DOCSLIB.ORG

Whole Day Download the Hansard

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Whole Day Download the Hansard Wednesday Volume 698 30 June 2021 No. 26 HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) Wednesday 30 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/. 243 30 JUNE 2021 244 impact it will have on their areas? When does he think House of Commons that this “Union of equals” will start working equally— or,like this Government’s post-Brexit promises to farmers, Wednesday 30 June 2021 is this another empty set of words that will turn out to be all bull and no beef? The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock Simon Hart: It will not surprise the hon. Gentleman that I do not agree with his comments. We have engaged devolved Administrations and numerous other stakeholders PRAYERS during the whole course of the various free trade agreements that have been reached, in particular the Australia trade [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] deal. It would be nice if we could reach some kind of Virtual participation in proceedings commenced (Orders, consensus between us about the opportunities that these 4 June and 30 December 2020). trade deals offer, not only for businesses in Wales but for businesses in Scotland. [NB: [V] denotes a Member participating virtually.] Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): We all support new Speaker’s Statement export opportunities for Welsh businesses, but free trade deals must also be fair. There really is widespread Mr Speaker: Before we come to today’s business, concern that this proposed deal with Australia will I would like to remind the House that today is International disadvantage Welsh farmers, because they will be forced Day of Parliamentarism. The Inter-Parliamentary Union’s to compete against producers with lower animal welfare Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, and environmental standards. So I ask the Secretary of which protects MPs under threat, says it has found many State again: if he is unable or unwilling to protect our examples of politicians being persecuted simply for farmers, why will he not let Welsh Government Ministers doing their job. In recent experience, Members of this take part fully in trade talks, so they can stand up for House, peers and others have faced sanctions from them instead? China for speaking out against the human rights violations of the Uyghur people. That is completely unacceptable— Simon Hart: The hon. Lady makes an interesting point. I stress, completely unacceptable. The ability to speak Of course, we have involved numerous stakeholders in out on things that matter to us, however controversial, the preparation of these deals. That includes the Welsh is a basic human right of every British citizen. Members Government and some very positive responses from of this House must be able to speak out fiercely on farmers in Wales, who, by a majority, voted in favour of behalf of their constituents, and on important national leaving the European Union in 2016. They accept, as I and international issues. That is why, with colleagues do, that there are numerous opportunities. We have built from the British group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, into this process some protections—a 15-year transition I was delighted to attend the flag raising in New Palace period—as well as taking note of the fact that the Yard this morning to mark this special day, the principles Australians themselves say they cannot even fulfil their of which, I am sure, all Members will support. existing markets, let alone start flooding ours. Nia Griffith: It is not just selling out our farmers. Oral Answers to Questions Today, the Government are choosing to bury their head in the sand and pass up the last opportunity to renew vital steel safeguards. With our industry now dangerously exposed to cheap imports and the news that a deal is WALES imminent that will grant exemption to EU exports going to the US, our steel exports are going to be The Secretary of State was asked— desperately trying to compete. What will the Secretary of State now do to ensure that his Government negotiate International Trade Policy a similar deal that will protect our steel exports and enable them to enter the US without tariffs? How soon Richard Thomson (Gordon) (SNP): What recent can we have news on that? discussions he has had with (a) the Welsh Government and (b) other devolved Administrations on the UK Simon Hart: The hon. Lady and colleagues across the Government’s international trade policy. [901785] House have been resolute champions of the steel industry in Wales. I hope the UK Government’s support of The Secretary of State for Wales (Simon Hart): May I Celsa Steel in Cardiff during the pandemic is an indication align myself very much with your comments, Mr Speaker? that we, too, are prepared to put our money where our I know the whole House will share the sentiments you mouths are as far as supporting the industry, for all the expressed. reasons she has rightly highlighted. It would be rash of I have regular discussions with the Welsh Government me to predict what the statement or announcement and the First Minister on a wide range of subjects,including might be on this, other than to say that I expect it later the UK Government’s international trade policy. today, so she, and colleagues across the House, should get clarity on this matter before close of play today. Richard Thomson: Does the Minister share my concern that the devolved Governments have had no democratic Ben Lake (Ceredigion) (PC): Diolch yn fawr,Mr Speaker. involvement or oversight in the negotiation and approval There have been several instances in recent weeks where of the Australian trade deal, despite the disproportionate UK Government Ministers, including the Secretary of 245 Oral Answers 30 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 246 State for International Trade, have dismissed concerns Bob Blackman [V]: I thank my right hon Friend for from the agricultural community regarding food standards his answer. Clearly, cases of infection in Wales have in this trade deal, especially Australia’s position on dropped dramatically. Over the last seven days, they are animal welfare. Can the Secretary of State explain to roughly 50 to 55 per 100,000, compared with the previous Welsh farmers how the UK Government will ensure fair highs of 500 per 100,000. In these circumstances, does competition and that imports from Australia will always he agree that it is about time that the Welsh Government match those expected of Welsh farmers? gave Welsh businesses some certainty or vision for when they can start to rebuild their lives, and that the Welsh Simon Hart: The hon. Gentleman, like me,has significant Government should come on board with the UK agricultural interests in his constituency in west Wales. Government road map out of the lockdown? We have had local conversations as well as national ones to try to reassure farmers—I think successfully, in Simon Hart: My hon. Friend’s question reveals quite some respects—that the transition period and our a sad contrast between the priorities of the Welsh commitments on animal welfare and environmental Government and the priorities of the UK Government standards will not be compromised. I do not think there at this moment. We read in the papers this week that the is anything I can say to him that suggests that that has Welsh Government are fixated on talking about new changed in any respect, but I urge him—I know he will tourism taxes. They are talking about constitutional take this seriously—to look at the trade deal as a huge reform, even going as far as reform of the House of opportunity for food and drink producers in Wales. As Lords. None of these seems to be consistent with the we work to challenge some of the myths that have been UK Government ambitions, which are jobs, livelihoods, written and spoken about the Australia deal, let us also investment and recovery, and they should be joining us use the platforms that we have to promote everything in that endeavour. that is good about it and how it will provide access to new markets of the sort that we have not had before. David Simmonds: Like my right hon. Friend, I hugely welcome the progress that has been made in Wales, but Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): As my hon. what frustrates many is that the Welsh Government Friend the Member for Llanelli (Nia Griffith) said, this seem to be in the habit of announcing extended lockdowns Government have until tonight to step in and temporarily at short notice—[Laughter.]—without having due retain crucial steel import safeguards to protect our consultation with the Government. Does he agree that, steel industry from cheaper foreign imports. There is should this practice continue, we should expect Cardiff still no action from the Government. I hear what the Bay to meet the financial cost of supporting businesses Secretary of State says, but we will be waiting with keen to keep their heads above water during those lockdowns? interest. Is this what Ministers meant by promising to protect and champion our businesses post Brexit, and Simon Hart: I notice the laughter stopped at the what exactly have Wales Office Ministers done to intervene moment my hon. Friend raised that particular question. and stop this? I will say again what I have often said from the Dispatch Box: certainty is crucial in all this. I have always preferred Simon Hart: I assure the hon. Lady that we have been a UK-wide response to covid, in whatever respect that in regular touch with our colleagues in Government on might come, because it inspires confidence and compliance.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Government Response to the Committee's
    House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee Growing back better: putting nature and net zero at the heart of the economic recovery: Government and Bank of England Responses to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2019–21 Second Special Report of Session 2021–22 Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 16 June 2021 HC 327 Published on 22 June 2021 by authority of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee The Environmental Audit Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to consider to what extent the policies and programmes of government departments and non-departmental public bodies contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development; to audit their performance against such targets as may be set for them by Her Majesty’s Ministers; and to report thereon to the House. Current membership Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP (Conservative, Ludlow) (Chair) Duncan Baker MP (Conservative, North Norfolk) Dan Carden MP (Labour, Liverpool, Walton) Sir Christopher Chope MP (Conservative, Christchurch) Barry Gardiner MP (Labour, Brent North) Rt Hon Robert Goodwill MP (Conservative, Scarborough and Whitby) James Gray MP (Conservative, North Wiltshire) Helen Hayes MP (Labour, Dulwich and West Norwood) Ian Levy MP (Conservative, Blyth Valley) Caroline Lucas MP (Green Party, Brighton, Pavilion) Cherilyn Mackrory MP (Conservative, Truro and Falmouth) Jerome Mayhew MP (Conservative, Broadland) John McNally MP (Scottish National Party, Falkirk) Dr Matthew Offord MP (Conservative, Hendon) Claudia Webbe MP (Independent, Leicester East) Nadia Whittome MP (Labour, Nottingham East) The following Members were also members of the Committee during this Parliament: Feryal Clark MP (Labour, Enfield North), Marco Longhi MP (Conservative, Dudley North), Kerry McCarthy MP (Labour, Bristol East), Alex Sobel MP (Leeds, North West), and Mr Shailesh Vara MP (Conservative, North West Cambridgeshire).
    [Show full text]
  • Parliamentary Voting and Constituencies Bill October 2010
    Parliamentary Voting and Constituencies Bill October 2010 This paper provides a background briefing on the Parliamentary Voting and Constituencies Bill, which was presented to the UK Parliament by the Rt. Hon Nick Clegg MP, the Deputy Prime Minister, on 22 July 2010. The Bill includes two key provisions which both directly apply to Wales. It aims to provide for a referendum on a choice between First Past the Post (FPTP) and the Alternative Vote (AV) as the system for electing the House of Commons, and change the electoral system for the Commons to the Alternative Vote if the result of the referendum supports this. The Bill also aims to provide for a reduction in the number of seats in the House of Commons from 650 to 600 and to introduce more equally sized constituencies. The National Assembly for Wales is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people, makes laws for Wales and holds the Welsh Government to account. The Members’ Research Service is part of the National Assembly for Wales. We provide confidential and impartial research support to the Assembly’s scrutiny and legislation committees, and to all 60 individual Assembly Members and their staff. Members’ Research Service briefings are compiled for the benefit of Assembly Members and their support staff. Authors are available to discuss the contents of these papers with Members and their staff but cannot advise members of the general public. We welcome comments on our briefings; please post or email to the addresses below. An electronic version of this paper can be found on the National Assembly’s website at: www.assemblywales.org/bus-assembly-publications-research.htm Further hard copies of this paper can be obtained from: Members’ Research Service National Assembly for Wales Cardiff Bay CF99 1NA Email: [email protected] © National Assembly for Wales Commission Copyright 2010 The text of this document may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium providing that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading or derogatory context.
    [Show full text]
  • Coronavirus Bill 23 March 2020 Volume 674 the Chairman of Ways
    25/03/2020 Coronavirus Bill - Hansard Cookies: We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our site. By continuing to use OK the site you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more Coronavirus Bill Share 23 March 2020 Volume 674 Proceedings resumed (Order, this day). Considered in Committee (Order, this day). [Dame Eleanor Laing in the Chair] The Chairman of Ways and Means (Dame Eleanor Laing) I have a few things to explain before we begin Committee stage. For understandable reasons, a large number of manuscript amendments have been tabled by the Government today, and in fact a large number of other manuscript amendments have, unusually, been allowed today as well. Members therefore need to make sure that they are working from the right version of the notice paper and that they have the latest version of the grouping and selection list, although I should explain that there is one group. Government amendments 79 to 82 on extradition are on a separate supplementary notice paper, and a revised grouping and selection list will be issued shortly. The late appearance of these amendments is due not to Government action but to a mistake on the part of the Public Bill Ofce, but, lest anybody complain, I will defend the Public Bill Ofce, because they have done a marvellous job today. I have seen it over the last few days, and the people who work here have worked miracles to get us to this stage in such good order. The Business of the House motion, which the House agreed before Second Reading, allows the Chair discretion at the end of the time allowed for Committee—in this case, that falls at exactly 10 pm—to call non-Government amendments and new clauses to be moved formally https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2020-03-23/debates/1BF3C655-EAD2-45DF-BAE2-30052908F7E6/CoronavirusBill 1/122 25/03/2020 Coronavirus Bill - Hansard at that stage for separate decision.
    [Show full text]
  • The Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP 30 January 2020 Prime Minister 10 Downing Street London SW1A 2AA
    The Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP 30 January 2020 Prime Minister 10 Downing Street London SW1A 2AA Dear Prime Minister, We are writing to you as a group of cross-party parliamentarians to express our grave concern over the contents of US President Donald Trump’s so-called ‘peace plan’ for Israel and the Palestinians. The plan presented on 28 January shows contempt for the rights of the Palestinian people and international law, and provides no realistic basis for a return to negotiations. Instead, it makes peace less likely, and threatens to undermine a fundamental principle of the post-WWII international legal order: the prohibition of annexation and territorial conquest. The long-standing position of the UK is that a negotiated peace settlement must be agreed to achieve a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state that has secure and recognised borders, and with Jerusalem as a shared capital of both states. The vision presented by the US administration is one where Palestinians would have none of these: no true shared capital in Jerusalem, no sovereign control of its borders or security, and with Israeli control far beyond the Green Line. As a group of 16 UK charities warned this week: “if implemented [the plan] will lead to the formal annexation of Palestinian land, perpetual Israeli occupation, and the negation of Palestinians’ collective right to self-determination.” It is a plan that the Palestinians have no choice but to reject if they wish to maintain their fundamental rights, but that they will be punished for not accepting.
    [Show full text]
  • Tuesday 20 April 2021 COMMITTEE of the WHOLE HOUSE PROCEEDINGS
    1 SUPPLEMENT TO THE VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS Tuesday 20 April 2021 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE PROCEEDINGS FINANCE (No. 2) BILL (Clauses 1 to 5; Clauses 6 to 14 and Schedule 1; Clauses 24 to 26; Clause 28; Clause 30 and Schedule 6; Clauses 31 to 33; Clause 36 and Schedule 7; Clause 40; Clause 41; Clause 86; Clauses 87 to 89 and Schedules 16 and 17; Clauses 90 and 91; Clauses 92 to 96 and Schedule 18; Clause 97 and Schedule 19; Clauses 109 to 111 and Schedules 21 and 22; Clause 115 and Schedule 27; Clauses 117 to 121 and Schedules 29 to 32; Clauses 128 to 130; any new Clauses or new Schedules relating to: the impact of any provision on the financial resources of families or to the subject matter of Clauses 1 to 5, 24 to 26, 28, 31 to 33, 40 and 86; the subject matter of Clauses 6 to 14 and Schedule 1; the impact of any provision on regional economic development; tax avoidance or evasion; the subject matter of Clauses 87 to 89 and Schedules 16 and 17 and Clauses 90 and 91; the subject matter of Clauses 92 to 96 and Schedule 18, Clause 97 and Schedule 19 and Clauses 128 to 130) [FIRST AND SECOND DAY] GLOSSARY This document shows the fate of each clause, schedule, amendment and new clause. The following terms are used: Added: New Clause agreed without a vote and added to the Bill. Agreed to: agreed without a vote. Agreed to on division: agreed following a vote.
    [Show full text]
  • Welsh Affairs Committee Oral Evidence: One-Off Session on a Welsh Freeport and Progress in Establishing Inland Post-Brexit Facilities, HC 480
    Welsh Affairs Committee Oral evidence: One-off session on a Welsh freeport and progress in establishing inland post-Brexit facilities, HC 480 Thursday 8 July 2021 Ordered by the House of Commons to be published on 8 July 2021. Watch the meeting Members present: Stephen Crabb (Chair); Simon Baynes; Virginia Crosbie; Geraint Davies; Ben Lake; Dr Jamie Wallis. Questions 1 - 83 Witnesses I: Ian Davies, Head of UK Port Authorities, Stena Line. II: Vaughan Gething MS, Minister for the Economy; and Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government, Welsh Government. III: Rt Hon Simon Hart MP, Secretary of State for Wales; David T C Davies MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales; Zamila Bunglawala, Director - International Education Directorate, Department for Education; and Stephen Webb, Director of Infrastructure, Border and Protocol Delivery Group, Cabinet Office. Examination of Witness Witness: Ian Davies. Q1 Chair: Good morning. Welcome to this morning’s session of the Welsh Affairs Committee looking at infrastructure issues in Wales, particularly relating to port infrastructure. We have three panels this morning. We are delighted that we are joined for our first panel by Ian Davies who is head of UK port authorities for Stena. Ian, good morning. We are grateful for the time you are giving us. We always find the evidence and information that you give us very helpful. I will start the questions this morning, Mr Davies, and ask about the current state of play on trade across the Irish Sea from Welsh ports into the Republic of Ireland. When you appeared before us previously, we had seen a marked reduction in volumes of trade following the end of the Brexit transition period.
    [Show full text]
  • Daily Report Monday, 9 November 2020 CONTENTS
    Daily Report Monday, 9 November 2020 This report shows written answers and statements provided on 9 November 2020 and the information is correct at the time of publication (07:12 P.M., 09 November 2020). For the latest information on written questions and answers, ministerial corrections, and written statements, please visit: http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers/ CONTENTS ANSWERS 8 Licensed Premises: BUSINESS, ENERGY AND Coronavirus 20 INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY 8 Life Sciences 20 Beer: Small Businesses 8 Low Pay: Coronavirus 21 Bounce Back Loan Scheme: Nuclear Power 22 Sussex 8 Nuclear Power Stations: Business: Coronavirus 9 Finance 22 Carbon Emissions 11 Nuclear Reactors 22 Consumer Goods: Safety 11 Overseas Students: EU Coronavirus: Disease Control 12 Nationals 23 Coronavirus: Remote Working 12 Personal Care Services: Coronavirus 23 Coronavirus: Social Distancing 13 Political Parties: Coronavirus 24 Debenhams: Coronavirus 13 Post Office: Legal Costs 24 Economic Situation: Coronavirus 14 Post Offices: ICT 25 Electronic Commerce: Renewable Energy 25 Regulation 14 Research: Public Consultation 27 Energy Supply 15 Research: Publishing 27 Energy: Meters 15 Retail Trade: Coventry 28 Erasmus+ Programme and Shipping: Tees Valley 28 Horizon Europe 16 Solar power: Faversham 29 Fireworks: Safety 16 Unemployment: Coronavirus 29 Green Homes Grant Scheme 17 Weddings: Coronavirus 30 Horizon Europe 18 Wind Power 31 Housing: Energy 19 Hydrogen 20 CABINET OFFICE 31 Musicians: Coronavirus 44 Ballot Papers: Visual Skateboarding: Coronavirus 44 Impairment 31
    [Show full text]
  • Z675928x Margaret Hodge Mp 06/10/2011 Z9080283 Lorely
    Z675928X MARGARET HODGE MP 06/10/2011 Z9080283 LORELY BURT MP 08/10/2011 Z5702798 PAUL FARRELLY MP 09/10/2011 Z5651644 NORMAN LAMB 09/10/2011 Z236177X ROBERT HALFON MP 11/10/2011 Z2326282 MARCUS JONES MP 11/10/2011 Z2409343 CHARLOTTE LESLIE 12/10/2011 Z2415104 CATHERINE MCKINNELL 14/10/2011 Z2416602 STEPHEN MOSLEY 18/10/2011 Z5957328 JOAN RUDDOCK MP 18/10/2011 Z2375838 ROBIN WALKER MP 19/10/2011 Z1907445 ANNE MCINTOSH MP 20/10/2011 Z2408027 IAN LAVERY MP 21/10/2011 Z1951398 ROGER WILLIAMS 21/10/2011 Z7209413 ALISTAIR CARMICHAEL 24/10/2011 Z2423448 NIGEL MILLS MP 24/10/2011 Z2423360 BEN GUMMER MP 25/10/2011 Z2423633 MIKE WEATHERLEY MP 25/10/2011 Z5092044 GERAINT DAVIES MP 26/10/2011 Z2425526 KARL TURNER MP 27/10/2011 Z242877X DAVID MORRIS MP 28/10/2011 Z2414680 JAMES MORRIS MP 28/10/2011 Z2428399 PHILLIP LEE MP 31/10/2011 Z2429528 IAN MEARNS MP 31/10/2011 Z2329673 DR EILIDH WHITEFORD MP 31/10/2011 Z9252691 MADELEINE MOON MP 01/11/2011 Z2431014 GAVIN WILLIAMSON MP 01/11/2011 Z2414601 DAVID MOWAT MP 02/11/2011 Z2384782 CHRISTOPHER LESLIE MP 04/11/2011 Z7322798 ANDREW SLAUGHTER 05/11/2011 Z9265248 IAN AUSTIN MP 08/11/2011 Z2424608 AMBER RUDD MP 09/11/2011 Z241465X SIMON KIRBY MP 10/11/2011 Z2422243 PAUL MAYNARD MP 10/11/2011 Z2261940 TESSA MUNT MP 10/11/2011 Z5928278 VERNON RODNEY COAKER MP 11/11/2011 Z5402015 STEPHEN TIMMS MP 11/11/2011 Z1889879 BRIAN BINLEY MP 12/11/2011 Z5564713 ANDY BURNHAM MP 12/11/2011 Z4665783 EDWARD GARNIER QC MP 12/11/2011 Z907501X DANIEL KAWCZYNSKI MP 12/11/2011 Z728149X JOHN ROBERTSON MP 12/11/2011 Z5611939 CHRIS
    [Show full text]
  • City of Wolverhampton College Paget Road Wolverhampton WV6 0DU
    Gillian Keegan MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills Sanctuary Buildings Great Smith Street Westminster London SW1P 3BT tel: 0370 000 2288 www.education.gov.uk/help/contactus 25 November 2020 Mark Taylor Chair of Governors City of Wolverhampton College Paget Road Wolverhampton WV6 0DU Dear Mr Taylor, I am writing following the intervention assessment of City of Wolverhampton College by the Further Education (FE) Commissioner on 20 July and 25 September 2020, which took place following the re-issuing of a Financial Notice to Improve by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in July 2020. From the Commissioner’s report, I am encouraged by the numerous positive developments at the college, including sound and effective governance and leadership, excellent systems and controls to develop and monitor curriculum and quality, and the progress that has been made since the college’s most recent Ofsted inspection in November 2017. Notwithstanding these achievements, it is also clear from the Commissioner’s report that significant issues remain. I urge you to implement the Commissioner’s recommendations to further strengthen college governance and to address those issues which challenge the college’s long-term financial sustainability, including the tight cash position and delayed campus relocation project. I have accepted all the recommendations of the FE Commissioner. A copy of the assessment is provided with this letter. The assessment and my letter will be published on gov.uk. Once confirmed, the intended publication date will be shared with you. I have written separately to the following local MPs, whose constituencies are served by the college, to inform them of the FE Commissioner’s findings: • Stuart Anderson MP Wolverhampton South West • Jane Stevenson MP Wolverhampton North East • Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP Wolverhampton South East • Marco Longhi MP Dudley North • Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP South Staffordshire Yours sincerely, Gillian Keegan MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills .
    [Show full text]
  • View Future Day Orals PDF File 0.11 MB
    Published: Friday 4 December 2020 Questions for oral answer on a future day (Future Day Orals) Questions for oral answer on a future day as of Friday 4 December 2020. The order of these questions may be varied in the published call lists. [R] Indicates that a relevant interest has been declared. Questions for Answer on Monday 7 December Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Defence Allan Dorans (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock): What plans he has for future military and security co-operation with EU (a) institutions and (b) member states. (909779) Jessica Morden (Newport East): What steps he is taking to increase the take-up of UK-produced steel in defence procurement. (909780) Sir David Amess (Southend West): What steps he is taking to ensure that his Department’s spending supports (a) high-skilled jobs and (b) the wider UK economy. (909781) Fleur Anderson (Putney): What support his Department has provided to veterans during the covid-19 outbreak. (909782) Holly Mumby-Croft (Scunthorpe): What recent preparations his Department has made to support (a) the NHS and (b) other public bodies in their response to the covid-19 outbreak. (909783) David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner): What recent preparations his Department has made to support (a) the NHS and (b) other public bodies in their response to the covid-19 outbreak. (909784) Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West): What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department's official development assistance spending. (909785) Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough): What recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of including armed forces veterans in the UK’s response to the covid-19 outbreak.
    [Show full text]
  • Vindication, Virtue, and Vitriol
    Journal of Computational Social Science https://doi.org/10.1007/s42001-020-00090-9 RESEARCH ARTICLE Vindication, virtue, and vitriol A study of online engagement and abuse toward British MPs during the COVID-19 pandemic Tracie Farrell1 · Genevieve Gorrell1 · Kalina Bontcheva1 Received: 21 July 2020 / Accepted: 11 October 2020 © The Author(s) 2020 Abstract COVID-19 has given rise to a lot of malicious content online, including hate speech, online abuse, and misinformation. British MPs have also received abuse and hate on social media during this time. To understand and contextualise the level of abuse MPs receive, we consider how ministers use social media to communicate about the pandemic, and the citizen engagement that this generates. The focus of the paper is on a large-scale, mixed-methods study of abusive and antagonistic responses to UK politicians on Twitter, during the pandemic from early February to late May 2020. We fnd that pressing subjects such as fnancial concerns attract high levels of engagement, but not necessarily abusive dialogue. Rather, criticising authorities appears to attract higher levels of abuse during this period of the pandemic. In addi- tion, communicating about subjects like racism and inequality may result in accusa- tions of virtue signalling or pandering by some users. This work contributes to the wider understanding of abusive language online, in particular that which is directed at public ofcials. Keywords Online hate · Abusive speech · Natural language processing · Politics · COVID-19 · Twitter * Tracie Farrell [email protected] Genevieve Gorrell [email protected] Kalina Bontcheva [email protected] 1 University of Shefeld, Shefeld, UK Vol.:(0123456789)1 3 Journal of Computational Social Science Introduction Social media can ofer a “temperature check” on which topics and issues are trend- ing for certain cross-sections of the public, and how they feel about them [21].
    [Show full text]
  • THE 422 Mps WHO BACKED the MOTION Conservative 1. Bim
    THE 422 MPs WHO BACKED THE MOTION Conservative 1. Bim Afolami 2. Peter Aldous 3. Edward Argar 4. Victoria Atkins 5. Harriett Baldwin 6. Steve Barclay 7. Henry Bellingham 8. Guto Bebb 9. Richard Benyon 10. Paul Beresford 11. Peter Bottomley 12. Andrew Bowie 13. Karen Bradley 14. Steve Brine 15. James Brokenshire 16. Robert Buckland 17. Alex Burghart 18. Alistair Burt 19. Alun Cairns 20. James Cartlidge 21. Alex Chalk 22. Jo Churchill 23. Greg Clark 24. Colin Clark 25. Ken Clarke 26. James Cleverly 27. Thérèse Coffey 28. Alberto Costa 29. Glyn Davies 30. Jonathan Djanogly 31. Leo Docherty 32. Oliver Dowden 33. David Duguid 34. Alan Duncan 35. Philip Dunne 36. Michael Ellis 37. Tobias Ellwood 38. Mark Field 39. Vicky Ford 40. Kevin Foster 41. Lucy Frazer 42. George Freeman 43. Mike Freer 44. Mark Garnier 45. David Gauke 46. Nick Gibb 47. John Glen 48. Robert Goodwill 49. Michael Gove 50. Luke Graham 51. Richard Graham 52. Bill Grant 53. Helen Grant 54. Damian Green 55. Justine Greening 56. Dominic Grieve 57. Sam Gyimah 58. Kirstene Hair 59. Luke Hall 60. Philip Hammond 61. Stephen Hammond 62. Matt Hancock 63. Richard Harrington 64. Simon Hart 65. Oliver Heald 66. Peter Heaton-Jones 67. Damian Hinds 68. Simon Hoare 69. George Hollingbery 70. Kevin Hollinrake 71. Nigel Huddleston 72. Jeremy Hunt 73. Nick Hurd 74. Alister Jack (Teller) 75. Margot James 76. Sajid Javid 77. Robert Jenrick 78. Jo Johnson 79. Andrew Jones 80. Gillian Keegan 81. Seema Kennedy 82. Stephen Kerr 83. Mark Lancaster 84.
    [Show full text]