Sarah up new opportunities. In response to this pandemic, we Hendrick, Sir Mark Paisley, Ian announced more than £500 million to make sure that Hillier, Meg Peacock, Stephanie young people have the skills and training that they Hobhouse, Wera Pennycook, Matthew need. Since we launched the kickstart programme last Hodge, rh Dame Margaret Perkins, Mr Toby September,employers have created more than 210,000 jobs Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Phillips, Jess for young people. I will never forget 2010, the end of Hollern, Kate Phillipson, Bridget the last Labour Government and the last recession, Hopkins, Rachel Pollard, Luke when nearly 1 million 16 to 25-year-olds were not in Howarth, rh Sir George Powell, Lucy employment, education or training.1 When it comes Huq, Dr Rupa Qureshi, Yasmin to supporting children and young people, and their Hussain, Imran Rayner, rh Angela futures, I will take no lessons from Labour. This is not a Jardine, Christine Reed, Steve catalogue of chaos; it is a catalogue of cash, targeted at Jarvis, Dan Rees, Christina evidence-based support for our young people. They Johnson, rh Dame Diana Reeves, Ellie have shown huge resilience and patience throughout this Johnson, Kim Reeves, Rachel pandemic, and I support them. Jones, Darren Reynolds, Jonathan Jones, Gerald Ribeiro-Addy, Bell Question put. Jones, rh Mr Kevan Rimmer, Ms Marie The House divided: Ayes 224, Noes 0. Jones, Ruth Robinson, Gavin Jones, Sarah Rodda, Matt Division No. 23] [3.59 pm Kane, Mike Russell-Moyle, Lloyd Keeley, Barbara Saville Roberts, rh Liz AYES Kendall, Liz Shah, Naz Abbott, rh Ms Diane Cummins, Judith Khan, Afzal Shannon, Jim Abrahams, Debbie Cunningham, Alex Kinnock, Stephen Sharma, Mr Virendra Ali, Rushanara Daby, Janet Kyle, Peter Sheerman, Mr Barry Ali, Tahir Davey, rh Ed Lake, Ben Siddiq, Tulip Allin-Khan, Dr Rosena David, Wayne Lammy, rh Mr David Slaughter, Andy Amesbury, Mike Davies, Geraint Lavery, Ian Smith, Cat Anderson, Fleur Davies-Jones, Alex Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Smith, Jeff Antoniazzi, Tonia De Cordova, Marsha Lewis, Clive Smith, Nick Ashworth, rh Jonathan Debbonaire, Thangam Lloyd, Tony Smyth, Karin Barker, Paula Dhesi, Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Lockhart, Carla Sobel, Alex Beckett, rh Margaret Dodds, Anneliese Long Bailey, Rebecca Spellar, rh John Begum, Apsana Donaldson, rh Sir Jeffrey M. Lucas, Caroline Starmer, rh Keir Benn, rh Hilary Doughty, Stephen Lynch, Holly Stevens, Jo Betts, Mr Clive Dowd, Peter Madders, Justin Stone, Jamie Blake, Olivia Dromey, Jack Mahmood, Mr Khalid Streeting, Wes Blomfield, Paul Duffield, Rosie Mahmood, Shabana Stringer, Graham Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Eagle, Dame Angela Malhotra, Seema Sultana, Zarah Brennan, Kevin Eagle, Maria Maskell, Rachael Tarry, Sam Brown, Ms Lyn Eastwood, Colum Matheson, Christian Thomas, Gareth Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Edwards, Jonathan McCabe, Steve Thomas-Symonds, rh Nick Bryant, Chris Efford, Clive McCarthy, Kerry Thornberry, rh Emily Buck, Ms Karen Elliott, Julie McDonagh, Siobhain Timms, rh Stephen Burgon, Richard Elmore, Chris McDonald, Andy Trickett, Jon Butler, Dawn Eshalomi, Florence McDonnell, rh John Turner, Karl Byrne, Ian Esterson, Bill McFadden, rh Mr Pat Twigg, Derek Byrne, rh Liam Evans, Chris McGinn, Conor Vaz, rh Valerie Cadbury, Ruth Farron, Tim McGovern, Alison Webbe, Claudia Campbell, rh Sir Alan Farry, Stephen McKinnell, , Catherine Campbell, Mr Gregory Ferrier, Margaret McMahon, Jim Western, Matt Carden, Dan Fletcher, Colleen McMorrin, Anna Whitehead, Dr Alan Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Fovargue, Yvonne Mearns, Ian Whitley, Mick Chamberlain, Wendy Foxcroft, Vicky Miliband, rh Edward Whittome, Nadia Champion, Sarah Foy, Mary Kelly Mishra, Navendu Williams, Hywel Charalambous, Bambos Furniss, Gill Moran, Layla Wilson, Munira Clark, Feryal Gardiner, Barry Morden, Jessica Wilson, rh Sammy Morgan, Stephen Cooper, Daisy Gill, Preet Kaur Winter, Beth Morris, Anne Marie Cooper, Rosie Girvan, Paul Yasin, Mohammad Morris, Grahame Cooper, rh Yvette Glindon, Mary Zeichner, Daniel Corbyn, rh Jeremy Green, Kate Murray, Ian Murray, James Coyle, Neil Greenwood, Margaret Tellers for the Ayes: Nandy, Lisa Taiwo Owatemi and Creasy, Stella Griffith, Nia Nichols, Charlotte Liz Twist Cruddas, Jon Gwynne, Andrew Cryer, John Haigh, Louise 1.[Official Report, 28 June 2021, Vol. 698, c. 2MC.] 1015 Investing in Children and 9 JUNE 2021 1016 Young People NOES Protecting the Public and Tellers for the Noes: Lilian Greenwood Justice for Victims Mark Tami and

Question accordingly agreed to. 4.10 pm Resolved, Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): I beg to move, That this House regrets the resignation of the education recovery That this House regrets the unprecedented backlog of more commissioner,Sir Kevan Collins, over the Government’s inadequate than 57,000 Crown Court cases, as well as record low convictions proposals to support children after the coronavirus pandemic; for rape and a collapse in convictions for all serious crime; calls agrees with Sir Kevan’s assessment that the current half-hearted on the Government to set up more Nightingale Courts, to enshrine approach risks failing hundreds of thousands of young people; victims’ rights in law and to introduce the proposals set out in and therefore calls on the Government to bring forward a more Labour’s ‘Ending Violence Against Women and Girls’ Green ambitious plan before the onset of the school summer holiday Paper; and further calls on the Secretary of State for Justice to which includes an uplift to the pupil premium and increased update the House in person on progress made in reducing the investment in targeted support, makes additional funding available court backlog by 22 July. to schools for extracurricular clubs and activities to boost children’s As always, it is good to see the Secretary of State for wellbeing, and provides free school meals to all eligible children throughout the summer holiday. Justice in his rightful place. In 1915, Franz Kafka wrote “The Trial”, which was The list of Members currently certified as eligible for a about a young bank official, Josef K, who was arrested proxy vote, and of the Members nominated as their and prosecuted by a distant bureaucratic state, despite proxy, is published at the end of today’s debates. having done nothing wrong. The novel chronicles his lifelong struggle and frustrations with the invisible law and untouchable court. Readers of Kafka are shocked by the grindingly mundane frustrations of Josef K’s trial, which goes on for an entire year. As has been repeated so many times, reality is often stranger than fiction. Today, in modern Britain, it can take multiple years before victims of crime and the accused finally get their day in court. Simon Foster, the new West Midlands police and crime commissioner, recently explained that he had seen court trial dates set for as late as 2024. He was right to pin the blame on the mismanagement and reckless neglect of the justice system over the past decade. Disturbingly, he warned that the delays would put domestic abuse, violence against women and rape cases at particular risk of collapse, due, of course, to the vulnerability of the witnesses. I do not enjoy having to repeat the damning statistics that show that the Government are failing the survivors of violence against women and girls—frankly, they break my heart, and they should break all our hearts—but it is necessary for the House to recognise the scale of the problem that the Government have created if we are to have any chance of fixing it. In 2019-2020, the number of rape convictions in England and Wales fell to a record low: just 1,439 suspects in cases where a rape had been alleged were convicted of rape or another crime—half the number three years before. I am sorry to detain the Secretary of State, but I repeat that, because it is worth listening to: just 1,439 suspects in cases where a rape had been alleged were convicted of rape or another crime —half the number just three years before. Fewer than one in 60 rape cases recorded by the police last year resulted in a suspect being charged. The public have lost faith in those who are supposed to keep them safe: seven in 10 women say that the Government’s efforts to make the UK safer for women are not working.

Catherine West (Hornsey and Wood Green) (Lab): My right hon. Friend is making an excellent point. Would he agree with me that behind all of these statistics is often a desperate young woman not knowing what her rights are, waiting months for an independent violence and sexual assault advocate, and just in desperate straits, and that the House has to push harder on this Government to get it right? It is completely unacceptable. 1017 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1018 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims Mr Lammy: I am really grateful to my hon. Friend on the change we made last year to make sure that for conveying the seriousness of this. A young woman sentences of seven years or more for serious crimes including who has been subject to a rape is frightened, lonely, and rape also met with the same term of imprisonment, confused, and feels all sorts of things, and we have to namely automatic release after two thirds as opposed to look into our hearts and really ask: have we arrived at half. That is a longer term of imprisonment. that place where that young woman is supported? This debate, in part, is to say that there is more to do. That Mr Lammy: I said in terms, in Hansard, that nothing ought not to be a terribly partisan statement. It is a in the Bill increases the sentences for rape, and the statement that we have to do better as a nation by those Secretary of State gets to his feet and talks about time young women. served, not what my party is proposing, which is increasing sentences for rape. My suggestion is that nothing in his Some 89% of women and 76% of men say that Bill increases the sentence length for rape, for sexual assault, tougher sentencing for sexual harassment, sexual assault for harassment or for stalking; just as the Secretary of and domestic violence would also make women feel safer. State is legally qualified, so am I, and he has confirmed Frankly, while the Government dither—and we have in terms that while his Bill deals with time served, been surprised on the Labour Benches by the dither— it does not increase the sentences for rape. Labour has had to step in. Today, we ask Members of Parliament from all parties to back our plans to do a indicated dissent. few things: to make misogyny a hate crime; to increase sentences for rapists and stalkers; to create new specific Mr Lammy: The Secretary of State is shaking his offences for street sexual harassment and sex for rent; to head; he can come to the Dispatch Box once more to reverse this Government’s record low conviction rates make his case. for rape, with a package of policies to improve victims’ experiences in the courts, including by fast-tracking Robert Buckland: I am absolutely delighted to come rape and sexual violence cases, offering legal help for to the Dispatch Box at the invitation of the right hon. victims and better training for professionals; to remove Gentleman. Let me remind him that in the past 10 years legal barriers that prevent victims of domestic abuse the average sentence for rape has increased dramatically, getting the help they need through legal aid; to bring in up to about 10 years, and the maximum is life in prison. new custodial sentences for those who name victims of I thought that he and I were interested in making sure rape and sexual assault; to train teachers to help identify that more and more perpetrators—[Interruption.] I can and respond to the support child victims of domestic do without a running commentary from the hon. Member abuse need; to repeal the rape clause for social security for Hove (Peter Kyle). The way in which we encourage claims; and to introduce binding national indicators to people to come forward and make sure that their cases hold the Government to account. are heard is to encourage more and more people to The Opposition’s plea to the Government is to work plead guilty. I ask the right hon. Gentleman to tell me cross-party on this initiative. I say to the Secretary of how any of these back-of-a-cigarette-packet measures State again, and I have said it across the Floor of the that he proposes actually amount to anything when it House, that although the Secretary of State and I have a comes to the effective prosecution and detection of people good relationship, I am worried that he sees this more who commit rape. as partisan in nature rather than us being able to work in a bipartisan way on an issue of such importance. Mr Lammy: Nothing in the Bill is specific on crimes His whole posture this afternoon—hands across his that disproportionately affect women; in 296 pages the chest, looking away—does not convey what we typically Bill does not even mention women once. We need an understand of the status of his office. increase in the minimum tariff for those who commit rape and stalking. The Labour party is clear on that. I wish the Secretary of State would get beyond the hot The and Secretary of State for Justice wind—stop talking about time served and talk about (Robert Buckland): I do not want the right hon. Gentleman minimum sentences. He has been a barrister for long to misinterpret any of my body language, but the reason enough; he must know the difference between time for it is that he and his party had a chance to work served and a minimum sentence. It is surprising, frankly, cross-party by voting for the Police, Crime, Sentencing that I have to re-educate him on what a minimum sentence and Courts Bill, and he did not do that. All I see from served is. him, with the greatest of respect, is dither and irresolution. Sir Robert Neill (Bromley and Chislehurst) (Con): I Mr Lammy: I do not want to put the women I am have a lot of time for the right hon. Gentleman and talking about in any kind of political posture, but the respect him as a lawyer, as I respect the Secretary of Secretary of State knows that nothing in his Bill increases State, but he will know that if we are going to have a the sentence length for rape. [Interruption.] The Secretary discussion about specific nomenclature the truth is that, of State is able to get to his feet if I am wrong. whether we talk about time served or minimum sentences, to say that we should increase the sentence for rape is not something that can realistically be done because the Robert Buckland: I am happy to explain again why maximum sentence for rape is, as a matter of common the Bill makes it absolutely clear that those sentenced law, life imprisonment. I accept that there is a legitimate for serious offences including rape will serve longer in debate to be had about how long that should translate custody. For those serving sentences of four years or to in practice through guidance and other matters, but more the automatic release date will now be two thirds—it it is not fair, I respectfully suggest, to talk about failing will no longer be half, which was of course the policy of to increase what is already a life sentence; that is just a the right hon. Gentleman’s Government—and that builds matter of law. 1019 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1020 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims Mr Lammy: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for this afternoon, who confirmed that the backlog has seeking to assist his good friend the Secretary of State, been lower month by month over the last six months, but let me just say to him that all around the common and it is lower than it was before the pandemic. One key law world—in Australia, in New Zealand, in the United reason for that is that it uses the court resolution process States of America—there is a movement to increase very effectively. the minimum sentences for rape. We in this party have Secondly, although the right hon. Gentleman is making looked closely at what has been done in those jurisdictions. a strong pitch for why he wants to look after the victims I think in India the term has just increased to nine years of justice, where were he and his colleagues when policemen because of the controversies around some rape cases were getting injured in Bristol and police vans were there in the past few years, and in Australia it has increased being set on fire? Where was he when the windows of to, I think, seven years. For that reason, it is our position retail shops and banks were being smashed and people that we should increase the minimum tariff. were clambering over the tops of railwaytrains,endangering I recognise that there is a legitimate debate around life? time served, and the Secretary of State has put his position in the Bill. I recognise also that, for heinous Mr Lammy: In 2010, 152,791 Crown court cases crimes, a whole life-sentence is appropriate. Indeed, we took, on average, 391 days to complete. In 2019, 107,913 propose that in the Bill—someone who abducts, rapes cases took an average of 511 days, meaning that 30% fewer and kidnaps a woman should serve a whole-life sentence. cases took over 75% longer to complete. The hon. That is not currently in the Bill—we are proposing that. Gentleman can add up—that is a poor record, on any I will not refer to the controversial case before the analysis. He asks where I was. All I can say is that I am courts at the moment, but the hon. Gentleman knows the shadow Secretary of State for Justice; I condemn why we are proposing that. I say to him gently that this the violence, but I do not think anybody expected me to debate boils down to the value of a woman’s body and be part of the policing. how seriously our party is taking it. That is why there is Under the Conservatives, rapists, thieves, arsonists a serious legal disagreement between myself and the and those who commit fraud have never had it so good. Secretary of State. Convictions for rape, robbery, theft, criminal damage, If we do not work cross-party on this, the Government arson, drug offences and fraud have fallen to a 10-year will, in our view and in my view, be letting down victims low. The total number of convictions has collapsed of rape, domestic abuse, assault and violence once from 570,000 in 2010 when Labour left office to 338,000 again. It is impossible to separate that failure of victims in 2020 after a decade of Conservative rule. of violence against women and girls from the Government’s failures across the justice system as a whole. The backlog It is important that we look back to learn the lessons in the Crown courts is at an unprecedented level of of this Government’s mistakes, but we must also look more than 57,000 cases. It sat at 39,000 cases even before forward if we are going to fix this, and the solutions are the pandemic began. pretty straightforward. We need more sitting days and more court space. Labour has called for a guarantee of The backlog has been exacerbated by the pandemic, at least 33,000 more sitting days. We are glad that the but it was created by the decision of this Conservative Government seem to have listened to our campaigning Government to close half of all courts in England and on this, but we also need to see the creation of more Wales between 2010 and 2019, allowing 27,000 fewer Nightingale courts if we are to end the delays. Will the sitting days than in 2016. As the Secretary of State Secretary of State promise, when he gets to his feet, to stares at the backlog figures, which worsen every month, keep Nightingale courts open for longer, as well as to does he now regret his Government closing the courts open more of them, to reverse the delays? and telling those that stayed open to have so many days off? To address the crisis that victims are facing, the Government’s priority must be to introduce measures Mr Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): My right hon. to reverse the backlog and to tackle violence against Friend is making an incredibly important point. There women and girls, but we must do more than that to is no way that a party that has presided over the court protect the public and keep victims of crime safe. More backlog that we have—which has a huge impact on than a quarter of all crimes are not being prosecuted victims, who are sat nervously waiting to see perpetrators because victims are dropping out of the process entirely. in court and then hopefully in prison—can say that it is One million victims every year are being failed by the in any way serious about being tough on crime, is there? very system that is supposed to protect them. On top of denying justice through delays, this Government have Mr Lammy: It absolutely cannot say that it is tough so far failed in the simple task of enshrining victims’ on crime when victims of crime face watching their legally enforceable rights.The Conservatives have promised cases collapse. I recognise that this has been a very a victims Bill in almost every Queen’s Speech since 2016 pressured time—it is a pandemic—and the Secretary of and in their past three manifestos, but five years on, State has had to deal with a range of issues in our their Bill has still not appeared in Parliament. The latest prisons, in our probation, in our police and in relation farce is that the Government are promising to publish a to our judiciary. I recognise that, but in the end, the draft. It is getting draughty here with all the hot wind! justice system has to serve victims of crime, and palpably and honestly, on any objective measure, things have got Labour has its full victims Bill published, brought to worse for victims of crime in our courts, and we need to Parliament and ready to go. This would put key victims’ do something about it. rights on a statutory footing, including the right for victims to read their rights at the point of reporting; the Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): First, the right right to regular information; the right for victims to hon. Gentleman might be interested to know that I make a personal statement to be read out at court; and spoke to our Crown court judge in Gloucester earlier the right of access to special measures, including video 1021 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1022 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims links at court. Similarly, Labour’s Bill would include a raises. I can say at the outset that we absolutely agree number of new protections for victims.Victims of persistent with him when he talks about the ordeal of victims. The unresolved antisocial behaviour would be given support fact that this is nothing new is a matter of reproach for for the first time. We would introduce new sanctions for all of us. Can we do better? Yes, we can. Will we do non-compliance with victims’ rights. We would introduce better? Yes, we will. Are we taking action? Yes, we victim strategies with mandatory equality impact are—and it is there that, with the greatest respect, I take assessments. We would enhance the role of the Victims’ the gravest issue with his remarks. Commissioner. We would guarantee the equal treatment Tocharacterise my work or the work of this Government of victims with insecure immigration status. We would as somehow whistling or fiddling while Rome burns is a put a statutory protection on agencies to report concerns complete misrepresentation of the situation. Calm reflection on child sexual and criminal exploitation. and a look at the work that the Government have These are not partisan issues, and any Member of continued to do, well before the covid pandemic, will Parliament who recognises that this is the right way forward bear that out. I think of the actions that this Conservative should vote with us tonight. No more hot wind. No Government took to address important issues of violence more getting up and talking about time served or defending against women and girls. Many Members from the right a record. We know it has been tough—we are in a hon. Gentleman’s party and other parties in this Chamber pandemic—but victims cannot wait, and we cannot have were involved as well—I readily and happily accept that a situation in which the Justice Department in the —but it is a record of action. Government is letting down that important relationship Outlawing coercive control within an intimate with the Home Office. I think that might be what is relationship, an offence that we are now going further happening at the moment. to expand; outlawing upskirting; creating a criminal Themistakesof thisJusticeSecretaryandhisConservative offence of stalking, which I and other parliamentarians predecessors were closing courts, cutting police, cutting were involved with; outlawing revenge porn and now theprosecutionserviceandthede-prioritisationof crime.This the threat of revenge porn; outlawing the so-called has led to a backlog that is unprecedented, delays that rough sex defence; dealing with the appalling offence of are forcing victims of crime to drop out, and inefficiencies non-fatal strangulation—those are all achievements by that are letting dangerous criminals get away with murder. this Conservative Government. Let us not hedge or make But the present Justice Secretary’s failures are more of any qualification of that. It is a Conservative Government inaction than of the wrong actions: a failure to address who have driven forward important action on violence violence against women and girls even when we offer against women and girls. him the measures to help him to tackle it, a failure to The right hon. Gentleman is right, however, that protect victims’ rights even when we offer him a Bill that there is no monopoly on ownership of these issues. I do is published and ready to go, a failure to reverse the not want for one minute to convey the impression that backlog in the Crown courts even when it is obvious that somehow we hold the monopoly of wisdom on all he just needs to encourage and create sufficient space. things. I think it is right to gently, firmly and consistently Inaction can be just as costly as the wrong actions. point out that there have been many opportunities for Inaction is standing by whistling to yourself while the us to work in a joint way. There have been times when world around you burns. Inaction is ignoring the desperate that has been done; I particularly single out the approach pleas of victims denied justice. Inaction is complicity. that the right hon. Gentleman took on the counter-terror The result is a justice system that has become Kafkaesque measures that the Government have introduced in the for victims, as well as for the wrongly accused. Arrests past year. That was an example in which we worked are slow, if they happen at all. If they are lucky, victims constructively and maturely together, but I hope he will are given court dates that are many months or even forgive me for saying—well, I am sure that he will not, years later. Trials are then delayed. New court dates are but I will say it none the less—that there was an opportunity rescheduled, then delayed, then rescheduled, then delayed, to do that again on Second Reading of the Police, then rescheduled, then delayed. Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, but the Labour I ask the Justice Secretary and Members of Parliament party did not take it. Frankly, it makes it rather difficult from all parties across the House to end the inaction for me to take seriously the words that come out of his and vote with the Opposition today. Now is the time mouth about working together when such an important when we all need to step up, put aside any partisan opportunity to work together was missed. differences and act. Catherine West: What does the Lord Chancellor say Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame ): It to the 44% of victims of rape who walk away before the will be obvious to the Chamber that a great many trial, fed up because the defendant got their legal advice people wish to speak this afternoon. Just for a change, when they reported it but they have had zero? They may we will not have a three-minute limit; we will start with have had a very nice police officer have a little chat and a six-minute limit, which will reduce later depending on ring them once a month, but they have had zero, because how long Members take to speak. victims are waiting months for sexual violence advisers and months for their court date. They 4.36 pm are fed up—44%. What does he say? Will he apologise? The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Robert Buckland): I thank the shadow Justice Secretary, Robert Buckland: Having met and talked, in a the right hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy), for professional and now a political capacity, to many of at least some of his remarks. I welcome today’s debate, the victims that the hon. Lady describes, I say this: an which is an important opportunity for us to properly apology is due, and I give that, but action is due as well, reflect on some of the serious issues that he quite properly and that is happening. 1023 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1024 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims [Robert Buckland] resolve cases that are capable of proper resolution and to identify and list those cases that absolutely need a The hon. Lady talks about independent sexual violence trial has been a shining example of how to do it. Similar advisers. From day one of taking office, I made the case success has been achieved in Wales in eliminating and consistently that the expansion of their important role dealing with the so-called backlog, and we see that in was a vital part of my policy, and we have done that. In other parts of the country too. 2019, I put an extra £5 million into investing in ISVAs. That is no reproach to those parts of the country that We have now expanded that; the total that we are are facing a particular challenge. There is no doubt—the investing in increasing ISVAs as we speak is £27 million. right hon. Member for Tottenham knows this from his That means hundreds more ISVAs who will be available constituency experience—that there is a particular pressure to support victims of crime from the get-go. She is in London and the south-east, where there are still a right: the evidence is clear that, where an ISVA is great number of cases yet to be resolved. However, it is involved, the rate of dropped cases falls dramatically—by right to say that, in the good work that is being done, about 50%, in fact. supported by investment from Government, we are I take up the hon. Lady’s challenge and exhortation, seeing the sorts of results that my hon. Friend the and I say that this is work in progress but we are getting Member for Gloucester (Richard Graham) talked about. on with it—yet another example of the action that I and He mentioned potential ways in which— this Government are taking to deal with the heart of the matter. Of course, that is going to be followed up very Sir Robert Neill: Will the Secretary of State give way? soon by the important end-to-end rape review, which we will publish. That piece of work has, quite properly I Robert Buckland: I just need to finish the point, and think, considered and reflected on a very important then I will give way to the Chair of the Justice Committee. judicial review launched against the Crown Prosecution With regard to how the magistrates court and the Service that was dealt with earlier this year, and indeed Crown court can work together, the short answer is yes, on the representations of many groups in the sector, there will be some further potential primary legislation reflecting the important views of thousands of victims changes. One or two visa matters are already dealt with of the most heinous crime of rape. That review will be in the current Bill before Parliament, but I am sure that published imminently, and I can assure her that it will the sort of uncontroversial change that ensures that the be a full and proper reflection not only of the problems interests of justice are served and which allows magistrates that we have encountered but of what can be done and to work more in synthesis with the Crown court will be what will be done to help to remedy the situation. one that the right hon. Member for Tottenham and I am not going to hedge or qualify; I am going to be Labour would wish to look at carefully and possibly absolutely frank about the fact that the current rates support. I imagine that it would command his support, and numbers of cases being brought to court are inadequate. but I will not prejudge the position, obviously. They do not reflect the reality of what has been happening to thousands of women and girls in our country, and we Sir Robert Neill: Returning to the matter of rape and are determined to do everything we can to change that. serious sexual offences, does the Secretary of State That involves a change from end to end—police,prosecution agree that one key issue is that the best determinant of a and the court system itself. That is what we need to successful conviction will be not what happens once it encapsulate and get right, and I can assure the hon. Lady comes into the justice end of the system, but the quality that, when that document is published, it will be the of the evidence file that the Crown Prosecution Service fullest proper reflection of the important points that has in deciding to bring proceedings, and ensuring, to she is properly so passionate about. avoid delay, that it is full and complete at the point at which it arrives in the Crown court? That is what needs Richard Graham: My understanding from the judge to be tackled. Evidence to our Committee shows that of our Crown court is that there are ways to speed up much of the problem is delay at the investigation stage, the handling of the rape cases to which the hon. Member failures in disclosure, failures to pursue proper leads and, for Hornsey and Wood Green (Catherine West) so sometimes, the failure to deal with victims, complainants correctly referred. One of them, for example, is making and other witnesses sensitively. Is not that perhaps the the Crown court available for certain sittings at certain area that we really need to concentrate on in a genuinely times as a magistrates court, so that a case can be heard joined-up approach, as has been said? in the magistrates court and immediately moved into the Crown court. That is a way of speeding up the Robert Buckland: My hon. Friend is absolutely correct whole process. Does my right hon. and learned Friend, about the important early stages of an investigation and who knows far more about these things than I do, agree the particular problem, frankly, of disclosure. Disclosure that there are practical ways in which courts can work is a vital part of our system—it ensures fairness—but with the Crown Prosecution Service to speed things up for many, particularly young women, who are faced so that these cases get heard faster? with having to give up their mobile phone, in which their lives are stored, it is a very difficult choice. It is Robert Buckland: I have the happy advantage of almost Hobson’s choice: give up your phone. What having spoken, I think, to that very same judge myself substitute do you have? Suddenly it is gone for months. last week when I visited our Nightingale court at Cirencester. Your life is on your phone. They are these sorts of Indeed, my hon. Friend is right in several respects to choices. Women should not be put in that position—it is highlight the important work being done in the western just wrong—and we are going to do something about region to deal with the heavy case load. The proactive that. I will not open up all the details with regard to the work that is being done by dedicated judges, prosecutors, rape review, but the House can see my concern about defence lawyers and all court staff to come together to the early stages of an investigation. 1025 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1026 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims The right hon. Member for Tottenham and other immense.Weinvested about £113 million in safety measures Members on both sides of the House rightly talk about —from perspex screens right through to social distancing the length of time that it takes from a complaint to the measures, plus the Nightingale courts programme, which outcome of a trial. There is no doubt that while the is allowing us to create the sort of capacity needed to court process is a part of it, it is by no means the whole deal with the case load. Plus there is the commitment I part and, very often, the wait has been for many months— made, to which the right hon. Member for Tottenham and sometimes years—prior to the bringing of the case alluded, that there should be no upper limit on the into court. If a suspect is remanded in custody, of number of sitting days that can be used by the Crown course, the courts continue to work very hard to get court. those cases dealt with. There are custody time limits. In other words, the Government and I have clearly There was a temporary increase to those time limits that signalled to all involved in the system that all systems I, through the consent of this House, ordered last year, are go and only the inevitable constraints of the current which has now come to an end. It related to the pandemic covid pandemic and social distancing rules would hold and, rightly, I ended that, as it is such a serious measure back the sort of full-throttle progress that I would love when it comes to deprivation of liberty.However, I assure to see. If we continue with the common endeavour of right hon. and hon. Members that, in cases where custody the vaccination programme—that race that it is so time limits apply, the courts have been getting on with important to win—and continue to make progress, I am the cases in a timely and proper way. convinced that will be reflected in improved figures at The issue has been those complex cases that perhaps our courts. involve many defendants—perhaps defendants on bail— which have had to take their place behind custody cases Andy Carter (Warrington South) (Con): The Lord and which I accept have been taking too long to come Chancellor is absolutely right to pay tribute to court to court. I watch the numbers, as the right hon. Gentleman staff, magistrates and judges. As he knows, I sit as a knows—I share some information with him, of course, magistrate and have seen the work that has continued on a proper basis—and I take into particular consideration right the way through the pandemic. What he has the length of time that it takes. I truly will not be satisfied missed, though, is the investment that the Government until I see a significant drop in the length of time that have made in technology. I have been able to sit here, in cases take from arraignment and charge, when they the House of Commons, and undertake justice procedures come into the justice system, to final outcomes. But it is for Merseyside so that we can keep the process and the right to say that, certainly in recent weeks, there have wheels of justice moving forward. That investment has been some encouraging signs. made a significant difference, too.

Mr Perkins: I wish the Secretary of State well with Robert Buckland: I am grateful to be prompted by my reducing wait times. That is what we all desperately hon. Friend, who anticipates what I was just about to want to see and that is why I am so pleased that we are say about the next limb of our investment, which is in having this debate. Will he therefore tell us what he technology. At the beginning of the pandemic, about considers will be a success in reducing those wait times 500 cases or so were being dealt with by way of telephone and when he expects that we will see them come to an or remote technology across the whole of England and acceptable level? Wales. Last week, the number reached 20,000—just under half all the cases heard every week in our various Robert Buckland: I will judge success—never “mission jurisdictions. accomplished”, but certainly success—when I see the That has not happened by accident; it has happened number of cases that take six months or longer dropping as a result of significant Government investment in the to well below 20% of all cases. That is my personal hardware and software so that the technology works as benchmark. I cannot give the hon. Gentleman a date well as possible for all court users. We continue, through when that will be achieved; what I can say is that there is the £1 billion court reform programme launched in now a sustained pattern in which the number of cases 2017, to evolve, refine and improve the technology. All being dealt with in both Crown and magistrates courts the measures that we have invested in are supported by is larger than the number of cases coming in. That, the biggest single increase in court maintenance in obviously, means one thing—a decline in the overall nearly 20 years—the £142 million that I announced last number. summer. That is further evidence of the concerted action The Courts Service’s latest published plan is to see that I and the Government have taken since the outset the overall number of cases in the magistrates courts of the crisis. reduce back to pre-covid levels by the end of the year. Plans were outlined for recovery in the criminal courts Every sign that I have been seeing over the past few in September last year—most notably, our commitment months suggests that that progress is sustained and to create 290 courts that could be used for jury trials. sustainable. We should pay tribute to the magistrates, But we did better than that: we now have over 300 courts judges and all the court staff who are working so hard that can be safely used for jury trials—and they are to make that real. happening day after day. We published our plans for The pressures that we are under are all familiar to us other court recovery, relating to other jurisdictions, in in the House. I look around in this place and see so few November. I can remember a time at the beginning of people, and that reminds me of the challenge in courts. this crisis when there was a serious question as to Imagine the difficulty of running a busy court where whether the wheels of justice could carry on rolling at people are coming back and forth and covid coming all, but at no time did we stop. Again, that is as a result into the middle of it all. The work done to make our of the application and dedication of everybody involved. courts safe, in accordance with guidelines from Public The most difficult and troubling moment for all of us Health England and Public Health Wales, has been concerned in the system was the decision to stop jury 1027 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1028 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims [Robert Buckland] the important principles of independence of prosecutorial authorities and other agencies within the criminal justice trials at the end of March 2020. There was a two-month system, with the clear and present need for victims of hiatus, but it did mean that in late May of that year we crime to feel that if something has gone wrong, not only were among the first jurisdictions in the world to start can they go and complain to somebody, but there is an jury trials again. That was a remarkable achievement outcome they can be satisfied with—there is accountability and a testament to everybody who got involved in that for any failure or dislocation in the system. That is what endeavour. Clearly, that has had a consequence and an we all need to put our shoulders to the wheel on. I am impact, and I do not seek to shy away from the reality of sure that, in the spirit of the exhortation from the right that. However, I can sincerely say to the House that our hon. Gentleman, he will take that away and consider the robust action—the investment we made, the multi-layered offerthatImakeforhowwecancreateatrulytransformative approach we are taking—is yielding the sort of results victims law. that all right hon. and hon. Members would welcome: the sort of outcomes for witnesses and victims that we Mr Lammy: I am grateful to the Secretary of State all want to see. Can we do more? Yes, we can, and we for that undertaking, and of course I will work with are going to do more, not just in the ongoing work to him on that. I am grateful that he paid tribute to my recover from covid, but on the legislative framework, hon. Friend the Member for Hove (Peter Kyle). I just which I think we all agree needs to be enhanced. remind him that my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Keir Starmer) (South Suffolk) (Con): One area of gave us the first victims Bill and also takes this very crime that has seen a significant increase during the seriously, so—how can I put this?—if my boss takes it pandemic is pet theft, with the number of dogs being seriously, I take it seriously, and I am happy to work stolen in Suffolk alone having doubled. I very much with the Secretary of State to deliver that victims Bill. welcome the Lord Chancellor’s taskforce on pet theft. We all know that we can do more for victims. Does he expect that it will lead to legislation in the current Session? Robert Buckland: To add to the number, the Prime Robert Buckland: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, Minister, too, takes this very seriously. It is his absolute who raises an important issue. Clearly, the abduction wish to see the quality of support given to victims to be and theft of much-loved pets has caused real distress to the best in the world, and that is my ambition. I know too many people. During the lockdown, we have seen that it is the ambition shared by Labour too, and I am the rise in pet ownership, because of the comfort and grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. company that much-loved pets bring, yet there is no On the need for changes, I am absolutely focused not doubt that there is an insidious market in the underhand just on legislation but on culture. The way in which we sale of animals. Clearly, there is a wider issue here that approach violence against women and girls has to improve. needs to be looked at, which is why I was delighted to I have mentioned the important action we have already help bring together my right hon. Friends the Home taken. The new strategies to be published this year on Secretary and the Environment Secretary to form the violence against women and girls and domestic abuse taskforce. We are looking at legislative measures, whether will help all agencies to drive the step change that we they relate to enhancing cruelty laws, on which we have need. The independent review that I will undertake with already taken important action, increasing the maximum regard to the sentencing of domestic homicide cases is a to five years, or to looking at stamping out the trade vital part of that, so that we can better understand itself, in a way that we did several years ago with regard sentencing practice and consider the need for change. In to scrap metal, where there were a spate of thefts and the context of some of the proposals from the right real misery for many people. We are looking at this in hon. Gentleman, that review will be very important when great depth and we aim to come back in a short while it comes to the overall impact of any changes, however with a report. If that means we need to legislate, of course well intentioned they might be. I talked in some of my we will do so. interventions about the important changes that I would I wanted to talk about victims. The hon. Member for commend to the House with regard to the Bill that is Hove (Peter Kyle) is not in his place, but I wanted to pay currently in Committee. I have also mentioned the end- a bit of a tribute to him for the work he did when he to-end rape review. was in the shadow team with the right hon. Member for As the new super-courtrooms are brought into service, Tottenham. The hon. Gentleman has been consistent one at Manchester and one at Loughborough, that will on these issues and I respect that, and I listened carefully further enhance the ability of the system to deal with to what he said. My proposed way forward of having, some of the larger,gang-related offences and multi-handed first, a proper and full consultation to make sure that defendant cases that have been a real concern to all of this legislation is future-proofed and fit for purpose, us who want to see justice being done. As we future-proof together with the draft Bill approach, will give everybody legislation to allow more easy use of virtual hearings the chance to really bring a cross-party flavour to what throughout the process, this is an example, again, of the our deliberations should be, to make sure that any Government putting those who use the service first—the product is going to be the result of mature and careful victims and the witnesses of criminal offences. Remember deliberation, so that we are not just paying lip service to that a system is worth nothing if it does not genuinely these issues and not just enshrining the victims’ code serve the British public and create a sense of confidence into law, important though that is, but we are looking that when people come forward with serious complaints, carefully at how people, organisations and agencies are they will be dealt with properly, professionally and held accountable. That is the big question we all need to expeditiously. Those are the aims that I have. It is all ask ourselves. Here is the challenge for the right hon. about recovery, rebuilding and restoring our justice Gentleman and others in this House: we have to balance system. 1029 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1030 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims While I absolutely take on board the proper observations despite agency recruitment, a shortfall of 1,400 staff made by Labour Members, I say this to them: everything still remains. We have had cuts to legal aid, to policing, I seek to do is in the spirit of genuine collaboration and to specialist support, to the Director of Public Prosecutions co-operation. Justice is too important for us to just and others. leave it to mere party politics. I hope that as the weeks The Government may say that court delays are due to and months go forward, we can move away from a spirit the coronavirus, and that the Government are moving of confrontation and remember that the work that heaven and earth to fix them, but it is not, and the continues to be done by this Government in order to Government are not. At the start of 2020 there was combat crime and to deal with an effective criminal already a backlog of 39,000 Crown court cases, with a justice system is never finished. I can assure this House backlog now of over 53,000. The Government need to that, with regard to my commitment, and the commitment be honest about the cause of the delays and then start to of my ministerial team and everybody at the Ministry address the backlog. Labour is proposing a guaranteed of Justice, we are working daily and tirelessly to achieve 33,000 extra sitting days and more Nightingale courts. the goals that all of us would wish to see. Justice is As my right hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham beyond measure. It has been part of my entire adult life. said, the Conservatives are failing to protect women I am privileged to be able, in my term of office, to work and girls in the criminal justice system, with record low to achieve the goals that I think all of us would want to conviction rates for perpetrators of sexual violence and see reached. an epidemic of misogyny that makes women and girls Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): Thank feel unsafe. Victims are losing faith that the justice you; I was rather optimistic about the time limit. The system will be there for them. The Government’s rape House has to understand that we have had two lawyers review was announced over two years ago and we are battling it out here. They are normally paid by the hour still waiting. Meanwhile, rape prosecutions have fallen and so it is understandable. In all seriousness, I would to the lowest level on record and domestic abuse have curtailed the debate, but both right hon. Gentlemen prosecutions have fallen by nearly 20%. My hon. Friend took a significant number of interventions, so it has been the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Catherine a full debate. We start with a time limit of five minutes. West) pointed out that for every victim there is a cost. I call Ruth Cadbury. These are not statistics, and that is why Labour has put gender-based violence at the top of our agenda, and 5.5 pm why we published a green paper on ending the epidemic of violence against women and girls. Ruth Cadbury (Brentford and Isleworth) (Lab): Thank Finally, I want to address the issue of how the justice you for calling me, Madam Deputy Speaker. Not being system can better serve those killed and injured on our a lawyer, I will try and stick to your time limit; it should roads. The issue concerns Members across this House be a bit easier for me. It has been interesting to follow and is an issue for the all-party parliamentary group for the Justice Secretary, but a pleasure to hear the speech cycling and walking, which I co-chair. So I ask, will the of my right hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham Government consider using the opportunity of the (Mr Lammy). It was an honour to be on the shadow Justice Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to address and Attorney General’s team until a few weeks ago. some of these issues, including the lack of clarity over The Conservative party traditionally prided itself on the distinction between careless and dangerous driving being tough on crime, but its record of delay in tackling offences and the inadequate sentences for fatal hit-and-run crime is nothing to be proud of. The central theme of offences, as well as for serious hit-and-run and car-dooring our criminal justice and courts system has now become offences—and, finally, end the courts’ routine acceptance delay, delay, delay. A backlog of over 54,000 Crown of exceptional hardship pleas from offending drivers court cases means a four-year wait for justice, and who are seeking to avoid driving bans? justice delayed is justice denied. That impacts not only I look forward to hearing from the Government on on the victims of crime and their families, who often the issues of road safety justice, on the backlog of court cannot move on with their lives, their work and often cases, on their victims’ Bill, and on their rape strategy, their mental health. A delayed and failing justice system and I hope that they will vote for the Opposition motion also fails the accused and those eventually convicted today. and sentenced. We cannot hope to address the causes of crime without giving those caught up a realistic timescale 5.10 pm for a court hearing and a decision, and for those convicted, Sir Robert Neill (Bromley and Chislehurst) (Con): I a quick start on work to cut future reoffending. A slow am saddened by some of this debate, because I genuinely justice system costs us all—failed trial dates or the like and respect both my right hon. and learned Friend financial and human cost of remand in custody and, for the Lord Chancellor and the right hon. Member for our communities, a lack of faith in the whole criminal Tottenham (Mr Lammy), who are committed politicians justice system. and committed lawyers. Wemissed a bit of the seriousness The fault of those delays does not lie with our courts of the debate in some of the party political knock-around or those working in them. I know, from visiting Isleworth that inevitably happens in these cases. The truth is that Crown court, how tirelessly they are working to ensure this is a really important issue, and both of them have that the courts run smoothly. No, despite the Secretary elements of force and truth in the cases that they make. of State’s explanation, he cannot get away from the fact There is actually more common ground than one might that the Government brought a sledgehammer down on read from some of the noise in between. I would have our legal system, and have done since 2010. By 2026, thought that anyone who listened to the very reasonable half of all our courts will have closed. There are 27,000 approach of the Lord Chancellor would say, with respect fewer sitting days now than in 2016, there has been a to the shadow Secretary of State, that he was the wrong 15% cut in the Courts and Tribunals Service, and, messenger to shoot at. 1031 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1032 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims [Sir Robert Neill] a politically interesting, dare I say politically “sexy”— horrible word—or politically high-level agenda item. It The Lord Chancellor, like me, has immersed his life has always been a Cinderella service that is downstream in the criminal law. Between us, we have clocked up and has never had the attention that it deserves. about half a century of doing the publicly funded, the Both Front Benchers—my right hon. and learned Friend unfashionable, and the rough end of the trade. It is not the Lord Chancellor and the right hon. Member for that we have not seen exactly the things that the right Tottenham—are doing a lot to push the issues up the hon. Gentleman talks about on the ground. It is not agenda. The Lord Chancellor has battled hugely and, I that I have not seen or experienced the frustrations of hope, successfully—I will continue to support him—to victims when I have prosecuted offences that we were get more reinvestment in the system. To be frank, my not able to bring to a conviction, or the difficulties in own Government, of which I was a part, took out too sitting in a police cell trying to persuade often troubled much at one stage and adopted too transactional an defendants who have committed very serious matters to approach. More money is being put back in, but the accept the reality of the evidence. Those are things that reality is that we have to have a consensus that it is cannot always be reduced to simple statistics. Behind important to spend money on our court infrastructure the statistics of conviction rates and prosecution rates and important to ensure that investigation by the police, there are individual cases that are all fact-specific in charging by the Crown Prosecution Service and the work every instance. It is not in the gift of any Government to of the courts are properly joined up. guarantee a given rate of conviction or a prosecution It is also important that we have a functioning court for any type of offence, because the nature of the system in which there is proper investment in capital system is that an independent jury, properly directed by and resources to make sure that the buildings and an independent judge, must come to a decision on the infrastructure actually work. I welcome, for example, evidence that is put before it. the lifting of the cap on sitting days to deal with the Catherine West: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? backlog. I hope that the Lord Chancellor will be able to assure us that that will be continued indefinitely, until Sir Robert Neill: I will do, certainly, but this will be such time as we reach the sensible and realistic level of the only one. backlog to which he referred. We all ought to urge the Catherine West: I accept the point being made by the Treasury to give him the funding to do that. Chair of the Justice Committee, and he is making it We then need proper capital investment in the prison very well, but 44% of victims—not 10% or 20% even, system, which we have not even touched on, because if but 44%—are walking away from their day in court. we are really to prevent more victims, we need to make Why is that? sure that, as well as punishing and deterring, the prison system rehabilitates and reforms where necessary. Sir Robert Neill: If the hon. Lady will allow me to develop my point, it is the point that I made in my This is a massive topic and the time available does not intervention on the Lord Chancellor, which is that we permit us to touch on it all. I hope that this debate is at need a much more whole-systems approach to this. The least a trailer, and I plead for a more consensual, less justice system can deal only with the evidence that is put politicised and certainly longer-term debate. We need a before it. It is as good as the evidence that it has obtained. more honest debate with the public about what our What is required is a much more holistic approach, with justice system has to do, what it should be for and what an emphasis on the investigation of not just serious its objectives are on a much more long-term basis. It sexual offences, but all offences, and that has not always would be a real service if we in this House could take a been the case. I can remember when I started at the Bar, lead on that. when complainants in rape cases and other serious offences often got, I am afraid, an unsympathetic understanding Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): The from the police force and the legal system. That has changed time limit will now be reduced to four minutes. hugely. It has changed out of all recognition from when I was in practice, so there have been real changes, but 5.16 pm also, as has been observed, the nature of the technology that we all use in our everyday lives makes issues such as Tony Lloyd () (Lab) [V]: As ever, I agree disclosure all the more important. with a lot of what the hon. Member for Bromley and We must not pursue targets at the cost of doing Chislehurst (Sir Robert Neill) had to say. In particular, I justice in the individual case either, and that balance is agree with him that the Justice Secretary is an honourable not an easy one to achieve or to articulate. We need to man, and I applaud many of the things for which he make that point really clearly and robustly. What is claimed credit for the current Government and the steps required, and where I hope that we can share some taken forward. common ground, is that to achieve that we need systemic Nevertheless, the reality is that my right hon. Friend long-term investment in the system. Failure has been the Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy) made a powerful known to come from this side of the House—the hon. case about the underfunding of our criminal justice Lady and others know that I am not afraid to speak out system, as, indeed, did the hon. Member for Bromley and criticise my own party when I think that it has got it and Chislehurst. We have an underfunded justice system. wrong. What I have found as Chair of the Select Committee If a person from Mars arrived tomorrow, he or she and from the reports that we have done is that, over a would recognise that there is no such thing as a joined-up period of decades—decades going beyond any Government criminal justice system. Importantly, there no such thing and probably beyond virtually anyone sitting in this as an acceptable victim’s journeys through the whole Chamber—there has been underinvestment in the criminal process. There are too many areas where victims are justice system. That is largely because it has never been let down. 1033 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1034 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims Of course, there are some bright points. Rape is Some crimes are so abhorrent and offensive to the better investigated by the police today than it was in the moral conscience that society cannot just be expected to past, but domestic violence is not always. In domestic accept their perpetrators back in our midst. Society is abuse cases, people get the police officer on duty, who being asked to forget the crime, forget the victim and could be brilliant but could also be massively non- forgive the perpetrator. In the most grotesque and heinous empathetic. That cannot be right. There is not enough cases, why should society be required to accept that the money for training our police and we have to look at slate must be wiped clean? Why do we insist, just because that. a period of time has passed, that such crimes must now Really important steps have been made on the protection be forgotten? We are in this place as legislators. We of victims of domestic abuse, but we have an underfunded represent the people who put us here and we need a refuge system. Women in particular, but also men, are Parole Board that operates under a legislative framework having to travel way outside their own area to find a that gives the public and victims trust and confidence. place in a refuge when they flee domestic violence. Last I thank my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord year, something like 56%—or thereabouts—of victims Chancellor and his excellent team for their radical and of domestic abuse were turned away. That cannot be reforming work. I particularly congratulate them on the right. action taken on automatic early release for serious Things go wrong in the prosecution system. An sexual and violent offenders. That subject caused much underfunded Crown Prosecution Service is simply not heartache in my constituency and I am grateful for their acceptable. The liaison between the police and the CPS work on it. I now urge my right hon. and learned Friend is not strong enough. I have never understood why it is to focus on the role of the Parole Board and ensure that not possible to have—I wanted to see them in my own it has the full confidence of the public and victims. local police force—dedicated police officers who work No one can begin to understand the terrible grief and all the time with the CPS to make sure that files are devastation that the Williams family suffered, not least transferred properly and competently. because Georgia’s killer could have been stopped before Within the CPS, the practice of barristers coming in he eventually targeted her. For any parent, losing a child late on and picking up cases without really knowing is a tragedy from which they never recover, but to have a what they are until the day of the trial is unacceptable. child taken in the horrific circumstances that Georgia A friend of mine was kidnapped and raped, but because suffered is a torment and despair that we cannot begin the barrister decided it would be impossible to prove the to comprehend. charge of rape, the defendant got off scot-free. No other I will end by sharing the words of Georgia’s parents charge had been laid—the charge of kidnap was simply with the House: not available. That cannot be right. “To hear that Colin Pitchfork, who took the lives of two children for his own pleasure, is to be released, is an insult to the When it comes to our court system, it cannot be right two young victims. that, for victims and witnesses—and witnesses are often The impact of losing a child is devastating, this anguish is victims—not only are there delays, but the process is compounded when as parents, you know that those last minutes intimidatory. That is unacceptable. It cannot be right of your loved one’s life were spent in terror. These monsters when cases drag on not only for weeks but for months. destroy more than one life, they destroy whole families. There must be investment in training but we must also It has been 8 years of torment for me and my family since drive through a joined-up approach to our criminal justice Georgia was taken. The impact on my mental health has ruined system that says, yes, victims and witnesses are central my life and in turn my family’s—there is no cure for our suffering. to it, not simply bolt-on extras. We have a brilliant Based on my experience as a police detective, I believe Pitchfork sexual assault referral system in this country. We should will kill again, I’ve seen it all too often. treasure it, but we should fund it properly. Victims’ families are forgotten in a short while, but the terror and chaos it causes in our lives goes on. It changes how we live 5.20 pm our lives forever—we want to reach out to ease the extreme distress of other suffering families. Lucy Allan (Telford) (Con): We all come to this place Please Lucy, do everything you can for the victims of Colin to speak for the people we represent and give a voice to Pitchfork to ease their families’ suffering. those who cannot be heard. Today, I rise to speak on Keep Pitchfork in prison. behalf of Georgia Williams, a Telford teenager, and her Life must mean life.” family. Almost exactly eight years ago today, Georgia suffered a brutal death at the hands of a sadistic killer, 5.24 pm who repeatedly sought out young victims and groomed Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab) [V]: I and stalked them as he pursued and finally executed a want to address the question of enshrining victims’ grotesque sexual fantasy.The perpetrator rightly received rights in law and discuss a particular group of victims: a whole-life term. bereaved families and survivors of public disasters. I Georgia was 17. She was optimistic, she was fun, she have been raising matters for and speaking on behalf of was happy and she shone with life and energy. Full of the Hillsborough families, some of whom are my hope for the future, she had her whole life to live, constituents, since I was elected in 1997. On 26 May, the ambitions to fulfil and dreams to come true. Georgia final criminal trial arising out of the unlawful killing of epitomised what is so good about young people. Her 96 children, women and men collapsed. There is now no parents, Lynette and Steve, who I have got to know over prospect of anyone responsible for the gross negligence the years, reached out to me on hearing about the of South Yorkshire police on that day being held to release of Colin Pitchfork because they know the grief account by our criminal justice system, nor will anyone and suffering that victims’ families experience and they be held to account for the subsequent police cover-up, want others to understand. They want others to know in which police sought to deflect blame on to the victims why life must mean life. and survivors of the disaster and away from themselves. 1035 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1036 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims [Maria Eagle] the disastrous privatisation experiment, the long-unresolved failings of the coroner system, and our crumbling prison This has led to so much anguish and pain for the system, in particular its effect on women, young people families and survivors over the last 32 years, as they and the mental health of those in custody. have repeatedly had to defend the reputations of their The Lord Chancellor’s priorities seem rather different: wholly innocent lost loved ones and fellow fans. Despite at the behest of a Prime Minister who has little respect David Cameron having apologised to the families and for the rule of law, he is busy interfering with the survivors from the Dispatch Box when he was Prime Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the Human Rights Minister in 2012 for the police cover-up, last week a Act 1998 and the independence of the courts—dangerous defence barrister involved in the collapsed trial repeated constitutional tinkering while the justice system grinds the slurs about Liverpool fans on the BBC, and another to a halt. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill denied that there had been a cover-up in an article in undermines fundamental civil liberties, while the further The Spectator. The very next day, an agreement by review of judicial review looks like an obsession in South Yorkshire police and West Midlands police to avoiding scrutiny, as we have seen again today with the make payments and civil damages to 601 family members findings of the judicial review of the Cabinet Office and survivors for the further psychological distress caused Minister’s conduct and yesterday with the exposure of by that very cover-up was made public. that same Minister’s secret “clearing house” for freedom It cannot be right that these untrue claims are still of information requests: bad priorities, and the wrong made with impunity. Families should not have to spend priorities. 32 years defending the reputations of their lost loved We have heard about the backlog of cases in the Crown ones. While this is an extreme case, there have been and magistrates courts and there are similar logjams in other disasters where the victims have been blamed or the civil court and tribunal systems although they are families have been unable to find out the truth of what less well recorded. It is true that the Crown court backlog happened and have been marginalised, ignored and not has been this high before, but then the court system was seen as central to legal and administrative proceedings. operating at a much higher volume and numbers of It seems likely that there will be more such instances in outstanding cases fell quickly. They rose again before future if nothing changes. the pandemic because of deliberate Government actions It took the Hillsborough families 23 years of non-stop in closing courts and reducing sitting days. With the battling to have the truth of what happened to their acceleration of the backlog in the past year, they lack loved ones acknowledged officially, 28 years to get the means to tackle it. Belatedly they introduced testing correct inquest verdicts and 32 years in total until all the at court on a purely voluntary basis.They set up Nightingale criminal prosecutions arising out of the disaster came courts, but perhaps a tenth of the number required, and to an end. That is far, far too long. The law needs to be a fraction of the number closed in the last decade. There changed to make provision for proper, bespoke support are insufficient judges or lawyers to cope with the needs at an early stage for those bereaved in public disasters. I of the justice system because cuts in both legal aid and do not just mean legal advice. Once things go wrong, it the CPS have left a skeleton service. Victims are waiting is almost impossible to put them right. Things have to up to four years from offence to disposal. This is a be done properly from the start. question not just of quantity but of quality of justice. There are a number of proposals that would make a Memories fade, witnesses get cold feet, victims want to difference, and I urge the Government to adopt them. move on with their lives, trials collapse. The establishment of an independent public advocate— There is a lack of urgency and direction at the Ministry which, as the Lord Chancellor knows, I have a ready-made of Justice. The decision to spend £4 billion on new Bill to do—is key to preventing things from going prison places while letting existing prisons decay, and wrong in the first place. It uses freedom of information the lack of facilities, of training and education, of and transparency—the principles underlying the operation proper healthcare and of basic living conditions in so of the Hillsborough independent panel—to prevent many of our Victorian prisons are a disaster for inmates, cover-ups from happening and to ensure that bereaved for underpaid and overworked staff and for all of us. families are at the heart of proceedings. Measures in the The failure to rehabilitate prisoners and to reintroduce Public Authority (Accountability) Bill on a duty of candour them to society with housing and employment support and equality of arms at inquests would help. is a recipe for recidivism. I hope the Lord Chancellor agrees that the law must It is only possible in these debates, and with the time be changed to prevent bereaved families in public disasters we have, to skim the surface of these issues, but the from ever again being treated like the Hillsborough inquiries of the Select Committee and some of the families have been treated. I hope he agrees that that APPGs, such as the all-party group on legal aid, show would be a fitting tribute to their 32-year campaign for the depth and complexity of the challenges we face. truth and justice. As my constituents bereaved or affected Unless the Secretary of State starts to look critically at by Hillsborough said to me when I met them after I was his Government’s record, he will be just another Tory elected 24 years ago, we do not want this to happen to Lord Chancellor who has presided over the further anyone else. It is incumbent on all of us in this place to decline of a justice system that once was admired and make sure that it cannot ever happen again. copied around the world.

5.29 pm 5.32 pm Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab) [V]: The Select Alberto Costa (South Leicestershire) (Con) [V]: The Committee on Justice, of which I am a member, is Government have been taking strong action to tackle working on reports on court capacity, legal aid and the violence against women and girls by delivering our withering of access to justice, probation, recovery from landmark Domestic Abuse Act 2021, legislating to protect 1037 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1038 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims women and girls from serious violent and sexual offenders the retired Supreme Court justice, wrote in The Times and ensuring they spend longer behind bars, legislating that it was time to abandon jury trials. He recalled the to ban upskirting, and delivering additional support for experience of judge-only trials in Northern Ireland victims during the pandemic, ensuring that organisations during the troubles and recommended that we temporarily and victims have everything they need. I am proud of pursue that route. the strong measures this Conservative Government have The right hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy) taken to improve our criminal justice system, but today disagreed. On 20 June last year, he wrote: I want to concentrate on the appalling decision made by “You don’t fix the backlog with trials that are widely perceived the independent Parole Board to release Colin Pitchfork. as unfair.” Pitchfork brutally raped and callously murdered two He later came forward with his own proposal for “wartime innocent teenage girls in my constituency 30 years ago. juries” of seven people, which he thought might reduce The young lives of Dawn Ashworth and Lynda Mann the backlog by 15% to 20%. A number of practitioners were horrifically cut short in the most violent of ways. disagreed, including Baroness Kennedy, who said that There cannot be any worse sexual offences committed that was against women than raping and murdering them. The horrific nature of those crimes has left a lasting and deep “opening the door to sacrificing the precious way people in our impression on the collective memory of my constituents, communities contribute to something really important.” particularly those living in Enderby and Narborough Again and again, she has talked about the magic number where these brutal crimes took place. The families and of 12 people on a jury, which is what the Lord Chancellor friends of Dawn and Lynda continue to endure endless has pursued. pain and nightmare memories. I say that not to criticise any of the views to which I The Lord Chancellor will recall that I campaigned have referred, but because there are good, fair, sensible and lobbied his predecessor very hard in spring 2018, at arguments for and against any of those options. All of the time when Pitchfork was due to have his first parole them are imperfect, but all have at their heart access to hearing. At about that time the Parole Board made justice and the execution of article 6 rights. I respectfully another awful decision involving John Worboys, which say that these delicate, nuanced considerations about caused outrage across our country.The victims of Worboys delivering justice deserve more than the atmospherics of were rightly disgusted with the independent Parole Board’s an Opposition day debate. decision. There was a widespread belief that the Parole It is important to contextualise our backlog. It is Board had completely failed to safeguard women’s safety striking how much better we are doing than equivalent and had acted manifestly irrationally in choosing to jurisdictions. New Zealand has a population of 5 million release Worboys. The flawed decision by the Parole and a backlog of 75,000. New York City—one city in Board to release John Worboys eventually led to a new one state—has a backlog of 50,000 criminal cases. It is reconsideration mechanism; the rules were presented to important to look at the progress that we are making the House as the then Government’s response to avoid through the backlog. The latest figures published by the another Worboys-type situation. MOJ up to, I think, 25 April show that disposals are The independent Parole Board’s decision on Monday now at a level 5% higher than before the pandemic. to release double child rapist and killer Pitchfork has caused widespread alarm; I thank my hon. Friend the Catherine West: If 44% of the victims are walking away, Member for Telford (Lucy Allan) for referring to the the backlog is dealt with. Pitchfork decision a few moments ago. The new Parole Board rules have very infrequently been considered, Laura Farris: I think I understand the hon. Lady’s and in some respects the Pitchfork decision is a real test implication. Of course I am not suggesting that the of the efficacy of the reconsideration mechanism rules. backlog is dealt with, but the critical point is the progress There is a strong and compelling argument that the that we are making through the backlog rather than the Lord Chancellor does not need to apply the same number itself. It is right to say that disposals now outstrip stringent judicial review grounds in law. He is acting as receipts and we are reducing numbers, which is something an applicant, not as an adjudicator. The decision for that I think we should be very proud of. him to take is whether to refer the matter back to the Parole Board for it to reconsider, not for him to decide I also think that there is real cause for optimism in the issue in its place. I end with a plea to my right hon. how remote hearings have been used. From a standing and learned Friend to exercise a discretion that this start, we saw courts embracing nascent technology, and House gave his office for cases of this sensitive nature, in 12 months they have delivered everything from a and not to allow the high threshold for judicial review 12-week trial in the High Court to a complex jury inquest to obfuscate his ability to refer the case back to the in Kent, all of it online. These changes are becoming Parole Board for reconsideration. embedded. In the future, we will be delivering justice in a way that is more efficient, more economical and Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Laura Farris crucially, I hope, more swift. will be the last speaker on four minutes. We will then go I would like to spend a moment on the issue of justice down to three minutes, to get as many people in as we for women. I echo the remarks of the Chair of the Select possibly can. Committee, my hon. Friend the Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Sir Robert Neill), in that I think we do 5.36 pm women a disservice if we reduce these questions to a Laura Farris (Newbury) (Con): A point that I think political tit-for-tat, although I think the mood has we can all agree on is that victims should not have to shifted a little bit since the start of this debate. There are wait. Throughout the pandemic, we have seen how difficult Opposition Members for whom I have a lot of respect it is to accelerate justice. In May last year, Lord Brown, on this issue, and they know that. 1039 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1040 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims [Laura Farris] Urgent improvements across the whole justice system should include specific training for police prosecutors The Government have made good progress. Stalking, and judges on how to handle these cases sensitively. choking, revenge porn and rough sex are ugly crimes Misogyny should be made a hate crime to help stamp that have found their way on to the statute book, where out the abuse that many women face on a daily basis. they did not previously exist. Of course, we are not The Government must finally ratify the Istanbul convention, there yet, and it is a raw feeling to be speaking on this in which I have been asking for for a long time, and uphold the week when Wayne Couzens admitted to the abduction internationally agreed standards for preventing violence and rape of Sarah Everard, but that crime did not against women. Justice delayed is justice denied. We happen because of an absence of laws. In fact, Harriet must not lose sight of the human cost of this unprecedented Wistrich from the Centre for Women’s Justice gave court backlog and low conviction rates for instances of evidence to the Home Affairs Committee this morning, rape, and I urge all Members to support the motion where she said that the fact is we do not need more tonight. legislation. Her concern, which she expressed powerfully, is that the police are failing to implement what is 5.43 pm already there. Very respectfully, when I read the Labour Laura Trott (Sevenoaks) (Con): I think we all agree Green Paper, I saw almost no reference to police failings today that we need to tackle the court backlog, but I at all. think what we have mainly heard from Opposition I also think that we as a House have to be honest. Members are just attempts to cast blame rather than While young people can pick up a phone, click a few new solutions. Let us take the Opposition motion, in buttons and watch rape porn, we have a problem. While which the only solution offered is more Nightingale schools and universities, and even workplaces, tolerate courts. Call me naive, which Members may, but I thought or at least turn a blind eye to misogyny and harassment the purpose of an Opposition day was to oppose something in their midst, we have a problem. When young people that the Government were doing, rather than to support are living in families where they see perhaps violence the innovation coming from this Government, which is and misogyny exhibited in the home, we have a problem. Nightingale courts. There is no detail on where they The justice system is the end point, but if we are serious should be, how many there should be, how they should about violence against women and girls, we owe it to the be staffed or indeed how much we should spend on victims to work seriously and collaboratively on the causes. them. Nothing at all. A Nightingale court has just opened in Kent, thanks Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): There is now a to strong support from the Under-Secretary of State for three-minute limit. I remind everybody—I do not know Justice, my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon South what has been said before from the Chair—that if (Chris Philp) on the Front Bench, and also detailed anything is before the courts and is sub judice, please do support from the Department in terms of where it not make reference to it. should be, exactly how we could get the right configuration of rooms so that we had the necessary custodial rooms 5.41 pm and where we could find the staff for this important Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD): The Government’s own court. This kind of detailed, important work by the figures show that the number of outstanding criminal court Department has led to us having 60 Nightingale courts, cases has risen by 15,918 since the pandemic began. which will really make a difference and have an impact Some of this is a consequence of covid—a consequence on speeding up justice in this country. That is in contrast made worse by the Government’s slow action to introduce to the Opposition’s motion today, which simply seeks to the Nightingale courts—but covid does not explain the take credit for something that is an innovation from this huge backlogs that had already built up before covid hit. Government. It is completely unacceptable that the Government I shall move on to other parts of the motion, having are using the pandemic as an excuse for the backlog and established that the first part is simply supporting the to obfuscate a much deeper problem. For too long, the Government’s existing policy. Labour wants to introduce Conservative Government have underfunded the whole additional measures from the “Ending Violence against of our justice system. Funding for courts and tribunals Women and Girls” Green Paper, which it produced. has fallen by 21% in less than a decade. The legal aid Some of those measures are constructive, and I think budget has fallen by almost 40% in the same period. we should work together on them on a bipartisan basis, This is completely unsustainable for our courts, their but I remember the debates during the Police, Crime, staff and professionals and, crucially, for those who are Sentencing and Courts Bill, and that was not bipartisan; seeking justice. there was a marked difference from the approach taken Rape and domestic violence cases have been among during the passage of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, those worst hit by the courts backlog. In the first three which was very different in tone and enabled us to pass months of the pandemic, prosecutions for crimes against a landmark piece of legislation. Claims of decriminalising women and girls fell by more than half compared with rape are incredibly unhelpful and wrong. That is the 2019. Over 50,000 women reported being raped last opposite of the approach that we need to take to tackle year, but how many rapists were convicted? Fourteen this incredibly important issue. hundred. Only one in six women report incidents of The Government are doing a lot, as has been mentioned sexual assaults to the police, and as so many survivors by many already. We have the Domestic Abuse Act, and of sexual and domestic violence are denied justice, is it the movement in the direction of pre-recorded cross- any wonder that report rates are so low? Repeated delays examinations will be incredibly important for helping to trials not only affect a person’s ability to provide the victims of rape and others, as will the ending of evidence, but add hugely to the retraumatisation of automatic halfway release for rapists, because I think victims. It is literally adding insult to injury. the time that rapists spend in prison is important. There 1041 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1042 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims is also better protection for the victims of domestic with children in care for over a decade, so this has been violence. I urge Opposition Members to match their a personal interest of mine, and I am a member of the rhetoric with action. Bipartisan is definitely the way we justice trade union groups. need to go with this, but they cannot do that when they The good news is that the number of young people are making sensational claims on social media. imprisoned has fallen over the past two decades, to about 850 on average. The bad news is that it is not 5.46 pm reducing reoffending by those individuals; 71% of them (Broadland) (Con): The criminal reoffend within 12 months of leaving a secure placement. justice system is at the very heart of people’s trust in In addition, although the number may be declining, the Government. When things go wrong, we want the police latest statistics on behaviour management measures, to be able to investigate effectively, we need the CPS to published in the Youth Justice Board report in February, prosecute efficiently and we deserve a court system that demonstrate just how poor the behaviour management provides a fair and, yes, speedy trial. I welcome this problems are in these institutions. The numbers on opportunity to examine the Government’s response to restrictive physical interventions and self-harm are at a covid in our criminal justice system, as well as the longer- five-year high. The system is failing young people. term challenges.Looking at the early stages of investigation, We know that the right interventions work. If we can the Government have made big steps. They have already intervene at an early enough age, we can grow people recruited more than 9,000 new police officers—on their out of crime. All the evidence points to the benefits of way to 20,000—to improve detection and collection of smaller institutions nearer to young people’s homes and evidence. They have also tackled overload in the CPS by communities to maintain family contact, and, in educational recruiting 400 new prosecutors to reduce caseload crashes settings,toinvestingintensivelytoovercomepasteducational and improve performance. failures and maintaining educational opportunities for However, the court system itself is a harder nut to these young people. crack. All of us who have worked in the criminal justice Unfortunately, the Government’s new reform plan, to system will know quite how big a task it has been to get merge youth offender institutions, secure training centres back up and running in a covid-secure manner,particularly and secure children’s homes into secure schools, flies in when it comes to jury trials. The challenge has been the the face of all that evidence. We now know that the greatest in the Crown court with its larger trials and its Government’s proposal is that autonomous trusts will need to accommodate jurors, but here the innovation run those schools, under the Ministry of Justice. The has been enormous, with 302 covid-safe jury courtrooms Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill seeks to promote constructed to date, as well as the famous Nightingale new charitable providers to expand youth detention, by courts, 60 of them created from scratch. Across the the looks of it. The University and College Union and board, massive investment in remote hearing technology others have a real fear that that is simply renaming child has sped up pre-trial hearings, with 20,000 hearings prisons as schools under multi-academy trusts. now taking place remotely every single week. This is an The fall in numbers gave us the opportunity to ensure innovation that will continue to pay dividends for the that we could tackle youth offending effectively, rather administration of justice long after this pandemic has than simply investing again in ineffective incarceration. passed into history. We believe that simply renaming these institutions will Perhaps most of all, the courts system has responded fly in the face of all that is needed at the moment, so to the need by recruiting 1,600 new court staff, a 10% many of us are urging the Government to think again increase to the entire service, to speed up delivery and and work with civil society organisations, professionals get on top of the backlog. All this work has allowed and unions to design an effective system that is based England and Wales to be the first western country to on rehabilitation, rather than incarceration. restart jury trials, despite the pandemic. Sticking with full juries is the right decision. It takes longer to work 5.52 pm through the backlog, but the facts show that the Crown James Cartlidge (South Suffolk) (Con): I was pleased courts have now caught up with weekly demand and earlier, when I intervened on the Lord Chancellor on started to accelerate past it in the past few weeks. The the matter of pet theft, that he gave such a positive Government have put in place a plan of action and the response about the intentions of the taskforce that is results are showing in the week-by-week reduction of looking at that terrible crime and what measures can be waiting lists. put forward to deter it. I declare an interest: as someone There is still much to do, so the message has been sent who had never previously owned a dog, I was fortunate to every courtroom that there are no financial constraints that my family took ownership of a beautiful chocolate- on courtroom sittings for the whole of this year, but I brown sprocker spaniel from Norfolk in February, just want to make one respectful suggestion, following the before lockdown. Obviously, we did not know that advice of my hon. Friend the Member for Bromley and lockdown was coming, but I have huge sympathy with Chislehurst (Sir Robert Neill). It is that this opening of the many families who, in lockdown, desperately tried the purse strings should not stop until the waiting list to get a pet and often had to pay over the odds. Of has been reduced to a reasonable level for the long term. course, prices surged, which in turn inevitably attracted those with nefarious motives. 5.49 pm To give an idea of the scale, not only did the number John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab) [V]: of dog thefts in Suffolk double in the last 12 months, The title of this debate is “Protecting the public and but a single raid by the police in Ipswich, on a Traveller justice for victims”. Young people are part of the public, site, resulted in the discovery of 83 stolen dogs. I believe so I want to raise the issue of young people, particularly that most of them have been returned to their owners, those imprisoned in youth offender institutions, secure so there is a good news story there. However, my training centres and secure children’s homes. I worked main point is that, to most people, their pet is a family 1043 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1044 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims [James Cartlidge] debate, but I am really pleased, and I believe that it is of fundamental importance, that we have chosen to table member, and I hope that whatever measures we bring this motion. We need to press the Government to do so forward, we recognise that this is a traumatic crime, not much more to address the record-breaking backlog, just for the animal itself but for the family concerned. and the important part of the motion about violence From social media and speaking to people in my against women and girls is also very welcome. I hope constituency, I can say that the threat of dog theft has that the Government, in the spirit in which my right caused massive anxiety, and I hope that we strengthen hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy) the law so that we deter this heinous crime. introduced the motion, will encourage Government Another crime that is particularly relevant in rural Members to support it, because if there is going to be constituencies such as South Suffolk is hare coursing. I cross-party consensus on this, it would be a really positive received an update earlier from the wildlife team at sign to see the Government supporting this motion. Suffolk police, and I was struck by a fact that I hope the As we have heard, more than 57,000 cases are awaiting Justice Minister takes into account, because this is very court time. The measures that the Government have so much an MOJ issue. There were six convictions for hare far proposed are utterly inadequate to address the backlog. coursing in the last year in Suffolk and the average The chief executive of Her Majesty’sCourts and Tribunals penalty was a fine of £142. The key point is that, with Service has said that the Government need 200 Nightingale hare coursing nowadays, we are talking about organised courts to fill the gap and remove the backlog, but the crime gambling many thousands of pounds. One hundred Government have just 25 up and running. It is not just and forty-two quid is not going to stop organised the buildings that are needed; the Government’s cuts criminals gambling thousands of pounds. mean that the service employs 2,100 fewer people than As I am sure the Minister knows, the problem is that it did when they came to power. hare coursing is not a minor matter anymore. It can We have heard about the impact that this has on often lead to violence, and certainly the threat of violence. victims, but I want to ask right hon. and hon. Members Our farming and rural communities feel very, very to consider my constituent, who I will call Ms C and intimidated by this crime and they are spending huge who is watching our debate. She has been a long-standing amounts of money protecting their land, protecting victim of serious violence from her former partner. Her their sheds and so on. At the same time, it is inevitable ex-partner was recently jailed for the fifth time. The that those caught up in this crime may well be the same court heard that he is a heroin and crack cocaine addict sort of people who are robbing their farms of vehicles, who is also extremely violent. He has left my constituent robbing their GPS systems from their tractors, and so on. with injuries so bad that her sight is permanently damaged. On other occasions, she has had other facial injuries, Jerome Mayhew: Is my hon. Friend aware that farmers been concussed and had her head split open. On one in his constituency are so concerned about the risk of occasion, he forced his way into her flat, and imprisoned hare coursing that they are taking the step of shooting her and held her during an appalling ordeal. Prior to his their hares to prevent it becoming an attractive destination? imprisonment, they lived on the same street, and alongside James Cartlidge: I welcome that point. It just shows the violent attacks that she has experienced, he has how much of an impact this has had. In terms of the often made verbally aggressive and intimidating threats law, farmers in my constituency are on a WhatsApp towards her when she has left the flat or he has seen her group where they share intelligence about potential walking down the street. He was also jailed because he hare coursing. The police are using a drone to find the was guilty of attacking a police officer, attacking a perpetrators, who are themselves increasingly sophisticated, nurse at the royal hospital, attacking another police but the law that generally covers hare coursing is the officer when the police were called to the hospital and Game Act 1831. In other words, despite all this technology, smashing up my constituent’s flat. the piece of legislation covering it received Royal Assent The council wants to evict this man when he gets out a year after the first passenger steam railway came into of prison, but it has told Ms C that it is likely to be over being, and I suspect that it may be in some need of a year before it will be able to get a court appearance. modernisation. She is now facing the likelihood, after all these attacks, We have heard about some very serious crimes and I of this person coming back to live on the same street. understand why there is such concern about the issues That is the reality of what court backlogs mean. When around rape and the victims of that crime. It is incredibly we consider the motion today and think about the steps difficult and it is important that the Government focus that the Government are taking, nothing is more on that. There are also crimes such as dogs being stolen important for my constituent, and thousands more like and the theft of farm property, which perhaps do not her, than making sure that we get rid of these backlogs. sound as serious but where the wider impact in rural Justice delayed is justice denied. communities is still very significant. We want to see a 6 pm signal from the Government—not just in police numbers, but particularly in sentencing and punishment—that David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) those crimes are taken seriously and that at least the (Con) [V]: This has been an interesting debate. Clearly guidelines, if not the law, will be toughened accordingly all our constituents’ lives have been hugely impacted by to protect rural communities. lockdown, but one thing that, I am sure, has struck us all is how communities have stepped up to support each other—that is true in respect of justice, as it is in respect 5.57 pm of healthcare and social care. Mr Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): Opposition I particularly draw attention to the work done through days are incredibly precious for the Opposition. There a project called OWL—the Online Watch Link. It brings are so many things that our party could have chosen to together the Neighbourhood Watch CCTV cameras 1045 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1046 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims across my constituency and many other parts of England respectively in 2020, or in the overcrowded Victorian-era to support our local police services in producing evidence Swansea prison, where 79% of prisoners report that quickly and effectively, so that perpetrators of crime they have a mental health problem, according to the can be quickly apprehended and that there is then prison inspectorate. sufficient evidence to charge and convict them in the But there is an alternative. With the proper powers, courts. we could build a holistic system that promotes protection I have been particularly impressed at how, during this and rights for victims, rehabilitation of offenders, and lockdown period, more members of the community—in long-term prevention of crime. This would be brought my constituency and elsewhere—have been signing up to about by integrating the justice system with Welsh support the project. It has been instrumental in bringing social, health and education policy, and services alongside literally thousands of charges, securing convictions for the growing body of distinct Welsh law. Last month’s offences from burglary to some sexual offences and Senedd election returned a super-majority for further many offences involving theft and car crime. The more powers and devolution to the people of Wales. It has a that we as citizens can support each other, the better, clear and strong mandate for the devolution of significant but it is also important that as a Government and further powers from to Wales, which will Parliament we recognise that it is not just the criminal have a real, positive impact on the lives of people across justice system itself but the communities that we are Wales. It is time to act and to deliver on that mandate. elected to serve that can support each other in bringing In today’s debate in the Senedd, Plaid Cymru is calling perpetrators before the law. on the Labour Government in to turn their In due course, I would like to seek consideration from rhetoric of home rule into reality and to deliver the the Government about what more can be done to stronger Wales and the stronger Senedd that the people address the issue of the theft of catalytic converters have voted for by delivering on their manifesto commitment from vehicles. That has blighted many dozens of my to pursue the devolution of justice. constituents and people across England. Perhaps the Government could bring used car parts within the remit 6.5 pm of the laws on scrap metal so that we can ensure that Tom Hunt (Ipswich) (Con): It is a pleasure to speak in those who steal and deal in those parts, causing great this debate. I regret the backlog of 50,000 cases. Of inconvenience and cost to people, can be brought to justice course, anyone is going to regret that, but frankly we more effectively. regret the pandemic and we regret all the unprecedented Finally, I express my strong support for the work challenges that all our Government Departments had being done on how we improve justice for young people; to face as a result of the pandemic. I am thinking in particular of secure schools. Having I find it interesting how I have noticed, or sensed, that served as a magistrate, I am well aware of the frustration Labour is trying to seem a little bit tough on law and that many in the justice system feel about a lack of order. It is slightly perplexing. This is a party that went sentencing options that give young people a chance to into the last election with a manifesto pushing a turn their lives around when they have fallen within the presumption against anyprison sentence for those sentenced remit of the justice system. It is welcome that the to less than six months unless it was for rape or a violent Government are bringing forward these proposals to crime. We should think about all the really incredibly give us a real chance, based on evidence from overseas nasty individuals who would have got off with no and the Taylor review of 2016, of helping young people prison sentence as a result of that. I appreciate that to turn their lives around. Labour is under new management, so presumably we are going to see some changes—although it does not 6.3 pm seem so, because of course its leader voted against the Liz Saville Roberts (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC) [V]: Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which increased Covid-19 and Westminster austerity simply serve to sentencing for those who attack and abuse our emergency highlight the fundamental problem that Wales is the services. Labour voted against that. It also voted against only nation in the UK without powers over its own the tougher sentences for some of the serious offenders policing and justice systems. Justice is devolved in Scotland associated with that. Labour is not trusted on law and and the north of Ireland, and there is no rational basis order; it is incredibly weak on law and order. That does for Wales to be treated differently. Giving Wales powers not mean that we do not need to get tougher, though, so over justice should not be simply for its own sake; it is a I am going to talk about that. necessity to deliver real justice for victims and create a I am going to talk about one case, specifically, in my better, safer society. As Lord Thomas’s Commission on constituency, involving Richard Day, a constituent of Justice in Wales report noted, mine who was walking home from a night out with his “there is no overall alignment of policy and spending which is brother and some others in late 2020. He was set upon essential if the criminal justice system is to be effective in reducing and attacked, unprovoked, by a group of young men. crime and promoting rehabilitation.” There was a punch to Richard Day’s neck and he died. That lack of alignment is starker than ever, with the As he was dying, they stood over him laughing at him Westminster Government pushing through the law and and went through his pockets and took his belongings. I order policing Bill, which will do nothing to tackle the have spoken about this before in this place. The reason violent and squalid state of many prisons, aid rehabilitation why I do so is that the headline is protecting the public or break the costly cycle of reoffending, which is estimated and justice to victims. We have an example of that right to cost £18 billion per year. here, because the individual who was found guilty for With the highest incarceration rate in western Europe, that act was sentenced to four years in a young offenders Wales cannot afford to lock more people up in prisons institution because of his age; he was 16 at the time. He such as HMP Berwyn, where prisoner violence and was automatically let out after two years, and because assaults on prison staff increased by 143% and 25% he had 14 months on remand, in about nine months this 1047 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1048 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims [Tom Hunt] and Tribunals Service said that we need 200 Nightingale courts to eliminate the case backlog, but only 25 are up individual, I assume, is going to be back out on the and running. It is not overstating it to say that without streets of Ipswich. Is that justice for the victim’s family? urgent action, the Government are losing the public’s No, it is not, and it is something they are going to have confidence in the criminal justice system’s ability to serve to live with for the rest of their lives. Is that protecting the public and uphold the law. my constituents, who, frankly, are wondering right now, Will the Minister, in his closing remarks, tell the is this man going to be back out on the streets of House what assessment he has made of the impact of Ipswich in the not-too-distant future? the backlog on the number of cases that are dropped as We have made some positive moves as a Government victims and witnesses withdraw from the process? What and there is a lot further to go. We need to look at the steps are the Government taking to speed up justice for role of things like the Sentencing Council, which, as we vulnerable people who are victims of crimes such as have seen on pet theft, is so cut off from what the rape and domestic violence? Finally, the justice system majority of people in this country want, which is tougher should not be run on the cheap, so has the Minister punishments for those found guilty of pet theft. Our learned the lesson that drastic austerity cuts inflicted on judges, time and again, issue overly lenient and soft the Ministry of Justice were a false economy? sentences that mean that many of my constituents have lost faith in the criminal justice system. We have to find a way of respecting the independence of the judiciary 6.12 pm but at the same time bringing the actual sentences we Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con): Over the past year we see and what the public want to see closer together, have faced an unprecedented crisis—in our health service, because that is the kind of society we want to live in. in our economy and, yes, in our justice system, too. Unfortunately, a period of national crisis is not enough 6.9 pm to deter criminals and, worse, many have sought to take Rachel Hopkins (Luton South) (Lab): The pandemic advantage of those made even more vulnerable by the has stretched our justice system and created an circumstances. As people stayed at home, the number of unprecedented backlog of 57,000 cases in Crown court, domestic abuse cases went up sharply over the course of but the Government must recognise that the past 10 years the past year. of their Conservative mismanagement dismantled the I commend the work of organisations like Eva Women’s justice system’s ability to respond to increased demand, Aid and Foundation in Redcar for their work to support and is undermining the delivery of justice and the safety victims of domestic abuse during this time. Home simply of dedicated public sector workers. is not the safe place it is supposed to be for everyone, The Government cannot blame the case backlog but the new Domestic Abuse Act 2021 will better protect solely on the pandemic. Under the Conservative party’s victims while perpetrators will not only be brought to watch, the backlog was at 39,000 even before the pandemic. justice more quickly, but also with the prospect of being As Kevin McGinty, then the chief inspector of HMCTS locked up for longer. There is more to do, and I thank inspectorate, said to the Attorney General in March, the Government for listening to the voice of women and the pre-covid backlog was girls and extending the recent call for evidence. “unacceptable” I also congratulate the new Conservative police and and was crime commissioner for Cleveland, Steve Turner, who is “due to years of underfunding.” holding a separate survey for women and girls in Teesside While we have seen the number of cases soar, the to respond to, so that we can use that evidence to get the number of staff directly employed by Her Majesty’s right funding and resources to help women feel safe in Courts and Tribunals Service has fallen by 15% in Teesside. So far, more than 750 women have responded, five years. To plug the gap, the Government have had to which shows the strength of feeling and the worrying rely on agency staff, but the simple fact is there are now experiences that women and girls in Teesside face every fewer staff, working on more cases. During that period day. of sustained underfunding, the Government had a fire Sadly, knife crime claims all too many lives. I feel sale of magistrates courts. Between 2010 and 2020, particularly sorry for the people of London, who were 164 magistrates courts were closed. That amounts to let down by a Mayor who clearly cannot get a grip of more than half of all the courts in England and Wales, this issue. Knife crime is, of course, not limited to the and equates to 27,000 fewer sitting days than in 2016. capital; it happens every day, and Ministry of Justice Even though the Luton and South Bedfordshire magistrates figures show that Teesside is one of the most dangerous court in my constituency has remained open, since 2010 places for knives and offensive weapons in the country, 46% of magistrates courts in the east of England have highlighting our need for a violence reduction unit in been closed. This cuts to the heart of the flawed austerity Teesside.I paytribute to the incredible work of organisations agenda. It is all well and good to stress that £223 million like the Chris Cave Foundation to deter young people was made from the sale of court buildings, but that has from carrying offensive weapons of any kind. The damaged the delivery of justice. The Government seem organisation was set up by Theresa Cave after her son to know the price of everything but not its value. was killed in a knife crime attack 18 years ago; the Those seeking justice are now looking at waits of up anniversary of his death is on Saturday. She thinks the to four years for their court trials. Such a long delay will justice system is still far too lenient when it comes to impact victims’ recovery, as well as all witnesses’ ability serious crime, or, in her own words, to recollect events and give evidence in court. Does the “The police do their job but there are far too many getting a Conservative party now regret the decision to close slap on the wrist when caught with weapons. The courts need to more than half the courts across England and Wales take a far more serious view on this to make potential offenders since 2010? The chief executive of Her Majesty’s Courts think twice before” 1049 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1050 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims picking up an offensive weapon. This must be our charge: 6.18 pm to hear what victims are saying and ensure that our justice Andy Carter (Warrington South) (Con): It is a pleasure system does deliver when people need it; that young people to follow the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green are protected from harm; and that women and girls, and (Catherine West). I am pleased to speak in this debate, indeed everyone, is kept safe from dangerous criminals not just as a Member of Parliament, but as a member of and abusers. I commend the Government for their work the judiciary. Through the pandemic, I have been to and thank them for what they are doing in this regard. courts on Merseyside regularly as a magistrate, to hear Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): We have had a issues being brought forward through the courts system. couple of withdrawals, so after Catherine West will be We have talked today about delays and problems, but it Andy Carter. is incredibly important that we put on the record our thanks to the people who have worked all the way 6.15 pm through the pandemic in the courts system to ensure that justice was delivered and is delivered in a timely Catherine West (Hornsey and Wood Green) (Lab): I fashion. In particular, let us thank the magistrates, who am pleased that the hon. Member for Redcar (Jacob are, on the whole, volunteers. They did not have to go Young) mentioned knife crime, because as we have been in, but they chose to get in their cars to drive to magistrates speaking two youngsters have been arrested for a tragic courts. We should also thank the judges, ushers and knife crime incident yesterday outside a school—it can legal advisers who spent time in courts and had to happen anywhere. Unfortunately, I think there might adapt, innovate and work through with real determination have been an increase in shooting as well, so across the to ensure that the wheels of justice keep turning. spectrum of crime, from antisocial behaviour, where 1.5 million separate incidents have been reported this Those who commit criminal offences did not down year, right through to rape, sexual assault and some of tools during the covid epidemic. Disputes between the most serious crimes, crime is up under this Government. neighbours, businesses and family members continued to arise,and vulnerable children and domestic abuse victims, I thank the Justice Secretary for his gracious apology in particular, still needed support and time in the courts. to the 44% of victims who walk away. The saddest thing Having sat in many domestic violence courts, I know as a constituency MP is to hear a victim of crime say, “I that, when requests were made by the police, magistrates cannot stand this any longer. I know what he did to me were there to deliver those orders in swift order. was wrong, but I cannot face this any longer.” We have that on an epidemic scale in this country, which is why I am very pleased that we are seeing progress in the that vigil touched a nerve for every woman in this courts. Jury trials simply do not mix with a global country. It is because we are sick of it. That is exactly pandemic, but the UK is the first western common-law why there is so much emotion around this topic. Whether nation to resume jury trials, and the Government have we are talking about Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry, put a tremendous amount into ensuring that justice can who were murdered in a disgraceful, heinous attack last be delivered. I particularly welcome—I mentioned this summer, or the terrible circumstances around the Sarah earlier—the investment in technology. That has really Everard case, this touches a nerve because we know that revolutionised the court system. There is nothing more our justice system is failing victims. frustrating as a magistrate than sitting and waiting for papers to be handed round in courts. Today, with a new I want to see this improve, and I have made that very computer system, things can happen in a much speedier clear during this debate. I want to see an absolute and more efficient manner, so that is a tremendous seriousness in dealing with this, because it goes to the investment. heart of who we are and the culture, and we must own this as a big problem within our society. I also wish Finally, I make a plea to the Minister to ensure that briefly to thank the Justice Committee Chair, the hon. we have the resource readily available to support those Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Sir Robert Neill), with mental health and learning difficulties who are at for saying that when he was a Minister he felt that the this moment trying to navigate our court systems. I have Government did take out too much, and the decade of a number of cases locally where disputes are causing austerity is not helping now. great distress for my constituents. We need to ensure that these people are not just talking to screens. The benefits I briefly wish to touch on the issue of perpetrators, of the complex cases court for those suffering mental ill because I am not really one of those people who just health are invaluable, and I encourage the Minister to wants to throw the key away. When the prison system is look at what we can do to roll that out further. failing so hugely, what do we expect but to have people coming out and wanting to create mayhem and more These issues are far too important to politicise. I crimes? We need to make our prisons safe, decent and congratulate my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord secure; to have education and training for prisoners, so Chancellor on the work that he has been doing through that they can get a job on release; and to address this global health emergency to ensure that the action addiction. Our prisons are full of people who are addicted required to protect the public and prevent the spread of to drugs but who have time on their hands. Why are we the virus will also ensure that victims are protected and not providing high-quality addiction services, and training justice is served. the staff and paying them properly so that they can look after the perpetrators? This approach would allow us to 6.21 pm have the justice that we seek: justice for victims, as per Kim Johnson (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab) [V]: The the excellent manifesto that our Front-Bench team have justice system is failing endemically to live up to its produced, doing the homework for the Government, as name. As of last month, there were half a million cases ever; and, secondly, a proper prison system so that we can outstanding in the magistrates and Crown courts, and have justice in our society and a genuine reflection of us some trials are now being listed for 2022. Victims, and our identity, and what we want to see in our society. witnesses and defendants are facing years of waiting 1051 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1052 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims [Kim Johnson] to do everything in our power to ensure that we tackle the underlying misogynistic attitudes that lead to violence with procedures hanging over them. This is a crisis of against women and girls. We must ensure that victims justice. Even before the pandemic, Tory austerity cuts feel able to report abuse and that they can trust the had brought the justice system to its knees, with the criminal justice system to enable them to gain justice. Ministry of Justice losing a quarter of its budget over Earlier this year, the Government laid out their law the last 10 years. Resulting reductions in legal aid and and order agenda in the mammoth Police, Crime, the increase in court and tribunal fees have increasingly Sentencing and Courts Bill, but despite the Bill’s size, made justice a privilege of those who can afford it, there is nothing in it at all that even attempts to tackle leaving those who cannot with immense and, too often, violence against women and girls. The Crown court insurmountable barriers. This has left the scales of justice backlog currently exceeds 58,000 cases, which means weighed against ordinary people. that survivors of serious sexual assault and rape are This sorry state of affairs was made crystal clear in having to wait years to go to trial. This long wait for the recent collapse of the Hillsborough trial, described justice meant that a record number of criminal cases as a “mockery” and a “shambles” by family members of collapsed last year,as more than 1 million victims dropped the 96, who had fought tirelessly for justice. Will the out before trials even began. Minister today go some way towards rebalancing the It is not just an issue in the courts. In England and scales and commit to bringing forward the Hillsborough Wales last year, more than 52,000 rapes were recorded law, which would place a duty of candour on all public by police, and only 843 resulted in a charge or a officials and require parity of legal funding for bereaved summons—a rate of 1.6%. That has led many survivors families and public bodies? of rape and sexual assault to believe that the system is The pursuit of justice stretches beyond the courts, as set up to work against them, not for them. The fact is well the Minister knows. It necessarily includes the that the police never investigate most sexual violence, ability of people to hold public authorities to account. because most sexual violence goes unreported. According However, the draconian measures in the Police, Crime, to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, just Sentencing and Courts Bill severely threaten our ability under 25% of sexual assaults are reported to the police— to do just that. By making it an offence to cause “serious significantly less than other violent crimes. There are annoyance” or “inconvenience”, this Bill restricts our many reasons for that, but one often cited is distrust fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and expression, and fear of the police. We need an institutional overhaul. and effectively removes our collective ability to fight We must do our utmost to ensure that victims and back against state abuses of power. The Black Lives survivors get access to the support that they need. It is Matter protests last year and more recent demonstrations essential that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts in response to the murder of Sarah Everard shone a new Bill be amended to ensure that the criminal justice spotlight on a pattern of violent crackdown by police on system works for survivors of gender-based violence. peaceful protesters that stretches back to miners protesting For the last five years, the Government have promised a at Orgreave and elsewhere in the 1980s and beyond. victims Bill in the Queen’s Speech, but like the rape I ask the Minister: what does this Bill do to make our review, it is still nowhere to be seen. Giving women and communities safer or bring justice closer to those families? girls who are victims of gender-based violence more Some of the most disturbing clauses attack the nomadic rights would go a long way to preventing them from lives of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. In dropping out before trial, as would fast-tracking rape Liverpool, we have a large, eminent settlement of GRT and serious sexual assault cases through the police, the familieslivinginKirkdale,whofacesystemicdiscrimination Crown Prosecution Service and the courts. as well as routine violence. These new proposals are Seven in 10 women say that the Government’s efforts discriminatory and potentially unlawful, and threaten to make the UK safer for women are not working. This increasedpersecutionof thesecommunities.TheGovernment’s Conservative Government must put ending violence own consultation on extending these powers shows that against women and girls at the top of their agenda. I even the majority of police respondents think that the urge colleagues across the House to vote for the motion crackdown is the wrong approach. today because, in the words of my right hon. Friend the The fact that the Government have spent so much Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy), we need to step time and resource curtailing people’s basic democratic up, end this inaction and stop failing women and girls. rights and freedoms to hold them to account, rather than focusing on overhauling our creaking and hollowed- 6.28 pm out justice system, speaks volumes about their priorities. Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab): Justice I call on them today to reject the authoritarian Police, cannot be brought without first apprehension, then Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and invest significant investigation and finally resolution. What we have witnessed resources in balancing the legal system— over the past decade has been the considerable dismantling and diminution of our criminal justice system—the loss Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. I am of 22,000 police from our streets; the closure of hundreds sorry, Kim, but we are on a three-minute limit. We let of police stations such as in Warwick, Hartlepool and you go on a bit after, don’t worry. elsewhere, making access to the police more difficult and meaning that more crimes go unrecorded; and the 6.25 pm closure of half the courts between 2010 and 2019. Kate Osborne (Jarrow) (Lab): As has been highlighted Across the country, as a proportion of all crime today, violence against women and girls is endemic. It recorded by the police, violence reached its highest level affects one in three of us in our lifetimes. From prevention in 2019-20 since comparative records began. Violence to bringing perpetrators to justice,we need to be determined against the person increased in every police force across 1053 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1054 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims the country, and overall only one in 14 crimes led to a Catherine West: Does my hon. Friend agree that it is charge.Locally in Warwickshire,knife crime has quadrupled rather disgraceful that, in a debate on the important since 2013-14—a 300% increase in just seven years. subject of violence against women, the Government I want to focus on the failures of justice in relation to Benches are empty? sexual violence and harassment and child abuse, as shared with me by constituents. Let me start with sexual Ellie Reeves: I am grateful for that intervention. That violence and harassment. We see this Government failing is really important, and it shows the Government’s lack to protect women and girls from violent criminals, of seriousness on this issue. This is so serious. My hon. which should be one of the first duties of any Government. Friend, along with my hon. Friends the Members for With record low conviction rates of perpetrators of Jarrow (Kate Osborne) and for Warwick and Leamington sexual violence and an epidemic of misogyny that makes (Matt Western), made powerful points about how women women and girls feel unsafe, the Government are treating who are victims of rape have lost confidence in the victims of violence as an afterthought. New research criminal justice system, and because of that, they are has found that seven in 10 women say that the Government’s giving up on their cases before they even get to court. efforts to make the UK safer for women are not working Let me be clear: this Government are letting down and consider Government action to be inadequate. victims of rape and serious sexual violence on every Victims are losing faith that the justice system will be front. There is a 58,000-case backlog in our courts; rape there for them. prosecutions are at their lowest level on record; rape In Warwickshire, there were 1,600 arrests for domestic conviction levels are at a 10-year low; and domestic abuse-related crimes between 1 April and 30 June, and abuse prosecution levels are plummeting. Only one in 15% of all recorded crime is domestic abuse-related, yet 60 rape cases recorded by the police last year resulted in still the police and crime commissioner is replacing all a suspect being charged, and the number of victims who nine staff from its domestic abuse unit with police pull out of their trial has more than doubled in the past constables, who should be out on the street. five years. The horrendous figures speak for themselves: The crime survey of England and Wales estimates this Tory Government have completely failed victims. that 3.1 million adults were victims and survivors of When I have spoken to victims, they have told me that child sexual abuse before they turned 16, which is likely they often feel as though they are on trial when they to be a highly conservative estimate. Cases brought before report these crimes. They have told me how being left to courts are too few, and convictions are even fewer. wait years for their day in court leaves them in a form of Tackling gender-based violence is at the very top of purgatory, unable to move on from what has happened Labour’s agenda, by making misogyny a hate crime, to them. Many feel that the justice system is working increasing sentences for rapists and stalkers and creating against them and not for them. That is a complete and new specific offences for street sexual harassment and utter failing by this Government. sex for rent; time prevents me from going through all The police and crime commissioner for the West the details.With record low conviction rates for perpetrators Midlands, England’s second-biggest police force, recently of sexual violence and the epidemic of misogyny against warned that rape and domestic violence cases will be among women and girls, which makes them feel so unsafe, this the worst hit by the growing court crisis. He described Government are treating victims of violence as an how the backlog of cases afterthought. That is why I will be voting for our motion. “undermines the credibility of the justice system”, 6.31 pm with cases collapsing owing to the lengthy delays that victims face, and said: Ellie Reeves ( West and Penge) (Lab): I am glad to see so many Members across the House here “It’s particularly domestic abuse, violence against women and today to speak about the importance of ending violence rape cases that are going to be at serious risk” against women and girls and what the Government of collapsing. With 44% of rape victims already pulling need to do to ensure proper justice for victims. I am out before their cases get to trial and record low prosecution grateful to my colleagues, who have made some and conviction rates for rape, we cannot afford things to powerful points. The hon. Members for Telford (Lucy deteriorate any further. We cannot afford more women Allan) and for South Leicestershire (Alberto Costa) and girls to be continually let down by this Government. spoke about the fact that some crimes are so awful that We cannot afford to wait any longer for action: enough the perpetrator should never be released; the hon. Member is enough. for Telford spoke about 17-year-old Georgia Williams, We have now been waiting for more than two years who was brutally murdered in her constituency, and the for the Government’s rape review and the date of hon. Member for South Leicestershire spoke about publication has again been kicked into the long grass, Dawn and Lynda, who were raped and murdered as with no action forthcoming from the Government. In teenagers. that time, another 100,000 rapes have been reported to My hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood the police. Not only are there huge delays with the (Maria Eagle) talked about the need to enshrine victims’ publication of the rape review, but the Minister who has rights in law, which the Opposition have been pushing direct oversight of it, the Minister for Crime and Policing, for strongly.My hon. Friend the Member for Chesterfield the hon. Member for North West Hampshire (Kit (Mr Perkins) raised the case of his constituent, a woman Malthouse), does not even know to whom he and his who was horrifically injured by her former partner, Department have spoken. When recently there was an but backlogs in the courts mean that he may end up urgent question on the review, the Minister was asked living back on the same street as her. My hon. Friend whether the review had directly consulted survivors as brought to life the reality of the court backlogs with part of its engagement panel. He said that they had that example. been, but the reality is that the review has commissioned 1055 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1056 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims [Ellie Reeves] hearings, especially jury trials, is a difficult thing to do. It has required a Herculean effort over the last year and no specific survey of rape victims and no roundtable more to keep our justice system operating, and I would meetings have been held directly with survivors of rape like to start by paying tribute to the judiciary, the staff and sexual abuse. In the more than two years since the of Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, barristers, review was announced, how on earth has there been no solicitors, the Crown Prosecution Service, the police, direct contact with survivors? How can this Government the National Probation Service and so many others say that they have put victims at the heart of the review who have worked tirelessly in extraordinarily difficult when they have failed to speak to them directly? The circumstances to keep our justice system running. views and experiences of victims must be at the centre In doing that we have, as I have said, had to confront of our efforts to turn the tide on record low levels of a Herculean task, yet at the beginning of this afternoon’s rape charges and convictions, but instead victims have debate the right hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy) been ignored throughout the entire process. suggested from the Opposition Front Bench that there It is clear that at every single step of their journey, had been inaction by the Government during this time; victims are being let down by this Government. The extraordinarily,that was what the shadow Justice Secretary Government have no ideas and no plan. Labour has said. Nothing is further from the truth, however.Impressive one—we have a plan. We have set out what we would do action has been taken in the last year to combat the in our survivors’ support plan and our Green Paper on impact of coronavirus on our court system: a quarter of ending violence against women and girls. We would a billion pounds extra spent on making sure our justice introduce tougher sentences for rape, stalking and domestic system can still operate; 1,600 extra HMCTS staff hired; murder; review sentencing for all domestic abuse; and 402 Crown court jury courtrooms set up, more than introduce whole-life tariffs for those who rape, abduct the target of 390; and a rapid deployment of remote and murder a stranger. We would remove the legal hearing technology that has enabled 20,000 remote hearings barriers—such as legal aid and no recourse to public a week, a 4,000% increase on the number before the funds—that prevent the victims of domestic abuse from pandemic. getting the help that they need. We would introduce a survivor support package to improve victims’ experience Catherine West: The title of this debate is “Justice for in the courts. The package would include the fast-tracking Victims”. What advice would the Minister give me as a of rape and sexual violence cases, legal help for victims constituency MP when a young victim says, “I’m not and better training for professionals to give people the going to pursue that case because I cannot give the next help that they need. We would also bring in training for four years of my life to that man”? What is his advice teachers to help to identify, respond to and support when she says, “I’m just going to go and get my cousins child victims of domestic abuse. to beat him up”? Will the Minister commit today to backing Labour’s survivors’ support plan? Will he introduce the indicators Chris Philp: I would advise any Member of Parliament across the CPS, Ministry of Justice and police that are to do everything they can to support victims in their required to improve victims’ experience of the criminal constituency to pursue prosecution. I will talk in a few justice system, as set out in our Green Paper? Will he minutes about some of the measures we are taking to commit to enshrining victims’ rights in law? Will he create speed up the justice system further and help and support more Nightingale courts to reduce the court backlog? victims, particularly women victims and victims of sexual And will he finally publish the long-awaited rape review? abuse and domestic violence, but we should all encourage This Government have let down victims on every front. and support our constituents. I know the hon. Lady We need to see how they intend to reverse the shocking would do that; I am sure she is doing it, as of course we deterioration in rape prosecutions on their watch, and all do, and I will discuss some of those measures in just how they intend to improve the experience of the criminal a moment. justice system for victims of rape and sexual violence, I was talking, however, about the action we are taking and restore it so that it works for everyone. to ensure that justice is delivered and that victims like I urge every Member of the House committed to the hon. Lady’s constituent can have confidence. In ending violence against women and girls, to protecting addition to those 20,000 remote hearings a week, speeding the public and to ensuring that victims get justice and up justice for people like the hon. Lady’s constituent, we that we have a criminal justice system that works for now have covid-safe measures in 450 courtrooms. We everyone to vote with us today and support Labour’s have opened up 60 Nightingale courtrooms around the motion. The time for warm words is over. We need country. We have got super-courts coming to hear multi- action. We need a plan. That is exactly what our motion hander trials. And to support victims such as the hon. today does. Lady’s constituent we are spending this year across Government, not just in the MOJ, £300 million to give victims the support, encouragement and help they need, 6.40 pm exactly as the hon. Lady was saying a moment ago. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the These actions have delivered results. As my hon. Home Department (Chris Philp): It is a great pleasure to Friend the Member for Newbury (Laura Farris) said in be able to close this evening’s debate. her excellent speech, despite these difficulties the England The covid pandemic is truly unprecedented. It has and Wales jurisdiction is leading the world in court affected every corner of our lives; from hospital operations recovery. Many jurisdictions have barely restarted jury denied, to schools closed, to businesses struggling, and trials. We restarted jury trials in May of last year, and even how Parliament itself operates, we have seen covid’s we were the first jurisdiction of our kind to do so. effects. The court system is of course no different; Backlogs in other jurisdictions are far higher than ours bringing people safely into buildings for trials and when we adjust for size. 1057 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1058 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims Talking about our jurisdictions, in the magistrates We heard a little bit of commentary about the state of court—let us start there—the outstanding caseload is our justice system prior to the pandemic, and reference dropping now by about 2,000 cases a week. The outstanding was made by several Opposition Members to the caseload at one point, at the height of the pandemic outstanding caseload of 39,000 cases prior to the start back in the summer of last year, went up to 525,000. As of a pandemic in the early part of 2020. It was suggested the shadow Justice Secretary said in his remarks, it is that that level of outstanding cases was shockingly now back down to 460,000. About half of the extra high, but what none of the Opposition Members chose caseload caused by covid has now been removed, and to mention or chose to remember was the fact that in every single week it is relentlessly going down further. 2010, when the last Labour Government left office, the That is thanks to the work of our magistrates, such as outstanding caseload in the Crown court was not 39,000, my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington South but 47,000—a great deal higher. I am proud that it was (Andy Carter), who sits on the bench in Merseyside. I a Conservative Government who got that outstanding pay tribute to him and his colleagues for the work they caseload down by 12,000 compared with our Labour have done in reducing that outstanding caseload in predecessor prior to the onset of the pandemic. magistrates courts week in and week out. We also heard some commentary about convictions The Crown court is obviously more difficult because and about the state of the criminal justice system. The jury trials and pandemics do not very well mix, and the most reliable measure of crime is the crime survey; it is number of outstanding cases has gone up. However, I the only statistical measure recognised by the Office for can report to the House that the level of disposals— National Statistics. The number of crimes recorded by [Interruption.] I am coming on to that. The level of the crime survey back in 2010 was 9.5 million. The most disposals now in the Crown court is running above the recent figures from a year or so ago show that that has pre-covid level. It is running about 5% above the pre-covid declined by 40%, with the figure down to 5.6 million, so level, as of the week commencing 25 April, which was we do not need any lectures about the last 10 years from just a few weeks ago. The most recent management data the Opposition, when crime under this Government has we have—it is not yet published, and is subject, of course, dropped by 40% according to the most reliable measure. to verification—from the last few weeks now shows the Of course we want that to continue, and we are hiring outstanding caseload beginning to turn the corner and 20,000 more police officers and 400 more prosecutors to decline as these measures take effect. make sure that that reduction in crime, as measured by the crime survey, continues. Catherine West: Will the Minister give way? We heard quite a few moving and important contributions during this afternoon’s debate on the Chris Philp: Of course. critical issues of violence against women and girls and of rape, and I thank the shadow Minister, the hon. Catherine West: There is so much time; it is only 6.46 pm. Member for Lewisham West and Penge (Ellie Reeves), Could the Minister explain to me whythere is a three-month for her thoughtful speech on this, as well as the many waiting list for an independent sexual violence adviser, other Members who contributed to this discussion. I and why those individuals are not allowed to go into the would like to start by addressing the question of sentencing courtroom when the victim desperately needs them to for rape, which was raised by the shadow Secretary of go in with them on the day? At the moment, they are State for Justice, the right hon. Member for Tottenham not allowed into the courtroom. (Mr Lammy), in his speech. The maximum sentence for rape is life, and judges are free to sentence up to that Chris Philp: I thank the hon. Lady for her comment. level. The right hon. Gentleman asked about the actual For the very reasons she mentions, we are currently sentence lengths that are being handed down. The sentences recruiting a large number of additional ISVAs— that are being handed down for adult rape have increased independent sexual violence advisers. A lot of extra money in the past 10 years by two and a half years. They have has gone into this in the last year, and the recruitment is increased from 79.2 months back in 2010 to 109.4 months well under way. Those ISVAs do provide vital support more recently. The average sentence for men convicted to victims to make sure they are able to give their of this appalling crime has gone up by two and a half evidence. years, and quite right too, because it is a despicable and I have outlined the action we have taken—the substantial appalling offence. action we have taken—and the results that it is delivering. It is not just the sentence that is important; it is also But we are not resting there; we are doing more. In this important how much of that sentence is served in current financial year, the Lord Chancellor—my right prison. We legislated by statutory instrument about a hon. and learned Friend has just joined us—has made it year ago, and we are legislating again now in the PCSC clear, as has the Lord Chief Justice, that Crown court Bill to ensure that violent criminals, including rapists, sitting day numbers will not be a limit to listing. We have get released automatically not after half their sentence, given a clear signal to the judiciary to list as much as as was the case under the last Labour Government, but they possibly can without limitation, and I am sure that after two thirds of their sentence, to ensure not only our country’s judges will be listening to our proceedings that sentences are longer but that more of the sentences this afternoon and will list cases accordingly. are spent in prison. That is the right thing to do, and I Weare also going to continue opening more Nightingale strongly support those measures. courts, and we are going to have some super courts to Many Members have raised the issue of the hear multi-hander cases. Of course, I am delighted that, inappropriately low rate of rape convictions. The following the energetic and effective campaign by my Government fully acknowledge that the rape conviction hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks (Laura Trott), rate is far too low and that action is needed. The hon. Kent is one of the most recent places to have a Nightingale Member for Lewisham West and Penge asked some court opened. questions about the rape review. I do not want to 1059 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 Protecting the Public and 1060 Justice for Victims Justice for Victims [Chris Philp] I want to deal with one or two specific points. My hon. Friend the Member for South Suffolk (James pre-empt it too much, but my understanding is that it Cartlidge) made some important points about pet theft. will be published in days rather than weeks. It will As my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor comprehensively seek to address the issue of rape said, a taskforce is taking action on that. My hon. convictions. They are too low—there is no two ways Friend the Member for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner about that—and through the rape review, we will work (David Simmonds) mentioned catalytic converter theft, with those on both sides of the House to get the rape which also plagues Croydon South, and I will take up conviction rate increased, because that undoubtedly needs his suggestion. to happen. I want to pause on the moving and powerful Many steps have been taken already, but more are contributions of my hon. Friend the Member for Telford needed. I particularly draw the House’s attention to the (Lucy Allan), who recounted the appalling constituency section 28 rules about evidence. As of last November, case of Georgia, who was so awfully murdered, and of all vulnerable witnesses have been able to give pre-recorded my hon. Friend the Member for South Leicestershire evidence at a very early stage in the process, including (Alberto Costa), whose constituents, Lynda and Dawn, the cross-examination, in order to deal with exactly the were murdered by that terrible man, Pitchfork. My hon. sort of trauma that the hon. Member for Hornsey and Friend the Member for Telford also raised that case. Wood Green (Catherine West) referred to, and to get The Government have of course seen the independent evidence recorded quickly so that the victim can move Parole Board’s decision of Monday to release that man. on. That has applied to all vulnerable victims as of Thanks to legislation passed a year or two ago, the Lord November last year, and we are now piloting a further Chancellor has the power to review such decisions and three areas where victims who could potentially be to ask the Parole Board to think again. I can confirm intimidated can record their evidence in the same way. that the review of that decision is ongoing and will be That is an extremely important move. concluded before the expiration of the relevant time More generally on violence against women and girls, limit. The Lord Chancellor is acutely aware of the case a great deal has been done already, although of course and is looking at it as we speak. I thank my hon. Friends there is more to do. Domestic violence protection orders the Members for Telford and for South Leicestershire were prioritised by the courts during the pandemic, and for raising the case. I assure them that it is under active it was this Government that introduced new stalking consideration. offences and increased the sentences for them. This It is clear that the pandemic has placed unprecedented Government, with cross-party support, introduced the pressure on our justice system as it has on so many parts upskirting offence, did work on female genital mutilation, of our lives, but we cannot allow the virus to stand in introduced and passed the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, the way of justice. That is why we have taken action: and introduced the measures on non-fatal strangulation Nightingale courts; £250 million; no limitation on sitting and the rough sex defence—action after action designed days; 1,600 extra staff; the roll-out of technology, and to protect women and girls. so many other measures. We will leave no stone unturned However, more is needed and in the coming months, in ensuring that our justice system recovers. we will publish a refreshed violence against women and Our justice system is the cornerstone of a civilised girls strategy and a domestic abuse strategy. There will society.It is fundamental to keeping us and our constituents be a review of domestic homicide and, of course, the safe. The Government will do everything necessary to Law Commission is conducting a review of hate crime, sustain, support and protect our justice system and which will include misogyny. There has been progress, victims. We have led the world in court recovery. That but we need to make a great deal more. work will continue. Question put. Catherine West: The Minister is being generous in giving way. Will he acknowledge the important work The House divided: Ayes 223, Noes 0. done through private Members’ Bills on those subjects? Division No. 24] [6.58 pm The way that he expressed it suggests that they were all the ideas of the Tory Government. If I am correct, the AYES hon. Member for Bath (Wera Hobhouse) promoted a Abbott, rh Ms Diane Brown, Ms Lyn private Member’s Bill on upskirting and another Member Abrahams, Debbie Brown, rh Mr Nicholas had a measure on strangulation. Several of the Minister’s Ali, Rushanara Bryant, Chris recommendations come not from the Government but Ali, Tahir Buck, Ms Karen from private Members’ Bills. Allin-Khan, Dr Rosena Burgon, Richard Amesbury, Mike Butler, Dawn Chris Philp: I made it clear that the measures had Anderson, Fleur Byrne, Ian cross-party support. It is true that some of the ideas Antoniazzi, Tonia Byrne, rh Liam originated in private Members’ Bills, and we welcome Ashworth, rh Jonathan Cadbury, Ruth that. The Government listens across the House and Barker, Paula Campbell, rh Sir Alan takes action. Therefore, when private Members’ Bills Beckett, rh Margaret Campbell, Mr Gregory that had merit were introduced, such as some of those Begum, Apsana Carden, Dan we have heard about, for example, the upskirting measure, Benn, rh Hilary Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair we embraced them and got them passed. We can all, on Betts, Mr Clive Chamberlain, Wendy both sides of the House—the Members who promoted Blake, Olivia Champion, Sarah the private Members’ Bills and the Government for Blomfield, Paul Charalambous, Bambos embracing and passing them—be proud of that. As I Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Clark, Feryal said, much has been done, but there is much more to do. Brennan, Kevin Cooper, Daisy 1061 Protecting the Public and 9 JUNE 2021 1062 Justice for Victims Cooper, Rosie Johnson, rh Dame Diana Rees, Christina Stringer, Graham Cooper, rh Yvette Johnson, Kim Reeves, Ellie Sultana, Zarah Corbyn, rh Jeremy Jones, Darren Reeves, Rachel Tarry, Sam Coyle, Neil Jones, Gerald Reynolds, Jonathan Thomas, Gareth Creasy, Stella Jones, rh Mr Kevan Ribeiro-Addy, Bell Thomas-Symonds, rh Nick Cruddas, Jon Jones, Ruth Rimmer, Ms Marie Thornberry, rh Emily Cryer, John Jones, Sarah Robinson, Gavin Timms, rh Stephen Cummins, Judith Kane, Mike Rodda, Matt Trickett, Jon Cunningham, Alex Keeley, Barbara Russell-Moyle, Lloyd Turner, Karl Saville Roberts, rh Liz Twigg, Derek Daby, Janet Kendall, Liz Shah, Naz Vaz, rh Valerie Davey, rh Ed Khan, Afzal Shannon, Jim Webbe, Claudia David, Wayne Kinnock, Stephen Sharma, Mr Virendra West, Catherine Davies, Geraint Kyle, Peter Sheerman, Mr Barry Western, Matt Davies-Jones, Alex Lake, Ben Siddiq, Tulip Whitehead, Dr Alan De Cordova, Marsha Lammy, rh Mr David Slaughter, Andy Whitley, Mick Debbonaire, Thangam Lavery, Ian Smith, Cat Whittome, Nadia Dhesi, Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Smith, Jeff Williams, Hywel Dodds, Anneliese Lewis, Clive Smith, Nick Wilson, Munira Donaldson, rh Sir Jeffrey M. Lloyd, Tony Smyth, Karin Wilson, rh Sammy Doughty, Stephen Lockhart, Carla Sobel, Alex Winter, Beth Dowd, Peter Long Bailey, Rebecca Spellar, rh John Yasin, Mohammad Dromey, Jack Lucas, Caroline Starmer, rh Keir Zeichner, Daniel Duffield, Rosie Lynch, Holly Stevens, Jo Tellers for the Ayes: Eagle, Dame Angela Madders, Justin Stone, Jamie Liz Twist and Eagle, Maria Mahmood, Mr Khalid Streeting, Wes Taiwo Owatemi Eastwood, Colum Mahmood, Shabana Edwards, Jonathan Malhotra, Seema NOES Efford, Clive Maskell, Rachael Elliott, Julie Matheson, Christian Tellers for the Noes: Lilian Greenwood Elmore, Chris McCabe, Steve Mark Tami and Eshalomi, Florence McCarthy, Kerry Esterson, Bill McDonagh, Siobhain Question accordingly agreed to. Evans, Chris McDonald, Andy Resolved, Farron, Tim McDonnell, rh John That this House regrets the unprecedented backlog of more Farry, Stephen McFadden, rh Mr Pat than 57,000 Crown Court cases, as well as record low convictions Ferrier, Margaret McGinn, Conor for rape and a collapse in convictions for all serious crime; calls Fletcher, Colleen McGovern, Alison on the Government to set up more Nightingale Courts, to enshrine Fovargue, Yvonne McKinnell, Catherine victims’ rights in law and to introduce the proposals set out in Foxcroft, Vicky McMahon, Jim Labour’s ‘Ending Violence Against Women and Girls’ Green Foy, Mary Kelly McMorrin, Anna Paper; and further calls on the Secretary of State for Justice to Furniss, Gill Mearns, Ian update the House in person on progress made in reducing the Gardiner, Barry Miliband, rh Edward court backlog by 22 July. Gill, Preet Kaur Mishra, Navendu The list of Members currently certified as eligible for a Girvan, Paul Moran, Layla proxy vote, and of the Members nominated as their Glindon, Mary Morden, Jessica proxy, is published at the end of today’s debates. Green, Kate Morgan, Stephen Greenwood, Margaret Morris, Grahame Griffith, Nia Murray, Ian Business without Debate Gwynne, Andrew Murray, James Haigh, Louise Nandy, Lisa Hamilton, Fabian Nichols, Charlotte PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMISSION Hanna, Claire Norris, Alex Resolved, Hardy, Emma Olney, Sarah That Alan Mak be discharged as a member of the Public Harman, rh Ms Harriet Onwurah, Chi Accounts Commission under section 2(2)(c) of the National Harris, Carolyn Oppong-Asare, Abena Audit Act 1983, and that Anthony Browne be appointed.—(Alan Hayes, Helen Osamor, Kate Mak.) Healey, rh John Osborne, Kate Hendrick, Sir Mark Owen, Sarah Hillier, Meg Paisley, Ian DELEGATED LEGISLATION Hobhouse, Wera Peacock, Stephanie Hodge, rh Dame Margaret Pennycook, Matthew Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Perkins, Mr Toby Order No. 118(6)), Hollern, Kate Phillips, Jess Hopkins, Rachel Phillipson, Bridget ENERGY CONSERVATION Howarth, rh Sir George Pollard, Luke That the draft Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Huq, Dr Rupa Powell, Lucy Energy Information Regulations 2021, which were laid before this Hussain, Imran Qureshi, Yasmin House on 28 April, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved.— Jardine, Christine Rayner, rh Angela (Alan Mak.) Jarvis, Dan Reed, Steve Question agreed to. 1063 Business without Debate 9 JUNE 2021 1064

PETITION Free Trade Agreements: Cameroon and Ghana South Tyneside Hospital Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—(Alan Mak.) 7.8 pm Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab): I rise 7.10 pm to present a petition about South Tyneside Hospital on behalf of 44,000 of my constituents in South Shields. Sarah Olney (Richmond Park) (LD): Thank you very The petition states: much for granting this debate, Mr Deputy Speaker. The petition of residents of the constituency of South Shields, While the UK-Australia trade deal has been getting a great deal of attention recently, I am grateful for this Declares that the downgrading of South Tyneside Hospital announced in the “alliance”between South Tyneside NHS Foundation opportunity to debate the UK’sagreements with Cameroon Trust (STFT) and City Hospitals (CHS) with loss of and Ghana. I wish to raise the opportunities that the acute services will be a disaster for the people of South Tyneside Minister and his Department have missed and the and the people of Sunderland; further that the removal of all distressing lack of ambition that has been shown in acute services to Sunderland will make the Sunderland A&E these deals. unsustainable and will mean that people from South Tyneside will Throughout the passage of the Trade Act 2021, I and have to travel to Sunderland or Newcastle; further that the immediate threat of this “alliance” is the loss of acute stroke and many other Members across the House raised our concerns maternity services; further that the decision to downgrade South about the lack of parliamentary scrutiny of trade deals. Tyneside Hospital demonstrates that the Government’s direction That is just as true of these roll-over deals as it is of the with the NHS is to reduce its funding and damage it through its brand new free trade agreements. In fact, calling these fragmentation into purchasers and providers, closure of acute deals “roll-over deals” is somewhat misleading. While hospitals and A&E Departments, cut-backs and the takeover of they have received very little public or parliamentary the most profitable services by private health companies; further attention, they are of huge importance for Ghanaian that the Government has a duty to provide a comprehensive health service across England to all communities; and further that and Cameroonian partners. The original EU deals on access to healthcare is a right of all in a modern society and we which these deals are based included mechanisms for demand that it be guaranteed. ongoing parliamentary dialogue between the EU Parliament The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons and their Ghanaian and Cameroonian counterparts. urge the Government to work with NHS England, South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, South Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I congratulate the Group and South Tyneside Health & Well-being Board to stop hon. Lady on bringing this matter forward; the number any plans to close acute services at South Tyneside District of people who are here is an indication of the interest in Hospital and to safeguard its Accident and Emergency Service. this issue. Does she agree that historically the UK has And the petitioners remain, etc. used these arrangements to encourage liberalisation of [P002667] public services and regulations, and that at times this can limit the policy space available to Governments in developing countries and prevents them from regulating their economies in the public and democratic interest? Does she further agree that, when it comes to a free trade agreement, we must be careful to build up and not make life too difficult for these nations?

Sarah Olney: The hon. Member is precisely right; that is a very real danger of these deals. Parliamentary scrutiny has not been replicated in the new deal, which means there is no ongoing scrutiny of this deal for UK MPs, and nor have MPs been involved in setting the mandate for negotiations. As a result of the Trade Act, my honourable colleagues and I have no guaranteed vote or debate on the final deal, instead relying on the CRaG— Constitutional Reform and Governance Act—process, which was not designed for modern trade deals and is therefore not fit for purpose.

Rachel Hopkins (Luton South) (Lab): The hon. Lady, like me, has heard the Government say many times that the most important thing about Brexit is being able to take our own decisions on issues such as trade, rather than the EU doing so, and that the British Parliament should have a final say in all these decisions. Does she understand why the Government now insist that we must roll over exactly the same deal that the EU had with Cameroon without any questions asked, and with no changes, and that Parliament has no right to a final vote on that deal? Does that sound like taking back control to her? 1065 Free Trade Agreements: Cameroon 9 JUNE 2021 Free Trade Agreements: Cameroon 1066 and Ghana and Ghana Sarah Olney: I thank the hon. Lady. No, it does not, important debate that the Government have prevented. and at every stage the Government have refused any On her last point, does she agree that by rolling over kind of scrutiny, either of their EU deals or, as she says, individual trade agreements, the UK is losing the the roll-over deals that have followed. opportunity to put in place a generalised trade agreement with the combined African trade area, which could be Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab): I pro-development and could support African countries thank the hon. Lady for holding this really important through trade in a much more positive way? debate, evidenced by the number of people who are here tonight. She will be aware that the shadow Trade Secretary, Sarah Olney: I thank the hon. Lady for making that my right hon. Friend the Member for South point. The point that I would like to make is that there and Finsbury (Emily Thornberry), asked the Government are so many missed opportunities in this roll-over deal; to hold a debate and crucially a vote on the UK’s new the one that she mentions is absolutely an example. deal with Cameroon, but is she aware that the Secretary With nothing stopping UK goods entering Ghana of State rejected that request on the basis that there had duty-free and leaking into neighbouring countries, those been a 14-minute debate on the previous EU deal in the countries will need to introduce new border checks, other place back in November 2010 and therefore no which will significantly set back progress towards improved further debate would be required? Does she think that continental trading links. Does the Department have sounds like a Government who care about parliamentary plans to do an ex post assessment of the impact of the scrutiny, let alone human rights? deals on regional integration? If their effect is found to be damaging, will the Minister commit to reviewing Sarah Olney: The hon. Member admirably makes my them? point for me: at every stage this Government have refused scrutiny.Wecannot and do not have any oversight Not only have the Government not listened to Ghana, at all of what the British Government are doing in our but at the beginning of this year, when roll-over deals name and how they are supporting our African partners. had failed to be agreed on time, they imposed tariffs on imports from Ghana and Cameroon. In January, Brexit Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): Following tariffs were imposed on a shipment of Fairtrade goods on from what my hon. Friend the Member for Warwick from Africa that arrived into , including and Leamington (Matt Western) said, the hon. Lady £17,500 on shipments of bananas from Ghana. The will have heard the Foreign Secretary say that, when it UK has worked hard through the Fairtrade Foundation comes to trade deals, to ensure that the food coming into this country is of “I can think of behaviour that would cross the line and render a the same standard that we would expect our own producers country beyond the pale.” to sell elsewhere. The Biya regime is responsible for mass executions, The Government refused to waive or reimburse the burning villages, the killing of women, children and the tariffs, placing huge extra costs on importers, namely elderly, torture, disappearances and sexual abuse. That Fairtrade fruit and agriculture co-operatives. That totally is not just a one-off; it has happened on a sustained basis undermines the efforts of the Ghanaian banana industry over four years against the English-speaking population. to protect the livelihoods of the many thousands of Can the hon. Lady possibly understand why the workers and their communities who rely on tariff-free Government do not consider that that behaviour crosses access. It is outrageous that we are penalising developing the line and puts Cameroon well beyond the pale? countries that are improving labour rights, environmental standards and food standards. We should be supporting Sarah Olney: The hon. Gentleman is precisely right. them. The lack of scrutiny means that the events that he describes do not come to light and that we do not get an Chi Onwurah: Will the hon. Lady give way? opportunity to express our view as a British Parliament on whether that is acceptable. Sarah Olney: I might make some progress, if that is okay. It is not only MPs to whom the Government are not listening. Ghana and Cameroon are part of the Economic Looking forward, it is essential that Ghana and Community of West African States, which is composed Cameroon be supported through the implementation of largely of least developed countries that have been these trade deals and any future trade facilitation. The automatically offered tariff-free access to the UK market UK is reneging on its obligations set out in the roll-over under the Everything but Arms scheme. The Conservative agreement to provide aid for trade. Ghana, Cameroon Government had previously made it clear that regional and many other countries in the Everything but Arms trade was one of their major priorities for African scheme have to change their export procedures to meet economic development through the support of the UK’s HMRC import procedures. We are imposing that cost aid budget, namely £4 million between 2010 and 2016, on them. Why should they bear it? Can the Minister yet Ghana’s requests for an approach that would not confirm whether Ghana or Cameroon will receive any cut across its ECOWAS commitments were consistently aid to support the implementation of these deals? rebuffed. The liberalisation schedule will see Ghana In a letter to the hon. Member for Rotherham (Sarah beginning to open its markets to UK goods immediately, Champion), the Foreign Secretary implied that Cameroon on a timetable that is at odds with its neighbours in the will receive no bilateral aid this year. Are the Minister ECOWAS customs union. That totally undermines regional and his Department not concerned that that will have a trade in west Africa. negative impact on the implementation of the deal? The UK is currently not even meeting the financial burden Chi Onwurah ( Central) (Lab): that we have imposed, let alone further trade facilitation As chair of the all-party parliamentary group for Africa, costs. Will the Minister commit to protecting TradeMark I congratulate the hon. Lady on holding this really East Africa and future trade facilitation funding? 1067 Free Trade Agreements: Cameroon 9 JUNE 2021 Free Trade Agreements: Cameroon 1068 and Ghana and Ghana [Sarah Olney] and land use change resulting in environmental harm, yet these deals do nothing to move discussions forward I am also deeply concerned about the lack of thorough on preventing illegal deforestation. impact assessments for these deals. Unlike for new trade In the past, the UK has negotiated a voluntary agreements, the Department has not published scoping partnership agreement with Indonesia about the timber assessments, or any detail about the effect of these new industry to tackle deforestation. When countries such deals on the economy, the environment, human rights as Ghana and Cameroon said that they could not or international development. The Government have guarantee that timber was produced legally and was not not yet published their framework for how they are contributing to deforestation, instead of working with approaching impact assessments after Brexit, given that these countries to improve regulations, the Department they are no longer bound by the EU scheme. This was has chosen to provide no support at all. due to be published in January 2021, but no such I would also be interested to know whether the Minister framework has appeared. I am therefore anxious about thinks that the deal with Cameroon is aligned with the whether deals such as the Ghana and Cameroon ones UK’s human rights commitments. are aligned with the UK’s broader human rights, women’s rights and environmental commitments. Navendu Mishra (Stockport) (Lab): Does the hon. Lady agree that President Biya’s brutal and highly Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab): I thank the hon. Member factional repression of the English-speaking minorities for securing this very important debate. Was she not of the country, including those in the Buea region, are especially surprised by the timing of the UK’s new deal tantamount to human rights abuses, and the UK with Cameroon, coming just weeks after the United Government should urgently reconsider the economic States Senate unanimously backed a resolution supporting partnership agreement signed with Cameroon in March? the US Government’sdecision to suspend trade preferences with Cameroon, and urging other countries around the Sarah Olney: I thank the hon. Member for his very world to take similar action in solidarity? Does she valuable intervention. One of the key points that we think that the Secretary of State was not paying attention, need to impress on the Minister during this debate is the or that she just did not care? human rights angle. The International Trade Committee has asked the Sarah Olney: I would not presume to offer a view, but Government to consider withdrawing trade preferences the hon. Lady is absolutely right: a massive opportunity from Cameroon in the light of the human rights abuses here has been missed to address some of the human in the country. Academic research shows that military rights and other impacts on which we could have had an assets provided by the international community are influence through this trade deal. being transferred to the anglophone regions and used to That brings me to my question to the Minister: how is persecute unarmed civilians, and the major national the UK assessing the impact of trade deals beyond the dialogue had no legitimacy in the eyes of anglophone very rudimentary scoping assessments that happen prior civil society. I urge the Minister to press the Cameroon to negotiations. Women comprise the majority of the regime to call a ceasefire and participate in inclusive cheap labour pool in both Ghana and Cameroon. They talks, mediated by a third party, such as Switzerland’s are therefore particularly vulnerable to the disruptive Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. impact of trade liberalisation. Cheap food imports following Finally, I want to talk about the use of rendez-vous the removal of tariff barriers have been found to reduce clauses in both these agreements. I have two concerns. the domestic prices of agricultural produce and to First, on top of the abysmally limited scrutiny that lower women’s agricultural earnings. For example, in these deals are getting now, adding further areas of Ghana and South Africa, the dumping of EU poultry negotiation after they have been signed raises questions products following the EU economic partnership about how those additions can be effectively scrutinised. agreements have left many of the local farmers unable How would my honourable colleagues and I be able to to compete with the tonnes of frozen chicken dropped hold the Government to account on what may be on African markets annually. Will the Minister explain significant and potentially damaging new provisions? how he will know whether the deals are rolling back My other concern is the substance of those future progress on women’s economic rights if there are no negotiations. Historically, the UK has used these ex-post assessments? negotiations to encourage liberalisation of public services The Department has similarly shown a spectacular and regulations. Committing to trade rules on services, lack of ambition when it comes to the environmental investments or patents, for instance, could undermine a provisions in the deals. The UK has actually taken a country’s ability to develop strong, gender-responsive step backwards, choosing to replicate the approach public services, to ensure that investment creates decent taken in the EU-Ghana deal, rather than using the jobs and benefits for local economies, or to achieve EU-West Africa EPA model, which includes provisions access to medicines for all. Developing countries have for parliamentary dialogue around environmental issues. long resisted attempts to push those issues in the World I cannot understand why the UK has not used this Trade Organisation, and they should not be imposed by model, which at least takes a step in the right direction, the UK in bilateral deals. but has instead opted for the most basic option in both of these deals. The Department’s decision not to kick-start Chi Onwurah: I thank the hon. Lady for her generosity negotiations on a sustainable development chapter with in giving way. On that point, as she says, these trade Cameroon is a sorely missed opportunity to drive deals require complex services to be admitted to the environmental objectives through trade. Ghana and developing country while not providing it with support Cameroon are currently suffering from deforestation in order that it can export its products and services to 1069 Free Trade Agreements: Cameroon 9 JUNE 2021 Free Trade Agreements: Cameroon 1070 and Ghana and Ghana the high-quality standards that we have in this country. Of course, increased trade with developing countries Does she agree that that unequal use of legal and other also creates opportunities for UK firms and consumers. powers is detrimental to the development agenda? These deals open up fast-growing markets to our exporters and provide British consumers with access to Cameroonian Sarah Olney: I absolutely agree. The main failing of and Ghanaian goods, including firm favourites such as these trade agreements has been the real failure to bananas and cocoa, at competitive prices. Both countries support development in both these countries. It is not in have also agreed to a gradual liberalisation of tariffs on our long-term interest in any sense not to support the UK goods. That will create further opportunities for local economies in every way we possibly can. our exporters, particularly of machinery and electronics, Trade deals have real potential to foster improved and will ensure that Ghana and Cameroon can continue regionaltrade,protecthumanrightsandsupportenvironmental to enjoy the best of British at competitive rates. These protections, but parliamentary scrutiny and dialogue agreements will ensure that our trade with Ghana and are crucial to achieving those goals.These deals do nothing Cameroon continues to blossom, and will support jobs to raise standards. and economic opportunity and living standards in Africa here and at home. Charlotte Nichols (Warrington North) (Lab): Does the hon. Lady agree that it makes a mockery of Sarah Olney: I have listened carefully to the Minister’s parliamentary scrutiny for the Government to say that response so far. At the start of his speech he spoke we cannot have a vote on the UK’s deal with Cameroon about supporting the economy and increasing employment, today because we had a debate on the EU’s deal 11 years and all the other great things that we hope to achieve ago, especially since the main objection that many of us through our trade deals, but could he be more specific have to the UK’s deal is the campaign of violence from about how this trade deal will help that? I listed in my the Biya regime against the English-speaking population speech a number of different ways in which I believe of Cameroon, which began just four years ago? Perhaps, that these trade deals are undermining progress towards as well as buying us a new royal yacht, the International those goals. I shall be grateful if he will give us a little Trade Secretary might look to buy us a time machine. bit more detail.

Sarah Olney: “Mockery” is the exact word. That is Graham Stuart: I am happy to do so. Dealing with absolutely right. The Government are treating this House the issue around human rights, I hear the concerns that with utter disdain. hon. Members have voiced, particularly about human rights abuses in Cameroon. [Interruption.] It is a serious These deals not only represent a missed opportunity topic, and it would be best served if we did not have so but present a real danger of contributing to environmental much chuntering from the Front Bench by the right damage,eroding women’seconomic rights and undermining hon. Member for Islington South and Finsbury (Emily developing countries’ ability to create a policy agenda Thornberry), as I am sure everyone would agree. that benefits their citizens. Will the Minister take advantage of the UK’s opportunity to shape the future of the global Our long-standing relationship with Cameroon allows trading system by striking considered trade deals that us to have open, candid discussions on key issues. rise to the opportunities and challenges that we all face? Violence does appear to have decreased in recent months compared with the peak of the conflict, but we continue 7.27 pm to call for inclusive dialogue and an end to fighting in the north-west and south-west regions, through direct TheParliamentaryUnder-Secretaryof StateforInternational conversations with the Government of Cameroon and Trade (Graham Stuart): My thanks to the hon. Member through international bodies, as the hon. Member for for Richmond Park (Sarah Olney) for securing this Richmond Park suggested we should. We have urged debate, and I thank other right hon. and hon. Members the Cameroonian Government to work with the Office for taking part. of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and We all know that trade is a key driver of economic have called for impartial investigations to ensure that growth that can trigger positive changes in a country’s perpetrators are held to account. economy. It helps to raise incomes, create jobs and lift In March, the Minister for Africa, my hon. Friend people out of poverty. Of course, it has been the trade the Member for Rochford and Southend East (James liberalisation over recent decades, sadly not embraced Duddridge), travelled to Cameroon and met President by so many on the left of politics, that has lifted more Biya, Prime Minster Ngute and Foreign Minister Mbella people out of poverty more quickly than ever before in Mbella and made our position clear. We continue human history—something that should be celebrated. to monitor closely the human rights situation with Between 1990 and 2015, as trade liberalisation enhanced Cameroon— market access, the percentage of people across the globe living in extreme poverty plummeted from 36% to less Alex Cunningham: Will the Minister give way? than 10%. We want no country to be left behind without the full Graham Stuart: I will not give way. benefits of free and fair trade, and we are determined to This Government’s position is that beneficial growth help people around the world get ahead on the strength and support for democratic principles are not mutually of their enterprise and ingenuity. It is therefore excellent exclusive; in fact, the former is an important part of news that the agreements that we have secured with the latter. As we all know, more prosperous countries both Ghana and Cameroon provide tariff-free access to tend to be more secure and peaceful. For that reason, the UK market. That will provide a huge boost, encouraging our focus remains on ensuring trade continuity, full export-led growth as well as supporting and creating ratification of the agreement and supporting trade-led jobs in Ghana and Cameroon. growth in Cameroon. 1071 Free Trade Agreements: Cameroon 9 JUNE 2021 Free Trade Agreements: Cameroon 1072 and Ghana and Ghana [Graham Stuart] noting that we have also rolled over that bilateral agreement. We are working closely with its Government to develop I will turn now, if I may, to trade with Ghana. Our our relationship further. The UK’s agreements with agreement with Ghana was signed on 2 March, restoring both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire include provisions from trading terms that had applied until the end of 2020. the EU agreements on working towards a future trade Our Department had long sought to conclude an agreement agreement with the west Africa region. We look forward with Ghana. We proposed a deal on the same terms to discussing this prospect with our west African partners. as Ghana had with the EU; I do not recall the hon. On scrutiny, it is important to note that Parliament Member for Richmond Park being so passionately opposed has already had the opportunity to scrutinise existing to it when it was an EU deal, but perhaps that just EU agreements. As with all continuity agreements, we comes with her party badge. Despite our consistent follow the statutory process of laying agreements under attempts, Ghana chose not to engage in talks on that the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, basis for over a year. Between the end of the transition but in line with this Government’s commitment to period and the agreement’s coming into effect in March, transparency, we went well beyond the statutory Ghana was instead eligible for preferential tariff rates requirements of CRAG and provided comprehensive under our generalised scheme of preferences. The UK information to Parliament to support its scrutiny of our made every endeavour to avoid that gap, but doing so trade policy approach. was not entirely within our gift. On the rendezvous clauses, our agreements with Ghana Nevertheless, I am proud to say that once meaningful and Cameroon retain provisions from the original EU engagement was established, both sides worked at an agreements, which provide for further negotiations relating exceptional pace. We were able to minimise disruption to specific aspects of the treaties: for example, a provision to businesses by concluding negotiations in record time, to negotiate further commitments on sustainable and we look forward to working with Ghana fully to development with Cameroon. This is in line with the realise the potential of this agreement to provide vital principle of providing continuity of effect that has jobs and livelihoods, as well as strengthening our long- guided our approach to all continuity agreements. The standing ties. parties are not obliged to make changes. Any updates Of course, one of the problems, Mr Deputy Speaker, would be negotiated, and changes to treaties would be is that if you base a lot of your argument on briefings subject to further parliamentary scrutiny. [Interruption.] provided by pressure groups, you can sometimes be misled. I now turn—preferably without further chuntering A bridging mechanism— from the Opposition Front Bench—to the concerns that hon. Members have raised regarding the environmental Emily Thornberry (Islington South and Finsbury) provisions in these agreements.In line with our international (Lab): Let’s have a proper debate. obligations, the Government will continue to ensure a Graham Stuart: The debate was obtained by the hon. high level of protection for the environment in all new Member for Richmond Park, and I do not think we need trade agreements. We have long supported the promotion chuntering from the Opposition Front Bench, let alone of our green values globally, and this will continue now so loud or rude. that we have left the EU and become an independent trading nation once again. Emily Thornberry rose— The UK’s trade agreements with Ghana and Cameroon secure liberalised tariffs for businesses and pave the way Graham Stuart: I have no intention of giving way. I for further economic growth as the world seeks to build would like the right hon. Member for Islington South back better from covid-19. These deals give British and Finsbury to be quiet. consumers access to more products at competitive prices and will see more of the best of British enjoyed by the Emily Thornberry: Yeah—exactly. people of Ghana and Cameroon—something that it seems the hon. Member for Richmond Park is not in Graham Stuart: She can speak in the proper way. She favour of. should not speak otherwise. I can assure the House that we remain alert to human Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. We heard rights and environmental concerns at all times, but we the contributions from the Opposition side in absolute believe—unlike, it would seem, Opposition Members—that silence. I now want to listen to the Minister’s response encouraging greater trade gives us an opportunity to with the same courtesy. offer a hand up to those most in need by creating the opportunities and employment they need to rise out of Graham Stuart: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. poverty. If we took on the suggestions of Opposition A bridging mechanism ensured continuity of Cameroon’s Members, we would do the opposite: we would close the duty-free, quota-free access, so there was no disruption door to those countries and the opportunity for their similar to that with Ghana; I am afraid that the hon. people to prosper and grow. These agreements are further Member for Richmond Park was misled. evidence of global Britain’s determination to champion free trade—something that so clearly does not have Some hon. Members have voiced concerns over the many advocates on the Opposition Benches. We will relationship between the Ghana agreement and that champion free trade around the world that fosters growth, country’s ambitions for regional integration. Since 2016 creates jobs, and raises living standards for all. the EU’s agreement with Ghana has been in place despite Ghana’s existing ECOWAS membership. That Question put and agreed to. is also true of Côte d’Ivoire, another ECOWAS member 7.37 pm with a trade agreement with the EU. Although this debate does not concern Côte d’Ivoire, it is worth House adjourned. 1073 9 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1074

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The following is the list of Members currently certified Hannah Bardell (Livingston) Owen Thompson as eligible for a proxy vote, and of the Members nominated (SNP) as their proxy: Paula Barker (Liverpool, Chris Elmore Wavertree) (Lab) Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy Mr (Basildon and Stuart Andrew Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney Zarah Sultana Billericay) (Con) North and Stoke Newington) Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) Debbie Abrahams (Oldham Chris Elmore Margaret Beckett (Derby Chris Elmore East and Saddleworth) (Lab) South) (Lab) (Selby and Stuart Andrew Apsana Begum (Poplar and Zarah Sultana Ainsty) (Con) Limehouse) (Lab) (Hitchin and Stuart Andrew Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under- Stuart Andrew Harpenden) (Con) Lyme) (Con) Adam Afriyie (Windsor) Stuart Andrew (Leeds Central) Chris Elmore (Con) (Lab) Imran Ahmad Khan Stuart Andrew Scott Benton (Blackpool Stuart Andrew () (Con) South) (Con) Nickie Aiken (Cities of Stuart Andrew Sir Paul Beresford (Mole Stuart Andrew London and Westminster) Valley) (Con) (Con) Jake Berry (Rossendale and Stuart Andrew Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green Chris Elmore Darwen) (Con) and Bow) (Lab) ( South Chris Elmore Tahir Ali (Birmingham, Hall Chris Elmore East) (Lab) Green) (Lab) Saqib Bhatti (Meriden) (Con) Stuart Andrew Lucy Allan (Telford) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mhairi Black (Paisley and Owen Thompson Dr Rosena Allin-Khan Chris Elmore Renfrewshire South) (SNP) (Tooting) (Lab) Ian Blackford (Ross, Skye and Owen Thompson Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) Chris Elmore Lochaber) (SNP) (Lab) (Harrow East) Stuart Andrew Sir David Amess (Southend Stuart Andrew (Con) West) (Con) Kirsty Blackman (Aberdeen Owen Thompson Fleur Anderson (Putney) Chris Elmore North) (SNP) (Lab) (Sheffield, Chris Elmore Lee Anderson (Ashfield) Stuart Andrew Hallam) (Lab) (Con) (Sheffield Chris Elmore Stuart Anderson Stuart Andrew Central) (Lab) ( South West) Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Peter Bone (Wellingborough) Stuart Andrew Caroline Ansell (Eastbourne) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Steven Bonnar (Coatbridge, Owen Thompson Tonia Antoniazzi (Gower) Chris Elmore Chryston and Bellshill) (SNP) (Lab) Ben Bradley (Mansfield) Stuart Andrew Edward Argar (Charnwood) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Stuart Andrew Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester Chris Elmore Moorlands) (Con) South) (Lab) Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab) Chris Elmore Sarah Atherton () Stuart Andrew Suella Braverman (Fareham) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Victoria Atkins (Louth and Stuart Andrew Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) Chris Elmore Horncastle) (Con) (Lab) Gareth Bacon (Orpington) Stuart Andrew Jack Brereton (Stoke-on-Trent Stuart Andrew (Con) South) (Con) Mr Richard Bacon (South Stuart Andrew Andrew Bridgen (North West Stuart Andrew Norfolk) (Con) Leicestershire) (Con) (Saffron Stuart Andrew Steve Brine (Winchester) Stuart Andrew Walden) (Con) (Con) Siobhan Baillie (Stroud) Stuart Andrew Paul Bristow (Peterborough) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Duncan Baker (North Stuart Andrew Sara Britcliffe (Hyndburn) Stuart Andrew Norfolk) (Con) (Con) Harriett Baldwin (West Stuart Andrew Deidre Brock (Edinburgh Owen Thompson Worcestershire) (Con) North and Leith) (SNP) Steve Barclay (North East Stuart Andrew James Brokenshire (Old Stuart Andrew Cambridgeshire) (Con) Bexley and Sidcup) (Con) 1075 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1076

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Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Owen Thompson Bambos Charalambous Chris Elmore Loudon) (SNP) (Enfield, Southgate) (Lab) Ms Lyn Brown (West Ham) Chris Elmore Joanna Cherry (Edinburgh Owen Thompson (Lab) South West) (SNP) Mr Nicholas Brown Chris Elmore Rehman Chishti (Gillingham Stuart Andrew (Newcastle upon Tyne East) and Rainham) (Con) (Lab) Sir Christopher Chope Mr William Wragg Anthony Browne (South Stuart Andrew (Christchurch) (Con) Cambridgeshire) (Con) (Bury St Stuart Andrew Fiona Bruce (Congleton) Stuart Andrew Edmunds) (Con) (Con) Feryal Clark (Enfield North) Chris Elmore Chris Bryant (Rhondda) Chris Elmore (Lab) (Lab) Mr Simon Clarke Stuart Andrew Felicity Buchan (Kensington) Stuart Andrew ( South and (Con) East Cleveland) (Con) Ms Karen Buck (Westminster Chris Elmore Theo Clarke (Stafford) (Con) Stuart Andrew North) (Lab) Brendan Clarke-Smith Stuart Andrew Robert Buckland (South Stuart Andrew (Bassetlaw) (Con) Swindon) (Con) Chris Clarkson (Heywood Stuart Andrew (Brentwood Stuart Andrew and Middleton) (Con) and Ongar) (Con) (Braintree) Stuart Andrew Richard Burgon (Leeds East) Zarah Sultana (Con) (Lab) Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Stuart Andrew Conor Burns (Bournemouth Stuart Andrew Coastal) (Con) West) (Con) (Carshalton Stuart Andrew Dawn Butler (Brent Central) Zarah Sultana and Wallington) (Con) (Lab) Damian Collins (Folkestone Stuart Andrew Rob Butler (Aylesbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew and Hythe) (Con) Ian Byrne (Liverpool, West Zarah Sultana Daisy Cooper (St Albans) Wendy Chamberlain Derby) (Lab) (LD) Liam Byrne (Birmingham, Chris Elmore Rosie Cooper (West Chris Elmore Hodge Hill) (Lab) Lancashire) (Lab) Ruth Cadbury (Brentford and Chris Elmore (Normanton, Chris Elmore Isleworth) (Lab) and Castleford) Alun Cairns (Vale of Stuart Andrew (Lab) Glamorgan) (Con) (Islington Zarah Sultana Amy Callaghan (East Owen Thompson North) (Ind) Dunbartonshire) (SNP) Alberto Costa (South Stuart Andrew Dr Lisa Cameron (East Owen Thompson Leicestershire) (Con) Kilbride, Strathaven and Robert Courts (Witney) (Con) Stuart Andrew Lesmahagow) (SNP) Claire Coutinho (East Surrey) Stuart Andrew Sir Alan Campbell Chris Elmore (Con) (Tynemouth) (Con) Ronnie Cowan (Inverclyde) Owen Thompson Mr Gregory Campbell (East Jim Shannon (SNP) Londonderry) (DUP) Sir Geoffrey Cox (Torridge Stuart Andrew Dan Carden (Liverpool, Chris Elmore and West Devon) (Con) Walton) (Lab) Neil Coyle (Bermondsey and Chris Elmore Alistair Carmichael (Orkney Wendy Chamberlain Old Southwark) (Lab) and Shetland) (LD) Stephen Crabb (Preseli Stuart Andrew Andy Carter (Warrington Stuart Andrew Pembrokeshire) (Con) South) (Con) Angela Crawley (Lanark and Owen Thompson James Cartlidge (South Stuart Andrew Hamilton East) (SNP) Suffolk) (Con) Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) Chris Elmore Sir William Cash (Stone) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) Virginia Crosbie (Ynys Môn) Stuart Andrew (Penistone and Stuart Andrew (Con) Stocksbridge) (Con) Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Stuart Andrew Alex Chalk (Cheltenham) Stuart Andrew Aylesford) (Con) (Con) Jon Cruddas ( and Chris Elmore (Rotherham) Chris Elmore Rainham) (Lab) (Lab) John Cryer (Leyton and Chris Elmore Douglas Chapman Owen Thompson Wanstead) (Lab) (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Bradford Chris Elmore (SNP) South) (Lab) 1077 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1078

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Alex Cunningham (Stockton Chris Elmore Richard Drax (South Dorset) Stuart Andrew North) (Lab) (Con) Janet Daby (Lewisham East) Chris Elmore Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Chris Elmore (Lab) Erdington) (Lab) James Daly (Bury North) Stuart Andrew Mrs Flick Drummond (Meon Stuart Andrew (Con) Valley) (Con) Ed Davey (Kingston and Wendy Chamberlain (Rochford Stuart Andrew Surbiton) (LD) and Southend East) (Con) (Caerphilly) Chris Elmore Rosie Duffield (Canterbury) Chris Elmore (Lab) (Lab) David T. C. Davies Stuart Andrew David Duguid (Banff and Stuart Andrew (Monmouth) (Con) Buchan) (Con) Gareth Davies (Grantham Stuart Andrew Sir Iain Duncan Smith Stuart Andrew and Stamford) (Con) (Chingford and Woodford Geraint Davies (Swansea Chris Elmore Green) (Con) West) (Lab/Co-op) Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con) Stuart Andrew Dr James Davies (Vale of Stuart Andrew Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) Chris Elmore Clwyd) (Con) (Lab) (Mid Sussex) Stuart Andrew Maria Eagle (Garston and Chris Elmore (Con) Halewood) (Lab) Alex Davies-Jones Chris Elmore (Pontypridd) (Lab) Colum Eastwood (Foyle) Ben Lake (SDLP) (Shipley) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Dewsbury) Stuart Andrew Mr David Davis (Haltemprice Stuart Andrew (Con) and Howden) (Con) Jonathan Edwards Stuart Andrew Dehenna Davison (Bishop Ben Everitt (Carmarthen East and Auckland) (Con) Dinefwr) (Ind) Martyn Day (Linlithgow and Owen Thompson Ruth Edwards (Rushcliffe) Stuart Andrew East Falkirk) (SNP) (Con) Thangam Debbonaire (Bristol Chris Elmore West) (Lab) Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab) Chris Elmore Marsha De Cordova Zarah Sultana Julie Elliott (Sunderland Chris Elmore (Battersea) Central) (Lab) Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Chris Elmore Michael Ellis (Northampton Stuart Andrew (Slough) (Lab) North) (Con) Caroline Dinenage (Gosport) Stuart Andrew Mr Tobias Ellwood Stuart Andrew (Con) (Bournemouth East) (Con) Miss Sarah Dines ( Stuart Andrew Mrs Natalie Elphicke (Dover) Stuart Andrew Dales) (Con) (Con) Mr Stuart Andrew Florence Eshalomi (Vauxhall) Chris Elmore (Huntingdon) (Con) (Lab/Co-op) Leo Docherty (Aldershot) Stuart Andrew Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) Chris Elmore (Con) (Lab) Martin Docherty-Hughes Owen Thompson George Eustice (Camborne Stuart Andrew (West Dunbartonshire) (SNP) and Redruth) (Con) Anneliese Dodds (Oxford Chris Elmore Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/ Chris Elmore East) (Lab/Co-op) Co-op) Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson Jim Shannon Dr Luke Evans (Bosworth) Stuart Andrew (Lagan Valley) (DUP) (Con) Michelle Donelan Stuart Andrew Sir David Evennett Stuart Andrew (Chippenham) (Con) (Bexleyheath and Crayford) Dave Doogan (Angus) (SNP) Owen Thompson (Con) Allan Dorans (Ayr, Carrick Owen Thompson Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) Stuart Andrew and Cumnock) (SNP) (Con) Ms (Mid Stuart Andrew Laura Farris (Newbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew Bedfordshire) (Con) Tim Farron (Westmorland Wendy Chamberlain Steve Double (St Austell and Stuart Andrew and Lonsdale) (LD) Newquay) (Con) Stephen Farry (North Down) Wendy Chamberlain (Cardiff Chris Elmore (Alliance) South and Penarth) (Lab) Simon Fell (Barrow and Stuart Andrew Peter Dowd (Bootle) (Lab) Chris Elmore Furness) (Con) (Hertsmere) Stuart Andrew Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen Stuart Andrew (Con) and Hamilton West) (Ind) Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) Stuart Andrew Colleen Fletcher (Coventry Chris Elmore (Con) North East) (Lab) 1079 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1080

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Katherine Fletcher (South Stuart Andrew Peter Grant (Glenrothes) Owen Thompson Ribble) (Con) (SNP) Mark Fletcher (Bolsover) Stuart Andrew James Gray (North Wiltshire) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Nick Fletcher (Don Valley) Stuart Andrew Chris Grayling (Epsom and Stuart Andrew (Con) Ewell) (Con) Stephen Flynn (Aberdeen Owen Thompson Damian Green (Ashford) Stuart Andrew South) (SNP) (Con) Vicky Ford (Chelmsford) Stuart Andrew Kate Green (Stretford and Chris Elmore (Con) Urmston) (Lab) Kevin Foster (Torbay) (Con) Stuart Andrew Margaret Greenwood (Wirral Chris Elmore Yvonne Fovargue Chris Elmore West) (Lab) (Makerfield) (Lab) Andrew Griffith (Arundel and Stuart Andrew Dr Liam Fox (North Stuart Andrew South Downs) (Con) Somerset) (Con) Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab) Chris Elmore Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham, Chris Elmore Kate Griffiths (Burton) (Con) Stuart Andrew Deptford) (Lab) James Grundy (Leigh) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mary Kelly Foy (City of Zarah Sultana Jonathan Gullis (Stoke-on- Stuart Andrew Durham) (Lab) Trent North) (Con) Mr (Rayleigh Stuart Andrew Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Chris Elmore and Wickford) (Con) Reddish) (Lab) (South East Stuart Andrew (Sheffield, Chris Elmore Cambridgeshire) (Con) Heeley) (Lab) George Freeman (Mid Stuart Andrew Robert Halfon (Harlow) Stuart Andrew Norfolk) (Con) (Con) (Finchley and Stuart Andrew Luke Hall (Thornbury and Stuart Andrew Golders Green) (Con) Yate) (Con) Richard Fuller (North East Stuart Andrew Fabian Hamilton (Leeds Chris Elmore Bedfordshire) (Con) North East) (Lab) (Sheffield, Chris Elmore Stephen Hammond Stuart Andrew Brightside and Hillsborough) (Wimbledon) (Con) (Lab) (West Suffolk) Stuart Andrew Marcus Fysh (Yeovil) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Sir Roger Gale (North Stuart Andrew Greg Hands (Chelsea and Stuart Andrew Thanet) (Con) Fulham) (Con) Barry Gardiner (Brent North) Chris Elmore Claire Hanna (Belfast South) Ben Lake (Lab) (SDLP) Mark Garnier (Wyre Forest) Stuart Andrew (Kingston upon Chris Elmore (Con) Hull West and Hessle) (Lab) Ms Nusrat Ghani (Wealden) Stuart Andrew Ms Harriet Harman Chris Elmore (Con) (Camberwell and ) Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Littlehampton) (Con) Mark Harper (Forest of Stuart Andrew Patricia Gibson (North Owen Thompson Dean) (Con) Ayrshire and Arran) (SNP) Carolyn Harris (Swansea Chris Elmore Peter Gibson (Darlington) Stuart Andrew East) (Lab) (Con) Trudy Harrison (Copeland) Stuart Andrew Jo Gideon (Stoke-on-Trent Stuart Andrew (Con) Central) (Con) Sally-Ann Hart (Hastings and Stuart Andrew Preet Kaur Gill (Birmingham, Chris Elmore Rye) (Con) Edgbaston) (Lab/Co-op) Simon Hart (Carmarthen Stuart Andrew Paul Girvan (South Antrim) Jim Shannon West and South (DUP) Pembrokeshire) (Con) John Glen (Salisbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew Helen Hayes (Dulwich and Chris Elmore Mr Stuart Andrew West Norwood) (Lab) (Scarborough and Whitby) Sir John Hayes (South Stuart Andrew (Con) Holland and The Deepings) Michael Gove (Surrey Heath) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Sir (North East Stuart Andrew Patrick Grady (Glasgow Owen Thompson Hertfordshire) (Con) North) (SNP) (Wentworth and Chris Elmore Richard Graham (Gloucester) Stuart Andrew Dearne) (Lab) (Con) James Heappey (Wells) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone Stuart Andrew Chris Heaton-Harris Stuart Andrew and The Weald) (Con) (Daventry) (Con) 1081 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1082

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Gordon Henderson Stuart Andrew (Bromsgrove) Stuart Andrew (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con) (Con) Mr Ranil Jayawardena (North Stuart Andrew Sir Mark Hendrick (Preston) Chris Elmore East Hampshire) (Con) (Lab/Co-op) Sir (Harwich Stuart Andrew Drew Hendry (Inverness, Owen Thompson and North Essex) (Con) Nairn, Badenoch and Mark Jenkinson (Workington) Stuart Andrew Strathspey) (SNP) (Con) Darren Henry (Broxtowe) Stuart Andrew (Morley and Stuart Andrew (Con) Outwood) (Con) Antony Higginbotham Stuart Andrew Robert Jenrick (Newark) Stuart Andrew (Burnley) (Con) (Con) Meg Hillier (Hackney South Chris Elmore Boris Johnson (Uxbridge and Stuart Andrew and Shoreditch) (Lab) South Ruislip) (Con) Damian Hinds (East Stuart Andrew Dr Caroline Johnson Stuart Andrew Hampshire) (Con) (Sleaford and North Simon Hoare (North Dorset) Stuart Andrew Hykeham) (Con) (Con) Dame Chris Elmore ( North) Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD) Wendy Chamberlain (Lab) Dame Margaret Hodge Chris Elmore Gareth Johnson (Dartford) Stuart Andrew (Barking) (Lab) (Con) Mrs Sharon Hodgson Chris Elmore Kim Johnson (Liverpool, Chris Elmore (Washington and Sunderland Riverside) (Lab) West) (Lab) David Johnston (Wantage) Stuart Andrew Mr Richard Holden (North Stuart Andrew (Con) West Durham) (Con) Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Stuart Andrew Kate Hollern (Blackburn) Chris Elmore Knaresborough) (Con) (Lab) Darren Jones (Bristol North Chris Elmore Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Stuart Andrew West) (Lab) Malton) (Con) Mr David Jones (Clwyd West) Stuart Andrew Adam Holloway (Gravesham) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Fay Jones (Brecon and Stuart Andrew Paul Holmes (Eastleigh) Stuart Andrew Radnorshire) (Con) (Con) Gerald Jones (Merthyr Tydfil Chris Elmore Rachel Hopkins (Luton Chris Elmore and Rhymney) (Lab) South) (Lab) Mr Kevan Jones (North Chris Elmore Stewart Hosie ( East) Owen Thompson Durham) (Lab) (SNP) Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) Stuart Andrew Sir George Howarth Chris Elmore (Con) (Knowsley) (Lab) Ruth Jones (Newport West) Chris Elmore John Howell (Henley) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab) Paul Howell (Sedgefield) Stuart Andrew Sarah Jones (Croydon Chris Elmore (Con) Central) (Lab) Nigel Huddleston (Mid Stuart Andrew Simon Jupp (East Devon) Stuart Andrew Worcestershire) (Con) (Con) Dr Neil Hudson (Penrith and Stuart Andrew Mike Kane (Wythenshawe Chris Elmore The Border) (Con) and Sale East) (Lab) Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) Stuart Andrew Daniel Kawczynski Stuart Andrew (Con) (Shrewsbury and Atcham) Jane Hunt (Loughborough) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Alicia Kearns (Rutland and Stuart Andrew Jeremy Hunt (South West Stuart Andrew Melton) (Con) Surrey) (Con) Gillian Keegan (Chichester) Stuart Andrew Tom Hunt (Ipswich) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Rupa Huq (Ealing Central Chris Elmore Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Chris Elmore and Acton) (Lab) Eccles South) (Lab) Imran Hussain (Bradford Zarah Sultana Liz Kendall (Leicester West) Chris Elmore East) (Lab) (Lab) Mr Alister Jack (Dumfries Stuart Andrew Afzal Khan (Manchester, Chris Elmore and Galloway) (Con) Gorton) (Lab) Christine Jardine (Edinburgh Wendy Chamberlain Stephen Kinnock (Aberavon) Chris Elmore West) (LD) (Lab) (Barnsley Central) Chris Elmore Sir (East Stuart Andrew (Lab) Yorkshire) (Con) 1083 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1084

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Julian Knight () (Con) Stuart Andrew Karl McCartney (Lincoln) Stuart Andrew Danny Kruger (Devizes) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Siobhain McDonagh Chris Elmore Kwasi Kwarteng (Spelthorne) Stuart Andrew (Mitcham and Morden) (Lab) (Con) Andy McDonald Chris Elmore Peter Kyle (Hove) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Middlesbrough) (Lab) Mr David Lammy Chris Elmore Stewart Malcolm McDonald Owen Thompson (Tottenham) (Lab) (Glasgow South) (SNP) John Lamont (Berwickshire, Stuart Andrew Stuart C. McDonald Owen Thompson Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con) (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) (SNP) Robert Largan (High Peak) Stuart Andrew (Con) John McDonnell (Hayes and Zarah Sultana Harlington) (Lab) Mrs Pauline Latham (Mid Stuart Andrew Derbyshire) (Con) Mr Pat McFadden Chris Elmore (Wolverhampton South East) Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab) Zarah Sultana (Lab) Chris Law (Dundee West) Owen Thompson Conor McGinn (St Helens Chris Elmore (SNP) North) (Lab) Andrea Leadsom (South Stuart Andrew Alison McGovern (Wirral Chris Elmore Northamptonshire) (Con) South) (Lab) Sir Edward Leigh Stuart Andrew Craig Mackinlay (South Stuart Andrew (Gainsborough) (Con) Thanet) (Con) Ian Levy (Blyth Valley) (Con) Stuart Andrew Catherine McKinnell Chris Elmore Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Chris Elmore (Newcastle upon Tyne North) (South Shields) (Lab) (Lab) Andrew Lewer (Northampton Stuart Andrew (Truro Stuart Andrew South) (Con) and Falmouth) (Con) (Great Stuart Andrew Anne McLaughlin (Glasgow Owen Thompson Yarmouth) (Con) North East) (SNP) Clive Lewis (Norwich South) Chris Elmore Rachel Maclean (Redditch) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest Stuart Andrew Jim McMahon (Oldham West Chris Elmore East) (Con) and Royton) (Lab) Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Stuart Andrew Anna McMorrin (Cardiff Chris Elmore (Bridgwater and West North) (Lab) Somerset) (Con) John Mc Nally (Falkirk) Owen Thompson Tony Lloyd (Rochdale) (Lab) Chris Elmore (SNP) Carla Lockhart (Upper Bann) Jim Shannon Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na Owen Thompson (DUP) h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Chris Loder (West Dorset) Stuart Andrew Stephen McPartland Stuart Andrew (Con) (Stevenage) (Con) Mark Logan (Bolton North Stuart Andrew Esther McVey (Tatton) (Con) Stuart Andrew East) (Con) Justin Madders (Ellesmere Chris Elmore Rebecca Long Bailey (Salford Zarah Sultana Port and Neston) (Lab) and Eccles) (Lab) Khalid Mahmood Chris Elmore Marco Longhi (Dudley Stuart Andrew (Birmingham, Perry Barr) North) (Con) (Lab) Julia Lopez (Hornchurch and Stuart Andrew Shabana Mahmood Chris Elmore Upminster) (Con) (Birmingham, Ladywood) Jack Lopresti (Filton and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Bradley Stoke) (Con) Alan Mak () (Con) Stuart Andrew Mr Jonathan Lord (Woking) Stuart Andrew Seema Malhotra (Feltham Chris Elmore (Con) and Heston) (Lab) Tim Loughton (East Stuart Andrew Kit Malthouse (North West Stuart Andrew Worthing and Shoreham) Hampshire) (Con) (Con) (Hertford and Stuart Andrew Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Zarah Sultana Stortford) (Con) Pavilion) (Green) Rachael Maskell (York Chris Elmore (Halifax) (Lab) Chris Elmore Central) (Lab) Kenny MacAskill (East Neale Hanvey Christian Matheson (City of Chris Elmore Lothian) (SNP) Chester) (Lab) Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Chris Elmore Mrs Theresa May Stuart Andrew Selly Oak) (Lab) (Maidenhead) (Con) Kerry McCarthy (Bristol Chris Elmore Jerome Mayhew (Broadland) Stuart Andrew East) (Lab) (Con) 1085 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1086

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Paul Maynard (Blackpool Stuart Andrew Andrew Murrison (South Stuart Andrew North and Cleveleys) (Con) West Wiltshire) (Con) Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab) Zarah Sultana Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab) Chris Elmore Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sir Robert Neill (Bromley and Stuart Andrew Huw Merriman (Bexhill and Stuart Andrew Chislehurst) (Con) Battle) (Con) Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Owen Thompson Stephen Metcalfe (South Stuart Andrew Renfrewshire North) (SNP) Basildon and East Thurrock) Charlotte Nichols Chris Elmore (Con) (Warrington North) (Lab) Edward Miliband (Doncaster Chris Elmore (Great Grimsby) Stuart Andrew North) (Lab) (Con) Robin Millar (Aberconwy) Stuart Andrew John Nicolson (Ochil and Owen Thompson (Con) South Perthshire) (SNP) Mrs Maria Miller Stuart Andrew Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Stuart Andrew (Basingstoke) (Con) North) (Con) (Cannock Stuart Andrew Jesse Norman (Hereford and Stuart Andrew Chase) (Con) South Herefordshire) (Con) Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) Stuart Andrew Alex Norris ( Chris Elmore (Con) North) (Lab/Co-op) Navendu Mishra (Stockport) Chris Elmore Neil O’Brien (Harborough) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) Andrew Mitchell (Sutton Stuart Andrew Brendan O’Hara (Argyll and Owen Thompson Coldfield) (Con) Bute) (SNP) (South West Stuart Andrew Dr Matthew Offord (Hendon) Stuart Andrew Hertfordshire) (Con) (Con) Carol Monaghan (Glasgow Owen Thompson Sarah Olney (Richmond Park) Wendy Chamberlain North West) (LD) Damien Moore (Southport) Stuart Andrew Chi Onwurah (Newcastle Chris Elmore (Con) upon Tyne Central) (Lab) Robbie Moore (Keighley) Stuart Andrew Guy Opperman (Hexham) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Layla Moran (Oxford West Wendy Chamberlain Abena Oppong-Asare (Erith Chris Elmore and Abingdon) (LD) and ) (Lab) Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth Stuart Andrew Kate Osamor (Edmonton) Zarah Sultana North) (Con) (Lab/Co-op) Jessica Morden (Newport Chris Elmore Kate Osborne (Jarrow) (Lab) Zarah Sultana East) (Lab) Ian Paisley (North Antrim) Jim Shannon Stephen Morgan (Portsmouth Chris Elmore (DUP) South) (Lab) Neil Parish (Tiverton and Stuart Andrew Anne Marie Morris (Newton Stuart Andrew Honiton) (Con) Abbot) (Con) (Witham) (Con) Stuart Andrew David Morris (Morecambe Stuart Andrew and Lunesdale) (Con) Mr Owen Paterson (North Stuart Andrew Shropshire) (Con) Grahame Morris (Easington) Chris Elmore (Lab) Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con) Stuart Andrew Joy Morrissey (Beaconsfield) Stuart Andrew (Barnsley Chris Elmore (Con) East) (Lab) Jill Mortimer (Hartlepool) Stuart Andrew Sir (Hemel Stuart Andrew (Con) Hempstead) (Con) Wendy Morton (Aldridge- Stuart Andrew Matthew Pennycook Chris Elmore Brownhills) (Con) (Greenwich and Woolwich) Dr Kieran Mullan (Crewe and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Nantwich) (Con) John Penrose (Weston-super- Stuart Andrew Holly Mumby-Croft Stuart Andrew Mare) (Con) (Scunthorpe) (Con) (Brigg and Stuart Andrew David Mundell Stuart Andrew Goole) (Con) (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale Mr Toby Perkins Chris Elmore and Tweeddale) (Con) (Chesterfield) (Lab) Ian Murray (Edinburgh Chris Elmore Jess Phillips (Birmingham, Chris Elmore South) (Lab) Yardley) (Lab) James Murray (Ealing North) Chris Elmore Bridget Phillipson (Houghton Chris Elmore (Lab/Co-op) and Sunderland South) (Lab) Mrs Sheryll Murray (South Stuart Andrew Chris Philp (Croydon South) Stuart Andrew East Cornwall) (Con) (Con) 1087 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1088

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Luke Pollard (Plymouth, Chris Elmore Bob Seely (Isle of Wight) Stuart Andrew Sutton and Devonport) (Lab/ (Con) Co-op) (South West Stuart Andrew Dr (Central Bedfordshire) (Con) Suffolk and North Ipswich) Naz Shah (Bradford West) Chris Elmore (Con) (Lab) Rebecca Pow (Taunton Stuart Andrew (Welwyn Stuart Andrew Deane) (Con) Hatfield) (Con) Lucy Powell (Manchester Chris Elmore Alok Sharma (Reading West) Stuart Andrew Central) (Lab/Co-op) (Con) Victoria Prentis (Banbury) Stuart Andrew Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Chris Elmore (Con) Southall) (Lab) Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) Stuart Andrew Mr Barry Sheerman Chris Elmore (Con) (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op) Jeremy Quin (Horsham) Stuart Andrew (Elmet and Stuart Andrew (Con) Rothwell) (Con) (Colchester) Stuart Andrew Tommy Sheppard (Edinburgh Owen Thompson (Con) East) (SNP) Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton Chris Elmore Tulip Siddiq (Hampstead and Chris Elmore South East) (Lab) Kilburn) (Lab) Dominic Raab (Esher and Stuart Andrew David Simmonds (Ruislip, Stuart Andrew Walton) (Con) Northwood and Pinner) (Con) Tom Randall (Gedling) (Con) Stuart Andrew Chris Skidmore (Kingswood) Stuart Andrew Angela Rayner (Ashton- Chris Elmore (Con) under-Lyne) (Lab) Andy Slaughter Chris Elmore John Redwood (Wokingham) Stuart Andrew (Hammersmith) (Lab) (Con) Cat Smith (Lancaster and Chris Elmore Steve Reed (Croydon North) Chris Elmore Fleetwood) (Lab) (Lab/Co-op) (Norwich North) Stuart Andrew Christina Rees (Neath) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Con) Ellie Reeves (Lewisham West Chris Elmore Greg Smith (Buckingham) Stuart Andrew and Penge) (Lab) (Con) (Leeds West) Chris Elmore Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab) Jeff Smith (Manchester, Chris Elmore Jonathan Reynolds Chris Elmore Withington) (Lab) (Stalybridge and Hyde) (Lab) Julian Smith (Skipton and Stuart Andrew Bell Ribeiro-Addy Zarah Sultana Ripon) (Con) (Streatham) (Lab) Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) Chris Elmore Nicola Richards (West Stuart Andrew (Lab) Bromwich East) (Con) Royston Smith Stuart Andrew Angela Richardson Stuart Andrew (Southampton, Itchen) (Con) (Guildford) (Con) Karin Smyth (Bristol South) Chris Elmore Mr Laurence Robertson Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Tewkesbury) (Con) (Leeds North Chris Elmore Gavin Robinson (Belfast East) Jim Shannon West) (Lab) (DUP) Amanda Solloway (Derby Stuart Andrew Mary Robinson (Cheadle) Stuart Andrew North) (Con) (Con) John Spellar (Warley) (Lab) Chris Elmore Matt Rodda (Reading East) Chris Elmore Dr Ben Spencer (Runnymede Stuart Andrew (Lab) and Weybridge) (Con) Andrew Rosindell (Romford) Stuart Andrew (Rother Stuart Andrew (Con) Valley) (Con) Douglas Ross (Moray) (Con) Stuart Andrew Keir Starmer (Holborn and St Chris Elmore Lee Rowley (North East Stuart Andrew Pancras) (Lab) Derbyshire) (Con) Chris Stephens (Glasgow Owen Thompson (Watford) (Con) Stuart Andrew South West) (SNP) Lloyd Russell-Moyle Chris Elmore Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) Stuart Andrew (Brighton, Kemptown) (Lab/ (Con) Co-op) Jo Stevens (Cardiff Central) Chris Elmore Liz Saville Roberts (Dwyfor Ben Lake (Lab) Meirionnydd) (PC) Jane Stevenson Stuart Andrew Selaine Saxby (North Devon) Stuart Andrew (Wolverhampton North East) (Con) (Con) Paul Scully (Sutton and Stuart Andrew John Stevenson (Carlisle) Stuart Andrew Cheam) (Con) (Con) 1089 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1090

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Bob Stewart (Beckenham) Stuart Andrew Matt Vickers (Stockton Stuart Andrew (Con) South) (Con) Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes Stuart Andrew Theresa Villiers (Chipping Stuart Andrew South) (Con) Barnet) (Con) Jamie Stone (Caithness, Wendy Chamberlain Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) Stuart Andrew Sutherland and Easter Ross) (Con) (LD) Mr Ben Wallace (Wyre and Stuart Andrew Sir (South West Stuart Andrew Preston North) Devon) (Con) Dr Jamie Wallis (Bridgend) Stuart Andrew Wes Streeting (Ilford North) Chris Elmore (Con) (Lab) David Warburton (Somerset Stuart Andrew Mel Stride (Central Devon) Stuart Andrew and Frome) (Con) (Con) Matt Warman (Boston and Stuart Andrew Graham Stringer (Blackley Chris Elmore Skegness) (Con) and Broughton) (Lab) (Clacton) (Con) Stuart Andrew Graham Stuart (Beverley and Stuart Andrew Suzanne Webb (Stourbridge) Stuart Andrew Holderness) (Con) (Con) (York Outer) Stuart Andrew Claudia Webbe (Leicester Zarah Sultana (Con) East) (Ind) (Richmond Stuart Andrew Catherine West (Hornsey and Chris Elmore (Yorks)) (Con) Wood Green) (Lab) James Sunderland (Bracknell) Stuart Andrew Matt Western (Warwick and Chris Elmore (Con) Leamington) (Lab) Sir Desmond Swayne (New Stuart Andrew Helen Whately (Faversham Stuart Andrew Forest West) (Con) and Mid Kent) (Con) Sir Robert Syms (Poole) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mrs Heather Wheeler (South Stuart Andrew Sam Tarry (Ilford South) Chris Elmore Derbyshire) (Con) (Lab) Dr Alan Whitehead Chris Elmore Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Owen Thompson (Southampton, Test) (Lab) Central) (SNP) Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Owen Thompson Derek Thomas (St Ives) (Con) Stuart Andrew Ayrshire) (SNP) Gareth Thomas (Harrow Chris Elmore Mick Whitley (Birkenhead) Chris Elmore West) (Lab/Co-op) (Lab) Nick Thomas-Symonds Chris Elmore (Calder Stuart Andrew (Torfaen) (Lab) Valley) (Con) Emily Thornberry (Islington Chris Elmore (Malden) Stuart Andrew South and Finsbury) (Lab) (Con) Stephen Timms (East Ham) Chris Elmore Nadia Whittome (Nottingham Chris Elmore (Lab) East) (Lab) Edward Timpson (Eddisbury) Stuart Andrew Bill Wiggin (North Stuart Andrew (Con) Herefordshire) (Con) Kelly Tolhurst (Rochester and Stuart Andrew (North West Stuart Andrew Strood) (Con) Norfolk) (Con) Justin Tomlinson (North Stuart Andrew Craig Williams Stuart Andrew Swindon) (Con) (Montgomeryshire) (Con) Craig Tracey (North Stuart Andrew Hywel Williams (Arfon) PC) Ben Lake Warwickshire) (Con) Anne-Marie Trevelyan Stuart Andrew Gavin Williamson Stuart Andrew (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (Con) (Montgomeryshire) (Con) (Hemsworth) Zarah Sultana Munira Wilson (Twickenham) Wendy Chamberlain (Lab) (LD) Laura Trott (Sevenoaks) Stuart Andrew Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) Jim Shannon (Con) (DUP) Elizabeth Truss (South West Stuart Andrew Beth Winter (Cynon Valley) Zarah Sultana Norfolk) (Con) (Lab) Tom Tugendhat (Tonbridge Stuart Andrew Pete Wishart (Perth and Owen Thompson and Malling) (Con) North Perthshire) (SNP) Karl Turner (Kingston upon Chris Elmore Mike Wood (Dudley South) Stuart Andrew Hull East) (Lab) (Con) Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab) Chris Elmore Jeremy Wright (Kenilworth Stuart Andrew Mr (North West Stuart Andrew and Southam) (Con) Cambridgeshire) (Con) Mohammad Yasin (Bedford) Chris Elmore (Cleethorpes) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con) Stuart Andrew 1091 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1092

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Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford- Stuart Andrew Daniel Zeichner (Cambridge) Chris Elmore on-Avon) (Con) (Lab) 1093 9 JUNE 2021 Deferred Division 1094

Deferred Division Fabricant, Michael Jenkinson, Mark Farris, Laura Jenkyns, Andrea Fell, Simon Jenrick, rh Robert INFORMATION COMMISSIONER (REMUNERATION) Ferrier, Margaret Johnson, rh Boris That, from 1 November 2021 — Fletcher, Katherine Johnson, Dr Caroline (1) the Information Commissioner shall be paid a salary of Fletcher, Mark Johnson, Gareth £200,000 per annum and pension benefits in accordance with the Fletcher, Nick Johnston, David standard award for the civil service pension scheme; Ford, Vicky Jones, Andrew (2) all previous resolutions relating to the salary and pension of Foster, Kevin Jones, rh Mr David the Information Commissioner shall cease to have effect. Fox, rh Dr Liam Jones, Fay The House divided: Ayes 369, Noes 2. Francois, rh Mr Mark Jones, Mr Marcus Frazer, rh Lucy Jupp, Simon Division No. 22] Freeman, George Kawczynski, Daniel Freer, Mike Kearns, Alicia AYES Fuller, Richard Keegan, Gillian Adams, Nigel Cash, Sir William Fysh, Mr Marcus Knight, rh Sir Greg Afolami, Bim Cates, Miriam Gale, rh Sir Roger Knight, Julian Afriyie, Adam Caulfield, Maria Garnier, Mark Kruger, Danny Ahmad Khan, Imran Chalk, Alex Ghani, Ms Nusrat Kwarteng, rh Kwasi Aiken, Nickie Chishti, Rehman Gibb, rh Nick Lamont, John Aldous, Peter Churchill, Jo Gibson, Peter Largan, Robert Allan, Lucy Clark, rh Greg Gideon, Jo Latham, Mrs Pauline Amess, Sir David Clarke, Mr Simon Girvan, Paul Leadsom, rh Andrea Anderson, Lee Clarke, Theo Glen, John Leigh, rh Sir Edward Anderson, Stuart Clarke-Smith, Brendan Goodwill, rh Mr Robert Levy, Ian Andrew, rh Stuart Clarkson, Chris Gove, rh Michael Lewer, Andrew Ansell, Caroline Cleverly, rh James Graham, Richard Lewis, rh Brandon Argar, Edward Clifton-Brown, Sir Geoffrey Grant, Mrs Helen Lewis, rh Dr Julian Atherton, Sarah Coffey, rh Dr Thérèse Gray, James Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Atkins, Victoria Colburn, Elliot Grayling, rh Chris Lockhart, Carla Bacon, Gareth Collins, Damian Green, Chris Loder, Chris Bacon, Mr Richard Costa, Alberto Green, rh Damian Logan, Mark Badenoch, Kemi Courts, Robert Griffith, Andrew Longhi, Marco Bailey, Shaun Coutinho, Claire Griffiths, Kate Lopez, Julia Baillie, Siobhan Cox, rh Sir Geoffrey Grundy, James Lopresti, Jack Baker, Duncan Crabb, rh Stephen Gullis, Jonathan Lord, Mr Jonathan Baker, Mr Steve Crosbie, Virginia Halfon, rh Robert Loughton, Tim Baldwin, Harriett Crouch, Tracey Hall, Luke Mackinlay, Craig Barclay, rh Steve Daly, James Hammond, Stephen Mackrory, Cherilyn Baron, Mr John Davies, David T. C. Hancock, rh Matt Maclean, Rachel Baynes, Simon Davies, Gareth Hands, rh Greg Mak, Alan Bell, Aaron Davies, Dr James Harper, rh Mr Mark Malthouse, Kit Benton, Scott Davies, Mims Harris, Rebecca Mangnall, Anthony Beresford, Sir Paul Davies, Philip Harrison, Trudy Mann, Scott Berry, rh Jake Davis, rh Mr David Hart, Sally-Ann Marson, Julie Bhatti, Saqib Davison, Dehenna Hart, rh Simon May, rh Mrs Theresa Blackman, Bob Dinenage, Caroline Hayes, rh Sir John Mayhew, Jerome Blunt, Crispin Dines, Miss Sarah Heald, rh Sir Oliver Maynard, Paul Bone, Mr Peter Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Heappey, James McCartney, Jason Bottomley, Sir Peter Docherty, Leo Heaton-Harris, Chris McCartney, Karl Bowie, Andrew Donaldson, rh Sir Jeffrey M. Henderson, Gordon McPartland, Stephen Bradley, Ben Donelan, Michelle Henry, Darren McVey, rh Esther Bradley, rh Karen Dorries, Ms Nadine Higginbotham, Antony Menzies, Mark Brady, Sir Graham Double, Steve Hinds, rh Damian Merriman, Huw Braverman, rh Suella Dowden, rh Oliver Hoare, Simon Metcalfe, Stephen Brereton, Jack Doyle-Price, Jackie Holden, Mr Richard Millar, Robin Bridgen, Andrew Drax, Richard Hollinrake, Kevin Miller, rh Mrs Maria Brine, Steve Drummond, Mrs Flick Hollobone, Mr Philip Milling, rh Amanda Bristow, Paul Duddridge, James Holloway, Adam Mills, Nigel Britcliffe, Sara Duguid, David Holmes, Paul Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Brokenshire, rh James Duncan Smith, rh Sir Iain Howell, John Mohindra, Mr Gagan Browne, Anthony Dunne, rh Philip Howell, Paul Moore, Damien Bruce, Fiona Eastwood, Mark Huddleston, Nigel Moore, Robbie Buchan, Felicity Edwards, Jonathan Hudson, Dr Neil Mordaunt, rh Penny Buckland, rh Robert Edwards, Ruth Hughes, Eddie Morris, Anne Marie Burghart, Alex Ellis, rh Michael Hunt, Jane Morris, David Burns, rh Conor Ellwood, rh Mr Tobias Hunt, rh Jeremy Morris, James Butler, Rob Elphicke, Mrs Natalie Hunt, Tom Morrissey, Joy Cairns, rh Alun Eustice, rh George Jack, rh Mr Alister Mortimer, Jill Campbell, Mr Gregory Evans, Dr Luke Javid, rh Sajid Morton, Wendy Carter, Andy Evennett, rh Sir David Jayawardena, Mr Ranil Mullan, Dr Kieran Cartlidge, James Everitt, Ben Jenkin, Sir Bernard Mumby-Croft, Holly 1095 Deferred Division 9 JUNE 2021 Deferred Division 1096

Mundell, rh David Richards, Nicola Stevenson, Jane Vickers, Matt Murray, Mrs Sheryll Richardson, Angela Stevenson, John Villiers, rh Theresa Murrison, rh Dr Andrew Robertson, Mr Laurence Stewart, rh Bob Wakeford, Christian Neill, Sir Robert Robinson, Gavin Stewart, Iain Walker, Sir Charles Nici, Lia Robinson, Mary Streeter, Sir Gary Walker, Mr Robin Nokes, rh Caroline Rosindell, Andrew Stride, rh Mel Wallace, rh Mr Ben Norman, rh Jesse Ross, Douglas Stuart, Graham Wallis, Dr Jamie O’Brien, Neil Rowley, Lee Sturdy, Julian Warburton, David Offord, Dr Matthew Russell, Dean Sunak, rh Rishi Warman, Matt Opperman, Guy Rutley, David Sunderland, James Watling, Giles Paisley, Ian Sambrook, Gary Swayne, rh Sir Desmond Webb, Suzanne Parish, Neil Saxby, Selaine Syms, Sir Robert Whately, Helen Patel, rh Priti Scully, Paul Thomas, Derek Wheeler, Mrs Heather Paterson, rh Mr Owen Seely, Bob Throup, Maggie Whittaker, Craig Pawsey, Mark Selous, Andrew Timpson, Edward Whittingdale, rh Mr John Penning, rh Sir Mike Shannon, Jim Tolhurst, Kelly Penrose, John Shapps, rh Grant Tomlinson, Justin Wiggin, Bill Percy, Andrew Sharma, rh Alok Tomlinson, Michael Wild, James Philp, Chris Shelbrooke, rh Alec Tracey, Craig Williams, Craig Pincher, rh Christopher Simmonds, David Trevelyan, rh Anne-Marie Williamson, rh Gavin Poulter, Dr Dan Skidmore, rh Chris Trott, Laura Wilson, rh Sammy Pow, Rebecca Smith, Chloe Truss, rh Elizabeth Wood, Mike Prentis, Victoria Smith, Greg Tugendhat, Tom Wright, rh Jeremy Pritchard, rh Mark Smith, Henry Vara, Shailesh Young, Jacob Pursglove, Tom Smith, rh Julian Vickers, Martin Zahawi, Nadhim Quin, Jeremy Smith, Royston Quince, Will Solloway, Amanda NOES Raab, rh Dominic Spencer, Dr Ben Randall, Tom Spencer, rh Mark Lucas, Caroline Spellar, rh John Redwood, rh John Stafford, Alexander Rees-Mogg, rh Mr Jacob Stephenson, Andrew Question accordingly agreed to. 363WH 9 JUNE 2021 UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains 364WH

weaknesses and vulnerabilities, we must commit to and Westminster Hall invest in a renaissance of modern manufacturing in our country. Wednesday 9 June 2021 British manufacturing has been in decline, dropping from 30% of GDP in the 1970s to just 9% today. The UK’s shift towards a city-centric, service-based economy [SIR GRAHAM BRADY in the Chair] means that it is now the most geographically unequal country in northern Europe. We have the richest area in UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains the whole of northern Europe—London—but also the five least prosperous areas, with west Wales and the Virtual participation in proceedings commenced (Order, valleys the poorest of all. 25 February). Today, our country stands at a fork in the road, and [NB: [V] denotes a Member participating virtually.] the choice is clear. Are we going to continue to allow our manufacturing sector to wither away, constantly 9.25 am eroded by the sort of policies that have come to define Sir Graham Brady (in the Chair): I remind hon. the last decade and which are advocated in the book of Members that there have been some changes to normal the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial practice in order to support the new hybrid arrangements. Strategy, “Britannia Unchained”: “Let the market rip. Timings of debates have been amended to allow technical Let the call the shots. Let globalisation arrangements to be made for the next debate. There will and deindustrialisation ride roughshod over our be suspensions between debates. communities.”? Or are we going to truly understand the pandemic as a clear and unambiguous warning that we I remind Members participating, physically and virtually, cannot go back to business as usual and that we must that they must arrive for the start of a debate in Westminster strive for real enduring change; that we must stand on Hall and are expected to remain for the entire debate. I our own two feet by reducing our dangerous over-reliance must also remind Members participating virtually that on imports from China; that it is time to recognise that they are visible at all times, both to one another and to the collapse of British manufacturing is the primary us in the Boothroyd Room. If Members attending virtually cause of the grotesque inequality that exists between have any technical problems, they should email the the wealthiest and the poorest regions of our country; Westminster Hall Clerks’ email address, which is and that a modern manufacturing renaissance is our [email protected]. Members attending only route towards a fair and just transition to a cleaner, physically should clean their spaces before using them greener future? and before leaving the room. I remind Members that Mr Speaker has stated that masks should be worn in Our manufacturing base can be rebuilt only if it is Westminster Hall. There is nobody sitting in the Public based on a strong and healthy steel industry, because Gallery in order to speak. steel is a vital foundational industry that is critical for our security,prosperity and green resilience. Our economic and national security are underpinned by steel. Every 9.26 am military vehicle, major infrastructure project and power Stephen Kinnock (Aberavon) (Lab): I beg to move, station requires steel. In a world where strategic competition That this House has considered the UK steel sector and its between democracies and dictatorships is intensifying supply chains. on an almost daily basis, it is crucial that as much of It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Graham. that steel as possible is produced here in the UK. Hon. Members taking part in the debate today will Our prosperity as a nation is also dependent on steel recognise that this is not the first time that we have as a vital foundational industry that feeds into our sought assurances from the UK Government that they entire manufacturing sector. Steel jobs are good jobs are sincerely committed to supporting the British steel that pay an average annual salary of £36,000, which is industry. Indeed, by my calculations, since 2015 Labour 36% higher than the Welsh average, and the Port Talbot MPs have secured 19 debates and urgent questions on steelworks in my Aberavon constituency provides 4,000 such steel, made 51 speeches on steel, asked 54 oral questions jobs, alongside thousands more through the supply on steel, and intervened on or responded to Ministers chains. 103 times on the future of our steel industry. A pessimist Home-grown steel is also the only route to tackling may ask, “What’s the point?”. After all that pressure, climate change. Steel will play a critical role in greening the British steel industry still faces a range of serious our economy by building the electric cars of the future challenges, and the UK Government are continually and providing vital components for solar, wind and failing to provide the necessary level of support to allow tidal power. Moreover, British production processes the UK steel sector to compete. have half the carbon footprint of China’s far less In spite of those powerful headwinds, I am optimistic decarbonised steel industry, and shipping steel from the about the future of our steel industry, because I believe other side of the world is obviously more carbon intensive. that covid-19 has completely reset the way in which the Whether we look at the British steel industry through British people think about the sort of country they the prism of our national security, regional prosperity want to live in. The public want a Britain that can stand or planetary sustainability, we draw the same conclusion: on its own two feet and that is more resilient to external there can be no sustainable post-pandemic economic shocks. The pandemic has exposed the weaknesses and recovery without a strong and healthy steel industry. vulnerabilities that lie at the heart of our economy and The arguments are compelling, irrefutable and over- our society. The pandemic has demonstrated beyond a whelming, so it is difficult to understand why the UK shadow of a doubt that if we wish to address those Government have been so slow to act, but the pandemic 365WH UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains9 JUNE 2021 UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains 366WH

[Stephen Kinnock] seeking the opportunity to compete without having one hand tied behind their back. They are simply asking for has put rocket boosters on the need for a modern a level playing field. Since 2010, successive Conservative manufacturing renaissance underpinned by the rebirth Governments have let them down by leaving the flood of our steel industry. gates open to heavily subsidised imports from China; by The Government must now take the following steps. failing to close the energy price gap; by declining to First, they must reject the recommendation of the Trade develop a patriotic procurement policy; and by failing Remedies Investigations Directorate regarding steel to grasp the vital role that a home-grown steel industry safeguards, and must ensure that all 19 of the safeguards must play in driving the green industrial revolution remain in place. Those trade defence measures were put forward. in place to guard against import surges caused by Receiving a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work is as President Trump’s section 232 tariffs, and it is essential important to steelworkers as it is to every other working that they are retained until such time as the section 232 person across the length and breadth of our country. tariffs are dropped by the Biden Administration. The However, working people are motivated by far more TRID’s recommendations are tantamount to dismantling than money. Above all, they are driven by the sense of the flood defences just as the tidal wave is about to hit. pride and dignity that their work gives them, and Will the Minister assure us that she has made the steelworkers are certainly not an exception to that rule. position of the steel industry, steel unions and steel Steelworkers do long shifts in challenging conditions MPs clear to her colleagues in the Department for because they want to make a contribution. They are International Trade? fiercely proud of the fact that steel is the basis of the Secondly, the Government must as a matter of urgency houses we live in, the offices we work in and the cars we address the issue of our industrial energy crisis. British drive. They are steelworkers because they want to do steelmakers pay 86% more than their German competitors their bit for their country, for their communities, and and 62% more than the French. Over the past five years, for their families. They are steelworkers because they that disparity has cost the UK steel industry an additional want to be part of something bigger, but they cannot do £254 million. Those additional costs represent funds this alone. that should and would have been directed towards They need a Government who will back them to the critical capital investment, including decarbonisation hilt; a Government who will put policies in place that projects. Will the Minister please assure us today that attract investment, rather than drive it away; a Government her Department is truly committed to tackling the root who truly believe that a country should be able to stand causes of the UK’s astronomical industrial energy prices, on its own two feet. Our steelworkers need a Government and can she set out her urgent action plan for doing so? who are genuinely committed to reversing the decline of Thirdly, we need a patriotic procurement policy. It is manufacturing in this country. They need a Government absurd and inexcusable that the Ministry of Defence is who are truly invested in swinging the pendulum from buying Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy that are cities to towns, and from London and the south-east to built with Swedish steel. We need procurement that the rest of the country. Britain needs its steel, and our gives the right weighting to local value. Let us look at steelworkers need a Government who are on their side. big opportunities such as High Speed 2, with 2 million tonnes of steel. How much of that steel is going to be Sir Graham Brady (in the Chair): I should inform all British? Can the Minister assure us today that every participants that due to a technical problem, all those Government Department and HS2 will be signed up to participating virtually did not catch the first three minutes the steel charter by the end of this calendar year? of the debate. That has now been resolved, but I pass on Fourthly, we need a Government who are truly the apologies of the staff who have been working to committed to rebuilding our manufacturing base, and resolve the problem. who believe in partnering with industry to do so. Some There are a lot of Back-Bench participants on the say that steel is a sunset industry, but nothing could be call list. If it is possible for them to keep to about five further from the truth—it is at the cutting edge of minutes, we should be able to get everybody in. innovation. Indeed, the vast majority of the alloys that are used in steel these days did not even exist 10 years ago. It is absurd to have a Government who have utterly 9.39 am failed to support the Orb plant in Newport—I look to Holly Mumby-Croft (Scunthorpe) (Con): It is a pleasure my hon. Friend the Member for Newport East (Jessica to serve under your chairmanship today, Sir Graham. I Morden)—which could play a major role in electric thank the hon. Member for Aberavon (Stephen Kinnock) vehicles. for securing this important debate. As I am a fellow It seems that the left hand does not know what the steel MP, I agree with him on many of the issues that he right hand is doing, which is precisely why co-ordinating has raised this morning. forums such as the Industrial Strategy Council are so The steel sector has seen tough times and this important. Can the Minister please explain why the Government have been proactive. In Scunthorpe, we Industrial Strategy Council has been closed down by put in hundreds of millions of pounds to keep our blast the Business Secretary, and can she please tell us whether furnaces going. I myself come from a steel family, so she thinks that decision will be a help or hindrance to I know that when times get tough, it is not only the the future of the British steel industry? steelworks that are threatened but the steelworkers— British steelworkers are a strong, proud community people like my granddad, who worked in Scunthorpe of men and women who make the best steel that money steelworks for 30 years—and the 20,000 supply chain can buy. They are certainly not looking for anybody’s jobs in my area, as well as the towns that grow up charity, special treatment or favours. They are simply around the industry. 367WH UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains9 JUNE 2021 UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains 368WH

Steel is, indeed, a foundation industry that is crucial sub-sub-subcontractors uphold the high standards that to national security. Our ability to manufacture and the Government are looking to set for contracting produce steel is critical in ensuring that we are self-reliant authorities. and insulated from global steel shortages. The Minister I believe that the British people want to see the will recognise that there is competition between Government use British-made steel in large-scale Governments in providing the best environment for a Government projects such as HS2. They want to see steel industry to thrive and there is much that we can do every bit of steel that we have the capability to produce to provide a better competitive environment for UK being produced here in the UK. Indeed, I hope the steelmakers. Minister will consider what she can do with the traditional supply chain to explore whether contracting authorities Rather than continuing to provide support in times can make steel procurement a separate tender, so that of crisis, as this Government have undoubtedly done, our steelworks can bid for large parts of the steel we need to continue to look further and harder at required in a steel-intensive national project. long-term steel measures. Indeed, the glaring flaw in the preliminary recommendation by the Trade Remedies That not only fulfils the core tenets of the Government’s Investigations Directorate is that it did not make a procurement proposals but makes commercial sense. sufficient industry-led assessment. Our steelworks produce Our steelworks are well equipped to deal with the many products across the categories assessed by TRID. different products needed and have dedicated supply These products are linked back to the production of teams to provide technical management and supply crude steel and steelworks need a certain base level of chain steel expertise. I hope that the Minister can explore production to be profitable. An increase in imports in this approach with her colleagues in the Cabinet Office. an unprotected category could affect the viability of I come from Scunthorpe. I was brought up so close to another steel product, and there is a real risk that the the steelworks that we could hear them making steel UK will be increasingly vulnerable to imports if steel when we lay in bed at night. This matter is personal to safeguards are removed. I urge the Minister to work me and to many of my constituents. The hon. Member with her colleagues from the Department for International for Aberavon is absolutely right—none of us could live Trade to prevent that from happening. a single day of our lives without steel. This Government have a proud record in supporting the steel industry in We must also address the high cost of energy prices. places such as Scunthorpe. I look forward to hearing Our steelworks currently pay almost twice as much for from the Minister and working with her on behalf of energy as French and German steelworks. On steel our world-class steelmakers. procurement, there has been progress and many in the industry have welcomed the overarching principles of 9.45 am the Government’srecent paper.The central tenets,especially on considering the overall social value of procurement Sarah Champion (Rotherham) (Lab) [V]: It is always and providing more flexibility for decision making, are a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Graham. absolutely right. The procurement of steel from the UK I am very frustrated that we are here once again; I hope generates social value for our communities. Steel does my speech will explain why. The British steel industry indeed create well-paid jobs and has a part to play in has huge potential, but the long-term failures of the levelling up areas such as Scunthorpe as manufacturing Government to address the underlying issues continues and logistics powerhouses. to hold it back. Since I was first elected in 2012, steelworkers in my constituency have faced a seemingly However, challenges remain and I hope that the endless cycle of crises with lingering uncertainty, not Minister will consider them. Steel procurement often only for them but for all those throughout Rotherham, involves an internal supply chain process. A contracting where the local economy and people’s livelihoods depend authority for an airport, for example, may appoint on the sector. That uncertainty has continued with different subcontractors for different parts of the project. Liberty’s announcement that it is selling its speciality Each subcontractor may then appoint a sub-subcontractor steels division, which includes the narrow strip mill at on smaller bits and the sub-subcontractor may in turn, Brinsworth in my constituency. given their much smaller brief, procure the steel they Throughout the recent difficulties at Liberty, the need for their section of the development from an Government have promised much but, to date, delivered overseas producer without a tender—for example, one little in the way of practical support. That cannot they have an existing relationship with. continue as the sale progresses. Any sale must safeguard That means that the same steelmaker may have to the long-term future of the plant and must hold Sanjeev pursue, through multiple channels, contracts that are Gupta true to his word that no plant will close on his ultimately for the same project. That also makes reporting watch. Liberty must run a transparent sales process and of the origins of steel difficult, which flies in the face of engage with all concerned parties, including the trade another fantastic tenet of the Government’s procurement unions. The Government must carefully scrutinise any proposals, which is transparency. Most importantly, in deal and ensure that it includes clear safeguards for the our national projects, this situation could cost the taxpayer future of both the plant and the steel jobs. They are more, due to the fragmented supply chain, the crucial assets to our economy and they cannot be lost as administration, the bureaucracy, the increase in supply the result of a fire sale to secure finances for GFG’s lead times and the margin that each level of the steel other businesses. supply chain commands. While the sale of speciality steel is concerning, Liberty’s ongoing commitment to its Aldwarke plant in Rotherham We will see whether the proposals go deep enough is encouraging. The plant can lead the way in our drive and I hope that the Minister will say how she will work to decarbonise our steel industry.Decarbonisation presents with her colleagues in the Cabinet Office to ensure that challenges but also offers huge opportunities to grow 369WH UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains9 JUNE 2021 UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains 370WH

[Sarah Champion] terminal decline—just another in a long line of industries sacrificed to deindustrialisation. I could not disagree our economy and create new green jobs, but that would more. If we made the right investment now, I believe we take sustained support from the Government and a can not only secure work for generations to come but viable long-term plan—something that, to date, has re-establish the UK as a world leader in sustainable been lacking. steel production. Technological advances, such as direct I urge the Government to recognise this opportunity reduced iron technology and hydrogen power, have the to work with the industry to create the greener future potential to transform the industry. It currently accounts we all want to see. None of that can happen while the for about a quarter of all UK industrial emissions, but Government continue to shy from confronting the sector’s it can be part of the green industrial revolution and underlying issues—issues that are well understood, but once again become a force to be reckoned with. remain unaddressed. The Government had long argued None of that is possible without direct Government that EU rules prevented state aid for the steel sector. support. There have been many encouraging steps so Those rules no longer apply, and it is high time that the far, such as the re-establishment of the UK Steel Council, Government developed their own system to regulate the creation of the £250 million clean steel fund and the subsidies and support investment. commitment to founding two industrial clusters by the The public sector is British Steel’slargest single customer. mid-2020s. Very good, but I fear that we are failing to Tendering processes must consider the impact on domestic go far or fast enough in decarbonising the sector. jobs, as already seen in France and Germany. I see no Hydrogen-based steel making is already being piloted reason why this Government’sprocurement process cannot in at least 23 sites across Europe, so the UK risks being favour UK-produced steel, not least because it is the left far behind by our European neighbours. Whether it best in the world. is Scunthorpe or Port Talbot, these are the very communities With British Steel paying an average of 86% more for that the Government promised to level up, yet they will electricity than its competitors in Germany, action on be the ones that pay the price. damaging high energy costs is essential if the industry is The British steel industry faces a stark choice: decarbonise to hope to compete on an even footing. We must also or wither away. That is why I call on the Government to defend our industry from being overwhelmed by cheap heed the calls of the industry leaders and environmental foreign imports. It is deeply disappointing that the groups and begin trials of hydrogen steel without delay, Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate is arguing to with a view to fully decarbonising the sector by 2035, as slash safeguards on nine out of 19 product categories, recommended by the Climate Change Committee. That which runs the risk of cutting the industry off at the is an enormous challenge, but without that scale of knees. I urge the Secretary of State to reject its ambition, we cannot possibly hope to compete with our recommendations. international competitors. The steel industry can have a bright future if the This is not just about decarbonising steel. If we are Government engage with these issues and work with the going to revive this vital industry, the Government also industry to provide the support that it needs to grow need to take advantage of our departure from the EU’s and thrive. However belatedly, I really hope the Minister regulatory framework and ensure that the procurement will listen and that the Government will act to protect policy actively benefits British steelmakers. Over the our steel industry. next 10 years, an estimated 7.6 million tonnes of steel will be needed for public infrastructure projects. The 9.49 am Prime Minister must honour his promise and ensure Mick Whitley (Birkenhead) (Lab) [V] : It is a pleasure that British steelworkers are at the very front of the to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Graham. I thank queue. my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon (Stephen Kinnock) for securing this important debate, and I 9.52 am draw attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab) [V]: I congratulate British steel was once the envy of the world. From my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon (Stephen Newport to north Lanarkshire, steel making supported Kinnock) on securing this debate and on his excellent hundreds of thousands of jobs and inspired a fierce and analysis of the challenges facing the steel industry. He, well-earned pride in all involved. In January 1980, the the hon. Member for Scunthorpe (Holly Mumby-Croft) Thatcher Government provoked a strike at the British and my hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Sarah Steel Corporation—the first national strike in the industry Champion) referred to the problems of trade defence for more than 50 years—to break the union and pave measures,and that is what I will concentrate my remarks on. the way for privatisation and under-investment. We are Last month, the Trade Remedies Investigations paying the price for that today, as the future of the Directorate published a draft recommendation to withdraw industry hangs in the balance. Unable to compete on half of all trade remedies on steel. If that happens, the the international stage, the economic output of British consequences could be disastrous. During the Committee steel fell by a staggering 30% in 2016 alone, and last stage of the Trade Act 2021, I argued that there should year the Government’s brazen refusal to step in and be an independent body to make recommendations on save the Orb steelworks in Newport led to the historic trade remedies, which would also take into account site closing after 122 years in operation. domestic economic considerations, but the recent Now, the crisis at Liberty Steel threatens not only the recommendations by TRID show that the regulations livelihoods of the steelworkers themselves but those of that were set out in its mandate, which now also govern more than 3,000 workers in the wider supply chain. the newly established Trade Remedies Authority, are Some argue that the British steel industry is doomed to simply not fit for purpose. 371WH UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains9 JUNE 2021 UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains 372WH

Steel manufacturing is a critical national asset. Steel works there, or work in its supply chain—my father did. produced in Britain is used to make ships for the Royal To say it has been a difficult few years for the steelworkers Navy and wind turbines to meet our climate obligations. in Neath Port Talbot would be an understatement. The construction of a nuclear power station at Hinkley Competing in a global market, the absence of anti-dumping Point C is using Welsh steel, and 1.3 million tonnes of tariffs, the lifting of lesser duty rates and rising UK steel are required for the construction of High Speed 2. energy process have conspired to create uncertainty and The sector directly employs more than 30,000 people, fear. Over 2,000 local jobs have been lost since 2014. supports a further 41,100 jobs in high-value supply Steel and the steel industry are vital to Wales and its chains, makes a £2.8 billion direct contribution to economy. UK GDP and supports a further £3.6 billion in its The idea that the steel sector does not have a future is supply chains. Steel is a vital asset—we must protect it unthinkable, but our steelworkers are as robust as the in the national interest. However, in making its draft steel they make. They have bounced back from every recommendation, TRID failed to take into account the adversity so far—but the situation is about to get much reality of the steel supply chain. worse.The recent Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate The full spectrum of measures is designed to protect recommendations on the existing steel safeguards could the viability of steel as a whole, not just individual be catastrophic for the UK steel sector. Only 10 out production lines. Removing safeguards would mean of 19 product categories are recommended to have that the manufacture of steel sections, tubes, wire rods safeguards extended, leaving sites in Llanelli, Cardiff, and plates in the UK becomes unviable. It seems almost Gateshead, Sheffield and many more without the protection certain that the European Union will retain its section 232 to limit sudden increases in imports. The lifting of tariffs beyond 30 June, meaning that any global safeguards would open up UK markets to trade diversion overproduction of steel will likely flood the UK, crush and have a negative impact on the remaining measures. domestic supply and have potentially catastrophic The interconnected nature of UK steel means that a consequences for the industry and communities here in threat to one product category will have consequences Britain. for the others. That existential threat to the industry is a strong Steel imports increased by 25% between 2013 and argument for maintaining all existing trade defence 2017, before the original EU steel safeguards were measures for steel, but TRID, and now the TRA, is introduced. The current circumstances of global forced to prioritise the unimpeded functioning of a overcapacity and import restrictions in other countries global market because that is what it says in the regulations make it highly probable that steel imports will again which direct their decision making. The regulations do escalate should safeguards be removed. It is probable not envisage the maintenance of the safeguards that that the EU and the US will continue to provide safeguards domestic producers should be able to expect from their for their industries and place measures on UK steel Government—these take second place for our trade imports. It is astounding that the UK Government remedies body. Hence the recommendation by them for would provide open access to our steel market. The the removal of some safeguards. The economic tests market remains volatile and delicate during the continuing which TRID and the TRA must apply, according to pandemic, which has seen steel demand drop by 16% during their own regulations, do not provide the Secretary of 2020. The steel sector needs stability to recover and to State for International Trade with the ability to take adapt to a post-covid world. Safeguards are crucial to into account wider factors of strategic national interest provide stability. The steel sector will continue to face when deciding whether or not to reject a recommendation many challenges—decarbonisation, subsidy regulation from them. The Business Secretary said he was post Brexit, public sector procurement, energy price “committed to a strategic presence of steel in the UK.”—[Official disparity—but it is the removal of steel safeguards that Report, 25 May 2021; Vol. 696, c. 233.] poses the biggest existential challenge, given the The International Trade Secretary said that she will do interconnectivity across the sector. “whatever it takes to protect our steel industry.” This is the first major trading test for the UK in The two Secretaries of State must keep their promises post-Brexit times, and the UK Government must establish and allow the safeguards to remain beyond 30 June a fair trading environment for the UK steel industry while the weaknesses and trade remedies regulations are and our communities. In contrast, the Welsh Labour fixed—they promised to do this. Members on all sides Government have been standing up for steel, making an will work with the Government to support jobs and £8 million commitment to help secure a £30 million communities. The existential threat of lifting half of the power plant at Port Talbot; offering £17 million of safeguards means there may be just 21 days to save support for skills development; investing in energy efficiency; British steel. planning to reduce carbon emission; and offering research and development funding for new product development. 9.57 am At critical times, the Welsh Labour Government have provided direct financial support to sites right across Christina Rees (Neath) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: It is always a Wales, protecting our jobs and communities. pleasure to see you in the Chair,Sir Graham. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon (Stephen 10.2 am Kinnock) for securing this important debate. Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): Well done to Steel is a foundational sector across the UK and my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon (Stephen never more so than in Neath Port Talbot county borough. Kinnock) for securing this important debate. He is both Upon these strong foundations, economies and supply the Member for Port Talbot and our chair of the chains are created. Port Talbot’s steelworks reaches all all-party parliamentary group for steel and metal related the surrounding communities. Thousands of Neath industries. He gave an excellent analysis, setting out the constituents have worked there, know someone who issues yet again. 373WH UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains9 JUNE 2021 UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains 374WH

[Jessica Morden] The case for sourcing UK steel is overwhelming. Every 1,000 tonnes of UK steel used in a public project My hon. Friend mentioned that we have had 19 debates delivers 4.5 jobs in the steel industry, and 10 jobs when on steel in this House over recent years. I feel I have the supply chain is included. As others have said, in been there with him in many of those, making the same addition to the economic boost that that provides, there points over and over again. I do so because steel has are real environmental benefits from not importing steel always been at the very heart of the community that I from the EU or China respectively. represent, with many workers in both the steel industry Energy prices are a prevalent problem. Ministers may in Newport East and down the road in Port Talbot, and have grown tired of steel MPs banging the drum about in supply chains, making world-class automotive steel this over the years, but it remains critical for our industry. for BMW,Jaguar Land Rover and other projects at Tata The oft-quoted evidence s is stark: UK steel producers Llanwern. We also have the Celsa site in the constituency pay 86% more for electricity than their competitors in of my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff South and Germany and 62% more than is paid in France. That is Penarth (Stephen Doughty), which is one of the largest a £54-million-a-year cost burden to the UK steel sector producers of rebar; and Liberty, which produces hot and a huge competitive disadvantage. The targeted rolled coil for domestic and export markets for use in charging review led by Ofgem is set to make matters construction and is at the cutting edge of modern steel worse, as the review’s proposals would leave our producers technology. On that note, I know that we all want the paying 156% more in energy costs. Obviously, that future of all Liberty Steel businesses secured, including would be devastating. I urge Ministers to do what they Newport, and I know that hon. Members for steel can on that, too. constituencies will hold Liberty and the Government to As others have said, we need Ministers to work account and make sure that we uphold that commitment urgently to prevent the Trade Remedies Investigations to the workforce and our industry going forward. Directorate from slashing our steel safeguards in half. On behalf of that industry, those businesses, those The case was excellently argued by my hon. Friend the workers and the unions in my constituency, I say again Member for Sefton Central (Bill Esterson). The safeguards what steel MPs have been saying here for many years: are vital to providing a stable environment for the sector steel should be a cornerstone of a comprehensive, forward- and protecting against unprecedented import surges, looking industrial strategy in this country. It has an especially at a time when we are seeing significant absolutely pivotal role to play in our recovery from the global overcapacity in steel. pandemic. The economic value of the steel sector cannot I also specifically ask the Minister to look again at be overstated. The industry makes a £2.8 billion direct the issue of bonded warehouses, which effectively undercut contribution to GDP and supports a further £3.6 billion UK producers by waiving duty on cheap foreign imports. through its supply chains, while the average salary is My hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Nick around 36% higher than the regional average in steel Smith) has led on this issue, and both of us have written heartlands such as south Wales and Yorkshire. If the to Ministers to convey our concerns and the concerns of Government are really serious about levelling up across unions and management in Newport and in Tredegar at the UK, they should look to steel as a foundation to Liberty. Will the Minister here today look into the build on. matter? In his response to me at Business, Energy and Industrial As my hon. Friend has said, we saw the cost of doing Strategy questions last month, the Secretary of State nothing at the Orb works: we lost the only plant making said that the Government were electrical steels in the UK at a time when we are going to need electrical steels. The Government should have “committed to a strategic presence of steel in the UK.”—[Official Report, 25 May 2021; Vol. 696, c. 233.] stepped in then. Orb steelworkers knew what was at stake, and I was proud to stand alongside them and Although I welcome that assurance, it is now time that their unions in the fight to save steel jobs. the Government backed it up with meaningful action to As a country, we just cannot go on making huge support the industry. strategic mistakes when it comes to our steel and As others have said, we need a change of direction on manufacturing sectors. We need to utilise our steel procurement. The Community union, plus Unite, GMB assets and invest in our greatest strength, which is the and others—I pay tribute to them for all the work they indomitable, passionate and highly skilled steelworkers do on behalf of their members—have campaigned for we have. We need the industry to have a level playing decades for contracting authorities to effectively deploy field. We need to have the right backing to drive this social and environmental clauses in tendering processes forward. We ask again for the Government to step up, in order to support domestic jobs in industry, just as to address the issues raised again today and to come up they do in France and Germany, but little has changed with a viable long-term plan to protect our industry. in practical terms since 2016, when there were a few measures, and home-grown steel companies are continuing 10.9 am to miss out on important contracts, despite rhetoric from the Prime Minister about being at the front of the Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): It is a pleasure queue. The most recent Government data on how much to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Graham. Like steel is sourced in the UK includes only 160,000 tonnes, everyone else, I thank my hon. Friend the Member for which is somewhat less than the estimated 800,000 to Aberavon (Stephen Kinnock) for securing this very 900,000 tonnes of steel that their forward-looking pipeline important debate today. indicates is used by central Government each year. As This year marks the 125th year of production at my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon said, we need Shotton steelworks on Deeside, which is a remarkable a patriotic procurement policy. achievement. I hope and trust that we will see another 375WH UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains9 JUNE 2021 UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains 376WH

125 years. I doubt I will still be here to celebrate that, We cannot carry on as we are now. We need the but we all live in hope. Order books are good and Government to step up and to support our industry. It Shotton continues to produce high-quality value-added needs support now. products, which is a great credit to the workforce and the management of the plant, yet we only have to look Sir Graham Brady (in the Chair): For the guidance of at Shotton’s history to understand the highs and lows Members, I intend to call the first of the Front Benchers that the industry faces as a whole. In 1980, more than winding up the debate at 10.23 am. 6,500 jobs were lost on a single day— at the time, it was 10.14 am the largest redundancy at a single plant in the history of western Europe. Those jobs have never come back. The Ruth Jones (Newport West) (Lab): It is a pleasure to plant today is still efficient and profitable, but Shotton serve under your chairmanship, Sir Graham. I will start cannot function on its own—it relies on Port Talbot for my remarks as others have, by paying tribute to my hon. its steel—just as the industry cannot function as individual Friend the Member for Aberavon (Stephen Kinnock) plants. for calling this debate and for making such an important opening speech, in which he gave voice to many of the The UK steel industry has been in a fragile state for concerns felt by so many colleagues here. I thank him many years, seemingly lurching from one crisis to another. for that. We have a Government who talk about their support The fact that so many colleagues from across Wales for the industry going forward, but their actions—or, are speaking in this debate demonstrates the strength of rather, lack of action—tell a very different story. Only feeling that local people back home have when it comes when a plant or business is on the verge of collapse do to steel, the future of steel and the steel industry more they seem to show any interest in the steel industry, and generally. Like other colleagues, I am concerned about they lose interest again when the plant either is saved in the recent recommendation on steel safeguards from the short term or has collapsed. If steel is to have a the Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate—now future in the UK, we need a Government who recognise called the Trade Remedies Authority. I totally agree that that we have to have a long-term plan to support the it represents a potentially hugely damaging decision for industry. the UK’s steel sector. Let us not forget that that sector It is no good saying simply that steel needs to modernise provides jobs, fuels our country’s economic success and or decarbonise its business, or that somehow hydrogen showcases British skill, talent and expertise. will save the day at some point in the future. That will As has been mentioned by others, the Trade Remedies not happen if we do not support and maintain a viable Authority has recommended extending the UK safeguard business today. Hydrogen might well be the future, but measures on just 10 out of 19 product categories. That it is some way off and we cannot just use it as an excuse would, or at least could, open the UK’s markets to to do nothing now. That means addressing what many significant levels of trade diversion and undermine the other colleagues have mentioned—the ludicrous situation effectiveness of the measures that remain in place. where steel manufacturers here pay 62% more for electricity Divergence appears to be the rule of thumb from this than those in France, and 86% more than those in Government. I urge Ministers to remember the age-old Germany. That is not a new problem; it is something we adage: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. They would do well have been banging on about year in, year out, but—shock, to keep that in mind. horror!—nothing changes, nothing happens. All we are The United Kingdom has had steel safeguards since told by the Government is to take it up with Ofgem, but 2018 as a result of our then membership of the EU, and we all know the answer we will get. All Ofgem says is those protections were transitioned and carried over that there is nothing it can do. I would argue that into UK lawin January 2021. The measures were introduced Ofgem seems intent on making the situation worse, to limit further increases in imports because of a rather than better. How can we seriously expect the dysfunctional global trading environment for steel—namely, industry to invest in the future when it has both hands global overcapacity of steel, trade diversions resulting tied firmly behind its back? from the US introduction of steel tariffs, and the increased use of trade defence measures globally. It is clear that We were always told that nothing could be done and the Biden Administration, and indeed our friends and that, as with so many other things, it was all Europe’s neighbours in Europe, will probably retain those equivalent fault. The same public procurement argument was measures if the United Kingdom unilaterally removes constantly wheeled out, as a number of colleagues have or weakens its measures. That will open our market to said. Other European countries managed to do something, import surges as the sector recovers from the impact of but for some unknown reason we could not. Even that covid-19 and, crucially, at a time when our exports to excuse has gone now, however, and the UK Government the EU and US will still be subject to tariffs and quotas. need to step up to the plate. This is the first test for the UK as an independent The UK steel industry supplies only about 10% of trading nation, and is an opportunity to demonstrate public sector current requirements. That needs to increase that the UK will use its new-found trade policy dramatically. The Government need to work with the independence to provide a fair trading environment for industry to make that happen. The Prime Minister talks the UK steel industry. People in all parts of the United a lot about infrastructure projects, shovel-ready projects Kingdom will be looking to see if the promises made by post covid. I had the pleasure of speaking in the restoration the Tory Ministers are put into practice. and renewal debate the other day, and I said that this No steel industry in the world can manage the transition place should be the very starting point of using UK to net zero production without substantial Government steel. UK steel must be the centre of any recovery. It support, but a recent report by the Energy and Climate must be not an afterthought, but at the very heart of Intelligence Unit revealed that while 23 hydrogen steel such projects. projects are either planned or under way across Europe, 377WH UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains9 JUNE 2021 UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains 378WH

[Ruth Jones] world total. The UK was the eighth largest steel producer at that time. The differential and degree of reliance is none is currently in progress in the UK. Will the Minister clear, and this must be what we work to change. Our comment in her wind-up speech on whether she thinks great nation, which was once the industrial force of the that is a satisfactory state of affairs? world, must return to self-reliance. To do this, our Steel production has been largely lost from my Government—the Minister in particular—must invest constituency of Newport West, so I am here today to to enable us to produce our own steel. Government make sure we do not lose it from the constituency of my contracts must be at the top of this, bound to buy only hon. Friend the Member for Newport East (Jessica British steel. Earlier, the hon. Member for Aberavon Morden) and from other parts of Wales. I am also here referred to the Ministry of Defence contract for to stand up for my constituents who work in the steel Swedish steel to build ships. Why was it not our steel? production industry across south Wales. I am grateful That is the question that he asked, and it is a question I to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon for securing ask as well. the debate today and grateful to have had the opportunity We know that covid has a role to play in terms of once again to pay tribute to the steelworkers who keep shipping and raw materials, with shipping companies Britain’s steel industry thriving. This is an important raising prices massively. The cost of shipping a 40-foot debate and I am glad that steel is once more before container from Asia to northern Europe, for example, the House. soared from £1,061 in the summer of 2020 to more than £5,873 in May 2021. The increases are astronomical, 10.18 am even more than a third. It is a significant, and sometimes unbearable, factor. The questions must be asked: where Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I, too, thank the are the containers and is this price rise justifiable in the hon. Member for Aberavon (Stephen Kinnock) for long term? I do not believe it is, which is why I look to securing this debate. I remember his debate in the old the Minister and my Government to address this issue. I Westminster Hall—perhaps I should say we are in the put it to the Minister that in any strategy considered, new Westminster Hall. I supported him then and I am looking into the increase in shipping which is affecting back to support him again. The title of the debate is every product on the shelves and every product on the “UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains”, and I want to give construction sites must be a priority.I would be interested the Northern Ireland perspective. It is always a pleasure to gauge the Minister’s opinion on what the Government to follow the hon. Member for Newport West (Ruth is doing to tackle the cost, which is putting small Jones). I thank her and the hon. Member for Newport businesses into bother at a time when we must be East (Jessica Morden) for their contributions. Newport rebuilding. West and Newport East are well represented here today. One builder said to me, The issue is of great interest to me because, over the past month to six weeks, the supply chains and the “How can we rebuild after covid, Jim, when I literally can’t construction sector in particular have been an issue for afford the rebuilding materials— what happens to my team members whilst I renegotiate contracts with developers to cover my constituency of Strangford. I have lived in the Ards the astronomical price rises?” peninsula for a long time, and many of the companies there are small and medium-sized businesses. Those These costs are going to hit the construction sector. companies employ people locally and are very important These false prices will have to fall, and there will be to the local economy. The supply chain of steel has some crash when they do. House prices in my constituency become critical for them. Others have referred to the have risen by 20%. We are seeing at first hand the cost of high price of materials, and steel has been mentioned to relying on others when once we had the finest steel me by two companies that contract to build homes. industry in the world. We can, and indeed must, return They price for £150 per square foot of finished steel, but to this, providing jobs and a quality product. It is time are now looking at an increase of a third, up to £200 per for the Government to once again put steel into our square foot. This will cripple the construction industry, backbone and to back our own right here in the great undoubtedly having an impact not only upon the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland— construction sector and those small and medium-sized better together. businesses in my constituency, but on jobs, so it is very important. 10.23 am In 2020, the UK steel sector contributed £2 billion in Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP): It gross value added to the UK economy, equivalent to is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Graham. 0.1% of total UK economic output and 1.2% of My congratulations to the hon. Member for Aberavon manufacturing output. There are some 1,100 businesses (Stephen Kinnock) on securing this important and timely in the UK steel industry, and the industry supported debate. 33,400 jobs in the UK in 2019—0.1% of all the jobs in I was first elected to this place in 2015 and have since that sector, which is quite substantial. On top of that, lost track of the number of debates I have taken part in there all the other construction sectors which are tied and the questions I have asked regarding the UK and into it. The construction companies told me that it was Scottish steel industry on behalf of the Scottish National not just the price of steel, but the prices of wood of party. In the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency, we piping that were an issue for them. However, steel is produced steel. Motherwell was known as Steelopolis critical for the strategy going forward, especially as we and Motherwell FC is nicknamed The Steelmen, but all come out of the coronavirus pandemic. that is left is the Dalziel works,which rolls steel. Ravenscraig, In 2019, the UK produced 7 million tonnes of steel, our integrated steel mill, was closed in 1992 as part of whereas China produced 996 million tonnes, and the the deindustrialisation of Scotland under the Tory EU produced some 157 million tonnes—8% of the Government led by Maggie Thatcher. Now this Tory 379WH UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains9 JUNE 2021 UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains 380WH

Government are determined to see steel production Scottish Enterprise supported Liberty’s acquisition; the suffer all over the UK as a consequence of a Brexit deal UK Government must support UK steel industries that Scotland did not vote for. across the board. At the end of 2020, the UK transitioned the EU steel Scottish Enterprise recognises the challenging safeguards retaining vital protection against trade diversion environment for businesses in Scotland right now and and import surges for 19 different steel products produced the significant economic benefit Liberty Steel brings in in the UK. The preliminary decision by the Department jobs, the supply chain and future safeguarding of Scotland’s for International Trade is to remove a large number of steel industry. The Scottish Government work hard to safeguards designed to protect domestic producers from protect jobs and promote Scotland as a place to do a flood of cheap imports. According to UK Steel, that business. Indeed, Scotland has bucked the trend and the “needs to be urgently rethought.” amount of foreign direct investment in Scotland is growing as international investors increasingly see Scotland The Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate as a welcoming place in which to invest. An EY survey recommended extending the measures on 10 categories of 570 international business decision makers found of imports for three years from next month. It also 15% ranked Scotland as the most attractive part of the suggested that measures on nine categories be revoked. UK in which to establish operations, behind London, These plans are being described by UK Steel as “a but with a huge shift in the past two years. London’s hammer blow” that risks damaging the sector long vote as most attractive region had almost halved since term. That is exactly what they are. UK Steel has also 2019, while Scotland’s had more than doubled. That is said that the UK would become what happens when a Government believe in their people, “a magnet for huge volumes of steel imports…It is beyond not just their friends and cronies. worrying to consider the damage this could do to the UK steel Following the initial decision on safeguards,the Secretary sector and its long-term viability.” of State for International Trade must decide whether to The main union of steelworkers, Community, has said: accept or reject the measures by the end of June. A “This is the first test of the Government’s commitment to our rejection can only be made on the grounds that the steel industry post-Brexit and they’re failing it.” Government believe the recommendation is not in the UK Steel said the removal of the protections will economic or public interests of the UK. A rejection have an adverse impact on the manufacture of steel would mean that the entirety of the safeguards would across the UK, as attested to by hon. Members representing expire. Removing safeguards may see UK steel consumers steel-producing constituencies across England and—it receive some modest price reduction in the short term, has to be said—mainly in Wales. The original safeguarding but that will not last. This Tory Government must measures were designed to protect the viability of an understand what is at stake. They must continue safeguards entire industry, not individual production lines. and actively support steelmaking in the UK, or they risk the UK being unable to supply its most basic steel The Scottish National party is clear that the UK needs in the future. Government must extend steel safeguards beyond their current June 2021 expiry date. If the UK Conservative 10.30 am Government unilaterally remove the measures, they will open our market to import surges as the sector recovers Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): from covid-19 and, crucially, at a time when our exports It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Graham. to the EU and US will still be subject to tariffs and May I begin by thanking my hon. Friend the Member quotas. for Aberavon (Stephen Kinnock) for securing this important debate and for his powerful opening speech on the If the UK is serious about global Britain, it must future of this vital foundation industry,which is important remove the £54 million extra in energy costs that UK to our history and our economy? I congratulate him companies pay compared with companies in Germany. and colleagues across the House on their work through Over the past five years, that has cost the UK steel the all-party parliamentary group for steel and metal sector £254 million or 130% of annual capital investment. related industries. Consistently higher UK electricity prices increase production costs, reduce available capital and deter I also congratulate all hon. Members who have spoken inward investment. powerfully in the debate, including my hon. Friends the Members for Neath (Christina Rees), for Birkenhead It is time for the UK Government to put forward a (Mick Whitley), for Newport West (Ruth Jones), for bold programme of support for the sector to level the Newport East (Jessica Morden), for Rotherham (Sarah playing field, as the all-party parliamentary group for Champion)—particularly on working with Liberty Steel steel and metal related industries has been continually on the sale of the Stocksbridge and Brinsworth plants—and calling for. Time and again, UK Tory Governments for Alyn and Deeside (Mark Tami), as well as the have failed to understand manufacturing. They talk hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) and the about plans that they do not follow through; they do hon. Member for Motherwell and Wishaw (Marion not even seem to realise that their vision of global Fellows), who made a powerful speech. Britain will never become a reality if we let down a UK steel is at a turning point. A lack of strategic foundation industry such as steel over and over again. focus from successive Conservative Governments has Scottish Government action in supporting GFG’s inevitably resulted in reduced resilience against external steel and smelter operations shows commitment to those shocks and fierce international competition. Our shared sectors in Scotland. The Scottish Government helped goal must be a sustainable future for UK steel and its Liberty Steel reopen Dalzell in my constituency and supply chains, and we need the Government leadership direct job numbers have recovered. In Lochaber, direct that that demands. Steelmaking must decarbonise, and jobs have been saved. The Scottish Government and the long-term future of the industry is in supporting 381WH UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains9 JUNE 2021 UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains 382WH

[Seema Malhotra] make those intentions public at the earliest opportunity to provide the UK steel industry with the certainty that green jobs at the core of low-carbon economy.Steelmaking it badly needs. is a highly-skilled industry and a national asset, and it We urgently need a truly ambitious vision for the has a clear opportunity for continued growth, with sector that puts the UK at the cutting edge of green procurement policies that could also help to increase steel-making technology, and we need a plan to go with the contribution of UK steel to UK manufacturing, it. We need to see better progress on the industrial products and infrastructure. decarbonisation strategy and the acceleration of the Currently, 60% of steels are imported, and there is no clean steel fund. That £250 million fund was announced assessment of the carbon footprint of those imports. in 2019, but the spend from it is not set to start until Across the UK, there are around 1,100 businesses in 2023. I would be grateful for clarity from the Minister steel and around 75,000 jobs, whether directly supported about why there is a delay. or in the supply chain. Those jobs are at the centre of The UK seeks to decarbonise by 2050, but blast-furnace our economies. In my speech, I will say a few words investments operate on a 20 to 25-year timescale, so we about supporting our steel industry today, about the need a clean steel innovation programme now. As the need for a vision and plan for the future, and about Materials Processing Institute highlights, delaying until ensuring a fair and just transition. 2024 shows a lack of co-ordination between the The Labour party and the UK steel industry have Government’s timetable and the reality of the industry’s been united in rejecting the recent draft recommendations investment cycles. of the Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate to Although we accept that it is necessary that UK steel remove almost half the safeguard measures currently continues using coking coal for the next decade until protecting UK steel producers from the surges in imports technology is in place to provide for decarbonised steel, that threaten the sector. We hope that the Trade Remedies with the right strategy,investment in renewable technologies Authority will listen to the reasoned explanations as to can create three times as many jobs as those in fossil fuel why all current safeguards must stay in place beyond industries—jobs that are long term, highly skilled and their June expiry date, not least in the light of the other high wage. Hydrogen could also play a huge part. Trials huge pressures faced by the industry at this difficult of direct reduced iron technology are already happening time. in Germany, Sweden and China. The Government should UK Steel’s criticisms of those recommendations have act quickly to prevent the UK from being left behind highlighted a failure to recognise the interconnectedness with this technology too. of the steel industry. One part of the supply chain As the price of energy hinders progress, we need a cannot be damaged without damaging the industry as a clear industrial plan. We have heard how the gap between whole. As an example, Celsa Steel UK has 28 product German and UK electricity prices is placing an extra categories, with much interconnection between them, £54 million a year additional cost on the UK steel but 10 of those have been affected by the revocation of sector. As the sector seeks to decarbonise, the price safeguards, while 18 have not—a situation that is disparity is a major barrier to transitioning. All low-carbon inexplicable to Celsa and others. UK Steel has put options available are much more energy intensive. The together significant evidence to challenge the data used Government have always said that the EU is a barrier to by TRID in producing its recommendations. I would be action. Now that we have left, they must take decisive grateful for the Minister’s assessment of that industry action to address that price disparity. evidence. We also need a plan for capital investment for future The process has exposed a worrying gap in Ministers’ productivity.Plants that I have visited have demonstrated ability to act in the national interest, and has illustrated that they have a set of clear transformation business the flaws that the Labour party warned about during plans ready, with detailed assessments of returns on the process to establish the UK’s post-Brexit trade investment and alignments of goals with national priorities. remedies regime. We also warned about the lack of In the short term, the challenge of working capital also representation of UK producers in unions such as remains. Viable businesses with multi-year order books, Unite and Community,and the risk that it would exacerbate such as Stocksbridge, need urgent support to be able to those failings. Worryingly, the current legislation does purchase the supplies they need and get the products not allow the Secretary of State to retain existing safeguards that are demanded by their customers into production or introduce new ones against the advice of the Trade now. Remedies Authority, even if to do so would be Priorities for a fair and responsible transition to overwhelmingly in the public interest. low-carbon steel making must include long-term planning, The fate of large parts of the steel industry and of as the Centre for Sustainable Work and Employment thousands of jobs currently lies in the hands not of Futures, Community union and Prospect have begun to elected representatives, but of an unelected body that outline. Protecting jobs and steel communities also means cannot be overruled. Even if the TRA reverses the that transition must seek to retain our capabilities and original recommendations this month, we cannot find high skills, include retraining and avoid hard redundancies. ourselves in this position again. We are therefore willing Our manufacturing renaissance, infrastructure and to work constructively on a cross-party basis to amend green economic recovery depend on steel. In 2015, the the trade remedies legislation to allow for a wider range Business, Innovation and Skills Committee argued that of public interest tests to be applied in these decisions. the relative decline of UK steel production was partly In the interim, we call on the Government to do everything down to the fact that other European countries have necessary and permissible within the law to extend all better valued their domestic steel industry. That has to the current steel safeguards. The Minister must also change. Labour is determined to safeguard the UK’s 383WH UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains9 JUNE 2021 UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains 384WH steel industry, and with industry operating on the basis The hon. Member for Newport East (Jessica Morden) of lengthy investment cycles, the future of industry is raised the topic of bonded warehouses. The Secretary dependent on investment now to support our green of State has agreed to meet the management teams at transition. We need a strong steel industry fit for the Liberty Newport and Tredegar. As referred to by the 21st century that can compete on a level playing field, hon. Member for Aberavon, the covid-19 pandemic has with the capability to make a full range of steels over clearly had a disruptive impact on the steel sector. the long term. Recent supply shortages of steel have temporarily increased The Government have said that they are committed its price. However, that is unlikely to be sustained as the to supporting and securing a future for UK steel, but markets readjust. recent events do not back that up. It is vital that the Although the economic context is challenging, hon. Government do more now to bring forward a long-term Members should be in no doubt that the Government plan to support our proud British steel sector and the are committed to the UK steel industry, as the Secretary UK manufacturers that are their customers. We must of State has reaffirmed on numerous occasions, and to secure this industry in our national interest, to protect a sustainable future, supporting local economic growth jobs, livelihoods and our economy. and our levelling-up agenda. Tothat end, our unprecedented package of covid-19 support is still available to the 10.39 am sector, to protect jobs and ensure that producers have The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, the right support during this challenging time. Energy and Industrial Strategy (Amanda Solloway): It is Beyond covid, the hon. Member for Aberavon mentioned a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, the Industrial Strategy Council. The Secretary of State Sir Graham. I thank the hon. Member for Aberavon for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the (Stephen Kinnock) for securing the debate and giving Chancellor have outlined how we are taking forward its us the opportunity to discuss this incredibly important best elements in the plan for growth. I can reassure the topic. It is encouraging to see so many hon. Friends and hon. Gentleman and other hon. Members that the hon. Members participating. I am delighted to see the Government are working closely with industry and passion demonstrated by everyone this morning. That is trade unions to understand how together we can create a true reflection of the role that the steel sector plays in a sustainable steel sector in the UK. On 19 May, the communities, and its importance as a foundation industry Secretary of State co-chaired the second meeting of the in the national economy. UK Steel Council, which he reconvened in March this Although ministerial colleagues and I are consistent year. The council provides a forum for Government, and passionate advocates for the steel industry—hon. industry and the unions to work in partnership, to Members will know that I have a background in develop a plan to support the sector’s transition to a manufacturing—the topic of the debate is not within competitive, sustainable and low-carbon future. my policy portfolio. Should I fail to answer specific questions, I will ensure that they are responded to in The second meeting of the joint industry and BEIS writing by relevant Ministers or officials. steel procurement taskforce was held yesterday afternoon. That was first launched in March and is chaired by I thank the hon. Member for Aberavon for high- Lord Grimstone. It explores what Government and lighting safeguard measures. Hon. Members might be industry can do to address the challenges the sector has aware that the Trade Remedies Authority will make a reported when competing for and securing public contracts. recommendation on whether to extend or revoke the I would like to reassure the hon. Member for Rotherham UK’s steel safeguard measures that are due to expire (Sarah Champion) that work is continuing to develop on 30 June 2021. The TRA is an independent body on the subsidy control regime. and the recommendation will be based on evidence, following consultation with interested parties from the Hon. Members, including the hon. Member for steel sector. Birkenhead (Mick Whitley), have rightly focused on As mentioned, the Secretary of State for International climate change, with welcome passion. In addition to Trade can accept or reject the recommendation but not our continuing close engagement with the sector, I can modify or partially accept it. She cannot extend the reassure the hon. Member for Newport West (Ruth measures if the TRA does not recommend that. If the Jones) that we are taking action across a broad range of Secretary of State rejects the recommendation, then all policy areas, including decarbonisation, energy prices, the measures will expire. As my hon. Friend the Member international trade and procurement. These actions aim for Scunthorpe (Holly Mumby-Croft) highlighted, my to boost the sector’s competitiveness in the short term Department is working closely with the Department for and to support long-term investment and transformational International Trade on the issue. change that will increase efficiency while aligning with our goal of a net zero economy by 2050. The hon. Member for Sefton Central (Bill Esterson) spoke of the regulations governing the TRA. The Secretary To reach our ambitious net zero target, we will need of State for International Trade has spoken about her the UK steel sector to decarbonise. Our new industrial plans to review whether the UK’strade remedies framework decarbonisation strategy sets out for the first time the should be strengthened. I fully recognise that the global Government’scomprehensive assessment of how industry, economic conditions continue to be challenging for the including the steel sector, can decarbonise in line with steel industry. Global overcapacity in the sector is a net zero in a way that supports both competitiveness significant issue, and was estimated at 625 million tonnes and clean growth. The strategy includes a commitment in 2020 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation to work with the UK Steel Council to examine the and Development. The excess in capacity produced implications of the Climate Change Committee’s globally depresses prices and harms UK steel producers’ recommendation to set targets for ore-based steelmaking profitability. to reach near zero emissions by 2035. 385WH UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains9 JUNE 2021 UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains 386WH

[Amanda Solloway] Jim Shannon: It is important that we have steel for offshore wind power and so on, but it is also important In 2019, we announced a £250 million clean steel that we have steel available at competitive prices for the fund to support the sector to transition to low-carbon construction sector. What can the Minister do to assure iron and steel production through the new technologies me on that? and processes, which could potentially include supporting hydrogen-based steelmaking. Other recent and ongoing Amanda Solloway: I will, of course, pass on the hon. work to support the sector includes the £350 million Gentleman’s question. industrial energy transformation fund, which aims to I will move on to Liberty Steel. The hon. Member for support businesses with high energy use to cut their bills Newport East rightly highlighted its importance to and reduce carbon emissions. As part of the industrial many Members and their constituents, and its recent strategy challenge fund, we are also providing up to financial difficulties, which were also raised by the hon. £66 million to help the key foundation industries, such Member for Rotherham. As the Secretary of State as steel, develop innovative technology to reduce energy reaffirmed to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and resource use. Committee in an oral evidence session, we continue to The hon. Member for Birkenhead made an important monitor the situation closely and engage with the company, point about technology. Science and innovation have trade unions, local MPs and the wider steel industry. been made a priority by the UK Government, in recognition Liberty is important. of the strong economic benefits of public investment in Seema Malhotra: Does the Minister appreciate that science and innovation and the capacity to leverage there is a need to work to support plants that are private investment. That is why we will increase R&D viable—such as Stocksbridge and Brinsworth, which investment to £22 billion per year by 2024-25. We plan purchase their supplies from Rotherham—and provide to establish a net zero hydrogen fund, with £240 million the working capital that is needed for orders that are of capital co-investment until 2024-25. That will support there and products that are there to be made? at-scale hydrogen production projects, allowing steel producers the potential to access suppliers of low-cost Amanda Solloway: I thank the hon. Member for her hydrogen. contribution. Again, I will pass that on, with the passion As we support the UK steel industry’s decarbonisation, that she has shown, to the relevant places. we must do so in a way that enables us to compete I return to Liberty Steel. We continue to monitor the globally and across Europe. Several hon. Members have situation closely and to engage with the company, trade raised the issue of industrial energy prices. We of course unions, local MPs and the wider steel industry. Liberty recognise that they are currently higher in the United is an important supplier of steel and provides highly Kingdom than in other competitive economies. skilled jobs. The Government believe that Liberty sites The hon. Member for Newport East mentioned the can be viable and we remain hopeful that the commercial Ofgem targeted charging review. As she will know, issues can be resolved to ensure future success. network charging is a matter for Ofgem as the independent It is, however, first and foremost the company’s regulator, and decisions on its targeted charging review responsibility to manage commercial decisions for the are for it to make. However, the Government continue future of the organisation, and we welcome the dedicated to engage with Ofgem in order to inform our understanding efforts being made by Liberty to find solutions. I hope of the reforms’ policy implications. We have provided that I have reassured hon. Members, who have displayed more than £500 million in relief to the steel sector since sincere empathy for our steel sector today, that the 2013, in order to make electricity costs more competitive. Government are working tirelessly with the industry to Finally, I turn to procurement and supply chains. I secure its future through difficult times. welcome the point made by my hon. Friend the Member Focusing specifically on Tata Steel—I know that that for Scunthorpe. We are working hard to ensure that UK is of great interest to the hon. Member for Aberavon, steel producers have the best possible chance of competing and I have saved discussion of it for my summing up—I for, and winning, contracts across Government projects. can assure Members that the Government will continue I previously mentioned the steel procurement taskforce, to work closely with the company and the unions as but I can also assure the hon. Member for Rotherham they shape the business strategy to support the future of that the Government have recently consulted on an high-quality steelmaking in Port Talbot. ambitious package of major procurement reforms, with the aim of creating a simpler and more flexible regime I have set out a wide range of actions that demonstrate that works much better for British businesses, including that the Government fully understand the vital role that our steel businesses. steel plays for communities, for our economy and as a The Government are also working the with industry foundation supplier for our manufacturing base. UK to ensure that Departments and other sector organisations industry will continue to need high-quality steel, and follow guidance to account for social and environmental British steel is among the best steel in the world. As we benefits when buying steel. That includes publishing level up our country, we are actively considering where details of upcoming national public infrastructure projects there is scope to go further to support our steel industry. every year, so that steel businesses can plan for future We are committed to sustainable decarbonisation, demand. decarbonising a globally competitive future steel industry The steel pipeline shows how the Government plan to in the United Kingdom, and I look forward to working procure 7.6 million tonnes of steel over the next decade with Members towards achieving that goal. for infrastructure projects such as the expansion of the offshore wind infrastructure, the construction of Hinkley 10.52 am Point C, as has been mentioned, and the maintenance Stephen Kinnock: I thank all hon. Members present and upgrading of the UK’s motorway network. for a really constructive and useful debate. 387WH UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains 9 JUNE 2021 388WH

I thank the Minister for her response, but there is a House Building Targets: North chasm between the rhetoric that the Government are East Bedfordshire deploying and the tangible actions that we need to see. Safeguards are now of the utmost urgency, but we are in an absurd situation whereby the Secretary of State for 11 am International Trade is not being given the option of Richard Fuller (North East Bedfordshire) (Con): I modifying the recommendations that we have discussed; beg to move, it is simply, “Take it or leave it”. If the decision is to That this House has considered the effect of housebuilding reject the recommendations in their entirety, all the targets in North East Bedfordshire constituency. safeguards will fall. That would lead to a massive import I am delighted to serve under your chairmanship, surge, which could be crippling for our industry. I urge Sir Graham; it is a particular pleasure. I am grateful to the Minister to go back to the Department for International the Speaker for granting this debate at this time, because Trade with the greatest urgency. The recommendations it enables me to engage directly with the Minister on the appear to be based on a fundamental misunderstanding existing impact of high levels of house building in my about how the steel industry actually works, as the hon. constituency ahead of his finalisation, with the Secretary Member for Scunthorpe (Holly Mumby-Croft) so of State, of the forthcoming planning Bill. eloquently set out. I place on the record my thanks to the Minister for On procurement, we need concrete actions. We need his willingness to meet me on multiple occasions—I targets for how much of the steel in public infrastructure have lost count—to discuss the particular effects on my projects should be British steel, and we need clear constituency of development from a wide variety of supply chain plans so that procurers are obliged to set sources: the construction of East West Rail; the creation out precisely how they will maximise the input of British of development corporations; the 2017 Oxford-Cambridge steel. We have been calling for this for years, and we arc proposals—highly questionable, in my mind— need to see specific actions. from the National Infrastructure Commission; road On price disparity, we should be looking at the French- improvements, including on the A1 at Black Cat German model for network cost reductions, increasing roundabout; and the processes of the local plans for the renewable levy exemptions and providing exemptions Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough from capacity market costs. Again, those are all things Council. The Minister has always been open to discussions, that we have been calling for over several years. and I am grateful for that. Finally, on the green transition, a recent report by a In this short debate, I will cover the Conservative think-tank, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, party manifesto commitment to “infrastructure first”; showed that there are 23 hydrogen steel projects happening the Department’s view on housing consequences from across the European Union, but absolutely none in this East West Rail and other transport decisions; environmental country. It feels as though we could be behind the curve impacts of particular concern in areas where local in that regard. Politics is about choices, and I urge the authorities are having to meet housing growth targets Government to make choices that actually favour our that are well above average; and some critical requests British steel industry. for consideration by the Minister in the forthcoming Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 10(6)). planning Bill. Let me let me start with some context. My constituency 10.55 am is already recording housing growth at roughly three Sitting suspended. times the average of the constituencies of all Members of this House. The National House Building Council provides some statistics: in 2018, North East Bedfordshire’s figure for new homes registered was 2.2 times the national average, in 2019 it was 2.9 times the average and last year it was 3.5 times the average. We anticipate that that rate will continue to increase in relative terms. Moreover, the Office for National Statistics states that in terms of absolute population growth, in the decade to 2026 the local authority of Central Bedfordshire, which covers part of my constituency, ranks second only to Leicester of all local authorities outside London. The population of North East Bedfordshire is already growing fast, and that rate of growth is getting faster. The absolute growth in population will be one of the highest in the country. The effects of this house building are already having an impact on the availability of local services. Difficulties in accessing GP services are already being felt across my constituency: from Arlesey and Stotfold to Biggleswade and Sandy to Harrold and to Sharnbrook, residents have contacted me to say how increasingly difficult it is to access GP services. This is not to do with covid; it is directly to do with population growth. A House of Commons report on changes in the numbers of GPs, trainees and locums for clinical commissioning groups across the country records a 6% decrease in the number 389WH House Building Targets: North 9 JUNE 2021 House Building Targets: North 390WH East Bedfordshire East Bedfordshire [Richard Fuller] and the Department need to take action to move forward those considerations right to the start of the planning of qualified permanent GPs for the Bedfordshire, Luton process. and Milton Keynes CCG since 2019. In that CCG, which covers my constituency, there were 2,112 patients A key part of the National Infrastructure Commission per full-time equivalent GP as of December 2019, compared report was the creation of the east-west railway, linking with 1,722 in England as a whole. There is already a Oxford to Cambridge and to points beyond them on disparity in access to GP services, which is only likely to both sides. This project is well under way, but the grow, given the growth in housing numbers. process has created concerns and confusion for many of my residents. I do not want to draw the Minister into The Minister and I—and indeed you, Sir Graham— transport-related matters, but can he advise me on a stood on a manifesto commitment of “infrastructure couple of points? first”, pledging that we would ensure that new roads and services were in place before people moved into new First, in the discussions with local authorities about homes. Does the Minister acknowledge that securing the East West Rail project, were any considerations of access to GPs and school places is a crucial principle of consequential requirements for additional housing ever our “infrastructure first” pledge? Will he commit to an made by his Department or by the Department for urgent review, with his colleagues in the Department of Transport? If so, what were those additional requirements? Health and Social Care and in the Department for Secondly, the Minister may be aware that, in part at the Education, to assess the current and projected requirements request of the leadership of Bedford Borough Council, for my constituency and plans for improvements? the east-west railway is now planned to go via the town centre and then north across my constituency. That was Let me turn to other aspects of infrastructure: roads a considerable surprise for many of my residents, partly and railways, of which my constituency has many, in because Bedford Borough Council’s recommendation part thanks to a 2017 National Infrastructure Commission was put into the consultation without the Mayor or the report entitled “Partnering for Prosperity,” which was leadership letting the councillors know that. They did chaired by Lord Adonis. The report stated, with reference not even have a vote on whether to put it into the to the area between Oxford and Cambridge: consultation. It was a surprise, because people saw that “Without swift and determined action to overcome the area’s route and thought it was longer, more costly and hillier housing crisis, it will fall behind its international competitors and than alternatives. fail to attract and retain the talent and skills it needs.” I am agnostic on what the route decision should be, I will not question that, although I feel that it was a bit but I am not agnostic on the facts that underpin decisions tendentious in its expectation. This technocratic report when they are made. As we know, with very large went on to state: infrastructure decisions, it is important that local “If the arc is to maximise its economic potential, current rates communities understand and see that the process is of house building will need to double—delivering up to one transparent, and understand and see the data underlying million new homes by 2050.” any decision. However, the target of 1 million homes was wrong. It Given that surprise, will the Minister advise me—not was wrong then, and it is wrong now. The target included on transport matters, but specifically on housing ones— an allocation of overspill of 230,000 or more from whether that particular route decision to go through the London. It was based not on the fulfilment of the town amended any expectation of consequential housing projections, but on the over-fulfilment of the highest growth over any other route options? He may not have projection of growth for the area. In short, it was a answers to my two questions today, but if he would number plucked out of thin air by Lord Adonis, to get a commit to writing to me about them, I will be very PR-ready headline,but it bears only a tangential relationship grateful. to reality. Yet this “one million new homes” figure remains a potential threat to the already successful As I mentioned, my constituency has multiple changes plans for housing growth in my local authorities of planned or in progress, yet I am advised by local authorities Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough Council. that the level of co-ordination between Departments—over Can the Minister reassure me that this fantasy figure of changes in water routes, railways, roads and other 1 million new homes in the OxCam arc no longer plays utilities—is extremely poor.That causes greater uncertainty a role in housing targets for the area? in the preparation of local plans and greater disruption for residents. Will the Minister pay particular regard to From my discussions with CPRE and local improving such co-ordination in his forthcoming planning environmental groups in Bedfordshire, I know there are Bill? Furthermore, I encourage him in his efforts to considerable concerns that the rate of growth of housing reform CIL, the community infrastructure levy, as part means that biodiversity and access to green spaces are of the effort to give local authorities the resources they threatened. Does the Minister recognise that these frequently need to fund required infrastructure. heard concerns, which I know concern him as well, are even more important in areas of considerable housing The planning Bill offers a positive vision to enable growth? Will he commit to requiring developments in housing developments to proceed more effectively and Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough Council with more, not less, local community involvement. Does local authority areas to embed environmental considerations the Minister agree that any future changes in planning from the very start of the planning process, rather than regulations should include, and indeed enhance, the making them considerations somewhat later down the involvement of local people in shaping and protecting track? I believe we need to prioritise access to our their communities? Does he share my desire that the voice environment for residents where housing development of local residents, easier access to proposed developments is considerably above the national average. The Minister in their areas, the empowering of neighbourhood plans 391WH House Building Targets: North 9 JUNE 2021 House Building Targets: North 392WH East Bedfordshire East Bedfordshire to have real teeth, promotion of micro-scale developments, 30 years—but we have an unwavering commitment to encouragement of more smaller local builders and the build more and, by the middle of this decade, to deliver closing of loopholes for creeping developers to exploit at least 300,000 new homes each year, to ensure that we should be clear objectives of his plan and his Bill? address the housing challenge. From discussions with town and parish councillors, Wehave already brought forward a number of proposals in Potton, Upper Caldecott, Everton and Harrold in with the planning White Paper to improve housing particular, I know that those are aspects of reform that supply—changes to permitted development rights, for are crucial to them. Reassurance of the power of democratic example, and changes to use class orders, which make involvement in the planning of local communities is for a more flexible and responsive system and which particularly important to North East Bedfordshire given will allow for the more gentle densification of urban the scale of change. Will the Minister also advise me and suburban areas, meaning that the weight can thereby what his Department sees as the respective roles of the be taken off some of the greener spaces that we all want spatial framework, development corporations and local to protect and enjoy. authorities in setting and meeting housing targets in my We have a bold and ambitious vision for the future of constituency? planning and house building in our country, much of Finally, I have some further points on the planning which was set out in the White Paper. We will bring Bill. Given the market failure in house building, greater forward the planning Bill in this Session of Parliament, recognition of the social contract is needed in fulfilling which will make the planning process clearer, more the country’s ambitions of making home ownership accessible and more certain for all users, improving the more accessible. The Local Government Association quality, quantity and speed of home building. states that there is already planning permission for Engagement, as my hon. Friend said, is absolutely more than 1.1 million homes. Currently, there are no crucial. It is not just about building more homes; it is real penalties for failure to build when permission is also about engaging more people, and I will say a little granted. That free ride should end, with existing approvals bit more about that later in my remarks. We must ensure given a “build by” sunset clause on planning rights and that the right homes are delivered in the right places for all new permissions issued with a build and council tax communities across our country and that new development schedule. brings with it the schools, hospitals, GP surgeries and Without such action, the ability of local authorities transport links that local communities need and that to fulfil their part of the social contract—from the my hon. Friend champions, while at the same time national Government’s objective to the local plans for protecting our unmatchable natural environment. housing, the neighbourhood and parish council’s control My hon. Friend made a few remarks about local over what happens in their communities and builders housing need. Let me just say in context that the local building what the country demands and requires of housing need numbers for his constituency remain those them—will be fundamentally undermined. I hope that that we posited back in 2018. They have not changed as the Minister will bear those particular concerns of a result of the consultation we undertook last year. I North East Bedfordshire in mind. also remind him that the standard method for local The value of the debate for me has been in being able housing need calculation does not set a target; it is to demonstrate to the Minister that in one of the simply a starting point in the process of planning for constituencies in the country that is facing some of the new homes. Local authorities will still need to consider most considerable change—potential and current, of any constraints that they face locally to assess how which house building is a crucial part—his Department many homes can be built in their area, as opposed and his ambitions for the planning Bill can have real to how many the local housing need calculation may impact and real contact. I hope that he will take away suggest. I point him to my “Dear colleague”letter—from some of the points that I have made as he finalises his memory, I think it was on 18 December last year—which preparations for the planning Bill. makes that very clear. I congratulate him on the work that his own council is doing in making sure that homes 11.14 am are built. The Minister for Housing (Christopher Pincher): It is The “Planning for the future” White Paper, which we a great pleasure, as ever,to serve under your chairmanship, published last year, sets out our vision for the planning Sir Graham, and a great pleasure to reply to the debate system. Wehad some 44,000 responses to the consultation, secured by my hon. Friend the Member for North East which was a very substantial amount of interest. We are Bedfordshire (Richard Fuller), who is a doughty champion working our way through them and consulting stakeholders for his constituents. I am grateful to him for his kind big and small, as well as colleagues in the House, to words. He is right; we will always continue to engage in ensure that we fully understand the feedback and that dialogue to make sure that we get planning reforms we represent and reflect it as best we can. We want to right, particularly for his constituency. I think I am get this right; we do not want to just get it done quickly, speaking to him and his Bedfordshire colleagues later and we are taking our time to address the feedback. today. We will continue to maintain that dialogue. Our proposals for reforming the planning system will I begin by reminding hon. Members that our country make it simpler, quicker and more accessible for local does not have enough homes. The average house price people to engage in, which is what I think my hon. in England is about eight times higher than average Friend wants for his constituents. Now, something like gross earnings. In London and other parts of the country, 1% of local people get involved in local plan making—1%. including parts of the OxCam arc, it is around 12 times That is not many more than the planning officials in a higher. I am pleased that the figures from 2019 to 2020 local authority and their blood relations. The number demonstrate that housing supply increased by some who get involved in an individual planning application 244,000 new homes—the highest increase in more than rises to a whacking 3% of the local population. Yet, 393WH House Building Targets: North 9 JUNE 2021 House Building Targets: North 394WH East Bedfordshire East Bedfordshire [Christopher Pincher] opportunities for colleagues across the House to continue to talk to Ministers to ensure that we get the proposals after what is oftentimes a very tortuous process—planning right. applications can take five years to go through—nine in My hon. Friend raised a number of questions about every 10, 90%, are passed. That suggests to me a system the OxCam arc. Let me say in introduction that we that is not particularly engaging and not necessarily a believe the OxCam arc, over quite a period of time—to very democratic one, in which communities have a real the middle of this century—can support the creation of say in what is built around them. We want to change 2 million extra jobs and add over £110 billion a year to that with our reforms. We want to modernise the system our economy. It is one of the fastest growing economic and, through digitalisation, local communities can have areas of our country, so there is a real opportunity to a much clearer say in what is built for them, how it engender prosperity and growth for people. However, I looks, where it goes, what the infrastructure should be am conscious that he has some concerns, so let me say and what the design of the buildings should be, too. that the ambition to build 1 million homes in the My hon. Friend pointed out the importance of OxCam arc was a recommendation of the National “infrastructure first”. We agree with that. I will certainly Infrastructure Commission’s “Partnering for Prosperity” be very happy to take forward his request with my report. While we want to see more homes built, and let colleagues in the Department for Education and in the us remember that the OxCam arc is not a small space—it Department of Health and Social Care, but let me say stretches from the north of Northamptonshire right that the infrastructure levy that we propose is designed down to the border with London—let me be clear that to ensure that developers pay for their fair share of the 1 million homes number is not a specific Government affordable housing and infrastructure through a simpler, policy or indeed a target. However, we do want to faster and more transparent infrastructure levy. We all maximise the number of homes that can be built across know that section 106, which takes up the lion’s share of the country. developer contributions, is slow, rather like the planning My hon. Friend also mentioned the importance of system; is opaque, rather like the planning system; and the environment. We want to ensure that we are baking results, rather like the planning system, in outcomes the Environment Bill’s requirements for biodiversity net that were not necessarily expected by the local community gain and nature recovery networks into our planning at the outset of their expectations. reforms. We are working out how most effectively to do The levy will be collected and spent at local level, that as the Environment Bill becomes an Act and we with up-front infrastructure priorities such as schools need to take it into account. and GP surgeries being at the heart of the proposition. My hon. Friend also mentioned East West Rail. The It will also, incidentally, enable the speedy introduction railway will pass through North East Bedfordshire. I of our First Homes initiative, which will enable local point him to the commitment that the Government first-time buyers, including key workers, to get on the have made to explore new settlement opportunities housing ladder by providing them with discounted around stations such as Tempsford and the St Neots properties. In constituencies such as my hon. Friend’s, area so that, subject to appropriate community consultation, and nearby constituencies, where the cost of housing is development can be delivered in the right places and in oftentimes significantly above average earnings, that the right way. We are supporting Bedford Borough will be a mechanism to help his local constituents stay Council to develop its locally led vision for the realisation local, get on the property ladder and achieve their of the full benefits of East West Rail. I am sure that my aspiration of having a stake in the country. hon. Friend has contributed to the consultation, which closes today, and I encourage anybody else who still has That is outwith the national home building fund, the time to do so. However, may I reinforce the message which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the that while we are working with places, including Bedford, Exchequer announced at the spending review and also to understand opportunities for more housing and what at the Budget. It will be some £7.1 billion of funding for advantages East West Rail will bring, housing targets infrastructure, which we reckon will unlock something continue to be determined by planning policy and by like 860,000 units for housing development across our local plans? country. My hon. Friend also asked to hear a commitment We also want to create more beautiful places by from the Government about the involvement of local asking local authorities to develop their own design people and local communities in the planning process, code, setting the standards that new developments will and when changes are made their voices need to be be expected to meet. One of the biggest concerns that heard. Let me agree with him. It is absolutely our intent many of our constituents have about new development to engage more people in the planning process at an that is proposed around them is what it will look like: earlier point in the process so they can have a real say in “Is it going to look the way I would like my community how their communities are designed—what should go to look?” Giving local people and local stakeholders where and what it should look like. We believe that the much more say in what those design codes will be will proposals, which we are refining and will bring forward make our planning system that much more consensual. shortly, will achieve that purpose of more engagement It will also make the design of new builds really coherent and more say where it counts. with the local community, doing away with the If I have not answered my hon. Friend’s remaining “anywheresville” development that perhaps too many questions, I am happy to write to him, meet him or places have suffered from for too long. speak to him through whatever forum to allay any We will publish the responses to the White Paper as concerns or address any ideas he has. May I congratulate soon as we can. However, as I said, we want to get this him on securing this important debate for his constituents? right and get it done quickly. There will be plenty of I hope that he and you, Sir Graham, will see that the 395WH House Building Targets: North 9 JUNE 2021 396WH East Bedfordshire Government are committed to delivering a planning Human Rights in Hong Kong system that will truly level up for all communities in our country; a system that is fit for purpose and that works for all. It will deliver a faster, more transparent and [MS NUSRAT GHANI in the Chair] more predictable outcome for everybody, so that we [Relevant document: e-petition 585237, Sanction Hong build the homes that we need, to the design that we Kong officials responsible for human rights violations.] want and to the standards that we expect, with the infrastructure that communities need, and we can all be 2.30 pm proud of our planning for the future. Ms Nusrat Ghani (in the Chair): I remind hon. Members Motion lapsed (Standing Order No.10(6)). that there have been some changes to normal practice in order to support the new hybrid arrangements. I remind 11.30 am Members participating that they must remain here for Sitting suspended. the entire debate.I must also remind Members participating virtually that they are visible at all times, both to each other and to us in the Boothroyd Room. If Members are attending virtually and have any technical problems, they should email the Westminster Hall Clerks. The email address is [email protected]. Members attending physically should clean their spaces before they use them and as they leave the room. I remind Members that Mr Speaker has stated that masks should be worn unless you are speaking. Members attending physically who are in the latter stages of the call list should use the seats in the Public Gallery and move on to the horseshoe when seats become available. Members can only speak from the horseshoe, where there are microphones.

2.31 pm Tom Randall (Gedling) (Con): I beg to move, That this House has considered human rights in Hong Kong. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Ghani. This is the first Westminster Hall debate that I have initiated. It is a privilege to speak, and I am grateful that this debate has been selected. I hope that right hon. and hon. Members will understand it when I say that I wish I was not here. I wish none of us was here today to discuss this matter. This debate was entirely avoidable had international obligations been met. Let me say at the outset what this debate is not about. It is not about colonialism or interference by a former colonial power. In his final act as Governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten telegrammed London to announce, “I have relinquished the administration of this government.” The 156 years of British rule over Hong Kong ended on 1 July 1997, and we are not here to debate taking it back. Hong Kong was handed over to China following an agreement that took the form of an international treaty lodged at the United Nations, which both the United Kingdom and the People’s Republic of China entered into freely. It is right that we consider whether that agreement—the Sino-British joint declaration on the question of Hong Kong—is being upheld and whether it meets our and Hongkongers’ legitimate expectations. The joint declaration was signed in December 1984. The text sets out the basis on which Hong Kong would be returned to China. It states: “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will be vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. The laws currently in force in Hong Kong will remain basically unchanged.” It goes on to say: “The current social and economic systems in Hong Kong will remain unchanged, and so will the life-style. Rights and freedoms, including those of the person, of speech, of the press, of assembly, 397WH Human Rights in Hong Kong9 JUNE 2021 Human Rights in Hong Kong 398WH

[Tom Randall] UK’s extradition treaty with Hong Kong, and extended to Hong Kong the embargo on certain military items of association, of travel, of movement, of correspondence, of already imposed on mainland China. I particularly strike, of choice of occupation, of academic research and of welcome the new visa route to people from Hong Kong religious belief will be ensured by law in the Hong Kong Special who have British national overseas status and their Administrative Region.” close family members. It is a generous offer that befits a I submit to you, Ms Ghani, that all those rights and global Britain that takes this issue seriously, and I am freedoms have been diminished in modern-day Hong pleased that the Home Office has announced that it has Kong. received 34,000 applications for visas in the first two Last year, China passed a national security law for months of operation. Hong Kong that created a number of chilling measures. The Government recognise that there is an ongoing A new security office with its own personnel has been breach of Chinese obligations, and I ask whether further established by China in Hong Kong, outside local measures might be taken. Is there scope to work with jurisdiction. Some criminal cases can now be tried in allies and partners to ensure a co-ordinated approach? I mainland China. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive has the read recently that Germany will not accept BNO passports power to appoint judges to hear national security cases. as identity documents, and it is important that democracies The law includes many broad-brush offences, including take a common line on such matters. We continue to “provoking by unlawful means hatred among Hong Kong residents have British judges sitting on Hong Kong’s Court of towards the Central People’s Government or the Government of Final Appeal—a position that perhaps looks increasingly the Region, which is likely to cause serious consequences.” untenable as the current situation continues. As we are Given the extraterritorial nature of the legislation, it able to identify officials in Hong Kong who are guilty of might well apply to those of us participating in this debate. human rights breaches, I ask whether it is time to consider targeted sanctions against them, or at least to assess their However, this debate is not about history, rules or effectiveness. Previously, the Minister has kindly indicated what might happen to Members of Parliament; it is that he would be willing to meet me and fellow members about people such as Donna Kong, who has lived in of the all-party parliamentary group on Hong Kong to Hong Kong her whole life but has decided to take the discuss this subject, and I am very willing to take him difficult decision to leave her family behind and move up on that offer. with her husband to Liverpool. She says: There is no dispute resolution clause in the Sino-British “Nowadays, we have to be careful what we say on the streets.” joint declaration, but it is a living document, and the Her husband adds: United Kingdom is party to it. This country has a duty “Hong Kong is going from a free, international city to just to protect the rights and freedoms of Hongkongers. another Chinese city.” Until such time as those freedoms are restored, I expect It is about people such as Jimmy Lai, who was jailed in that the voices from this island will only get louder. I April 2021 for his participation in a peaceful protest in look forward to hearing some of those voices this 2019. In reality, it was because he has the temerity to afternoon. publish a newspaper that criticises the Government. It is about people such as Martin Lee, a barrister and 2.38 pm member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong for John Nicolson (Ochil and South Perthshire) (SNP) over 20 years, who is regarded and revered as the father [V]: What we are seeing in Hong Kong is a two-pronged of democracy in Hong Kong. He has been silenced by assault on truth. First, China attacks the source of the national security law. He has stopped his public truth—reporting—by threatening and expelling journalists activism and is no longer granting media interviews. He who expose the extent of China’s authoritarian behaviour. has also been sentenced for participating in an unlawful Secondly, China creates an Orwellian alternative narrative assembly, although his sentence was suspended. in which those who tell the truth are the liars, and those The crackdown on human rights in Hong Kong has who commit violent acts of repression are the liberators. been all pervasive, and I will give some examples. The China’s leaders hate journalism. At the end of March, legislature has passed an immigration Bill to restrict the BBC’s China correspondent was driven out of Hong freedom of movement in and out of Hong Kong. The Kong. Plain-clothes goons followed him and his family police chief has floated the idea of a law to target to the airport. This was not an isolated case. Most so-called fake news, and he has called for the closure of independent foreign correspondents have now been expelled, Jimmy Lai’s Apple Daily, the last pro-democracy as Beijing proceeds to eliminate the last vestiges of publication. Police have censored a website belonging Hong Kong’s freedom. With this in mind, it is hardly to a Taiwanese church. The Government have attacked surprising to see China being ranked by the World Press the Hong Kong Bar Association and fired 129 civil Freedom Index as one of the worst countries in the servants for refusing to sign an oath of allegiance. The world for media freedoms; it is ranked a dismal 177th. local broadcaster, RTHK, has purged its online platform Once upon a time, some thought that Hong Kong of any shows over a year old but given Hong Kong’s could be a beacon for China, spreading its values to the Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, her own television show, mainland. Instead, the opposite has happened. Under which is shown four times every day. So-called national its current leader,China has become ever more controlling security education is to be embedded across the curriculum and hostile to the truth. Hong Kong is merely the latest in all secondary schools. victim of a malign system that has trampled on press The examples I have given are from April 2021 alone— freedoms, democracy, cultural and religious minorities, just one month in the life of Hongkongers—so I welcome and once independent nations, as the downtrodden and the steps taken by the Government in response to oppressed people of Tibet, the Uyghurs and many China’s actions. The Government have suspended the others can testify. 399WH Human Rights in Hong Kong9 JUNE 2021 Human Rights in Hong Kong 400WH

Journalistic censorship is paired with other despotic completely under the umbrella of its state authority. trademarks, disinformation being the foremost. In the The problem is that the elected Government in Taiwan digital world in which we live, it is not enough for the rejects that future. On that basis, China can see no Chinese leadership to stem information coming from reason why it should continue with this troublesome legitimate news outlets; information from normal citizens area in Hong Kong, where people have been campaigning must also be quashed. China employs what is sometimes —we would say legitimately and freely—for the right to called the 50 cent army, so-called because of their express their views, for a free press, and for democracy. meagre daily pay. Thought to number millions, these For the Chinese Government, that is no longer necessary. Communist party drones track online activity and work The suppression that has followed has been swift, but in to sway public opinion with disinformation both inside a way somewhat predictable; without the reason for China and outwith. Bots counter unfavourable reports Hong Kong to exist in this separate state, it must now be and conversations about the Chinese regime. crushed. It is a tactic deployed by the Kremlin, too, and it is It is quite interesting to see what they have done in spreading across the globe. During the recent onslaught the past month. They have fired civil servants and the against Gaza by the Israelis, there were mounting reports rest of the leaders of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy of another onslaught—the mass reporting by pro-Israeli movement; introduced national security education for groups of Palestinian posts from Gaza. This is a new children as young as six; amended Hong Kong’s electoral world in which social media is weaponised by the powerful. system to bar pro-democracy parties from running; and What can we do when faced with this bleak descent passed an immigration law that would allow officials to into untruth? We must champion journalism; we must restrict freedom of movement into and out of the city. speak up when we are told that there are “alternative Arrests,prosecutions and jail sentences have been happening facts”; we must steel the resolve of social media companies behind closed doors. when they crumble under the weight of totalitarian I question why British judges are still earning a living pressure and their own avarice; we must speak the in Hong Kong. I believe it is no longer possible for them names of those who are bullied, arrested and imprisoned; to argue that they are modifying or ameliorating the we must honour the memory of those brave young situation. All they are doing is giving, in a sense, a bit of people crushed by the Chinese regime in Tiananmen succour to a brutal, intolerant and debased regime. The Square; we must assert the rights of the Uyghurs, and Bar Council here should speak to those who are earning call out their detention and torture; we must champion a living in Hong Kong and say, “It is time to draw the right of Tibet to self-determination; and we must stumps and come home.” I call on them to do that. never accept Hong Kong’s slide into the grim and The arrests and prosecutions are staggering: 10,000 oppressive reality faced by so many in mainland China, people have been arrested and 2,300 charged since the because we promised its people better. anti-extradition protests started in 2019. Imprisonment for 10 years to life is now the norm, and subversion, 2.42 pm secession, collusion with foreign political forces and terrorism are the new laws. They could have just put Sir Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford down terrorism because they are going to find them Green) (Con): Ms Ghani, it is a pleasure, as ever, to guilty anyway, so they might as well make it simple; I serve under your stewardship. don’t know why they bothered with the others. However, I commend my hon. Friend the Member for Gedling they have gone through this prolonged process—no (Tom Randall) for securing this debate, on what is doubt they think it somehow persuades people. indeed the issue of the moment. It has not gone away; it I am worried about the way this is going. Children as will not go away. The debate is timely, because the G7 young as six are being taught to memorise the four starts its meeting tomorrow and, frankly, if its major crimes under the national security law that I have just conclusion is not that China has become the greatest mentioned. Schools are to inform police and parents threat to liberal democracy here and around the world, about incidents involving political propaganda, and it will have failed. It is as simple as that. Hong Kong universities have now fired pro-democracy Today, we are talking about Hong Kong, but we academics and cut ties with their student unions, following could just as easily be talking about the suppression—nay, direction from Beijing. the genocide—of the Uyghurs; or about the suppression— The real question is: what can we do? We have already nay, the genocide—of Tibetans; or about the increasing done a lot, as my hon. Friend the Member for Gedling pressure on the Inner Mongolians, the Falun Gong or has mentioned. The BNO passports are key, although Christians. This is a regime that is intolerant, dictatorial the Chinese are threatening not to recognise them, nor and brutal. It accepts no difference from its dictated to allow people to leave the country on those BNO opinions and views, and any attempt to question it is passports.I am saddened, but not astonished, by Germany’s treated with brutality and incarceration, without any response. I do not know if the German Government possibility of a free or serious trial. will one day wake up to the idea that no matter how My hon. Friend the Member for Gedling is quite much they appease the Chinese, it never works. The idea right to have made the point that this regime has now that they depend on Chinese manufacturers for their own trashed a particular international agreement. It has requirements and therefore do not want to upset the broken what it agreed to do regarding the rights, privileges Government is one of the grave errors taught to us by and freedoms in Hong Kong under the “one state, two history. Once started down that road, such a dependency systems” model. I suspect that the real reason for that is leads further and further, so I hope they will review that. that the Chinese Communist party signed the original I want more Magnitsky sanctions on Hong Kong and Sino-British agreement only because it believed that it Chinese officials, and I would extend those further to would act as a magnet for the reintroduction of Taiwan those involved in the dreadful Uyghur massacres. Wemust 401WH Human Rights in Hong Kong9 JUNE 2021 Human Rights in Hong Kong 402WH

[Sir Iain Duncan Smith] for it if we went over to Hong Kong or China. Anyone who has lobbied us about this matter would also be also offer assistance to Hong Kong residents born after guilty under that law. 1997. The BNO visa scheme currently does not cover Even friends of Beijing—there may be some MPs who Hongkongers born after 1997, including many young are attending this debate or watching it who are openly Hong Kong students who are now vulnerable to arrest. or secretly friends of Beijing—are vulnerable because I say to my hon. Friend from the Foreign Office, the they have spoken about, participated in or associated Minister for Asia, that we should work with like-minded themselves with the seditious practice that article 38 of partners to ensure that there are lifeboat schemes for the national security law brings about. As an officer of these young Hongkongers. the APPG on Hong Kong, I certainly would not expect Ministers should ensure that Hong Kong is on the to go to Hong Kong anytime soon; neither should any agenda at the G7—I started with that point and it is hon. Member attending the debate. vital, so I want to come back to it at the end. I want the This is a human rights issue that not only affects Government to review the rules around UK investment Hongkongers but affects anyone who dares to speak out in companies that are complicit in human rights abuse or address some of the seditious issues that are ongoing. and to be much more explicit about the supply chains, It is a breach of freedom, including freedom of religion. so that every single business or investor in the UK or As we heard from the hon. Member for Ochil and abroad knows what the links are to the main companies South Perthshire (John Nicolson), it is a breach of all the way down the chain. That has not happened and freedom of expression by journalists. It is a clampdown it must happen. on the right to worship, whether people are Protestant, I believe that this is the single biggest threat facing Catholic, Jewish or Hindu, or practise any other religion. liberal democracy that currently exists. We are being That freedom of worship is now officially to be oppressed. complacent. We have run to China to do business and, It saddens me that I cannot mention in public, or in across the western world, we have therefore turned a public prayer or in any of my speeches, my friends in the blind eye to the abuses taking place for too long. The various mission groups that I have worked with in the lessons of the 1930s tell us that if we assume that what past in Hong Kong. Hongkongers who wish to profess Governments say is not what they mean, then we are the name of their saviour can only do so under fear. destined to be trapped in the reality of what they do. That is where we are now. As parliamentarians, we have a duty to speak out. I agree with the hon. Member for Gedling that under the At the G7, which starts tomorrow, I would like my G7 our Government have signed up to article 18 of the Government to insist that by the end of the meeting we universal declaration of human rights. That is a right to make a clear, unequivocal, united statement that we will the freedom of religious belief and expression and a no longer put up with the abuses and the nature of the freedom to worship. Chinese Government in their attacks on their neighbours and on their own people who live in China. If we do If my Hong Kong friend and pastor,whom I know very that, then just maybe we will have started the beginning well but whom I will not name because that would be of the change that will secure and rescue our own unfair because of the effect it could have on his family, democracy and our own people’s freedom. were to come here and preach in one of our local churches in Northern Ireland, or even in his own church in Hong Kong, he would do so under the fear of breaking this 2.50 pm national security law. That law can be interpreted only Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP) [V]: It is an honour by Beijing. This is persecution and torture, and it is via to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Ghani. I congratulate the long arm of the state. the hon. Member for Gedling (Tom Randall) on bringing The bamboo curtain on freedom and toleration is this important and vital matter before the House. It is falling, and fast. Our nation must speak out about the always an honour to speak after the right hon. Member freedom of religions, journalists and businesses to practise for Chingford and Woodford Green (Sir Iain Duncan in the way they wish without being tortured or in fear of Smith), who made an excellent speech. If ever, as a being tortured in future. country and as a people, we should be thankful for our The UK potentially faces a tsunami of millions of freedom to worship and to think openly—our freedoms Hongkongers coming to Europe. I welcome the decision generally—it must be today when we consider the weight to grant the Hong Kong British national overseas visa, I of the matter before us. must say; I think I cheered out loud when I heard I speak as a member of the all-party parliamentary that the Government had shown the courage to do that. group on Hong Kong. I will focus my comments specifically However, this potentially puts massive pressure on the on article 38 of the Hong Kong national security law. If UK Government, and it is a pressure that we must be we look at that law and its full effect, it makes this prepared for. The UK has a duty to place each part of this meeting of Parliament and every single one of us here country into a state of preparedness, so that we have today, as well as those who are watching the proceedings, sufficient school places, housing locations, jobs and guilty of breaching that national security law. opportunities for these people, who will have a right to Under article 38, the global extraterritorial jurisdiction be here and whom we should welcome with open arms, remit, those measures mean that each of us could stand because we should be a place of refuge for the persecuted. accused of collusion, sedition, terrorism and subversion Weneed a plan, and we need it now.I hope that the Foreign against China with a foreign country. Just think of that: Office and Home Office will bring that home soon. China has reached into this country and effectively Finally, I respectfully ask, urge and implore China to passed a law that says that what we dare to talk about respect that Hong Kong is different from mainland today is unlawful and that we could be held accountable China. I urge our new consul to make a strong case for 403WH Human Rights in Hong Kong9 JUNE 2021 Human Rights in Hong Kong 404WH the Hongkongers. I call for the release of the peaceful the Government’s BNO visa scheme. We should make protesters who are already in jail and face persecution. I an exception for those born after 1997 who cannot come call on the Government in China to fulfil the Sino-British over as dependants. Thirdly, the Government must stand joint declaration on freedom and the rule of law. I up for the pro-democracy activists in jail who have challenge HSBC, as others no doubt will in the debate, British citizenship. The British Government have a duty not to do the dirty work of Beijing, clamping down on and responsibility to defend British citizens from Chinese people for making a living and having their rights. I will Government oppression. Finally, the Government should leave those thoughts with hon. Members. I hope the debate not allow the United Kingdom’s chairmanship of this goes some way in expressing the anger and contempt for week’s G7 summit to go to waste. Hong Kong must be what has happened to these dear people in Hong Kong. on the agenda, as my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Sir Iain Duncan Smith) Ms Nusrat Ghani (in the Chair): To ensure that we made clear. It is both the right time and the right forum can get all Back Benchers in to speak, I will have to to press for co-ordinated action from the world’s leading impose a time limit of four and a half minutes. democracies. That should include the creation of a UN special rapporteur for Hong Kong. 2.57 pm The crisis in Hong Kong represents a substantial Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Con): May I say what a challenge to the idea of global Britain. The people of pleasure it is to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Ghani? Hong Kong look to the United Kingdom, as a once-proud I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Gedling Crown colony, to lead the international response. Her (Tom Randall) for securing this important and timely Majesty’s Government simply cannot let them down. debate on Hong Kong and add my voice in support of the arguments he made so powerfully this afternoon. 3.1 pm Last Friday marked the 32nd anniversary of the Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab) [V]: It is a pleasure Tiananmen Square massacre,when the Chinese Communist to serve with you in the Chair, Ms Ghani. The UK party brutally repressed pro-democracy protests in 1989, Government have abandoned the people of Hong Kong, killing thousands and causing panic among Hongkongers, who once shared much of their national identity with many of whom were refugees from Chairman Mao’spurges ours. That is shameful. Over the past year we have had and feared authoritarian communist rule. That was five countless debates on the atrocious actions of the Chinese years after Margaret Thatcher had signed the Sino-British regime,but its human rights abuses continue,and we cannot joint declaration with Deng Xiaoping, agreeing to hand condone that. Magnitsky sanctions have rightly been over Hong Kong to China in 1987. In 1982, Deng told placed on Chinese Communist party officials responsible Mrs Thatcher that he could for the horrors of the Uyghur genocide, but there is no “walk in and take the whole lot this afternoon” such action for their counterparts in Hong Kong. if he wanted to, to which she replied, if he did, Wemust not stand by as Beijing violates the independence of Hong Kong, imposing the oppressive national security “the eyes of the world would now know what China is like.” law, manipulating the electoral system so that pro- Well, the Tiananmen Square massacre showed the world democracy politicians cannot stand, expelling judges what China was really like, and its disregard for the and ruthlessly arresting and abusing people who wish to rights of its own citizens. challenge them. After years of the Chinese Government The Sino-British joint declaration was supposed to stripping Hong Kong of its basic access to freedom and guarantee Hong Kong’s freedom, the rule of law and a democracy, we must show Hongkongers that we will way of life unchanged for a period of 50 years. It was a not leave them high and dry. A year ago, Hong Kong legally binding treaty, lodged at the United Nations, Watch launched its international lifeboat scheme, and underpinning Hong Kong’smini- constitution and provided called for the UK to join international partners to the Basic Law with freedom of expression, a free press provide refuge for those fleeing Hong Kong. and an independent judiciary,and the right of Hongkongers Extending the BNO visa to those wishing to leave to participate in free elections. However, the national Hong Kong was most welcome. Recent figures show security law introduced by Beijing is nothing less than that that has been taken up by nearly 35,000 people. an all-out assault on the autonomy of Hong Kong and However, it does not go far enough. We must make its freedoms and a complete violation of that treaty. provision for young people from Hong Kong born after The pace of the decline of one of the most open and 1997, who are just as entitled to UK support and international cities in Asia is shocking and should alarm protection as their parents, and for the protesters who each and every one of us. have bravely risked safety to challenge Beijing’sauthoritarian As the co-signatory of the joint declaration and the takeover and now face serious criminal charges. We guarantor of Hong Kong’s autonomy, Her Majesty’s cannot just pull up the drawbridge. Government must take more determined action. First, Growing up in Hong Kong is dangerous not only for there must be a punitive cost for the Hong Kong and those activists; children as young as six years old—my Chinese officials who are guilty of dismantling the city’s child’sage—are being taught the national security doctrine autonomy and are engaged in cracking down on the in school. There are restrictions on what students can pro-democracy movement. All individuals involved in learn and discuss in universities; they are growing up the destruction of democracy in Hong Kong should be with more and more limited access to neutral news subject to co-ordinated Magnitsky sanctions, with the sources. I ask the Minister, what will Britain do to fulfil Government working in tandem with our allies. our obligations to those children and young people? Secondly, we must do more to support those brave Will he join me in saying that we must not just stand young protesters, many of whom face the prospect of with Hong Kong but stand up for Hong Kong? That arrest under the draconian law but do not qualify for means action. What action will the Government take? 405WH Human Rights in Hong Kong9 JUNE 2021 Human Rights in Hong Kong 406WH

3.4 pm What can be done? First, we must review British Alexander Stafford (Rother Valley) (Con): It is a involvement, and the involvement of British nationals, pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Ghani. in the Hong Kong police and judiciary, as we must not I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Gedling (Tom be complicit in Chinese oppression. Secondly, we must Randall) for securing such an important debate. support Hongkongers who do not qualify for the BNO scheme. One of the few things that Portugal did right in Today marks two years since the pro-democracy Macau was to guarantee full Portuguese citizenship to demonstrations in Hong Kong, which were attended by all Macanese people. We have implemented that for our hundreds of thousands of people of all ages and overseas territories, so we must look at it again for Hong backgrounds. That mighty display of people power Kong. Thirdly,we must marshal a strong and co-ordinated symbolised an unwavering belief in civic values, hope international response against China to make the Chinese and optimism for change, and a refusal to be cowed by think again. They must realise that this conduct is not the Communist party in Beijing. Two years on, however, acceptable anywhere, whether in the south China sea, every single person in the free world has a duty to feel Tibet, Xinjiang, the Indian borders or Taiwan. horrified about the events taking place in Hong Kong, a supposedly free society. Fourthly, and most importantly, we must never trust China again. The one country, two-systems model has Beijing detests dissent of any description, and in the been proven to be lie, and we must not be swayed by past few years, it has tightened its stranglehold over free short-term financial dividends when dealing with China, Hong Kong. The final straw was the huge protests as we know that by doing so, we will pay dearly in the against the extradition Bill. Almost immediately, Beijing long term. Lastly, young Hongkongers are the future of imposed a security law straight out of the mainland the city. We must do everything in our power to support Chinese playbook. What is most disturbing is that that them in their resistance, both here and in Hong Kong. I repression was not discreet and creeping as one might am certain that if we put those policies into action, have expected; instead, the Chinese are so brazen that freedom will once again reign from Gloucester Road to they have turned Hong Kong into Shanghai overnight, Victoria Peak, from Stanley to Aberdeen, from the banning vigils, destroying controversial books and libraries, Admiralty to Lamma Island, and from Kowloon to and making mass arrests. It has sent a chill through Queensway. society in Hong Kong. The grotesque policing of attempts to commemorate the Tiananmen Square massacre are testament to that. If that overnight transformation of 3.9 pm society can happen in Hong Kong, it can happen anywhere. Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD): There is no doubt in my mind that Britain is solely It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, responsible for Hong Kong’s fate. We have a singular Mr Ghani. I, too, congratulate the hon. Member for and enduring responsibility toward the people of Hong Gedling (Tom Randall) on securing this debate. One of Kong as a former ruling power and the guarantor of the the things that he was quite right to say in his introduction freedoms secured in the Sino-British joint declaration. was that this should not be about the history of our Regrettably, we have not covered ourselves in glory in relationship with Hong Kong, and it is certainly not that role. There are no other examples of a leading about recreating some sort of imperial past. democracy handing over a free society to an authoritarian regime that clearly could not be trusted. We failed again I think our own recent history with regard to the in the 1990s, when we made a grave and unforgivable territory is worth reflecting on. The position in which mistake by granting Hongkongers a bespoke class of we find ourselves today has not happened overnight; it British citizenship in the run-up to the handover,abdicating is the product of three decades—possibly more—of our responsibilities. We have not done nearly enough to British foreign policy and our determination to put challenge China and make it pay for its actions. commercial interests over human rights. I co-chair the all-party parliamentary group on Hong Kong with Hundreds of thousands of British nationals have Baroness Bennett, and I am also a patron of Hong been left to their fate, and Asia’s brightest light is going Kong Watch. We have seen a repeated pattern of people out, with many fearing that Hong Kong will become telling us, when we speak about human rights, “Maybe just another Chinese city. We cannot stand by and just wind your neck in. There is another deal coming. watch. This is not only an attack on the people of Hong There is a delegation going. There is going to be a visit Kong, but a direct Chinese insult to the UK as a or a conference.” signatory of the joint declaration. In many ways, we have failed Hong Kong, and that failure occurred the In the years since we completed and entered into the moment we trusted China’s empty promises. That failure joint declaration, we have essentially sent all the wrong is evidenced by Hongkongers’ wholesale rejection of the signals, and that has brought us to where we are today. I PRC and everything it stands for, and their continued am genuinely delighted that the Government have taken association with Britain. Hongkongers of course have the action they have on BNO passport holders. How their own proud sense of identity, but they also look to much better and stronger might our position be if we us as a guarantor of their freedoms and as a beacon of had done that at the point of handover in 1997? That democracy. was surely the point at which we could have sent a signal I welcome the fact that this Government have somewhat that we intended to stand with the people of Hong corrected that previous folly by providing a pathway to Kong. Our failure at that time was seen by the Chinese full citizenship for British nationals overseas—that is Government as an indication that we perhaps did not commendable. I greatly look forward to welcoming mean the things we said in the joint declaration. Hongkongers to Britain, where they will make a hugely That is ironic, when one considers that we entered positive contribution to our society, but we could and into the joint declaration because of our experience in must do so much more on all fronts. relation to the Falkland Islands. That was another 407WH Human Rights in Hong Kong9 JUNE 2021 Human Rights in Hong Kong 408WH instance where we had sent the wrong signals to a patriotism. Taken together, those incidents suggest a despotic regime,which then thought it could take advantage really worrying trend in the rapid and dangerous erosion of that. We tried to avoid the same thing happening of human rights for Hong Kong nationals. There is no again by entering into the joint declaration, but we do sign of that stopping, which means that the current not seem to have learned the lessons. sanctions are insufficient to deter China from its chosen There are a couple of issues I want to touch on path of action. briefly. The first relates to the position of the BBC in As a signatory to the joint declaration, the UK is in a Hong Kong and China. Its relationship with Radio unique position to guarantee a high degree of autonomy Television Hong Kong as its local partner is becoming in Hong Kong until at least 2047. As a country we must increasingly problematic. On 1 March this year, the new therefore redouble our efforts to protect the people and head of RTHK, a career civil servant, Patrick Li, took the sovereignty of Hong Kong. When he responds, charge. He pledged editorial independence, but he said will the Minister outline what further steps the Government that there cannot be “freedom without restraint”. George are taking to protect the basic human rights that we are Orwell would have been proud of that one. With the all guaranteed, and will the Government impose sanctions World News TV channel taken off air in China, and the on the Chinese officials who are responsible for the blocking of news channels and internet provision for crackdown on pro-democracy campaigners? years, we have to look at what more we can do to support the World Service, which is still the blue chip standard in broadcasting around the world. 3.16 pm Secondly, I would like to hear more from Government John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab) [V]: It about what we are saying to financial institutions, such is always difficult and frustrating to identify what effective as HSBC and Standard Chartered, that have come out role we MPs can play when there is abuse of human in support of the national security law. That we allow rights across the world. My view is that we can at least them to continue to operate as normal in this country bear witness to what is happening and then mobilise for seems to contradict what we say of our intentions action, whether it is in Gaza, Yemen or Hong Kong. At towards Hong Kong. It has been reported that there least we can call it out. In the few minutes I have, I want have been no fewer than 16 private meetings between to bear witness to what is happening to my trade union the Treasury and those two banks in the six months colleagues—they have become friends during campaigns from July to December 2020. What was said at those over the years—who are part of the Hong Kong 47 trial. meetings, and why are we still engaging on a business- I have worked with Lee Cheuk Yan, the general secretary as-usual basis? of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions. Carol Ng was the chair of the trade union confederation 3.14 pm until her imprisonment in February. I worked with Florence Eshalomi (Vauxhall) (Lab/Co-op): It is a Carol in the British Airways dispute, when she was a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Ghani. Unite rep. Winnie Yu is chair of the health workers’ I paytribute to the hon. Member for Gedling (Tom Randall) union—one of the new unions formed in late 2019—which for securing his first Westminster Hall debate on such had a five-day strike in January 2019 against the Hong an important issue. Kong Administration’s early covid complacency. They I have just visited a school in my constituency, Oasis are all up before the courts and in prison. What worries Academy South Bank, just over the river on Westminster me is that at the hearing on Monday 31 May, the Bridge Road. Students, ranging from year 7 to year 13, Department of Justice declared its wish to move the spoke to me about issues across the world and why it is trial from the district court to the high court. That so important for us in the UK to call out human rights implies that the sentences for the Hong Kong 47, which abuse. We cannot, as a country, say that we stand in includes my friends, will exceed the limit of seven years support of democracy if we do not call out the injustices that the district court is limited to. The maximum that are happening right across the world. sentence could be up to life imprisonment. Many of my constituents have written to me because At Monday’s hearing, my friends’ defence attorney they are concerned about what is happening in Hong asked for clarification that the trial would be conducted Kong. There is no doubt that what is occurring is a in an open court with a jury, and the prosecutors refused severe breach of human rights.In 2017, activists Alex Chow, to give that assurance, so there is a real possibility that Nathan Law and Joshua Wong were given draconian the judges will be able to convict without press or public prison sentences for taking part in democracy protests. scrutiny. The next hearing is on 8 July, at which it will be The protest movement has been driven by disfranchised decided whether the trial will be public and whether young people who just want representation, like our there will be a jury. It is critical that we maximise young people in this country do. A year ago this month, pressure through our own Government, and through the Chinese Government introduced the national security civil society here and internationally, and seek at least law in Hong Kong, which gives Beijing the power to the openness of that trial. interpret laws in Hong Kong independently of any Lee Cheuk Yan is still bravely agitating from jail. His judicial or local policy body. Since then, the law has sentences for illegal unauthorised assembly are piling been used to crack down on pro-democracy activists up. So far he has accumulated 20 months, but there are and politicians. That is not right and cannot be happening more trials to follow. As with all trade unionists engaged in 2021. in international dialogue, the regime might at some In January, 55 leading pro-democracy figures were stage deem his work there a coalition with foreign arrested for simply exercising their legitimate democratic powers and in breach of the national security law. That rights. On 30 March, the election laws were changed to is my fear. Another prominent target of the regime is vet those running in the elections according to their Leung Kwok-hung, widely known as “Long Hair”. 409WH Human Rights in Hong Kong9 JUNE 2021 Human Rights in Hong Kong 410WH

[John McDonnell] and placing their children in schools, many BNOs will need additional assistance to make their lives here in He is an avowed left-wing socialist in the League of Britain. Social Democrats and so far has accumulated at least Many BNOs in Hong Kong remain fearful that they 24 months—and it just goes on. will not be able to find employment when they reach the I have listened to the other speeches, and of course I UK. The £43 million integration fund to help BNOs support the calls for Magnitsky sanctions and the and their families settle here is extremely welcome, but accommodation of younger BNO passport holders born there are reports that the UK Government have hugely after 1997. I also agree with those who have pointed out underestimated the take-up of the offer and concerns the role that British companies are playing, and we have that that money will not be enough to meet the scale of to address this matter. They lobbied the Prime Minister the challenge.What additional support will the Government to try to get him to tone down the Government’s offer to those born after 1997, many of whom have been criticisms. Swire, the company that owns Cathay Pacific, at the forefront of fighting for democracy in Hong led the way in sacking staff who supported the democracy Kong? Can the Minister assure Hongkongers born after movement. Weknow about HSBC and Standard Chartered 1997 who are claiming asylum in the UK that they will bank, of course, but what about Jardine Matheson? not have their applications rejected and will not face They supported the national security law, and—I say deportation? this to colleagues in other parties—they were also Tory Today’s debate is a stark reminder that human rights donors. We have a duty to call out UK corporations are under threat in many parts of the world, and who are the sponsors of the Chinese regime’s repression increasingly so in China. The plight of Hongkongers, in Hong Kong. whose history is closely linked to Britain’s, needs our urgent attention. We need to do even more than we have done so far. 3.21 pm 3.25 pm Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD): The Chinese Communist party has continued to dismantle Hong Kong’s autonomy Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): It is a pleasure to at a worrying pace. This month marks the 32nd anniversary speak in this debate, Ms Ghani. I know that if you were of Tiananmen Square and the second year that the Hong not in the Chair, you would be here on the Floor of this Kong authorities banned a vigil in memory of the Chamber making your viewpoints known. I am sure atrocity. It would have been a meaningful show of you would like to be doing so, but it is good to have you solidarity had the British consulate in Hong Kong put here in spirit. I congratulate the hon. Member for Gedling candles in its windows to commemorate that anniversary, (Tom Randall) on setting the tone of the debate. as the US and EU consulates did. It is disappointing The Chinese authorities have committed many human that that did not happen. rights abuses in Hong Kong. However, Hong Kong is We must condemn the arrest of Chow Hang Tung not an isolated case, and those human rights violations and continue to do all in our power to support those are situated in the context of some of the worst atrocities fighting for democracy. Western democracies need to of the 21st century. Whether it be the forced organ show a united front against the Chinese Communist harvesting of practitioners of Falun Gong or the mass party’s attempt to silence historical truth. British foreign incarceration of Uyghur Muslims, the Chinese Communist policy must be even more vocal in standing up for human party has inflicted untold suffering on its citizens. I rights. I urge the Minister to push for the creation of a believe that those concerns must be considered together, UN special rapporteur for Hong Kong to monitor the because how a state treats its minorities is a reflection of human rights situation in the city, as we have heard its attitude towards democracy and human rights in about today. general. Just as in Myanmar, with the military’s genocidal treatment of Rohingya Muslims, a minority community Perhaps the biggest thing the UK can do to help has suffered human rights abuses in China. I see all the Hongkongers is to make it easier for those with BNO things that are happening and I despair. status to make their lives here. The number of people I declare an interest: I am the chair of the all-party who applied in the first 10 weeks of the citizenship parliamentary group for international freedom of religion scheme was about 35,000—more than a tenth of the or belief. I will cite a couple of other issues that the 300,000 that the Government expect to apply in the first Chinese Communist party has influence over. The Tibetan five years. The Government’s offer to open their doors Centre for Human Rights and Democracy has said that to Hongkongers is welcome and supported by all parties. the severely deteriorating human rights situation in Allowing people to come is one thing, but giving Tibet has reach the level of a crime against humanity, as them the opportunity to make a good life here is another. a result of the CCP’s forced assimilation policies. There What steps are the Government taking to support those are also concerns that up to half a million Tibetans are from Hong Kong who want to make their lives in the involved in forced labour in China. Deeply distressing UK? A survey conducted by Hongkongers in Britain though those reports are, they should not be a surprise showed that only half of those who responded have to anybody who has been following the plight of the friends in the UK, and even fewer have family here. It is Uyghurs, who have been rounded up in the largest not easy, even in the best of circumstances, for someone arbitrary detention of a religious group since the holocaust. to move to a new country thousands of miles away, Nor should it be a surprise to anyone familiar with the where they may not know anyone, and to find a job China Tribunal’s judgment that China’s campaign of and settle into the community. Imagine how difficult forced organ harvesting against innocent victims is a that would be in the middle of a pandemic for someone crime against humanity. The Falun Gong have been whose English language skills were initially not so central to that. I believe that constitutes one of the good. From finding employment to using public services world’s worst atrocities. 411WH Human Rights in Hong Kong9 JUNE 2021 Human Rights in Hong Kong 412WH

Hong Kong authorities have used the same rhetoric Since that law’s passing, more than 100 pro-democracy and have increasingly adopted mainland China’s vague activists—there were plenty more before that—have definition of national security to restrict the rights to been arrested. They face 10 years in jail on trumped-up freedom of peaceful assembly,expression and association. charges. Joshua Wong has been sentenced to 10 months I welcome the commitment from the Government and in prison for attending a peaceful vigil. In a particularly the Minister to sanctions against a number of human worrying development, on 20 May, Tong Ying-kit was rights violators in China, but I note that there are many informed that he was not entitled to jury trial for other key figures, such as Carrie Lam in Hong Kong trumped-up terrorism charges. That is significant for and Chen Quanguo in Xinjiang province, who have everyone under detention. thus far avoided sanction by the UK. I ask the Minister On academic freedom, the University of Hong Kong to give us some assurance today that those two reprobates and the Chinese University of Hong Kong have shut —I do not think that is a bad word; the word itself tells down their student unions and massively curtailed freedom a story—will be made accountable for their activities. of speech on campus, in stark opposition to the activities The Minister must take the opportunity presented by of Confucius institutes within our boundaries. And it the upcoming meeting of the G7 to collaborate with goes on. As we have heard from many right hon. and international counterparts to take decisive action. The hon. Members, the situation is deteriorating daily in public have called for the 2022 winter Olympics to be every way. moved from Beijing. It would be unthinkable for a state The UK has not been idle. It would be churlish of me that is actively engaged in crimes against humanity to not to recognise the fact that UK diplomats have been be allowed to host such a major international event. active.In particular,I applaud and recognise the significance Demanding that the winter Olympics be removed would of the BNO scheme for the Hongkongers themselves. send an extremely powerful message. That is a major, significant commitment. However, I I also call on the Minister to establish a commission honestly struggle to think of anything that Beijing has of inquiry on human rights abuses in China. I welcome refrained from or reversed because of UK Government the Government’s call for Beijing to allow the UN High pressure, be it in Hong Kong or, indeed, anywhere else. Commissioner for Human Rights full access to Xinjiang, The reality is that one country, two systems is dead and but China has thus far refused that call and is unlikely it died on the watch of this Government. In the face of to change its position. I believe, as Human Rights Beijing’s wolf warriors, the UK’s tiger has, I am afraid, Watch has stated, that UN inquiries into abuses have been somewhat toothless. shown that investigations can be comprehensive and As for concrete suggestions, we have heard a number credible, even without the Chinese Government’s of suggestions today and I will also make some. I echo co-operation. There is ample evidence of the impact of the call for more Magnitsky-type sanctions against the Chinese Government’s policies on human rights in individuals. We have had that discussion before with the Hong Kong and elsewhere. A commission of inquiry Minister. We are not looking for speculation; we are can be established outside the UN Security Council, looking for announcements. I appreciate that there will and therefore can avoid China’s veto. Let us do the not be speculation, but across the House we want to see things that we can do and bite these people where it progress. The financial assets and business dealings of a hurts. number of UK companies need more scrutiny,in particular Weshould first introduce sanctions against all violators the actions of the banks and, in that case, especially of human rights in Hong Kong and China; secondly, Standard Chartered and HSBC, which have on occasion publicly call for the 2022 winter Olympics to be moved acted on behalf of the authorities under very dubious from Beijing; and, thirdly, push for a UN commission legality. of inquiry into human rights abuses in China. Those are three things that I believe this Government—my Speaking of dubious legality, UK judges should Government and my Minister—can do. I wish them to absolutely withdraw from the Hong Kong judicial system. do those things. We have a responsibility to speak for They are lending a veneer of credibility and respectability the voiceless, who have nobody to speak for them. We to a system that simply does not merit it. As I and are all here united. We want action, and we want our others have said, the Confucius institutes active within Government to take it. the countries of the UK must have far greater scrutiny of their actions than has been the case to date. I echo calls for a UN special rapporteur on Hong 3.29 pm Kong. That would assist in broadening the coalition, Alyn Smith (Stirling) (SNP): It is a pleasure to serve which already exists in part, and give it greater focus in under your chairmanship, Ms Ghani. I, too, warmly scrutinising events in Hong Kong. I also echo those congratulate the hon. Member for Gedling (Tom Randall) who have said that the G7 is an opportunity to make on an excellent speech, and I am glad to agree with its progress and achieve a wider international alignment—in tone and content. There has been a number of constructive particular with our friends in the EU, the US and and strong contributions from across the Chamber. Canada—on sanctions and transparency on Hong Kong and the actions of Beijing. The reality is that we are bound to the people of Hong Kong in a way in which we are not to a number To conclude, there has been a lot of good agreement of other people in other places. We owe them a debt of across the Chamber, as well as a number of good empire. It is a special case. We also owe a legal debt, in suggestions. If our Minister takes concrete action, he that the UK is a part-guarantor of the Sino-British will continue to have SNP support in his endeavours for agreement guaranteeing one country, two systems. Hong the rights of the people of Hong Kong. They are a Kong’s autonomy is guaranteed partially by the UK, special case—we are bound to them and it is right that and yet the national security law was passed. we keep them on our agenda. 413WH Human Rights in Hong Kong9 JUNE 2021 Human Rights in Hong Kong 414WH

3.33 pm successive Conservative Governments have eroded the UK’s leverage and influence: first, by leaving the British Stephen Kinnock (Aberavon) (Lab): It is a real pleasure economy over-reliant on Chinese imports and supply to serve under your chairship,Ms Ghani. I, too,congratulate chains, as, shockingly, 57 of our critical national the hon. Member for Gedling (Tom Randall) on securing infrastructure supply chains are now reliant on China; this extremely important debate, and I pay tribute to all and secondly, by failing to form or maintain the alliances those who have contributed. It is striking to see how on the world stage to defend our values and interests. united we are across the Chamber in our condemnation of the behaviour and activities of Beijing. I hope that In 2015, David Cameron and George Osborne, with the Minister will note the united message that he is enthusiastic support from Boris Johnson, who was then hearing. I pay particular tribute to my hon. Friends the London Mayor, proclaimed a “golden era”of UK-China Members for Lewisham East (Janet Daby) and for relations, a strategy designed to open up UK markets to Vauxhall (Florence Eshalomi), and my right hon. Friend Chinese business and investment, in the expectation the Member for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) that China would fall in line with international norms for their powerful and passionate contributions. on trade and human rights. The opposite has happened. Uncompetitive market behaviour by state-backed Chinese The Chinese Government’s assault on Hong Kong’s firms has contributed to the £19 billion deficit that we democratic institutions and their ongoing persecution are still running with China and, in short, the Chinese of pro-democracy activists is a scar on the conscience of Government have failed to align themselves with any of the world, but it is of particular importance to our the values or norms that the “golden era” was supposed country. Beijing’s actions represent a flagrant violation to be based on. of international law via the multiple breaches of the Sino-British declaration, including the introduction and We have seen the compromising of national and application of the national security law. They show economic security by increased reliance on China, and contempt for the Hong Kong Basic Law,riding roughshod we have also seen a concerning tendency towards lack over the one country, two systems framework, and of consistency across Government. Of course, we saw represent a relentless crackdown on established universal the divisions on the genocide amendment to the Trade rights and freedoms, such as the right to free speech, Act 2021. The UK Government chose to block it, which media freedom, judicial independence and the right to was a matter of profound regret to the Labour party. peaceful protest. We therefore need a long-term strategy. The Prime Minister has a unique opportunity to deliver this at the We have seen opposition lawmakers being forced out G7. It means rebuilding our strategic independence by of office and then a new law being imposed to prevent reducing our exposure to Chinese investment in supply critics of Beijing from standing for office. We have seen chains. It means addressing the national security issues, Lee Cheuk-yan, the trade union activist, sentenced to particularly around Taiwan. And it really does mean 18 months in prison, simply for attending democratic looking at areas where China holds a de facto global protests, and others like him have also been targeted. monopoly, particularly around rare earth metals, for And we have seen Jimmy Lai, the media owner, being example. jailed for more than a year on spurious charges, while Radio Television Hong Kong’s independence has been In the shorter term, we must do more to support the compromised, and BBC world radio has been taken off people of Hong Kong. We need more Government the air following the banning of BBC News in China, support for British nationals overseas, including language which itself came as a result of the BBC’s outstanding support and access to GPs and to housing. We must see and important investigation into the persecution of the a clear route to citizenship for Hongkongers born after Uyghur people in Xinjiang. 1997 and we must not give up on those who are still campaigning. We need the Magnitsky-type sanctions Perhaps most tragically of all in Hong Kong, we have that have been mentioned by many hon. Members. We seen the arrests and sentencing of scores of liberal need a judge-led inquiry into police brutality, and we pro-democracy activists, including brave young leaders need—as the Labour party is calling for—British judges such as Joshua Wong, Ivan Lam and Agnes Chow, and to leave Hong Kong. the Hong Kong eight. Increasingly, trials take place in secret and without a jury, utterly undermining the basic British judges are simply lending a veneer of credibility foundation of judicial independence upon which Hong to the undemocratic, broken system. Have the UK Kong’srule of lawis built. In short, the Chinese Government Government made an assessment of whether UK judges are doing all they can to crush the democratic rights of are protecting the rule of law in Hong Kong or simply the Hong Kong people and to assert their own authoritarian legitimising an authoritarian regime? Will the UK and despotic system. Government join the Opposition in taking a clear and principled position? We also need to see action on Let me be clear that the Labour party will stand up banks such as HSBC, which, as hon. Members have for democracy,human rights and the rule of laweverywhere, said, appear to be doing the dirty work of the Chinese and will call out violations wherever they take place. We Government. apply these principles without fear or favour, and we There are so many important actions that the will always encourage the Government to work in Government can and should take. We should bear in partnership with our international allies to defend the mind that democracy is in retreat across the world. A values that we cherish. recent report showed that, for the first time since 2001, It is, therefore, a matter of real regret that the UK authoritarian regimes outnumber democracies. Weshould Government have at times left us in a position of take very careful note of that. Hong Kong needs the weakness. Consecutive Conservative Governments since free world, and the free world needs Hong Kong. I look 2010 have been naive and complacent in their dealings forward to hearing the Minister’s response on these with the Chinese Communist party leadership. These important issues. 415WH Human Rights in Hong Kong9 JUNE 2021 Human Rights in Hong Kong 416WH

3.40 pm measures that directly undermine those rights and freedoms. China’s own Basic Law for Hong Kong makes it clear The Minister for Asia (Nigel Adams): I am grateful to that the territory should put forward and enact its own my hon. Friend the Member for Gedling (Tom Randall) security legislation, so the direct imposition of the for securing this debate and to right hon. and hon. Members national security law is in clear contravention of that. for their passionate and well-informed contributions on this subject, which we have had an opportunity to debate Senior Chinese Government figures claimed at the several times. I am sure this will not be the last time that time that this law would target a “tiny number” of the issue of Hong Kong is brought to the House. I also criminals who seriously endanger national security, but pay tribute to my hon. Friend’s work on the Public everybody in this room and watching this debate realises Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee. that the law has been used systematically to restrict freedom of expression. It has been brought up today by I will try to respond to as many as possible of the just about every Member present. We see in the courts points raised. As I have said during previous debates on the ongoing trials of 47 pro-democracy politicians and this issue, and as I have written to the right hon. Member activists for their alleged roles in unofficial political for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael) and other primaries last year. Those cases and others demonstrate, members of the all-party parliamentary group, my door in the starkest way, that the national security law is and the offices of my officials at the Foreign, being used to stifle political dissent. Commonwealth and Development Office are always open. We are very keen to discuss the issues on a one-to-one basis. We have a depth of experience and knowledge on Stephen Kinnock: As the Minister is clearly on the King Charles Street and we are more than happy to section of his speech relating to legal and judicial matters, share it, so I hope we will be able to follow up on that. does he agree with me and, I think, many other Members here today that the continuing presence of British judges As has rightly been said, this has been and continues in the Hong Kong judicial system is simply lending a to be the most concerning period in Hong Kong’s veneer of credibility to a completely broken system, and post-handover history. As Minister for Asia, I deeply will he today give us a guarantee that the British regret not having had the opportunity to visit Hong Government will be using whatever means necessary to Kong in better circumstances—some of my predecessors bring that practice to an end? have been able to do so. In saying that, I share the deep concern of this House. That is why we have taken clear and decisive action. We have extended the existing arms Nigel Adams: The hon. Gentleman rightly raised that embargo on mainland China to include Hong Kong. in his remarks, as did many other right hon. and hon. Right hon. and hon. Members will know that we have Members. British judges have played an important role suspended the extradition treaty with Hong Kong and in supporting the independence of Hong Kong’s judiciary are creating a new visa route for British nationals overseas, for many years. We really hope that that can continue. which I will come on to shortly. However, the national security law poses real questions for the rule of law in Hong Kong—basically, the As colleagues will know,the Sino-British joint declaration fundamental protection of fundamental rights and was registered with the United Nations on 12 June 1985. freedoms, which were promised by China in the joint They will also know that the declaration is a legally declaration. It is therefore right that the Supreme Court binding international treaty that remains in force today. continues to assess the situation in Hong Kong, and This agreement between the United Kingdom and China that will be done in discussion with the Government. made clear that Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, rights and freedoms would remain unchanged for 50 years I am conscious that I have to give my hon. Friend the from 1997, a point that has already been made by the Member for Gedling a few minutes to speak at the end, hon. Member for Vauxhall (Florence Eshalomi). so I will try to get through my points and the rest of my remarks in order to allow him to do so. It is clear that In the agreement, China undertook to uphold the the authorities are pursuing politically motivated freedoms of speech, of the press and of assembly. It prosecutions under other laws and against a range of also agreed to keep in force the international covenant pro-democracy figures. We have heard today about the on civil and political rights and to maintain the independent cases of Joshua Wong and Jimmy Lai. On 11 November, judiciary and rule of law. For more than two decades China’s Standing Committee of the National People’s after the handover,those rights and freedoms underpinned Congress imposed new rules to disqualify elected legislators Hong Kong’s prosperity and way of life. in Hong Kong; those rules contain vague criteria, allowing Right hon. and hon. Members will also be aware that a wide interpretation. On 30 March, we declared this to in 2019 and the early part of 2020, Hong Kong experienced be another breach of the joint declaration as it undermined a period of deep turmoil and widespread unrest, triggered Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and the right to by proposals that would have allowed extradition to freedom of speech, guaranteed under paragraph 3 and mainland China. We were clear from the outset that the annexe 1 of the declaration. solution to that unrest must come from within Hong On 11 March this year, the National People’s Congress Kong and must not be imposed from mainland China. unilaterally decided to change Hong Kong’s electoral Instead, the Chinese authorities have shown an increasing system without prior consent from Hong Kong’sLegislative propensity to breach their obligations in relation to Council, giving Chinese authorities greater control over Hong Kong. I think that on that, we are all agreed. who stands for elected office and over the removal of Since last June, Beijing’s actions have led us to declare elected politicians whom the authorities deem unpatriotic. three breaches of the joint declaration, including significant They also reverse China’s promise to Hong Kong, in its erosions of Hong Kong’s autonomy and the rights and own Basic Law, of gradual progress towards universal freedoms of its people. The national security law imposed suffrage and hollow out the Legislative Council even on Hong Kong by Beijing last June contains a slew of further. As several right hon. and hon. Members, including 417WH Human Rights in Hong Kong9 JUNE 2021 Human Rights in Hong Kong 418WH

[Nigel Adams] called on China to act in accordance with its international commitments and legal obligations and to respect Hong the hon. Member for Aberavon, pointed out, these Kong’s high degree of autonomy, rights and freedoms. developments amount to a systematic and determined I acknowledge that many Members, including my effort by Beijing to bring Hong Kong under its control. right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford They erase the space for alternative political views and Green (Sir Iain Duncan Smith), my hon. Friend the legitimate political debate. Member for Romford (Andrew Rosindell), and the hon. Members for Vauxhall and for Strangford (Jim Shannon), Jim Shannon: Will the Minister give way? called for sanctions in respect of the events in Hong Kong. As right hon. and hon. Members will know, with Nigel Adams: Yes, for the last time. the experience of our sanctions regime in Xinjiang, we do not speculate on listings, as to do so would potentially Jim Shannon: What we are really asking for, with undermine their impact. respect, is action from our Minister and our Government. In the time I have left, I would like to address some of Would it be possible to call publicly for the 2022 Winter the points that Members have made. On the issue of Olympics to be removed from Beijing; for an independent young people born since 1997 without family ties who UN commission of inquiry into human rights abuses in are not eligible for the BNO status, these individuals China, which could be held even with China’s veto; and can still apply using our existing routes to live, work or for more sanctions against those violators? study in the UK. Specifically, Hong Kong nationals aged between 18 and 30 are eligible to apply to our Nigel Adams: The hon. Gentleman always makes youth mobility scheme. decisive points. I will come on to the other two points later, but with regard to the Olympics, that is a matter for the My hon. Friend the Member for Gedling raised the British Olympic Association; it is not a matter for the prospect of Germany not recognising BNO passports, Government to intervene in. as did my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green. We have raised our concerns with Sir Iain Duncan Smith: Will the Minister give way? the German Government; they have assured us that all UK passports, including BNO passports, are recognised Nigel Adams: I need to crack on. If it is on the for the purposes of entry and stay in Germany. I have Olympics— only a minute left. There are a number of issues I need to respond to, so I ask hon. Members to take up my Sir Iain Duncan Smith: It is on the attendance of the offer of coming to see officials and me in the FCDO Prime Minister. and I can address them then, or write to them following this debate. Nigel Adams: No decision has yet been made about While the turmoil on the streets of Hong Kong may diplomatic attendance at the Olympics, but I can tell my have lessened since 2019, the underlying situation has right hon. Friend, as the Minister responsible, that that certainly deteriorated further. After three breaches of is very much at the forefront of our minds. the Sino-British joint declaration in nine months, since We responded quickly and decisively to the enactment March the United Kingdom has considered Beijing to of the national security law. The day after the law was be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with it. There imposed, the Foreign Secretary announced to Parliament is a stark and growing gulf between Beijing’s promises that, after discussions with the Home Secretary, the and its actions. We must and we will continue to stand Government would introduce this bespoke immigration up for the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong route for British nationals overseas and their dependants, Kong. I give my assurance as Minister for Asia that we providing a new path to citizenship. This opened on will continue to work hard and in good faith towards 31 January, and the Secretary of State for Housing, that goal. We will hold China to the obligation that it Communities and Local Government has implemented willingly undertook to safeguard the people of Hong a welcome settlement package for those who wish to Kong and their way of life. take up the offer. Prior to that, on 20 July, the Foreign Secretary announced the indefinite suspension of our 3.57 pm extradition treaty with Hong Kong, and the extension Tom Randall: I am grateful to all the hon. and right of our arms embargo on mainland China to Hong Kong. hon. Members who have spoken this afternoon. When I The extradition treaty will remain suspended until we was preparing for this debate, I reread the Hansard have safeguards to ensure that it will not be misused debate on the joint declaration in December 1984. I was under the national security law. struck by the fact that although there were some concerns Wehave also led action in the international community, about immigration status, there was unanimity across holding China to account through our presidency of the House that, at the time, that was the best deal that the G7. I will be very surprised if this issue is not could have been obtained for Hong Kong. discussed either on the agenda or in the corridors of the As the hon. Member for Stirling (Alyn Smith) and the G7 meeting taking place this week. On 6 October, with hon. Member for Aberavon (Stephen Kinnock) have Germany, we brought together 39 countries to express identified, there has been a similar unanimity today our grave concern for Hong Kong and Xinjiang in a across the Chamber on this issue. As the hon. Member for joint statement at the UN General Assembly third Strangford (Jim Shannon) observed, many other human committee. The Foreign Secretary,in his high-level segment rights abuses have been committed by China in the region. to the Human Rights Council on 22 February, called However, as my right hon. Friend the Member for for the UN to respond, and he undertook to continue to Chingford and Woodford Green (Sir Iain Duncan Smith) raise international support. More recently, on 5 May, he said, this is the issue of the moment. As my hon. Friend 419WH Human Rights in Hong Kong 9 JUNE 2021 420WH the Member for Romford (Andrew Rosindell) said, Environment: Sittingbourne and Sheppey today we are discussing the decline of the most international of Asian cities. 4.5 pm The speeches we have heard today have illustrated the breadth of China’s actions in Hong Kong—brazen Ms Nusrat Ghani (in the Chair): I remind hon. Members actions, in the words of my hon. Friend the Member for that there have been some changes to normal practice in Rother Valley (Alexander Stafford). We have heard order to support the new hybrid arrangements. I remind about the manipulation of election rules from the hon. Members participating that they must remain here for Members for Lewisham East (Janet Daby) and for the entire debate. I remind Members that they are visible Vauxhall (Florence Eshalomi). at all times, especially to us in the Boothroyd Room. The right hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington If Members attending virtually have any technical (John McDonnell) has spoken passionately about his problems, they should email the Westminster Hall Clerks at comrades in the trade union movement who have been [email protected]. Members attending affected, and the hon. Member for North Antrim physically should clean their spaces before they use them (Ian Paisley) has spoken about how even basic things and as they leave the room. like professing one’s faith have been hindered by the I call Gordon Henderson to move the motion. actions taken by the Chinese Government. The right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con) (Mr Carmichael) and the hon. Member for Ochil and [V]: I beg to move, South Perthshire (John Nicolson) spoke about media That this House has considered environmental matters in clampdowns. At one of the most interesting and distressing Sittingbourne and Sheppey constituency. meetings that I attended while involved in this subject I First, may I say what a pleasure it is to serve under listened to Hong Kong journalists who had to be identified your chairmanship, Ms Ghani? Let me begin by making as witnesses 1, 2 and 3 because of fear of persecution. it clear that I fully endorse the Government’s long-term They underlined well the issues that they faced. commitment to be the first generation to leave our As the hon. Member for Bath (Wera Hobhouse) environment in a better state than that in which we observed, democracies have to put on a united front. I inherited it. With that in mind, I want to highlight some am grateful to the Minister for his statement and what of the local environmental issue causing concern in he said, and we would be encouraged if this matter were Sittingbourne and Sheppey. raised at the G7 this week. It is a matter that needs to be My constituency has a unique and varied natural raised, and I am grateful for the clarification. environment. On the Isle of Sheppey, we have the I will conclude by quoting from the six-monthly Elmley nature reserve, a thriving coastline and some report on Hong Kong that is produced by the Foreign fantastic habitats for birds, including marsh harriers Office. The latest one said: and a variety of wading birds. On the mainland, the bustling town of Sittingbourne is surrounded by a “It is not too late for the authorities to reach out and start to heal divisions, however complicated and difficult that might be.” mixture of rural and built-up villages, all with a character of their own, including Iwade, which has its own nature Question put and agreed to. reserve, attracting an abundance of wildlife throughout Resolved, the year. All this wonderful countryside provides us not That this House has considered human rights in Hong Kong. only with an enviable environment, but with many challenges for local communities. I want to address a 4 pm few of those challenges. Sitting suspended. When people contact me with concerns about our local environment, those concerns fall into a number of categories. Two main concerns revolve around the scourge of fly-tipping and littering. The impact that both of these thoughtless acts have on our local environment is huge. Not only is the discarded rubbish unsightly; it can be harmful to both humans and animals. I believe we need harsher punishments for people who are caught littering, with local authorities given more powers to clamp down on the offenders, as well as the resources needed to enforce those powers. However, fines are not the only answer. We also need to educate people about the antisocial nature of littering, most of which is caused by adults, who then set a bad example to their children. Those children pick up bad habits learned from their parents, which is why I set up the Litter Angels charity in Sittingbourne and Sheppey over a decade ago. Its sole purpose is to educate children about the harm associated with litter, and I am pleased to say that the charity has now extended the project into a number of other constituencies in Kent. I turn to fly-tipping, which is littering on a larger scale. It is becoming a huge problem in Kent, including in my constituency. It places a financial burden on local 421WH Environment: Sittingbourne 9 JUNE 2021 Environment: Sittingbourne 422WH and Sheppey and Sheppey [Gordon Henderson] that nothing can be done to stop those people, which is beyond belief. Apparently, because of the U1 exemption landowners and farmers, who are seeing an increasing licence, the Environment Agency can do nothing. It does number of incidents in which lorry loads of rubbish are not seem to have the resources to monitor the terms of dumped on their land. They then have to pay to have the licence to ensure that they are being observed. The the rubbish removed and disposed of, costing them problem could be solved by making the Environment hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of pounds. Agency responsible for authorising, issuing, monitoring I believe there are a number of reasons for the rise in and enforcing the proper use of U1 exemption licences. fly-tipping. Two important causes are, first, the decision I urge the Minister to look into this matter urgently. taken some years ago by Swale Borough Council to While talking about the north Sheppey cliffs, I would charge for the removal from homes of large items of like to highlight another ongoing problem: the plight of waste, and, secondly, Kent County Council’s policy of residents at Surf Crescent, in what is called the Eastchurch restricting commercial companies’ access to its waste gap. The first anniversary recently passed of an incident sites.I said at the time that both decisions were short-sighted that saw part of Surf Crescent fall into the sea, taking and would lead to an increase in fly-tipping, and I was with it the home and possessions of a family, leaving right. I appreciate that both decisions were taken for them homeless. Many more of my constituents were financial reasons. In my view, however, any cost saving moved out of their homes for their own safety, and they made by our local authorities has been more than offset are concerned about their future in the homes that they by the cost of cleaning up council-owned sites where have loved for so long. fly-tipping takes place. The problem of the erosion of the north Sheppey I believe the situation could be improved very quickly cliffs is not new. I have raised the subject before, including by reinstating the free collection of bulk waste and the in a Westminster Hall debate in December 2017. I will free disposal of commercial waste at household waste continue to raise the matter until something is done to recycling centres. Although this is an issue for the local save the properties that are under threat. Unusually, authorities to resolve, I hope that Ministers will consider solving the problem is not about money. There are making the free collection of bulk waste and the free groups on the Isle of Sheppey that have put forward disposal of commercial waste a statutory requirement, schemes to reinstate the cliffs, at no cost to the taxpayer. backed up with the resources needed to implement it. However, they come up against intransigence on the There is another environmental problem that last part of Natural England, which has stated publicly that year blighted the lives of a number of residents in and it will oppose in principle any proposal to stop the around Iwade, the village I mentioned earlier. It became erosion of the cliffs. apparent that land in an area called Raspberry Hill Natural England’s reason for its stance is that the cliff Lane was being used to process building waste. For erosion is on part of the Sheppey coastline that has weeks, my constituents were subjected to the foul smell been designated a site of special scientific interest. Let of melting rubber and burning, in addition to the noise me clarify what that means. The SSSI is in place not to and dust associated with the process. One result of this protect land, which I could understand, but to protect incident, which I believe is still taking place today, is the the loss of land, which I find bizarre. I have asked in the misuse of U1 exemption. past for SSSI designation to be lifted so that the homes of my constituents can be saved, but I was told it was an Ms Nusrat Ghani (in the Chair): Mr Henderson, we EU designation. We are no longer in the EU, so I urge seem to have lost your screen connection. Ah, you are the Minister to look again at the situation and see if the back. Marvellous. designation can now be lifted. If not, what other steps can be taken to protect my constituency? Gordon Henderson: I had got to one of the results of Finally, I want to address another major issue that is the incident, which I believe is still taking place today. It having an impact on the local environment, which is is the use of U1 exemptions to take waste from that site housing. Kent has seen major housing development and dump it off the cliffs at the top of Warden Road on over the past couple of decades, which has seen too many the Isle of Sheppey.I believe that the U1 waste exemption of our green spaces concreted over. In addition, the is a loophole that is open to abuse and should be closed. increased population has put tremendous strain on our According to the Government’s website, the U1 infrastructure. In many areas, the additional traffic exemption allows for the use of suitable waste, rather created by those homes has harmed our environment, than raw materials or items that are no longer waste, to not least by worsening the already polluted air in our be used in construction projects. For example, it would towns and cities. be in order, under the exemption rules, for crushed My constituency in particular has taken more than bricks, concrete, rocks and aggregate to be dumped to its fair share of that increased housing, and its geography, create a noise barrier around new development. Under demography and local environment have changed beyond the rules, it could then be topped off with soil and all recognition. Sittingbourne and Sheppey has seen a landscaped. It is also permitted to use road planings tremendous increase in our population, without having and rubble to build a track or path. Those are proper the necessary infrastructure put in place to support uses of the U1 exemption. those people. Now, we have overcrowded roads, over- However, what is being done off the cliffs north of subscribed schools and increased waiting times for health Sheppey is not a proper use. It is creating problems for services because of a lack of doctors. residents who have to use the surrounding roads, and it Under the current Government-imposed housing targets, harms the local coastal environment. That is the true my local authority, Swale Borough Council, is under danger of fly-tipping, which is a selfish act of throwing immense pressure to build more houses, and there is unwanted construction rubbish over a cliff. It appears mounting concern from local people about a number of 423WH Environment: Sittingbourne 9 JUNE 2021 Environment: Sittingbourne 424WH and Sheppey and Sheppey proposed developments involving thousands more houses will be pleased to know—and I am sure he is aware—that in our area. We are facing a proposed planning Bill that our landmark Environment Bill, which is the first of its will increase further still the number of homes in Kent. kind for 20 years, will really help to deliver, as I hope he No doubt Sittingbourne and Sheppey will be asked to feels, the future prosperous and sustainable environment take some of that total housing. More housing will that I believe we all want, including his constituents. mean more air pollution—[Inaudible.] My hon. Friend referred to the Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament. The legislation will Ms Nusrat Ghani (in the Chair): Mr Henderson, you deliver transformative benefits, including cleaner air for have muted yourself. Please unmute. all, the restoration of habitats, increased biodiversity, a Gordon Henderson: I am sorry—it is the technology, I resource-efficient economy, and better management of am afraid. I will repeat what I was saying. our precious resources in this changing climate. Now, we are facing planning Bill that will increase Climate change is creating many challenges, and the further still the number of homes in Kent. No doubt Government are tackling them head-on with a strategy Sittingbourne and Sheppey will be asked to take some to reach net zero by 2050. On the other side of that coin of that total housing. More housing will mean more air is nature adapting to the changing climate that we face, pollution and even fewer green spaces. That will be a some impact of which is being felt off the coast of my disaster for our local environment, which is why I want hon. Friend’s constituency. to use my speech to forewarn the Government that I On the issue of waste, many of our constituents share will be unable to support the planning Bill unless it my hon. Friend’s concern about litter and the people protects my constituency from any more unsustainable who choose to spoil the environment that we all share housing growth. with rubbish. I understand his concerns, but I want to I do not apologise for highlighting what might be outline the things that we have done already to tackle considered parochial issues. It is right that we have the issue and the things that we are going to do, which I priority areas set out in law, including air quality, water, hope will reassure him. We have introduced new penalty biodiversity,resource efficiency and waste production—all notice powers for councils in respect of fly-tipping and those things are mentioned in the Environment Bill, littering from a vehicle so that if a passenger in a vehicle which is now in the other place—but I hope Ministers throws something out of the window, the driver will be recognise that those measures go only halfway towards responsible for that person’s littering. We have also solving the issues that real people face on the ground. raised on-the-spot fines for littering and given councils My constituents want an assurance that the basics, such powers to stop, search and seize the vehicles of suspected as protecting their local green spaces and agricultural fly-tippers. On conviction, those guilty of littering can land, solving the problems of littering and fly-tipping, already face a fine of up to £2,500, but we have committed cutting regularly the grass on the verges of trunk roads to strengthening fly-tipping sentences. such as the A249, and managing ground and air pollution, We have provided funding worth almost £1 million to will also be taken care of. help councils purchase new litter bins. That might seem In an ever-changing world in which the Government a small thing, but having the right bins in the right talk about building back to improve lives and livelihoods, places makes a difference. I agree with my hon. Friend please do not ignore the plight of those whom I have that education is really important. That is a key part of highlighted. Let us use this chance to make lasting our litter strategy for England, and I thank him for the changes for those people. work that he does in this space, as does the Litter Angels charity in his constituency. Ms Nusrat Ghani (in the Chair): Thank you, The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Mr Henderson—I am pleased that we survived those Affairs continues to support “Keep it, Bin it”, the gremlins. anti-littering campaign launched in 2018 with Keep 4.18 pm Britain Tidy. It does so much good work to tackle littering. We would like to see more children and, indeed, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for everyone participating in national clean-up days such as Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Rebecca Pow): the great British spring clean. I got involved with a team Thank you so much, Ms Ghani. I do not think that I of people in Taunton last week. I am sure that you also have had the pleasure of serving with you in the Chair—it get involved in those things, Ms Ghani, as I know does is really very good to see you. my hon. Friend the Member for Sittingbourne and I must thank my hon. Friend the Member for Sheppey. Those things do have an impact in our local Sittingbourne and Sheppey (Gordon Henderson) for areas. his impassioned speech and for standing up, as he The main way to tackle frequently littered items and always does, for his constituency. We have seen him in fly-tipping is to reduce the amount of waste that we every way today: in vision, out of vision, on mic and off have in the first place. There are measures in the mic. It has been a pleasure to hear what he has to say, Environment Bill that really will make a difference to and I thank him for securing this debate on a topic that our waste. We have a big emphasis on reuse, repair and is important in particular for his constituents. recycle, and we are introducing new measures, as I am My hon. Friend highlighted a number of a really sure my hon. Friend knows, including the extended important environmental issues,such as littering, fly-tipping, producer responsibility scheme, which will focus on the illegal dumping of waste off the north Sheppey plastic packaging initially, because that is our biggest cliffs, the problem of cliff erosion in Sheppey, and the littered item. It will make the people who manufacture adverse environmental impacts, including pollution, and use such packaging ultimately responsible for its of what he considers to be unsustainable housing end of life. They will not want to see littered items if developments. He covered a whole raft of subjects. He they are responsible for it. 425WH Environment: Sittingbourne 9 JUNE 2021 Environment: Sittingbourne 426WH and Sheppey and Sheppey [Rebecca Pow] the long-term approach agreed with Swale Borough Council, the Environment Agency and Natural England We are also consulting on the deposit return scheme, in the shoreline management plan is to allow coastal which sets out an incentive to dispose of in-scope processes to enhance the natural environment locally materials that can be returned, and we are working on and elsewhere. On the Eastchurch coast, Natural England’s consistent collections through our local authorities, so view is that any development or activity that restricts there is a raft of measures. Last year, I held a roundtable natural processes is likely to damage the features of the with the fast-food retailers, because they are responsible geological site of special scientific interest that my hon. for a huge amount of our litter, to understand what Friend referred to—that is Sheppey cliffs or Minster actions they are already taking. In fairness, lots of them cliffs, as it is also called. are taking action, but I made it very clear that further Just for information, the SSSI designation is a UK action from them is necessary. protection. The designations were made under the Wildlife I noted my hon. Friend’s concerns about the charges and Countryside Act 1981—it is not an EU designation. at household waste recycling centres for certain types of My hon. Friend did hold a debate about this issue with waste, and I hope he will be pleased to hear that we will the previous Environment Minister. As a result, the review those services and the controlled waste regulations. whole issue was reviewed, but in 2017 Natural England Subject to consultation, we will amend them to ensure advised against interfering with the natural processes that they remain fit for purpose and that charges are and the features that they produce. Importantly, online fairly applied. proposals to manage erosion and landslip in this area We are aware of the ongoing issues on the north coast have faced major funding challenges, as I am sure my of Sheppey, particularly the U1 exemptions that my hon. Friend knows, with cheaper interventions in recent hon. Friend referred to. The EA is currently investigating years proving ineffectual. and working with Swale Borough Council, so we cannot The Environment Agency is working with coastal discuss active and ongoing investigations. However, we authorities on a £1 million refresh of the shoreline have consulted on reforming that particular exemption—I management plan that I referred to. That will ensure hope that will give him some reassurance—as well as that it is up to date, using the best evidence in its others of concern, and we hope to publish the Government’s recommendations. It will focus attention on priority response later this year, setting out our proposed reforms areas for investment and adaptation. Through this exercise, to the waste exemptions regime that he referred to. Natural England and the Environment Agency will We are developing proposals to reform the waste continue to work closely with the South East Coastal carrier, broker and dealer regime, and we intend to Group and Swale Borough Council, as they work with consult on that. Other key measures are being introduced local residents and businesses to develop local adaptation through the Environment Bill, which include mandatory initiatives. I am sure my hon. Friend would be welcome electronic waste tracking, so that we know what is in the to be involved in that. Those initiatives will enable us to waste system, who is dealing with it and where it is reach the long-term goal of a naturally evolving coastline, going. Once we have much better data, we will be able to with local communities, that is resilient, rather than crack down on a lot of fly-tipping, which my hon. vulnerable to change. There are many places around the Friend is rightly concerned about. Mindful of the problems coast that are facing similar challenges right now. of fly-tipping, we got an allocation in the 2020 Budget My hon. Friend is rightly passionate about the risks of £2 million to do some work and to support innovative of erosion facing some parts of his constituency. He solutions to tackle fly-tipping, and that is under way. In has raised this issue many times, in particular via a April 2021, we commissioned a research project to parliamentary question in January. At that time, the consider the drivers, deterrence and impact of fly-tipping, Environment Agency provided me with information which will be completed by the end of the year. I hope showing that its Medway estuary and Swale flood and that my hon. Friend is reassured that we are moving on coastal risk management strategy has developed adaptation with a lot of work in this space, because fly-tipping options to relocate or compensate affected properties. I causes an enormous amount of upset and heartache. I would like to take this opportunity to clarify that the have touched on the other measures we are taking to cut strategy recommends that the adaptation options to relocate down the amount of waste in our society altogether. or compensate affected properties should be considered, I will move on to coastal erosion, which is a very but does not provide for any developed options. serious issue for residents in Sheppey, as was seen in the On the housing issues that my hon. Friend raised, we incident referred to by my hon. Friend. Flooding and do, of course, have an existing national planning policy, coastal erosion can have devastating consequences for and it is clear that local plans should take a strategic the people it impacts upon, whether in respect of their approach to maintaining and enhancing habitat networks, business, their home or their environment. In recognition and identify opportunities for enhancing natural capital. of that, between 2021 and 2027, we are doubling our One of the policies states that new developments should investment in flooding and coastal erosion funding to not contribute to unacceptable levels of air pollution, £5.2 billion. That will ensure that a further 336,000 which my hon. Friend raised. The Environment Bill will properties are protected. require the Government to set targets on air quality, We see the sea levels rising, so we are inevitably including on fine particulate matter, which is the most getting further coastal erosion. We defend the coastline damaging to human health. That is a Government where it is sustainable and affordable to do so, and let it priority, and it will of course impact on choices made function naturally where that is not the case. Our national about where houses are delivered. strategy for managing erosion and flooding stresses the In addition, one of the objectives of the proposed importance of resilience and adaptation in the face of planning reform is to protect and enhance the environment. change. On this relatively undeveloped part of Sheppey, The Government have made a clear commitment not to 427WH Environment: Sittingbourne 9 JUNE 2021 428WH and Sheppey roll back on our high standards for environmental Menopausal Symptoms: Support protection. Indeed, DEFRA is working very closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local 4.50 pm Government on these planning reforms and the “Planning for the future” White Paper. As my hon. Friend knows, Ms Nusrat Ghani (in the Chair): I remind hon. Members they have received many responses. that there have been some changes to normal practice in We want to see more homes built, but it is possible to order to support the new hybrid arrangements. I remind do that in an environmentally friendly way. The Members participating physically and virtually that they Environment Bill makes biodiversity net gain mandatory must arrive for the start of the debates in Westminster for every development granted planning permission, so Hall and that they are expected to remain for the entire every development will have to put back 10% more debate. I remind Members participating virtually that nature than was there when it started. That will make a they are visible at all times to us in the Boothroyd Room. big difference around the country to the amount of If they have any technical problems, they must email nature that we see in relation to our housing. I see that [email protected]. Those Members as a very positive measure, and I hope my hon. Friend attending physically must clean their spaces before they agrees. use them and as they leave the room. Mr Speaker has stated that masks should be worn in Westminster Hall, I thank my hon. Friend for raising all those really unless you are speaking. pertinent issues relating to his constituency. I hope that I have provided him with some reassurance about what Carolyn Harris (Swansea East) (Lab): I beg to move, we are doing, particularly on litter, fly-tipping and a That this House has considered support for people experiencing number of the measures coming through in the menopausal symptoms. Environment Bill. He talks about real people, and of It is a pleasure to be opening this important debate in course we are mindful of real people all the time, but we person, Ms Ghani, and to serve under your chairmanship. hope we are putting in place the right policies that will I thank the Chamber engagement team for their support enable them to have a sustainable, green and prosperous in creating a dedicated webpage for anyone impacted by future. the menopause to share their experiences with me ahead Question put and agreed to. of the debate—this is a fantastic service available to us all in the House—and the responses that I have received 4.33 pm have been honest, insightful and true examples of why we Sitting suspended. need to open up the discussion and remove the stigma that still surrounds the menopause. In total, 728 people responded to the public survey and I will share some of their experiences with Members later. On World Menopause Day in 2018, I made a speech in the main House of Commons Chamber calling on the Government to commit to make a difference to the livesof allwomenexperiencingsymptomsof themenopause. At present, approximately 13 million of us in the UK are either perimenopausal or post-menopausal. That is almost a fifth of the entire population. In that debate back in 2018, I spoke of the need for changes in the curriculum to better educate our young people; improved public education to help women who are suffering and those closest to them; better training for GPs to ensure that women are correctly diagnosed and given the right treatments; and mandatory workplace menopause policies, so that women may continue to work through what can be the most difficult time of their lives. With many pressure groups and the media now shining a light on issues to do with menopause, we are starting to talk about it more, but now we also need to start taking action. Education is key here, both public education—so that women understand what is happening to their bodies and feel confident in making informed decisions about the path they choose—and professional education, which is severely lacking. A recent survey on menopause support revealed the shocking truth about training in medical schools. An astounding 41% of UK universities do not have mandatory menopause education on the curriculum. Menopause will, at some point, directly affect half of the population, and yet it is completed overlooked when training the people that we will all turn to for help. Women are suffering unnecessarily,and while some barely notice any changes, for others the suffering is unbearable— stressful, debilitating and completely life-changing. Despite 429WH Menopausal Symptoms: Support9 JUNE 2021 Menopausal Symptoms: Support 430WH

[Carolyn Harris] The situation could be so easily rectified. Simple changes in the workplace, such as flexible working hours, relaxed that, many doctors complete their training and leave uniform policies and adaptations to the working university with absolutely no education about menopause environment, could all make such a difference. Dinah at all. I am fairly confident that no other medical condition talked about this in her survey response. She explained set to impact the lives of more than 50% of the population that in her workplace, she was would be left out in that way. “surprised to find no menopause policy whereas we have policies The Royal College of General Practitioners states for most conceivable events.” that menopause is included in the curriculum, although She added that she told her manager about her menopausal not mandatory or standardised. Bearing in mind that symptoms and how she felt that they were interfering we know more than 40% are not providing mandatory with her capacity to do her job. She said: training, however, women who are suffering and turn to “I was offered no support, we just talked about how I could their GP for help cannot be assured that the doctor they stop making mistakes.” visit will be competent in recognising their symptoms, The Government have alluded to that in their call for let alone to provide them with the treatment plan and evidence for the women’s health strategy. One of the medication they need. In our public engagement survey, areas being considered is maximising women’s health in Gillian shared her experience, saying that her GP told the workplace, with menopause being one of the female- her to ask her mother as her experience would be the specific conditions mentioned that impacts on women’s same: participation in work. I urge anyone affected to complete “I walked out with a leaflet…no support, no advice, no the public survey before the deadline of 13 June, and understanding”. details can be found on the Government website. Far too many women are still being misdiagnosed None of the things I have mentioned are big on their and prescribed anti-depressants, and they suffer extreme own. They are all easy to rectify, but the lack of them all symptoms without the correct treatment and support. is having a devastating impact on so many lives. We This needs to change. GPs should follow up-to-date have the power to change that, and we must seize the guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care opportunity. I plan to set up an all-party parliamentary Excellence on the menopause and hormone replacement group on menopause support over the coming months. therapy, and they should recommend such treatment if I have already had colleagues from across the House it is appropriate. Sadly, far too many women are denied express an interest in joining, and I would be delighted this path, because many doctors are unaware or ill to hear from more MPs and peers—both male and informed. Even those who are lucky enough to visit a female—who I know share my passion to make a difference. GP who recognises their symptoms and understands Women should not be left to suffer through a lack of the benefits of HRT treatment still face barriers. awareness, inadequate support or financial restraints. In Scotland and Wales, prescriptions are free to everyone, Every woman experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal but unfortunately women in England are forced to pay symptoms should be confident that they will be able to £9.35 per item. For some, their treatment may include access the right treatment and support in every aspect multiple items every time. Lisa responded to our survey of their lives. Women deserve to see medical schools by saying: providing appropriate training so doctors can diagnose “Free HRT prescriptions are needed. I’m currently charged and prescribe appropriately. Women deserve to have two prescription charges for one box of medication.” mandatory menopause policies in their place of work. Lesley said: They deserve to be given the reassurance that they can “It’s a process of elimination getting the correct medication. access treatment without worrying about how to pay for It’s so expensive and I have found it very difficult to pay for the it and they deserve to be assured of all the support and prescriptions.” care that they need. Women have been suffering in That is not something to be taken lightly. It is not just silence for far too long. This debate has given them a the odd hot flush or moment of forgetfulness. Menopausal voice. Now it is up to us to listen and act. symptoms can ruin women’s lives, and until something is done to improve the standard of diagnosis and treatment, 5 pm they will continue to ruin even more. Rosie Duffield (Canterbury) (Lab) [V]: It is a pleasure Women deserve so much better. They are giving up to serve under your chairship for the first time, Ms Ghani. their careers and ending relationships because of the severity I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea East of their symptoms and the impact on their physical and (Carolyn Harris), the deputy leader of the Welsh Labour mental wellbeing. It is no coincidence that suicide rates party, for securing the debate today and for all that she for women peak between the ages of 45 and 54, which is is doing to raise awareness of this and many other the average age that most women reach the menopause women’s health issues. or experience perimenopausal symptoms. This cannot Menopause will affect the vast majority of women, carry on. I do not want to be standing here in another with some experiencing menopause earlier as a result of two and a half years talking about the same things. cancer or other health conditions. I have friends who Education on the menopause, which is slowly being have gone through it who then have the added stress of incorporated into the curriculum in secondary schools, having to explain to others why they are unable to have is a positive step forward, but it is just one part of a children, or to share their medical histories. There seems much bigger picture. Public health guidance, standardised to be such a lack of awareness and understanding of compulsory training for those in the medical professions, issues around the menopause. It can still feel like a bit of and fully funded HRT treatments and workplace policies a taboo subject. need to follow.Women should not feel inferior or incapable The menopause is, of course, a women’s health issue, of doing their job because of the effects of the menopause so quite why the House of Commons titled today’s debate on their health and wellbeing, but, sadly, too many do. “support for people experiencing menopausal symptoms” 431WH Menopausal Symptoms: Support9 JUNE 2021 Menopausal Symptoms: Support 432WH is a bit of a mystery, particularly when the House of familiarise themselves with some of the facts. After all, Commons Library report uses the word “women” most people in the UK are female and at some point throughout. Like all mostly women’s health issues, there will go through the menopause. I urge everyone to log is often difficulty with our being able to access the right onto pausitivity.co.uk or watch the excellent documentary help or support, or even the most basic information. produced by Davina McCall for Channel 4 recently. Like many women in Parliament, I am in the age group Ms Nusrat Ghani (in the Chair): To ensure that all the most likely to be experiencing menopause and, like speakers get in, we must impose a time limit of four and most women I know of my age, we rely on personal and a half minutes. professional friendship groups for sharing information and our own experiences. We talk to each other and 5.5 pm usually find that every one of us will have had some Judith Cummins (Bradford South) (Lab): It is a pleasure similar, but also some very different, symptoms. It is to be called to speak in this important debate and I often hearsay, rumour,second-hand or third-hand stories, thank my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea East shared articles or scraps of advice that are our main (Carolyn Harris) for securing it. I know that menopause source of information about this major life change and is shrouded in mystery and certainly used to be a taboo huge change to our bodies. topic, but this is changing and it needs to, as its impact My constituent, Elizabeth Ellis, started her campaign can be complex and numerous as regards health outcomes group 50Sense and the campaign “Know Your Menopause” for women. I will speak on one aspect of menopause—its to inform women after she could not get any help and link with osteoporosis. I do this as co-chair, with Guy support when she was first going through the menopause Black, Lord Black of Brentwood, of the newly formed herself. How many times do politicians meet people like all-party parliamentary group on osteoporosis and bone Elizabeth, who have used their own life experiences to health. become an expert and a champion in order to help A key factor in women’s health is the protection of others? bones. Menopause is a crucial time to protect our bone 50Sense’s Pausitivity campaign produces a variety of health. When women reach the menopause, oestrogen really useful information, as well as posters that people levels decrease, which causes many to develop the well- can print out and put up in their workplaces and ask known systems of hot flushes and sweats. According to GPs to display. I encourage anyone who wants to know the Royal Osteoporosis Society, a decrease in oestrogen more to find the pausivity.co.uk website and download levels also causes a loss of bone density—so the menopause the great resources, including questions to ask GPs. Of is an important cause of osteoporosis. course, that includes men. As husbands, partners, friends, Everyone loses bone density and strength as they get colleagues and responsible employers, they ought to older, but women lose it more rapidly in the years find out as much as they can, too, about this big event in following the menopause, losing up to 20% of their bone the life of almost every woman they know. I hope hon. density during this time. With that loss comes reduced Members will note that I left sons out of that list, as, if I bone strength and a greater risk of breaking bones. am being honest, I know that mine really do not want According to a survey by the ROS, a fifth of women me to discuss my menopause with them, as lovely as who have broken a bone break three or more before that might sound. their osteoporosis is diagnosed. Breaking a bone normally Elizabeth, my constituent, and so many other women means significant short-term pain and inconvenience, like her, should not have had to go back and forth to the but it does not stop there. Many people with osteoporosis GP for almost four years, with symptoms that she now who break a bone live with long-term pain and disability, knows were quite obviously the menopause. She was especially if their back is affected. The reality of broken sent to A&E with heart palpitations and was even asked bones and the fear of falling impacts on everyday more than once if she was a cocaine user. If she had activity, stopping people from doing the activities they seen one of the Pausitivity posters she has now produced, love. As women lose the protective effect of oestrogen at it would surely have saved her a huge amount of distress, the menopause, it is a critical time for their bone health not to mention the NHS a lot of money. Another and a time to consider many factors, whether that is constituent, Michelle, had a surgical menopause and, positive life changes to help maintain bone strength, because of the horrendous symptoms and lack of NHS having a health bone assessment or considering whether treatment, was forced to go to a private consultant and osteoporosis drugs are needed to strengthen bones and spend a lot of money because the support she needed reduce the risk of fractures. A number of medications was not there. These women are not alone. Menopause are available for those with a significant fracture risk, cafés such as those mentioned by the Under-Secretary including hormone replacement therapy, which, crucially, of State for Transport, the hon. Member for Redditch reduces bone loss and the risk of fractures. (Rachel Maclean), in the last menopause debate are It is tragic that the loss of bone strength, and the popular places for women to support each other and associated pain and disabilities that fractures cause, is share stories. It is extremely common for many women preventable in so many cases, and that is why it is to become almost suicidal with the lack of understanding important that around the time of menopause women or help available. receive the support needed to consider whether they We need to end the postcode lottery or luck element have a fracture risk that needs treating with osteoporosis of menopause support. All GP surgeries should have medication. To support this, the Royal Osteoporosis someone available to advise or support women, or should Society is calling for GP surgeries to be incentivised display a poster, so that they know what they are going routinely to use digital tools to assess risk and prevent through is perfectly normal. GPs and healthcare fractures, as recommended in the NICE guidelines. professionals can inform women about local support Frustratingly, accessible digital solutions already exist groups and menopause cafés. We need easy access to and are not integrated properly into IT systems in fully funded HRT treatment. Men too should also GP surgeries. 433WH Menopausal Symptoms: Support9 JUNE 2021 Menopausal Symptoms: Support 434WH

[Judith Cummins] how big an impact they can have. But we are far from alone. Around one in 100 women in the UK will experience Sadly, many GPs and other healthcare professionals menopausal symptoms before they turn 40, and it is lack the confidence to manage osteoporosis, missing estimated that in total about 13 million women are opportunities to identify people at risk early and to prevent currently perimenopausal or menopausal in the UK. that important first fracture. A recent study showed This is a normal part of life, but sadly, many women feel that 75% of older women seen in primary care at high a huge amount of stigma and experience difficulty in risk of fractures were not given the medication they talking about and dealing with these symptoms. needed, due partly to a failure to diagnose osteoporosis. I am a very proud member of Unison and a long-time These IT solutions can identify people with risk factors supporter of its menopause awareness campaign. I know for developing osteoporosis before that first fracture. from my own experience just how much of an impact Patients found to be at higher risk can be offered simple changes such as paid leave, flexible working anti-osteoporosis treatment proactively,with a personalised policies and temperature control in offices can have pain management plan comprising medication, lifestyle when women are experiencing menopausal symptoms. advice, vitamin D supplementation and fall prevention Nearly eight out of 10 menopausal women are in work. strategies. That is why it is essential that around the time Many of them will have decades of experience and huge of menopause, women are properly supported to assess amounts of knowledge to share. Surely it is in employers’ their risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Provided that best interests to introduce comprehensive policies to we support GPs with education and training, including support them staying in their jobs. on menopause and bone health, test those at risk and The UK Government have a vital role to play in provide preventive medication such as HRTand vitamin D, ensuring that the protections are put in place. We were the vision for early intervention can become a reality. promised an employment Bill in the 2019 Queen’s Speech, Ms Nusrat Ghani (in the Chair): I now call Alex Davies- but more than a year has gone by now, so where is that Jones. much-needed legislation? Worse still, we find no mention of a forthcoming employment Bill in this year’s Queen’s 5.10 pm Speech. That legislation would not only enable the Government to introduce their long-promised policy of AlexDavies-Jones (Pontypridd) (Lab): Diolch, Ms Ghani. paid leave for parents of babies receiving neonatal care, It is an honour to follow my hon. Friend the Member but give us all the important opportunity to introduce for Bradford South (Judith Cummins). I am very grateful protections in the workplace for women experiencing to my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea East (Carolyn the menopause. I ask the Minister to please work with Harris) for securing a debate on this incredibly important her colleagues in Government to bring forward such issue, and I echo her comments on the need for greater legislation as soon as time allows. All of us taking part Government action and support; for improved education in the debate today know that the menopause is far in GP surgeries, the workplace and schools; and to from a niche issue. It does not take a genius to work out remove the stigma. that it will affect about half of us in our lifetimes. It is I am pleased to see so many hon. Members from absolutely necessary that this issue is taken seriously by across the House participating in this debate, and I am the Government. especially grateful to those who are sharing their personal experiences with the menopause. I, too, have some Incidentally, it is the same half of the population who familiarity with the enormous impact that the menopause have periods, and while we are on that topic, may I take can have, on not only physical health but mental health. the opportunity to congratulate the UK Government As is the case for many people across the country, my on once again following where the devolved Governments road to motherhood was far from straightforward. I in Wales and Scotland have led in making sanitary knew early on that my best chance of carrying a child products free in schools? was through IVF—in vitro fertilisation. What many I am very glad to say that in recent times we have seen Members may not know is that the hormones and real moves forward on visibility and awareness of the medication that you need to take as part of the IVF impact that the menopause can have. I have no doubt process often mean that you begin to experience a kind that Davina McCall’s fantastic and taboo-breaking of early menopause. I had it all, from hot flushes and documentary on the menopause last month will have headaches to fatigue and terrible concentration. My mam, had a major impact on the millions of women who may who had experienced all this before, was my absolute have been suffering in silence. But today’s debate makes rock. it clear that far more needs to be done, so I urge the Minister to take forward the concerns and ideas of I know that, for many women, the menopause can be colleagues across the political divide and work with her an incredibly difficult and lonely time. I was lucky: I colleagues in Government to address this all-important had a very supportive employer, and my fertility story topic. thankfully has a happy ending—after just one round of IVF, I fell pregnant with my wonderful son. But I know that, tragically, for many women that will not be the case. 5.14 pm The last thing these women need is to feel that they must Ruth Jones (Newport West) (Lab): It is a pleasure to deal with the symptoms of menopause alone. serve under your chairmanship, Ms Ghani, I believe for My hon. Friend the Member for Canterbury (Rosie the first time, and I very much thank my hon. Friend Duffield) is completely right to raise the brilliant Pausitivity the Member for Swansea East (Carolyn Harris) for securing campaign and the excellent resources that it provides. such an important debate. Everyone who has experienced menopausal symptoms, In preparation for this debate, I looked up the definition whether they are medically induced, as in my case, or of menopause. There was a very short phrase that just part of the natural ageing process, will know at first hand described it as a natural process of ageing. Really? It 435WH Menopausal Symptoms: Support9 JUNE 2021 Menopausal Symptoms: Support 436WH does not feel very natural when you are going through there must be support. Also, at that time my wife lost it, I have to say. It also stated that there was no specific her mother. So, in addition to having the menopause, medicinal treatment. Treatment is aimed at “decreasing she lost someone who was very dear to her and who we the signs and symptoms”, which is a very vague,non-specific all miss greatly. Those were difficult times. My wife had definition. to go to hospital as well. My mother helped her in that I wonder why, even today, there is such a lack of regard, because I was over here and so was unable to knowledge and communication about such an important assist her directly. topic. There is lots of communication about puberty and I believe that there must be a wider understanding pregnancy—they are well documented and well discussed, that all of those things that are different are so difficult so people know what will happen before they experience to understand. There may be a list of symptoms, such them. It feels like menopause is the last taboo. as anxiety, low moods, poor concentration and memory, Having been a physiotherapist in my previous life, I hot flushes and night sweats, insomnia and so on. thought that I knew all there was to know about the However, knowing that they things may be symptoms is menopause, but nobody prepared me for the mental one thing; dealing with them is very different. So, it is health aspects.My husband can testify to several meltdowns about how we deal with these things. on my part, which left him completely taken aback, as In Northern Ireland we have only two menopause was I. Obviously, once we realised what it was, we could specialists. The service is understaffed and in dire need put solutions in motion. But it is important that we know of funding and attention. I believe that every trust must what is happening before it actually happens. Support is have dedicated specialised clinics to deal with the menopause needed, whether at home or at work—I certainly benefited and to provide information, medication and support. from the support of colleagues in the workplace—for Women, especially those in Northern Ireland, have a all who go through the menopause, including before “grin and bear it” mentality about most things in life, they go through it. but I believe that that is not enough to see you through. I feel privileged to have worked in the NHS in Wales We need to have the conversations and have them heard, on the menopause policy, which was issued in December not simply woman to woman, but with men, husbands, 2018. The working group was all women of a certain partners and sons—although I understand that the hon. age plus one very embarrassed man, but they produced Member for Canterbury (Rosie Duffield) may have a important policy and guidance, offering specific and slightly different opinion on that. I suppose the question practical solutions for dealing with the menopause. is how to help them understand and to offer them They include simple things such as opening a window, support that makes this cosmic shift bearable. relocating a desk or sorting out uniforms—simple things I employseven staff—four part-time and three part-time.I that just need to be put in practice. I urge the Minister have six ladies and one gentleman. As an employer, I have to look at those sorts of practical solutions, because to be aware of my duty and understand, sympathetically that is what we need to publicise. and compassionately, where we are. I have learned over In conclusion, I again thank my hon. Friend the the years that we—and in this case I—can step outside Member for Swansea East for highlighting this important our comfort zones when needed. This message must be topic, and I urge the Minister to do all she can to make clear. I believe that these discussions are needed and sure that people experiencing the menopause are supported, have to take place. I stood with my wife as she went both here in this place and in the wider world outside through a particularly tough time, and I have realised Parliament, because this really is a time for action and that things are only as awkward or as uncomfortable as not words. I make them. A simple, “Is there anything I can do to help today?” means the world to someone who feels 5.17 pm they are battling the world and their own body. Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): First of all, I I thank the hon. Member for Swansea East for raising congratulate the hon. Member for Swansea East (Carolyn this issue and all the hon. Ladies who have spoken. Harris) on securing this debate. She and I have been in I look forward to hearing those who will follow me, so many debates together that I have almost lost count. especially the Minister, as I always do. We need these I have always supported her and, to be fair, she has always conversations. We also need a dedicated programme supported me. and funding. I look to the Minister, who does not have I am here for two reasons: to support the hon. Lady responsibility for Northern Ireland but who always but also because my wife has gone through this in the answers well, to outline how the Government can ensure last wee period of time. Although I cannot begin to that we can do better—and that means everyone, male comprehend physically what it means to a lady for it to and female. take place, I think that, as a dutiful husband, I am able to make a wee contribution to this debate. 5.21 pm I am also here because I am the Democratic Unionist Kirsten Oswald (East Renfrewshire) (SNP): I thank party’s health spokesperson. I take a particular interest the hon. Member for Swansea East (Carolyn Harris) for in all health issues debated in this place, whether in securing this important debate. It should be clear to all Westminster Hall or in the main Chamber, including of us that we do not speak nearly enough about the Adjournment debates. menopause, and that needs to change. Although I will never experience physically the difficulties For far too long, a polite veil has been drawn over outlined today by every one of the hon. Ladies who has this and other issues facing women, young and old, so spoken, I have supported my wife through her journey, any mention of menopause, as if it were not a perfectly and from the outside looking in, it has been a tough normal states of affairs, has been seen as a little bit time. Describing it as “the change” is very apt—there distasteful. For women of a certain age, myself included, are so many changes, so much change—and with change that is not okay.I am heartened that the SNP is committed 437WH Menopausal Symptoms: Support9 JUNE 2021 Menopausal Symptoms: Support 438WH

[Kirsten Oswald] Women must be able to seek assistance and support. Although some will sail relatively serenely through to a women’s health plan and has plans in place to work menopause, there are often health and wellbeing with women’s organisations and the Scottish Trades implications which, if they are acknowledged at all, are Union Congress to identify areas in relation to menopause just dismissed as women’s troubles. I have to tell hon. where action is needed. Members what women’s troubles actually are. They are Specifically female health issues have been silenced the kinds of troubles that it suits folk for us not to talk for far too long. We have recently been climbing a about: periods, hot flushes—I could go on. The reason mountain in discussing sanitary protection. There is we have not historically talked about them is age-old: still more to do there, but bravo, as the hon. Member for pure and simple sexism. Let us not have that anymore, Pontypridd (Alex Davies-Jones) said, including to the thanks very much. I know that colleagues across Scotland Scottish Government and the women who pushed for and across the UK are doing great work to stamp that change, which meant that Scotland became the first out, and I commend them all. country in the world to have free period products. We As we travel down that road, and with all the challenges need to take the same approach to menopause. Things it brings, let us continue to talk and to push for will not change if we do not have that opportunity and improvements in education and employment. Let us take the initiative in discussing it. talk about the menopause and how we can practically improve things, and about periods, too. It would be That dialogue will matter, because the veil of secrecy sensible for those things to be part of our normal, that too often surrounds discussions about the menopause everyday discourse. The menopause is normal, and it is is damaging women’s lives. Why is that the case? Half time we stopped pretending that it is not. the population will experience menopause. A great many of them will be unclear about symptoms, treatments 5.26 pm and where to go for support. The hon. Member for Charlotte Nichols (Warrington North) (Lab): It is a Canterbury (Rosie Duffield) mentioned the work of pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms Ghani. I menopause cafés. The Menopause Café in Newton must begin by thanking my hon. Friend the Member for Mearns was admired by the people who attended it for Swansea East (Carolyn Harris) for bringing forward the frank, open and supportive discussions held. That this important topic for debate. She has done an excellent sharing and sharing alike on menopause is really helpful. job in helping to raise awareness and to reveal the Some employers are making important moves to further changes we can make to ensure that our society increase awareness and support for the menopause, is more supportive of menopausal and perimenopausal including my local council, East Renfrewshire Council, women. which I know is discussing that at the moment. That is The menopause is natural—indeed, normal—and is really important. If employers do not take that initiative, experienced by more than half of the population. It they are in grave danger of losing out on talent and should not be embarrassing or taboo, yet nor should experience, as well as treating women in a way that they women be required to declare when they experience it. simply do not deserve. With around 5.1 million women in the UK currently aged between 45 and 55, the menopause affects a huge As the hon. Member for Swansea East said, that is population at any given time. We should seek to be a one of the reasons we wanted to see an employment society that understands and accommodates the symptoms Bill. Equality matters, and while employment law remains that menopausal women experience as a standard part reserved to the UK Government, the Scottish Government of our life cycles. We should recognise that every woman will continue to provide and promote fairer work practices experiences menopause differently,and that 1% of women for employers to look at. We need these powers to be experience premature menopause, before the age of 40, devolved so that we can get on with job if it is not being sometimes induced by medical procedures such as surgery, done here. radiotherapy or chemotherapy.As they have longer years I accept that conversations in the workplace will not of post-menopausal life, they are at increased risk of be entirely straightforward. Policy development is never health problems such as the early onset of osteoporosis, straightforward or clearcut, particularly on this issue as detailed by my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford because menopause is not linear. It can be extremely South (Judith Cummins), and heart disease. variable in terms of symptoms, duration and physical We should also recognise that the menopause also and emotional impact, but women need us to tackle affects black, Asian and minority ethnic women, who this, none the less. At the moment, many feel unable to are too often overlooked in awareness campaigns that seek support about the menopause at work. However, do not feature women who look like them. They are the very fact that it is so complex means that it is all the disproportionately likely to be diagnosed with menopausal- more vital that we make progress. related conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and We all know, or perhaps we are, women who have depression. What plans does the Minister have to address experienced uncertainty,miserable confusion—symptoms that? of all kinds. I thought it was really interesting, but not Nor should we forget that some menopause treatments in a good way, to hear the hon. Member for Swansea are incompatible with medicines taken by some disabled East talk about the challenges of being unable to afford women, putting them in a particularly difficult position some of the necessary prescriptions. That is not an issue and hampering their ability to live normal lives. Can the for women in Scotland, who are able to avail themselves Minister offer anything on specific support for disabled of free prescriptions. There is so much more to be done, women? in terms of understanding, and her points about the Similarly, LGBT people, including trans men, may education of the medical profession were absolutely have specific issues with being able to access support spot on. and appropriate healthcare services if they are experiencing 439WH Menopausal Symptoms: Support9 JUNE 2021 Menopausal Symptoms: Support 440WH the menopause. What measures will be taken to ensure 5.31 pm access to everyone who needs those, regardless of gender or sexuality? The Minister for Patient Safety, Suicide Prevention and Mental Health (Ms Nadine Dorries): I thank the hon. The cornerstone of normalising menopause is, of Member for Swansea East (Carolyn Harris) for securing course, education in schools, including in relationship this really important debate. It is our second session and sex education classes. I welcome that those were today, and I think she knows that there is nothing she added to the curriculum in 2019 and would like to hear has brought forward in the House that has not had my from the Minister details of how widespread that teaching full support. I mentioned in our previous meeting that, now is. We heard from my hon. Friend the Member for when it comes to women’s health, and particularly in Swansea East important details about alarming gaps in relation to the menopause, there is no place for politics. medical school training. Some 41% of medical schools Women’s health is above that. do not teach about the menopause, and we can only imagine how many misdiagnoses that produces. I I congratulate and thank the hon. Lady, and I hope understand that a third of women do not even seek to she will not mind if I use her debate, once again, to talk discuss the menopause with their GP. Let us hope that about the women’s health strategy. The reason is that we better training will lead to increased confidence. This is have had more than 100,000 responses to the call for clearly something that needs to be improved. Will the evidence, which is just amazing. Many of the responses Minister set out what steps the Government will take to were from perimenopausal women, women experiencing require such training for doctors? the menopause and post-menopausal women, like me—I will not go into my own experiences but, like most It is similarly clear that we can do better to ensure women’s, they were not pleasant. As the menopause is a that GPs fully appreciate the benefits and proper use of feature of the women’s health strategy, I urge people HRT. Women deserve to have clear and up-to-date facts here today, and those listening who have networks, to when they make such important medical decisions about send the link out, because it closes on the 13th, which is their bodies. They must not suffer a postcode lottery Sunday, so we have five days to go. We need as many if some GPs have unhelpful prejudices. How will the women as possible to respond, because that will give us Government ensure that? a mandate of more than 100,000 voices, and give us the Wehave also heard from my hon. Friends the Members evidence and data that we need to proceed with the for Swansea East, for Pontypridd (Alex Davies-Jones), development of policy. for Newport West (Ruth Jones) and the hon. Member I would also like to put on the record my sympathy for East Renfrewshire (Kirsten Oswald) about how women for all women who have felt that they have not been in Wales and Scotland benefit from free prescriptions, listened to when discussing, or even attempting to discuss, including for HRT treatments. Will the Minister tell us the menopause with their healthcare providers or employers. the cost of making HRT available for free across the The hon. Lady said it is referred to as “women’stroubles”— UK to address symptoms that come naturally for so there is this taboo. There has actually been a taboo many women? Is that something the Government are about women’s health issues since Aristotle—or since considering? the beginning of time. It has been ingrained in the As retirement ages have risen, women are spending system and into us as women that it is something that more years in the workplace during their menopausal we do not raise or talk about, yet we all suffer from it at and post-menopausal years.The average age for menopause some stage or another. is 51, but the retirement age for women is 60, so many The hon. Member for Bradford South (Judith Cummins) women will work for at least a decade while experiencing raised osteoporosis. I will come on to some of the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Workplaces health conditions that women can experience as a result now quite rightly have maternity policies, but too few of the menopause, but I thank her for raising osteoporosis. focus on how to support and retain menopausal women. Sadly, women are more susceptible to osteoporosis, There are many reasonable adjustment that employers because bone loss becomes more rapid after the menopause can make, as recommended by the National Institute as a result of the reduction in oestrogen levels. So many for Health and Care Excellence, the Chartered Institute of our problems in the menopause are a result of the of Personnel and Development, and the Royal College reduction of oestrogen levels. Additionally, women tend of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists—for example, to have smaller bones than men and a slightly longer life considering workplace temperatures, designing uniforms expectancy. But although women live longer than men, to limit the impact of hot flushes, and being flexible we live a longer period of time in poorer health. Declining with working hours so that people experiencing these oestrogen levels when we are perimenopausal, and a symptoms are not required to travel during rush hours. lack of oestrogen when we are menopausal and beyond, Those should all be common-sense considerations without contribute to that poorer health. being intrusive. They will be of benefit to individual women workers and will help us unlock productivity The hon. Member for Newport West (Ruth Jones) raised gains as our workplaces become safer and more equal, the issue of mental health. Again, having talked to leading with the talent and experience of women able to be doctors in the field of menopausal treatment, we know realised much more fully. Will the Minister commit to that women will be given half a dozen prescriptions for such measures? anti-depressants before getting a prescription for oestrogen, I would like to end by asking the Minister what is even though what they actually needed was the oestrogen being done to hear the voice of perimenopausal and replacement. menopausal women in the women’s health strategy,which I heard the point made by the hon. Member for closes next week. Can she guarantee that the strategy Pontypridd (Alex Davies-Jones) about employer-led will address the discomfort faced by perimenopausal facilitation of the menopause, but one of the things that women at work? I hear a lot from women is, “I don’t want a fan on my 441WH Menopausal Symptoms: Support9 JUNE 2021 Menopausal Symptoms: Support 442WH

[Ms Nadine Dorries] know they are menopausal or perimenopausal, but their doctor insists on giving them a prescription for desk. I don’t want special treatment at work. I want the anti-depressants. One woman was told by a doctor to HRT. I want the oestrogen, because when I have the take a walking holiday before going back to him. Women oestrogen, I am the same as everybody else. I want to know they are perimenopausal and should feel empowered laugh again. I want to live again. I want to feel normal to speak up about their situation. again. I want to have the same energy levels again, and NICE guidelines are not mandatory, although health the only way I can do that is if my GP will listen to me and care clinicians are expected to take them fully into and give me the HRT that I want—the oestrogen.” account. That is something that we need to continue to Today I spoke to ex-servicewomen who were talking raise. Women may view various risks differently,according about the menopause and wearing heavy clothing. If to their medical history, and the impact of the menopause they were on HRT, the thick jumpers and uniforms symptoms on their daily lives. would not be an issue for them, because they would not In 2019, the Medicines and Healthcare Products be going through the hot flushes. There are many women’s Regulatory Agency published updated safety information voices and experience of the menopause to be heard, to enable women to make informed choices about whether, and I am afraid it is not just as simple as saying that we and for how long, to use HRT. Despite that, as I said, I want employers to give leave or to put fans on desks. have heard that manymenopausal women seeking treatment One woman said to me, “I’ve been told that I can have are not receiving either the appropriate advice or the my desk moved to be near the window, which is a prime medication that they need to manage their symptoms. position. I don’t want that; I just want my doctor to give I am committed to looking into that further. One of me HRT.” That is actually the nub of the issue with the reasons why I said that I hope the hon. Member for HRT and the menopause for many women, particularly Swansea East, with her profile and her ability to take on when it comes to osteoporosis. We are hearing evidence, difficult issues, will continue to champion this is that it and we will hear more, that HRT delays the onset of will help everything we do in this place—all that women dementia and so many other things. Some of the research do in this place will help. that doctors are now using to set guidelines for HRT is from 2004 and earlier. We are committed to supporting women at all stages of their lives to enable them to reach their potential. The hon. Member for Swansea East chose a really Half the population will go through the menopause, opportune time to have this debate. I hope that she obviously, but one in four women in the workplace are continues to take this campaign further, because we menopausal or have completed the menopause, and need someone with her—I hope she will not mind my 53% of women state that menopausal symptoms impact saying this—flamboyancy, tenacity and ability to get on their work. That is why I raised the issue of those gender issues to the top of the agenda. I really hope that women who were not given the treatment that they seek. she will continue and take this issue forward, because What they say is that they just want treatment so that that is what we need. We need women like us—women there is no impact on their work. We have to do more to on the Back Benches, women in my position and women combat that, for the sake of women and of our economy. such as the hon. Member for Swansea East—to raise A number of organisations are working to change the this issue, because the only way we can break down approach to menopause in the workplace, such as the taboos is by making them no longer taboos. We need to Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, talk about this issue, and it needs to stop being something the Faculty of Occupational Medicine and the NHS that no one wants to discuss. Women have to do it. Staff Council’s health, safety and wellbeing partnership We are consulting on the women’s health strategy group, which has produced guidance on the menopause over the summer—it closes on 13 June—and the menopause for employers. I encourage employers to refer to that is playing a huge part. Wewill sift through the information guidance. I would be interested to know how many over the summer period, and we will come back with employers do refer to it, do develop policies in their work- our findings in October/November, when officials have place on the back of it, or even know that it is there. the time to sift through it, take up the themes and get Hon. Members asked about education in schools. In the evidence out. That will be an amazing collection of order to break down the taboos about menopause, there women’sexperiences and what they have gone through—not must be access to high-quality information to produce being listened to, being closed down, and not being productive conversations. Health education is compulsory given the treatment they want—with most of it within in all state-funded schools. From September 2020, the healthcare arena. We know that women are not relationship education became compulsory in all primary listened to in the healthcare arena. As a result of the schools, and relationship and sex education became Cumberlege report, the Paterson report and so many compulsory in secondary schools. Pupils are taught other reports, we know that this is the case. about intimate and sexual relationships, including facts To help ensure that women receive the best possible about reproductive health and sexually transmitted care, NICE published guidelines on the diagnosis and infections, as well as facts about menstrual health, treatment of the menopause in 2015. It states that fertility and the menopause. That is a landmark step to clinicians should adopt an individual approach or stages ensure that all the population are educated about women’s of diagnosis in the investigation and management of health issues from an early age. the menopause. I was accused of possibly patient-shaming That was a challenge. When I was growing up, I had when I said that women should feel empowered to be never even heard of the menopause. I do not think that able to stand up for themselves and to challenge decisions even my daughters, now in their young adult life, had that are made about their healthcare. I know myself, I heard about it when they were growing up. It was just know other women and I have heard from many women not discussed. Now, it is being taught in schools, which as part of the women’s health strategy who say that they is a huge step forward. 443WH Menopausal Symptoms: Support9 JUNE 2021 Menopausal Symptoms: Support 444WH

Hon. Members know how brilliant our NHS staff other industries and sectors. This programme of work are. This year, they have provided amazing care in the feeds into the all-staff retention programme board, most difficult and testing circumstances. However,training supporting the retention work specifically for those at is important at undergraduate, medical school and all risk of leaving the workforce—namely, female nurses levels. Individual medical schools set their own medical aged 50-plus. curriculum, which must meet the standards set by the I again thank the hon. Member for Swansea East for General Medical Council. The GMC monitors medical securing the debate, and I am grateful to hon. Members schools to ensure that those standards are maintained. for their invaluable contributions on this really important Importantly, all new qualified doctors must be able to topic. While there is some good work under way, I am recognise how normal human structures and physiology determined to make rapid progress to improve the apply or change at significant age milestones and at the support available to women experiencing the menopause menopause. From 2024, the GMC will introduce the and end the stigma that still surrounds many areas of medical licensing assessment, which all UK medical women’s health. Following analysis of the call for evidence students will need to pass to join the medical register. I for the women’s health strategy, we will draw the work am pleased that assessment includes knowledge of the together and take an end-to-end look at women’s health menopause. from adolescence to menopause. That approach will Things are moving and things are changing, but it is ensure that women have better, more open conversations too slow. I think I said to the hon. Member for Swansea about their health and receive important treatments, East that it is like turning the direction of a tanker on including during the menopause. the ocean—it takes not just a Government, a Minister or a person; it takes all of us as women to start talking 5.46 pm about the menopause and to start campaigning here. Carolyn Harris: Thanks from me and from every From my perspective, the women’s health strategy is my woman out there who is suffering. I totally agree with start. the Minister that there is no room for politics in women’s I am excited to tell the House about a new menopause health. Together,those of us in this room and in Parliament pathway improvement programme led by NHS England can make a change. We can, and we will, create a and NHS Improvement . The programme brings together menopause mandate, and we will transform menopause key stakeholders and partners representing clinical colleges, support and services going forward. Of that, I am confident. menopause specialists, the workforce and women to develop evidence-based care pathways for women, aligned Question put and agreed to. to NICE guidance and accounting for all demographics, Resolved, to increase access to and delivery of optimal perimenopause That this House has considered support for people experiencing and menopause care for women. It includes plans to menopausal symptoms. increase access to education packages for clinicians who provide menopause care and a workforce support model 5.47 pm that will be pioneered in the NHS and shared with all Sitting adjourned.

45WS Written Statements 9 JUNE 2021 Written Statements 46WS

Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee: Written Statements Eighth Meeting

Wednesday 9 June 2021 The Paymaster General (Penny Mordaunt): My noble Friend, the Minister of State at the Cabinet Office (right hon. Lord Frost CMG), has today made the CABINET OFFICE following written statement: The Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee met today, 9 June, Trade and Co-operation Agreement Partnership at Admiralty House, London. Council: First Meeting The meeting was co-chaired by the UK’s Lord Frost and European Commission Vice President, Maroš Šefcˇovicˇ. The First Minister and deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland The Paymaster General (Penny Mordaunt): My noble Executive and 27 member state representatives attended. Friend, the Minister of State at the Cabinet Office (the The Committee received an update on the work of the specialised Committees since the last meeting on 24 February, and discussed right hon. Lord Frost CMG), has today made the progress on withdrawal agreement implementation, with particular following written statement: focus on the Northern Ireland protocol and citizens’ rights. The The Trade and Co-operation Agreement Partnership Council first Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee annual report was met today, 9 June, in person and by video conference. also agreed and signed, this will be published in due course. The meeting was co-chaired by the UK’s Lord Frost and The UK set out the extensive steps taken to operate the European Commission vice president, Maroš Šefcˇovicˇ. The protocol, by the UK Government, the Northern Ireland Executive, First Minister and deputy First Minister of the Northern and by businesses in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Ireland Executive,Minister for Culture,Europe and International The UK made clear its readiness for continued constructive Development of the Scottish Government, Minister for the engagement to find pragmatic solutions that ensure the protocol Economy of the Welsh Government, and 27 member state operates in a way that safeguards the Belfast (Good Friday) representatives attended. Agreement in all its dimensions, minimises its impact on the The first meeting of the Partnership Council marks a new day-to-day lives of communities in Northern Ireland, and maintains phase in the UK and EU relationship as sovereign equals. the integrity of the EU’s single market. The UK will continue to The Partnership Council discussed sanitary and phytosanitary put forward ideas and options. measures and customs and trade facilitation; fisheries; law The UK underlined the urgency of a number of issues and enforcement; long-term visa fees; participation in Union noted it would continue to engage fully in discussions with programmes; and received an update on the institutional the EU, with a view to finding substantial solutions to address the frameworks supporting the Trade and Co-operation Agreement. difficulties being caused by the protocol in Northern Ireland. The The parties agreed an indicative timetable for upcoming UK would, however, continue to consider all options available for meetings of the various joint committees established under safeguarding peace, prosperity and stability in Northern Ireland. the agreement, and encouraged continuing work on the The UK demonstrated its commitment to EU citizens living establishment of the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly and working in the UK, where it has registered over 5 million and the Civil Society Forum. people in the EU settlement scheme. The UK urged the EU to The Partnership Council supervises the operation of the provide appropriate support to all eligible UK citizens living in TCA, providing strategic direction to the work of the Trade the EU, particularly in EU member states with upcoming deadlines Partnership Committee and 18 specialised committees. for their residency schemes. The UK restated its commitment to co-operating with the The UK restated its commitment to co-operating with the EU EU through the Trade and Co-operation Agreement Partnership through the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee processes to Council to ensure that all areas of the Trade and Co-operation make sure that pragmatic solutions are developed to implement Agreement were implemented. all areas of the withdrawal agreement. A post-meeting statement has been issued on gov.uk at: A post-meeting statement has been published on www.gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-government- here, giving a current assessment of the UK Government’s view statement-on-the-meeting-of-the-partnership-council-9- on the Northern Ireland protocol. june-2021 [HCWS78] [HCWS77]

ORAL ANSWERS

Wednesday 9 June 2021

Col. No. Col. No. COP26...... 937 COP26—continued Biodiversity Increase...... 942 Policy Objectives ...... 944 Bioeconomy: Research and Innovation...... 943 Recycling ...... 941 Climate Action and Green Recovery...... 938 Topical Questions ...... 944 Climate Change: International Engagement ...... 937 UK Negotiating Team: Diversity and Inclusion..... 943 Discussions with Welsh Government ...... 940 Engagement with North African Partners...... 939 Engagement with Sustainability Groups ...... 939 PRIME MINISTER ...... 947 Methane Emissions...... 941 Engagements...... 947 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Wednesday 9 June 2021

Col. No. Col. No. CABINET OFFICE...... 45WS CABINET OFFICE—continued Trade and Co-operation Agreement Partnership Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee: Council: First Meeting ...... 45WS Eighth Meeting ...... 46WS 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 Wednesday 16 June 2021

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 696 Wednesday No. 14 9 June 2021

CONTENTS

Wednesday 9 June 2021

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 937] [see index inside back page] COP26 President Prime Minister

Opposition Day [1st allotted day] Investing in Children and Young People [Col. 959] Motion—(Kate Green)—on a Division, agreed to Protecting the Public and Justice for Victims [Col. 1016] Motion—(David Lammy)—on a Division, agreed to

Public Accounts Commission [Col. 1062] Motion—(Alan Mak)—agreed to

Petition [Col. 1063]

Free Trade Agreements: Cameroon and Ghana [Col. 1064] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Information Commissioner (Remuneration) [Col. 1093] Motion, on a deferred Division, agreed to

Westminster Hall UK Steel Sector: Supply Chains [Col. 363WH] House Building Targets: North East Bedfordshire [Col. 388WH] Human Rights in Hong Kong [Col. 396WH] Environment: Sittingbourne and Sheppey [Col. 420WH] Menopausal Symptoms: Support [Col. 428WH] General debates

Written Statements [Col. 45WS]

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