Thursday Volume 691 25 March 2021 No. 197

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 25 March 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/. 1035 25 MARCH 2021 1036

damaged in the eyes of their European customers and House of Commons suppliers. Can my right hon. Friend therefore inform the House what her Department is doing further to Thursday 25 March 2021 rectify such issues? What reassurances can she give these two particular businesses?

The House met at half-past Nine o’clock : I am very sorry to hear that the two businesses in my hon. Friend’s constituency are suffering cash-flow issues as a result of, one assumes, goods PRAYERS coming out of customs controls and being then exported back into the EU. The Department for Environment, [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] Food and Rural Affairs and the devolved Administrations have set up the UK Agriculture Market Monitoring Virtual participation in proceedings commenced Group, which is looking at these issues, but I would be (Orders, 4 June and 30 December 2020). happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the precise [NB: [V] denotes a Member participating virtually.] issues those companies are facing to see what further we can do in the interim while these things are resolved. BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS Government Contracts: Small Businesses

NEW WRITS Robbie Moore (Keighley) (Con): What steps the Ordered, Government are taking to increase the opportunities That the Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the for small businesses to bid for Government contracts. Crown to make out a New Writ for the electing of a Member to [913890] serve in this present Parliament for the Borough Constituency of Hartlepool in the room of Michael Robert Hill, who since his Julie Marson (Hertford and Stortford) (Con): What election for the said Borough Constituency has been appointed to steps the Government are taking to increase the the Office of Steward and Bailiff of Her Majesty’s Three Chiltern opportunities for small businesses to bid for Government Hundreds of Stoke, Desborough and Burnham in the County of contracts. [913894] Buckingham.—(Mr Nicholas Brown.) Ordered, (Carshalton and Wallington) (Con): That, on the sixth day of April 2021, the Speaker do issue his What steps the Government are taking to increase the Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a New Writ for opportunities for small businesses to bid for Government the electing of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for contracts. [913899] the County Constituency of Airdrie and Shotts in the room of Neil Charles Gray, who since his election for the said County Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con): Constituency has been appointed to the Office of Steward and What steps the Government are taking to increase the Bailiff of Her Majesty’s Manor of Northstead in the County of opportunities for small businesses to bid for Government York.—(Owen Thompson.) contracts. [913906] Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): Oral Answers to Questions What steps the Government is taking to increase the opportunities for small businesses to bid for Government contracts. [913909]

CABINET OFFICE The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Julia Lopez): Each year,the Government spend some £290 billion on public procurement. Now that the EU transition The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister period has ended, we aim to make it simpler, quicker for the Cabinet Office was asked— and cheaper for small and medium-sized enterprises to bid for Government contracts, as set out in our ambitious Food and Animal Products: Trade to the EU procurement Green Paper. Wereceived over 600 responses to that consultation and the submission from the Federation Nick Fletcher (Don Valley) (Con): What steps his of Small Businesses welcomed our drive to simplify and Department is taking to ensure the flow of trade of diversify public procurement. food and animal products to the EU. [913889] Robbie Moore: Across Keighley and Ilkley, we have The Paymaster General (Penny Mordaunt): Overall some of the finest small to medium-sized businesses traffic flow at UK ports has now stabilised. The which are passionate about the products they produce Government have helped exporters to meet new and the services they offer. Many are hungry for growth requirements and also worked with EU border control and expansion opportunities—I think of Wyedean Weaving, posts to ensure that any issues are quickly resolved. which is based in the Worth Valley. However, sometimes small businesses feel disadvantaged in comparison to Nick Fletcher [V]: World Feeds Ltd in Thorne and larger businesses when it comes to bidding and being FourFriends Pet Food in Dunsville, both in Don Valley, selected for Government contracts. Can my hon. Friend are having issues importing and exporting pet food outline what her Department is doing to ensure that products between the UK and the EU. It pains me to there is no disparity in the process and that small know that two businesses in my constituency are seeing businesses have just as much chance of being selected as their cash flow severely disrupted and their reputation larger businesses? 1037 Oral Answers 25 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 1038

Julia Lopez: I thank my hon. Friend for his question, implementation have the skills that they need to take and I know that businesses in Keighley will really advantage of the opportunities that small businesses appreciate what a great champion he is for their interests. are creating? We are doing a range of things within our new measures. We want to slash 350-plus regulations and put this into Julia Lopez: My hon. Friend raises a very important a single uniform framework. We want to do things such point. Along with our procurement reforms, the Cabinet as reserve contracts below a certain threshold for SMEs, Office has also created a new Central, Digital And Data be able to discriminate by virtue of geography and Office under expert leadership, and through that, we divide contracts up into smaller lots. There is much want to improve digital capability and expertise across more that I can talk to him about if he is interested in Government. We also want to create many more this subject. opportunities for tech start-ups and other dynamic digital SMEs to bid for Government work, and the Julie Marson [V]: I thank my hon. Friend for her CDDO team is closely engaged in how we can do that response. Alongside wonderful small businesses, does through the forthcoming procurement Bill. the Cabinet Office also look at venture capital companies to enable Government Departments to have the opportunity to support and benefit from our brilliant, innovative Civil Service: Location of Jobs venture businesses? Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op): What Julia Lopez: We are looking all the time at how we plans he has to move civil service jobs to York. [913891] innovate in public procurement. Some of my hon. Friend’s query might be better addressed by the Department for Giles Watling (Clacton) (Con): What steps the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy or Her Majesty’s Government are taking to deliver civil service jobs Treasury, but we hope that the improvements that we outside London. [913901] are proposing will open up many more opportunities to SMEs. She might also be interested in existing programmes Sarah Atherton (Wrexham) (Con): What steps the such as the small business research initiative, which Government are taking to deliver civil service jobs funds organisations to conduct challenge-based R&D outside London. [913903] to develop products or services that address a specific unmet public sector need. Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): What steps the Elliot Colburn [V]: I thank the Minister for her response. Government are taking to move civil service jobs from May I invite her to come and visit Carshalton and London to Lincolnshire. [913915] Wallington post pandemic to meet some of the small and medium-sized businesses that are keen to bid for The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister Government contracts, to hear their concerns about the for the Cabinet Office (): As the Chancellor process and to encourage more to look at opportunities of the Duchy of Lancaster, naturally, my heart is always to do so? in the north-west of . However, I am delighted that more civil service jobs will be moving to York. I am Julia Lopez: I would be very happy to do so. My hon. also delighted that other Departments have made their Friend understands that the Government have tremendous own announcements about the relocation of senior buying power, which we think we can use to drive the positions in our civil service, with the Ministry of Housing, recovery. We want to use our procurement reforms to Communities and Local Government announcing plans open up many more opportunities to SMEs. We are to create a second headquarters in Wolverhampton, the doing that in a range of ways, which I have discussed, Treasury creating an economic campus in Darlington, but we also have a new social value model, which alongside the Department for International Trade, and, explicitly allows greater weight to be given to those bids of course, DIT has established trade and investment that will help to drive the post-covid economic recovery. hubs in , Wales and Northern Ireland. The Cabinet Office has also announced that our second Sir David Evennett [V]: The economic success of our headquarters will be located in , with 500 officials country depends on small and medium-sized businesses to be located there, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and their enterprise and entrepreneurial skills. As the andDevelopmentOfficehasestablishedajointheadquarters UK seeks to rebuild our economy, does the Minister in east Kilbride with 1,000 new roles relocating to agree that SMEs should be at the forefront of bidding Scotland. and securing Government contracts? Julia Lopez: I completely agree. We want to see a Rachael Maskell [V]: First came the promise on the much greater variety of companies deliver contracts House of Lords, then it was the northern Government from every corner of our country, not just because it hub, then some Cabinet Office jobs, with hopes raised benefits local economies and communities, but because and then dashed in York—one of the worst hit economies we think it helps to diversify our risk, creates a more from covid-19, yet one of the best connected northern resilient supplier base and delivers some of our critical cities, with a brownfield site adjacent to the station and priorities. full of people eager to serve. Will the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster set out the framework within which Andrew Jones: Small businesses are often the source his Government determine which locations are recipients of innovation, particularly in the digital economy. It is of central Government jobs, resources and projects often through digital investment that productivity is across the piece, so that we can all understand whether boosted, so how is my hon. Friend ensuring that transparency or cronyism is driving this Government? those responsible for Government procurement and And exactly how many jobs will York get? 1039 Oral Answers 25 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 1040

Michael Gove: Transparency drives everything that servants who oversee the freeport operation to one of the Government do—that and a commitment to levelling the Humber ports—preferably Immingham—would be up and ensuring that our Union is stronger. That is why a good move? we are moving jobs to Glasgow, a beautiful city that, sadly, has not flourished as it might have done under Michael Gove: My hon. Friend makes an important the Scottish Government’s stewardship over the course case. Overall responsibility for freeports rests with Her of the last 14 years. It is also why we are moving jobs to Majesty’sTreasury,and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor York, the city that the hon. Lady so ably represents of the Exchequer has made clear his commitment to alongside my hon. Friend the Member for York Outer ensuring that civil service and other decision-making (Julian Sturdy). We will be increasing the number of jobs are relocated effectively across the UK, with the Cabinet Office jobs in York by 50% in the coming establishment of a second campus in Darlington in months, and it is not just the Cabinet Office; other Teesside—something that has been done in partnership Government jobs will be coming to York as well, because, with the outstanding Mayor of the Tees Valley, Ben as she rightly points out, its transport connectivity, its Houchen. Of course, there is a concentration of expertise historical connections and its potential for brownfield in Humberside, both in north Lincolnshire and the East renovation all make it a superb site for investment. Riding of Yorkshire,not just in commerce but in renewables, and we will do everything we can to ensure that that Giles Watling [V]: I thank my right hon. Friend for expertise is supported by Government. his earlier answer. Moving Government Departments to the provinces is a fantastic initiative, but I implore Census 2021: Covid-19 him not to forget the southern coast. We may be near to London, but we have deprivation and we need the Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): What benefit of civil service jobs in our area. I ask him to give assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 us in Clacton serious consideration. outbreak on the completion of the 2021 census. [913892]

Michael Gove: Thanks to my hon. Friend, I never The Minister for the Constitution and Devolution (Chloe give Clacton anything other than serious consideration. Smith) [V]: The Office for National Statistics has assessed Clacton, Frinton and the communities that he so ably the census operation and made adjustments in the light represents contain talented people who have a contribution of the pandemic to ensure the safety of the public and to make, and of course we will do everything possible, census staff. Following census day—which was, of course, not necessarily by relocating civil service departments Sunday—the ONS remains on target to deliver a high- to that part of Essex, but by ensuring that there are quality census, and I would reassure and encourage opportunities through apprenticeships and the civil service Members that there is still time for those who have not fast stream, to ensure that talented young people in completed the census to do so. Essex have an opportunity, like him, to serve. Steve McCabe [V]: With research suggesting that 40% Sarah Atherton [V]: The Minister may know that of those aged 75-plus are digitally excluded, what steps Hollywood has bought into Wrexham football club, is the Minister taking to ensure that the now largely and seeing as our American friends are investing in digital census does not result in a grossly skewed picture Wrexham, may I ask the Government to consider doing affecting long-term service provision for elderly people? likewise? We already have the much welcome promise of office relocations to the north of England, so will he Chloe Smith: Considerable steps have been taken to make such a commitment to north-east Wales? Will he ensure that that scenario does not come about. While I consider Wrexham, the gateway to Snowdon, with its welcome the ONS’s intention for this to be principally a skilled workforce, business-minded council and easy digital census, because that is generally in line with the transport links to Liverpool, Manchester and London, times, the hon. Gentleman makes a very fair point as a candidate for some levelling-up relocation? about our needing to work together to ensure that nobody is left out from that method. The ONS has Michael Gove: My hon. Friend is a brilliant advocate taken extensive measures to ensure that that is the case, for Wrexham, and an economic renaissance is taking starting, for example, with the ability to use the telephone place across north Wales from Dolgellau to Wrexham, call centre to request a paper form and then going on to ably assisted by the brilliant advocacy of new Conservative there being many types of support available for completing MPs such as my hon. Friend and her colleagues. The the form. Indeed, that happens in other communities Government want to get behind that, not just by ensuring where extra support may be required. I would be very that our new levelling up fund can provide additional happy to write to him with fuller details from the ONS, resources for local authorities and businesses in north but I stress that that is already available on the ONS Wales, but by ensuring that we can have senior decision census website. Again, I encourage all right hon. and makers relocated to north Wales—whether that is in hon. Members to familiarise themselves with that so Wrexham, Bangor, Prestatyn, Rhyl or other locations that we can all best encourage our constituents to fill in that are still to be decided. Of course, the case that she the form in the way that suits them best. That will help makes for Wrexham is a formidable one, and one that us all to have a successful census, with the data that will has been heard in the Cabinet Office and, indeed, in help us to deliver public services. No. 10. Office for Veterans’ Affairs Martin Vickers: In the recent bidding process for freeports, the port of Immingham in my constituency Fay Jones (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con): What came out top, scoring high in every category. May I recent steps the Office for Veterans’ Affairs has taken to suggest to my right hon. Friend that moving the civil promote the interests of veterans. [913893] 1041 Oral Answers 25 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 1042

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans (Johnny Julia Lopez: We are not picking winners on the issue Mercer): I am incredibly proud of the work of the of facilities. The port infrastructure fund is an investment Office for Veterans’ Affairs, which has fundamentally that ports do not have to make themselves, and Portsmouth shifted the dial when it comes to looking after our has received £17 million. The hon. Gentleman may veterans in this country. Whether it is the guaranteed interested to know that the Department for Environment, interview scheme, the £10 million mental health care Food and Rural Affairs is undertaking a review of pathway that we established last week, veterans’ railcards facilities that will be needed at border control posts, or national insurance contribution holidays, we are including facilities for live animals, in advance of March making slow and irreversible progress in this domain, next year to see whether the size and scope of the and we will continue to do so under this Government. facilities have changed. We will continue to engage with Portsmouth, as I have been. I have had several meetings Fay Jones [V]: I am enormously grateful to the Minister with representatives there, but with the change in import for his work with the Secretary of State for Wales to controls, there will now be more time to deliver and create a veterans’ commissioner for Wales. With so build these facilities, and we hope that this time proves many veterans in and around Brecon, this would recognise useful. the circumstances faced by Welsh veterans where services such as healthcare and education are controlled at a Trade with the EU: Non-tariff Barriers devolved level. Will the Minister confirm that work to create the post is under way at pace and that the Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): What steps postholder will work across both Welsh and UK he is taking to support businesses subject to non-tariff Governments to ensure that all hurdles for Welsh veterans barriers to trade with the EU. [913896] can be overcome? Mohammad Yasin (Bedford) (Lab): What steps he is Johnny Mercer: I pay huge tribute to my hon. Friend taking to support businesses subject to non-tariff barriers for campaigning so energetically on this issue. Veterans’ to trade with the EU. [913897] commissioners are incredibly important across the country. There is no doubt that in some areas there is excellent Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab): What veterans’ care, and in other places not so much. What steps he is taking to support businesses subject to this Government are absolutely committed to is levelling non-tariff barriers to trade with the EU. [913907] up that experience as a veteran across the UK. We have a veterans’ commissioner in Scotland, and in Northern Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): What Ireland for the first time. I am delighted that the Welsh recent progress he has made on securing frictionless Government are working with us on this. We will deliver access for UK goods to the EU; and if he will make a it so that the whole becomes the best statement. [913908] place in the world in which to be an armed forces veteran. Ruth Jones (Newport West) (Lab): What steps he is taking to support manufacturers subject to non-tariff Ports: New Trading Arrangements barriers to trade with the EU. [913917]

Stephen Morgan (Portsmouth South) (Lab): What Margaret Ferrier ( and Hamilton West) recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues (Ind): What steps the Government are taking to simplify on the adequacy of support for ports adapting to new export procedures to the EU for UK manufacturers. trading arrangements since the end of the transition [913948] period. [913895] The Paymaster General (Penny Mordaunt): Our trade TheParliamentarySecretary,CabinetOffice(JuliaLopez): and co-operation agreement with the EU provides for The port infrastructure fund is granting £200 million of 100% tariff-free and quota-free access to each other’s public funding to ports to build facilities required for markets—the first trade agreement in the world to do border controls, which will now come into effect on so. We are working closely with business, including 1 January 2022, while checks on live animals, low-risk manufacturing, to minimise any potential disruption. plants and plant products will come in from 1 March next year. The delay to the introduction of controls Alex Cunningham [V]: I wrote to the Minister six announced this month allows more time for accreditation weeks ago about my constituent Graham Leggett, who in operational testing of those facilities. said his worst fears had come true, and shared the concerns of a local freight operator who said that Stephen Morgan [V]: Ministers continue to withhold “is a far bigger disaster than the huge disaster that I predicted.” vital funds needed for Portsmouth International Port to Mr Leggett imports materials to sell across the UK and build post-Brexit livestock inspection points, yet other EU, but now finds it near impossible to arrange exports inland sites have been fully funded by Government. The because he does not have a physical operation in the absence of this control post threatens trade worth EU.The impact of paperwork—which he has in order—and £10 million per year to local authority-controlled ports. extra charges has been catastrophic for his business, Can the Minister tell the House why she is picking 60% of which is with the EU, and it appears that his and winners when it comes to post-Brexit trade and whether other businesses will go bust. This is more than a hiccup she will deliver on the long overdue promise to explore or teething problem. What message and help does the alternative funding? Minister have for Mr Leggett? 1043 Oral Answers 25 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 1044

Penny Mordaunt: I am sorry to hear that that business Penny Mordaunt: I thank my hon. Friend for his is having ongoing difficulties and that other businesses thanks and praise to the Chancellor of the Duchy of are too. Frictionless trade would have required regulatory Lancaster. We look at and vigorously pursue all cases alignment with the EU, which would have undermined that Members raise with us to ensure that such businesses our own autonomy in that area and our sovereignty as are being supported in every way. What this case shows an independent trading nation. That was not a price is that, as well as some genuine issues that need to be that we were prepared to pay. However, we do recognise worked through with our partners in the EU and with that these are ongoing difficulties. I would be very member states on a bilateral basis, there are some issues happy to look at the individual case. We will be bringing that are purely related to people not understanding the forward further practical measures to address these processes or implementing them incorrectly. That has issues and to provide business with more support. caused a large share of the difficulties that we have seen, but those issues are being resolved. I am very pleased Mohammad Yasin [V]: Bedfordshire chamber of that we were able to help in my hon. Friend’s case. commerce is doing an excellent job helping businesses in Bedford and Kempston to cope with the significant Ruth Jones [V]: Like many on the Opposition Benches, challenges that the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal has I believe that Ministers must be held to account for the imposed on them. Businesses are in shock, trying to commitments they made to British businesses and industry overcome the new and complex operational challenges during the Brexit negotiations, so can the Minister around rules of origin, unexpected tariffs, VATimplications outline what discussions she has had with the Welsh and the vast swathes of logistical paperwork. The Minister Government about protecting the businesses and livelihoods needs to understand that these are not just teething in Newport West that are paying the price for this problems. Will she attend a roundtable with Bedfordshire Government’s bad deal? chamber of commerce to hear the real experiences of small and medium-sized enterprises that do not know Penny Mordaunt: I have had a very large number of whether they will survive this disruption? discussions with the Welsh Government, and also with officials there, with regard to a whole raft of issues Penny Mordaunt: I thank the hon. Gentleman for related to our leaving the EU, and I will continue to do that offer. I am always happy to meet businesses. My so in my new role. noble Friend Lord Frost and I are looking at ways that we can gather information more swiftly and in real time Margaret Ferrier [V]: The Road Haulage Association from businesses that are facing difficulties. I would be has highlighted that UK exports to the EU will not very happy to follow up with the hon. Gentleman after recover until summer at the earliest due to a shortage of this session. customs agents. The industry estimates that we need Jeff Smith: Unicorn Grocery in Chorlton tells me 30,000 customs agents for the whole of the UK, and we that are presently well short of that target. Will the Minister delineate what steps are currently being taken to meet “the notion that no tariffs means no problem is not the case at all. We still have to deal with agent fees, phytosanitary certificates and that target? organic certificates. The admin fees are the same whether it’s a box of broccoli or a pallet of broccoli.” Penny Mordaunt: The original assumptions that were These barriers are going to cost Unicorn £170,000 a made about numbers of people that we would need year. What are the Government going to do to reduce either in customs or of vets,for example,were overestimated, the administrative burden, or support the small businesses because having looked at it we now have a much clearer that are disproportionately affected? understanding of what is actually required. We have obviously, through securing this agreement, been able Penny Mordaunt: We have already provided financial to mitigate a lot of those things. A great deal of these support to compensate sectors that are suffering particular things are, as I say, about people not understanding issues. We have also put in place a framework whereby how things should be implemented, so a large part of we are able to work through these problems. While we our work is about ensuring that businesses, agents and do that, we are obviously looking at what we can do to others understand how these processes need to be operating. mitigate and reduce prospective burdens that other With the problems that genuinely remain, we now have businesses might be facing, such as stretching out the a framework in place where we can work through those timetable by which people would have to comply with things. other rules and regulations. Again, I would be very happy to look at any specific cases, and that offer is to Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab) [V]: all Members. The Food and Drink Federation reported this week that exports are down by 75%, salmon has collapsed by Mr Robertson [V]: At the last Cabinet Office questions, 98%, and beef is down by 91%. The industry is suffering I mentioned that a lorry from my constituency was a total loss of £750 million, and much of that collapse is unnecessarily detained in for 12 hours. The down to the bundles of red tape introduced by the Cabinet Office took that up with vigour. The Chancellor Government’s Brexit deal. Indeed, the British Meat of the Duchy of Lancaster really went about it; I thank Processors Association has said that the extra paperwork him for that and congratulate him on that work. Is the will cost its members £120 million a year. This is not Minister making assessments of any other lorries that what British business was promised by the Government. are unnecessarily held up as they try to get their goods What do the Government now propose to do to help the across the continent, since of course frictionless trade industry though a crisis not of its own making but benefits not just this country but our friends on the which threatens jobs, livelihoods and indeed businesses continent as well? up and down our country? 1045 Oral Answers 25 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 1046

Penny Mordaunt: Our management information shows system, it is even paid to draft Ministers’ parliamentary that overall ro-ro freight traffic between the UK and the answers defending the indefensible. This is a Government EU is now back to normal levels for this time of year. who appear even to have outsourced themselves. What That is, in very great part, due to the hard work put in will the Minister do to end this practice, or do I need to by traders and hauliers to prepare for the end of the write to Deloitte to find out? transition period and to work through the new things that they are having to do. I would point the hon. Julia Lopez: I thank the hon. Lady for highlighting Gentleman to the deal that we secured and the framework that interesting piece of information. It is not something that we have put in place to agree to trade facilitations I am aware of. I appreciate the concerns that have been going forward, including potential reductions in the raised about the use of consultants in relation to some frequency of import checks where that is justified. It is of the work that has been done during the pandemic. in both parties’ interests that we do that. That is how we Wehad to surge our capacity very quickly,but I appreciate will be resolving these remaining issues. Our track record the concerns that have been expressed about the cost of since we left the EU shows that, where further support, contracting. We are doing various things to improve the either financial or in other ways, is needed for sectors, capability and expertise of the civil service. We are we will do that. looking at secondments for senior civil servants, and we are looking at having our own in-house consulting hub, Public Procurement: Value for Money but I am very happy to look into this idea that consultants are drafting responses for Ministers. It is not something Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab): What I am aware of. recent steps he has taken to help ensure value for money in public procurement. [913898] Fleur Anderson: It surprised some attendees of the recent OECD global anti-corruption and integrity forum The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Julia that the Government’santi-corruption champion defended Lopez): The overarching principle in all public procurement the Government’s handling of public contracts. That is to secure the best value for money for the taxpayer, role is occupied by the hon. Member for Weston-super-Mare and that principle lies at the heart of our plans in the (John Penrose). As well as being a Conservative MP, he procurement Green Paper.Simpler procurement procedures has, of course, a very close family interest in the will drive increased competition and innovation in public Government’s pandemic response. Does the Minister procurement, ultimately saving taxpayers’ money. We agree that the post of anti-corruption champion must are also due to publish version 3 of the “The Outsourcing be independent from party politics to avoid the growing Playbook” in spring ’21, which includes 11 key policies conflicts of interest within Government? that help Government and industry to work better together to deliver quality public services and value for Mr Speaker: Can I just check that the hon. Lady let money, and our new approach to social value will help the Member know that she was going to mention him? to secure wider public benefit, allowing us to contract with firms that deliver more apprenticeships, local growth Fleur Anderson: I did not. I apologise. opportunities and environmental benefits. Mr Speaker: The apology is not for me; it is more to Karl Turner [V]: I thank the Minister for her answer, the Member. The hon. Lady needs to let him know. but she will not be surprised to know that taxpayers in east Hull expect Government contracts to be awarded Fleur Anderson: I will do so. responsibly and fairly, and not with a nod and a wink and a text message between Secretaries of State and Julia Lopez: I thank the hon. Lady for her concerns, pub landlords. Does she want to say something about but I have no questions or concerns about the integrity that to my constituents and perhaps apologise? of my hon. Friend the Member for Weston-super-Mare (John Penrose). Julia Lopez: I think that the particular thing the hon. Gentleman is referring to relates to personal protective Grahame Morris (Easington) (Lab) [V]: The Minister equipment, which I know has attracted a lot of interest. will be aware of recent mergers and acquisitions of I wish to assure the House that although there has been outsourcing companies, some with substantial public a lot of discussion about the high-priority lane, it was contracts worth many millions of pounds, including effectively an email inbox that triaged the thousands of Mitie, Interserve and, most recently, G4S. Can the suggestions that were coming in for particular contracts. Minister tell the House what steps the Cabinet Office is Even if people got through that—90% of people from taking to ensure that, in such circumstances, the public that process were rejected—the contracts then went interest is protected and does not play second fiddle to through the same eight-stage process. I wish to assure the interests of capitalism and greed, as referred to by him that there have been no corners cut. the Prime Minister a few days ago? Fleur Anderson (Putney) (Lab): From the start of this Julia Lopez: The Prime Minister was asserting the pandemic, the Government chose to use a centralised, importance of capitalism in being able to get the best privatised approach to contact tracing through a handful answers when finding solutions to difficult problems, of large companies, rather than putting local public and I do not think we should doubt his intentions on health teams in charge. While a growing number of that particular matter. I am happy to look into any councils have now had to establish their own systems on concerns the hon. Gentleman has about the G4S merger, a shoestring, it is a completely different set of affairs for which I have not looked into personally, but I would be the expensive management consultancies. Last night, happy to do so. Our officials have regular conversations we learned that as well as the Government paying with key outsourcing providers and often have assurances Deloitte £323 million for its role in the Test and Trace on the work they undertake. 1047 Oral Answers 25 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 1048

Safety of Local Elections: Covid-19 Native Advertising in UK Newspapers: Departmental Spending (Harrow East) (Con): What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that the 2021 local Kenny MacAskill (East Lothian) (SNP): How much elections can take place safely during the covid-19 outbreak. his Department has spent on native advertising in UK [913900] newspapers since the end of the transition period. [913902] The Minister for the Constitution and Devolution (Chloe Smith) [V]: On 5 February this year, the Government Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP): published a delivery plan outlining how the polls will be How much his Department has spent on native advertising delivered in a covid-secure way. That is backed by a in UK newspapers since the end of the transition period. £32 million funding uplift for returning officers and [913905] local authorities to address costs related to covid and by changes to the law made by Parliament to help voters Chris Law (Dundee West) (SNP): How much his and candidates participate safely in elections. Department has spent on native advertising in UK newspapers since the end of the transition period. Bob Blackman [V]: I thank my hon. Friend for that [913929] answer. It is clearly important that democracy is allowed to flourish and that electors get the chance to vote for The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister their local representatives. Could she provide an update for the Cabinet Office (Michael Gove): It is very difficult on what actions she is taking to ensure that the count is to follow that, Mr Speaker. secure and that postal votes are treated appropriately, We recognise that newspapers are the lifeblood of particularly during the pandemic? communities, and we have negotiated an unprecedented partnership with the newspaper industry.Since 1 January, Chloe Smith: I can, and indeed, an update will be paid advertising has appeared in up to 600 newspapers provided to the House today by written ministerial across the UK, including 60 titles predominantly directed statement, which will give Members full details. The towards ethnic minority communities. We have also Electoral Commission has produced guidance for the supported 105 Scottish titles that reach 3.3 million count, and we have worked with it to ensure that that is people—over half the population of Scotland. properly up to date and assists in understanding some Regional and local newspapers received at least 60% of of the tensions in the arrangements that will be needed the funding allocated from January to March 2021. All by returning officers to run successful counts. Of course, the titles in the press partnership have been selected the need for free and fair elections often comes to the independently by the media planning and buying agency fore of people’s minds at the count, where scrutiny is OmniGov. We publish spending on gov.uk monthly as just as essential as public safety in this case. part of routine Government transparency arrangements, I can reassure my hon. Friend that we continue to put and we regularly review the cost-effectiveness of that out guidance on other elements of the overall election spend against audience surveys, focus groups and process, including postal votes. I take this opportunity operational data. to emphasise that postal votes and other items of paperwork do not need to be quarantined, contrary to some recent Kenny MacAskill [V]: Food producers and manufacturers media reporting. That has also been made clear by the in East Lothian are in despair at the additional costs, Electoral Commission and others. paperwork and procedures brought about by Brexit, costing orders and threatening jobs. Would the Minister Cat Smith (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Lab): The care to pay for an advert in the East Lothian Courier trouble is that our democracy is not open to everyone. setting out the facts of Brexit, not the fiction that has Millions of voters are still missing from the electoral been promoted in other paid outlets and adverts? register, but instead of prioritising that, the Government have chosen to prioritise their discriminatory policy Michael Gove: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman requiring voters to show photo ID—plans that will cost for raising that. Not only would I be happy to pay for millions of pounds and put up barriers making it more an advertisement in the East Lothian Courier; I would difficult to participate in democracy, and all that while be happy to come to Haddington to support Craig Hoy, curbing free expression and the right to protest. I should the excellent Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate not be surprised at the Minister’s half-hearted approach standing in the Scottish parliamentary elections, who to being innovative in making this May’selections accessible. will be a strong voice for East Lothian in Holyrood, just What would she say to a vulnerable person who has as the hon. Gentleman is here in Westminster. voted in person for their entire life but now feels it is unsafe to do so due to this Government’s lack of action? Martyn Day [V]: In Government-sponsored ads on the alleged success of Brexit, the same three or four Chloe Smith: I would encourage any such person to companies have been highlighted in at least 16 newspapers apply for a postal vote, which I will be using at this local throughout the UK. Are these the only companies that election. Many people will prefer to do it that way, and the Government could actually find that would be that is absolutely fine, as it has always been. May I call willing to discuss the benefits of Brexit? out the hon. Lady for her needless posturing? I would like to say that I am surprised by it, but it is not even Michael Gove: No, there is a limitless list, and I could new—she does it every single time—and in this case, she take up the rest of the day by running through all the has not taken the opportunity to explain to the House businesses and all the business people who believe that why the Labour party does not even practise what it the Government’s approach is right. One thing I would preaches. It still asks for voter ID at its own meetings, not be able to do, however, is to find many businesses and that is because it is a reasonable and sensible policy. that would be prepared to endorse the reckless approach 1049 Oral Answers 25 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 1050 towards a second independence referendum that the Chris Law [V]: Good morning, Mr Speaker, and I is pushing. I cannot think of a also hope that the same press hold the UK Government single reputable business voice that thinks the priority to account. Does the Minister not agree that the fact for Scotland now is constitutional uncertainty and that the UK Government need to buy news stories to wrenching Scotland out of the partnership for good promote Brexit, rather than relying on companies to that is the Union. share their success themselves, is a sign that Brexit is an utterly failing project? Mr Speaker: Let us go to Chris Law. That is not Chris Michael Gove: No, I would not say that. I have a great Law. I do not care what anybody says, that is definitely deal of respect and affection for the hon. Member, and not Chris Law—in which case, I am going to go to that is why the work that we do in advertising in these spokesperson Stewart Hosie. titles is work that we do in conjunction with the devolved Administrations. We work with them in order to make Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): In relation to sure that we are placing content appropriately, not least these native adverts regarding the so-called benefits of of course to help people keep safe during the covid Brexit, the Advertising Standards Authority says that pandemic. The Scottish Government of course also “Marketing communications must be obviously identifiable as devote money themselves to advertising and supporting such” newspapers—quite right too; that is something that is and that marketers—in this case, the UK Government— appropriate at this time. Of course, he and I will disagree “must make clear that advertorials are marketing communications”. on certain policy questions, but on the broad point about keeping our media live and vital, I know that on Some newspapers do say “Ad features sponsored by the that at least we are at one. UK Government.” Others say, “in conjunction” or “in association”, which is less clear. Many simply say Topical Questions “sponsored” but not who by, and at least one newspaper describes the UK Government—the marketer—as a [913949] Matt Vickers (Stockton South) (Con): If he “contributor”. Why have the Government, as the marketer, will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. chosen to flout the ASA code in this way? The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Michael Gove): I would like to Michael Gove: I have been furnished with no evidence place on record my thanks to Lord Dunlop—Andrew of any flouting of the code. Of course if there are any Dunlop—for the report that he completed into complaints that have been raised by readers or citizens, strengthening institutions across our United Kingdom we will of course investigate them. But it is the case and, in particular,strengthening intergovernmental relations. that the Scottish Government themselves, entirely It is a great report. Many of its recommendations the understandably, devote tens of thousands of pounds of Government are already implementing. I commend it taxpayer money to also furnishing content in newspapers to the House, and I also commend Lord Dunlop’s such as The Press and Journal, The Courier and even a selfless work to this House. He is the very model of a newspaper called The National, which I understand has public servant. some popularity among some communities in Scotland. Rachel Reeves (Leeds West) (Lab): The ministerial Stewart Hosie: There are many examples of what I code makes it clear how important the Independent am talking about, and the Government do not know Adviser on Ministers’ Interests is, yet the post has them. That the Minister does not know is to his shame. remained unfilled since November last year,when Sir Alex Rule 7.2 of the ASA code makes it clear that: Allan resigned on principle. Transparency International “Marketing communications by central…government…are subject believes that, last year alone, there were a potential nine to the Code” breaches of the ministerial code—I can share the information with the right hon. Gentleman. So can he and rule 3.5 says: advise the House when the unfilled post of Independent “Marketing communications must not materially mislead by Adviser on Ministers’ Interests will be filled, and what omitting the identity of the marketer.” guarantee can he give the House that this time, the So let me ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Prime Minister will actually listen to their advice? in terms of the code: why have the UK Government, by omitting their own name, chosen to mislead the public? Michael Gove: The hon. Lady makes an important point. First, may I place on record my thanks to Sir Alex Allan for his contribution both in that role and Michael Gove: I am very happy to put my own name previously in public service? We are seeking to find and that of the UK Government to all of this material, someone who is suitably independent, experienced and and I am also proud of the contribution that we have authoritative for this critical role. I would be delighted made to supporting independent press and media titles to work with the hon. Lady to ensure that the broadest across Scotland. It is vital, as we move towards the possible range of candidates can be identified, and that Holyrood elections, that we have a strong and vital whoever is put forward for that role can appropriately independent press and that newspapers such as the be scrutinised by the House to ensure that we can satisfy Glasgow Herald, The Press and Journal, the Dundee ourselves about their appropriateness for the role. Courier and others should hold the Scottish Government to account for what has been happening over the last Rachel Reeves: It has been four months. A good way 14 years. to find someone might be to advertise the position and seek a candidate. Let me tell the right hon. Gentleman Mr Speaker: Let us go back to Chris Law. why this is so important. The Independent Adviser on 1051 Oral Answers 25 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 1052

Ministers’ Interests is responsible for producing the list Michael Gove: I thank my hon. Friend for reminding of Ministers’ financial interests, including those of the us that Yorkshire is the home of ingenuity, enterprise Prime Minister. Page 16, paragraph 7.5 of the ministerial and creativity when it comes to responding to all sorts code, states that of crises and challenges. In Keighley, the success of the “a statement covering relevant Ministers’ interests will be published business that he identifies is one that we should all seek twice yearly” to emulate. He points out that sometimes companies that have been strong in one area can adjust over time to to avoid anyconflicts of interest at the heart of Government. produce other products such as PPE. Some people on That list was published only once last year, in July, and the Opposition side of the House have sometimes said, there has been nothing at all since then. So can the “This company doesn’t have a track record, so there Minister advise the House when that overdue list of must be something sniffy about its producing PPE.” Ministers’ financial interests will be published? If he They seem not to understand that savvy, smart Yorkshire cannot give us that date, should we conclude that the business people can actually adapt their business models Government are deliberately delaying this to avoid much- to help this country at particular times. It is called the needed scrutiny of this Government? free market, and it exemplifies the best of British and the best of Yorkshire. Michael Gove: No, not at all. As I am sure the hon. Lady is aware, it is the case that every Minister complies [913955] Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab) [V]: Further with all the expectations placed on them, not just by the to earlier questions about basing civil service jobs in the ministerial code but by the Nolan principles on standards regions, I am sure the Chancellor recalls that, in his in public life. It is also the case that Ministers are previous Cabinet role, he very clearly committed to transparent about the areas that she correctly identifies basing the new Office for Environmental Protection in as of public interest. Bristol. Would he like to take the opportunity to apologise to the people of Bristol for not delivering on that promise? Mr (Hazel Grove) (Con): Does my right hon. Friend still agree with himself in his opposition Michael Gove: It is the case that the new Office for to covid vaccine certification to attend the pub, as he Environmental Protection will be in Worcester, which is expressed on Sky News recently? to my mind an equally attractive location for civil servants and for those who will be working in that Michael Gove: Consistency is often the hobgoblin of critical role. The most important thing is that we have small minds, but my view on this issue is consistent. A good people, making sure that we maintain the highest system that relied purely on vaccination would not be environmental standards. That is what the OEP will do, appropriate, but what would be right was a system that but our commitment to making sure that there are ensured that we can open up our economy to the high-quality civil service jobs in Bristol remains. Bristol maximum extent, that takes account of vaccine status, is one of the principal locations outside London at the but also recent test status and potentially antibody moment for civil service jobs, but it is only right that status. But the best thing to do is to be guided by other areas, not least in the west midlands and Teesside, scientific and clinical advice and then to subject that as well as Worcester, benefit, because let’s face it, when advice to proper, rigorous, ethical questioning, rather we have brilliant Mayors such as Ben Houchen in Tees than taking an instant, off-the-shelf, instinctive approach. Valley and Andy Street in the west midlands, making a superb case for locations such as Darlington and, indeed, for Wolverhampton, it would be foolish not to pay [913954] Kate Hollern (Blackburn) (Lab) [V]: It is attention to their brilliant advocacy and to hope—who important that the Government have the right priorities knows—that they might be re-elected in forthcoming in these difficult times. But what does it say about the polls. Prime Minister’s priorities that, while he is spending up to £200,000 refurbishing his flat, he is telling NHS [913951] Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): There nurses that they should receive a real-terms pay cut? are many small and medium-sized businesses in my constituency, particularly in the renewable energy sector. Michael Gove: I cannot see the merit in that juxtaposition, I know that the Government are eager to ensure that but I do see merit in ensuring that the independent SMEs have assistance in securing Government contracts. advisory body on public sector pay, which governs the Ahead of the COP26 conference, when there is a particular NHS, should consider all the evidence. All Members of focus on this sector, is there anything additional that the the House should make clear our solidarity, respect and Government could do to assist those SMEs? admiration for those who work on the NHS frontline. Michael Gove: Yes. I will talk to my right hon. Friend the President for COP26 and ensure that we have a joint [913950] Robbie Moore (Keighley) (Con): I recently met roundtable for the companies that my hon. Friend has PFF, a fantastic, independent, family-run business in spoken up for in his constituency and elsewhere, to Keighley,which last year diversified and produced personal ensure that the international event taking place in Glasgow, protective equipment, manufacturing over 360 million thanks to the UK Government, also benefits people in aprons for our frontline staff. It is also a proud member Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. of the Made in Britain campaign. Can my right hon. Friend assure me that the Government will do all they [913957] Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) can to support British businesses such as PFF which (Lab) [V]: Wylam Brewery in my constituency has a have adapted to help the NHS, and that all procurement fantastic location—our old science museum—and will be British-focused where it can be? wonderful beers, which I have personally researched. 1053 Oral Answers 25 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 1054

The EU accounted for half its business last year, but which is coming to for all the right reasons, since the Government bungled the EU trade deal, Wylam leaves a lasting legacy of environmentally sustainable beers have been stuck in ports or sent back. Official investment. I look forward to working with my hon. Government advice is to set up a European office, Friend for precisely that goal. effectively moving jobs from Newcastle to the EU. This week’s Food and Drink Federation figures show that [913959] Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Would the Wylam is not alone in seeing exports collapse, so will Chancellor describe the enforcement powers of the the Minister meet me and the brewery to get this sorted lobbying registrar as draconian or a bit of a soft landing? and Wylam beers once more enjoyed on the continent? Michael Gove: I have not given the issue much thought Michael Gove: I absolutely will. I can think of no lately, but I will look closely at it and write back to the better contribution to raising morale, not just in Newcastle hon. Gentleman. but in the European Union, than ensuring that people in the EU can enjoy beer brewed in Newcastle rather [913964] Steve Double (St Austell and Newquay) (Con): than the stuff that they brew elsewhere. With the development of the Cornwall spaceport and the Goonhilly earth station, Cornwall is set to become [913952] Dr Jamie Wallis (Bridgend) (Con) [V]: Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is excellent news to a major hub for the UK space industry. As the hear of so many Government Departments setting up Government are looking to relocate Government offices outside London and the south-east? Is he aware Departments and agencies around the country, would of any plans for the UK Government to bring anything my right hon. Friend look into moving part of the UK to south Wales from which my Bridgend constituency Space Agency to Cornwall? may benefit? Michael Gove: I think it is a very good idea. I have to Michael Gove: Bridgend’s position—brilliantly, close say that Shetland and Sutherland are benefiting from to Cardiff but with good transport links to Swansea as space investment as well as Cornwall. At this stage, I well—gives it the perfect opportunity to benefit from cannot make any firm commitment, but I do think that the additional investment that my right hon. Friend the my hon. Friend has made a strong case for Cornwall. President of the Board of Trade has put into a new trade hub in Cardiff. Of course, it is already the case [913963] Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South) that Swansea is the home not only to an outstanding (SNP) [V]: We know that hostile foreign actors are university, but to the DVLA. We continually keep under spending more money and following more sophisticated review how we can support civil service relocation, not methods than ever before when it comes to sowing just to north Wales, as I mentioned earlier, but to south disinformation, including here in the UK. The latest Wales as well, making sure that, not just in Cardiff and data from both Facebook and tells us that in Swansea but in communities such as Bridgend, people particular Iran and Russia are giving the United Kingdom can benefit. and politics in the UK a lot of attention. Will the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster arrange a briefing [913958] Chris Elmore (Ogmore) (Lab) [V]: The delay in for Members of Parliament and political parties, on the implementation of the VI-1 forms has been welcomed appropriate terms, with the security services, so that we by the wine and spirits industry, which has been lobbying can all better understand the threat and ensure the on this issue along with wine importers across the integrity of our political discourse and democracy? UK—including Daniel Lambert, who runs a wine import company in Aberkenfig in my constituency. Will the Michael Gove: The hon. Gentleman raises an important Minister now work with the industry beyond January point; when it comes to many foreign defence and next year to find long-term solutions, so that these security questions, his is a sane and sensible voice. He is businesses and those who work in the sector are not absolutely right that all political parties should be made negatively impacted following the UK’s leaving the EU? aware of some of the potential attempts to subvert our democracy. Therefore I look forward to working with Michael Gove: The hon. Gentleman has always been my colleagues to make sure that the material that we a fair-minded and pragmatic Member of this House can share is shared and that everyone is aware of what and a strong advocate for his constituents. I look forward we need to do to defend our democracy. to working with him, Mr Lambert and others in precisely the way that he mentions. [913971] Stephen Farry (North Down) (Alliance) [V]: [913953] (Truro and Falmouth) The calming influence of the Chancellor of the Duchy (Con) [V]: The G7 in Cornwall is fast approaching, and of Lancaster is going to be missed in the post-Brexit we are very much looking forward to it. Post summit, discussions with the European Union. How does he see Cornwall looks for a legacy that will enhance a clean, long-term sustainable solutions being found around the green future for business. Will my right hon. Friend Northern Ireland protocol in the light of the damage support me in establishing an ambitious blue growth done to trust as a result of the unilateral extensions of plan for the port of Falmouth that ensures that Truro the grace periods? and Falmouth, and the whole of Cornwall, can feel long-term economic benefits from the summit? Michael Gove: I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman. The first thing that I would say is that it is important Michael Gove: It sounds like a brilliant idea. I know that we make sure that the interests of all the people of that this investment in Falmouth will not cost us a Northern Ireland come first. The decision on grace packet; I know that it will be a good investment for the periods was taken in accordance with the freely expressed future. Absolutely: we need to make sure that the G7, wishes of commercial operators in Northern Ireland. It 1055 Oral Answers 25 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 1056 is interesting that Northern Ireland retailers, businesses me as the equivalent of a parliamentary soothing and so on, without prejudice to their views on Brexit or medicament is perhaps the kindest thing that has ever the protocol, welcomed these pragmatic steps. been said about me. I have enormous respect and affection for the hon. Gentleman, but this must be the first time ever, in this Mr Speaker: On which basis, I am now suspending House or anywhere else, that I have been described as a the House for two minutes to enable the necessary calming influence, and I can only say thank you. All arrangements for the next business to be made. sorts of epithets have been flung at me, but to be described in such a way as to suggest that a former 10.35 am occupant of your Chair,Mr Speaker,might have described Sitting suspended. 1057 25 MARCH 2021 UK Production: Greensill 1058 Capital UK Steel Production: Greensill Capital : I appreciate that questions are getting very long in this House. 10.37 am Mr Speaker: Order. I think I am the judge of that. Lucy Powell (Manchester Central) (Lab/Co-op) (Urgent The Secretary of State may be new to the Dispatch Box Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Business, in his new position, but the Opposition are entitled to Energy and Industrial Strategy,if he will make a statement two minutes, and the hon. Member for Manchester on the future of UK steel production following Greensill Central (Lucy Powell) was within that time. Please, let Capital’s recent insolvency. me make those judgments.

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Kwasi Kwarteng: I am very happy to defer to you, Strategy (Kwasi Kwarteng): As many right hon. and Mr Speaker; I have huge regard for your position, as I hon. Members will be aware, it would not necessarily be have mentioned many times. With respect to the remarks appropriate for me to comment on commercially sensitive of the hon. Member for Manchester Central (Lucy matters at this stage. However, I do appreciate that Powell) about my being dragged back to the Dispatch many Members of this House have expressed concerns Box, that is not the case at all. As she knows, I was the to me, individually and in groups, about their constituents Secretary of State who reconstituted the Steel Council working in the steel industry and the families and on 5 March. That was a top priority for me, because I workers that the industry supports. feel that we have a future for UK steel: the Government’s Following Greensill Capital entering into administration infrastructure plans will need around 5 million tonnes on 8 March, I and the Department continue to follow of steel over the next decade. It is absolutely a commitment developments very closely. As many hon. Members of mine, as Secretary of State, to ensure that we have a know, I have directly spoken to local management on a viable steel industry in this country. number of occasions, and I have also spoken to representatives of the trade unions—as recently, in fact, Dr Jamie Wallis (Bridgend) (Con) [V]: In 1998, 234 jobs as yesterday evening. On all those occasions, I have seen were lost at a in Darlington. In 2001, the a strong and united commitment across management, Llanwern steelworks closed, with 1,300 jobs gone. In across the unions and certainly among officials in my 2003, 95 jobs were lost at the Shotton site in Deeside, Department. I have seen a united commitment to the and 116 at the Avesta site in Panteg. In 2004, we lost workforce and our steel industry. 156 jobs in Scunthorpe and a further 80 in Lincolnshire. In 2006, two closures led to losses of 250 jobs and Lucy Powell: The Secretary of State has been dragged 40 jobs. Of course, in February 2010, Teesside Cast here to finally say something, because earlier in the Products was mothballed, putting 2,400 jobs at risk. week he had nothing to say. I do not expect him to Does my right hon. Friend agree that, with the Opposition’s disclose commercial information, but it is in the commercial abysmal record on steel, the Government are right to interests of UK plc and the customers, suppliers and discard their failed vision and continue with our proactive workers in Rotherham, Stocksbridge, Hartlepool, approach to helping the sector? Scunthorpe, Newport and elsewhere to know whether the Government will step in if Liberty fails to refinance. Kwasi Kwarteng: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. What devastated the steel industry was, as we know, We have called for a plan B. It is in our national 13 years of Labour Government. We have made it very interests for all options to be on the table. Those options clear,with our industrial decarbonisation strategy,published should not be blinkered by ideology, because domestic only last week, that we remain committed to a UK steel is a cornerstone of our national security industry and a decarbonised future, and also to green and economic prosperity. What is more, Liberty Steel jobs, particularly in in our levelling-up agenda. businesses are viable and have made the switch to electric arc furnaces, at great cost. Can the Business Mr Speaker: I call the SNP spokesperson, who has Secretary confirm that he is considering all options, one minute. from immediate support—if due diligence is met—to public ownership, should the business fall into Stephen Flynn (Aberdeen South) (SNP): I commend administration? Does he agree that nationalisation could the shadow Minister for securing this urgent question be the best value-for-money option, especially when we on what is an incredibly important topic, not least for look at British Steel, which the Government spent the workforce, who I assume are listening very closely to £500 million on and then sold off on the cheap to the Secretary of State. Of course, this issue is important the Chinese? not only to England and Wales but to the people of Let us be honest: UK steel and steel communities Scotland. The Dalzell and Clydebridge steelworks are have been betrayed by this Government, because they very much at the forefront of my thoughts, and so too have no vision nor any plan. There was not a single are GFG’s wider holdings, such as the Lochaber smelter. mention of steel in the Secretary of State’s plan for I am very conscious of the fact that the Cabinet Secretary growth. There has been very little sector support during for Rural Economy and Tourism made a proactive and covid. The clean steel fund keeps being kicked up the informed statement to the yesterday. road. There has been no action, despite promises, on I would welcome assurance from the Secretary of State the crippling issues of high energy prices and business that he will engage in open and transparent dialogue rates. There is no buy-British guarantee in Government with my colleagues north of the border moving forward. contracts. He just scrapped the industrial strategy. It is Finally, I would welcome a little bit of clarity from the no wonder that the investment climate in UK steel is so Secretary of State on quite how far his Government are uncertain. Will he finally take this opportunity to set willing to go in respect of supporting what are, as I out his vision and plan the future of UK steel? understand it, perfectly viable businesses. 1059 UK Steel Production: Greensill 25 MARCH 2021 UK Steel Production: Greensill 1060 Capital Capital Kwasi Kwarteng: The hon. Gentleman makes a very is stronger than steel and embodies carbon. Does he fair point, and he will be pleased to learn that I have agree that we must explore these avenues alongside spoken to representatives of the Scottish Government. supporting existing industries as we transition to a We have mutual and very strong interests in the ongoing greener economy? future of the businesses under the GFG umbrella, and he will know that my door is always open to conversations Kwasi Kwarteng: I welcome my hon. Friend’s report with him and his counterparts in the Scottish Government and his contribution to the debate around the green to see a way through. As far as specifics of Government industrial revolution. He is absolutely right that, alongside intervention, I have said repeatedly that it is not appropriate steel, we should consider all forms of innovative and now, given where we are, for me to disclose anything of novel materials—advanced materials—that can help us that kind, but of course this is an ongoing situation that build back greener and more sustainably. we are monitoring extremely closely. John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): The three fleet solid Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con): I thank the Secretary of support ships, at 40,000 tonnes, are equivalent in size to State for his statement, for his recent visit to Teesside the two aircraft carriers. That is a lot of steel. Only this and for all he is doing to support the industry at this week, the Ministry of Defence finally conceded that difficult time. Under the last Labour Government, steel they will be designated as naval vessels, meaning that production in this country fell by almost 50%, so we they will be built in British yards. When the Secretary of should take no lectures from Labour on this. In Redcar, State goes back to his office, will he get on to the we lost our in 2015 with the closure of Defence Secretary and tell him they must also be built SSI, but the only reason we have any steel manufacturing with British steel? left at all is that the Government stepped in and saved British Steel at Lackenby and Skinningrove. Will the Kwasi Kwarteng: I admire and am always impressed Secretary of State confirm that he will address key by the right hon. Gentleman’s passion for these issues, industry concerns such as energy pricing, that he will and I think he is absolutely right. We do have a need for champion the UK steel charter and that it is our policy huge amounts of steel in infrastructure in this country. to increase domestic steel production, and will he work That is why I have said repeatedly that there is a future with me and Ben Houchen on a new for the steel industry in the UK. for Redcar? Shaun Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Con) [V]: Kwasi Kwarteng: I commend my hon. Friend, who, Obviously, steel is also a crucial part of this Government’s only in his brief time as a Member of Parliament, has decarbonisation strategy. Can my right hon. Friend made a real impact on these discussions and in representing reassure my constituents in Oldbury, where a Liberty Redcar. I remember a Redcar that was represented by a Steel site is currently based, that he will ensure that Liberal Democrat precisely because of the closure of Black Country steel is placed at the heart of that the SSI plant, and I am delighted to see that it is now decarbonisation strategy and that they will get the represented by an excellent Conservative MP. support they need from the Government as we go through this difficult time for Liberty Steel Group? Sarah Olney (Richmond Park) (LD) [V]: The circumstances surrounding the collapse of Greensill Kwasi Kwarteng: I assure my hon. Friend that we are Capital throw up a lot of questions about how decisions committed to the steel industry in the UK. That is why, are being made regarding the use of public money to last week, we published the industrial decarbonisation guarantee loans to struggling companies during the strategy, which I was very pleased to commission as pandemic. It is important that Parliament has sight of energy Minister. I look forward to speaking to him those decisions to properly scrutinise them. On about the next steps forward for this industry. 12 November 2020, in response to a parliamentary question tabled by the shadow Minister for the Cabinet Stephen Kinnock (Aberavon) (Lab) [V]: British Office, the hon. Member for Leeds West (Rachel Reeves), steelworkers make the best steel that money can buy, a Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy but they are having to compete with one hand tied Minister said that the list of companies offered coronavirus behind their back because electricity costs our steel business interruption loans would be published “in due companies 86% more than in Germany and 62% more course”. Does the Secretary of State agree that transparency than in France, an issue I raised with the Secretary of is essential for effective scrutiny, and will he commit to State when he met steel MPs on 3 February.On 22 February, publishing the list of companies that have received the Prime Minister told me from the Dispatch Box that Government-backed loan support without delay? “we must indeed address the discriminatory costs of energy.”—[Official Report, 22 February 2021; Vol. 689, c. 647.] Kwasi Kwarteng: I will certainly look into the hon. What progress has the Secretary of State made in Lady’s request. This is something that has been brought addressing this critical issue since our 3 February discussion, to my attention and I will try to see if we can publish and does he think that the Chancellor understands that something soon. there can be no post-pandemic recovery without a strong and healthy steel industry? Duncan Baker (North Norfolk) (Con) [V]: It is absolutely right to support the steel industry, given the jobs and Kwasi Kwarteng: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor the simple fact that steel is a fundamental material in is fully aware of the importance of the sector. The hon. our construction industry, and the Government do. I Gentleman will know—I think he attended the Steel am sure the Secretary of State will note my Environmental Council where this issue was raised—that we have Audit Committee inquiry looking at sustainable building commissioned work to see what can be done to redress materials for the future, such as engineered wood, which the balance he alludes to. 1061 UK Steel Production: Greensill 25 MARCH 2021 UK Steel Production: Greensill 1062 Capital Capital Holly Mumby-Croft (Scunthorpe) (Con) [V]: I was Kwasi Kwarteng: The hon. Gentleman makes a legitimate really pleased to hear the Prime Minister speak yesterday point. The collapse of a company like Greensill has about the opportunities he sees for British steelmakers ramifying effects, and I, Ministers and officials in the in major projects such as HS2. Can my right hon. Department are looking closely at the potential impact. Friend provide more information on that and can he—I know it is difficult—reassure the Liberty Steel workers Nicola Richards (West Bromwich East) (Con) [V]: I in Scunthorpe that the Government will do all they can thank my right hon. Friend for his personal engagement to support them? with me on this issue and for acting so quickly. Liberty Steel is a big employer in the Black Country and we Kwasi Kwarteng: I would like to reassure my hon. have been hit particularly hard by the worst effects of Friend. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister was the pandemic. I know that he needs no convincing absolutely right to say that we need a huge amount of about the importance of the steel industry in our part of steel—about 5 million tonnes—over the next decade the west midlands, so will he continue to prioritise this and that this Government are committed to an ongoing issue and work with me to help protect jobs in West steel industry. As she knows, I have spoken to local Bromwich East? management and workforce representatives, and we are doing all we can to look at all options to make sure that Kwasi Kwarteng: I would be very happy to work with this vital piece of infrastructure continues and remains my hon. Friend to protect jobs. She is doing a great job a going concern. of representing her constituents. All I would say on this is that we published last week the industrial decarbonisation Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: We strategy, which is the first of its kind in the world, and know that David Cameron was an adviser to Greensill we are absolutely committed to a continuing future for Capital, with shareholdings of potentially tens of millions British steel. of pounds, and that he made private texts and calls on a number of occasions to the Chancellor to help secure Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Liberty Steel has funds for Liberty before Greensill, a high-risk company, a diverse portfolio with a long supply chain. These jobs went bust, putting thousands of jobs at Liberty Steel at are often trade-unionised, so they have better pay.Losing risk. What investigation will BEIS carry out? Will the them will have a big impact across our country. How Secretary of State ensure that in future taxpayers’ money will the Secretary of State protect the different elements is no longer interfered with by David Cameron and of this complex company, such as the tubing plant in former Conservative Ministers, but is instead invested Tredegar in my Blaenau Gwent constituency, with its directly to protect our jobs in British steel and other loyal and skilled workforce who have kept it going vital industries? through tough times? Kwasi Kwarteng: The hon. Gentleman is quite right. Kwasi Kwarteng: The hon. Gentleman will know that The company has a range of assets spread across England officials often meet with a range of businesses affected and Wales, in particular, and we are looking very closely by policy changes—that is part of policy development—but at what specific assets and jobs are necessary. We hope it is always done with proper and due consideration. to support the company in its entirety.

Angela Richardson (Guildford) (Con): A key part of Miriam Cates (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Con) our efforts to drive long-term green growth is to support [V]: The funding challenges faced by Liberty are serious, workers in high-carbon sectors such as steel to retrain in but I have been reassured by meetings with my right new green technologies. Does my right hon. Friend hon. Friend, and by the Prime Minister’s response to agree that upskilling and retraining workers will be my question yesterday,that the Government are committed integral to our efforts to level up opportunity right to doing whatever is possible to safeguard jobs and across the country? livelihoods in the UK steel industry. However, in the longer term, for steelmaking to thrive in the UK, we Kwasi Kwarteng: I am delighted to relate to my hon. must make sure that UK infrastructure projects use Friend that she is absolutely right. We need to retrain environmentally friendly UK steel, providing well-paid people in new green technologies, which is precisely why jobs and helping to level up. Will my right hon. Friend I, as energy Minister, with my hon. Friend the Member assure me that future procurement processes will favour for Chichester (), set up the green jobs British steelmakers such as Speciality in Stocksbridge? taskforce to look at exactly the requirements and skills we need to drive the green industrial revolution. Kwasi Kwarteng: I reassure my hon. Friend, whom I have met on several occasions on precisely this issue, Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP) [V]: We know that that we remain committed to decarbonised steel and a Greensill was a major financer of the Gupta Family decarbonised industrial strategy, which I have referred Group and, understandably, the questions today have to. That is the basis on which we can have a strong focused on the employment concerns that its workers future for the industry. might have, but we do not know what other businesses may have relied on financing from Greensill and been Sarah Champion (Rotherham) (Lab) [V]: The Secretary affected. When does the Secretary of State expect to of State is well aware that Liberty in Rotherham employs have that information fully pulled together, and can he 900 people, along with five times that number in the undertake,as far as is allowed by commercial confidentiality, local supply chain. Our steel goes into defence, energy, to keep Members of Parliament informed of any other aviation—all key strategic industries. In this post-Brexit businesses that might be at risk as a result of the world, will the Secretary of State please make a commitment collapse at Greensill? that all Government procurement projects using steel 1063 UK Steel Production: Greensill 25 MARCH 2021 UK Steel Production: Greensill 1064 Capital Capital will commit to buying British steel for them, because a Marion Fellows ( and ) (SNP) [V]: full order book is the best way to see a future for steel in With booming metal prices, GFG’s business in Scotland, this country? including Liberty Steel in my Motherwell and Wishaw constituency, remains profitable. Notwithstanding his Kwasi Kwarteng: On procurement, I want to relay to previous answers, I must press the Secretary of State to the hon. Lady that we have constructed in government a echo the promise given by the Scottish Government and UK Steel and BEIS Procurement Taskforce, which met do all in his power to protect this profitable industry. for the first time only a couple of weeks ago, on 12 March, Will he do so? chaired by my noble Friend Lord Grimstone. We are absolutely committed to seeing what we can do to make Kwasi Kwarteng: That is a fair question, but the hon. sure that we have a strong steel industry in this country Lady will appreciate that the assets in Scotland relate that will support the huge infrastructure needs that our particularly to aluminium , whereas in England country has in the next decade. and Wales their job is really focused on the steel industry. (Wokingham) (Con) [V]: I strongly None the less, we are looking at all options to see what support all the measures that the Government will be we can do to sustain these crucial jobs. taking to ensure that public orders concentrate on UK-made steel, where that is possible, but what further Richard Fuller (North East Bedfordshire) (Con): An measures can the Secretary of State take to ensure that acquisition strategy based on supply chain financing energy prices are realistic and competitive? If we have arrangements, plus a future receivables derivative scheme, very dear energy in this country, it will be a major plus an additional month’s cash-flow, and a liberal mix problem for our steel industry. of state guarantees has the characteristics of a potential Ponzi scheme. Has my right hon. Friend been able to Kwasi Kwarteng: My right hon. Friend is absolutely ascertain the facts here, or is this an issue for investigation right to point to electricity and energy costs. I am in by the Serious Fraud Office? regular contact with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor to see what can be done, as my right hon. Friend the Kwasi Kwarteng: My hon. Friend raises very serious Member for Wokingham (John Redwood) said, to address questions about the business model, which I am not that problem. prepared to go into now. What I will say is that, in the Dr Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton) (Lab): The first two months of my tenure as Secretary of State, I Greensill affair raises the issue not just of Liberty have pushed forward audit reform as a big issue. A Steel’srefinancing but of ex-Prime Minister David Cameron consultation on it is under way. It is issues relating to bending the ear of the now Chancellor, although he was things such as Greensill capital that show how necessary not on the lobbying register. With ex-Minister Eric it is for us to reconsider what we are doing on audit Pickles overseeing the body regulating current Ministers’ reform and to have the best standards in the world. interests, how can the Government ensure transparency on conflicts of interest when they seem to operate a Mr (Orkney and Shetland) (LD): culture of friends with benefits and mates’ rates, with I think we all understand the importance of commercial British steel jobs being mere collateral? confidentiality, but, where significant sums of taxpayers’ money are concerned, that cannot not be a barrier to Kwasi Kwarteng: Obviously, I completely reject the full accountability. The Secretary of State will be aware hon. Lady’s characterisation of what goes on. She will that the Scottish Government are out for guarantees know that officials often meet huge numbers of business north of £500 million as a consequence of Greensill’s people who are affected by policy. That is part of policy difficulties. Is that not something for which there really development, but it is always done in a transparent, ought to be full explanations? open and proper way. Kwasi Kwarteng: The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely Julie Marson (Hertford and Stortford) (Con) [V]: The right. My understanding is that the Scottish Government Labour party talks about vision. Does my right hon. are very exposed to Greensill’s financial engineering—let Friend agree that this Government’s commitment to net me put it that way—and there should be far greater zero and their clear vision of being a technology-led transparency in this regard. innovation superpower, as demonstrated by initiatives such as the Clean Steel Fund, the Advanced Research and Invention Agency,and the Future Fund: Breakthrough, (Burnley) (Con): A strong mean that the future of UK steel is positive and in very domestic steel industry is vital to so much of what the good hands? Government do, from frigates and submarines to schemes such as HS2. With that in mind, may I ask the Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng: Obviously, I entirely agree with of State whether he will work with colleagues across all everything that my hon. Friend has said. Reflecting on of Government—not just with the Treasury, but with two years as a Minister within the Department, I can the Ministry of Defence and the Transport Department—to tell her that we have had the 10-point plan for the green ensure that we protect this strategic sovereign capability? industrial revolution, the Energy White Paper, the decarbonisation industrial strategy, and, as she says, we Kwasi Kwarteng: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. have committed hundreds of millions of pounds to It is crucial that we work across Government to look at making sure that we drive the green industrial revolution. procurement and the strategic interests of this country It is a very exciting time to be in Government and I look in having a strong steel industry, as he describes, and forward to speaking with her precisely about how we in order to work out how best to progress with this can move forward. key sector. 1065 UK Steel Production: Greensill 25 MARCH 2021 UK Steel Production: Greensill 1066 Capital Capital Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab) [V]: Mr Richard Holden (North West Durham) (Con): Investing in transport infrastructure such as the full Being in the European Union prevented us from prioritising HS2 route and a rolling programme of rail electrification British steel, despite steel and its component parts being is an excellent way to boost economic recovery and put strategic resources. Now that we have left, will the the UK on the path to net zero, but the Government Secretary of State prioritise British steel, at least in will be wasting a huge opportunity to safeguard and Government procurement? Will he ensure that steel and grow jobs in our steel industry if they do not use public its component parts are, where possible, protected and procurement to support it. Will the Secretary of State bought from UK producers to prevent us being strategically commit to setting targets for UK steel content in contracts vulnerable in the future? for major public works, and if not, why not? Kwasi Kwarteng: I pay tribute to my hon. Friend— Kwasi Kwarteng: The hon. Lady will know, as I have another Conservative who won a so-called red wall seat. said at the Dispatch Box today, that we have a taskforce He has done a fantastic job in representing his constituency, in BEIS chaired by my noble Friend Lord Grimstone. particularly on this critical issue. From my answers, he This is absolutely something that we are looking into, will know that we are committed to making sure that given the huge need we have and the huge demand for UK steel has a big part to play in the construction and steel products in our infrastructure plans. infrastructure plans that we ambitiously set out.

Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) (Con) [V]: For all Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) the many reasons set out by Members today, retention (Ind) [V]: has reportedly said that it is in of a domestic steel industry is vital for our economy active discussions with the British Government about and our security. Will the Secretary of State set out creating a “decarbonised footprint”for the future,especially what he is doing to ensure that we have the right in Port Talbot. While I welcome that, will the Secretary regulatory climate for steel to thrive? Will he commit of State confirm that at the heart of those strategies, the that, if other countries dump steel on world markets British Government will prioritise maintaining volume that has been inappropriately subsidised, he will take of production and jobs in the Welsh steel industry? action via our trade policy to introduce anti-dumping measures to protect and support our steel industry? Kwasi Kwarteng: The hon. Gentleman will know, but I say in the interests of transparency, that one of my Kwasi Kwarteng: My right hon. Friend will know that first meetings when I was appointed Secretary of State the steel industry in particular is subject to fairly stringent was with the head of Tata Steel. He will also know that World Trade Organisation rules. She will also know, having visited Hinkley Point as Energy Minister I am given the publication of our industrial decarbonisation fully aware of the impact and the contribution that the strategy, that we are rigorously focused on trying to Tata plant makes to infrastructure. I am sure he will be source clean, green steel in order to drive a green pleased to hear that this is a top priority of mine. I have industrial revolution and to create the infrastructure made the point many times this morning that our projects without which we cannot have any real economic infrastructure plans are absolutely intertwined with a growth. strong domestic steel industry.

Charlotte Nichols (Warrington North) (Lab) [V]: Last Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I am very sorry I year, the Government spent £4.8 billion on subsidies for was late for the start, Mr Speaker, but I was having a wind power, yet almost no wind farms use UK steel. rather shouted conversation with the Chief of the General Those orders would be a boon to the struggling steel Staff about the massive cut of 12% in our Army, and industry, but the Department does not even include particularly the loss of my battalion— renewable energy products in its annual list of orders that went to domestic suppliers. In January, the Under- Mr Speaker: Order. I do not think this has anything Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial to do with the question; I think I would stick to the Strategy,the hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Nadhim business question. Youdo not want to lose your place— Zahawi), said that the Government would consider come on, Captain Bob. reporting the share of UK steel used in offshore wind projects Bob Stewart: I knew I was going into the Valley of “if it is in the public interest.” Death. The question, Sir, is this: what percentage of our Will the Secretary of State accept that it clearly would national steel production, which is a sovereign capability, be in the public interest to name and shame the developers is affected by the Greensill Capital financial crisis? I am that do not use UK steel, and will he commit to making very sorry—I knew I was going to get into trouble. that change? Mr Speaker: No, I think it will be with the Chief Kwasi Kwarteng: The hon. Lady will appreciate that, Whip later. as part of the offshore wind sector deal, we have explicitly said that 60% of the supply chain should be UK-sourced, Kwasi Kwarteng: I am very pleased to see my right and clearly steel is a big part of that supply chain. She hon. Friend in his place. The key point is that Liberty will also appreciate that, as Energy Minister, I made it a Steel produces via electric arc furnaces, so it is clean priority to ensure that in the fourth auction round at the steel. A lot of the steel that we produce relies on older end of this year, these targets will be met. Steel is part of methods. That is why, for me, in terms of our that, and we are absolutely committed to having more decarbonisation strategy, the future of Liberty Steel is UK content in the supply chain for offshore wind. of great importance. 1067 UK Steel Production: Greensill 25 MARCH 2021 UK Steel Production: Greensill 1068 Capital Capital Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough) (Lab): For national Kwasi Kwarteng: I commend my hon. Friend’s work security reasons, to tackle the climate crisis, and to build in representing COP26 and doing a great job in engaging our rail infrastructure, electric vehicles and the like with with businesses on COP26. I assure him that green steel well-paid unionised jobs, domestic steel production must is very much at the front of our minds. It is something be a strategic national priority. However, time and again that I am very focused on. We have mentioned the Steel the Government have let down Britain’s steel industry. Council, and I have also mentioned a number of times On their watch, we have seen British Steel collapse, the industrial decarbonisation strategy. Green steel is minimal action taken to tackle the huge handicap of absolutely the way forward, and I look forward to high energy prices for our steelmakers, and an over-reliance working with him to see how we can make progress in on imported steel for Government projects. Prior to this vitally important area. Brexit, the excuse for the lack of Government intervention was EU state aid rules. What is the excuse now? Dame Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab) [V]: Can the Secretary of State explain why Greensill—an unregulated Kwasi Kwarteng: There is no “excuse now”. I am shadow bank with close links to the Conservative party— afraid that the hon. Gentleman lost me rather when he was given access to the coronavirus large business said that the Government have done nothing. We have interruption loan scheme, which is backed by 80% taxpayer heard from all around the House the devastating impact guarantees? Following its collapse, which puts the future of the last Labour Government on the steel industry. I of Liberty Steel and thousands of jobs at risk, will the even took a question from an extremely able Conservative Minister practise the transparency he has just been Member, my hon. Friend the Member for Redcar (Jacob talking about and tell the House how many millions of Young), whose seat was represented by a Liberal Democrat, pounds of losses incurred will end up being dumped on because of the debacle around the closure of SSSI. the UK taxpayer? Gary Sambrook (Birmingham, Northfield) (Con): I Kwasi Kwarteng: The right hon. Lady will know that I welcome my right hon. Friend’s decision to re-establish cannot possibly comment on that, because it is part of the Steel Council. Does he agree that this is a perfect an ongoing series of discussions. We do not really know opportunity for the Government to work in partnership the full extent of the impact of Greensill’s collapse on with the industry so that we can create a long-term, the British economy. We are looking into it very closely sustainable plan to ensure the sector’s transition to a and looking at which companies have been affected, but low-carbon future? until that further investigation we cannot possibly comment on the extent of the liability. Kwasi Kwarteng: I am delighted that my hon. Friend has mentioned the Steel Council. I remind right hon. and hon. Members that the Steel Council last met in Felicity Buchan (Kensington) (Con): One of the lessons February 2020. It was a first priority of mine, on of the pandemic has been that we need a robust domestic becoming Secretary of State, to have another meeting, industrial strategy and we cannot be dependent on so we had a meeting on 5 March that went extremely imports—either of final products or through the supply well and is a solid basis for our ongoing dialogue with chain—from China or anywhere else. Does my right the sector not only among employers but among union hon. Friend agree that steel is an integral component of representatives. It is an excellent body and I look forward that industrial strategy—and, with time, decarbonised to working very closely with it in the months and years steel? ahead. Kwasi Kwarteng: I reassure my hon. Friend that the Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab) [V]: I am fact that we published the industrial decarbonisation sure the Secretary of State will recognise that Sheffield strategy only last week suggests to me, and is a signal to is the home of steel. Stainless steel was invented in the world of, how seriously we take the strategic impact Sheffield, steel made in Sheffield is famous not merely and necessity of steel, and the net zero commitment. in the UK but throughout the world, and thousands of Sheffielders still work in the steel industry and in related Dave Doogan (Angus) (SNP) [V]: We know that industries as well. So will he give an absolute assurance David Cameron used his direct line to contact the that the term, “Steel made in Sheffield”, will not be Chancellor regarding Greensill’s difficulties. However, consigned to the history books? when did current UK Government Ministers first become aware of the firm’s difficulties? What actions were taken Kwasi Kwarteng: It certainly will not be consigned to beyond acting on unsolicited advice from a former the history books. We have an excellent firm in Sheffield, Prime Minister? And how will the Government categorically Forgemasters, among others. We all know the great ensure the industry’s future and the thousands of jobs history and traditions that Sheffield embodies and its that go with it? vital role in the development, and the birth, really, of the steel industry worldwide. Kwasi Kwarteng: There were a lot of questions there. Briefly, on Greensill, we are continually looking at the (Arundel and South Downs) (Con) potential impact. I must say to the hon. Gentleman that [V]: On behalf of manufacturers in my constituency we are committed to a future for the steel industry here relying on specialist grades of steel, I thank my right in the UK. As hon. and right hon. Members have hon. Friend for his Department’s work to support UK suggested, the decarbonised nature of that sector—green steel and ask him to keep working with the industry so steel—is absolutely the focus and at the front of our that we can be leaders in green steel production as we minds as we try to forge a path for the industry in the transition to a low-carbon economy. near future. 1069 UK Steel Production: Greensill 25 MARCH 2021 UK Steel Production: Greensill 1070 Capital Capital Alexander Stafford (Rother Valley) (Con) [V]: I thank prospects for all three are stronger and brighter now the Secretary of State for meeting me to discuss the that we have left the European Union? issues around Liberty Steel and for working with me to save jobs in that great company. He knows as well as I Kwasi Kwarteng: My hon. Friend will remember that do that good British steel—and, hopefully, Sheffield I was a Minister in the Department for Exiting the steel—is an essential component of our ongoing green European Union, as I think it was called. I do not want industrial revolution, from electric cars to wind turbines. to revisit those debates, but I will say that the future of Will he assure my constituents that there is a place and our industrial strategy,in terms of our green commitments, a need for the steel industry, and for many, many steel in terms of the steel commitments and in terms of jobs here in South Yorkshire? electric vehicles, is a very bright one indeed.

Kwasi Kwarteng: I am delighted to see my hon. Friend Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): On behalf of taking part in these critically important proceedings. I all those working at the successful Liberty plant in know how hard he has worked not only to win his seat Newport, may I reiterate how difficult this uncertainty and be an excellent, first-rate Member of Parliament, is for the dedicated workforce who make world-class but also in his passion for green energy, renewable steel, and for their families? May I urge the Secretary of technologies and hydrogen; in fact, I am surprised that State to keep talking to and meeting virtually with he did not mention hydrogen in his question. I am groups of hon. Members, with Liberty plants and with delighted to work with him to ensure that we have a the steel unions over the coming days? As my hon. future for the steel industry here in the UK. Friend the Member for Manchester Central (Lucy Powell) said, the UK steel industry is the cornerstone of our Rachel Hopkins (Luton South) (Lab) [V]: Tackling national security and our economic prosperity, and it is emissions from steel is critical to the fight against climate absolutely crucial to our building back better. change, and I have heard the Minister refer to green Kwasi Kwarteng: The hon. Lady will know from our steel. The clean steel fund was announced in 2019, but bilateral conversations that I am very committed, as steelmakers will not be allocated any funding from the Secretary of State, to the future of this sector. I am £250 million scheme until 2023. Why will Ministers not always happy to meet representatives, experts, workers, bring forward this funding to boost the industry and its representatives in a trade union capacity and local green future? management. I am always open to seeing people and trying to work out pragmatic, positive solutions. This is Kwasi Kwarteng: As the hon. Lady knows, we are a really important issue and I am pleased to have always looking at ways in which we can promote green engaged with the hon. Lady in the past, as I am sure I steel and industrial decarbonisation. I have alluded will in the future. many times to the fact that we published the strategy last week, and the steel fund is clearly part of that Mr Speaker: I am now suspending the House for a strategy. few minutes to enable the necessary arrangements to be made for the next business. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): British-made steel, British electric car manufacture and British-backed 11.21 am clean growth: would my right hon. Friend agree that the Sitting suspended. 1071 25 MARCH 2021 Abortion in Northern Ireland 1072

Abortion in Northern Ireland services in Northern Ireland to date, and to those organisations that have supported that work. Looking ahead, I want to be clear: our strong preference is, and 11.25 am remains, for the Minister of Health and his Department Carla Lockhart (Upper Bann) (DUP) (Urgent Question): to take responsibility for upholding these rights, To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he commissioning services, and delivering on what the law will make a statement on the provision of abortion in now clearly allows. Northern Ireland. Carla Lockhart: Thank you for granting this urgent The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Brandon question, Mr Speaker. Will the Secretary of State confirm Lewis): On Monday we made the Abortion (Northern to the House that paragraphs 85 and 86 of the CEDAW Ireland) Regulations 2021, and we laid them before report are not legally binding on the United Kingdom, Parliament on Tuesday. We have taken that important and do not constitute international obligations,as confirmed step because women and girls are still unable to access in the explanatory notes to the 2021 regulations, therefore high-quality abortion and post-abortion care in Northern undermining the whole premise for forcing a change in Ireland, in all the circumstances that they are entitled to Northern Ireland’sabortion law in 2019? Can the Secretary under the law made by Parliament in the absence of the of State also confirm that according to the devolution Northern Ireland Executive, and reconfirmed in the settlement established by the Belfast agreement, access regulations laid last March. to abortion services is a devolved issue and this action This is about ensuring compliance with the legal represents a breach of the Belfast agreement? Furthermore, duties that Parliament imposed on me in mid-2019. The can he confirm that his sole legal basis for intervention legal duties on me as Secretary of State are clear: I must in this area is section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive ensure that the recommendations in a specific report by Formation etc) Act 2019, and that during the passage of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination that Bill, which was opposed by every Northern Ireland against Women are implemented in Northern Ireland. MP who took their seat, it was made clear that the only We are not seeking to open the Abortion (Northern reason Parliament was interfering in this issue was that Ireland) Regulations 2020, which were approved by a there was no sitting Assembly at that time? significant majority in Parliament last year. Those Will the Secretary of State explain why he has chosen regulations delivered a CEDAW-compliant legal framework, to take action to use his powers in relation to abortion ensuring that the health and safety of women and girls, under section 9 but has failed to act in his duties in and clarity and certainty for the healthcare profession, relation to the Executive’s failure to introduce payments remains paramount, while also remaining sensitive to for victims, under section 10 of the same Act? I know the circumstances in Northern Ireland. that the Secretary of State shares my support for the This is not about new laws; this is about ensuring that Union, but does he not understand that at the heart of the existing law is acted on and delivered. As I am sure the devolution settlement must be a respect for areas many right hon. and hon. Members will agree, at the that have been determined to be for the devolved authorities? heart of this matter are women and girls who have been, There is still time for him to think again before he takes and continue to be, denied the same rights as women in action that will undermine and further destabilise the the rest of the UK. Women and girls are entitled to safe, devolved institutions. It is time for the Government to local healthcare. Indeed, during the pandemic, that has recognise the error of their ways, repeal section 9 and been even more crucial. The law changed more than a restore Northern Ireland’s life-affirming laws. year ago, and abortion services should now be available as a healthcare service in Northern Ireland, so that Brandon Lewis: I recognise the hon. Lady’s consistent women and girls can safely access local services. This is position on this, the strength of feeling on this issue and not a new issue or a surprise for the Executive. the contributions she has made in previous debates and Following the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation conversations in this House,and indeed in the conversations etc) Act 2019 receiving Royal Assent and section 9 she has had with me and with the Minister of State, my duties coming into effect, we engaged with all Northern hon. Friend the Member for Worcester (Mr Walker). Ireland parties on this matter, and we continue to It is important to be clear that Parliament stepped in. engage. We have always sought to deliver in a way that Parliament placed me under this legal obligation during respects the devolution settlement, by putting in place a a period of no functioning devolved Government in legal framework, and recognising that healthcare is Northern Ireland. Even though the Executive and the devolved and therefore service provision should be delivered Assembly have now been in place for more than a year, and overseen locally by the Department of Health, as those legal duties do not fall, and have not fallen, away. well as by health bodies with the relevant legal powers, I appreciate the points the hon. Lady made about policy and operational expertise to do so. comparisons with payments to victims, but I should We are disappointed by the continuing failure of the point out that that matter is being progressed by the Department of Health and the Executive to commission Executive; it is being delivered on, that scheme will abortion services that are consistent with the regulations, open shortly and victims will be paid. I share the despite having extensively engaged on this issue for frustration of a number of Members in this House that more than a year. I recognise that local interim service the Department of Finance and the Executive have not provision has been established from April last year, yet allocated the moneys that the Department of Justice resulting in more than 1,100 procedures being accessed needs to move forward with that, and I hope that they locally. I put on record my thanks to those medical will move on with that. However, that scheme is actually professionals who have done what they can to ensure being progressed by the Executive, and the victims will that women and girls have had some local access to be able to apply shortly. 1073 Abortion in Northern Ireland25 MARCH 2021 Abortion in Northern Ireland 1074

[Brandon Lewis] The choice is between compassion and politics. I put it to the Secretary of State that the key point is this: if We have been clear, and we have conveyed the message there is going to be an abortion, it should be legal, safe, to the Health Minister and his Department throughout, early and local. There has been too much delay. Let us that it is crucial that abortion, as a fundamental healthcare put first the interests of women and girls. Going south service, is delivered and overseen locally by the Department or coming east is not the answer. Let us get on with it. I of Health. That ensures that it is delivered in a sustainable hope he understands he will have support from most way and becomes embedded in the health and social people in Northern Ireland. care system in Northern Ireland in the long term. I fully appreciate that abortion is an extremely emotive Brandon Lewis: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. subject, but we must not lose sight of the women and We have to make sure that people are getting access to girls in Northern Ireland who are absolutely at the heart the right healthcare. It is a legal obligation on us following of this matter. It is unacceptable that there are women the Parliament vote, but he is right that we need to make and girls in part of the UK who cannot access these sure people get the right healthcare at the right time and fundamental rights, as they can elsewhere in the UK. in the right way, and do not have to go through the Even though the law was changed some 12 months ago, challenges they face at the moment. services have not been commissioned yet, and that leaves many women and girls in vulnerable positions. Alex Davies-Jones (Pontypridd) (Lab) [V]: I thank I have spoken to many women and healthcare the hon. Member for Upper Bann (Carla Lockhart) for professionals in Northern Ireland, and some of their raising this important issue. We respect the dearly held experiences are truly harrowing. Too many women and convictions of all those who make their case today, but girls are still having to travel to other parts of the it is important to remember how we reached this point. UK—to mainland Great Britain—to access this care. The existing laws, according to the United Nations, One story was of a much-wanted pregnancy where, amounted to a “grave and systematic” violation of sadly, doctors informed the mother that the baby would women’s rights in Northern Ireland. This Parliament not survive outside the womb. This woman had to travel had and still has a duty to act to uphold those rights. to London, without her network of family support, to The amendment tabled by my hon. Friend the Member access healthcare. She described to me a harrowing for Walthamstow (Stella Creasy) gave women in Northern ordeal, where she was unable to travel back on a flight Ireland a right to a safe, local abortion. Parliament to her home because of complications and bleeding. made its will clear. No longer will we ask women to use She was stranded in London, alone, grieving and in unsafe, unregulated services or to make a heartbreaking pain. I have been informed of two other women who journey across the Irish sea to seek an abortion in have attempted suicide in the past year after their flights Britain. That was why the vote on that amendment were cancelled and so they were unable to travel to tabled by my hon. Friend passed overwhelmingly. It was England for proper care. the clear will of this House. The distress and unacceptable circumstances that Nineteen months on from that vote, it is extraordinary women and girls continue to face at a time when local that women and girls are still being denied safe, local access should be readily available, given that the law services. We know of more than 100 women who have changed more than a year ago, is unacceptable. It is been denied access to services, leaving them in the only right that women and girls in Northern Ireland are desperate situation of travelling alone across the Irish able to make individual informed decisions with proper sea or accessing unregulated medicine online. The cycle patient care, the provision of information and support of inaction must end, so I urge Ministers in Northern from medical professionals, based on their own health Ireland to commission these vital services. and wider circumstances—similar to women and girls The cross-party letter supporting the Secretary of living elsewhere in the United Kingdom. We have used State’s decision to step in demonstrates the continued every opportunity and avenue to encourage progress strength of feeling across the House. The Government and offer our support over the past year. That is why I will have our full support when the regulations come am so disappointed that we have reached this impasse. before the House for a vote, but I would be grateful if We take this step now to further demonstrate our the Secretary of State could provide a date for when commitment to ensuring that women and girls can that is likely to be. Can he also outline the deadline for safely access services in Northern Ireland. Our priority when he intends to use the powers contained within the is to ensure that the Department of Health takes regulations if services have not been commissioned in responsibility for commissioning full services, consistent Northern Ireland? Will it be before the Northern Ireland with the conditions set out in the Abortion (Northern Human Rights Commission takes him to court in May? Ireland) Regulations 2020. That is why we are moving As a Welsh Member of Parliament, I fully understand forward in this way. While Parliament considers the the sensitivities around the devolution settlement. The regulations, we will continue to engage with the Minister United Kingdom is at its best when we work together to of Health and the Executive to try to find a way uphold fundamental rights, and those obligations lie forward over the coming weeks before any direction is with this Parliament and with the UK Government. given. Labour has always been clear that where those rights are being denied, there is a moral and legal duty for the Sir (Worthing West) (Con) [V]: The Government to act. That is happening now in Northern hon. Member for Upper Bann (Carla Lockhart) has Ireland. Quality healthcare is a basic human right. The done the House a service by raising this issue. Her time to act has long come and gone. For the sake of predecessor gave the House his advice on relationships women and girls in Northern Ireland, it is vital that before he left. access to these services is commissioned immediately. 1075 Abortion in Northern Ireland25 MARCH 2021 Abortion in Northern Ireland 1076

Brandon Lewis: The hon. Lady has strongly and we can, but, ultimately, I think we would all much powerfully outlined the importance of why we all hope rather see this being provided and worked through by that the Minister of Health in the Northern Ireland the Department of Health locally in Northern Ireland Executive will move forward and commission services than this Parliament having to take the action we are in a way that is right and appropriate in Northern taking now. Ireland, using that local knowledge and expertise and making it, as I said in my opening remarks, sustainable. Nick Fletcher (Don Valley) (Con) [V]: Does the Minister She has strongly outlined the cross-party support for agree that if this House is to help preserve the Union that, and I know that colleagues on the Government and respect the wishes of the people of Northern Ireland, Benches have argued strongly for this in the past as well. we should refrain from imposing unwanted primary The House showed, through the size of the vote last legislation on this part of the UK? After all, poll after year,a strong will to see this healthcare properly provided, poll shows that Northern Irish voters are against the as it rightly should be across the UK so that people can liberalisation of abortion laws. get the support and care that they need close to home and locally. I appreciate her comments and her support Brandon Lewis: On this occasion, Parliament stepped for that. in on human rights grounds to ensure that women and girls have equal treatment and equal access to important Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): May I ask my right healthcare services available to women and girls living hon. Friend how many women and girls, during the in other parts of the United Kingdom. We also need to pandemic, have had to make that awful journey across be clear that this is not something we have unilaterally to England, Wales or Scotland to have an abortion? imposed on Northern Ireland. We undertook a public consultation on the regulations in late 2019, which Brandon Lewis: My right hon. Friend highlights the included engagement with, and carefully listening to the point that the simple answer is too many. To be frank, views of, the Northern Ireland political parties, medical any single case is one too many, particularly if we think professionals, women’s groups, civil society, religious about the circumstances through the pandemic, and I organisations, service providers and women with lived outlined a couple of harrowing examples a few moments experience. It is now crucial that the Department of ago. Having to travel across to mainland Great Britain Health in Northern Ireland takes responsibility for without the network of family support that one would commissioning abortion services in line with the legislative normally hope to have when going through this kind of framework that is in place. procedure with medical support is just a harrowing thought, and some of the stories are just too emotive to Dame Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) do justice to or to outline here today. We have to ensure (Lab) [V]: This week, the all-party parliamentary group that that does not continue and that people can get the on sexual and reproductive health, which I co-chair, support they need close to home, locally in Northern along with the president of the Royal College of Ireland. Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the president of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare and the Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: I thank chair of the Northern Ireland regional FSRH, wrote a the Secretary of State for his efforts to uphold the letter supporting the Secretary of State’sactions. Clinicians human rights of all women in the United Kingdom. are frustrated by the continued failure to commission The Department of Health in Northern Ireland has abortion services in Northern Ireland and cannot see said that, because this is a new service, it will need any legitimate reason for the delay in commissioning additional funding to provide it. Will the Secretary of services, which are governed by regulations. What message State confirm that his officials have spoken to the does the Secretary of State want to send today to Department of Health and that the funding will be clinicians in Northern Ireland? provided, so cost will not be a barrier to ensuring that Brandon Lewis: I appreciate all the right hon. Lady’s the women and girls of Northern Ireland can access comments. There are two clear messages. First, I thank abortion should they wish to do so? all those medical professionals for the work they have been endeavouring to deliver; as I say, there has been Brandon Lewis: We are talking to the Department of some provision on the ground since April last year, with Health all the time, and we will obviously continue around 1,100 women and girls looked after. Secondly, to—I myself have spoken to the Minister of Health however, we recognise the need to ensure that, while consistently. This is something that the Department has Parliament considers these regulations, we work with the funding for. There is a substantial block grant for the Department of Health in Northern Ireland to the Executive to make their decisions, and we got that commission these services in the way that it should have £900 million uplift in the spending review just last year. been doing in the first place, rather than our having to The Department of Finance outlined just a few weeks take action here in this Parliament. ago the underspend on last year, so there is no issue with money.At the moment, there is obviously a substantial (Romsey and Southampton North) cost for people who are having to travel from Northern (Con) [V]: Yesterday,the Women and Equalities Committee Ireland to mainland Great Britain, in a way that is heard from the Northern Ireland Human Rights financially inappropriate, let alone unjustifiable morally Commission on this subject. We heard harrowing stories, and in healthcare terms. as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has So this is something that the Northern Ireland Executive pointed out, including of women forced to take overnight can provide and that the Department of Health should ferries to the United Kingdom for a termination having be moving on with. We will continue to work with them to return the same day, because of course, during the to ensure that that is done, giving them whatever support pandemic, no hotels were open for them to stay in. 1077 Abortion in Northern Ireland25 MARCH 2021 Abortion in Northern Ireland 1078

[Caroline Nokes] passed by Parliament—a view has been expressed by Parliament. If that were not the case, does he agree that I know he takes this duty seriously and that we are another of those unfortunate victims in Northern Ireland discussing this today because of the failure to commission would have to go through the court process and compel safe services locally. I thank him for the action he is him to act? taking, but also ask that he uses every endeavour to make sure that services are commissioned swiftly, so no Brandon Lewis: My hon. Friend has been a powerful more women have to make those journeys. voice on this issue, along with other colleagues, over the last period. I know that a number of people appreciate Brandon Lewis: My right hon. Friend is absolutely the support he has given and everything he has done to right. I give her my assurance that we will continue to make sure that women and girls in Northern Ireland get work with the Department of Health to ensure that it the right support and care. He is absolutely right: we commissions these services as quickly as possible.Obviously, really should not be in a position where people have to the principle of these regulations, which are subject to bring this matter to court individually in order to get the affirmative procedure here in the House, means that the right healthcare. Parliament has put a legal obligation we will have the power to direct should we need to do on us. There is now a legal requirement and a legal duty. so. I hope that, in the next few weeks, while Parliament I hope the Department of Health in Northern Ireland debates and discusses this issue, the Department of will take this forward itself, but we obviously have a Health, which we stand ready to support and work legal and moral obligation in this House to follow with, is able to commission these services locally, so through on the legal obligations that were put in place that, as she outlined, women and girls in Northern in 2019. Ireland can get good, appropriate healthcare, in the way that anyone across the United Kingdom can, locally in Layla Moran ( West and Abingdon) (LD) [V]: Northern Ireland. That is what should happen, and I I thank the Secretary of State for his robust defence of hope that it will, but we must make sure it does. the human rights of women in Northern Ireland. I wonder whether he is aware of the troubling reports of Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson (Lagan Valley) (DUP) [V]: women being wilfully misled by anti-abortion organisations, We of course want women in Northern Ireland to have which encourage them towards anti-choice clinics,disguising access to the best healthcare,but we also believe passionately themselves as abortion services. These clinics then string in protecting the life of the unborn child in Northern the women along until they are over 10 weeks, so Ireland. That view is shared right across our society and ensuring that they cannot access early medical abortions is the view of a majority in the Northern Ireland in Northern Ireland. Assembly. The Government seek not only to impose That is happening because of a failure to commission abortion regulations on Northern Ireland but to direct services as there is not a clear pathway to abortion the Northern Ireland Executive to implement regulations services. Have the Government made an assessment of that they never signed up to. Surely it should be left to how many women have been prevented from accessing local Ministers to decide what services to commission early medical abortion services because they are being and not for Westminster to impose its view, in breach of directed to these clinics? the devolution settlement. Brandon Lewis: The hon. Lady makes a very important Brandon Lewis: As I said earlier, I absolutely recognise point. Even putting aside the legal and moral obligations the sensitivity and the strength of feeling of people of this House to ensure that the right healthcare is across the House, in some cases, and as the right hon. being provided in Northern Ireland, doing nothing, as Gentleman outlines, in Northern Ireland. First of all, some people may make a case for—I understand the this is about ensuring that we follow through on the sensitivities behind this—does not actually mean that legal obligations that Parliament put on me. It is also nothing is happening. Doing nothing actually means only right that women and girls in Northern Ireland are that people are at risk of the kind of problems and able to make those individual, informed decisions, with misleading guidance and advice that the hon. Lady has the right medical support and advice provided locally, rightly outlined. based on their own health and wider circumstances, in the way that women and girls living elsewhere in the There is also a risk that people turn to unofficial, United Kingdom can. I absolutely fervently hope that shall we say, healthcare—inappropriate healthcare—that the Department of Health in Northern Ireland and the does not give them the right sort of healthcare. Actions Minister for Health in Northern Ireland will take this and procedures then end up being performed illegally forward and deal with it locally, so that Parliament does and in back-door areas in a way that means that people not need to take further action. are not getting the right sort of support and healthcare. That leads to other complications and problems. (Bexhill and Battle) (Con): I thank As the hon. Lady has said and others have referred the Secretary of State not only for taking this action but to, as I did earlier, there are too many harrowing examples for using the power of the Dispatch Box to tell harrowing of people who have not been able to get access to tales of what women and girls have had to suffer. I went healthcare in the right way. Whatever our views on to Northern Ireland some years back and heard those these matters and the sensitivities, we need to ensure same tales, and I vowed that I would do what I could to that women and girls in Northern Ireland, like those in bring about this change. Equally, I have respect for the rest of the United Kingdom, have access to good those across the divide who have a very different view. quality advice and good quality, proper, official well Does he agree that views are now irrelevant, and that advised healthcare that takes into account their own what is relevant is the law? The law is clear and has been individual needs. 1079 Abortion in Northern Ireland25 MARCH 2021 Abortion in Northern Ireland 1080

Sir John Hayes (South Holland and The Deepings) they tried to impose their views on us? The fact of the (Con) [V]: Given what the Secretary of State has just matter is that Northern Ireland can run its own Government said about people being misled, will he be clear that the as long as they keep doing things that we do not assertion that Northern Ireland is violating human disagree with. This is not democracy. Whatever our rights obligations is simply untrue? CEDAW reports are views on abortion, the Secretary of State is putting the not binding in law and the CEDAW convention, which Union at risk. The fact is that the overwhelming majority is, does not even mention abortion. of the people of Northern Ireland believe in the sanctity Surely the Secretary of State must know that the of life. They oppose abortion. They have their own imposition of this measure, against the express democratic devolved Administration. They should be allowed to wishes of the people of Northern Ireland, is not only run their own affairs. unjust and unwelcome, but rooted in an entirely invalid assertion? Brandon Lewis: My right hon. Friend makes a strong point about devolution. It is absolutely right that the Brandon Lewis: I say to my right hon. Friend that this devolved Administrations have the ability to move on is a matter of domestic law; I have been clear about and deliver on their own affairs, and I absolutely hope that. It is about the legal obligation taken forward from that the Northern Ireland Department of Health will this House in 2019. It requires us and the Northern do that. This is not about us stepping in on a devolved Ireland Executive to ensure that they have an offer and matter, although I appreciate that others have made services that are CEDAW-compliant. My right hon. that case; it is about us ensuring compliance with the Friend is absolutely right that the implication and obligation legal duties that Parliament imposed on us in mid-2019. of that are in domestic law; it is not an international law Those duties are such that I am under an obligation to issue. But it is a domestic law. ensure that all the recommendations in the CEDAW These regulations are not actually about opening up report are implemented in Northern Ireland. The fact the abortion laws themselves; they are about applying that the Northern Ireland Executive are back—that is a the laws in place that mean that Northern Ireland very good thing, and I hope they will take this forward; women and girls will have access to care in the same way of course, they have been able to take it forward themselves as they would elsewhere in the United Kingdom. with any amendments they like—does not remove the legal obligation on the Government to take forward Hannah Bardell (Livingston) (SNP) [V]: Polling by what was voted on in this House in 2019. Amnesty and others has consistently shown that Northern Ireland is pro-choice. I have had the great privilege of Stephen Farry (North Down) (Alliance) [V]: As a meeting Sarah Ewart and Denise Phelan—two women Northern Ireland MP,I strongly support what the Secretary who have campaigned tirelessly for abortion rights and of State is doing, and I stress that there is large-scale human rights in Northern Ireland. They both suffered support in Northern Ireland for these actions. It is the most traumatic and devastating of losses: fatal simply not tenable to have a right on paper but not in foetal abnormalities that meant that they needed an practice, and for different reproductive rights to exist abortion. But they could not even access the most basic across the UK. Will he give a timeframe in which he of healthcare in Northern Ireland. Will the Secretary of may potentially use these powers, and an assurance that State make sure that their suffering and trauma and he will not allow the Northern Ireland Executive to their bravery in speaking out and campaigning are not drag this issue out indefinitely? in vain? Does he agree that wherever in the world a woman is, she should have the right to choose and to Brandon Lewis: I hope that the hon. Gentleman will have her dignity and human rights upheld? see that our laying these regulations now is a clear indication that we are not in a position where we think Brandon Lewis: The short answer is absolutely yes; it is appropriate for this to be dragged on much further. the hon. Lady is absolutely right. I would go further. Obviously, there is a process through this House; the She has outlined a couple of specific cases. I did not regulations are subject to the affirmative resolution name people, for a particular reason that she will appreciate. procedure, so the House will discuss and debate them. I This is not a criticism of what she said at all. She is passionately hope that, in the next few weeks, while this absolutely right and I know the individuals concerned. House is doing that, there is still time for the Department It is not just the poor access to healthcare and the of Health and the Northern Ireland Executive to take harrowing examples that I outlined—the hon. Lady this on board and take it forward in a way that is right gave an example of a couple of people who have been and appropriate for them, with the expertise that they through dreadful situations—but the bravery of those have locally, and to do so driven by the Department of women in having the strength to stand up and highlight Health in Northern Ireland. However, we are taking the issues so that others can understand. I also fully this power as a clear indication that that cannot go on understand the abuse that they have had to withstand indefinitely and they do need to take action. for speaking out and being clear about their own experience. That is unacceptable and we should all be calling it out. (Congleton) (Con) [V]: Is it not true that this legislation was based on an incorrect assumption Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): Will the that Northern Ireland was in violation of human rights Secretary of State be honest and open with the House? obligations? Repeated assertions were made—they have He quotes section 9 of the 2019 Act. This House took been made even today in this place—that this is a the fact that the Assembly was not sitting as an excuse matter of human rights law. Those were based originally, to impose its views on Northern Ireland. The Assembly as I understand it, on the work of a small working is now sitting. The abortion industry talks about the group of CEDAW. May I ask the Secretary of State right to choose; what about the right to choose of the again: is it not correct that that CEDAW report is not people of Northern Ireland? What would happen if binding in international law and that this Parliament 1081 Abortion in Northern Ireland25 MARCH 2021 Abortion in Northern Ireland 1082

[Fiona Bruce] Department to take this forward for more than a year now, but no progress has been made. While Parliament chose to treat certain assertions in it as binding? Surely, considers these regulations, we will continue to engage that is no answer to the unwarranted and unwanted with the Minister of Health and the Executive to try to imposition of this legislation on Northern Ireland’s find a way forward over the coming weeks before any people now that their Assembly is back up and running. direction is considered to be given. Brandon Lewis: As I have outlined, these regulations are about the UK Government fulfilling our legal Karin Smyth (Bristol South) (Lab) [V]: I welcome the obligations imposed by Parliament in 2019, and it is Secretary of State’s clear reference to the duty on him about ensuring that women and girls in Northern Ireland and welcome his personal work to learn of these harrowing have access to the same quality and kind of healthcare cases; I totally agree that one journey made, particularly that they would have anywhere else in the United Kingdom. in an epidemic, is far too much. Does he agree that the As Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, it United Kingdom seeks to be a beacon across the world is right that people in Northern Ireland have access to for the rights of women and girls and supports many healthcare in the same way they would if they were on countries in access to healthcare, including abortions, mainland Great Britain. and that the continued lack of this service within the United Kingdom is a stain on our reputation? I know Mr Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry) (DUP) that, as a strong Unionist, he is keen to assert that. Does [V]: The Secretary of State on a number of occasions he agree that getting this sorted now and working with has talked about healthcare for women and girls, and Northern Ireland is critical to the future of the United we concur—it is important to look after expectant Kingdom and the role that we want to play in the world? mothers and young pregnant woman—but the one thing he has not mentioned and the one person he has not Brandon Lewis: The hon. Lady makes an important mentioned is the right of the unborn child. If Parliament and powerful point, which does not surprise me, because is seeking to overlook the devolutionary settlement in I know that she has worked hard on this issue and been that regard and he is seeking to do that, who will look a strong proponent of it for some time, including in her after the rights of the unborn child? previous role as shadow Minister for Northern Ireland. Brandon Lewis: The hon. Gentleman has outlined the I commend her for the work she has done, particularly strength of feeling, and as I said earlier, I appreciate with the Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office. I that there are strong feelings on this issue. It is a know that she has always been a fulsome supporter of sensitive issue across the United Kingdom—we refer to ensuring that women and girls in Northern Ireland get Northern Ireland, but I know that people have strong access to the same quality healthcare that they would views on this across the House and across the country. elsewhere in the United Kingdom. She is quite right He has also outlined, I would argue, why it is right that that that allows the United Kingdom to continue to we ensure and the Department of Health ensures that lead globally in making the case for ensuring that women and girls have access to proper quality, qualified women and girls around the world get the good-quality healthcare and support in Northern Ireland, as they healthcare that they rightly deserve. would elsewhere in the United Kingdom, to ensure that they are not being treated unofficially, potentially by Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con) [V]: My right people who are not properly qualified to assess the hon. Friend has rightly referred to the sensitivities around genuine individual needs of any given case. A medical abortion not only in the United Kingdom but across the professional is, and that is why it is right that this is world. However, the situation here is that we in this done in the way that it is elsewhere in the UK and they House imposed on Northern Ireland rules when the get the proper support that they should be and are Assembly was not sitting. The Assembly is now sitting entitled to. and considering what is appropriate for Northern Ireland. Would he not consider stepping back and saying, “Let Scott Benton (Blackpool South) (Con): There is nothing us hear from the Executive and the Assembly,” and then more important than the Union between Great Britain dropping the powers that we imposed in the emergency? and Northern Ireland, but this relationship needs to be built on mutual respect, not coercion. These abortion regulations are a democratic and constitutional assault Brandon Lewis: I recognise that Parliament stepped on Northern Ireland. Can my right hon. Friend explain in at the time it did in the way it did and imposed this why he has taken on new powers to enforce measures on duty on me on human rights grounds. However, the abortion that were predicated on the continued absence duty to implement the CEDAW recommendations in of a sitting Assembly, when that Assembly has now this context, as I have said, is a matter now of domestic been in situ for over 14 months and has voted against law, with that legal obligation. We as a Government the first section 9 regulations? take our responsibility and our obligations in this regard very seriously and have always engaged constructively Brandon Lewis: As I have said, the legal duties imposed with the UN treaty body processes. It is only right that by a significant majority of Parliament in mid-2019 are women and girls in Northern Ireland now are able to such that I have an ongoing role legally in this issue, and access safe local healthcare similar to that available to that duty did not fall away with the restoration of women and girls living elsewhere in the United Kingdom. devolved government in Northern Ireland. My clear I fervently hope, as I have outlined already this afternoon, preference is and has always been that the Department that this is something the Department of Health and of Health takes responsibility for delivering this healthcare, the Executive, even in these next few weeks, will find a and to that end, we have given every opportunity and way to be able to take forward in the way they feel is offered support to the Minister of Health and his most appropriate for Northern Ireland, and to do so in 1083 Abortion in Northern Ireland25 MARCH 2021 Abortion in Northern Ireland 1084 a positive way for women and girls in Northern Ireland, Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con): I thank the Secretary of therefore avoiding us as a Government or as a Parliament State for the care and sensitivity with which he has having to take any further action. approached this matter. He knows that I, as a Unionist, am deeply uncomfortable with the position that we Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): The Secretary of find ourselves in. However, I equally accept that he has State tells the House that he is under a duty to invoke a legal duty to act based on amended legislation and votes a piece of law that has been overtaken by another in this House. Can the Secretary of State confirm that it piece of law. The actual law on standing today is the is possible for the Northern Ireland Assembly to develop devolved settlement, which is very clear that abortion is its own plans provided that they are CEDAW-compliant, a devolved matter and services arising from that are and that it is still the policy of the UK Government that a devolved matter. sex-selective abortion is illegal? The Secretary of State speaks very emotively and Brandon Lewis: My hon. Friend makes a very important emotionally from the Dispatch Box today saying that he point. I absolutely respect that point and his feelings on speaks for women and children—“for women and girls”, the issue. He is right that abortion remains a devolved I think was his phrase—and that he has a moral obligation issue, as others have rightly outlined. The Assembly can to do that. Where is his moral obligation to stand at therefore seek to amend the regulations in a way that is that Dispatch Box and defend the most vulnerable of compliant with convention rights. I absolutely recognise lives—the unborn life? When is someone from the the sensitivities on the issue and take them very seriously, Government going to actually do that and defend that but the regulations, as he has highlighted, do not allow vulnerability, or is the unborn life an unfortunate abortions on the grounds of sex selection. We will commodity that can be disposed of so lightly? That is continue to work with the Department of Health to the point that is being made. ensure that the right and proper official healthcare can The carefully balanced New Decade, New Approach be provided for women and girls in Northern Ireland on agreement, which the Secretary of State is signed up to, what is a very sensitive issue. is being upset by the Secretary of State. Indeed, today’s report, the “Review of UK Government Union Capability”, Charlotte Nichols (Warrington North) (Lab) [V]: Women says: in Northern Ireland have waited decades for the same “A core principle underpinning…devolution…is…respect”. rights as women in the rest of the UK. Since the Where is the respect for the Government of Northern regulations became law at least 200 women have had to Ireland, for the people of Northern Ireland and for the travel to Britain in the middle of a pandemic to access unborn lives in Northern Ireland? abortion services, and the Northern Ireland abortion and contraception taskforce reports that two women attempted suicide after their flights were cancelled and Brandon Lewis: I do recognise the point the hon. they were unable to travel for abortion in the absence of Gentleman has made, and it is a point he has made to safe and legal healthcare in their own area. For those me directly on a number of occasions, about the unborn listening today, how long will they now have to wait for child. I have to say and I appreciate that this is an area abortion services in Northern Ireland to be commissioned? where we do not have a similar view. There are many Will the Secretary of State put a deadline on using the where we do, but not on this one. I do actually think powers outlined in the written ministerial statement on that the situation of an unborn child is a hugely important Tuesday? issue, and it is something that we do need to ensure is properly respected and understood. The best way to do Brandon Lewis: The hon. Lady has outlined some of that is to make sure that proper, qualified, official the harrowing examples that too many of us have heard health officials are able to give the right care, advice and or read about. We need to ensure that that does not support to women and girls in Northern Ireland. Part happen to women and girls in the future. That is why we of the danger of the situation at the moment is that are bringing forward these regulations now. I fervently there are too many cases of women and girls, as was hope that we will be able to work with the Northern outlined by Members earlier this afternoon, who are Ireland Executive, and that the Department of Health sadly taking advice from the wrong quarters, making with the Executive will find a way to take this forward. bad decisions and suffering badly—and, potentially, The timeframe for the regulations is now a matter for unborn children suffering badly—through bad healthcare this House, as it is an affirmative procedure situation, that is not properly provided. I would argue that that is but it is clear from the fact that we are bringing this also a reason why this should be taken forward. forward that the situation described by the hon. Lady I do agree that I would like to see this being taken will not be allowed to continue. We are putting these forward in the most appropriate way for Northern regulations in place so that we are able to take this Ireland by the Northern Ireland Executive. They have action should we need to; it is a clear indication. If the not been able to do that over the last year, and there Northern Ireland Executive are going to sort this out is still—even after the New Decade, New Approach themselves, they need to do so swiftly—otherwise, once deal, which we are all working to ensure is delivered, the measures have been through Parliament, we will be even in the difficult times of covid—a legal duty on me, looking to ensure that these services are provided in as per the Act of Parliament in 2019, to make sure Northern Ireland. that these services are provided. I will continue to work with the Department of Health to make sure we do (Guildford) (Con): Although some everything we can to make sure this is taken forward people may wish to use this opportunity to reopen the locally in Northern Ireland, but this does need to be discussion on the abortion regulations themselves, does taken forward. my right hon. Friend agree that that time has passed 1085 Abortion in Northern Ireland25 MARCH 2021 Abortion in Northern Ireland 1086

[Angela Richardson] incredibly clear with the House—at any point, even though services are being provided today, has the Health and that instead we should be focused on ensuring that Minister in Northern Ireland suggested that he will not the legal right for women and girls to access full abortion commission those services? services in Northern Ireland is implemented? Brandon Lewis: A few points arise from what the hon. Brandon Lewis: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Gentleman has just outlined. First, the action we have We are not seeking to reopen the debate on the Abortion taken this week was outlined on the Floor of the House (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020, as they were approved during oral questions. We laid a statement on Tuesday. by a significant majority of the House. They delivered a This action is being taken under the affirmative procedure, framework that strikes a balance between delivering so it will be a matter for debate and can be properly CEDAW compliance, ensuring the health and safety of discussed in this House. It is about our legal obligations women and girls, and giving clarity and certainty to as per 2019 to ensure that the services are properly healthcare professionals. I want to put on record my provided. thanks to the medical professionals in Northern Ireland We are now, as an hon. Friend outlined earlier, some who have been working to deliver and support the 14 months on from the re-establishment of the Executive rights of women and girls in this regard so far, but it is and the Department of Health is not at this stage crucial that the Department of Health in Northern providing the full range of services, although the hon. Ireland takes responsibility for delivering these services Gentleman is absolutely right that, as I outlined in my in line with the regulations. opening remarks on this urgent question, some 1,100 individuals—women and girls—have been given Gavin Robinson (Belfast East) (DUP) [V]: Madam services over the last period. I thank the health professionals Deputy Speaker, may I pass on my appreciation to for doing that, but there are still far too many individuals Mr Speaker for allowing this urgent question? In my who are having to travel to mainland Great Britain to view, the Secretary of State should have been in the get the full range of medical support and services—services House on Tuesday and he should have brought forward that are not available in Northern Ireland which are a ministerial statement. available elsewhere in the UK. We are under a legal I am pleased with the Secretary of State’s comments obligation to ensure that that ability to access healthcare in response to the last question, because throughout the for women and girls in Northern Ireland is similar to course of this urgent question to suggest that this is that across the rest of the United Kingdom. about applying the law, and offering appropriate and quality healthcare, dismisses entirely the fact that our Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): I will healthcare professionals are applying the law. The chief now briefly suspend the House in order that arrangements medical officer was incredibly clear about that this can be made for the next item of business. morning; he has taken it upon himself to advise healthcare professionals of their obligations, and the services are being provided. That has been lost in the course of this 12.15 pm urgent question. Can I ask the Secretary of State to be Sitting suspended. 1087 25 MARCH 2021 Business of the House 1088

Business of the House I will try this again. Arj Singh is the deputy political editor of HuffPost UK. He is not a “cheat”, he is not a “knave”and he is not a “fool”. There was no clipping—the 12.19 pm shearing season has not started yet—and it was not Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): Will the Leader of poor-quality online journalism because it was in . the House give us the forthcoming business? The headline was: “Ignore human rights and strike trade deals”, The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Jacob and the has admitted that it was Rees-Mogg): The business for the week commencing verbatim: he said that that is exactly what he said. I note 12 April will include: that the Leader of the House did not apologise in his podcast to the journalist in question; I wonder whether MONDAY 12 APRIL—The House will not be sitting. he could do so today. We want sanctions; we do not TUESDAY 13 APRIL—Second Reading of the Finance want trade deals. A seven-year-old was shot in her Bill. father’s arms in Myanmar. WEDNESDAY 14 APRIL—Opposition day (19th allotted I thank the Leader of the House for his assiduousness day). There will be a motion in the name of the Official in dealing with everything that I raise in business questions. Opposition, subject to be announced. I got a response from the Minister for the Middle East THURSDAY 15 APRIL—Consideration of Lords and North Africa, the right hon. Member for Braintree amendments to the Domestic Abuse Bill. (James Cleverly), who said that Mehran Raoof had not requested consular assistance, yet Amnesty International FRIDAY 16 APRIL—The House will not be sitting. has labelled him a prisoner of conscience. Richard The provisional business for the week commencing Ratcliffe has said that nothing has been decided on 19 April will include: Nazanin, and there is nothing on Anousheh or on Luke MONDAY 19 APRIL—Consideration in Committee of Symons. They have still not been returned to their the Finance Bill (day 1). families. I do not know whether the Foreign Secretary is TUESDAY 20 APRIL—Continuation of Consideration in going to update us, or when they are likely to be coming Committee of the Finance Bill (day 2). home to their families. My hon. Friend the Member for Oldham East and WEDNESDAY 21 APRIL—Motion to approve a statutory instrument relating to counter-terrorism followed by Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams) said that she had seen consideration of Lords amendments to the Overseas a newspaper exclusive that Dr Harries may be in line for Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill. a promotion. I am not sure that it is acceptable to announce that first as an exclusive to a newspaper and THURSDAY 22 APRIL—Business to be determined by then as a written statement which was published yesterday. the Backbench Business Committee. What is this new UK health security agency? Why have FRIDAY 23 APRIL—The House will not be sitting. things been rearranged while we are in the middle of a May I announce to the House that, subject to the pandemic? Why has the Secretary of State for Health progress of business, the House will rise for the Whitsun not come to the House to explain what this agency is, so recess at the conclusion of business on Thursday 27 May that we can ask questions? Worse still, 18 written statements and return on Monday 7 June? have been published today, according to the Order Paper. That is not acceptable at all. Valerie Vaz: I thank the Leader of the House for Could we have an urgent statement—there is still giving us the business, and of course for the Opposition time before we rise for Easter—on the Department for day. It is the 19th allotted day, so it would be useful to Work and Pensions having been held to have an unlawful know when this Session is coming to an end and when policy on regulations? It is charging people by taking we are going to prorogue and have a Queen’s Speech. fines from their universal credit. I note that there is a motion on the Order Paper, I would also like a statement and clarification on which I hope will be passed, allowing an extension of whether turning the green belt into a car park is a new the procedures until 21 June. I think they have all been Government policy. The current Mayor of the West quite useful. The numbers of cases and deaths are now Midlands wants to turn a meadow off Walstead Road slightly rising; I noticed that they were going up as of into a car park so that people can drive there and then yesterday. get on the Sprint route. He thinks that Transport West Midlands is not under his jurisdiction, but it is. He also I know the Leader of the House will join me in says that he does not want to build on green spaces, but condemning the rise in hate crime against Asian people, he is building that right in the town centre. Could we particularly Asian people in America, and the deaths of have a statement on whether there are different Government the Asian women last week. policies for the west midlands on the green belt, housing, Yesterday, the shadow Deputy Leader of the House, buses and cars? my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Gorton I wonder whether the Leader of the House can help (Afzal Khan), spoke of the loss of a generation in his me with another matter. A constituent rang yesterday. family—his parents-in-law and his mother—and he and He said that he exports saddles and that when he did so the Leader of the Opposition called on the Prime to a customer in the Netherlands, the customer was Minister to set up an inquiry. The Leader of the House charged ¤200. He said that he thought that we had a will know that nurse Mary Agyapong was sent home free trade agreement with the EU that would protect his after collapsing and then died, so it is really important business. Can the Leader of the House please tell him that we start looking at best practice, at where things what he can do? I presume that it will be Lord Frost are going wrong and at what is happening. who will answer that. 1089 Business of the House25 MARCH 2021 Business of the House 1090

[Valerie Vaz] On online news organisation, I refer to what the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said May I now wish some people a happy retirement? I last week: have heard that Dido Harding might be leaving Test “We regret that this audio has been deliberately and selectively and Trace next month. No announcement has been clipped to distort the Foreign Secretary’s comments.” made to the House. It would be useful to find out about The effect was to leave a fundamentally false impression that. More importantly, Dr Chris Handy from Accord in the mind of the reader. This is why I encourage all Housing in the west midlands is to retire. He started journalists to ensure that quotes fully reflect the audio there 50 years ago with 24 employees and a few hundred available. I hope that the right hon. Lady agrees with homes. Now he has 3,500 staff, 13,000 homes and a that and would do the same. Let them huff and puff, fantastic eco-home, which he has innovated. He has but they will not blow this particular House down. written books on the law of social landlords and “Housing The right hon. Lady rightly raises, every week, the Association Law and Practice”. He has given voice to issue of dual nationals held improperly overseas. The some of the most vulnerable and has helped them to Foreign Secretary obviously takes this very seriously. find homes after coming out of prison. He will be We have discussed before the limitations of what Her missed, so I say thank you to Dr Chris Handy for his Majesty’s Government can do, but within their powers, innovation at Accord. Her Majesty’s Government do what they can. There is The Lord Speaker is also stepping down in April. I regular engagement not only with the families concerned thank him for all his work over the past four years. He to offer them support, but with the Governments concerned has made a great contribution, and I know that he will to try and pursue the interests of those British nationals campaign on HIV and AIDS. Tomorrow is International held overseas. I think the treatment of Nazanin Zaghari- Epilepsy Day,so I hope that everyone will be wearing purple. Ratcliffe is so outrageous that the Iranian Government Finally, 365 days ago on Tuesday the world shook, should be ashamed of how they have treated her. and it is still shaking now. We all know someone close The changes to Public Health England were announced who has died in the pandemic, and I wish everyone a some months ago, so I do not think it is unreasonable very peaceful Easter. that further information is becoming available and is Mr Rees-Mogg: May I join the right hon. Lady in made available to the House in a written ministerial wishing everybody a happy Easter? I also thank everybody statement—half the time the right hon. Lady asks me who ensures that the House of Commons runs so for more statements and then, when we give more efficiently and so effectively.There is always an appropriate statements, she says we have too many and that is time—there is never an inappropriate time—in which to unfair. It is inevitable; we have had so many oral statements thank the Doorkeepers for their magnificent work. [HON. recently—I think we have had five this week and six last MEMBERS: “Hear, hear!”] They are such a visible show week, in addition to the urgent questions that have been of the dignity of the House of Commons when they are asked—so there has been real effort to keep Parliament seen on television and such an unfailing help to Members. up to date. There are always constraints on the time I also thank everybody else who is involved behind the available, so there are often things that we would like to scenes, who have been here when Members have been give statements on but we cannot have a third statement zooming in. Without them, Members would not have on a particular day. That is the normal organisation of been able to zoom in. It is the behind-the-scenes staff business and it is perfectly reasonable. Before a recess, who have allowed us to do our constitutional duty and I all Governments always put out a larger number of am sure that we would all like to record our thanks. written statements for the very obvious reason that May I join the right hon. Lady in paying tribute to there is an obligation in the ministerial code to tell my noble Friend, Lord Fowler, who is retiring? He has Parliament first. Anyone who has worked to a deadline been a very distinguished public servant—a statesman, will know that the deadline of a recess encourages it would be fair to say. He is famous for many things, Government Departments to put out their statements, not least for developing the term, “Retiring to spend quite rightly. more time with his family”, which became code when Let me finish on the wonderful achievements of the people left Government at one point for perhaps more Mayor of the west midlands, who has done such a profound disagreements, but, none the less, on this fabulous job in making the west midlands a place where retirement, I hope that he genuinely will be spending people want to do business and are succeeding in doing more time with his family. business. It has been an area of prosperity under his I do not know Dr Chris Handy, but what the right excellent and benign leadership. I visited, in the right hon. Lady says of him is so impressive. Trying to give hon. Lady’s constituency, a fantastic brownfield site people a second chance and getting prisoners to have development that was being led—energised—by the homes is a very important statement about the society Mayor for the west midlands, and I wish him every in which we believe, so I wish him a very happy retirement. possible success in the upcoming local elections, where I am sure he will triumph because he has been so good at The Queen’s Speech is scheduled for 11 May, and that doing his job. has now been announced. The motions that are being laid before the House and which will be debated with Sir David Amess (Southend West) (Con) [V]: On the the motions on the coronavirus restrictions will take us eve of the launch of the Dame Vera Lynn memorial through to 21 May and are based on the advice that the fund appeal, will my right hon. Friend find time for a Government are using on the road map. debate on the distribution of discretionary grants to I share the right hon. Lady’s criticism, shock and businesses by local authorities during the coronavirus outrage at hate crimes that lead to people being killed. pandemic? I have had a number of local companies, Society must do absolutely everything to stop that. The including sole traders, complaining about delays in law must be upheld and the law must be enforced. receiving funds, the interpretation of eligibility by my 1091 Business of the House25 MARCH 2021 Business of the House 1092 local authority and no commonality with other councils. Finally, may I ask the Leader of the House to join me Surely with the Government giving the money to local in expressing his thanks to my constituent Jim Ralston, authorities to distribute, it is their duty to make sure who this week has announced his retirement as captain that it reaches businesses that need the support as soon of the Loanhead Boys’ Brigade company? Jim has been as possible. I do wish everyone a very happy Easter. its captain for 12 years and we wish him well in his future endeavours. Will he also wish every success to the Mr Rees-Mogg: The Government have introduced an former hon. Member for Airdrie and Shotts and now unprecedented package of support for businesses Steward and Bailiff of Her Majesty’sManor of Northstead, throughout the pandemic and are working closely with Neil Gray, in his future endeavours, as well as to our local authorities to ensure that funding can get to the candidate in the upcoming by-election, Anum Qaisar? right places as quickly as is practicable. The additional restrictions grant continues to enable local authorities Mr Rees-Mogg: I always wish to spread goodwill. to put in place discretionary business support. Local The hon. Gentleman is pushing me a little bit far in authorities are free to provide support that suits their wishing SNP candidates success in by-elections, but I local area, including support for those businesses that do wish Neil Gray every personal success outside this are not required to close but whose trade has been House. He is a wonderful person to deal with. I was on severely affected by restrictions, and those businesses the Joint Committee on restoration and renewal with that fall outside the business rates system, such as him, and he was a voice of good sense, good humour market traders. But it is a discretionary system and if and kindliness. He will be missed by this House. we believe in local accountability and local decision Unfortunately, I cannot wish my electoral opponents making, sometimes we have to accept that the local electoral success, but I hope he has every other success. decisions will not be the decisions that we ourselves would have made. Jim Ralston sounds to have been a wonderful servant of the people in his work for the Boys’ Brigade. I am Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): I am more than happy to congratulate him on his retirement sure that the Lord President of the Council will welcome and thank him on behalf of the Government. Our the launch of the Dame Vera Lynn appeal. whole country depends on the voluntary work that so many millions undertake with enthusiasm and we have Owen Thompson (Midlothian) (SNP) [V]: I associate seen that particularly over the last year. myself with the comments of the Leader of the House and the shadow Leader of the House, the right hon. As regards fire and rehire, the hon. Gentleman is Member for Walsall South (Valerie Vaz), about the absolutely right to say that BEIS has received the ACAS urgent need to tackle the rise in hate crime. Equally, I report. It is being considered by Ministers. It was received wish all Members of the House a happy Easter and only a week ago. There will be the normal routine of express my thanks to the staff of the House, who have questions to BEIS once the House is back after the helped all Members in such a difficult period over the Easter recess. The Government have been very clear last year. that employers threatening to fire and rehire as a negotiating tactic are doing something that is quite wrong. Employers Not only does today represent day 38 of 42 days of must treat employees fairly and in the spirit of partnership strike action by British Gas engineers over the shameful during contractual negotiations. The Under-Secretary fire and rehire threat, but it—or more accurately, noon of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, just passed—was the deadline given to those engineers my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam to sign up to new, reduced terms and conditions or to (Paul Scully) has had a number of meetings on this face the sack. Unless British Gas takes that off the table issue and has condemned the practice in the strongest at the eleventh hour, those who refuse to be bullied into possible terms in the House and elsewhere. signing the new contracts will be sacked on 1 April. My hon. Friend the Member for Paisley and I am very interested in what the hon. Gentleman says North (Gavin Newlands) questioned Ministers on this about the possibility of using mines for geothermal issue time and again, including bringing legislation to energy. I cannot claim to be an expert in geothermal outlaw the practice, which has led the Department for energy, but we should always be looking to find new Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to instruct and clean ways of providing energy. ACAS to carry out a review. As I understand it, that reported to Government over a week ago, but it has not Mark Eastwood (Dewsbury) (Con) [V]: At football yet been brought forward. Can the Leader of the House stadiums in Germany and Scotland, safe standing has please ask his colleagues in BEIS to come to the House been successfully trialled and found to be safe, according as a matter of urgency to make a statement on this to a report by England’sSports Grounds Safety Authority. heinous practice, which has already affected so many The Conservative manifesto committed to working with across the country? fans and clubs towards introducing safe standing at Governments have a long and bitter history of football. Will my right hon. Friend provide an update to interactions with mining communities. I was certainly the House on when the Government will bring it forward? very welcoming of the Scottish Government’scommitment to issuing pardons for unjust convictions that ruined Mr Rees-Mogg: That is an important question and I the lives of so many miners in the ’80s. I still hope that know that many football supporters have a great interest we could see action from this Government to play their in it and in the atmosphere created by safe standing. part and launch a full inquiry into the policing of The Government are committed to working towards a miners’ strikes in the ’80s. May we have a debate in return of standing areas for football spectators. Obviously, Government time to look at that issue, but also at how the immediate priority are the preparations for the we can use those mines today to create new jobs and return of fans to stadiums, as set out in the road map opportunities, for example through geothermal energy? for stage 3—although it is not football, dare I say that I 1093 Business of the House25 MARCH 2021 Business of the House 1094

[Mr Rees-Mogg] for the NHS reorganisation in the middle of a pandemic. For many, this is seen as creating more opportunities for have my tickets for the test matches at Lord’s later on in Government cronyism and dodgy contracts. The creation the year, and that I am hoping the New Zealand one is of strong, well-co-ordinated governance arrangements open to spectators, but we shall see—and the work of seems to have been an afterthought and that reflects this the events research programme to consider how we may, Government’s priorities. As my right hon. Friend the among other things, increase the number of spectators. Member for Walsall South (Valerie Vaz) said, given The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport these concerns, why has there been no oral statement to will then, in due course, return to the pledge made in the House on the next stages of this reorganisation? A our manifesto. It has not been forgotten, but there are written statement gives no opportunity to hold the other things going on at the moment—I suppose that is Government to account. my message to my hon. Friend. Mr Rees-Mogg: As I said earlier, there are huge Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab) [V]: I thank the Leader pressures on time in this House, but my right hon. of the House for the business statement and for announcing Friend the Secretary of State will be at the Dispatch the Backbench Business Committee business for Thursday Box immediately after this session in a debate on covid 22nd. It is our intention that the first item will be a regulations, and it will be possible to intervene on him Liaison Committee-sponsored debate, led by the Public to raise points. But I fundamentally dispute, disagree Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee with and reject the question of cronyism. The success of Chair, the hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Mr Wragg), the ordering programme—the procurement programme— on covid data transparency and accountability. Madam over the last year is quite extraordinary, and something Deputy Speaker, may I wish you a happy Easter, and of which this country should be proud. The vaccine wish a happy Easter and a pleasant break to all Members roll-out depended upon being fleet of foot in ordering and House staff and staff who have facilitated our the vaccines and putting the money forward. On other virtual participation in this Chamber,in Select Committees procurement, 1% of personal protective equipment was and in all allowable business in these extraordinary domestically produced a year ago and now, excluding times? May I also wish the Jewish community, who are gloves, 70% will be domestically produced. Normally, my friends, neighbours and constituents here in Gateshead awarding government contracts takes three to six months. and across the country, a very happy celebration of If we had waited six months, we would not have had the Passover, which begins this weekend? vaccine roll-out starting until this summer—it would Mr Rees-Mogg: May I join the hon. Gentleman in have been too late. What has been done was quite right, wishing the Jewish community a happy Passover? I entirely justifiable and in the best traditions of the recall that when studying A-levels I looked in some British state acting properly. detail as to whether the last supper was a Passover feast or not. In St John’s gospel it seems not to be, whereas in Tom Hunt (Ipswich) (Con): Last weekend, just outside the synoptic gospels it seems to be. I am grateful for the Ipswich, 83 stolen dogs were found. There have been six hon. Gentleman’s good wishes and for his telling us the people arrested who are currently out on bail. Suffolk first debate in the next Backbench Business Committee police deserve to be credited for their successful operation— business. one of the largest involving stolen dogs. But the concern among many of my constituents is that those responsible Elliot Colburn (Carshalton and Wallington) (Con) get away with little more than a slap on the wrist. I have [V]: Last week, I was delighted to visit the new vaccination raised this matter before during business questions and centre at the St Nicholas centre in Sutton, where Carshalton I have also led a debate on it. I have written to the and Wallington residents will soon be invited to come Sentencing Council asking it to amend the guidance forward to receive their vaccinations. Will my right hon. around the Theft Act 1968 and was rebutted. It is clear Friend join me in thanking the site matron, Wendy, and to me that only action in this place will ensure that this all the staff and volunteers who have made this possible? will cease to become a high reward, low risk crime. Will May we have a debate on how we can recognise them my right hon. Friend find time in this place to debate and everyone who has stepped up throughout this what action this place can take to stand up for our pets? pandemic? Mr Rees-Mogg: My hon. Friend is so right to raise Mr Rees-Mogg: My hon. Friend raises a matter that this and the incredible work that has been done by staff is of concern to a number of hon. and right hon. and volunteers at vaccination centres across the country. Members. It is an appalling crime that causes great I am looking forward next Tuesday to going to the Bath distress, and it has increased over the past year. The racecourse, which is in my constituency—it is not actually theft of a pet is a criminal offence under the Theft Act in Bath—for my vaccination. For the record, I am not and carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ giving up my racecourse to Bath. I particularly congratulate imprisonment, so when he says that it is a low risk, high Wendy, the site matron. She sounds absolutely splendid reward crime, that shows that people should perhaps be and deserves the commendation of the House. People like better informed of the risk they are taking. Seven years Wendy have played a vital role in the vaccine roll-out, is a very serious sentence. The Sentencing Council’s and thanks to their incredible work about 28 million guidelines on theft now take account of the emotional people have now received their first dose across the UK, distress for the victim caused by any theft offence, which is more than half of all adults in our country. including theft of a pet, meaning that the courts will now take this into account when considering the appropriate Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) sentence. As I understand it, the Home Office, the (Lab) [V]: The Leader of the House should be aware of Ministry of Justice and the Department for Environment, the widespread concerns about the Government’sproposals Food and Rural Affairs are discussing possible ways of 1095 Business of the House25 MARCH 2021 Business of the House 1096 strengthening the enforcement of pet theft, and of support to survivors and children born of conflict-related course the Government have hired over 6,600 new police sexual violence and prevent further sexual violence officers during the course of this Parliament, which will from occurring. help us to tackle this crime better. My hon. Friend will The United Kingdom has a zero-tolerance approach be aware that by raising this issue in the Chamber and to abuse and exploitation in our aid programmes. making it one of political importance, the police will UK-funded organisations operating in Tigray are aware pay attention and will know what is of public concern. of their obligations to protect beneficiaries from exploitation Police resources, and police and crime commissioner and abuse and of the need to manage such risks elections, tend to follow where there is greatest public appropriately. We are working with the co-ordination concern, so he is ensuring that this issue will be taken system to ensure that collective mechanisms are more seriously merely by raising it in this House. implemented in Tigray. Prevention is central to aid. I commend my hon. Friend for raising this issue. He Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): This week a Health said it was not getting enough attention. Thanks to Minister said that in her discussions with NHS staff him, it is now getting more attention. The issue has been they had not asked for a pay increase. Can we have a raised, and it is one of fundamental importance. debate in Government time on a motion drafted by the Government that defends the 1% pay increase, which is in effect a pay cut, for NHS staff so that hon. Members Stephen Flynn (Aberdeen South) (SNP): The Scottish in all parts of this House can hear from their constituents Government have just enshrined in law the UN convention who work in the NHS and come here with true testimonies on the rights of the child, they have just announced about what they think about a 1% pay increase? plans to nationalise our rail fleet and they are, of course, giving NHS staff a 4% pay increase. That is in contrast to the UK Government, who are seeking to Mr Rees-Mogg: This has to be seen in the context of restock and increase the nuclear arsenal, who are moving the economy as a whole and what has already been forward with plans to limit peaceful protest and who done. The starting salary for a newly qualified nurse are giving NHS staff just a 1% pay increase. Should we increased by over 12% in 2017-18, and the average not have a debate in this Parliament on the most important nurse’s pay is now at £34,000 a year. The starting of issues: a tale of two Governments? salaries for the lowest-paid, such as healthcare assistants and porters, have increased by 16% since 2017-18 from £15,404 to £18,005. So steps have been taken over the Mr Rees-Mogg: The hon. Gentleman is brave to longer term to help those working for the NHS. In this bring to this House a discussion of two Governments. current financial circumstance, there is a 1% pay increase There are all sorts of things I could be tempted to say for all NHS staff, but an additional 0.7% has been awarded about the Government currently in Scotland and all the for nurses. The NHS and nurses have been excluded extraordinary shenanigans going on there—who said from the general pay restraint because the country—the what to whom, when and where, and who may or may nation as a whole—recognises the extraordinary work not have put pressure on prosecutors. All sorts of things they have done in the past year, the courage they have are going on; it is all pretty unsatisfactory, and it is shown and the public service they have shown, and that lucky that there are elections coming up. has been rewarded as much as possible in these difficult I would point out that devolution has the benefit of financial circumstances. the strength of the United Kingdom behind it. That is whythe UK taxpayer has been able to provide £12.12 billion Anthony Mangnall (Totnes) (Con): This week, on to Scotland during the pandemic. United Kingdom 22 March, the United Nations released a statement taxpayers—[Interruption.] The hon. Gentleman chunters about the conflict in Ethiopia relating to the Tigray away from a sedentary position, and I know that the region in which it outlined the gross violations of human people of Scotland pay taxes—particularly high taxes, rights, including sexual violence against women and because of the rapacious left-wing Government they rape.The UK has a long history in tackling this issue—since have that likes to take money from them. However, it is 2012 and the creation of the Preventing Sexual Violence UK taxpayers combined who have provided this in Conflict Initiative—but unfortunately we have been £12.12 billion, which was supported 779,500 jobs, provided somewhat muted on the subject. Will the Leader of the 78% of the tests that have been done in Scotland and House push for further action from the Government so then processed in the rest of the United Kingdom, and that we can have a statement when the House returns supported over 157,000 people on the self-employed and ensure that the PSVI unit is deployed where possible scheme. The strength of the United Kingdom is quite to help those who are suffering from an outdated, extraordinary. Scotland benefits from that, and that is horrific crime that we have a moral duty to respond to? why it is able to afford to do the other things that the hon. Gentleman mentioned. Mr Rees-Mogg: My hon. Friend raises an issue of greatest concern. I particularly commend my noble Dr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con) [V]: Making a Friend Lord Hague for establishing the Preventing Sexual success of Brexit, rebuilding after the pandemic, and Violence in Conflict Initiative in 2012, which has had changes to patterns of working, such as working from widespread support. The Government have received home, will all require a comprehensive and efficient reports of widespread sexual violence perpetrated by broadband infrastructure. My constituents in Edgware different armed groups. These attacks ought to stop and Mill Hill have already found to their detriment that and those responsible for such crimes must be held to current provision is not adequate, so I dread to think account. The protection of civilians is at the core of the what it is like in other parts of the country. Will a UK’s response to the crisis. In Tigray, we will work to Minister attend the Dispatch Box and outline what the promote justice for survivors of sexual violence, provide Government are doing to make reliable,efficient broadband 1097 Business of the House25 MARCH 2021 Business of the House 1098

[Dr Matthew Offord] tackle it better, with more than 6,600 additional police officers. I join my hon. Friend in thanking Alison connectivity a reality? Red tape and regulation must not Hernandez for her terrific work as police and crime be excuses and hinder our progress in this field, given commissioner, and for highlighting this important issue. that we currently rank 47th in the world speed league. It is worth adding to my earlier remarks, that if someone causes an animal to suffer in the course of stealing it Mr Rees-Mogg: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I from its owner, they are liable for prosecution under the understand from the Department for Digital, Culture, Animal Welfare Act 2006. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Media and Sport that his constituency has pretty good Bill is currently in the House of Lords. If passed, it will coverage, with over 66% of Hendon having access to increase the maximum penalty for such a crime to five gigabit-capable broadband, compared with the UK average years, which would be the highest penalty for animal of under 40%. Nevertheless, the Government are aware cruelty in Europe. There is the risk of seven years in that we need to upgrade more of the broadband network prison for pet theft, and five years for cruelty to animals. to gigabit-capable speeds as soon as possible. We are The penalties are there—or will be if the House of targeting a minimum of 85% gigabit-capable coverage Lords obliges—and this is a question of enforcement by 2025, but we are ambitious to get close to 100% as and catching wrongdoers. That is where the extra 6,600 soon as possible, and we are spending £5 billion of police will help. taxpayers’ money in subsidising the roll-out in the harder- to-reach 20% of the United Kingdom. The first areas to John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab) [V]: The benefit from the £5 billion Project Gigabit programme Leader of the House will be aware, as we all are, of a were announced on Friday. The Department for Digital, number of hospital rebuilds in the pipeline, one of Culture, Media and Sport is working with suppliers to which—Whipps Cross Hospital—is in my constituency. ensure that there is maximum transparency around Those rebuilds are welcome across the House, but there their plans, but I will of course pass on my hon. Friend’s are also concerns that a number of the projects imply concerns to the Secretary of State. reductions in bed numbers.Particularly after the pandemic, that seems to me, and to many other Members, very Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD) [V]: Community energy misguided. Indeed, people were saying that even before projects are an excellent way to bring people in behind the pandemic. When Parliament returns, may we have a our ambition to get to net zero by 2050, yet there are statement from the Health and Social Care Secretary on still significant regulatory barriers to making community bed numbers in hospital rebuilds? energy more widespread. The Local Electricity Bill, sponsored by the hon. Member for Waveney (Peter Mr Rees-Mogg: I am glad that the hon. Gentleman is Aldous), received 258 signatures from cross-party MPs, pleased by the hospital rebuilds programme, and he and an Adjournment debate on the same topic last raises a serious and important point. My right hon. autumn attracted a record number of MPs who intervened Friend the Health and Social Care Secretary will be at in support of the Bill. Clearly, we need more time to the Dispatch Box shortly, and that question could be debate this issue, so may we have a debate in Government raised with him in an intervention. I will pass on the time on the importance of establishing a statutory right point to my right hon. Friend after this statement, and to local energy supply? try to get the hon. Gentleman an answer regarding what is the policy,and what has been learned from the pandemic. Mr Rees-Mogg: I thank the hon. Lady for her point, and I am delighted that the Lib-Dems are now becoming Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): I refer to a party of deregulation. Speaking from the Treasury my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Bench, I confess that deregulation is something that The Government are rightly working on a scheme to warms the cockles of my heart. Seven private Member’s protect blameless leaseholders from financial ruin owing Bill managed to go through to the House of Lords, to the cladding scandal, yet as my hon. Friend the although inevitably not every Bill got through. The hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen () and Lady is right to raise the deregulatory ambition of others movingly explained on Monday, lessees are even herself and of others in the House, and there will now being handed bills well in excess of £70,000 for obviously be private Member’s Bills in the next Session hugely expensive waking watch arrangements and other which, as I announced earlier, will start on 11 May. costs, which they cannot possibly afford. May we urgently have a Government statement on how to prevent such Selaine Saxby (North Devon) (Con): Like my hon. innocent people from being forced to forfeit their leases, Friend the Member for Ipswich (Tom Hunt), our excellent sacrifice their homes and declare themselves bankrupt Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner, before the new scheme has been fully activated? Alison Hernandez, is concerned about the growing issue of pet theft. In Devon and Cornwall there are, on Mr Rees-Mogg: The Government have always been average, 80 dog thefts a year, a quarter of which are clear that leaseholders should not have undue worry linked to organised crime, yet no one has received the about the costs of remediating historical defects that maximum sentence of only seven years. Will my right they did not cause. Waking watch arrangements have hon. Friend allocate Government time to debate how to been in place for far too long, and leaseholders are tackle the issue of pet theft and ensure that the punishment being left to pick up sometimes very high bills. That is reflects the crime? The loss of a loved pet—a member of why the Government are providing £30 million for a the family—is far more than mere theft. waking watch relief fund to install fire alarms and other interim measures, providing alternatives to the expensive Mr Rees-Mogg: As I said to my hon. Friend the waking watch systems. I will take this up on my right Member for Ipswich (Tom Hunt), this is a terrible hon Friend’s behalf with the Secretary of State, but crime, and the Government are taking measures to help Housing, Communities and Local Government Questions 1099 Business of the House25 MARCH 2021 Business of the House 1100 are on 19 April. I point to the measures that the health support for children and young people. Some Government have introduced, which my right hon. Friend 22,500 more children and young people will have access referred to, which will be of considerable assistance to to such services next year, and an additional 345,000 by leaseholders and get the right balance between leaseholders, 2024. The last year has been difficult. Let us hope that the taxpayer and freeholders. the Scouts and Guides, wonderful features of our civic life that they are, will open up soon and that children Chris Elmore (Ogmore) (Lab) [V]: I know that the will be able to enjoy themselves and, dare I say it, do Leader of the House will agree that, throughout the those things that their parents probably do not always pandemic, our posties have been working harder than approve of until they find out about them later. ever, and I pay tribute to those frontline, dedicated individuals. Two communities in my constituency, Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): So Llanharan and Brynna, have in some periods gone true. more than four weeks without the delivery of mail Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab) [V]: In during the pandemic, with Royal Mail therefore not my constituency,there are a number of large developments meeting its universal service obligation. I wonder if the that are at complete odds with many residents’ wishes—a Leader of the House could find time for a Minister to pontoon at Market Dock, the destruction of fields and issue a written statement or, indeed, to come to the a popular playpark at Holborn Riverside, and the Floor of the House after the Easter Recess, to explain construction of an unnecessary flyover at Tilesheds. what work they are doing with Royal Mail HQ to The planning system is completely failing them. Residents ensure that our hard-working postmen and women are were not involved in the decisions at the outset, and supported on the ground and that Royal Mail meets now they are expressing concerns that they are being that obligation. I have too many constituents missing, ignored, railroaded and, in some cases, treated with for example, letters of confirmation of their vaccination, contempt. Can we have an urgent debate on reforming which I am sure he will agree is not acceptable. planning so that local people have a real say in what happens in their community? Mr Rees-Mogg: Indeed, I am in considerable agreement with the hon. Gentleman. Four weeks without mail will Mr Rees-Mogg: I have visited the hon. Lady’s be a real problem for people. Royal Mail has a universal constituency and know what an attractive place it is, service obligation. I absolutely understand that the and it deserves to remain attractive. This always leads to pandemic has made things difficult for some businesses, arguments over planning, but the planning system is and that staffing arrangements, rotas and so on have fundamentally a local one, with local councils having been problematic, but I would have thought that in four the majority say in planning developments. I suggest weeks alternative arrangements could have been made. that, initially, this is taken up with the local council. It is A well-run businesses ought surely to be able to organise only at the stage when things are called in to national its staffing in such way that nobody has to wait that Government that they become a matter for central long. I will of course pass on his points to the relevant Government. Department. Mrs Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con): Easter is a time for love, but there is not going to be much love Miss Sarah Dines (Derbyshire Dales) (Con): I am this Easter because very few people will be able to get extremely concerned about the wellbeing of our children married. It is a traditional time for marriage. This and young people due to their isolation from their continues to be a very difficult situation for the wedding friends and peers during the pandemic. May we please industry, which is mainly run by women, and I hope have time for a debate on the importance of voluntary that the Government have not forgotten women’sindustries organisations, such as the 1st Hathersage Scouts, the 1st and businesses. Pubs and sporting venues will be allowed Matlock Boys Brigade, the 2nd Matlock Brownies, the to open, but it is a very difficult situation for the 1st Doveridge Scout group and Girlguiding groups in wedding industry. Brides have not been able to buy their places such as Bakewell and Calver, which provide vital dresses for nearly a year. The wedding industry contributes support and socialising opportunities for our young millions of pounds to the Exchequer, but these businesses people and children? They must be supported and are not being allowed to open properly, and yet pubs protected now. can. Can we have an urgent discussion about how we can help the industry understand these very conflicting Mr Rees-Mogg: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. rules, get these people back to business and let love flourish? The Government recognise the strain that has been put on children and their families over the past year. Ensuring Mr Rees-Mogg: My hon. Friend reminds us that, that children can play and socialise safely again is a historically, marriages did not take place during Lent, great priority. They also have fun; am I allowed to use and therefore took place immediately after Lent. She is the word “fun”, Madam Deputy Speaker? Children right to say that spring is a time when people want to ought to enjoy themselves. The Scouts and Brownies get married and the weather is better for their celebrations. ensure that children enjoy themselves. They look at that I can assure her that the Minister for Small Business, great figure Bear Grylls and think, “Perhaps I can eat a my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam slug too; what will my parents have to say?”[Interruption.] (Paul Scully), is regularly in contact with the industry-led There may also be vegetarian scouts who do not want weddings taskforce, established to represent all parts of to eat slugs; I accept the heckle from the Opposition the UK wedding sector, to understand the effect of the Bench. pandemic on jobs and businesses. That is very important, as is the mental health of Over the course of the pandemic, the Government children, which the Government are doing a great deal have provided an unprecedented package of financial to support, with an extra £79 million to boost mental support to businesses, including those in the wedding 1101 Business of the House25 MARCH 2021 Business of the House 1102

[Mr Rees-Mogg] with petrol and then go for a drive-through McDonald’s. The businesses are quite right to contribute, because it industry,and that is kept under regular review.I understand will benefit them in the long run. that the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has further discussions planned with the industry- Apsana Begum (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab) [V]: led weddings taskforce to appreciate the sector’s concerns This week we saw a historic result for the campaign for and help it through the reopening period. the Shrewsbury 24, who had their convictions quashed Over 28 million people in the UK have received their by the Court of Appeal. That verdict is significant for first dose of the vaccine, increasing the likelihood that the rights of working people in the UK. Sadly, many of restrictions will be eased at each step of the road map, those involved, who saw their lives ruined by the including restrictions on weddings, but I sympathise politicisation of charges, did not live long enough to see very much with what my hon. Friend says and the justice done. Given that, and the fact that this verdict representations she makes on behalf of her constituents. was achieved after half a century of injustice, does the She is right to say that the wedding industry has been Leader of the House believe that time should be allocated particularly badly affected by the pandemic, and it is to debate the merits of the Government’s holding a important that it can get back to normal as soon as is public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the practicable, in accordance with the road map. dispute and the trial? Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) [V]: Mr Rees-Mogg: The Appeal Court has ruled, and The UK Government have promised to publish their that shows that British justice works and that we have a national strategy for disabled people this spring and country where, when mistakes are made, we have the have consulted the public and committed to listening systems to ensure that those mistakes are admitted to, further. Given how all-encompassing this strategy will even if after a long time. We do not just say, “Well that be, can we have an interim statement on the general happened a long time ago; we are therefore ignoring it.” direction of the strategy, informed by their survey, We should be proud of our justice system and the fact ahead of publication, so that Members can debate the that it spends time looking at historical cases and intended strategy and provide further input on behalf setting the record straight. For those who have not lived of our constituents? long enough to see it, at least their families know that there was no stain on their family member’s character, Mr Rees-Mogg: The hon. Lady is right to mention and I think that is important and reassuring to those the national strategy for disabled people. Spring has who mourn. only just sprung—we are only a very few days into it—so the intention is still very much to publish it in (Bolton West) (Con): I am enthusiastically spring. In terms of parliamentary time, with the recess looking forward to the 2022 Commonwealth games in that is coming up and the end of the Session in sight, I Birmingham, which I hear will be the best ever. What fear that I cannot promise her the debate that she asks will make them even better is Perry the mascot, which for in Government time, but it may well be a subject for was designed by my constituent Emma Lou from an Adjournment debate, or indeed the Backbench Business Westhoughton. Will my right hon. Friend join me in Committee may be able to slot it in on one of its congratulating her, and will he perhaps pose with Perry? remaining days. Mr Rees-Mogg: I absolutely congratulate my hon. Julie Marson (Hertford and Stortford) (Con) [V]: Friend and his constituent Emma Lou on winning the After many months of conversations with senior executives mascot design competition for the 2022 Commonwealth from BP and McDonald’s, I am pleased that the two games, which will take place in Birmingham. I am companies have agreed to progress a scheme that will delighted to hear that they are going to be the best resolve the long-standing problems at Rush Green ever—we take that as a firm promise from my hon. roundabout in my constituency. Will my right hon. Friend—and to hear about Perry the bull, inspired by Friend join me in paying tribute to the many residents the city’s famous Bullring. and councillors who have campaigned on this issue and I remember as a child a story about Ferdinand the encourage the companies to implement the necessary bull, who did not like to fight but liked to sit there alterations to the site as quickly as possible? smelling the flowers, until he got stung by a bee and therefore charged around like billy-oh. The bullfighting Mr Rees-Mogg: We do not want to go round in circles catchers were around that day and they took him off, on this issue, but I thank my hon. Friend for her and then he sat in the bullring sniffing the flowers. It question and the work she is doing in her constituency. was a bit of a disappointment for the audience. I hope Perry is a more active bull, with his fantastic horns and Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Be a revolutionary! his colourful hexagons. It is very encouraging that the mascot has been chosen—and would I pose for a photo Mr Rees-Mogg: I am certainly not a revolutionary—or with Perry? I would be honoured, Madam Deputy a gyrator, either, for that matter. Speaker, and I hope you will join me. I am sure that this will be welcome news for residents in Hertford and Stortford. It is fantastic to see businesses— Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): I am leading forces of capitalism such as British Petroleum sure I would be delighted, Lord President. and McDonald’s, international titans that they are— contributing to their local communities, ensuring smooth Christian Matheson (City of Chester) (Lab) [V]: May and fast journeys for their customers and all the people I add my concerns to those of other hon. Members in Hertfordshire. It is in their interests, is it not? If the about the increasingly common tactic of fire and rehire roundabout runs smoothly, people can go and fill up across businesses? I welcomed the Leader of the House’s 1103 Business of the House25 MARCH 2021 Business of the House 1104 comments earlier, and I reflect on the fact that the of those projects. Parish councillors in my constituency Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and tell me that dealing with local matters relating to projects Industrial Strategy, the hon. Member for Sutton and such as HS2 and East West Rail has become something Cheam (Paul Scully), talked about it being “bully boy like a full-time job. Will my right hon. Friend join me in tactics”, and he is absolutely right. BEIS has had that thanking our parish and town councils for all the work ACAS report since 17 February. There will be a couple they do and find time for a debate in Government time of extra weeks now after the Easter recess. I urge the to recognise the additional burden of big infrastructure Leader of the House to bring forward emergency legislation, on those local councils and to find a better way to which by the sound of things would have support, so support them? that we can outlaw this disgraceful tactic of fire and rehire. Mr Rees-Mogg: With projects of this scale, local Mr Rees-Mogg: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman effects will unfortunately be unavoidable. The Department for reiterating the point, which is a serious one. Employers for Transport encourages close co-operation and threatening to fire and rehire as a negotiating tactic are engagement between such projects and local councils, doing something that is wrong and that decent employers including parish councils. The HS2 Minister, my hon. do not do. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of Friend the Member for Pendle (), State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy could has been looking at this issue closely and, as set out in not have been clearer about what a bad practice it is. detail in the parliamentary report published last week, The hon. Gentleman says that BEIS has had the report has taken a number of further steps to improve HS2 since 17 February, which was slightly longer than I had Ltd’s approach. The Rail Minister, my hon. Friend the realised, but none the less for something of this importance Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris), is also that is not an enormous amount of time, and I know it supportive of the recently introduced monthly meeting is being considered extremely carefully. between the leaders of Buckinghamshire Council, East Companies should know better than to behave in this West Rail Company,Network Rail and the EWR Alliance, way. All companies operate best when their employees which can act as a point of escalation for construction are working there with enthusiasm, and these types of issues if required. As regards a debate in Government tactics are very bad for morale in businesses, so I would time, I am sorry, but I cannot promise that. I do think say to my capitalist friends, “Behave well as a business, that an issue concerning the councils, including parish and your business will do better.” councils, of my hon. Friend the Member for Buckingham (Greg Smith) is ideal territory for an Adjournment Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): When we come debate. back after Easter, can we have a statement on Yemen? I know the Leader of the House will understand how it Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD): must feel for the family of Luke Symons when they hear May we have an early statement from the Secretary of about incidents of detention centres being attacked in State for Transport on air safety? For whatever reason, Sanaa and when they hear about the cut in aid to the trade and co-operation agreement with the EU did Yemen and the continuing supply of arms to Saudi not include access to the EU EGNOS—European Arabia, but most of all their and my concern is for the geostationary navigation overlay service—satellite system, welfare of my constituent held captive in Sanaa by which is used to provide 3D glide slope for instrument the Houthis. approach procedures for planes coming in to land at If we cannot have that statement, will the Leader of airports. As a consequence, come 21 June, the limits at the House encourage the Foreign Office at least to be a which planes will be allowed to approach a runway bit more active in providing me with briefings and without visual contact will be significantly increased, updates on what is going on in relation to this matter? I which will be particularly acute across the highlands have asked for one and not received one. He is always and islands, at exactly the same time as we will be assiduous, so through his good offices, will he give them wanting more people, hopefully, to come back and start a nudge and seek to provide me with an updated report? to visit us again. Weneed a memorandum of understanding with the EU on that, and we really need to hear from Mr Rees-Mogg: I can absolutely give the second the Secretary of State for Transport what he intends to commitment that the hon. Gentleman asks for. The do if we do not have one. Government are working closely with our partners in the region to ensure that Mr Symons is released and Mr Rees-Mogg: I cannot claim that I know a great reunited with his family as soon as possible. We obviously deal about that particular issue, which may not surprise do not have direct representation there. It may be helpful the House, but this is absolutely one of those things, as I if I tell hon. and right hon. Members that after this said to an hon. Gentleman earlier, that I will take up session every week, I write to relevant Ministers with with the relevant Minister, and I will try to get the right any issues that have been brought up, and obviously I hon. Gentleman a detailed response to what sounds a particularly emphasise ones of this kind, because I very serious matter. Obviously we want transport to think hon. and right hon. Members have a right to be resume as safely as possible, so that tourists are able to kept informed about their constituents and to make come back. He raises an important point, and I shall do representations for them. It is our basic obligation as my best to get a detailed answer. Members to seek redress of grievance for those we represent, and I will always do anything I can to help in Lee Anderson (Ashfield) (Con): My best friend is a that regard. 12-year-old west highland white terrier called Alfie, and life without him would be almost unbearable. Yet every Greg Smith (Buckingham) (Con): Large-scale time my wife takes him out for a walk she is scared to infrastructure projects place a huge burden on parish death that he will be stolen. That is a shocking, shocking and town councils that cover the areas of construction crime and should carry a mandatory jail sentence, in my 1105 Business of the House 25 MARCH 2021 1106

[Lee Anderson] Points of Order opinion, and my residents would back me up on that. 1.22 pm So, for the third time today, could I ask my right hon. Friend to please reassure me that he will do all he can to Dame Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) ensure a debate on that important issue in the House, or (Lab) [V]: On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. ask the Government to make a statement on the matter I thank Mr Speaker for granting me the opportunity to and help protect man’s best friend? raise this point of order regarding the NHS contaminated blood scandal, the biggest treatment disaster in NHS Mr Rees-Mogg: It is clear from this session that pet history. The vast majority of Members of Parliament theft is of considerable concern to hon. Members. This will have at least one constituent infected—or have had session is often a straw in the wind as to the issues that one constituent, because those infected die at an average are of political importance, because Members raise of one every 96 hours. whatever they want, and when you get three questions Madam Deputy Speaker, you will know that it took on the same subject it shows that there is public concern. many years of cross-party campaigning before the NHS The Government are doing the things that I set out infected blood inquiry was announced in 2017. Alongside previously, including providing the additional police the public inquiry, the Government agreed to undertake force, but people ought to feel confident going for a a review of financial support available to those infected walk, and it is unreasonable, unfair and unpleasant that and affected, and to work on a compensation framework my hon. Friend’s wife, Mrs Anderson, does not feel safe if later required by the inquiry’s findings. going for walks for worry that her dog will be stolen. We Last week, Caroline Wheeler of The Sunday Times want people to feel secure taking their dogs for walks, reported that Ministers planned to make a statement and I have heard the concerns of the House. this week on financial support for infected blood victims. A written ministerial statement appeared this morning, on the last day before the Easter recess and, crucially, after the deadline to secure an urgent question today. This leaves no opportunity for Members’ questioning of a Minister in the House for at least two weeks. The failure to make an oral ministerial statement in the House today, allowing Members to ask questions, may not be disorderly, but it is grossly insensitive to people who have suffered so much for so long at the hands of the state. I seek your advice on how we can get this issue discussed in the House at the very earliest opportunity. Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): I thank the right hon. Lady for notice of her point of order. As she well knows, and as Mr Speaker has said many times, it is a matter for the Government whether they make a written or oral ministerial statement; the occupant of the Chair has no say in that matter. The right hon. Lady asks the question always asked during points of order, but I appreciate that it is a way for her to bring to the attention of the House and those on the Treasury Bench her concerns about how this matter can be brought before the House. There are, of course, many ways in which the right hon. Lady can do that: she can seek an Adjournment debate; ask for an urgent question; go to the Backbench Business Committee; urge a Select Committee to have an inquiry; and write to Ministers. I think she knows about all those. I am quite sure that, given her experience and determination—for which she is renowned in this particular matter—she will find one of those ways of bringing this matter to the Floor of the House.

Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I thank you and Mr Speaker for allowing me to make this point of order. On 8 March, in Department for Work and Pensions questions, the Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the hon. Member for Mid Sussex (), told me that in Feltham and Heston there were 77 kickstart vacancies and 11 starts. She also shared kickstart data for Tower Hamlets with my hon. Friend 1107 Points of Order 25 MARCH 2021 Points of Order 1108 the Member for Bethnal Green and Bow (Rushanara answer to the hon. Member for City of Chester (Christian Ali). On 17 March, I tabled a written question asking Matheson) saying that he had been slightly mistaken for kickstart placements and vacancies by constituency; about dates and confirming that the relevant date was I was surprised to be told that that data is not currently in fact 17 February. available by constituency. Three other colleagues—my hon. Friends the Members Mr Rees-Mogg: Yes, that is what I understand from for Blaenau Gwent (Nick Smith), for Ilford North (Wes the questions I received. I thought that the hon. Gentleman Streeting) and for Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport indicated a week ago and then the hon. Member for (Luke Pollard)—have been similarly rebuffed when asking City of Chester indicated 17 February. I think, but this about their own constituencies. MPs have also been told is not an absolute statement on oath, that 17 February that the Department is unable to publish data below is the accurate date. regional level. Madam Deputy Speaker: Thank you. I heard the Madam Deputy Speaker, if the Minister told me Leader of the House say that in answer to the hon. figures for my constituency in this House, the data does Member for City of Chester and I hope that the matter exist and could be published. Given that young people’s has now been cleared up. I thank the hon. Member for jobs have been worst hit, transparency matters so that Midlothian (Owen Thompson) for giving us all the Parliament knows where opportunities are reaching opportunity to make sure that the information given and where they are not. Could you advise me on how here in the Chamber is always accurate. Members can seek to get this important data published by the DWP? I will now suspend the House for three minutes in order that arrangements can be made for the next item Madam Deputy Speaker: I thank the hon. Lady for of business. giving me notice of her point of order. As I said to her right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull 1.30 pm North (Dame Diana Johnson) a few moments ago, it is Sitting suspended. not for the Chair to comment on the accuracy or completeness of ministerial answers; that is a matter entirely for Ministers. But it is fairly obvious that if the BILL PRESENTED Department holds the information that she has requested, it should provide that information to her. SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT (DISQUALIFICATION OF The hon. Lady has used her point of order to draw MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS)BILL her concerns to the attention of the House and Ministers. Of course, she will also be aware that the Procedure Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Committee monitors departmental performance. I suggest Alyn Smith, supported by David Linden, Kirsty that she considers drawing the matter to the attention of Blackman, Drew Hendry, Marion Fellows, Alan Brown, the Procedure Committee if the Department’s response Deidre Brock, Gavin Newlands, Amy Callaghan and remains unsatisfactory. Brendan O’Hara, presented a Bill to amend the Scotland Act 1998 to provide that Members of the House of Owen Thompson (Midlothian) (SNP): On a point of Commons may not be Members of the Scottish Parliament; order, Madam Deputy Speaker. In answer to my question and for connected purposes. about the ACAS report on fire and rehire, the Leader of Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time the House indicated that the report had been presented tomorrow, and to be printed (Bill 282). to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy a week ago. However, it has come to my attention that a parliamentary answer to the hon. Member BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE (TODAY) for Easington (Grahame Morris) said that the report Ordered, was actually presented on 17 February—a number of weeks ago. That, at this day’s sitting, notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order No. 16(1) (Proceedings under an Act or on I have no doubt that the Leader of the House did not European Union documents), the Speaker shall put the intentionally give the wrong date. However, given the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on— pressing deadlines involved, can you give me advice, (a) the Motions in the name of Secretary Matt Hancock Madam Deputy Speaker, on how we can further press relating to the issue to make sure that it is reasonably considered (i) the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) and that action is taken urgently? (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021 (SI, 2021, No. 364), Madam Deputy Speaker: I thank the hon. Gentleman (ii) the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Review of temporary for his very reasonable point of order. provisions) (No. 2), and (iii) the Coronavirus Act 2020 (One-year status report), The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Jacob and Rees-Mogg) indicated assent. (b) the Motion in the name of Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg relating to Proceedings during the pandemic (No. 6) Madam Deputy Speaker: I can see that the Leader of the House agrees that it is reasonable. not later than 5.00 pm; such Questions shall include the Questions on any Amendments to the Motion referred to in (b) I may be mistaken, but after the hon. Gentleman above selected by the Speaker which may then be moved; and asked his question of the Leader of the House I am Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions) shall not apply.— pretty sure that I heard the Leader of the House give an (Scott Mann.) 1109 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1110

Coronavirus hon. Friend the Prime Minister has set out into law, replacing the existing national lockdown. We are able to [Relevant documents: Oral evidence taken before the take this action and propose these measures thanks to Science and Technology Committee on 17 February and the perseverance of the in following the 9 March, on UK science, research and technology capability rules and the success story that is our UK vaccination and influence in global disease outbreaks, HC 136; e-petition programme, which has now vaccinated more than 313310, Repeal the Coronavirus Act 2020, and e-petition 28.6 million people—55% of all adults in the 561995, Repeal Coronavirus Act and end all Covid-19 United Kingdom. restrictions; First Report of the Women and Equalities Hospitalisations are now at their lowest point since Committee, Unequal Impact? Coronavirus, disability and September and are down 90% since the peak. To put access to services: interim Report on temporary provisions this into context, there are today just over 5,000 people in the Coronavirus Act, HC 386, and the Government in hospital with covid. At the peak, just two months response, HC 1172; Fourth Report of the Women and ago, there were just under 5,000 new admissions with Equalities Committee, Unequal Impact? Coronavirus, covid each day. Deaths are now at their lowest point disability and access to services: full Report, HC 1050; since October and they are down 94% since the peak. and Eighth Report of the Procedure Committee, Back to The research published today shows that our vaccination the future? Procedure after coronavirus restrictions, programme has already saved the lives of more than HC 1282.] 6,000 people across the UK, up to the end of February. The success of the vaccination programme means Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): We that we are now able to carefully replace the short-term now come to motion 2, on public health, which, with protection of the restrictions that we have all endured, the permission of the House, we will debate with motions 3 with the long-term protection provided by the vaccine. to 5. Our goal is to be cautious yet irreversible. I must tell the Before I call the Secretary of State to move motion 2 House, Madam Deputy Speaker, that while I am still, and speak to the other motions, I can confirm that by nature, an optimist, there remain causes for caution. Mr Speaker has not selected any of the amendments. I Cases are rising in some areas and they are rising should also mention that there will be a limit on Back-Bench among those under 18. There are early signs of cases speeches not of three minutes initially,but of four minutes. flattening among the working-age population, too. I am delighted that uptake of the vaccine is now 1.35 pm 95% among over-60s and that protection against dying from the vaccine is around 85%. Both of those figures, The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care 95% uptake and 85% protection, are higher than we (Matt Hancock): I beg to move, could have hoped for, but while we are confident that we That the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) have broken the link between the number of cases and (England) Regulations 2021 (S.I., 2021, No. 364), dated 22 March the hospitalisations and deaths that previously inevitably 2021, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22 March, be followed, no vaccine is perfect and take-up is not 100%, so approved. that link, while broken, is not yet severed. Madam Deputy Speaker: With this we shall discuss New variants also remain a risk because we do not the following: yet know with confidence the impact of the vaccine against the new variants. We all want these next few Motion 3—Coronavirus Act 2020 (Review of Temporary months to be a one-way route to freedom, so as we Provisions) (No. 2)— restore the freedoms that we all cherish, we must do so That the temporary provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020 in a way that does not put our NHS at risk. should not yet expire. Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): On that Motion 4—Coronavirus Act 2020 (One-year Status point about the take-up and the efficacy, one thing that Report)— the chief medical officer said was that the timings in the That this House has considered the one-year report on the road map were driven by some of the modelling that the status on the non-devolved provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020. Government had seen. The assumptions behind that Motion 5—Proceedings during the Pandemic (No. 6)— modelling I think came from February and are much That the Order of 2 June 2020 (Proceedings during the pandemic more pessimistic than what we now know about take-up (No. 2)), as amended on 1 July and 22 October 2020, the Order of and efficacy. Can the Secretary of State ensure that that 4 June 2020 (Virtual participation in proceedings during the modelling is redone with the new assumptions to see pandemic), as amended on 1 July, 2 September, 22 October and whether that would justify a faster unlocking of the 30 December 2020, the Order of 3 November 2020 (Proxy voting country, which is important to save jobs, save businesses during the pandemic (No. 2)) and the Order of 25 February (Sittings in Westminster Hall during the pandemic) shall have and maximise the economic future of our young people? effect until 21 June. Matt Hancock: While modelling is obviously something that is looked at, the observation of the actual data is I Matt Hancock: Over the past year, we have all think the best guide. The good news is that the number been engaged in a monumental national effort to fight of deaths has fallen very sharply and continues to fall coronavirus, which has required the House to take sharply, and the number of hospitalisations has extraordinary measures in response to this extraordinary fallen sharply—not quite as sharply as deaths, but threat. Today, we debate our road map to recovery and nevertheless sharply. Critically, the link has broken, so what is legally needed to take the cautious but irreversible the weight that we place on the number of cases as an path out of this pandemic. We propose to remove some indicator is not nearly as great as it was before, because of the emergency powers that the House put in place a it used to be inevitable that that led to hospitalisations year ago and set the steps of the road map that my right and deaths. 1111 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1112

The reason for the timings in the road map is so that, people have, sadly, died from covid in NHS hospitals after each step, we can see its impact before being able, three weeks after receiving their first dose of a covid carefully, to take the next step. That is the core reason vaccine? for the timings in the road map—four weeks to see the impact of a step, and then one week to give warning of Matt Hancock: Yes, the data on the impact of the the next step. It is that, rather than the modelling, that I vaccine—including side effects from the vaccine and the put the stress on for the timings in the road map. rare occasions when, sadly, people die after having had the vaccine—are published by the Medicines and Healthcare Mr Harper: To come back very briefly on that final products Regulatory Agency. If there are any data in point, if deaths and hospitalisations are what is important, this area that are not published but my hon. Friend is the Secretary of State able to confirm the information would like to be published, he can write to me and I that was published in The Times this morning on the would be very happy to look into publishing them. modelling by SPI-M—the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Essentially, we take an attitude of being as transparent Group on Modelling, the Government’sadvisory committee as possible, because there are side effects to the vaccine —showing a dramatic reduction in hospitalisations and as there are to all pharmaceutical drugs and we want to deaths taking place over the next week and throughout be completely open and transparent about those side April? That really drives my assumption that we could effects—essentially to reassure people that the risks are go a bit faster. Is he able to confirm that for the House? extremely low. Matt Hancock: I have not seen that article in The Times—I have read parts of The Times, but not Sir Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): My right that bit—so I cannot confirm, but I can write to my hon. Friend answered a question from me on this very right hon. Friend with details on this point. However, I subject by saying that the data was not available. I would stress that the focus only on modelling is not cannot understand why crucial data—such as the number really where the ultimate judgment on the timings of of people who have been vaccinated for more than three the road map is; it is about being able to observe weeks, who are then admitted to hospital and subsequently progress and then take the next step with confidence. die—is not collected. Why is that? The central point here is that cases may well rise. In fact, I would say cases are likely to rise, not least with schools Matt Hancock: This data has been collated recently; going back. The critical thing is that the automaticity—cases it is in the so-called SIREN study from Public Health going up having an impact on hospitalisations—is no England. I am very happy to look into exactly the data longer there. However, if cases got extremely high, even that my hon. Friends are looking for and, if we have it, with a much weaker link from cases to hospitalisations, to publish it. I think we have what has been asked for, that is something we clearly have to guard against and it but let us try to do this by correspondence to ensure is set out in test 3 of the Prime Minister’s four tests. that we get exactly what is being looked for. On the face of it, my hon. Friend is absolutely right; it is exactly the Dr Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton) (Lab): The sort of thing that we are looking at, but I want to make Health Secretary has talked of protections for the over-60s. sure that we get the details right. Can he appreciate why, for some of our constituents As I was just saying, each step of the road map is who crave a foreign holiday, it looks very odd that a guided by the data and the progress against the four Stanley Johnson loophole seems to have been negotiated, tests. We were able to take the first step on 8 March, so that someone over 60 with their own property abroad when we allowed the return of face-to-face education in can get around that? Can he also appreciate that a lot of schools, relaxed the rules on two people gathering outside our constituents think that these measures—the Prime for recreation and allowed care home residents to nominate Minister used to talk about women who look like bank a single regular visitor, supported by regular testing and robbers—have now mandated us all to wear these masks? personal protective equipment. Matt Hancock: I am not quite sure what point the The regulations before the House today ease restrictions hon. Member is making, but this is what I was going on further—again, in a careful and controlled way. First, to say. The critical point where I ended the exchange they allow us to put in place the remaining measures of with my right hon. Friend the Member for Forest of step 1, which will come into force on Monday. That Dean (Mr Harper) is that we must restore the freedoms means that the “stay at home” rule will end and six that we all cherish, but in a way that does not put the people or two households will be able to meet outdoors, NHS at risk. Throughout the crisis, we have successfully and outdoor sports can resume. The regulations also protected the NHS, and I am delighted to be able to commit the remaining steps of our road map into law, inform the House that there are now record numbers of so that we can gradually ease restrictions at the right NHS doctors and NHS nurses in England. New data time before eventually removing them all together, which published this morning show that there are over we hope to be able to do on 21 June. 300,000 nurses in the NHS in England for the first time in its history. So we have protected our NHS and we are Mr Richard Holden (North West Durham) (Con): delivering our commitments to it. Nobody wants to My constituents have been in touch to raise concerns have to reimpose measures, as we have sadly seen elsewhere about these measures being in place for longer than in Europe only this week, so we must follow this cautious absolutely necessary, but they have also been raising and, we hope, irreversible road map. concerns about long covid. Will the Secretary of State respond to my constituents on both issues, and explain Mr William Wragg (Hazel Grove) (Con): My right to the House what he and his Department are looking hon. Friend mentions data on occurrences within the into to better understand the effects of long covid on NHS. Does the NHS have data to suggest how many the population? 1113 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1114

Matt Hancock: We clearly want to lift these measures Matt Hancock: I am an optimist, as I just said. as soon as is reasonably possible. My goal is that we will Let me carry on detailing the purpose of these measures. eventually see covid as something that has to be managed Step 2 allows non-essential retail and personal care rather like flu. We do not put in place restrictions on services to reopen. We have said that that will happen normal life to tackle flu, but we do have a regular not before 12 April. It will also allow the reopening of vaccination programme. With vaccines, that is where I leisure services, indoor leisure such as gyms, and self- hope we will be able to get to. contained accommodation. Step 2 also sees the reopening—outdoors—of our pubs and restaurants, Several hon. Members rose— which I know so many of us are looking forward to. Matt Hancock: I just want to answer my hon. Friend’s Step 3 will lift restrictions on meetings outdoors, second point before taking further interventions. His subject to a limit of 30, and up to six people, or two point about long covid is important. In fact, the National households, will be able to meet inside. Indoor hospitality, Institute for Health Research, which has done a brilliant indoor entertainment and all other types of accommodation job during the pandemic, has today put out a £20 million will be able to open their doors once again. Step 4 will call for further research and diagnostics, including patient begin no earlier than 21 June. This is the final stage in and public involvement, so that long covid can be the road map, because, bolstered by a mammoth testing properly understood, and people who catch covid and effort and capacity and by the protection of the vaccination, have symptoms over a long time—which I know can be that is when we aim to remove all legal limits on social deeply debilitating for some people—can get the support contact and restore our freedoms once again. they need on the NHS. I know how hard these restrictions have been. I know they have meant missing out on special moments with (Tunbridge Wells) (Con): My right hon. loved ones and putting important events on hold, and Friend mentions the fact that we live with flu every they have also taken a significant economic toll, so we winter and act against it. Has he made an assessment of do not want to keep them in place any longer than we what level of hospital admissions would be consistent judge we have to. I am therefore pleased to say that with protecting the NHS? these road map regulations will expire at the end of June. Matt Hancock: It is very difficult to know in advance. At the peak of this pandemic, we had 38,000 patients in Let me turn now to the renewal of the temporary hospital across the UK at any one time with covid, but provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020, which are also of course that meant that other non-urgent treatments before the House today. The Act has been a crucial part had to be delayed. There is a question of the trade-off of our response to this virus. It helped us to protect the and how much treatment is delayed. In a bad flu season, NHS in its hour of need, to keep public services, courts elective operations and non-urgent treatments are delayed. and local democracy running and to offer the financial That is one way in which the NHS manages through a assistance that has been a lifeline to so many people. difficult flu season in winter. Measures like that will be Some provisions in the Act require renewal every six necessary if we have an increase in covid cases. months. If we were to remove the temporary provisions If we have learned anything in the last year, we have in the Act altogether,we would lose, for instance, measures learned that we have to live with risk as a society. That is protecting commercial tenants and renters from eviction, a reality, so the goal and the strategy are to invest in the we would not be able to run virtual court hearings, NHS so that it has more capacity, make sure that it can which are an integral part of maintaining the rule of expand capacity and make sure that we have the vaccine law, and people would not be able to receive statutory effort and the continued efforts that people will no sick pay for the full period for which they are required doubt take personal responsibility for, such as mask- to self-isolate. So there are some important technical wearing—and people will be highly likely do that to provisions that allow for the running of public services, protect themselves and others, after the experience we given the social distancing we have at the moment. have just had. I want to get to a point of personal responsibility plus the vaccine plus the test and trace Dawn Butler (Brent Central) (Lab): The word “crucial” programme, so that people can be regularly tested and has been doing a lot of heavy lifting in the Minister’s we can use that to break the chains of transmission. I speech. Is it not correct that if these measures are voted want to manage covid in that way, while restoring our down today, the Government would have 21 days to freedoms. That is the best way, once we have made our bring a new Bill to Parliament? Is it not also correct that way carefully down this road. a lot of what we are relying on comes from other legislation and not actually the Coronavirus Act? Mr (Wycombe) (Con): What my right hon. Friend has just said is extremely encouraging, and I am very grateful. Will he confirm that the reason that Matt Hancock: Absolutely.The main provisions under step 4 is not in the regulations is that it does not need which we put in place the lockdown come from the any regulations? It is freedom from these regulations. Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, not the Coronavirus Act. The mainstay in terms of the Coronavirus Matt Hancock: Yes—that is a very good way of Act is to allow us to support people and public services. putting it; in fact, it was on the next page of my script. It For instance, furlough is in the Coronavirus Act; that is is a pleasure to be as one with my hon. Friend after all not up for renewal, because it is a permanent part—it is this time, and I hope very much that he joins us in the for the full period of the Act. Nevertheless, in terms of Lobby later. being able to pay statutory sick pay to people when they are self-isolating, I am asking the House today to renew Mr Baker: No comment. that provision, and I think that we must. 1115 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1116

I want to stress this point to those who are we can continue to do that sort of thing to ensure that understandably concerned about the extent of powers nurses can be enrolled into the NHS as easily as possible. in the Coronavirus Act. Although the Act remains I cannot answer whether we will be retiring it in six months. essential and we are seeking the renewal of elements of My preference would be yes, but given the last year I it, we have always said that we will only retain powers as think a prediction would be hasty. long as they are necessary. They are exceptional powers. They are approved by the House for use in the most : Further to that point, may I make a extreme of situations and they must be seen in that suggestion to my right hon. Friend? The expansion of light. Because of the progress we have made, we are now the availability of live links for criminal proceedings will able to expire and suspend a whole raft of measures in be put into the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts the Act, just as we expired provisions after the previous Bill, so that will not be needed. The Secretary of State is review six months ago. bringing forward a new health Bill during the new Session. Would that be an opportunity to update that? Wepropose to expire 12 provisions in the Act: section 15, which allowed local authorities to ease some responsibilities Matt Hancock: Yes, that is an important point. We around social care; section 24, which allowed biometric have just started the process of working on that. If data held for national security purposes to be retained measures have worked well and we want to keep them for an extra six months; five provisions that required because they are good, can we put them permanently information for businesses and people involved in the on the statute book? That should, properly, take the food supply chain; section 71, which allowed a single process of normal primary legislation. My hon. Friend Treasury Minister to sign on behalf of all Treasury mentions a forthcoming health and care Bill. I look to Commissioners—I know the Whips Office is looking the Leader of the House and I can see that he is smiling, forward to getting its signatures out again. There are although I cannot, of course, say whether that Bill will two provisions that created a new form of emergency be brought forward until we have a proper sign-off—it volunteering leave, which we have not needed and are is nice to see him looking so handsome there. retiring. Section 79 extended arrangements for business [Laughter.]Our aim would be to get that on to the improvement districts and section 84 allowed for the statute book, should we bring it forward, in the middle postponement of General Synod elections. Those are of next year, so there is a shorter-term question of the not needed anymore and we are therefore not seeking to handling from here to there. We need to do that with the extend them. We only extend that which we think is best administrative efficiency that we can, but I am necessary. talking here about the less controversial elements of the Act. Munira Wilson (Twickenham) (LD): I welcome the expiry of some measures, particularly the social care Mr Harper: I am grateful for the Secretary of State’s easements, which were discriminatory against the most judgment and I will try not to test his patience again. vulnerable in our society. Will the Secretary of State He mentioned that there are some very valuable accept that under the Coronavirus Act we have had administrative measures. If they were the only things 250 people wrongfully charged? The Act is full of far- being rolled forward, I do not think people would mind, reaching powers that are not needed. The practical although my reading of the Act is that the registration measures he talked about can be brought forward in the provisions for medical staff are in section 89, in the next 21 days. As he suggested, the fake news that permanent part of the Act rather than the temporary furlough cannot go on without renewing the Act is just part. The controversial parts include the police powers untrue, because that is a permanent provision. to detain potentially infectious persons, which the hon. Member for Twickenham (Munira Wilson) referred to, Matt Hancock: Furlough is provided for under the and which have been used unlawfully on a number of Act. As I just said, it is a permanent provision of the occasions. It says in the one-year review of the Act that Act, but the statutory sick pay is not and I think we those are intended to be long-term powers and my right should be giving people statutory sick pay to help them hon. Friend has just suggested that those provisions to self-isolate. might be rolled forward a further six months. That is why so many of us are worried. These are extraordinary Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): The Secretary of provisions, not for normal times, and they should be State is asking for a further six months under the Act, expired at the earliest possible opportunity. which is all that we can do. The Prime Minister has been talking in the last few days about the need for section 2, Matt Hancock: I actually agree with my right hon. for instance, on the emergency registration of nurses, to Friend that they should be expired at the earliest possible help us to deal with the backlog. The same is true of opportunity.The challenge, especially as we lift measures sections 53, 54, 55 and 56 with respect to the courts. In on all of us, is if there are, for instance, new variants six months’ time, will we need that? Will we have dealt that we need to pin down absolutely—in the same way with the backlog in the health service and the courts, or that a new variant came about in Liverpool and we will he need to renew this again in six months? tackled it. We have not seen any new cases of it, not only because of fantastic local work, but because in Matt Hancock: That is a good question. The truth is lockdown that is easier. Having these very targeted that we have a record number of nurses in the NHS, interventions for now is important. Therefore, we have over 300,000, in part because the Act allowed for their made the judgment that we should propose that they emergency registration much more swiftly than previously. are necessary for now. I know that we disagree on that Parts of the Act have allowed us to do good things like point, but I suggest that by voting against all these that, which everybody would like to see. When we come renewals, a whole load of valuable things that he and I to retire the Act, which we must within one year and would agree on would not be renewed, were that vote to preferably within six months, we will need to make sure go through. 1117 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1118

Mr Steve Baker: Will the Secretary of State give way? More than 126,000 people have died. In social care, the impact has been devastating, with more than Matt Hancock: I will just make a little more progress. 30,000 deaths. Residents have been left isolated and Wearealsosuspendingthreefurtherprovisions,although frightened, deprived of visits from their loved ones for they may need to be restored and called on if required. months on end. Across the NHS, cancer patients have As well as that, we have completed the six-month statutory had surgery cancelled and screenings postponed, and review on covid-secure regulations for businesses, the more than 300,000 people have been waiting for more collectionof contactdetailsandself-isolation,andconcluded than a year for treatment. A study today from the that they remain necessary at this time. The Coronavirus University of Leicester suggested that 71% of those Act is temporary, time-limited and proportionate to the patients who were hospitalised and discharged have not threat we face, and we are keeping measures only where fully recovered after five months, and 20% have been they are necessary as we exit this pandemic, and then we left with a new disability. The long-term impact of can do away with this Act for good. covid is likely to be severe for many people. Throughout the pandemic, this House has also found Our NHS staff face burn-out, and children have lost a way to meet. I cannot wait for the time when this months of education and social interaction. They risk Chamber will be full and rowdy once again as the being among the biggest victims of the pandemic. Families cockpit of our democracy, where we can almost literally are worried and anxious. Our NHS has suffered. Public take the temperature of the nation. I may pay for that health funding has been cut for many years, which left when I say something particularly unfortunate, but I our public health services without the capacity they prefer it, and I think everybody in this House does. needed when the pandemic hit. The poorest communities After widespread consultation and on the basis of detailed saw more than double the death rate in the first wave of public health advice, my right hon. Friend the Leader of the virus, and in ethnic minority communities the death the House has tabled a motion to extend virtual rate has been up to 50% higher. It did not have to be like participation and the current proxy voting arrangements that. A healthier more equal society would have weathered until 21 June, the proposed date for the removal of all the storms better. We could have planned better, acted legal restrictions on social contact. Wethank you, Madam more quickly, and responded more comprehensively. Deputy Speaker, and through you the other Deputy Our vaccination programme has been successful, and Speakers, Mr Speaker and the House authorities for the again I thank everybody who has been involved in that. work that has been done in these unprecedented times But the reality is that we are not yet out of the woods. to keep people safe here. The pandemic still has some way to go, and it is right The measures before the House today show how we that we proceed with caution and do not become will put the pandemic behind us and restore life to complacent. Vaccination alone does not make us bullet- normal. We are on the road to recovery, but we are not proof. It makes us safer, but we are not safe until we at the finish line yet, and by passing these measures, we build population immunity and roll out vaccinations can keep protecting lives and livelihoods while we get everywhere across the world. our nation back on its feet once more. Last week I asked the Secretary of State about the vaccination of children, and he rightly said that we had Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab/Co-op): to wait for the research and clinical trials. Yesterday it On a specific point, which I rather hoped the Secretary was suggested that the vaccination of children could of State would cover but I anticipate will not, we are start as soon as August, if safety requirements are met. obviously very concerned about variants in Europe and I hope Ministers are commissioning the Joint Committee the surge that we are seeing there. Is it the Government’s on Vaccination and Immunisation to produce a plan for intention to impose restrictions on those coming in how children’s vaccinations could roll out. That will be from France or Germany—to add either France or an important way to drag down transmission. other European countries to the red list—or to impose A third wave is surging across Europe, much of which testing on hauliers coming into the country? is due to the B117 variant. Increasingly, we are seeing higher prevalence of other variants, and as the Matt Hancock: All these questions will be answered Secretary of State rightly said, we are uncertain about as part of the work of the global travel taskforce, which whether they will evade the vaccines. We therefore have the Prime Minister has announced will be published on to be careful and proceed with caution. Although we 5 April, so I recommend that the right hon. Gentleman are making extraordinary progress in this country with waits until then. In answering that final question, I our vaccination rates and in bringing infection rates commend the motions to the House. down, we know that the virus mutates and that it could come back and hit us even harder, particularly at a time 2.4 pm when a considerable amount of virus is circulating. Infections are still running at more than 5,000 day, Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab/Co-op): I and last week the Office for National Statistics estimated appreciate the Secretary of State allowing me to intervene that 160,000 people in England had the infection in the on him at the end of his speech. past week. We must still work hard to break transmission It is right that this week we remember all those who chains and shut down opportunities for the virus to have lost their lives to this horrific virus, and that we replicate. Given the loss of life we have suffered, and the reflect on the grief of all those who have lost loved ones. risk of mutations that could set us back, we must have Across the House we pay tribute to those who put zero tolerance of letting the virus rage unchecked. For themselves in the face of danger—our NHS, care workers, that reason, Labour accepts that restrictions must stay and all our public servants and key workers who have in place, and we will support the renewal of the Coronavirus kept our society functioning. Act 2020 and the public health regulations. 1119 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1120

We do not support that renewal with any enthusiasm no explanation and very little imagination to understand the huge or relish—quite the opposite. Neither the Secretary of potential for abuse that such powers and others in the Bill, State nor I came into politics to put powers such as however well intended and needed, still give rise.”—[Official these on the statute book. These powers curtail so many Report, 23 March 2020; Vol. 674, c. 59.] basic freedoms and deregulate so many basic standards Sadly, we have seen such abuses. Schedule 21, which for which our forebears fought so hard and that so gives the power to detain potentially infectious persons, many people have taken for granted. has been used for a number of prosecutions, every one of which was found to be unlawful when reviewed by I am also acutely conscious that this deadly virus the Crown Prosecution Service. The Joint Committee spreads rapidly,exploits ambiguity and thrives on inequality. on Human Rights advised in its report of September Suppressing the virus does depend on social distancing last year that measures, which is why we need them on the statute “In the absence of any clear evidence to support the retention book, but it depends on other measures as well, such as of these powers”— properly isolating the sick and paying them fully to isolate. It depends on having proper community-led the schedule 21 powers— contact tracing, both retrospective and looking forward. “they ought to be repealed.” It depends on investing in science, so that we have not We have huge sympathy with that, as do Members who just the vaccines but the therapeutics that will lead us have contributed to the debate so far, and we urge the out of this crisis. Government to look again at that schedule. Restrictions in themselves are a blunt tool, but sadly Mr Steve Baker: I am grateful for what the hon. they will be needed, given that the virus is still surging Gentleman just said. I am very sorry—although I across the world. That is why we supported the measures completely understand it—that my amendment on 12 months ago and will support them again today. schedules 21 and 22 was not selected, because we probably Indeed, it was 12 months ago that I met regularly with would have gone through the Lobby together on it. the Secretary of State. It was just over 12 months ago Could he advise the Secretary of State on whether he that I sat round a very small table in the Prime Minister’s would vote to call upon Ministers to remove those office in Downing Street with the Prime Minister and schedules, should such a question come before the House? the then Leader of the Opposition, my right hon. Friend the Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn), Jonathan Ashworth: I understand why we should alongside advisers such as Dominic Cummings and want to deal with somebody who is infectious and others, to negotiate the content of the Act. refusing to isolate, but I do not think the schedule and We pressed for statutory sick pay from day one, and the way it has been applied is needed. That needs to be that is in the Act. We think that the Government should looked at again. go further—it is not enough, but at least we have I make a broader point. Although I understand why statutory sick pay from day one. We pressed for a ban the Government have to put, or maintain, these restrictions on evictions for those in rent arrears, and again, the on the statute book, and I am a strong believer in doing Prime Minister gave us that concession. We pressed for all we can to suppress the virus, drive down infections, furlough as well in that meeting. On each of those, I cut transmission chains and prevent opportunities for it want the Government to go much, much further, and it to replicate—I am a strong believer in putting public is a monstrous failure that decent sick pay and financial health and prevention first—I also think that the support have not been provided over the past 12 months, Government could have found time for this debate to but it would be churlish of me not to recognise that we take place in the House over a couple of days, so that had that meeting and that concessions were offered as a Members could table amendments and we could properly result of it. scrutinise the legislation. The Government have a rather Even though we supported the Act 12 months ago, I handsome majority; I am sure they would have got raised at the Dispatch Box a number of concerns about their way on most things, but who knows? Perhaps its content and said that, in different circumstances, through proper scrutiny we might have improved the with a proper process whereby Members could table legislation. amendments in good time, we would have hoped for Mr Baker: The hon. Gentleman might know that I better scrutiny of it. We raised concerns about the have proposed a new public health Act that would use easements of the Care Act 2014, and I am pleased that statutory instruments of the type under the Civil those clauses will be removed. We raised objections to Contingencies Act 2004, which would allow us to amend the Coronavirus Act giving the Secretary of State powers them. Would he support that proposal? to change section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014. I understand that those powers have not been Jonathan Ashworth: The hon. Gentleman invites me used since July last year, but we remain concerned that to offer endorsement before I have read the details—he they appear still to be in the Act. I ask the Secretary of is a canny operator in this place—but in principle his State and Ministers to reflect on that and to take those suggestion sounds reasonable. I look forward to no clauses out of the Act. doubt receiving an email from him later today, which I We also raised concerns about the more draconian will be able to read when I am on the train back to elements of the Act. Indeed, I said at the Dispatch Box Leicester. a year ago: Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): “The Bill contains the most draconian powers ever seen in peacetime Britain—powers to detain and test potentially infectious My hon. Friend is giving us an interesting insight into members of the public…powers to shut down gatherings, which the history of the epidemic in this country and the could impede the ability to protest against the overall handling of discussions that took place. Would he care to put it on the crisis or against the abuse of the powers themselves. It needs record that we should immediately start an independent 1121 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1122

[Graham Stringer] “The crisis has exposed the vulnerability of a society in which insecure work is rife, deregulation is king and public services are public inquiry into what has gone on so that we can get underfunded. When we come out on the other side, as we will, we a full picture? It is a feeble excuse to say that people have to build a society that puts people first.”—[Official Report, 23 March 2020; Vol. 674, c. 61.] cannot attend a public inquiry when virtually every Select Committee in this House is having witnesses Rebuilding that society becomes ever more urgent every every day. day. Jonathan Ashworth: My hon. Friend is absolutely Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame ): right: we need a public inquiry. Mistakes have been The four-minute limit will now be on for Back-Bench made. There have been examples of poor decision making. speeches. When we went into the crisis, our health and social care 2.20 pm capacity was less than it should have been, and our Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire) (Con) [V]: It has public health capacity, after cutbacks over many years, certainly been a challenging time for my constituents in was lacking. We were late going into lockdown a year North Herefordshire, but their fortitude and community ago; maybe that was not unreasonable, but we were also spirit must be highly commended. It is a triumph that late going into lockdown the second and third time. Of vaccines were produced and approved in record time, course we need a public inquiry to get to the bottom of and this was the silver bullet I have been asking for in all all these matters. my speeches to this House for so many months. We are The Secretary of State is embarking on a reorganisation all so proud that ours is one of the world’s most of the national health service. Yesterday, he made an successful vaccine roll-outs. Therefore, it is disappointing interesting speech about the future of public health, not to see more justification from the Government as to which he opened by saying that one lesson of this crisis why the Coronavirus Act needs to be extended for as is that we need to set up a national institute of health much as another six months. People must be able to security. I agree with him on health security, as it understand the exit from lockdown and understand happens, but the Government cannot, on the one hand, that these powers are for their own good. This is especially say that they have learned lessons from this crisis and true when the most vulnerable in society have been they need to do X, Y and Z while, on the other hand, vaccinated with the first of two jabs against this dreadful the Prime Minister says it is too early to learn lessons disease. Thanks to the work of the vaccine taskforce, and we cannot have an inquiry. My hon. Friend the the pharmaceutical companies, NHS staff and volunteers, Member for Blackley and Broughton (Graham Stringer) and the regulators, we should all be truly proud of our is absolutely right and I totally agree with him. world-beating vaccine roll-out programme. Herefordshire We have concerns about schedule 21 of the 2020 Act, continues to top the list as one of the areas with the but we are where we are, and the procedures of the highest vaccination rates. More than 91,000 people in House leave us little room for manoeuvre, so we will Herefordshire have now received their first dose; nearly support the Government in the Division Lobby, should 100% of the first five categories laid out by the JCVI it come to that, albeit that we would rather not be in this have been jabbed, as have more than 61% of the 55 to situation. 59 category. Some 28.6 million people have now been Schedule 22 is another schedule that is open to abuse, vaccinated in this country, saving nearly 6,000 lives. and I hope the Government will review it and come Nearly 850,000 people received a dose on Saturday forward with alternatives; given recent events, the power alone, and I had my first injection today. it contains on gatherings has caused understandable Now we must capitalise on this success and the global concern. However, some progress is offered by the public opportunities it creates for the UK. The roll-out of the health regulations, which expressly include—I think for vaccine was always going to change the game, and it is the first time, and in relation to each step of lockdown doing the job required of it. Let us not now miss the relaxation—the right to gather for purposes of protest. chances that this golden opportunity presents. We are That is welcome but, to be frank, it should have been free from the EU, and we can manoeuvre economically there all along. I have some concerns that, to comply, and commercially, safe from covid-19. Globally, this is organisers must take into account, in the words of the an almost unique advantage for our businesses, which regulations, have been supported throughout the crisis. Now, let us “any guidance issued by the government relevant to the gathering”, make sure that we can collect on our investment. From which means that the Government, through guidance, 9 March to 15 March, Herefordshire had a covid case which could be general or specific to a particular protest, rate of 34 per 100,000. When we entered the latest set of can determine what is allowed by way of protest. I hope restrictions, the county’s rate was at 254 per 100,000. the Minister,who is a decent man and a fellow Leicestershire Now, there are only 58 cases in the county. On 10 May MP, can offer us some guidance on that in his response. 2020, the Prime Minister announced a relaxation of Notwithstanding our concerns, we understand why some of the lockdown measures. At that time, the the 2020 Act must stay on the statute book and why the R rate was between 0.5 and 0.9, whereas on 15 March public health regulations must receive the support of the county had a rate of between 0.6 and 0.9. On the House today. The pandemic is not over. The virus is 10 May 2020, the seven-day average for hospital admissions surging again. Deaths are increasing across the world was 987.3, whereas now it is 426.1. after going down for some weeks. Mutations could The country had restrictions lifted the first time emerge, which could bounce back at us and set us back around in very different circumstances last year. Given considerably. Although they would probably not put us that children are back at school and the vaccine roll-out back to square one, they could evade the success of our is so successful, we are actually in a safer place than we vaccination programme. A year ago, I concluded my were last May, and because of the good behaviour of remarks by observing: the people of this county, we need to capitalise on this. 1123 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1124

We are doing so much better than Europe. When we will not listen to us, he should at least listen to the look at the statistics, we see that our record is fantastic. experts who are advising that the best way forward is to That is why I will dig deep into the loyalty vault and implement tougher border controls to stop mutant strains today vote with the Government, but we need to remember being imported to the UK. Huge numbers of people are that we need to keep the people properly informed as to still being allowed to enter the UK without the proper why these restrictions are necessary. I would love to public health checks. This is dangerous. The Scottish hear the Government do more of that. Government have followed the science and done what they can within their power, but this will not stop new 2.24 pm strains coming into Scotland via other parts of the UK. We need Westminster to act. By continuing to ignore Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP) expert advice, the Westminster Government are putting [V]: It is hard to believe that it is a year since the four Scotland and its recovery at risk. nations officially went into lockdown. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone for The Prime Minister must stop dithering, heed the everything they have done to support us and the NHS calls and bring in a comprehensive system of supervised during this unprecedented period: everyone who helped quarantine for the whole of the UK to stop us going out, be that by staying at home or continuing to go to backwards and to save lives. I cannot stress this enough. work to allow others to stay at home, and those who Having tougher quarantine restrictions for incoming volunteered or supported our NHS. I am truly grateful travellers is a scientifically sound, sensible and to everyone whose effort has assisted in whatever way. overwhelmingly publicly supported option. The UK Over that year, many have lost loved ones to covid, Government must change their position to ensure that with 126,000 covid-related deaths to date, and regrettably imported cases are kept down as we reopen. Given how this figure is still rising. Many will also have lost loved highly infectious coronavirus is, general anti-virus measures ones to other causes too, and irrespective of whether may be needed until a sufficient proportion of the the losses were related to covid, the grieving process has population is vaccinated—perhaps 70% or more. been even more complex and stressful than it would It is therefore crucial that unlocking must be data and otherwise have been. My thoughts and prayers are with not date driven, so I am somewhat nervous when I hear them too. the PM and Ministers use phrases like “irreversible On a personal note, I look forward to receiving my road map out of lockdown”. This does not sound data first vaccine dose next week. There are some advantages driven to me and risks repeating previous mistakes. It to turning 50 this week, it seems. The continued vaccine was the Prime Minister’s refusal to follow SAGE advice roll-out offers us all a realistic hope for the future to in September that delayed lockdown and allowed the come, and I encourage everyone who is offered a vaccine Kent variant to take hold. We must learn those lessons. to take up the offer. Businesses and individuals must continue to be helped I recognise that Governments globally have had to through the remainder of restrictions.With health measures make some very difficult choices over the past year, and and covid restrictions being devolved matters, I stress unfortunately these difficult choices endure because the that while restrictions continue in any part of the UK, virus has not yet gone and will remain with us for some support must too. While I welcome the extension of time to come. As it mutates into potentially more harmful furlough in the spring Budget, it should be continued variants and we witness countries entering a third wave, for as long as it is needed. There must also be sector-specific current decisions continue to require consideration of support for aviation, hospitality and tourism. There is competing challenges. That said, I think it fair to say much more I could say on these matters, but time is that we are on the road out of lockdown—perhaps not short and I wish to cover the other motions being as fast as some would like, but there is a delicate balance considered today. and we have to get this right. It is inevitable that as we unlock there will be a rise in cases, so successful roll-out Those of us in the SNP have serious concerns about of vaccinations and protection of the most vulnerable is the lack of parliamentary scrutiny of the powers contained essential. in the UK Government’s Coronavirus Act, and we To that end, I urge that for continued suppression of raised our concerns on Second Reading. The reviews the virus in the UK as we come out of lockdown, the must not be a rubber-stamping exercise; they must have UK Government should follow the Scottish Government’s the teeth to provide meaningful scrutiny, protect human example on hotel quarantines. A Public Health England rights and promote public health. It is important that study showed that quarantine-free travel corridors Parliament has its say so we have stronger regulations in contributed to the spread of coronavirus in the UK last place to tackle the biggest health emergency we have year, with travel from European countries accounting seen in our lifetimes. The Government are under huge for 86% of imported cases between May and September, pressure, but their decisions need the insight and legitimacy and now England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer has of Parliament. I say that not in an attempt to hamstring told MPs that 68% of those arriving from France were the Government, but to help them to do better. exempt from quarantine measures. Data shows that Giving Parliament the ability to scrutinise schedules South African and Brazilian variants that may be more and measures individually would go a long way towards resistant to vaccines now account for 40% of new cases that. That it does not have that ability is, in my opinion, in some regions of France. simply unacceptable. For example, the SNP supports My SNP colleagues and I have repeatedly called for repeal of schedule 21, which contains very broad police the UK Government to follow Scotland’s lead and detention powers. Those have clearly proven problematic, bring in supervised quarantine for all arrivals to the UK with schedule 21 having been used for 246 prosecutions, to prevent the spread of covid-19 variants and save every single one of which was found unlawful by the lives, but we have been ignored. If the Prime Minister Crown Prosecution Service. That is as unprecedented as 1125 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1126

[Martyn Day] My protest, as I said, will be about none of those things. It will simply be about the price of milk and, as I it is unacceptable. I point out that Scottish police have said, for the next few days I will have that pint on me, it not used schedule 21 powers in Scotland, and that will be of symbolic importance to me, and at the end of alternative laws could be used in lieu of the schedule. the day it will be warm, it will have suppurated, and I The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 contains a can choose whether to drink it or pour it away, because range of measures to ensure scrutiny of Scottish it will be robbed of its refreshing elegance by the time it Government decisions, including the publishing of two- has been in my pocket for 12 hours. And if I pour it monthly reports to the Scottish Parliament on all Scottish away, that might cause people some concern, but it does statutory instruments made for a reason relating to not matter because it is my pint of milk and it is my coronavirus. Also, where possible, provisions in the protest, and I am not seeking people’sacclaim, endorsement Scottish coronavirus legislation have been suspended or or support in my protest. expired when they have fulfilled their purpose or when And you know, Madam Deputy Speaker, I heard and the Scottish Government have listened to the compelling I listened to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State views supporting change. The UK Government should for Health and Social Care. This will pass; my protest consider how similar scrutiny and accountability processes will pass, the pandemic will pass, and in years to come I can be introduced in this House. will be sitting at my kitchen table—perhaps with my In conclusion, we are not out of the pandemic yet—it wife, and hopefully my children, who will still want to will be with us for some time to come—although I think see me—and I will break awayfrom our excited conversation it is fair to say that we are on the road out of lockdown. about the day because I will spot that pint of milk on But we have to get this right, so more needs to be done the table, and that pint shall remind me that the act of to restore public trust in the handling of issues such as protest is a freedom—a freedom, not a right, and unless covid contracts and in the security of powers contained you cherish freedoms every day, unless you fight for in the Act. There needs to be reassurance that errors freedoms every day, they end up being taken away over timing of lockdowns will not occur again. But from you. above everything else, we need to act now to stop new 2.37 pm strains coming into the country, so I urge the Government to think again on measures at the borders. Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Broxbourne (Sir Charles Walker). 2.32 pm On 7 March in Manchester there was a demonstration, Sir Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con): As sure as not about milk but about the pay of NHS staff. Karen eggs are eggs, we will be back here in six months, at the Reissmann, a political opponent of mine at general end of September, being asked to renew this legislation elections, was arrested and served with a fine of £10,000. again. It is inevitable, and anyone who thinks it is not is That is an extraordinary attack on civil liberties. The deluding themselves. But this afternoon I am not here very small group of people at the demonstration were to talk about eggs; I want to talk about milk. socially distanced. Professor Woolhouse has told the In the remaining days of this lockdown, I am going Science and Technology Committee that while no risk is to allow myself an act of defiance—my own protest, zero, the risk of catching covid-19 in the open air which others may join me in. I am going to protest is minimal. We need to stop these restrictions now. That about the price of milk. I am not sure whether I think is one of the reasons why I will not be voting for the the price is too high or too low—I shall come to that Government’s proposals. decision later—but for the next few days I am going to The second point I want to make is about the walk around London with a pint of milk on my person, Government’s statement that they believe in “data, not because that pint will represent my protest. There may dates”. That is a curious thing for them to say, because be others who will choose, too, to walk around London when you look at what they say, there is no data there. with a pint of milk on their person, and perhaps as we There are dates—lots of dates—and when we have walk past each other in the street our eyes might meet. asked Ministers and scientists, how we, as parliamentarians We might even stop for a chat. But I was thinking to can check the data to see whether things are going well myself, and I will continue to think to myself, what will or badly, and so that we can ask for it to be speeded up, their pint of milk represent—what will their protest no information is given to us. Quite simply, it is a be? Perhaps they will be protesting the roaring back of slogan. The Government should be telling us what level a mental health demon, brought on by lockdown. Perhaps of admission into intensive care, what level of infections, they will be protesting a renewed battle with anorexia, what level of hospital admissions and what level of with depression, with anxiety, with addiction. Perhaps, vaccinations could lead to us being freed earlier. That is with their pint of milk, they will be protesting the lack another reason why I will not be voting for the proposals of agency in their life—not being able to make a meaningful before us; they are not giving Members of Parliament decision; maybe a loss of career or job or business. the tools that they need to deal with this. Maybe they will be protesting this country’s slide into My third point, in some ways my most fundamental authoritarianism, or perhaps they will be protesting the point, is that we have only ever been given one side of fact that we allow unelected officials to have lecterns at the story. People have died of covid, but if we look at No. 10 to lecture us on how to live our lives. But there what the cancer charities are telling us at the present might even be people, with their pint of milk, quietly time, we will see that at least 50,000 people are expected protesting that the route out of lockdown is too slow, or to die because they have not been tested over the past perhaps even too fast. You see, the point is, Madam 12 months. Every area of health service provision has Deputy Speaker, that these people can project what they been diminished because of the actions that have been like—what concern they have—on to their pint of milk. taken on covid. 1127 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1128

I cannot get past this point without also highlighting place—perhaps in a pandemic it is impossible to do what Patrick Vallance told the Science and Technology them in any other way—we should not be critical of Committee. If we had had the same level of intensive those who enforce the rules that we make in this place if care facilities as Germany and France—they have about we do not like the way that they are enforced. five times the level that we have—many of those other Secondly, let me talk about the amount of time that services could still have been provided. We have lost we have for debate. Three-and-a-half hours for a debate jobs. School children will suffer for the rest of their on these topics is simply not enough. The length of the lives—hopefully not, but I think that that is the case— call list makes it easy to see just how many Members because of what has been done to protect people. wish to take part. I say to the Minister for Health, my I cannot support what the Government propose. The hon. Friend the Member for Charnwood (Edward Argar), big reason behind it, I suppose, is that Governments that the Government should not be frightened of can get a taste for authoritarianism and for large powers. amendments, because if an amendment is proposed I do not want them to get a taste for that. I want this to that has the support of the majority of the House and be the end of it. I would like it to be the end of it today, the Government cannot find a good reason to say no to or in six months, or on 21 June. I think that is unlikely, it, it is probably a good amendment. I suggest that the but I do not want this or any other Government to Government think about providing more time for debate think that we should give these powers to a Government and more opportunities to amend. I do not agree with ever again. every single thing in these measures, but I will support the Government today. The Secretary of State’s opening 2.41 pm remarks were very conciliatory, and they set out very clearly the direction of travel, and I will therefore support Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Moorlands) (Con): It is the Government. a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Blackley and Broughton (Graham Stringer). I want to make a final point about managing public expectation. I had my vaccine on Saturday—I was I originally put in to speak in this debate because of one of the large number of people who did so—and the procedural motions. I expected there to be a separate one of the volunteers in my vaccine centre said to me, debate on the procedural motions and therefore, as “Now you’ve had the vaccine, you can vote against the Chair of the Procedure Committee, I was expecting to stupid restrictions.” People are expecting that these make some comments. As there other things to debate, I restrictions will end. They are queuing up in droves to shall mention some other things. get their vaccine, because that is the end of these On the procedural motions, the motions that have lockdowns. That is their passport out of the pandemic, been tabled are in line with the report issued by my and the Government need to make that happen. Committee. I do have to point out that there was a division in the Committee. It was the majority of the 2.45 pm Committee, not the entire Committee, that wanted to Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Ind) [V]: A year see the motions in the way that they are tabled today, ago, the House gave the Government unprecedented but that is what the Committee decided and I am powers to curtail and limit economic activity and our pleased that the Government have acted on that. Some normal liberties, and placed huge responsibilities on may think it odd that they are the only motions that we our public services to deliver us from the dangers of the are debating today that actually end on 21 June, but I pandemic. A year later, we are not properly scrutinising will come on to that point later. this legislation. We are not apparently debating any I also make the point—I hope that those at the amendments to it, and we have been given a take-it Whips’end of the Treasury Bench will listen to this—that, -or-leave-it approach by the Government, which is yesterday in the Liaison Committee, the Prime Minister unacceptable in any democracy. Earlier this week, the committed to a debate in the future so that we can renowned human rights group Liberty produced a very consider whether we want to continue with some of the good document that suggested a better, alternative way procedural things that we have been doing over the past of approaching this, and my great friend the Member 12 months. There may also be other procedural changes for Brent Central (Dawn Butler) introduced it earlier that we want to make. The Prime Minister committed this week as a Bill in this House. that such a debate should happen. I represent a densely populated inner-urban In my remaining two-and-a-bit minutes let me move constituency. My local authority, Islington Council, my on to the main event of the day. First, let me make the local hospital, the Whittington Hospital, and others point that, when we pass laws in this place, they are the have performed wonders during the past year in law of the land. We cannot say that we do not want supporting people through this desperately difficult them to be enforced. We cannot say that we would like time. Volunteers, through mutual aid groups, have done them to be ignored. We expect law enforcement and fantastic work. They have organised and run food others to enforce the laws that we pass. The difficulty banks very efficiently, provided mental health support with these laws is that they are contrary to the way that and supported our NHS workers. They are the very we normally carry out laws. Under the common law best of our society. system, one is free to do whatever one wishes unless the The effects of lockdown are not even across the law says otherwise. These laws are Napoleonic. They whole country, however. If you live in a good-quality give us permission to do certain things. They say that we suburban house with a garden and plenty of space, can do nothing unless we have permission to do it. That working at home is difficult but it is not the end of the has led to enormous confusion, enormous difficulty, for world. If you have space for your children to study, it is people. It has meant that the interpretation of these okay but not great, because they ought to be in school. rules has been very difficult for all of us. I will just say We understand that. But if you are a family with three that, while I understand that we must have the rules in or four children living in one or two-bedroom flat with 1129 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1130

[Jeremy Corbyn] House, not in its wisdom, decided to pass. Indeed, I liked his aside about data, not dates. Hope springs no balcony, no open space, insufficient computer access eternal. and insufficient income because of the coronavirus Yesterdayat the Liaison Committee,a stir was created—it crisis, it is a very different story indeed. They are the could have been deliberate—when the Prime Minister children underachieving in school and the people going floated the idea of covid vaccine certification to visit the through a mental health crisis and, sadly, that has led pub. Of course we should encourage the take-up of the to an increase in domestic violence. I have raised these covid vaccine. What a miraculous achievement and matters before during debates and questions on this. what great foresight the Government had on that particular Overall, the Government’s record through the aspect. Indeed, in the recess next week, I shall be pandemic has been lamentable. They did not take volunteering as a car park marshal—such is the level of seriously what the World Health Organisation was my competence on these matters—at one of my local telling them in January last year, 15 months ago, and covid vaccine centres. their levels of incompetence over the provision of PPE I cannot help but think we have a back of fag and their handing out of massive contracts to the packet-esque approach to this whole question of covid private sector for the failed track and trace do not vaccine certification. If I may be so bold, I suggest that inspire confidence. We say well done to the scientists as the Conservative party, we might actually think who have developed the vaccines and to those about what we believe in as a party, and not let ourselves administering the vaccine programme as we speak, but be carried away by a utilitarian urge that seems to why are the patents for these vaccines going to continue have swept across the Treasury Bench, leaving very few to be held by the private sector when the public have standing. invested so much in them? Why are the poorest people in the poorest parts of the world not getting any access I will leave the matter there, but on the matter of the to these vaccines at all? Procedure Committee, on which it is an honour for me to serve as a member under the very able chairpersonship We should review this situation. It has brought out of my right hon. Friend the Member for Staffordshire the best and worst of our society. Healthcare workers Moorlands, we did indeed produce a report that was and others are now rewarded with a pay cut as a result subject to, I think, 14 separate votes. I had the temerity of this. We need instead an approach that increases to table amendments to that particular report. All I statutory sick pay and universal credit, guarantees would say in ending is that in paragraph 26, we said: decent housing and recognises the fact that those refugees and migrants without access to public funds “We recommend that the House reverts to all aspects of its also need to be protected. Our liberties are at stake pre-pandemic practice and procedure.” under this Act. Why on earth could the Government Let us hope the same can be said for our freedoms as not at least review section 21 on the powers of the citizens, too. police to prevent protest and demonstration? We need to live in a free society in which people can express their 2.53 pm wishes. That surely is the very least we can expect from Ed Davey (Kingston and Surbiton) (LD) [V]: Renewing this Parliament and this Government. That is why I will the Coronavirus Act 2020 is about extra powers for not be supporting this legislation when we are invited Ministers—powers that have serious implications for to vote on it later today. people’s freedoms but are not crucial to help the fight against covid. The Liberal Democrats will of course 2.49 pm vote against this motion tonight. Mr William Wragg (Hazel Grove) (Con): What an We have supported any necessary powers to keep extraordinary thing! This evening, I imagine I will find people safe throughout this crisis. Indeed, a year ago we myself in the Lobby with the right hon. Gentleman supported the original Coronavirus Bill, albeit with a who spoke before me, although he will do it by proxy, I very heavy heart. While we have sometimes had to presume, and, perhaps more concerningly from my accept that such public health actions were needed to perspective, with the right hon. Member for Kingston preserve people’s liberty to survive this pandemic, we and Surbiton (Ed Davey), who is to follow me. have always sounded a liberal warning. It is an eccentric thing, I suppose, to talk in this A year ago in the debate, I said about the Bill that House about beliefs and fundamental rights, but if we “the powers must be used only when absolutely necessary during cannot talk about such esoteric things in the House of this emergency, and not for a moment longer.”—[Official Report, Commons, what on earth can we talk about, except that 23 March 2020; Vol. 674, c. 79.] we have been reduced to the Facebook Commons, with The experience of the past year shows that many of the clips and YouTube, in recent times? powers that the Government still want to keep have My right hon. Friend the Member for Staffordshire proved totally unnecessary, including the extraordinary Moorlands (Karen Bradley) was spot on in her powers for police and immigration officers to detain characterisation of the Napoleonic code under which innocent people potentially indefinitely.The Government we now live. Further, she was correct to suggest that themselves say that such powers have not been used UK law tends to say what it is unlawful to do. Indeed, once in the whole pandemic, yet they are still asking rights and freedoms are not in the ownership of the MPs to renew them for another six months. These state, but are innate. unnecessary powers are causing enormous confusion The hon. Member for Blackley and Broughton (Graham for police and prosecutors. The Crown Prosecution Stringer) brought to our attention the matter of protest Service’s review reveals that, as of the end of February, in Manchester, which was an extraordinary situation to 252 people had been incorrectly charged under this Act, have arisen because of poorly drafted law that this with not a single person correctly charged. 1131 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1132

I do welcome the fact that Ministers at last accept All of this taken together must mean that the overall that a few of the provisions should expire, especially the risks of death and hospitalisation are much lower than reduction in people’s rights to care. I warned on Second they were, and that is surely the most important Reading last year that these were consideration. Pre-vaccine, those risks clearly outweighed “some of the most alarming provisions in the Bill.”—[Official the risks to our mental health, our general welfare and Report, 23 March 2020; Vol. 674, c. 79.] our livelihoods that come from extensive restrictions to We called on the Government to remove them last our liberties. However, in quantifying those risks for September, when we showed that they were illegal under May or June of this year in a substantially vaccinated international law, so I am glad they have gone. Britain, how different are they likely to be from the risks However, the Government still seem determined to posed by other illnesses such as flu, or even other causes keep most of these unnecessary draconian powers. Indeed, of death such as road traffic accidents, in response to what is disturbing is that Ministers are now resorting to which we do not seek to impose even the restrictions desperate false arguments to persuade MPs to vote for scheduled for the later stages of the Government’s road this motion. Ministers said that voting it down would map? end furlough; it will not. Yesterday, the Prime Minister If we were considering not the continuation of restrictions said it was needed for people to carry on volunteering in today but their initiation, would we consider those the NHS; that is not true. This is fake news, and this restrictions justified? I am not convinced that we would. House should not fall for it. We have never run our lives or our country on the basis There are some parts of the Act that are needed, but that no risk is acceptable. We have always balanced risks that is not justification for renewing all these sweeping and we have to do so again here. The truth is that the and intrusive powers for another six months, not least risks of reopening too slowly are not negligible. Removing because there is an alternative. Liberty has published a restrictions in June and not in May means weeks more protect everyone Bill to replace the Coronavirus Act. It misery for those who have found these restrictions contains the laws necessary to protect both public health particularly hard and for businesses, including hospitality and human rights. That is the law we should be debating, and tourism businesses, for which this is an important as our amendment calls for. part of the year. Conservative Ministers are asking for a blank cheque I do not think that we should remove all restrictions for another six months, so I really hope that Conservative in the next 21 days and I will vote accordingly, but I do Back Benchers, and indeed Labour and SNP colleagues think that we should combine steps 3 and 4 of the and others across the House, will do what the Liberal Government’sroad map and remove almost all restrictions Democrats are going to do, and that is not support this in May. An entirely precautionary approach is simply Bill. We will vote against this motion, and I hope not feasible. We know that covid will be with us for Conservative Ministers go away and think again, and some time—perhaps indefinitely—and we cannot respond put liberty first. to that with indefinite restrictions any more than we 2.56 pm would, or do, in response to the risk of other diseases. Although I support much of what the Government Jeremy Wright (Kenilworth and Southam) (Con) [V]: have done and are doing in response to the pandemic, I This debate is not about the Government’s response to cannot support the continuation of damaging restrictions covid-19 so far, but about what we do next. The most any longer than I consider they are necessary, which I significant shift in the situation we face today is of am afraid is less time than the Government propose in course the success of the vaccination programme, for these regulations. which all involved deserve credit, but my concern is that the logic of that success has not found its way into the 3 pm approach to lifting the covid-related restrictions on our daily lives. Dawn Butler (Brent Central) (Lab): One year ago, the Before significant progress was made on vaccination, Government’s Coronavirus Act was passed to address the primary driver in our response to the virus was to an unfolding emergency in the UK. It was an unknown prevent or to minimise transmission, and that was situation and we understandably rushed through the clearly right when transmission in any part of society extraordinary provisions without line-by-line scrutiny. was likely to lead to the infection, hospitalisation or But that was a year ago. Look at how much we have all death of those most vulnerable to the virus. However, now learned about viruses, mutations and vaccinations—so the Government have—rightly, in my view—prioritised why are we still voting through an old bit of legislation? those most clinically vulnerable in the vaccine roll-out, The Act is a blanket of draconian powers that the meaning that, by the end of April, those accounting for Government have wrapped themselves in. Last October, 99% of mortality from the virus will have received at we were told that there was not enough time to write a least one dose. new Bill, but that is simply not true now, is it? We have We know that the vaccine is effective and we know 21 days to write a new Bill and present it to Parliament that take-up is very high among vulnerable groups, as and we will not lose anything like the furlough scheme, the Secretary of State confirmed earlier, so by the end as has been said before. In fact, most of the measures of April we know that the level of protection given to that we have used have come under other bits of legislation. those most likely to die or be hospitalised by this virus There is no need to panic about writing a new Bill, will be very extensive. We know, too, that those remaining because yesterday I presented to the House the Coronavirus unvaccinated will overwhelmingly be younger and less (No. 2) Bill. The Prime Minister has agreed to read it vulnerable to that virus, and that about a third of the and to respond to me. May I say that it is oven-ready? In population will have no symptoms of infection, meaning fact, it is not just oven-ready; it is baked and ready to that if they have had the virus, they may already have eat. It is a shame that we will not be able to discuss it antibodies, and if they have not, they will not be ill. today because we will not have time. The sponsors of 1133 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1134

[Dawn Butler] Now, those of us who can spot the trajectory will have seen yesterday that, after months of denial, people my Bill—it is cross-party—are willing to discuss the Bill will now indeed have to provide their vaccination bona with everybody and to take amendments, because it is fides when they go to the pub. Those who are teetotal based on lessons learned and on the science. I sincerely and imagine that they might be spared such intrusion thank Liberty, because without it we would not have and inconvenience can dream on: this will undoubtedly this Bill, and it is a really good Bill. Liberty’s “Support be extended to restaurants, theatres, sporting venues, Protecting Everyone” paper is a compelling read that and so proceed to total social control. Did it ever occur outlines the society that we could build as we emerge to Ministers that they might actually incentivise from the pandemic. vaccination—carrot, not stick? Undoubtedly it did not, Today Parliament is voting on a piece of legislation because they cannot kick the habit. They are wedded to that has failed us on so many different levels, even the stick. though Ministers have decided that they are going to Let there be no wringing of hands by Members of get rid of some bits of it. It is not good enough; that is Parliament who vote for oppressive legislation and then Parliament’s job. Worryingly, through cronyism we are wail with indignation when the police actually enforce seeing the greatest transfer of wealth from ordinary it. When families are fined thousands of pounds for working people and independent businesses into the staying over together at Easter, we will know that it was hands of corporations and multi-millionaires—some because this House willed it so. Those people, those old and some newly made. All this is happening at a hon. Members, wishing for these measures to pass tonight time when the most vulnerable, those most in need of should reflect clearly on exactly what it is they wish for. help and those most in need of support and praise, such as the NHS, have been left out in the cold. That is why I Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): am proposing a new approach—one that is more in line The Member who was No. 14 on the call list has with where we are now and where we are going. withdrawn, so we go to Sir Bernard Jenkin. Most powers that have been used to enforce coronavirus rules have their origins in other legislation. Less than 3.8 pm 5% are from the Coronavirus Act, so that legislation is Sir Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): quite literally not fit for purpose. That is why we need I suppose I have an opportunity to reply to my right the Coronavirus (No. 2) Bill. It would protect disabled hon. Friend the Member for New Forest West (Sir Desmond people and ensure proper sick pay so that people would Swayne), who has just spoken. I have a rather different not have to choose between spreading the virus and take. staying at home. It would protect those in rented Many people seem to be seized of the idea that the accommodation. It is an efficient Bill. It has been said vaccination programme has already freed us and that that nobody is safe until everybody is safe, so let us we are entitled to take back freedoms now. I want to make everybody safe. challenge that. The threat of a third wave exists—in We do not have to cling to the draconian blanket of fact, there will be a third wave; it is just a question of the Act just because it is there. My plea to Parliament is: how large it is going to be. The only thing that will constrain let us take back control and vote against this Bill. My it is the proportion of the population who are resistant. plea to the country is: let us stop allowing this Government There is 85% take-up in half the population at the to gaslight us, and let us show the Government that we moment and the vaccines are on average 85% effective: care and that we want to build back better coming out that means that only 72% of half the population has of this pandemic. Parliament has a chance today, and immunity. The Secretary of State referred to Public the country will have an opportunity to take back Health England advice—based on very fresh data, I control on 6 May when people vote Labour at the ballot hasten to add—that bears out the most recent Imperial box. Some 126,000 lives of loved ones have been lost College modelling, which shows that even if all the due to this pandemic. If we cannot learn the lessons restrictions are not lifted until July there is still a danger from this, when will we learn the lessons? of a third wave. If the restrictions were lifted at the end of April, say, there would be a dramatic rise in the 3.4 pm number of hospitalisations. Sir (New Forest West) (Con): The Mr Harper: I read with great care my hon. Friend’s habit of inhumane policy soon trickles down to the article on ConservativeHome this morning. He refers to servants of the state. This morning, a constituent of the modelling that Imperial and Warwick did. I went mine undergoing a miscarriage was denied the company through that in some detail, but the problem is that the of her husband. I have sent the details to the Secretary assumptions they made—I went through every single of State. one—are all overly pessimistic compared with the actuality. Tyranny is a habit, and the motions on the Order That is why I asked the Secretary of State to redo that Paper this evening show that we have not quite kicked modelling, because if he did so, I think he would come it. The powers that touched our personal choices and to a much more optimistic conclusion than my hon. came at such a huge cost remain. We were told that they Friend has reached. were there purely temporarily to deal with the emergency. Well, by any measure the emergency is over and the Sir Bernard Jenkin: I am perfectly prepared to accept hugely successful vaccination campaign is the guarantee that it is a worst-case scenario, but we are dealing with against its return. Yet on the Order Paper tonight the projections that are based on a great deal of speculation, Government seek to retain those powers to control and they do not take account of the possibility of new aspects of our lives, together with the punishment regime variants. I rather share the concern expressed by some for those who disobey. Members in the debate that we need restrictions on 1135 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1136 people coming into this country, particularly from the highest death rates and one of the world’s deepest continent, and that there should be more testing of economic downturns. Contracts that lined the pockets people coming here. I am sure that the Government will of political contacts were given greater priority than want to implement those measures if they can. It is investing in public health measures that could have rather easier to call for them to implement them than to saved lives and livelihoods. Some on the Government do so without causing a great deal of disruption. Benches will vote against their Government today. I I want to briefly touch on the continuation of our share nothing with their extremist views on how to vaccination programme. One of the risks that we need respond to this health crisis. Regardless of any tactical to factor in is that the rate of vaccination will slow, and splits in the Conservative party, the common thread particularly the rate of first doses, because the vaccination between them has been an ideology that put profit programme now has to cope with the large quantity of before health. That is why we closed down too late. That second doses. The restrictions on vaccine supply mean is why we opened up too early—repeatedly. that the number of first doses will perhaps reduce to as For months, I have called on the Government to little as 50,000 a week in April. That does not rule out implement an alternative strategy, alongside the vaccine, that we should adopt a generous attitude towards our to drive the virus down to very low levels, as other European friends, however much they may be casting countries have successfully done, with a maximum around for blame and trying to salvage their reputation suppression or zero covid strategy.This remains essential from the failure of their own vaccination programmes. if we are to prevent dangerous mutations that render We can draw comfort from the fact that they are resorting the vaccine less effective. However, any covid strategy to possible bans and blockades because they have no will only be effective if there is proper economic support contractual obligations to enforce upon AstraZeneca—it for those affected. Yet one year after lockdown began is a misunderstanding of the difference between contracts the Government still refuse to provide sick pay at levels that give rights over stock that exists and contracts that that cover real living costs. It is simply unacceptable give rights over the flow of production, which is creating that many of the lowest-paid workers on furlough are stock that does not yet exist. still expected to live on less than the minimum wage. The fact is that we are at the front of the queue, but I That cannot go on for months more. This is about not think that the United Kingdom should seek to be just social justice, but public health. Covid deaths have generous and to avoid this vaccine nationalism, even if been over twice as high in the most deprived communities it means giving up some of the flow of our vaccine, as in the better off. Lower-paid workers are much more although it is understood that there are actually some likely to die from covid. I am increasingly fearful that large quantities of vaccine in the European Union that this is becoming a disease of the poor. Urgent action is are not being used. The fact that they have trashed the needed to ensure that it does not. reputation of the AstraZeneca vaccine is most unfortunate, People have been brilliant throughout the whole crisis, and while understandable in psychological terms, it is looking after each other and respecting the lockdown unforgivable in public health terms. rules. It is the Government who have failed. While the Finally, on the issue of lifting covid restrictions in Government continue to fail to put in place proper sick Parliament, I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member pay to those who need to self-isolate, a decent minimum for Hazel Grove (Mr Wragg), the Chair of the Public income floor and other measures that deal with the Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, deepening social crises that people in our communities who cobbled together a majority in the Procedure face, I cannot support extending the Government’s Committee to get what he wanted in the Committee’s Coronavirus Act for six months. I will vote against that report. But I suggest that, in the end, it is a matter for Act. The Government should bring back a better Act—one the whole House what the House’s procedures are. that protects civil liberties and tackles both the public There are things to learn, as the Prime Minister said health and social crises. yesterday, that will make the House more equal, fairer to people who are sick and fairer to people who have 3.16 pm caring responsibilities and perhaps take the pressure off the shortage of time we have because we do not want Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): I welcome motion 5 too many late nights. Some of our debates have got too in the name of the Leader of the House. It is high time short, and speeches have got too short, and if those who that the House of Commons took back some control. I had to be away could have proxy votes, we could have expect the House of Commons Commission to follow longer debates, better debates and better scrutiny of the lead and move in lockstep with the road map for legislation, as well as a House that is more attractive for everything else here when it comes to it. women to stay in and take part in. I welcomed the road map in the House when it was published last month and I will support the regulations Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): I today, because it is a route out that I called for and it need to point out that, if Members take interventions, it would be churlish not to. I have not changed my view would be helpful for them to stick to the four-minute that it is too cumbersome in parts—it is. I do not think time limit, because otherwise we simply will not get it shows enough belief in vaccines, which must give us everybody in. Colleagues in the Chamber may not be immunity from covid at the same time as giving us able to get in if Members do not stick to the time limit, immunity from the restrictions on our lives—otherwise which would be a shame. what is the point? I have not changed my view that it unfairly singles out hospitality as the villain, for instance, 3.14 pm opening all retail and personal care businesses on Richard Burgon (Leeds East) (Lab) [V]: I will vote 12 April—which the Prime Minister says is a date that is against the Act today. The Government’s response has looking good—yet ensuring Winchester’s pubs and been one of the worst in the world: one of the world’s restaurants cannot open in any truly profitable way 1137 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1138

[Steve Brine] could undermine some of the efforts we are making here and the success of the vaccine programme. Unlike until 17 May at the earliest. I asked the Prime Minister my hon. Friend, I have not been lucky enough yet to on 22 February why, after all the good work they did have my blue envelope. Sadly, I still have some time to last year to create covid-secure environments, restaurants wait—in other senses, of course, that is a positive—but and cafés face another three months—it is still seven I am happy to do so, in the full knowledge that the weeks from today—before they can open in any meaningful vaccine is being rolled out to those who really need it. way. Again, I ask those on the Front Bench today, given The success on that has to be very much welcomed that we are putting the road map into law, what evidence across the board. have the Government seen that has convinced them to For much of my time, I would like to speak about the make that decision? It is, let us remember, data, not focus that we need to have on virtual proceedings. I dates. acknowledge the comment from the hon. Member for Turning to the Coronavirus Act, I have been through Hazel Grove (Mr Wragg) that the Procedure Committee the one-year report on the provisions of the Act and I recently published a report saying that its majority view thank the team for it. I note and welcome the parts that was that it wants to return to normal as soon as Ministers are retiring, such as section 8 on emergency possible, but it was a majority view—it was not volunteering leave and section 24, which gives the state unanimous—and a number of us on the Committee crazy provision to retain the fingerprints and DNA would like to see what can be done to consider any profiles of my constituents. There are other sections—for positives that we can take from virtual participation. I example, section 14 allows the NHS not to comply with certainly welcome what the right hon. Member for the requirement to continue healthcare assessments—which Staffordshire Moorlands (Karen Bradley) said about could be expired, given that we are nowhere near last comments by the Prime Minister that that will be looked resort territory and the NHS is clearly not at risk of at, which back up comments previously made to the being overwhelmed. There are many others. I dislike Committee by the Leader of the House. intensely schedules 21 and 22 in particular, which is very There are positives that we can take forward from sinister, and would gladly have supported the amendment virtual participation in proceedings, and simple measures to remove it in the name of my hon. Friend the Member such as pass readers have benefited a lot of the work for Wycombe (Mr Baker) had it been allowed. that goes on here, but it is important to highlight that Generally, however, we are in danger of conflating there has been a distinct lack of opportunity for the the regulations, the road map out of lockdown, with the House to debate a lot of these processes. Too often, it Act. They are not the same and one can happen without has been a “nod or nothing” motion—a take it or leave the other. The real action centres around the four it. If we want any virtual participation at all, we have reviews, the main three being social distancing, covid had to accept what is in the motion, and there has not status certification and international travel, but ahead been the opportunity to debate, to amend and to consider of today, I checked in with my local NHS and the two what else would be possible. main professional bodies impacted by the emergency Finally, I appreciate that no amendments are being registration of nurses. They tell me that some provisions taken today, but perhaps the Minister will take account are still needed. I cannot deny that they said that. I of my Ministerial Interests (Emergency Powers) Bill. It checked in with the legal beagles and, given the backlog, would not put any restriction on the Government’s I can see the importance of live links for criminal ability to act quickly when issuing contracts relating to proceedings in our court system. So, if I am honest, I the pandemic. However,it would put in place a mechanism think we are rather hoist by our own petard on the whereby, if there was a connection and there were some renewal of the Act. Six months is way too long and it of the issues that have been highlighted in the press, does not fit the road map, but that is what the Act there would be an opportunity after the event for Parliament says—those of us who were involved in drafting it have to scrutinise, to question and to make sure that full to take our share of responsibility for that—so it is take transparency was available, so that it could have absolute it or leave it territory and “leave it” would have confidence that those contracts had been awarded in an consequences, too, even if it left behind some parts of appropriate manner. The Bill would not slow anything the Act that I have said I do not like. There is no down, and if the Government have nothing to fear, they “perfect” here and I cannot, in all good sense, allow this have nothing to hide. to be a binary “good versus evil” choice of the kind so ridiculously set out, in a rare appearance, by the leader of the Liberal Democrats. It is not. 3.23 pm The Government should deliver on their road map, Dr (North Somerset) (Con): A year after keep on retiring parts of the Act, which they can do on the lockdown, may I begin by thanking people in my the two-monthly schedule, and make damn sure that constituency? Of course, I thank the core workers, we are not back here in six months’ time, because they whom we recognise so often, in the NHS and in education, will get a very different answer from the House of but also those on the supermarket tills, public sector Commons. transport workers and those who have been delivering to our homes and who have kept our lives going. They 3.20 pm do not always get the mention they deserve. I also thank Owen Thompson (Midlothian) (SNP): I would like to the community groups and volunteers who have silently associate myself with the comments of my hon. Friend and often invisibly managed to keep our communities the Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk (Martyn afloat. Above all else, I thank the men, women and Day), who made some important points, particularly children in all our constituencies who have forgone the about what we do and do not do to tackle the importing basic human pleasures of family and friends and made of variants from overseas and about the chance that it sacrifices to keep the rest of us safe—very unlike, I have 1139 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1140 to say, the selfish, reckless and self-indulgent individuals also a year since the Government were given an who were rioting close to my constituency, in Bristol, unprecedented set of extraordinary powers via the last weekend. Coronavirus Act. This was not done with a recorded I would be dishonest if I did not say that I resent vote. The only possible justification for giving the having to vote for a six-month extension to these rules, Government the powers outlined in the Act is to keep us given that they are out of step with the lockdown path safe, but this Government have presided over the worst set out by the Government. However, I also accept that coronavirus death toll in Europe and the worst economic we have no alternative, given the legislative position in recession since records began, so that clearly has not which we find ourselves, so I will support the Government worked. Many of the measures have barely been used, today. After looking back on how we have handled this, as Secretary of State admitted today. Even worse, a year including the legislative elements, we need to ensure that, on, with all the experience we now have of dealing with when the same or a similar situation happens in the future, the virus and its ramifications, Members of Parliament we do not allow such long periods for the Government are not given the opportunity to scrutinise or amend to hold emergency powers without the House of Commons measures to better serve our constituents, who continue being able to regularly review them. A six-month period to suffer. where the Government have such powers is out of step It seems that, given the Act is not about safety or with our constitutional conventions in this country. It is support, and does not even adhere to our equalities law, certainly out of step with what I regard as the principles it is yet another means of consolidating power in an of conservatism to allow the Government that leeway, ever-failing Executive. The Secretary of State actually so I hope that will change. proved that when he announced today that the Government There has been a lot of talk about the concept of were suspending a number of measures in the Act. While passports. I will say something briefly about that. In I believe the Secretary of State thought that announcement international travel, we are all used to the concept that would appease those with concerns, like me, all I heard we cannot cross a border without having immunisation. is that, while democratically elected Members of this That is a perfectly reasonable thing for any country, House can only vote yes or no, the Government can do including the United Kingdom, to want to do. It is whatever they like—no checks, no balances, no scrutiny. when it comes to domestic issues that I think there is a This Government’s majority does not give them the real problem. Were the Government to try to compel right to run roughshod over our democracy and prevent individuals to carry some proof of either immunity Members from representing their constituents. I would through vaccine or a negative test, that would be completely argue that perhaps if alternative measures were permitted unacceptable in a country where civil liberties are held before the House, the Conservative party might find the so highly and are so prized. However, we as Conservatives numbers in its Lobby dwindling as MPs decided to vote should be careful not to constrain the private sector in in the best interests of their constituents. This Act is not how it chooses its customers. If companies—whether the best we can do by this country. airlines or pubs—choose to have particular customers Last March, when the Act was introduced, human in particular ways, that is up to them. I would not like a rights organisations warned that the powers that it Conservative Government to intervene in the freedom contained were loosely drafted, giving too much discretion of the private sector to choose its customers. We cannot to the Home Secretary and leaving too much room for pick and choose which freedoms to protect and which confusion. The vigil in my constituency to remember to disapply. Sarah Everard shows exactly what this meant: the decision to stop women exercising their civil liberties and expressing On the concept of a third wave, it is not a third wave; their anger and grief actually left everyone less safe. The it is a continuing wave. If a population does not have police should never have been in a position to do that, immunity to a particular pathogen, it will continue to but they cited this Act as their legal right to do so. It has spread until community immunity increases, either through also been used to fine nurses protesting the disgraceful vaccination or because of recovery from infection. 1% pay rise and GMB workers picketing the disgraceful We have to ensure that we do better globally. We have fire and rehire practices. not done well, as a global community, on this pandemic. It is not irresponsible or unreasonable to vote against We have mrNA technology, which should make it much this Act today. It is, some might say, a vote against quicker for us to deal with any emerging pathogens, yet measures that are not going to keep us more safe, and it we have a global pandemic disaster on our hands. We is a demand for measures that will protect us all. The have to recognise that, if we are going to do better in the first time that this Act was passed, it was done in one future, we have to have global protocols. However, we day. Voting this Act down would give us 21 days. We do cannot have global protocols without global metrics—and have time. That is why I was pleased to support Liberty’s we cannot even decide exactly how to measure the “Protect Everyone Bill”, the alternative coronavirus Bill number of people who have died from the pandemic. —the Coronavirus (No. 2) Bill—presented by my hon. We have a long way to go and, when we look at how we Friend the Member for Brent Central (Dawn Butler). handled it, we need to look at how we handled it as an There is an alternative, and I will vote against the renewal international community. A global pandemic requires of this Act tonight to give us the opportunity to realise global solutions. that.

3.27 pm 3.31 pm Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Streatham) (Lab): This week marks Mr Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): I refer to the one year since the first UK lockdown. My thoughts and declarations that I have made relating to support for the prayers this week are with the loved ones of the almost Covid Recovery Group. There are people out there who 130,000 people who have lost their lives since then. It is are absolutely furious because of the great harms and 1141 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1142

[Mr Steve Baker] The Act is extreme,unnecessary and disproportionate—I do not have time to go through why—and for that losses that they have suffered. My hon. Friend the reason I shall vote against it. It is absolutely imperative, Member for Broxbourne (Sir Charles Walker) mentioned as we go forward, that we get the House of Commons his pint of milk protest, which has already attracted the back in line with the steps programme, but the one thing interest of sketch writers. He reminded me that I have we must not do is exempt ourselves from the inconvenience learned recently from the National Farmers Union that suffered by the public. in our area, south Bucks and Middlesex, three dairy herds have been lost because the closure of hospitality 3.35 pm has reduced the supply for their products—three dairy John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): If there is a vote tonight, herds lost, with all the livelihoods that go with them I shall vote no because of concerns that the Government and all the wellbeing effects on the farms. are still focusing on risk avoidance rather than risk I remember and wish to honour the 302 people who management when the public want to get back to have died in —a district a little larger normality and thought they were going to be getting than my constituency. Of course, we need to remember that with the vaccine roll-out. In fact, as I see it, this is a with humility that people have died from this disease, move away from earlier on in the pandemic when there but we also need to look to the future and remember the seemed to be a balance of debate inside Government harms caused by the response to coronavirus: wellbeing between the economic tendency—the Chancellor of the and economic harms from lockdowns and restrictions. Exchequer and the Business Department—and the Health We need to be very careful to categorise the causes of Department. That is a healthy tension because there are those harms very carefully. real decisions that have to be made. But it now seems According to the “Guido Fawkes” website today: almost as though the Chancellor of the Exchequer has “Polling by Yonder for the Recovery campaign reveals that the become invisible and vanished from that debate, and Government’s pandemic advertising has had a shocking impact there is only one group inside Government who are now on the mental health of the nation. Over 15% of respondents driving it. reported depression, anxiety,or fear as a direct result of Government pandemic advertising. That’s equivalent to over 8 million people.” I would have preferred these measures to have monthly I know that every Minister and every Member of this renewals by Parliament so that they could be considered House wishes to improve the mental health of the much more regularly, because the cost to the economy nation, but I am afraid the indications are that one of and to the physical and mental health of our nation has the best ways we could improve the nation’s mental been enormous and is frankly unsustainable. Many health right now would be to cease this terrifying advertising parts of the economy, especially in the leisure, hospitality and say to the public, “There is great news. The vaccines and entertainment industries, are teetering on the brink. are working.” We should stop terrifying people, treat Every week more of them go under.Hundreds of thousands them like adults and ask them to comply, but to comply of our fellow citizens are being put on the dole and many while we get the vaccine rolled out and save lives. more are fearful that they face the same fate. This is particularly impacting on young people who are not I turn to the steps regulations. The reality is that these able to get into the labour market. Many small family proposals will pass tonight. I think the House has businesses, with their hopes, fears and aspirations, are already heard an excellent case for voting against. I have being ruined. Millions of self-employed, as we have heard paid great attention to my great friend Dr Raghib Ali, regularly in this House, have been left high and dry. an epidemiologist and acute medicine consultant in my constituency, who has written on “ConservativeHome” As we have also heard today, long supply chains of saying why we should unite around these steps regulations. industries are being hit. Many of these industries are There are proposals in there that I would not be willing part of our attraction to the wider world and they all to vote for, but I very much hope that, today, the House need Britain to get back to work—the pubs and clubs, will choose not to divide over these regulations. They restaurants and cafés, theatres and cinemas, TV and are a path to freedom and, my goodness, we do need film production companies, sporting venues, sports clubs, one. But I say to the Government, please look at the betting shops, bingo halls and casinos. They are part of work of Professor Paul Dolan at the London School of what makes our society, what makes Britain an attractive Economics. He and I have spoken about something place to live and work, and why people come here, and called situational blindness. However well-intentioned many of them are being hit incredibly badly. and skilful the professionals are who have formed these The public want to be back to normal. As the right hon. policies, I fear that they are rather like all of us—in Member for Staffordshire Moorlands (Karen Bradley) secure employment, in decent housing, perhaps with rightly said, they got the vaccines thinking that that would gardens and a view. Many, many other people out there be a pathway back to normality.That is why, unlike some, affected by these rules are not, have not been and will I believe that vaccine passports or certificates may be not be. inevitable, not only for foreign travel but here as well. I There is a great deal more to be said. Schedule 21 of heard Jonathan Neame on the radio this morning. He is the Coronavirus Act has the 100% record of failure that a man who knows the beer business extremely well, but has been well articulated. I regret that my amendment he was not necessarily facing up to the real alternative, could not be selected. I would hope that everyone who which is that if the Government drag their feet on reopening, has spoken against schedule 21 would have voted for it, vaccine passports that enable businesses to open earlier, and I think it would have gone through. I will, unfortunately, stay open and keep the whole supply chain going may have to vote against the Government tonight in order to be something that we have to seriously consider. protest schedule 21, and also schedule 22, which has There has been quite a bit of discussion about variants, never been used and is therefore redundant. Those as mentioned by both the Health Secretary and the shadow schedules should certainly be removed. Health Secretary.I think it is now generally accepted that 1143 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1144 coronavirus will be a bit like flu with regular recurrences, treatment; and that the time has come to look at the huge probably towards autumn and winter. I worry that we backlog of other physical operations that are needed, at are going down the path of the EU precautionary the people who have been too shy to come forward because principle rather than managing that risk and accepting they were frightened of catching the virus just by going that unless we are going to keep shutting down society, into hospital, and at the incredible backlog of mental we will have to work out how to deal with it. As I have health issues that is only just beginning to surface. said during the course of this pandemic, we need a Last weekend, the father of a young woman currently policy that enables us to co-exist with the virus rather working for me dived into the fully clad in than vainly hoping we can eliminate it. That is the real order to save a young woman from drowning. She did challenge, and the question is: can the Government rise not want to be saved; she wanted to commit suicide. We to it? are, in each of our constituencies, seeing more cases of that type, and each one has a whole ricochet of tragedy 3.39 pm attached to it, as the Minister knows well. Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): I think in our Therefore, whatever the new message is—I shall not constituencies there is a real fear that the road map and try to draft it for the Government this evening—I think the extension of the Coronavirus Act are one and the the message has to be that it is now time for us all, but same, that extending the latter means effectively delaying inevitably particularly the NHS, to look after those who the former,and that if we support the motion this evening, have not had coronavirus; to swivel our attention, not lockdown restrictions will be extended and freedoms completely away from the pandemic, which has not not returned. I therefore echo the concerns of some of gone away and will never completely go away; and to my right hon. and hon. Friends, such as my right hon. recognise how much more needs to be done to protect Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox) and others in society and give them the chances and the my hon. Friend the Member for Winchester (Steve attention to flourish—which, of course, is where the Brine), about today’s motions. They are not all ideal, road map comes in. I still believe that it is an almost because many of us would prefer the return of full impossible task for our police forces to fully implement freedoms to coincide with the end of the Coronavirus the requirements of the restrictions that we have laid on Act, and the Health Secretary made the case as to why them, and I hope that the Government will be able to do that could not be so, while ending some 12 schedules of more to allow things to open a little bit earlier and give the restrictions within the Act. He made the case for the back those freedoms that everybody values so dearly. need for the Act continue. If we could amend the Act, I would agree with several 3.44 pm colleagues that, for example, schedule 14, for health Munira Wilson (Twickenham) (LD): We could scarcely assessments, and schedule 1, which gives powers to the have imagined that, a whole year after a strange virus police to detain those potentially infectious persons for that we knew very little about arrived on our shores and up to 24 hours, would be prime candidates. In fact, as Ministers were able to railroad a 348-page Bill through my neighbour, my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe Parliament in three days, taking away individuals’ rights (Mr Baker), pointed out, schedule 22 has never been and freedoms on an unprecedented scale, we would be used at all, and that would be another candidate for here being asked to renew those powers yet further still. amendment. But we have allowed legislation that is not As my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston and amendable, and therefore the choice this evening is Surbiton (Ed Davey) made very clear,the Liberal Democrats really whether to support the motions, because there are will not and cannot support the renewal of the Coronavirus parts of the Act that have been widely useful, such as Act today. We will absolutely not give a blank cheque to temporary courts, the different treatment of leases, and Ministers to continue those draconian powers. statutory sick pay, and those do, I believe, require I turn my attention to the road map regulations. In support from us all. the main, I welcome the fact that the Government have John Spellar: The reality is that if the Government finally learned the hard way, after three lockdowns, were defeated tonight, they would recall Parliament and 126,000 deaths, of which 84,000 were in the past six put through the legislation to pass the necessary measures, months alone, and untold damage to people’s lives and and therefore they are erecting a false alternative, are livelihoods, that “steady as she goes”, as opposed to what they not? happened last summer, is the key to unlocking safely. However, as the right hon. Member for Leicester South Richard Graham: If the right hon. Gentleman will (Jonathan Ashworth) has already pointed out, vaccination allow me, I want to focus this evening on the key alone will not keep the virus under control as we open messages that I think it is important for us to hear from up, especially given the third wave that we are seeing the Government this evening; when the Minister sums surging in so many European countries. That is a huge up, perhaps he can allude to them. The first is that we threat to us, so tough public health measures at our are still trading on a slogan of “Protect the NHS”. borders are critical, yet the travel ban in the regulations Although none of us underestimates the importance of is simply not fit for purpose. a fully functioning NHS or the incredible efforts made I am appalled that Ministers wish to criminalise by all our local NHS trusts, the time has come to people for visiting loved ones overseas, yet the Prime recognise that actually in many of our hospitals there Minister’s father and friends get a free pass to go and are now fewer people with coronavirus than would take care of their second homes abroad—because of normally be there with flu; that the huge efforts made course second home owners cannot possibly bring the by our NHS have broadly succeeded in taking out of virus back into this country, can they? Despite clear hospital —certainly in my hospital, the Gloucestershire scientific advice and international best practice in support Royal Hospital—those patients who had been in intensive of a blanket quarantine for arrivals from all countries, 1145 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1146

[Munira Wilson] out—that we could safely reopen society more quickly than the 21 June deadline. The reason why that is our system was implemented far too late and is far too important is that there is another side to this situation: leaky to properly protect against new variants being in that time, jobs will be lost, businesses will fail and imported that could potentially be vaccine resistant. some people will find the personal burden incredibly Criminalising international travel with a £5,000 fine difficult to bear. We do not need to go through that for and an exemption for second home owners exemplifies another two months if we are able to reopen safely the Government’s approach to so many aspects of the earlier. pandemic: half-baked, authoritarian, and one rule for On the Coronavirus Act and the renewal of the them and one rule for us. temporary measures, I am very pleased that the Secretary Alongside vaccination and tougher restrictions at our of State confirmed at the Dispatch Box that what we borders as we embark on this road map out of lockdown, have been hearing about the furlough scheme being with virus rates inevitably jumping again, breaking chains brought to an end if we voted against the temporary of transmission will be critical, as the Health Secretary provisions is nonsense. I said that at the weekend and I himself said earlier, yet the regulations do nothing to am glad that the Secretary State has now confirmed it at improve the rate of self-isolation. With as many as the Dispatch Box. I accept that there is a choice, but the 20,000 people a day not self-isolating, when will Ministers problem is that some measures the Government want to realise that paying people to stay at home, and providing take forward are very sensible, and I support them, practical support for those with dependants and while many others are egregious and absolutely not accommodation for those in overcrowded homes, is key supported. Given that we have an up or down vote and to boosting self-isolation? no ability to amend, we have to balance these things. I Robust quarantine measures at our borders and far will vote against the renewal of the temporary provisions, better self-isolation must go hand in hand with vaccination because the measures that the Government want to take in order gradually and safely to open up our economy forward are sufficiently bad and unwarranted that they and society. Neither the far-reaching, draconian powers do not deserve to continue. If the Government were to in the Coronavirus Act, nor vaccine passports for domestic lose that vote—they are not going to lose it—they could, use, which would create a two-tier society and an extra given their majority, easily implement the more sensible burden for struggling businesses, will achieve that aim. measures that are necessary in an alternative piece of Our constituents have sacrificed far too much, and our legislation that would no doubt get through this House scientists, NHS staff and volunteers have achieved wonders with cross-party and, I think, almost universal support. through the vaccine programme, so I implore Ministers: Finally, I wish to reflect on what the Secretary of State let us not squander these gains. said. I raised with him the point that was in the one-year review of the Act, which suggests that the schedule 21 3.47 pm powers—the ones that give the police the power to detain people—are necessary for the long term, and he Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): Let me deal did not rule out extending those measures for another with the two fundamental choices that we face today. six months. By the Government’s own admission in The first is on the Government’s regulations implementing their explanatory notes, these measures are extraordinary the road map that the Prime Minister set out. I am not and would not be acceptable in normal circumstances. going to vote against those. I am not going to support Given that the Prime Minister wants us to have removed them, but I am not going to vote against them; it would restrictions by June, it is not acceptable to extend those be churlish. They are a road map to freedom, and my measures to October and I certainly do not think it only quarrel is with the pace, not with the direction of necessary to extend them to March. That is why,regretfully, travel. I will be voting against the renewal of the temporary I go back to what the Secretary of State said. He was provisions. very clear that the Government will not be looking at modelling; they are looking at real data. If we look at 3.51 pm hospitalisation data, the dramatic reduction in the number of deaths and the fantastic pace of the vaccination Rachel Hopkins (Luton South) (Lab) [V]: I am pleased roll-out—we have seen data today showing how fantastic that some provisions are being removed from the the take-up of vaccination has been—it is clear that we Coronavirus Act. It is important to note that, although are going to be able to save lives and protect the NHS no amendments were selected for debate, the Opposition not by staying at home but by the vaccination doing the rightly pointed out that the Government’s handling of heavy lifting. the pandemic has resulted in one of the highest death I want to pick up a point that my hon. Friend the tolls in the world and the worst economic crisis of any Member for Harwich and North Essex (Sir Bernard Jenkin) major economy, and they have allowed the pandemic to made about the quantity of the population that has exacerbate the inequalities in our society and to impact been protected. It is absolutely true that we will not have black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and vaccinated everyone by the end of April, but importantly, disabled people disproportionately. we will of course have vaccinated groups 1 to 9, which The public health restrictions have been essential to account for 99% of the deaths to date and over 80% of protect our most vulnerable, but the Government have the hospitalisations.While we will not have stopped everyone damaged public trust by failing to publish and communicate getting covid, we will have dealt with the problem of effectively the data behind key decisions. The Public significant numbers of people becoming seriously ill, Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, going into hospital and potentially overwhelming the of which I am a member, concluded in our recent report NHS, and large numbers of people dying. That is why I that the Government’s communication maintain—and, increasingly, the data will bear this “has not always been transparent enough.” 1147 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1148

It said that the lack of transparency in relation to the seem to be thinking that still we cannot open hospitality local lockdown and tiering decisions led to “confusion businesses and weddings cannot go ahead in any sort of and mistrust”. normal circumstance. That has such a huge impact on I have heard at first hand from businesses in Luton the rest of society—it is about the supply chains and all South, especially from the hospitality sector,the frustration those single-people businesses that have had no help that they felt at not being able to access the information and no earnings for a year. We need to get those people and data that the Government used to inform the back to work so that they can earn and get back on decisions that stopped or interrupted their operations. their feet. The failure to communicate the 10 pm curfew and the We have to remember that this is not just about the restrictions on wet-led pubs caused particular distress pandemic; it is about the all-round health of the nation. and anger. Businesses could not understand why the We heard tragically from my hon. Friend the Member Government did not work with them. Publicans told me for Gloucester (Richard Graham) about suicides. There that they already ran licensed, controlled premises and was one down the lane from us, which I did not even had already introduced additional coronavirus health know about. It is tragic that there are so many suicides and safety measures to keep staff and customers safe. because people cannot face being trapped in their homes Businesses need to be able to plan effectively. While any more and they are frightened to go out. I agree with the Government are giving confirmation that certain my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr Baker) restrictions will be relaxed no earlier than a specific about stopping all these terrifying views through adverts date, that is not sufficient assurance for businesses and things in the paper. We need to say that we are without having sight of underlying information, and doing well and will continue to do well—Europe permitting any trends and thresholds to be met. Hospitality businesses —to get the vaccines in. But we must move forward; we need this information to help plan for full reopening, must let people out. Those hospitality businesses and which can take around two or three weeks, if not more, wedding venues have spent hundreds of thousands of if they need to order supplies and fresh stock and to pounds protecting their businesses, but they are not ensure that they have sufficient staff. allowed to open. The wedding industry—I wonder whether it is because the businesses are mainly run by women—has Building trust with the hospitality sector is vital and been left with contradictory messages, and I feel the the Government must improve on the approach taken Government could be much clearer about how weddings over the past year. As the PACAC report put it: can operate and how quickly. It is Easter and love “Transparency builds trust, and trust aids compliance with should be in the air, but it is not. rules.” Alongside the new road map regulations, I press the Secretary of State to learn from past mistakes and 3.58 pm urgently to publish detailed information and data that underpin each step in the relaxation of restrictions. Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale) (LD) [V]: As my hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Munira Wilson) said a moment ago, Liberal Democrats will not 3.54 pm support the proposals on the table today. We consider Mrs Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con): Let me the request for extended powers for the period of time start by congratulating the Government on the remarkable to be an overreach—these are powers the Government success of the vaccination programme. It has been do not need, and certainly do not need for a period of phenomenal and it has made many, many people feel six months, taking us right into the autumn. incredibly safe, me included—I have only four weeks My great concern is that the Government’s default, until my second jab, and. I cannot wait to get it, as I will knee-jerk attempt to seek these draconian powers for a feel even better. It has given reassurance to the elderly, lengthier period is beginning to fit into a pattern. We the disabled and those people who have felt trapped in saw the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in this their homes for so many months—some did not even place just a week or so ago, under which the Government take advantage of going out much last summer. The are seeking powers to incarcerate people for up to Government have done a fantastic job with the vaccination 10 years if they protest against the Government. We are programme. also seeing reports of the Government wanting to force Like my right hon. Friend the Member for North carers to be vaccinated, when they have done so by choice Somerset (Dr Fox), I want to congratulate those people already. That shows a complete lack of respect and who have worked day in, day out, without much thanks, tenderness towards people who have put their lives on to keep the country moving. I refer to the people in the the line for this past 12 months and longer to support public health system and, in particular, the people in the others in their deepest moment of need. Of course we supermarkets, who have had all sorts of people coming now have pub landlords being asked to be, in effect, in and standing pretty close to them, without knowing border guards in their own pubs and to check a vaccine whether covid was being passed on or not. passport. There have been some remarkable successes in this All this seems to indicate that we have a Conservative pandemic, but there have been some errors. My view is party in government that loves talking about liberty that we have been moving the goalposts—they started until it has to do something about it in practice, and at Wembley and they are now nearly at Derby County! I when it comes to dealing with these issues in practice, its am extremely worried that if we are not careful, they instincts are authoritarian. As always, if you care about will be up in Scotland. We thought the vaccine was liberty, you need your Liberals—and so the Liberals are going to be the thing that would save us, and it is going guaranteed to be voting against this draconian set of to save us. We are not where we were a year ago. We are powers on the table today. It is also worth bearing in much safer than we were then. People feel safer, but we mind that I do not think the police are crying out for 1149 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1150

[Tim Farron] we are pretty much able to say that that link has broken. At the end of this month—certainly next month—that additional extensions to their powers. What they want is link between transmission, death and hospitalisation two things: resources and clarity in the guidelines and will have gone. laws that they do seek to enforce. I welcome the fact that we are now seeking to retire Throughout this pandemic the strictness of the laws certain temporary provisions. Some were never needed has not been the issue; it has been the clarity of the and some were needed only for a temporary period and guidance. The Government have very often been are no longer needed. But I am concerned that the contradicting themselves, mixing messages and sending Government are seeking to retain schedule 21, the out the wrong messages, as well as not keeping the provision for controlling people, given that there has guidance themselves as individuals and therefore setting been a 100% failure rate for prosecutions. I am also a terrifyingly awful lead. concerned that schedule 22, for controlling gatherings, I want to make just one suggestion. On the road map is also being retained. That has not even been used over out of this difficult time that clearly we are all experiencing the past year, and we have been through the worst parts as a national community, outdoor education has no of the lockdown. It has not been as bad as some of the place whatever. We know when nightclubs are going to projections have suggested, but it has been a pretty bad open, but outdoor education facilities in my constituency time for a great many people, so why are we seeking to in the lakes and dales, and across the rest of the country, retain schedule 22, which was never needed during the have no date for reopening. The Government are killing worst of times? off a vital industry that is there to support our young I am also concerned by the increasing political narrative people. Its skills are especially needed at a time like this, conveyed through the media of compulsion in vaccination, when we want to reconnect young people with a love of including with children being vaccinated—children who learning. suffer so little, if at all, from the virus itself. We are The lack of a date and of bespoke funding is killing going on now about vaccine passports, and the covid off outdoor education. My friend Kirsty Williams, the status certificate is a very concerning issue. I think that Minister for Education in Wales, announced just the is being increasingly raised, and it seems to be inevitable. other day a particular package for outdoor education I just wonder about the European football championships, centres in Wales. There is a package in Scotland and which will be held later this year, and whether the Prime Northern Ireland. Why is there not a bespoke package Minister’s offer to hold them in the United Kingdom for outdoor education centres in England today? Today will be used to showcase how effective such certificates is surely the day for them to do just that. can be. Is that the reason that schedule 22 has been retained—for the control of people at those sorts of It is also worth bearing in mind that as people become events? Will it be restricted just to those events, or could able to move in significant numbers, as of next Monday, it be widened out further to pubs and restaurants, to beautiful places such as the Lake District, we need—and public transport, places of work or places of education? have needed for some months now—investment in popularising the countryside code. That is so that people I am not sure these concerns have been decisively know how to behave in beautiful places, how to treat ruled out, and I do think that the debate should be had. the local residents with respect and how to look after It would be welcome if my hon. Friend the Minister the environment that they have come to enjoy. I am explained the retention of schedule 22; we have been pleased that the Government are, as of the Easter going through this for a year now, and we must know weekend, putting resources into the countryside code. exactly why it is being retained. They should have done it nine months ago when we asked them to. 4.6 pm My final point is about hospitality and tourism businesses Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD): beginning to reopen. They will not all be able to open at It is a great pleasure to follow the hon. Member for capacity when they are allowed to. That is why financial Bolton West (Chris Green), who posited many of the support for them must continue until the autumn. absolutely central questions in this debate. I readily confess that I find this a slightly frustrating 4.2 pm experience, and it does come to the heart of the House’s Chris Green (Bolton West) (Con): I open up by role in scrutinising legislation. Many of the issues that wishing everyone well on what has been a rather unhappy are central to this legislation are about the definition of first anniversary of covid lockdowns and the passing of the relationship between the citizen and state. To try to the Coronavirus Act. I do not think it has been a very deal with these matters in a four-minute time limit is a happy time for anyone around the country. level of ambition to which not even I—notwithstanding The incredible success of the vaccination programme— the fact that I am a Liberal Democrat—am able to aspire. whether it is the technicians, engineers and scientists or It is worth recalling that, when we enacted this legislation the roll-out itself—has been much more of a positive last year, we were trying to imagine what the future and its effectiveness has been startling. I do not think would look like. We did not know what would be the that a year ago anyone would have expected to be at this course of the pandemic or how this place would work, stage. The United Kingdom is leading Europe and the so we were right to be cautious and we were right to world in vaccine delivery. trust the Government with our freedoms, but a year on The Secretary of State ought to be proud of that success. we know an awful lot more than we did then. He has spoken of that sense of breaking the link between As the hon. Member for Bolton West has said, it is transmission, hospitalisation and death. That link is surely apparent that many of the powers we gave to the fracturing in a very significant way. At the moment, Government in the Bill last year were not needed or 1151 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1152 have not been used, and some of them have not even 4.11 pm been enacted. As he said, 252 people have been charged with criminal offences under this Act, with not one Sir Graham Brady ( and Sale West) (Con): single prosecution as a consequence. That and that I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in this alone should surely be ringing alarm bells on the Treasury debate, and delighted to follow the wise words of the right Bench about the advisability of continuing with this. hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael). I am the 31st Member to speak in this debate. I have Of course, it will always be the case that when we give been here throughout, and I think I am right in saying a Government a power, they will want to hold on to it. that only two Members have given their unqualified We can go back to 1939, when this House said it was support to what the Government propose.The Government okay to have an identity card scheme. Did the Government would be wise to reflect on that, considering the gap stop the identity card scheme in 1945? No, they did not. that is opening up between our rulers—the Executive They held on to it, and it took a private citizen to raise a and the Government—and those of us who represent court case in 1952 before we saw the back of the identity the liberties of the British people. I am particularly card scheme. pleased to be the fourth Greater Manchester Member Mention of identity cards brings me to vaccine passports to speak against what is being proposed, because we and the idea, today, of some sort of certification of come from a city with a fine and long history of people’s vaccine status that will allow them to get a pint standing up for liberty, and I am glad that is continuing. in a pub when pubs reopen—or a measure of whisky if that is their preference. I have to say that this idea of The danger in what is being proposed is that we risk vaccine passports is a dangerous one. It is the very thin normalising an extreme policy response. It was put in end of a thick and illiberal wedge that we approach place during the emergency a year ago with very little with caution. It raises all sorts of questions. If it is okay thought or debate, and draconian powers were given to to force people to carry a piece of paper or a card to the Government, who initially expected a three-week confirm their health status in relation to this particular lockdown, which then became a three-month lockdown. virus, once we have conceded that principle, where does My constituents, like those of my hon. Friend the it take us? Is it then going to be okay for people to carry Member for Bolton West (Chris Green), were released a piece of paper, under some future Government, that for three weeks, and then they were again put under says they are HIV-negative, or whatever it is? heavy new restrictions. I have asked before in this Chamber a question about Mr Steve Baker: I am no stranger to the right hon. whose rights we are dealing with. Do the Government Member. I am confident that it will be even worse than have the right to tell people whether they can see their he imagines. It is bound to be an app on our phones children or grandchildren, or whether they can start a with face ID that leaves behind an enormous swathe of relationship with someone? My answer is an emphatic data everywhere we go. “no”. Even those who are less certain should reflect on whether extreme control over people’s right to family life, intimate relationships, and freedom of association Mr Carmichael: Indeed. I do not think the hon. should be introduced just briefly by the Government in Gentleman was in the House in 2006, when Labour tried an emergency, or for more than a year. to introduce identity cards, but I remember the objections, which were forcefully put by the then Opposition—the On 6 January—the last time we had an opportunity Conservative party—regarding the need for a register, to assert some control on the Government exercising or a database of its use. That is exactly where a vaccine these powers—the Prime Minister told me, when I passport scheme would take us back to. intervened on him, that it would be very surprising if I do not know whether many on the Treasury Bench the House did not get a vote to get rid of any of these have ever worked in a bar for a living. I did it for five restrictions before the end of March. Well, okay, it is years, before I went to university to do my law degree. If 25 March, so perhaps we should prepare to be surprised. those on the Treasury Bench think that the best way to I stand with Members in all parts of the House who bring us in this country to a place where we become the have said we should expect that, if the Government are sort of “papers please” society that we have always given these extreme powers and allowed them for longer, resisted in the past, is by doing that through pubs, I they will retain them and are likely to seek to extend warn them that they are sadly—or perhaps happily— them. That is why the House should say no to extending mistaken. Such a situation would put those who work the Coronavirus Act—it would have been in force for a in our pubs in the most unpleasant and difficult situation, year and a half at least. and inevitably lead to complacency. It all would mean The danger is that Government start to believe that that instead of continuing to focus on masking, social these fundamental civil liberties belong to Ministers to distancing and the rest of it—those measures will be grant to us or withhold. They do not—they belong, as necessary to avoid a spike in infections, if and when we of right, to British citizens. It is this habit of control reopen licenced establishments and elsewhere—we will that leads to coercive laws that have no sense. Government inevitably end up with a spike in infections. have, for example, a legitimate interest in people who For all sorts of reasons, both practical and due to entered the United Kingdom from high-risk countries, matters of high principle, the Government are currently but there is no public health argument for fining people going in the wrong direction. If the House gives them £5,000 for leaving the country, and the Government carte blanche and offers them a black cheque to go in should think again about that. This habit of coercion that direction, by renewing the provisions of the Coronavirus and control has gone too far, and it has gone on for too Act 2020, we will not be doing the job that our voters long. It is time for this House to trust the British people sent us here to do. and return their rights to them. 1153 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1154

4.15 pm Committee that there is no known instance of outdoor infection from covid. That comes from a session that we Sir Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): It is a held to scrutinise the science behind the road map measures, pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the Member for and I thought in my few minutes today I might just Altrincham and Sale West (Sir Graham Brady). I thank draw the House’s attention to some more of the evidence him for his leadership in the campaign that so many of we took. us support, trying to ensure that some common sense and proportionality are brought to this debate and that First, the road map was set based on an assessment we have our freedoms back, because we should not have based on evidence that is more than six weeks old. It did them taken away from us unless there is the most not have the advantage that we now have of the experience compelling justification. of what has happened since the vaccination programme returned results. What we know, very happily, is that the As my hon. Friend said, this is also an issue of trust. assumptions made were much more pessimistic on vaccine The Government are using the slogan “data not dates”, take-up and vaccine effectiveness than have come to be but the data is either being withheld or ignored. I have realised. been regularly looking at the so-called coronavirus dashboard. Suddenly, when the data got rather good My hon. Friend will know that witnesses to our from my perspective but bad from the Government’s Committee suggested strongly that if we are to be perspective,it disappeared. The latest data on the dashboard driven by data not dates, we should have the flexibility for hospital admissions in Dorset goes back to 11 March, to advance more quickly, should that be possible. We so I had to make my own inquiries, and I found out that know that there is not the opportunity today to revise within the last week, there have only been three hospital those dates, so we have what we have, but I hope that the admissions in all the hospitals throughout Dorset. We Minister will take from this debate the real determination have 1,200 beds in our hospitals, and we have a population that we should stick at least to those dates and be of over three quarters of a million people. That data does rigorous in looking at the data, all of which is encouraging. not tell me that it is reasonable that we should continue I have some concerns, as did witnesses to the Committee, to have a lockdown and that people should be deprived about what might happen in the future. A fellow member of their social and economic liberty.One of my constituents of the Committee, the hon. Member for Blackley and who is very good on these things wrote to me saying Broughton (Graham Stringer), talked about the opacity that 5,000 cases from 1.9 million tests shows that 99.993% of some of the data that is there to trigger further of the population were unaffected. That is what we are releases. The road map is in place, but the powers of the talking about in terms of proportionality. 2020 Act will continue, and I was a little concerned to The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) hear the Secretary of State in his opening speech, having (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021 extend to 94 pages. noted the 90% fall in hospital admissions from the peak How do the Government believe that we can support of the pandemic, then use words of great caution about the regulations when there is not even an impact assessment continuing to need to protect the NHS. Of course we for them? If there was an impact assessment, it would need to do that, but we need to know what that means. point out that every day those regulations remain in In evidence to the Committee, both Chris Whitty and place is costing the economy about £1 billion—£1 billion Dame Angela McLean begged this House—politicians a day. We can get a lot of for £1 billion, and if a cost of and Ministers—for some indication of what we regard £1 billion a day is being incurred, there certainly needs as a tolerable level of risk. In the case of flu, which they to be a lot more justification than the Government have cited, we have deaths each year, but in seeking to avoid so far adduced during this debate. them we do not lock down the whole country, so we need I expect that people will increasingly take the law into to supply an assessment of what degree of proportionality their own hands as they see that there is no risk in going we should take. I do not say that should boil down to a out and meeting in the open, as was confirmed in number, as we do not do that with flu; we should evidence to the Science and Technology Committee, nevertheless come to an understanding of what are and that there are very few risks associated with social appropriate measures in the context of the disease. mixing with people who are already vaccinated. The Finally, it is important to reflect on the evidence that Government have got it completely wrong on risk we heard that we will not be entirely able to keep out assessment. My advice to the Minister would be to go infections and new variants from overseas, short of and get some risk assessment therapy during the Easter doing such damage to our society and our economy as break and then come back with some new ideas in is unconscionable for a trading nation as well connected April. He should reflect on the adage that the welfare of as we are. I hope therefore that the Minister will confirm humanity is always the alibi of tyrants. That, in essence, that we are not going to pursue a policy of repelling is what this debate is about, and that is why I shall be boarders, which would be ruinous for our economic voting against these measures. future and our reputation as an open trading nation. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr ): After Greg Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Three-minute Clark’sfour-minute contribution, there are seven Members limit. left to speak. To get everybody in, we will reduce the time limit to three minutes, and the winding-up speeches 4.23 pm will start no later than 4.44 pm. Mrs (Meon Valley) (Con) [V]: This pandemic has put a great strain on our society and our 4.19 pm economy, but it has also shown the strong social cohesion Greg Clark (Tunbridge Wells) (Con): My hon. Friend in the country.People have worked together and co-operated the Member for Christchurch (Sir Christopher Chope) with what the science has suggested will beat this virus. mentioned the evidence to the Science and Technology As a Conservative, I do not like to see restrictions on 1155 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1156 our freedoms any more than other hon. Members, but than predicted and the dates have not changed. As my the measures we have put in place to combat this right hon. Friend the Member for Tunbridge Wells fast-moving novel virus have saved lives. Let us compare (Greg Clark) just said, Government action is now based the Spanish flu epidemic after world war one with this on data that is old and negative—too old and too one. The response to the former was driven by ineffective negative. I have yet to hear a credible explanation as to measures to prevent transmission and incomplete responses why. Where is the new updated data that we should be when it was clear that it was a fast-spreading pandemic. using if we have fresh, new data? I fear that, yet again, Spanish flu killed 50 million people worldwide and at science is being used gently to lead the debate, rather least a quarter of a million in the UK—double the than to frame it with the evidence necessary for us to number of those who have died so far from covid. make decisions. We said we needed restrictions last year to protect Secondly, basing lockdown on cases, not deaths, is our NHS and to allow it to function, and they have not good enough. I was listening to Professor Van-Tam worked and saved lives. Of course we sympathise with briefing Members a couple of days ago. He is clearly a everyone who has lost a friend or relative, or is suffering very impressive man, but his presentation was clear: from the effects of long covid, but it must be clear that lockdown was being justified on cases. But cases are not the situation would be much worse had we not had the deaths or hospitalisations. I felt as though I was almost restrictions. Because we have contained the virus more, being misled, and I say that with great respect to him. we can now move along the road map, and I welcome He was saying that we have to continue this way because the revocation of the all-tiers regulations with the new we have cases, despite the Government saying that we framework. That will allow us to reduce the levels of cannot eliminate covid from our society and we have to restriction at each stage. live with it. We have been under house arrest for nearly I quite understand the concerns of constituents who a year now. Justifying continued mass house arrest want us to move on from lockdowns and get back on based on cases, not deaths or hospitalisations, frankly track, but we do need this framework to avoid a free-for-all felt like very thin gruel from the Government. at a time when we still have to vaccinate such large Thanks to the miracle of vaccination—and it is a numbers of adults. We must keep our guard up against scientific miracle, as this is the first time in human potential new variants and the emerging new wave in history that a pandemic is being defeated with science, the EU and elsewhere. New mutations can develop which is an extraordinary event in the history of humanity when a virus is able to spread through unprotected —the link between cases, hospitalisation and death has populations. been broken. Yes, we need to be mindful of cases, but My support for these regulations was reinforced yesterday cases are not deaths. The continuation of these draconian at a meeting of the Hampshire local resilience forum. measures, now based on a “not quite sure” approach, is We heard from Dr Nigel Watson, a retired GP, who, like not normal. As my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham many others, has come back to help the NHS. He would and Sale West (Sir Graham Brady) said, we should not like to continue to help with the backlog of medical be normalising this response, because our liberties belong cases over the next few months. Extending the regulations to us, not to the Government. Continuing in this way will allow him and others to do this. The help of now, when we have broken the link between death, Dr Watson and others is an extremely important part of hospitalisation and cases sets a dangerous precedent. getting the NHS back to normality, so I am pleased that we are extending section 2 of the Act to ensure this can 4.29 pm continue. His story is typical of that of so many people Tom Randall (Gedling) (Con) [V]: I think the day who have helped our national effort to eliminate this when all the regulations under the Coronavirus Act are dreadful disease, so let me finish by thanking him and lifted will be my highlight in this Parliament. That is a everyone else in the NHS and the public sector who day that cannot come soon enough, but I do accept that have worked so hard to support society so that we can today is not that day. now move on again. I will be supporting the extension There is a road map and an end in sight, but the of these regulations. events on the continent remind us that we have not reached the end point just yet. Were the measures lifted 4.26 pm today, many that have been deemed necessary to curtail the spread of disease and some of the measures that are (Isle of Wight) (Con) [V]: It is a pleasure to helpful, such as statutory sick pay, would be removed. follow my hon. Friend the Member for Meon Valley Given how far we have come, it is necessary to lift (Mrs Drummond). measures gradually to ensure that this is a one-way I will start with some positives. The success of the process, rather than taking too many steps forward vaccination programme is a fantastic achievement; now, only to have to revert at a later stage. The vaccination Katie Bingham is a national hero. The Secretary of State programme is our route out of lockdown and about has also worked tirelessly, as have many other Ministers. 30 million jabs done is a fantastic success. I worry that I thank again everyone involved with the vaccination sudden change might undo a lot of that good work. process on the Isle of Wight, including the NHS teams The road map as it stands will see most restrictions in primary care and secondary care. lifted by June, and this House is being asked to renew However, I am not happy with the Government’s measures for six months. I understand that that will plans today and I think they are unbalanced. In the next effectively mean that large parts of the Act will be couple of minutes, I will explain why. First—this has dormant, but that they can be reactivated if necessary, been echoed by others—the Government have said that without primary legislation. I do not support coronavirus they will base their response on data, not dates, but it legislation with enthusiasm, but I understand its necessity. has become clear that the data has changed quicker That is why I will be supporting the Government today. 1157 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1158

[Tom Randall] social distancing requirements in pubs and restaurants to the wearing of face masks, self-isolation and contact While covid and the restrictions are on the decline, tracing. there is talk of living in a covid-tinged world for some I ask the Minister, in his closing remarks, to clarify time to come. There is a broader question. If one accepts that we will get to debate in the House the outputs of restrictions on personal liberty to prevent the spread of those critical reviews—the Government’s endemic covid deadly disease, should they be necessary to prevent its road map, as it were—and that we will be able not just reoccurrence? There has been talk of certification or to vote on any resulting legislation, but to approve any so-called vaccine passports. Earlier this week, the Public formal guidance and provisions resulting from it. Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, on which I sit, heard evidence on that from, among 4.34 pm others, my right hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice and Howden (Mr Davis). We heard questions in that David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) evidence session about the effectiveness of such a scheme. (Con) [V]: My hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede Its introduction, for example, might be not just for a and Weybridge (Dr Spencer) was clear about the desire football stadium, but for the train there and back where of his constituents to move on from these restrictions. a virus might be spread. If holding a vaccine passport is Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner is no different in that likely to affect access to key public services such as respect—people have borne with fortitude the restrictions public transport, I think it will be necessary to show on their lives. clearly the effectiveness of such a scheme and the data However,I very much support of extending the measures on which it is based. before us this evening, and I will support the Government. That is, perhaps, a debate for another day, but a It is clear that there have been a number of false dawns thorough debate on that subject will be necessary. In the on the way away from the impact that covid has had on meantime, I look forward to continuing to follow the all our communities. There have been times when we road map to get us all out of the pandemic. thought we had it on the run but it became more of a problem, and more of our residents died or were seriously 4.31 pm ill as a consequence, so we need to make sure that we have a package of measures in place that will enable the Dr (Runnymede and Weybridge) (Con) Government and the country to support all our citizens [V]: This past year has been incredibly difficult for all of and communities. While I completely understand that us, and I would like to start by paying tribute to the we are chafing against a number of the restrictions in people of Runnymede and Weybridge for their boundless the legislation, there are far more important elements resolve and community spirit, and remembering those that are entirely about support for businesses and people who have lost their lives as a result of the pandemic. who are affected. Many of my constituents are hurting. The pandemic As we look forward to that road map, with businesses and lockdown have hit us hard. Many have lost their of different kinds reopening and people being welcomed jobs and many are desperate to see their loved ones. The back to our high streets and shopping centres, and to road map and the fantastic vaccine roll-out bring those activities such as sport and the arts, which have had to most valuable of commodities, certainty and hope— go into the deep freeze during this covid period, it is something to look forward to that life will get better. I absolutely vital that we have these backstop powers so want to go faster, but I also agree that the need for that if there is a resurgence of covid, perhaps from a irreversibility and certainty weighs heavy. I will therefore mutation, the Government are able to act swiftly and support the regulations we are voting on today, but I respond to dampen that down and keep our people safe. must reiterate that every day we have the restrictions in For all those reasons, I support what is before us and place they are causing great harm. The Government will support the Government this evening. should move heaven and earth to lift them as soon as possible. 4.36 pm In the brief time I have in this debate, I want to talk about the broader provisions of the road map. As with Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) all discussions on the coronavirus regulations, they are (Con) [V]: It is always a pleasure to follow my hon. only half the story. We talk a lot about the new normal Friend the Member for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner and the return to normal life after the pandemic. The (David Simmonds), who talked about the importance road map charts out the plan for the lifting of legal of keeping some of the provisions within the Coronavirus restrictions, but not the return to normality. Covid has Act, very much in a just-in-case manner. I will speak changed many aspects of life and I have been calling for from my perspective as Chair of the Women and Equalities a long-term plan for living with the virus. I am pleased Committee about three components that have caused us that the road map starts to tackle that through the four concern in the past and one that still does. reviews on: large events, covid certification, international We very much welcome the action taken by the travel and social distancing. Health and Social Care Secretary to remove the Act’s Those four reviews will do all the heavy lifting. They provisions around the Mental Health Act 1983 and are critical to setting out what our post-pandemic covid sectioning back in December. They had not been used world—our endemic covid world—will look like after and were therefore not needed. I also very much welcome June. When legal restrictions lift, the impact of the his actions over the course of the last 24 hours in recommendations will still be felt. They will have a far deciding to retire, as it were, the Care Act 2014 easements, longer lasting impact than what we vote on today. They which the Women and Equalities Committee had called will form the basis of what the new normal will be on a for and, indeed, which I would be calling for this huge range of issues that impact on daily lives, from afternoon had he not already done it. 1159 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1160

However, the same step has not been taken over the consider scrapping that fifth week and taking the associated education easements in the Act. Too many disabled political risk, not the scientific risk, on to their own children have not received the support they need during broad shoulders. the pandemic. These easements have not been used I also feel that there is an overall sense of mission since July, yet the justification for keeping them, sent to creep. We have protected the NHS, which is how the me by the Under-Secretary of State for Education, my lockdowns were sold to us, but the sooner we have our hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Vicky Ford), lives back, the better. I was glad to hear my right hon. is that the Secretary of State is keeping them under Friend the Health Secretary agree with my hon. Friend review in case the evidence changes. The Minister the Member for Wycombe (Mr Baker) that the way acknowledges in her letter to me, dated today, that the forward in step 4 is personal responsibility allied to the powers are unused and have not been used since last vaccine and to test and trace. I should pause to praise July. Indeed, she goes on to state that, compared with my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary. His belief in May, June and July last year, these flexibilities are much science and in the possibility of rapid vaccine development less needed. If they are unused and the evidence shows has been rewarded in spades, and his wisdom in ensuring that they are less needed, why are they being retained? I that Oxford tied up with AstraZeneca is clear from the am not some great conspiracy theorist; I do not think contrasting experiences we see across the channel and in that this is an attempt by the Secretary of State for other countries. Education to keep this power indefinitely, but it is not used and it is not needed, yet it remains on the statute Turning to the procedural elements of the motions, book. Of course, there is no ability to amend just that I have been glad to serve under the excellent chairmanship one section this evening. of my fellow north Staffordshire MP, my right hon. Friend the Member for Staffordshire Moorlands Respectfully, I argue that the justification we have (Karen Bradley), but I was also glad to support the been given makes no sense, and I urge the Secretary of amendments tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for State for Education to think again on retaining these Hazel Grove (Mr Wragg) in that Committee. It is a powers. Parents are desperately worried that children matter of honour for many of us that we return, as we with special educational needs are not getting access to promised, to how things were before the pandemic. the assistance they need. They are back in school now, There may be many things we can learn from the which I absolutely welcome, but I urge the Education procedural innovations that we have seen, and I think Secretary to reconsider and to remove these unneeded we should have the chance to do that. I welcome what easements. the Prime Minister said in his response to the Chair of the Committee that we will have a debate on this, but I 4.38 pm fear that there has not been enough time for us to Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Con) [V]: It is a debate these procedural innovations. It is a matter of pleasure to follow my right hon. Friend the Member for honour that we return as promised, and it is also a Romsey and Southampton North (Caroline Nokes). I matter of honour that this House aligns what we are have been privileged to serve on two Select Committees doing with what we are asking the country to do. during the pandemic, the Science and Technology Committee and the Procedure Committee, both ably 4.42 pm chaired by hon. Friends who spoke earlier in the debate. I therefore have quite a lot to try to say in these three Alex Norris (Nottingham North) (Lab/Co-op): This minutes. is a solemn moment. In the week when we mark the I have supported the Government on their measures anniversary of our first lockdown and of this emergency throughout the pandemic and I will do so again, with legislation, we must start by reflecting with sadness on some reservations, tonight. I said in the debate in this the loss of the lives of 125,000 of our countrymen and Chamber in September: women: mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and friends. That is an awful lot of broken hearts, and our thoughts “By the spring, we will need a new plan, informed by the and prayers are with all of them. scientific evidence at the time and by what we learn over the winter,because we simply cannot continue to live like this forever.”— Today, were are acting to protect the country as much [Official Report, 28 September 2020; Vol. 681, c. 109.] as possible as we go forward, and in that spirit, we have We cannot live in fear. Luckily the vaccine works, but had a really high-quality and interesting debate. I reflect even if it had not, we would still need a way out of particularly on the contribution from my hon. Friend lockdown. the Member for Luton South (Rachel Hopkins), who We now have a new plan and, to echo my hon. Friend talked about the disproportionate impact on black, the Member for Winchester (Steve Brine), I think it Asian and ethnic minority individuals in our country. would be churlish of me to reject it because it might not We should reflect on what that says about Britain. I also be as fast as I would like or what I think would be reflect on the contribution from the right hon. Member manageable given the data. We have heard a lot about for Romsey and Southampton North (Caroline Nokes) “data, not dates”, yet there are a lot of dates in the about some of our most vulnerable people. We must legislation and not a lot of data. My right hon. Friend hold them very much at the forefront of our minds as the Health Secretary and the Prime Minister both describe we act today. the plans as “cautious but irreversible”, but I think I am in the slightly iniquitous position of agreeing there is a tension there with what we could achieve. The with, but having to disagree with, a number of my own scientists told us in the Science and Technology Committee colleagues, but I do not think that it serves me, them or that they needed four weeks to assess the effects of each anybody else well to disagree with them and not say so. step, and the Government want a fifth week so that we I agree with the points made by my right hon. Friend can make preparations. I think the Government could the Member for Warley (John Spellar) on hospitality, 1161 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1162

[Alex Norris] I do not believe either that it is a question of liberty—I do not think it can be. Every one of those colleagues by my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds East voted last week for draconian fetters on the right to (Richard Burgon) on low pay and support for those protest. who need it, and by my hon. Friend the Member for Blackley and Broughton (Graham Stringer) regarding Sir Charles Walker: On a point of order, Mr Deputy protest. I have a lot of sympathy with many of the Speaker. You will be well aware that I was not able to provisions in the Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the vote in last week’s Divisions, because I am chairing the Member for Brent Central (Dawn Butler), and I agree relevant Bill in Committee, so that is not a legitimate with everything my hon. Friend the Member for Streatham point of debate from the hon. Gentleman. (Bell Ribeiro-Addy) said about her desire to amend what is in front of us today. I also share the view of my Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): The shadow right hon. Friend the Member for Islington North Minister will have heard the comments, and I am sure (Jeremy Corbyn) that it is wrong that this is a take-it-or- he would want to respond himself. leave-it proposition. I agree with all those points, but I cannot agree that the answer is to vote against these Alex Norris: I apologise to the hon. Gentleman. I am measures today. I do not think that that is the right wrong there, and I would like the record corrected. course of action, because we would lose all these provisions. I will reflect on them shortly. I would say that those colleagues—those who were present in previous Parliaments—also voted for the I disagree, too, with what colleagues in the Liberal Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Democrats have said. The right hon. Member for Kingston Trade Union Administration Act 2014 and for reforms and Surbiton (Ed Davey), the hon. Members for to trade union rights. I also believe that most, if not all, Twickenham (Munira Wilson) and for Westmorland of them intend to vote for what are pretty draconian and Lonsdale (Tim Farron) and the right hon. Member reforms to our voting process, particularly regarding for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael) have completed identification. So I am not here to take lectures on the set today. On some points they have agreed with the individual freedom. proposals, on some points they have abstained and on I think this is about ideology and worldview. If some points they have disagreed. I do not think that someone spent the 40 years since Ronald Reagan became that sort of going with the wind is what we need in a President telling people that the thing holding them pandemic. We have been consistent: we support the back was Government and that the way forward was Government on the restrictions we have needed to less Government, then this last year has been a problem. protect public health. It has shown at home and abroad that Government do have a role in making sure that people have an income, Reflecting on contributions from Conservative Members, do have a role in making sure that they have housing I agree with everything the excellent Chair of the Procedure and do have a role in protecting their health, and that it Committee, the right hon. Member for Staffordshire is not always best to leave things to the market. Moorlands (Karen Bradley), said regarding amendments. I slightly disagreed with the hon. Member for Winchester Sir Graham Brady: I am listening carefully to the (Steve Brine)—although I agree with the spirit of what argument the hon. Gentleman is developing. Is he saying he said—about being hoist by our own petard. The that there is simply no limit to how long he would be right hon. Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox) talked willing to have these restrictions on people’s freedoms in about us being stuck with a take-it-or-leave-it proposition, place, should there always be some threat of another but there is nothing inevitable about that. The Government variant of covid? could have brought forward amendable provisions today, and we would have been in a much better position if they had done so. I think I would have looked fondly on Alex Norris: I am grateful for that intervention. That what the hon. Member for Wycombe (Mr Baker) said, is not my position and I am going to develop that and our amendment is also sensible. We could really argument shortly.I would hope to hear from the Minister have improved this legislation, and I hope the Government that, particularly with these provisions lasting into October, will reflect on what it is they are recoiling from when it he intends to bring them down much more quickly than comes to Parliament improving their laws. that and as soon as we can. The point that the right hon. Member for Staffordshire Moorlands made about There was a strong but, I would still argue, fringe line 21 June being present only in the procedural motions of argument from a group of colleagues that we need was a very good one. fewer not greater protections for the British people. It Let me make a couple of points about the specifics was well represented by the hon. Members for Broxbourne and substance of the Act. It is right that the opportunity (Sir Charles Walker) and for Hazel Grove (Mr Wragg), is being taken today to sunset provisions in it—certainly the right hon. Member for New Forest West (Sir Desmond ones that have not been used—and we support the Swayne), the hon. Member for Wycombe (Mr Baker), Government where they have chosen to do that. However, the right hon. Member for Forest of Dean (Mr Harper) I do wish to question the Minister on the three provisions and the hon. Members for Christchurch (Sir Christopher that are suspended. On sections 22 and 23, which expire Chope) and for Isle of Wight (Bob Seely). I believe, as I tomorrow, I would like clarity that, as they have expired have said before, that those colleagues have been wrong rather than been formally turned off, they will not be at every turn and are wrong again today. It is wrong to revivable and there is no intention to revive them. On look at the pain that this virus has caused and to section 58, in relation to transportation, storage and continue to advocate weakening our tools to fight it. disposal of dead bodies, why was that only suspended? There does not seem to be a foreseeable use for that. 1163 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1164

I also wish to query a number of powers that the save for the gravest of circumstances, but it is true that, Government have chosen to neither turn off nor suspend. as a country, we have faced some very grave times Why is section 14, on continuing healthcare assessments, indeed. It has been a long, challenging year for all of not being turned off, given that its counterpart, section 15, us—individuals,families,businesses—and that was brought is? Section 37, on the temporary closure of educational home so poignantly on Tuesday, as we remembered institutions and childcare premises, has never been used, those we have lost through the pandemic. We have come and I do not think its use is foreseeable. On section 50, a very long way, but equally, we know that those dark on the power to suspend port operations, I do not think days are not that far behind us yet, so the fact that we there is any anxiety about Border Force’s resourcing may cautiously begin to look to brighter days ahead is a levels to cover our ports. Why has that not been turned tribute to so many. off yet? On section 52, which many colleagues have In that vein, again, I wish to put on record my thanks raised, on events, gatherings and premises, there are to our NHS and care staff and, indeed, key workers, surely better tools in other bits of legislation and regulations as my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Derbyshire that we could use. (Mrs Latham) did, for all they have done; and, of I hope that we will learn from this crisis. In particular, course, to thank the British people, whose sacrifices and the points made by colleagues about a public inquiry solidarity have set us on this better course. As more and are important. It would be very difficult for the Government more of our population heed the call to be vaccinated, to get independent feedback about why we have one of we are setting our country up for a safer future, too. So the worst death tolls in the world and one of the worst we have much to be optimistic about. recessions in the world, but we simply must learn the But colleagues will have been watching recent events lessons for the future, no matter how hard it is for on the continent with some concern. Not far from these Ministers to hear them. shores, cases are rapidly on the rise. As the Prime I want to reflect on a couple of things that are still Minister recently acknowledged, the wave sweeping through missing in the approach and in the road map. It is Europe has the potential to a really significant gap. For all the good news in the “wash up on our shores as well”. Budget for self-employed people, so many—possibly Equally concerning, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary millions—are still ineligible for that support. Those of State for Health and Social Care has alluded to on a excluded continue to receive almost nothing beyond social number of occasions, are the new variants—many of security—and some of them are not eligible for that them, it must be recognised, detected through world-leading because they have been saving, for example, to pay off British genomics capabilities— which continue to pose tax liabilities. That is wrong, it has been wrong throughout, a threat to the progress we have made. As we debate and I cannot understand why Ministers have not moved easing restrictions here today, our friends in France, more quickly on it. Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and many others Similarly, we are letting down our nation’s carers. We find themselves moving in the other direction—tightening clapped for them but now refuse to make a meaningful lockdowns, extending curfews and shutting down again. recognition of their contribution. The derisory 1% pay That is a fate we are determined to avoid, and one I offer for NHS staff is a real-terms cut and completely believe we will avoid if we proceed carefully and follow unacceptable under these circumstances. Also we should the cautious steps set out in our road map. not leave out of the conversation social care workers, We all want to see the economic and social freedoms working in the homes of some of our most vulnerable and activities that mean so much to us resume as swiftly people, meeting the health needs of people who really as possible and, of course, to be able to see friends and need it, but putting their own at risk. What is their family again. As the Secretary of State set out, at each reward for that? A clap on a Tuesday and then a pay step of that reopening, we are allowing four weeks to freeze in the Budget. That will mean that, for the 10th monitor the impact of the previous step and one week year in a row, their pay will be squeezed. That should be to ensure that we give businesses and individuals enough an enormous source of shame for the Government. I notice to plan for the reopening and easing. That timeframe hope the Minister could reflect, and perhaps give us is playing a vital part in ensuring that we are truly on a some good news on that when he stands up to speak. one-way route to freedom. I make no secret that this is a To conclude, we will support this. We do not do so balancing act, with each step cautiously weighed and without reservation or with much pleasure, but it is the considered. situation we find ourselves in today. There is nothing Much of today’s debate has understandably focused inevitable about it. The virus has been a problem for on another aspect of the response to the pandemic that every country, but we have struggled particularly. So we we will be voting on today—the six-month review of the need these measures so we can cautiously move forwards provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020. We have had and make this lockdown our last. many passionate and thoughtful speeches. No one wishes the Act to be necessary and to be in place a day longer 4.51 pm than is necessary—not me, not the Secretary of State, not the Prime Minister and not hon. Members in this The Minister for Health (Edward Argar): This House House. Whether one disagrees or agrees with the case has come together once again to consider coronavirus put by the Secretary of State—hon. Members will not regulations. The contrast with the previous occasions be surprised to know that I agree wholeheartedly with on which we did so, of course, is that today we are the case he put in arguing that we should be backing the debating in part the road map to recovery—one that motion today—I would not for one moment impugn or eases rather than strengthens the restrictions we face. It question in any way the integrity, sincerity or motivation sets out our path to freedom. They are freedoms that of hon. Members who, from perfectly reasonable none of us would have ever wished to have to curtail, perspectives, have set out their concerns about this. 1165 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1166

[Edward Argar] I will make two points briefly in the minute I have remaining. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State However, these measures regrettably do remain necessary. has been very clear that we have set out the intention to To reassure my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham expire around 25% of the non-devolved powers under and Sale West (Sir Graham Brady), I do not believe that this Act. If it was possible to do so without incurring there is any desire or intent within Government to in that risk and to be ready for all eventualities, I know any way normalise such measures. that he would not wish to see this Act coming before us Let me turn to some of the key specific points raised by today for renewal, but it is. It is necessary and, sadly, is hon. and right hon. Members.My hon. Friend the Member going to be necessary for a few more months. for Harwich and North Essex (Sir Bernard Jenkin) put The shadow Secretary of State, the right hon. Member the case and highlighted extremely well that, while we for Leicester South (Jonathan Ashworth), talked about have made huge strides forward through vaccinations, the right to protest—I will try to answer this very and we have seen the death rate and hospitalisation rate quickly—and asked what the guidance is likely to include. come down, we are not yet out of the woods entirely. That essentially is about things such as the need for a That is why we must, I believe, continue to be cautious formal organiser, for example, and a risk assessment to and why the road map is necessary. take place—that is what that is referring to. I commend I would like to say that it was pleasure to hear from these motions to the House. the hon. Member for Leeds East (Richard Burgon), but I am mindful not to mislead the House. However, I will 5 pm address one substantive point he raised, when he appeared The Deputy Speaker put the Question (Order, this day). to be arguing for zero covid. I have to be clear with him, Question agreed to. as the chief medical officer has been clear, that such an Resolved, approach is neither practical nor realistic and we must, as a society, live with residual elements of covid for many That the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021 (S.I., 2021, No.364), dated 22 March 2021, years to come. That touches on risk. My right hon. and a copy of which was laid before this House on 22 March, be learned Friend the Member for Kenilworth and Southam approved. (Jeremy Wright) and many other colleagues talked about striking the right balance in terms of what levels of risk The Deputy Speaker then put the Questions necessary society is prepared to live with. The Secretary of State for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that alluded to this in his opening remarks. It is hugely time (Order, this day). important that we weigh up the precautionary approach with the desire and need to open up our economy and CORONAVIRUS ACT 2020 (REVIEW OF society. TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) (NO.2) My right hon. Friend the Member for Staffordshire Motion made, and Question put, Moorlands (Karen Bradley), the Chair of the Procedure That the temporary provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020 Committee, rightly highlighted our common law approach should not yet expire.—(Matt Hancock.) in this country whereby things are permitted unless explicitly forbidden and said how exceptional it would The House divided: Ayes 484, Noes 76. be to have to change that presumption. Sadly, we have Division No. 246] [5.1 pm faced exceptional times and that is why these measures have been necessary, but they are not measures that any AYES of us would choose to introduce were we not faced with Abrahams, Debbie Baker, Duncan such a grave situation. Adams, Nigel Barclay, rh Steve Hon. Members talked about the importance of clear Afolami, Bim Barker, Paula comms, building trust and the right messaging. That is Ahmad Khan, Imran Baron, Mr John Aiken, Nickie Baynes, Simon absolutely right. It is hugely important that we set the Aldous, Peter Beckett, rh Margaret right expectations and that we are clear with the public Ali, Rushanara Bell, Aaron about how the vaccine is allowing us to move out of Ali, Tahir Benn, rh Hilary lockdown, but also about the challenges still posed. I Allan, Lucy Benton, Scott have to say I was a little surprised to be lectured by the Allin-Khan, Dr Rosena Beresford, Sir Paul leader of the Liberal Democrats, the right hon. Member Amesbury, Mike Berry, rh Jake for Kingston and Surbiton (Ed Davey), on so-called Amess, Sir David Betts, Mr Clive fake news. The irony of Liberal Democrats lecturing the Anderson, Fleur Bhatti, Saqib House on so-called fake news will not be lost on hon. Anderson, Lee Blake, Olivia Members. Anderson, Stuart Blomfield, Paul Andrew, rh Stuart Blunt, Crispin Let me move on to some very serious points as I Ansell, Caroline Brabin, Tracy conclude. My hon. Friend the Member for Winchester Antoniazzi, Tonia Bradley, Ben (Steve Brine) asked why schedule 22 was necessary. The Argar, Edward Bradley, rh Karen reality is that, while the 1984 Act gives a considerable Ashworth, rh Jonathan Braverman, rh Suella number of powers, some elements of critical infrastructure Atherton, Sarah Brennan, Kevin would not be able to be closed, even in the event of an Atkins, Victoria Brereton, Jack outbreak with a dangerous new variant, under that Act. Bacon, Gareth Bristow, Paul That is one power that was lacking there that the Bacon, Mr Richard Britcliffe, Sara Secretary of State rightly—I share his view—believes Badenoch, Kemi Brokenshire, rh James may be necessary, although hopefully it will not be Bailey, Shaun Brown, Ms Lyn necessary, in that context. Baillie, Siobhan Brown, rh Mr Nicholas 1167 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1168

Browne, Anthony Dromey, Jack Harrison, Trudy Leadsom, rh Andrea Bruce, Fiona Drummond, Mrs Flick Hart, Sally-Ann Leigh, rh Sir Edward Bryant, Chris Duddridge, James Hart, rh Simon Levy, Ian Buchan, Felicity Duffield, Rosie Hayes, Helen Lewer, Andrew Buck, Ms Karen Dunne, rh Philip Hayes, rh Sir John Lewis, rh Brandon Buckland, rh Robert Eagle, Dame Angela Heald, rh Sir Oliver Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Burghart, Alex Eagle, Maria Healey, rh John Lloyd, Tony Burns, rh Conor Eastwood, Mark Heappey, James Loder, Chris Butler, Rob Edwards, Ruth Heaton-Harris, Chris Logan, Mark Byrne, Ian Efford, Clive Henderson, Gordon Longhi, Marco Byrne, rh Liam Elliott, Julie Hendrick, Sir Mark Lopez, Julia Cadbury, Ruth Ellis, rh Michael Henry, Darren Lopresti, Jack Cairns, rh Alun Ellwood, rh Mr Tobias Higginbotham, Antony Lynch, Holly Campbell, rh Sir Alan Elmore, Chris Hillier, Meg Mackrory, Cherilyn Carden, Dan Elphicke, Mrs Natalie Hinds, rh Damian Maclean, Rachel Carter, Andy Eshalomi, Florence Hoare, Simon Madders, Justin Cartlidge, James Esterson, Bill Hodge, rh Dame Margaret Mahmood, Mr Khalid Cash, Sir William Eustice, rh George Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Mahmood, Shabana Cates, Miriam Evans, Chris Holden, Mr Richard Mak, Alan Chalk, Alex Evans, Dr Luke Hollern, Kate Malhotra, Seema Champion, Sarah Evennett, rh Sir David Hollinrake, Kevin Malthouse, Kit Charalambous, Bambos Everitt, Ben Holloway, Adam Mangnall, Anthony Chishti, Rehman Fabricant, Michael Holmes, Paul Mann, Scott Churchill, Jo Farris, Laura Hopkins, Rachel Marson, Julie Clark, Feryal Fell, Simon Howarth, rh Sir George Maskell, Rachael Clark, rh Greg Fletcher, Colleen Howell, John Matheson, Christian Clarke, Mr Simon Fletcher, Katherine Howell, Paul Mayhew, Jerome Clarke, Theo Fletcher, Mark Huddleston, Nigel Maynard, Paul Clarke-Smith, Brendan Fletcher, Nick Hudson, Dr Neil McCabe, Steve Clarkson, Chris Ford, Vicky Hughes, Eddie McCarthy, Kerry Cleverly, rh James Foster, Kevin Hunt, Jane McCartney, Jason Coffey, rh Dr Thérèse Fovargue, Yvonne Hunt, rh Jeremy McDonagh, Siobhain Colburn, Elliot Fox, rh Dr Liam Hunt, Tom McDonald, Andy Collins, Damian Foxcroft, Vicky Huq, Dr Rupa McFadden, rh Mr Pat Cooper, Rosie Foy, Mary Kelly Hussain, Imran McGinn, Conor Cooper, rh Yvette Frazer, rh Lucy Jarvis, Dan McGovern, Alison Costa, Alberto Freeman, George Javid, rh Sajid McKinnell, Catherine Courts, Robert Freer, Mike Jayawardena, Mr Ranil McMahon, Jim Coutinho, Claire Furniss, Gill Jenkin, Sir Bernard McMorrin, Anna Cox, rh Sir Geoffrey Gale, rh Sir Roger Jenkinson, , Mark Coyle, Neil Gardiner, Barry Jenkyns, Andrea Mercer, Johnny Crabb, rh Stephen Garnier, Mark Jenrick, rh Robert Merriman, Huw Creasy, Stella Gibb, rh Nick Johnson, rh Boris Metcalfe, Stephen Crosbie, Virginia Gibson, Peter Johnson, Dr Caroline Miliband, rh Edward Crouch, Tracey Gideon, , rh Dame Diana Millar, Robin Cruddas, Jon Gill, Preet Kaur Johnson, Gareth Miller, rh Mrs Maria Cryer, John Glen, John Johnson, Kim Milling, rh Amanda Cummins, Judith Glindon, Mary Johnston, David Mills, Nigel Cunningham, Alex Goodwill, rh Mr Robert Jones, Andrew Mishra, Navendu Daby, Janet Gove, rh Michael Jones, Darren Mohindra, Mr Gagan Daly, James Graham, Richard Jones, Fay Moore, Damien David, Wayne Grant, Mrs Helen Jones, Gerald Moore, Robbie Davies, David T. C. Gray, James Jones, rh Mr Kevan Mordaunt, rh Penny Davies, Gareth Green, rh Damian Jones, Mr Marcus Morden, Jessica Davies, Geraint Green, Kate Jones, Ruth Morgan, Stephen Davies, Dr James Greenwood, Lilian Jones, Sarah Morris, David Davies, Mims Greenwood, Margaret Jupp, Simon Morris, Grahame Davies-Jones, Alex Griffith, Andrew Kane, Mike Morris, James Davison, Dehenna Griffith, Nia Kawczynski, Daniel Morrissey, Joy De Cordova, Marsha Griffiths, Kate Kearns, Alicia Morton, Wendy Debbonaire, Thangam Grundy, James Keegan, Gillian Mullan, Dr Kieran Dhesi, Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Gullis, Jonathan Keeley, Barbara Mumby-Croft, Holly Dinenage, Caroline Haigh, Louise Kendall, Liz Murray, Ian Dines, Miss Sarah Halfon, rh Robert Khan, Afzal Murray, James Docherty, Leo Hall, Luke Kinnock, Stephen Murray, Mrs Sheryll Dodds, Anneliese Hamilton, Fabian Knight, rh Sir Greg Murrison, rh Dr Andrew Donelan, Michelle Hammond, Stephen Knight, Julian Nandy, Lisa Dorries, Ms Nadine Hancock, rh Matt Kruger, Danny Nichols, Charlotte Double, Steve Hands, rh Greg Kwarteng, rh Kwasi Nici, Lia Doughty, Stephen Harman, rh Ms Harriet Kyle, Peter Nokes, rh Caroline Dowd, Peter Harris, Carolyn Lammy, rh Mr David Norman, rh Jesse Dowden, rh Oliver Harris, Rebecca Largan, Robert Norris, Alex 1169 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1170

O’Brien, Neil Smith, Royston NOES Offord, Dr Matthew Smyth, Karin Abbott, rh Ms Diane Lord, Mr Jonathan Onwurah, Chi Sobel, Alex Afriyie, Adam Loughton, Tim Opperman, Guy Solloway, Amanda Baker, Mr Steve Lucas, Caroline Oppong-Asare, Abena Spencer, Dr Ben Baldwin, Harriett Mackinlay, Craig Owatemi, Taiwo Spencer, rh Mark Begum, Apsana McCartney, Karl Owen, Sarah Stafford, Alexander Blackman, Bob McDonnell, rh John Parish, Neil Starmer, rh Keir Bone, Mr Peter McPartland, Stephen Patel, rh Priti Stephenson, Andrew Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben McVey, rh Esther Paterson, rh Mr Owen Stevens, Jo Brady, Sir Graham Mearns, Ian Pawsey, Mark Stevenson, Jane Burgon, Richard Moran, Layla Peacock, Stephanie Stevenson, John Butler, Dawn Morris, Anne Marie Penning, rh Sir Mike Stewart, rh Bob Campbell, Mr Gregory Olney, Sarah Pennycook, Matthew Stewart, Iain Chamberlain, Wendy Osamor, Kate Penrose, John Streeter, Sir Gary Chope, Sir Christopher Osborne, Kate Percy, Andrew Streeting, Wes Clifton-Brown, Sir Geoffrey Paisley, Ian Perkins, Mr Toby Stride, rh Mel Cooper, Daisy Redwood, rh John Phillips, Jess Stuart, Graham Corbyn, rh Jeremy Ribeiro-Addy, Bell Phillipson, Bridget Sunak, rh Rishi Davey, rh Ed Robinson, Gavin Philp, Chris Sunderland, James Davies, Philip Rosindell, Andrew Pincher, rh Christopher Tami, rh Mark Davis, rh Mr David Smith, Henry Pollard, Luke Tarry, Sam Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Spellar, rh John Poulter, Dr Dan Thomas, Derek Donaldson, rh Sir Jeffrey M. Stone, Jamie Pow, Rebecca Thomas, Gareth Drax, Richard Stringer, Graham Powell, Lucy Thomas-Symonds, rh Nick Farron, Tim Sturdy, Julian Prentis, Victoria Thornberry, rh Emily Farry, Stephen Sultana, Zarah Pritchard, rh Mark Timms, rh Stephen Francois, rh Mr Mark Swayne, rh Sir Desmond Pursglove, Tom Timpson, Edward Fysh, Mr Marcus Syms, Sir Robert Quin, Jeremy Tolhurst, Kelly Girvan, Paul Tracey, Craig Quince, Will Tomlinson, Justin Gwynne, Andrew Trickett, Jon Qureshi, Yasmin Tomlinson, Michael Harper, rh Mr Mark Raab, rh Dominic Twigg, Derek Trevelyan, rh Anne-Marie Hobhouse, Wera Randall, Tom Walker, Sir Charles Trott, Laura Hollobone, Mr Philip Rayner, rh Angela Warburton, David Truss, rh Elizabeth Jardine, Christine Reed, Steve Wilson, Munira Tugendhat, Tom Jones, rh Mr David Rees, Christina Wilson, rh Sammy Turner, Karl Latham, Mrs Pauline Rees-Mogg, rh Mr Jacob Winter, Beth Twist, Liz Lavery, Ian Reeves, Ellie Wragg, Mr William Vara, Mr Shailesh Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Reeves, Rachel Vaz, rh Valerie Lewis, Clive Tellers for the Noes: Reynolds, Jonathan Vickers, Martin Lockhart, Carla Mr Alistair Carmichael and Richards, Nicola Vickers, Matt Long Bailey, Rebecca Chris Green Richardson, Angela Villiers, rh Theresa Rimmer, Ms Marie Wakeford, Christian Roberts, Rob Walker, Mr Robin Question accordingly agreed to. Robertson, Mr Laurence Wallace, rh Mr Ben The list of Members currently certified as eligible for a Robinson, Mary Wallis, Dr Jamie proxy vote, and of the Members nominated as their Rodda, Matt Warman, Matt proxy, is published at the end of today’s debates. Rowley, Lee Watling, Giles Russell, Dean Webb, Suzanne Russell-Moyle, Lloyd Webbe, Claudia CORONAVIRUS ACT 2020 Rutley, David West, Catherine (ONE-YEAR STATUS REPORT) Sambrook, Gary Western, Matt Resolved, Saxby, Selaine Whately, Helen That this House has considered the one-year report on the Scully, Paul Wheeler, Mrs Heather status on the non-devolved provisions of the Coronavirus Act Selous, Andrew Whitehead, Dr Alan 2020.—(Matt Hancock.) Shah, Naz Whitley, Mick Shannon, Jim Whittaker, Craig PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PANDEMIC Shapps, rh Grant Whittingdale, rh Mr John (NO. 6) Sharma, rh Alok Whittome, Nadia Sharma, Mr Virendra Wiggin, Bill Resolved, Sheerman, Mr Barry Wild, James That the Order of 2 June 2020 (Proceedings during the pandemic Shelbrooke, rh Alec Williams, Craig (No. 2)), as amended on 1 July and 22 October 2020, the Order of Siddiq, Tulip Williamson, rh Gavin 4 June 2020 (Virtual participation in proceedings during the pandemic), as amended on 1 July, 2 September, 22 October and Simmonds, David Wood, Mike Wright, rh Jeremy 30 December 2020, the Order of 3 November 2020 (Proxy voting Skidmore, rh Chris during the pandemic (No. 2)) and the Order of 25 February Slaughter, Andy Yasin, Mohammad Young, Jacob (Sittings in Westminster Hall during the pandemic) shall have Smith, Cat effect until 21 June.—(Matt Hancock.) Smith, Chloe Zahawi, Nadhim Smith, Greg Zeichner, Daniel Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I wish all Smith, Jeff Tellers for the Ayes: Members a very good and peaceful Easter, as well as all Smith, rh Julian Maggie Throup and the staff who have worked here and looked after us Smith, Nick during this particularly stressful period. 1171 Coronavirus 25 MARCH 2021 Coronavirus 1172

Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): On a point of behalf of the residents of Putney about the vaccination order, Mr Deputy Speaker. May I seek your guidance on of school staff, alongside an online petition on the same a matter of correcting the record? Earlier today, during topic, which has been signed by more than 250 teachers, the urgent question on steel and the situation at Liberty parents and students. asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester Students have lost so much teaching time and we Central (Lucy Powell), the Business Secretary said that should do everything we can to keep schools open. the closure of SSI happened before 2010, but that is not Other countries have given their school staff priority for correct. the vaccine and so should we. A major factor in the If the Secretary of State does not know, the plant need to close schools has been staff shortages due to was purchased by SSI in February 2011 but closed in teachers themselves or other teachers being covid-positive, October 2015, after David Cameron refused to intervene. as social distancing is very difficult in schools. To ensure How might we get the Business Secretary to correct the that schools can stay open rather than close because of record, to reassure Liberty Steel workers—not least those staff shortages, to protect shielding parents and so that in Hartlepool pipe mills, who remember the fate of the teachers and school staff are safer doing their jobs, it is Teesside steelworkers at SSI—that he will not abandon crucial that teachers are prioritised for vaccines when steel? It is very telling that the Government do not know vaccine supply allows.The residents of Putney,Roehampton or understand their own record of inaction on steel. and Southfields petition the Government urgently to prioritise vaccinating teachers and all school staff. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I thank the Following is the full text of the petition: hon. Lady for advance notice of her point of order. As she knows, the Chair is not responsible for the content [The petition of residents of the constituency of Putney, of any contribution from a Minister. Having said that, Declares that those working in schools are extremely Mr Speaker has made it absolutely clear that where a vulnerable to the spread of coronavirus; further that Minister knows that they have inadvertently misled the a major factor in the need to close schools has been the House or there is an inaccuracy, they should correct the failure to put in place measures to reduce the risks which record as quickly as possible. school staff are subjected to; further that it is crucial that teachers are prioritised for vaccines to ensure that schools can stay open rather than close because of staff shortages, PETITION and so that teachers and school staff are safer doing their Vaccination of school staff jobs. The petitioners therefore request that the House of 5.14 pm Commons urges the Government to urgently prioritise Fleur Anderson (Putney) (Lab): I rise in the context of vaccinating teachers and school staff. the Minister having just said in the covid debate that we And the petitioners remain, etc.] are not yet out of the woods. I present this petition on [P002655] 1173 25 MARCH 2021 Conflict in Tigray Region of Ethiopia 1174

Conflict in Tigray Region of Ethiopia targeting of civilians. This is not a little local difficulty in Ethiopia’sback yard; it risks a much wider destabilisation Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House and escalation of conflict throughout the horn of Africa. do now adjourn.—(James Morris.) Early information trickling out through the refugee camps in Sudan told, right from the start, of massacres of civilians. At Mai Kadra, where responsibility is hotly 5.15 pm contested, witnesses have spoken of both Ethiopian Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab): I Government and Tigrayan militia involvement. Most am very pleased to have this opportunity to raise the notably last November, there was a brutal massacre at very important issue of the conflict in Tigray. It is the Axum, one of the holiest Christian sites in Ethiopia. A first time the House has had an opportunity to debate total of 750 people are thought to have been killed. The the conflict, which has, since last November, devastated stories circulating last year on social media were confirmed Tigray, the mountainous region in the north of Ethiopia. last month by Amnesty International in a report that I have given the Minister’s office advance sight of the documents aerial bombardment by Ethiopians, followed questions I will be asking him at the end of my speech, by systematic killing by Eritrean soldiers going door to and there are many in the UK and beyond who will be door through the town. They particularly targeted young listening very carefully to what he has to say. men and boys, prevented people from burying the dead and then looted the town of everything of value, including The conflict started in retaliation to an attack on the food. Some commentators have said that food is being northern command by the Tigray People’s Liberation used as a weapon of war. Front. The Ethiopian federal Government cut off all links into the region, closed roads, shut down communications In January, over 40 people were massacred at Debre and sent their troops to surround Mekelle. We know Abbay, 300 people were killed in the attack on the that in addition to Ethiopian armed forces, Eritrean Hitsats refugee camp—300 people—and at a village forces and Amharan militias are also now present in near Samre 500 buildings were set on fire and 60 people Tigray. Since November, more than 60,000 Tigrayan are thought to have been killed. At a village called Bora people have fled into refugee camps in Sudan—some an estimated 100 people were murdered. Emaciated and are reported to have had their exit routes blocked by starving people displaced by the violence are pouring Ethiopian and Eritrean forces; about 1 million people— into overcrowded towns. The Norwegian Refugee Council some sources put the figure higher—have been internally says that 37,000 people have recently arrived at Sheraro, displaced;and4.5millionpeoplehavebecomefood-insecure. a town in north-western Tigray, where food, water and Crops have been destroyed, livestock have been killed medicine are running out fast. and agriculture has been disrupted. Tigray is an area of chronic food insecurity. It is the scene of the devastating “The situation in Sheraro is beyond dire”, 1984-85 famine, so deliberately cutting it off from food the NRC chief, Jan Egeland, has warned. There are supplies and markets, as the Ethiopian Government are many parts of Tigray, particularly rural areas, where alleged to have done, means that people will starve. there is no communication and there are grave fears Up to 80% of the region is still inaccessible. Some of about the fate of local people in terms of violence and Tigray’s, and the world’s, most precious cultural heritage access to food, medicine and essential services. sites have been destroyed and priceless treasures looted. Some 70% of health facilities are reported to What is clear from both social media and independent have been looted or vandalised by Ethiopian and Eritrean reporting is that civilians have been targeted because of Government forces, including, very recently, the only their ethnicity—because they are Tigrayan. Footage has specialist clinic providing care to rape victims in Mekelle. been circulating of men in Ethiopian military uniforms Schools have been taken out of commission—they are speaking in Amharic and shouting abuse at groups of being used for housing troops or displaced people. boys while shooting them and throwing their bodies Two refugee camps, at Hitsats and Shimelba, have been over a cliff. Along with this has been the vandalising of razed to the ground. The whereabouts of 20,000 of the symbols of Tigrayan culture, most notably Debre Damo refugees they sheltered is still unknown. An estimated monastery and the al-Nejashi mosque, one of the oldest 50,000 civilians have been killed, and there is evidence in Africa. As the International Development Committee that children have been targeted, and 10,000 women heard last week, economic and service infrastructure have been raped. Let that sink in: 10,000 women have has been damaged, with factories looted and vandalised been raped. The most recent terrible update from the United and banks closed, making it hard for humanitarian Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian agencies to operate. The Committee also heard about Affairs reported continuing human rights abuses, severe the destruction of health facilities, the result of systematic malnutrition among young children and a food security looting and vandalism by Eritrean and Ethiopian forces. situation described as “catastrophic”. In considering Secondly, I want to talk about the widespread use of this catalogue of destruction, I want to focus on three rape and sexual violence. It has been estimated that points. The first is the nature of the conflict. The second 10,000 women in Tigray have been raped, and recent is the use of rape as a weapon of war. The third is the reports on Channel 4, the BBC and CNN have all lack of action by the international community. documented the horrific nature of the attacks, including First, on the nature of the conflict, the Ethiopian kidnapping, imprisonment, rape and mutilation. On Government originally said that the attack on Tigray Monday this week, an unprecedented letter signed by was a “lawand order operation”to deal with a long-running 12 leading figures in the international community called dispute,but multiple subsequent reports indicate a sustained for the sexual violence to stop. They said there is only and brutal assault that has included aerial bombardment one medical facility in the whole region fully equipped and ground shelling of settlements, with the deliberate to meet the survivors’ needs. 1175 Conflict in Tigray Region of Ethiopia25 MARCH 2021 Conflict in Tigray Region of Ethiopia 1176

What especially stands out are the ferocity of the Will the Government introduce targeted sanctions attacks, which is evident from reports and photographs against those in Ethiopia and Eritrea responsible for the of injuries to women, including the mutilation of women’s atrocities in Tigray, following the approach taken by genitals, and the targeting of women because they are the European Union? Will they continue to ensure that Tigrayan. The rapists have talked of “Amharanising” the the UN Security Council remains actively engaged in women and purifying their blood. The use of rape as a ending the war in Tigray and the abuses associated with weapon of war is always abhorrent and heinous, but for it? Will they press for the immediate withdrawal of soldiers to claim to be purifying or cleansing women by Eritrean troops, and seek to ensure that there is an raping them makes this violence look genocidal. What inclusive national dialogue in the country, as many also stands out is the impunity. There is no indication Tigrayans have been calling for, to secure a lasting that either the Ethiopian or Eritrean Governments are peace? taking any steps whatsoever to rein in their troops. Will the Government specifically ensure that evidence Those responsible for the sexual violence inflict it with of the widespread use of rape and sexual violence in the complete impunity.On Tuesday,the Ethiopian Government Tigray conflict is collated and that the perpetrators are admitted there had been sexual assaults on women in brought to justice in line with UN Security Council Tigray, but sought to justify it as a consequence of the resolution 1820? It is wholly unacceptable that soldiers conflict. from the Ethiopian and Eritrean armies should be able In 2008, the UN Security Council unanimously approved to rape women with impunity. Equally, it is unacceptable resolution 1820, which that their commanders-in-chief should permit their forces “Demands the immediate and complete cessation by all parties to use rape as a weapon of war or fail to bring to justice to armed conflict of all acts of sexual violence against civilians”, those under their command who commit such crimes. and says they should Will the Government take steps to support publicly “immediately take appropriate measures to protect civilians, including the US Administration’sinitiatives to ensure that immediate women and girls, from all forms of sexual violence, which could and full access is provided to humanitarian agencies in include…enforcing appropriate military disciplinary measures Tigray, and that unfettered access will be provided for and upholding the principle of command responsibility”. local and international journalists without repercussions It goes on to say that for their translators and fixers? “rape and other forms of sexual violence can constitute a war The Foreign Secretary has spoken of his experience crime, a crime against humanity, or a constitutive act with respect of taking war criminals to the International Criminal to genocide”. Court in the Hague. Will the Minister therefore press This is tough and unequivocal language. him to take initial steps, through the UN Security The UK has the privilege of being a permanent member Council, to bring prosecutions against those whom the of the UN Security Council and has a responsibility to evidence points to being responsible for war crimes in ensure that this resolution is enforced. It was Lord Hague Tigray, including the use of rape? of Richmond, then the Foreign Secretary,who campaigned The effects of this war will continue long after the alongside Angelina Jolie against the use of sexual violence guns have fallen silent. There will be empty spaces in war, and he received an award for his efforts from the where civilian populations were murdered, and there then US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Now is the will be a cohort of children growing up who are the time for the Conservative Government to prove that result of the rape of their mothers. This further illustrates that was more than a publicity stunt. why it is absolutely the wrong time for the UK Government That brings me to my third and final point, which is to be reneging on their promise to maintain UK aid the lack of response from the international community. spending at 0.7% of gross national income. I hope the The European Union, Germany and the United States Minister will reflect further on that disastrous decision. have paused their aid to Ethiopia, and the US Even now, the UK Government can help avert yet Administration last week sent the respected Senator more destruction in Tigray and provide justice for the Coons of Delaware to Addis Ababa. Ireland has led survivors of the massacres and for the women who have moves for the EU to apply targeted sanctions. However, been raped. It will, however, take much more than the rest of the world has done little more than talk, and words; it will take action, and that is what I, and many the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea have turned a others, hope the Minister will commit to tonight. deaf ear. What is needed is not more words, but action, so I am asking the Minister for action on the following 5.27 pm points. The Ethiopia country programme is the biggest UK bilateral aid programme, as the Minister stressed at The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa the International Development Committee last week. (James Cleverly): I thank the hon. Member for Dulwich Will Her Majesty’s Government align their policies with and West Norwood (Helen Hayes) for securing the the UK’s international partners, the US, the EU and debate this evening. Normally, the Under-Secretary of Germany, and pause the parts of their aid programme State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development that are going to the Ethiopian Government? Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Rochford and Will Her Majesty’s Government support the moves Southend East (James Duddridge) would have responded, to set up an independent UN investigation into the but, unfortunately, he is travelling. I know that he takes massacres of civilians in Tigray, including those at Mai the issues that she has raised very seriously, and I shall Kadra, Axum and Samre, and the targeting of refugee run through some of the points that he would have camps, including those at Hitsats and Shimelba? Will made had he been able to be here. they do this urgently before evidence, including of survivors The crisis in Tigray is of grave concern both to Her at massacre sites and rape victims from hospitals in Majesty’s Government and, indeed, to Members of this Mekelle, is removed or destroyed? House. More than four months on from the start of the 1177 Conflict in Tigray Region of Ethiopia25 MARCH 2021 Conflict in Tigray Region of Ethiopia 1178

[James Cleverly] raised these issues with my counterparts in the Gulf, and the UK has been active in discussions at the United conflict, much of Tigray remains incredibly dangerous Nations Security Council. Most recently, on 11 March, both for the people who live there and for the humanitarian the Minister for South Asia and the Commonwealth workers trying to deliver badly needed support, and, as called again for urgent action to be taken to avert a the hon. Lady set out in her speech, the impact on humanitarian catastrophe, during a discussion on food civilians is devastating. Sadly, we are aware that at least insecurity and conflict in the other place. five workers—Ethiopian staff working for UK-funded The UK has been a generous supporter of humanitarian non-governmental organisations—have tragically been activities. On top of more than £100 million of killed in this conflict. I pay tribute to them here today humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia this financial year, for their courage, for their service and, ultimately, for an additional £15.4 million has been provided specifically their sacrifice. The targeting of humanitarians is utterly for this crisis response. Our embassy in Addis Ababa unacceptable. has been working tirelessly and in challenging circumstances The conflict has caused the collapse of essential and to secure humanitarian access,and to press for investigations basic services: health, nutrition, water and sanitation. into the human rights abuses and violations that the Life-saving maternal healthcare services and vaccines hon. Lady outlined in her speech. cannot be delivered, thereby endangering the lives of A team of UK officials from the embassy travelled to newborn children and their mothers. Huge numbers of Mekelle, Tigray’s principal city, on 4 and 5 March. people, likely more than half a million, are in areas United Nations and NGO staff were open about the beyond the reach of aid agencies. Across the region, as complexities of operating in this environment and the the hon. Lady said, 4.5 million people are now in need extent of civilian suffering. At a site for displaced of life-saving humanitarian aid. The United Nations persons, our staff heard harrowing accounts of truly assesses that the overall humanitarian response remains horrendous abuses. They saw a relief effort hamstrung “deeply inadequate” compared with the needs that have by confused Government systems struggling to keep been assessed on the ground, and the situation is indeed pace with the needs of the people. It is clear that grave. obstacles to access have weakened the overall response to this devastating situation. We have received ongoing reports of egregious human One positive development has been the recent rights violations since the conflict started and, as has announcement from the Government of Ethiopia on been outlined, we are seeing and hearing increasingly access and their commitment to move to a system of harrowing stories, on an almost daily basis, of widespread access notification. Under that approach, responding murder and rape. Armed actors are subjecting civilians organisations no longer have to wait for approval from to appalling abuses and systematic campaigns of looting, Ethiopian authorities to enter Tigray.The UK is working largely with impunity. Eritrea’s role in this conflict is with the United Nations and others to assess whether particularly concerning. As such, the UK has called on changes introduced by the authorities result in a it to leave Ethiopia immediately. There are numerous demonstrable and positive improvement on the ground. reports of atrocities involving Eritrean forces, and their We can also cautiously welcome the improved access for presence is fuelling insecurity. the media in Tigray. Since the start of the conflict in November, the UK The hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth has consistently called for unhindered and comprehensive (Stephen Doughty) will be interested to know, as he access for relief agencies and journalists. One of the has raised this privately with me, that we also support greatest defences against the impunity that the hon. the work of the Office of the United Nations High Lady has highlighted is the work of the media. We have Commissioner for Human Rights. Its work is important, been clear that the protection of civilians must be a and we are glad to see that those staff are planning priority, and we have pressed for investigations into the a joint mission with the Ethiopian Human Rights human rights abuses that have been highlighted, as well Commission. as for the withdrawal of Eritrean forces. There can be However,it is clear that media workers remain persecuted no military solution to the problems in Tigray, and we and at risk of detention. We are also concerned that the have urged all parties to seek an inclusive political proposed joint human rights investigation will not be settlement and to restore security and stability. seen as impartial by the victims of the conflict. The In January this year, my right hon. Friend the Foreign crisis in Tigray comes as Ethiopia already faces huge Secretary travelled to Ethiopia and visited a humanitarian humanitarian, economic and political pressures. In 2021, logistics hub in Gondar,run by the World Food Programme. relief agencies will assist nearly 18 million people across He heard first hand from our agency partners about the the country. Covid-19, climate events and devastating difficulties faced in delivering life-saving assistance. He locust invasions have already put paid to prosperity in also met Prime Minister Abiy,the President and the Deputy the region. Ethnic violence has increased in many regions Prime Minister. He emphasised to them the need for and may rise further ahead of the planned elections in immediate humanitarian access, and made clear the June this year. The stakes are very high, and this coming UK’s serious concerns about human rights violations, year will need concerted action by the international media freedom and political freedom. system and a strong and well co-ordinated United Nations. Let me conclude by reassuring the House that the The Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Africa United Kingdom will continue to engage comprehensively have also raised the situation with their counterparts with Ethiopia and to lead co-ordination with international across the continent and internationally. As the hon. partners in pressing for a political solution to this Lady suggested, that includes recent conversations with conflict that brings about an end to the violence. We the United States Secretary of State Blinken. I have will also ensure that investigations into atrocities are 1179 Conflict in Tigray Region of Ethiopia25 MARCH 2021 Conflict in Tigray Region of Ethiopia 1180 robust, unbiased, credible and trusted by the people of Question put and agreed to. Tigray themselves, so that those committing abuses do not evade justice. In the meantime, it is our absolute priority to make sure that humanitarian support continues 5.38 pm to reach those in desperate need. House adjourned. 1181 25 MARCH 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1182

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The following is the list of Members currently certified Scott Benton (Blackpool South) (Con) Stuart Andrew as eligible for a proxy vote, and of the Members nominated Sir (Mole Valley) (Con) Stuart Andrew as their proxy: (Rossendale and Darwen) Stuart Andrew (Con) Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Bell Ribeiro-Addy Saqib Bhatti (Meriden) (Con) Stuart Andrew Stoke Newington) (Lab) Mhairi Black (Paisley and Renfrewshire Owen Thompson Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Sir Alan Campbell South) (SNP) Saddleworth) (Lab) Ian Blackford (Ross, Skye and Owen Thompson Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con) Stuart Andrew Lochaber) (SNP) Bim Afolami (Hitchin and Harpenden) Stuart Andrew Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Kirsty Blackman (Aberdeen North) Owen Thompson (Windsor) (Con) Stuart Andrew (SNP) Imran Ahmad Khan (Wakefield) (Con) Stuart Andrew Olivia Blake (Sheffield, Hallam) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Nickie Aiken (Cities of London and Stuart Andrew Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) Sir Alan Campbell Westminster) (Con) (Lab) Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Reigate) (Con) Stuart Andrew Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Sir Alan Campbell Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con) Stuart Andrew Bow) (Lab) Steven Bonnar (Coatbridge, Chryston Owen Thompson Tahir Ali (Birmingham, Hall Green) Sir Alan Campbell and Bellshill) (SNP) (Lab) Andrew Bowie (West Aberdeenshire Stuart Andrew Lucy Allan (Telford) (Con) Stuart Andrew and Kincardine) (Con) Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (Tooting) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Tracy Brabin (Batley and Spen) (Lab/ Sir Alan Campbell Co-op) Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Ben Bradley (Mansfield) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sir David Amess (Southend West) Stuart Andrew (Con) Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Stuart Andrew Moorlands) (Con) Fleur Anderson (Putney) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Lee Anderson (Ashfield) (Con) Robbie Moore (Fareham) (Con) Stuart Andrew Stuart Anderson (Wolverhampton Stuart Andrew South West) (Con) Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell (Eastbourne) (Con) Stuart Andrew Jack Brereton (Stoke-on-Trent South) Stuart Andrew (Con) Tonia Antoniazzi (Gower) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Andrew Bridgen (North West Stuart Andrew Edward Argar (Charnwood) (Con) Stuart Andrew Leicestershire) (Con) Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) Sir Alan Campbell Paul Bristow (Peterborough) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Hyndburn) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sarah Atherton (Wrexham) (Con) Stuart Andrew Deidre Brock (Edinburgh North and Owen Thompson Victoria Atkins (Louth and Stuart Andrew Leith) (SNP) Horncastle) (Con) James Brokenshire (Old Bexley and Stuart Andrew Gareth Bacon (Orpington) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sidcup) (Con) Mr Richard Bacon (South Norfolk) Stuart Andrew Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudon) Owen Thompson (Con) (SNP) Kemi Badenoch (Saffron Walden) Stuart Andrew Ms Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell (Con) Anthony Browne (South Stuart Andrew Shaun Bailey (West Bromwich West) Stuart Andrew Cambridgeshire) (Con) (Con) Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con) Stuart Andrew Siobhan Baillie (Stroud) (Con) Stuart Andrew Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Duncan Baker (North Norfolk) (Con) Stuart Andrew Felicity Buchan (Kensington) (Con) Stuart Andrew Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) Stuart Andrew (Con) Ms Karen Buck (Westminster North) Sir Alan Campbell Steve Barclay (North East Stuart Andrew (Lab) Cambridgeshire) (Con) Robert Buckland (South Swindon) Stuart Andrew Hannah Bardell (Livingston) (SNP) Owen Thompson (Con) Paula Barker (Liverpool, Wavertree) Sir Alan Campbell Alex Burghart (Brentwood and Ongar) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) Mr John Baron (Basildon and Stuart Andrew Richard Burgon (Leeds East) (Lab) Bell Ribeiro-Addy Billericay) (Con) Conor Burns (Bournemouth West) Stuart Andrew Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Margaret Beckett (Derby South) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Dawn Butler (Brent Central) (Lab) Bell Ribeiro-Addy Apsana Begum (Poplar and Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Aylesbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew Limehouse) (Lab) Ian Byrne (Liverpool, West Derby) Sir Alan Campbell Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under-Lyme) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) Liam Byrne (Birmingham, Hodge Hill) Sir Alan Campbell Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell (Lab) 1183 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote25 MARCH 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1184

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Ruth Cadbury (Brentford and Sir Alan Campbell Jon Cruddas (Dagenham and Sir Alan Campbell Isleworth) (Lab) Rainham) (Lab) Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) Stuart Andrew John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) Sir Alan Campbell (Con) (Lab) Amy Callaghan (East Dunbartonshire) Owen Thompson Judith Cummins (Bradford South) Sir Alan Campbell (SNP) (Lab) Dr Lisa Cameron (East Kilbride, Owen Thompson Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) Sir Alan Campbell Strathaven and Lesmahagow) (SNP) (Lab) Mr Gregory Campbell (East Ian Paisley Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Londonderry) (DUP) James Daly (Bury North) (Con) Stuart Andrew Dan Carden (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Ed Davey (Kingston and Surbiton) Wendy Chamberlain (Warrington South) (Con) Stuart Andrew (LD) James Cartlidge (South Suffolk) (Con) Stuart Andrew Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Sir William Cash (Stone) (Con) Stuart Andrew David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con) Stuart Andrew Miriam Cates (Penistone and Stuart Andrew Gareth Davies (Grantham and Stuart Andrew Stocksbridge) (Con) Stamford) (Con) Alex Chalk (Cheltenham) (Con) Stuart Andrew Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/ Sir Alan Campbell Sarah Champion (Rotherham) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Co-op) Douglas Chapman (Dunfermline and Owen Thompson Dr James Davies (Vale of Clwyd) (Con) Stuart Andrew West Fife) (SNP) Mims Davies (Mid Sussex) (Con) Stuart Andrew Joanna Cherry (Edinburgh South West) Owen Thompson Alex Davies-Jones (Pontypridd) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell (SNP) Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Gillingham and Stuart Andrew Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Stuart Andrew Rainham) (Con) Howden) (Con) Jo Churchill (Bury St Edmunds) (Con) Stuart Andrew Dehenna Davison (Bishop Auckland) Feryal Clark (Enfield North) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell (Con) Greg Clark (Tunbridge Wells) (Con) Stuart Andrew Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Owen Thompson Mr Simon Clarke (Middlesbrough Stuart Andrew Falkirk) (SNP) South and East Cleveland) (Con) Thangam Debbonaire (Bristol West) Sir Alan Campbell Theo Clarke (Stafford) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab) Brendan Clarke-Smith (Bassetlaw) Stuart Andrew Marsha De Cordova (Battersea) Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Con) Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough) Sir Alan Campbell Chris Clarkson (Heywood and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Middleton) (Con) (Gosport) (Con) Stuart Andrew James Cleverly (Braintree) (Con) Stuart Andrew Miss Sarah Dines (Derbyshire Dales) Stuart Andrew Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon) Stuart Andrew Elliot Colburn (Carshalton and Stuart Andrew (Con) Wallington) (Con) (Aldershot) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Folkestone and Stuart Andrew Martin Docherty-Hughes (West Owen Thompson Hythe) (Con) Dunbartonshire) (SNP) Daisy Cooper (St Albans) (LD) Wendy Chamberlain Anneliese Dodds (Oxford East) (Lab/ Sir Alan Campbell Rosie Cooper (West ) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Co-op) Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract Sir Alan Campbell Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson (Lagan Ian Paisley and Castleford) (Lab) Valley) (DUP) Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Ind) Bell Ribeiro-Addy Michelle Donelan (Chippenham) (Con) Stuart Andrew Dave Doogan (Angus) (SNP) Owen Thompson Alberto Costa (South Leicestershire) Stuart Andrew (Con) Allan Dorans (Ayr, Carrick and Owen Thompson Cumnock) (SNP) (Witney) (Con) Stuart Andrew Ms Nadine Dorries (Mid Bedfordshire) Stuart Andrew (East Surrey) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Ronnie Cowan () (SNP) Owen Thompson Steve Double (St Austell and Newquay) Stuart Andrew Sir Geoffrey Cox (Torridge and West Stuart Andrew (Con) Devon) (Con) Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Sir Alan Campbell Neil Coyle (Bermondsey and Old Sir Alan Campbell Penarth) (Lab) Southwark) (Lab) Peter Dowd (Bootle) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Stephen Crabb (Preseli Pembrokeshire) Stuart Andrew Oliver Dowden (Hertsmere) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con) Stuart Andrew Angela Crawley ( and Hamilton Owen Thompson Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) Sir Alan Campbell East) (SNP) (Lab) Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Mrs Flick Drummond (Meon Valley) Stuart Andrew Virginia Crosbie (Ynys Môn) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Chatham and Stuart Andrew James Duddridge (Rochford and Stuart Andrew Aylesford) (Con) Southend East) (Con) 1185 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote25 MARCH 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1186

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Rosie Duffield (Canterbury) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con) Stuart Andrew David Duguid (Banff and Buchan) Stuart Andrew Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Stuart Andrew (Con) Green) (Con) Sir Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Stuart Andrew Richard Fuller (North East Stuart Andrew Woodford Green) (Con) Bedfordshire) (Con) Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con) Stuart Andrew Gill Furniss (Sheffield, Brightside and Sir Alan Campbell Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Hillsborough) (Lab) Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) Sir Alan Campbell Marcus Fysh (Yeovil) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab) Sir (North Thanet) (Con) Stuart Andrew Colum Eastwood (Foyle) (SDLP) Ben Lake Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Mark Eastwood (Dewsbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mark Garnier (Wyre Forest) (Con) Stuart Andrew Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East Stuart Andrew Ms Nusrat Ghani (Wealden) (Con) Stuart Andrew and Dinefwr) (Ind) (Bognor Regis and Stuart Andrew Ruth Edwards (Rushcliffe) (Con) Stuart Andrew Littlehampton) (Con) Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Patricia Gibson (North Ayrshire and Owen Thompson Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Arran) (SNP) Michael Ellis (Northampton North) Stuart Andrew Peter Gibson (Darlington) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Jo Gideon (Stoke-on-Trent Central) Stuart Andrew Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth Stuart Andrew (Con) East) (Con) Preet Kaur Gill (Birmingham, Sir Alan Campbell Chris Elmore (Ogmore) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Edgbaston) (Lab/Co-op) Mrs (Dover) (Con) Stuart Andrew Dame Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Stuart Andrew Amersham) (Con) Florence Eshalomi (Vauxhall) (Lab/Co- Sir Alan Campbell op) Paul Girvan (South Antrim) (DUP) Ian Paisley Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell John Glen (Salisbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew George Eustice (Camborne and Stuart Andrew Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Redruth) (Con) Mr Robert Goodwill (Scarborough and Stuart Andrew Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op) Sir Alan Campbell Whitby) (Con) Dr Luke Evans (Bosworth) (Con) Stuart Andrew Michael Gove (Surrey Heath) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Stuart Andrew Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP) Owen Thompson Crayford) (Con) Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con) Stuart Andrew Ben Everitt (Milton Keynes North) Stuart Andrew Mrs (Maidstone and The Stuart Andrew (Con) Weald) (Con) Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con) Stuart Andrew Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP) Owen Thompson (Newbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con) Stuart Andrew Tim Farron (Westmorland and Wendy Chamberlain (Epsom and Ewell) Stuart Andrew Lonsdale) (LD) (Con) Stephen Farry (North Down) (Alliance) Wendy Chamberlain (Ashford) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Barrow and Furness) (Con) Stuart Andrew Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) Sir Alan Campbell Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Owen Thompson (Lab) Wishaw) (SNP) Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) Sir Alan Campbell Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Hamilton West) (Ind) Margaret Greenwood (Wirral West) Sir Alan Campbell Colleen Fletcher (Coventry North East) Sir Alan Campbell (Lab) (Lab) Andrew Griffith (Arundel and South Stuart Andrew (South Ribble) Stuart Andrew Downs) (Con) (Con) Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Mark Fletcher (Bolsover) (Con) Stuart Andrew Kate Griffiths (Burton) (Con) Stuart Andrew Nick Fletcher (Don Valley) (Con) Stuart Andrew James Grundy (Leigh) (Con) Stuart Andrew Stephen Flynn (Aberdeen South) Owen Thompson Jonathan Gullis (Stoke-on-Trent Stuart Andrew (SNP) North) (Con) Vicky Ford (Chelmsford) (Con) Stuart Andrew Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Sir Alan Campbell Kevin Foster (Torbay) (Con) Stuart Andrew Reddish) (Lab) Yvonne Fovargue (Makerfield) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Louise Haigh (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell Dr Liam Fox (North Somerset) (Con) Stuart Andrew Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con) Stuart Andrew Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham, Deptford) Sir Alan Campbell Luke Hall (Thornbury and Yate) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab) Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East) Sir Alan Campbell Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham) Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Lab) (Lab) Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) Stuart Andrew Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Stuart Andrew (Con) Wickford) (Con) Matt Hancock (West Suffolk) (Con) Stuart Andrew (South East Stuart Andrew Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) Stuart Andrew Cambridgeshire) (Con) (Con) 1187 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote25 MARCH 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 1188

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447WH 25 MARCH 2021 Immigration and Nationality 448WH Application Fees citizens of the United Kingdom and seek to get a Westminster Hall British passport, but for young people in particular the route to citizenship is having a big impact and depriving them of fulfilling their full role in British society. Thursday 25 March 2021 Let me give a bit of history. I have been the Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch for nearly 16 years, [STEVE MCCABE in the Chair] and when I was first elected somebody could apply for one leave to remain application that would last for five years, and after five years they could apply for citizenship, BACKBENCH BUSINESS so they would pay two fees. It moved to applying for three years at a time, so two applications were needed to Immigration and Nationality get to the five years. Now, people have to apply at least Application Fees three times: that would get them to five years, but those on the 10-year route to citizenship must apply Virtual participation in proceedings commenced (Order, multiple times. 25 February). The fees have also gone up individually.For a registration [NB: [V] denotes a Member participating virtually.] of a child as a British citizen, in April 2011—six years after I was elected—it was £540 and this year it is 1.30 pm expected to be £1,012. For indefinite leave to remain for main applicants and children, in 2011 it was £972 for Steve McCabe (in the Chair): I am required to remind the main applicant—typically the head of the household— hon. Members of some changes to normal practice to and in 2021 it is £2,389 for the main applicant and for support the new hybrid arrangements. Timings of debates dependents, too. Dependents used to be about half the have been amended to allow technical arrangements to price of a main applicant. When we look at the combined be made for the next debate. There will also be suspensions impact of the fees, we see it is incredibly expensive. between each debate. It adds up typically to more than £10,000 for somebody I remind Members participating physically and virtually to apply. that they must arrive for the start of debates in Westminster It is important to touch on the implications for the Hall. Members are expected to remain for the entire Government vision for a global Britain as part of an debate. I also remind Members participating virtually international community where we attract talent. We that they are visible at all times both to each other and know in the past we have had challenges attracting to us in the Boothroyd Room. If Members attending people to universities in this country. English-speaking virtually have any technical problems, they should email countries such as Canada and Australia advertised in the Westminster Hall Clerks’ email address. Members other countries’ newspapers for people to apply to attending physically should clean their spaces before them, saying that their fees are cheaper. So there is a they use them and as they leave the room. I also remind direct impact on the Government’s own policies. Members that Mr Speaker has stated that masks should It is impossible to compare fees completely across be worn in Westminster Hall. countries, but I will give a couple of examples. In Ireland, the naturalisation fees for adults or children is ¤175, or 1.31 pm roughly £150. Denmark has a standard naturalisation Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ fee of 3,800 krone, or roughly £438—forgive me if my Co-op): I beg to move, exchange rates are a few days out. In Canada, the fee for adult citizenship applications is roughly £306. We are That this House has considered immigration and nationality application fees. looking at a very different scale, and that is alongside the hoops that people have to go through. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Let me just do a little bit of maths for the Minister Mr McCabe. I have an important issue to highlight and add up some of the costs. Let us not forget that we today about an injustice that has long been a concern of have to add the immigration surcharge, now £400 per mine in my constituency. I am pleased to see so many person per year. For an application for two and a half Members in attendance. Many more offered support for years’ leave to remain, that adds £1,000 on top. That the debate, which I thank the Backbench Business increased in October last year to £624 per person per Committee for granting. year, or £470 for applicants under 18. That is £1,560 for This issue has a big impact on a relatively small an adult applying for two and a half years’ leave to number of people. There is a wider issue about the fees remain. We have to remember that two and a half years’ for immigration and citizenship, but I will focus on leave to remain gets someone just two and a half years’ particular on young people who were not born in the leave to remain. Before that ends, they have to be putting UK but arrived as children and for whom this is their in the fees and the application for the next process. only home. I am aware of the interest in the debate and Barely has a household got over the cost of paying these know that cross-party colleagues from around the House fees than it has to start saving up for the next application. will have more specific issues to raise, so I will not take Over a 10-year period of qualifying residence, if the too much of their time. fees do not change, the overall cost would be, for a We have seen a pattern in the increase in fees and the single adult, £10,372 and for a family of four, £38,408. I route to citizenship that is having a detrimental effect highlight the family of four figure, because I am talking on many of my constituents. It affects adults and young particularly of people in my constituency who are affected, people who arrive in the UK and seek to become citizens. who arrived here as children and for whom this is the Whatever our politics or our party, I think we all agree country they know, the country in which they have been that we should be proud that people want to become to school and the country that they love. 449WH Immigration and Nationality 25 MARCH 2021 Immigration and Nationality 450WH Application Fees Application Fees [Meg Hillier] a full answer on the justification for these citizenship fees, and a hint that the Government are considering a The Greater London Authority estimates that around change of direction. 330,000 children and young people have precarious citizenship status. That does not mean that they are all Steve McCabe (in the Chair): Toaccommodate everyone on the route to citizenship. Relative to the Minister’s on the call list, I am imposing a four-and-a-half-minute overall workload, only a small number of people are limit on Back-Bench contributions. affected, if we look at just young people—because it 1.41 pm will be a subset of that group—but it is a very significant group in terms of what they could deliver to the UK. Rob Roberts (Delyn) (Con): It is an honour to serve under your chairmanship, Mr McCabe. I had no notice We have had some recent announcements on the whatever of having to trim my speech down to four and Government’sproposals on entrepreneurial visas.I represent a half minutes, but thank you all the same. Shoreditch, so I know all about the tech visas and the I thank the hon. Member for Hackney South and entrepreneurial visas. For the global talent visa, for Shoreditch (Meg Hillier) for initiating this debate on example, the application fee is £152 for the main applicant, such an important and timely topic, and one that is though it can rise to £456 in certain circumstances. close to my heart—I declare as an interest that my Even an extension of that is only £608. An innovator partner is from the Philippines and is intrinsically involved visa is just over £1,000 and a 10-year private family in the situation that we are debating today. grounds visa is £1,033 per person for the main applicant I am interested in looking at the situation from a very or a dependant. specific point of view. Typically in this country, we use The difference is extraordinary; it is tenfold. That the word “hero” far too casually. It is often lavished on makes it very unfair, because the people I am talking our celebrities and sports stars, and although I am sure about have grown up in the UK, they have been educated that they are very deserving, I think that this pandemic in the UK and they want to stay in the UK. They have has shown us who the true heroes are in this country—the no other country that is home. They may have parents workers in our NHS. The entire NHS has played a vital who come from another country and they may have role, but our thanks and gratitude go, in particular, to been born in another country, but that is not their those NHS workers who have come from other countries— home. They feel part of British society. We are making individuals who have travelled huge distances to be here them a second-class part of British society by putting and often separated themselves from their families, who these fee barriers in their path. have been putting their own lives at risk to help and save our lives, the lives of citizens from a different country to For many families, if they have the choice between having their own. But regardless of their or our citizenship, the main breadwinner become a citizen, or the rest of their duty and responsibility to care for and contribute the family, the choice will be straightforward. They to the wellbeing of others comes first for those people. make just one member of the family a citizen and the That is absolutely amazing and should be highly others do not qualify for it without paying the fees. For commended. the young people I am talking about, they often do not realise until they are 18 and they would like to go to I welcome the many steps that the Government have university—I pay tribute to We Belong, an organisation taken for foreign NHS workers, but we need to go that is partly the brainchild of my constituent, Chrisann further. As the hon. Lady has already been through the Jarrett. Suddenly, on top of those fees that they have fees and costs, I will not expatiate on those at this time, not been able to pay, they are faced with international but I would like to set out the real-life case of Carrie. I student fees. They want to be full, contributing members am using a different name for her, but it is a real-life of British society; in fact, they want to be British citizens, case all the same. but they are priced out. At the same time as we are In 2016, Carrie moved to the UK, leaving her husband encouraging entrepreneurs and innovators to come in and four-year-old child back at home in south Asia. It on cheaper visas to contribute to the wealth of our took another year for her to be able to bring her country, we have a wealth of talent already here that is husband and daughter here, because of the cost involved keen, willing and able to contribute. For these children in getting a dependant’s visa. They could be together as and young people, the UK is home. They are not going a family again only by taking out a loan, which she had to go anywhere else and they want to contribute. to pay for over three years. Three years after she arrived and so with one more year of loan payments still to go, As the Children’s Society recognises, about half of she had to get another loan and compound her obvious children with foreign-born parents live in poverty. These cash-flow problems, because she was due for her visa are not wealthy families necessarily; I will say clearly, renewal and so had a load more fees on top of the ones though, that in my experience there is no poverty of that she had already paid. ambition. These are working households, but the fees This year,in 2021, Carrie is entitled to apply for indefinite are out of reach of anyone on a low,average or even rather leave to remain—five years in—with loans still ongoing good wage, so I think it is time that the Home Office from previous renewals, and the ILR more expensive looked at this. again. So what does she do? What options are available The Government have made great play of leaving the to Carrie? Her only choice is to apply for another loan, European Union. They have made announcements recently even bigger than before, to have the right to occupy a about Britain’s place in the world and global Britain. space in the UK and call it home. She pays her taxes They need now to follow up with actions and support every month and has done for years. Oh and by the way, these young world citizens who want to become British she works in an intensive care unit—she has spent the citizens; they are living in our communities now and are past five years saving lives, especially in the past 12 months. keen to contribute. I hope that the Minister will give us She should not be in debt; we are indebted to her. 451WH Immigration and Nationality 25 MARCH 2021 Immigration and Nationality 452WH Application Fees Application Fees It is our duty to create a new route to citizenship for for many people, essentially deterring them from making NHS workers—one that will not leave workers in debt, applications. In my view, they are not only an example poverty and constant worry about funding their next of shameless profiteering by the Home Office, but also application a few years down the line—by reducing by a crude attempt to suppress applications to reduce at least half and, in time, abolishing completely the costs immigration to the UK. associated with applying for indefinite leave to remain It is about time that the Home Office takes the matter and citizenship for our NHS workers. I am proud that seriously and considers its fee structure for immigration our amazing NHS attracts such global talent and recruits and nationality fees. A good place to start would be to from around the world. Frankly, we would not be able recognise the High Court’s ruling on the unlawfulness to run it without them. As of last year, more than of registration fees for child nationality and immediately 160,000 NHS staff stated that they were of a non-British establish a refund policy for those fees. This should be nationality; they were from more than 200 different the beginning of a root-and-branch reform of the visa countries. That is nearly 15% of all staff for whom a and nationality application fee structure, with the aim nationality is known. But the current fees and processes of making visa applications more affordable for all are a huge barrier to both future NHS workers, who are migrants and citizens of this country. putting off coming to the UK to fill our many vacancies, and to current NHS workers, who cannot afford the final step and have the permanent residency that they 1.49 pm have earned through their service to our country. David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) Citizenship is not about cost. It should be about (Con) [V]: It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, contribution and inclusion in our communities. NHS Mr McCabe. My hon. Friend the Member for Delyn workers have perhaps given the biggest contribution of (Rob Roberts) made some very insightful comments in all: saving our lives and keeping us safe. Despite being describing the impact that fees can have on individuals valued members of the communities in which they live as they make their journey through the immigration and work, without being citizens they cannot be fully system from newly arriving in our country to becoming part of them. Without indefinite leave to remain, there full citizens. I am pleased to be able to highlight a are barriers to home ownership, to the jobs market and couple of aspects of that, because it is important that, in higher education. in the context of global Britain and a different approach Research shows that newly naturalised immigrants to managing immigration, we consider the measures not only benefit our society, but it benefits them too, and steps that we need in both our border process and with citizens seeing rising wages and better employment the way we manage citizenship in order to make it a opportunities as well as becoming more likely to engage better experience for all. in civil and political activities. Let us treat these people We should start by recognising that what is often better so that they can finally feel like they belong and referred to todayas the “hostile environment”has developed are welcomed with open arms. under parties of all colours in Government, starting in the early 2000s, when people who were seeking asylum 1.45 pm began to lose their entitlements to certain benefits. As Tahir Ali (Birmingham, Hall Green) (Lab) [V]: In the Home Office begins to move away from seeking to 2019, the High Court found that the Home Office’s fee enforce caps on numbers, and towards a system that is of £1,012 for registering child citizenship is unlawful. I designed to incentivise the right people who want to believe this fee is still in place and is being charged for contribute to our economy to become citizens of the children who are already entitled to citizenship. I agree United Kingdom by taking up the offer of citizenship, with Amnesty International that this is an example of we would expect to see a range of changes. shameless profiteering by the Home Office. Charges for people to gain their citizenship are by no This demonstrates the general unaffordability of means unusual. In fact, if people wish to get into many immigration and nationality application fees charged other countries and receive a work permit—Canada, by the Home Office. For example, the fee for a leave to the United States, Australia, New Zealand and indeed remain visa stands at over £1,000. An application for many European countries—such countries apply a similar indefinite leave to remain is £2,389. Add to that the cost system whereby they expect people to pay a contribution of processing the applications, paperwork and biometrics, towards the costs.Certainly in my time in local government, all outsourced to private companies, and the cost of an when I used to see people coming to the town hall for indefinite leave to remain visa is easily over £3,000. That the citizenship ceremony and to swear their oath, it was is not considering the immigration health surcharge very clear that they saw this as something incredibly that applicants must also pay, even if they have been precious that they felt it was worth saving towards and paying taxes and national insurance in the UK already. that marked a landmark moment in their lives. Naturalisation costs are also extremely onerous, costing However, there are those for whom the costs are a over £1,300. Nationality registration for an adult costs significant barrier, and I particularly highlight the impact over £1,200. To make matters worse, these application on children and the risk in respect of children who are fees are non-refundable, meaning that if an application in the care system, where clearly there is a possibility is unsuccessful for whatever reason, that applicant stands that this simply becomes a cost that is shoved on to the to lose a significant amount of money. Readmission budgets of local authorities. Certainly in my experience means making the same payment again. as a councillor in a local authority with very large numbers It is clear to anyone that such an expensive and of refugee children, it would almost invariably be in the complex fee structure for visas is part of the Government’s best interests of those children to seek to gain citizenship continued operation of a hostile environment for for them. That was often challenging for bureaucratic immigrants. The fees make applications unaffordable reasons, especially when there was no documentation 453WH Immigration and Nationality 25 MARCH 2021 Immigration and Nationality 454WH Application Fees Application Fees [David Simmonds] I hope that the Minister will take my constituents’ experiences into consideration and will agree with me available to demonstrate who those individuals were in that immigration fees that push those who pay them order to regularise their position, but it was made even into destitution are no longer sustainable, and that more challenging if a local authority was expected to there is an urgent need to review them. I ask him not to pay significant citizenship charges to achieve that status say that the offer of a discretionary fee waiver is the for them, which was an expectation laid down as a answer, because my constituent was unsuccessful. The result of the laws of the United Kingdom. I would like process is complicated and requires expensive legal to hear from the Home Office that, as we review the way assistance. I hope that the Minister will listen to everything we support refugee children in this country, given that that is said today and review the system. As it stands it the numbers arriving into the UK have on average is pushing many of our constituents into destitution. doubled since 2015—we are talking about significant numbers of young people in the care of a very large number 1.56 pm of local authorities—we will ensure that we do not impose additional costs on local authorities that are simply Imran Hussain (Bradford East) (Lab) [V]: Thank you seeking to do the right thing by those young people. for the opportunity to speak in this important debate, Mr McCabe. Bradford is a proud city of sanctuary that Both the hon. Member for Hackney South and has for generations welcomed people of all backgrounds Shoreditch (Meg Hillier) and my hon. Friend the Member from all over the world with open arms, whatever their for Delyn spelt out very clearly what the impact can be circumstances, and as the Member representing it I will on families when a significant number of individuals all continue to speak out on the issue until we have a need to pay the fee. Similarly, when we consider the system that treats people with fairness and compassion. impact on children in that situation—mum or dad feel However, under the present Government we sadly do that it is simply too expensive and too difficult to save not see a shred of fairness or compassion. It is sincerely the money for the fee—we should think about how that lacking in almost every policy that comes from the might deter people who would make fantastic British Home Office. citizens from doing it. Again, it would be good to hear that, as part of the consideration of what the future will As I set out last year in a debate on the Immigration be for our borders policy, we may have a system that Act 2020, the complex rules that force applicants to recognises the value that families add, that supports them jump through countless hoops, the requirement for on their journey through the system and that ensures incomes above the national average, in some parts of that the fees, although they are rightly high for something the country, and the fees that mean that applicants must that is incredibly precious and costs a good deal of money have thousands of pounds stored away, all show us to administer, are not a barrier to making sure that the exactly what the Government think about a caring, full range of people who want to come to contribute to compassionate immigration system—and about migrants. our life in the United Kingdom are able to do so. They think that just because people are in the wrong circumstances, in low-paid roles or with few savings, they do not deserve to be with the ones they love. Their 1.53 pm failure even to address those points in the last year and Kate Osamor (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: Thank longer,which deeply pains me and many of my constituents, you for calling me to speak, McCabe; it is a pleasure to proves that. serve under your chairmanship. I congratulate my hon. As to fees in particular, a partner wishing to bring Friend the Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch their spouse and children to the UK faces paying thousands (Meg Hillier) on securing this important debate. of pounds in visa fees, immigration health surcharges Over the last decade, immigration fees have continued and biometrics appointments. All the fees are beyond to increase to eye-watering amounts, preventing many what it takes to administer those things. That means people from pursuing permanent settlement or even that someone somewhere makes a tidy profit from their right to citizenship. Meanwhile, many of those human misery and from reuniting families. Of more who manage to pay the fees find that they have been concern in relation to the Government’s human rights pushed into unsustainable amounts of debt. That needs record, as my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, to change urgently. The Government appear to have Hall Green (Tahir Ali) said, the Home Office has failed never considered the socioeconomic or welfare impact to take action following a decision by the High Court in of high fees on those who are forced to pay them, but December 2019, well over a year ago, that declared that that impact is often severe. the £1,000-plus fee for children to be registered as I would like to take this opportunity to share the dilemma British citizens is unlawful. The fee is still being charged faced by families in my constituency. My constituent and we still do not know when the Government will put Ajid has worked hard to support his two children but an end to it and whether they will compensate the has been forced into unsustainable credit card debt after families who have been charged that unlawful fee in the having to pay over £9,000 in UK visa renewal fees. He past. has a right to work and live in this country but the On top of that, we have the bizarre situation in which Government have pushed him to the brink of destitution it costs a British national more to bring their foreign simply because he attempted to exercise that right. My national spouse to the UK than it costs a foreign constituent Patricia is a single mother with three children national in the UK to do the same. I ask the Minister: and is in thousands of pounds-worth of debt, because how does that make any sense? Yet not only does a of the cost of application fees and paying a solicitor to family face excessive fees stretching to thousands of help her to navigate the complicated and demeaning fee pounds—which are not a one-off payment but must be waiver application process. Incidentally, her fee waiver paid again and again on renewal—but the level of application was ultimately unsuccessful. service to applicants does not match the amount they 455WH Immigration and Nationality 25 MARCH 2021 Immigration and Nationality 456WH Application Fees Application Fees must pay.They struggle to get appointments for biometric that almost half of the children with foreign-born parents cards. They, or their legal representatives, cannot get hold live in poverty, with parents reporting that they are of decision makers or others in the Home Office, forcing unable to meet even their children’s most basic needs. them to rely on MPs’ offices, and there are significant The impact of the costs concurs with the evidence delays between applications, processing and the delivery that I have heard from across the country as I have of visas. As a result, we are very, very far from seeing collected evidence for the Right to Food campaign that anything that even resembles value for money in the I am spearheading in Parliament. I, and many across Home Office’s practices. our communities, see the system of fees as morally During the coronavirus crisis, people have recognised bankrupt. It plunges many into abject misery, as outlined just how agonising the forced separation of families today. truly is. Although the crisis will come to an end for In response to a petition to Parliament on this subject, many of us as coronavirus rules and restrictions are the Government acknowledged that they are overcharging. relaxed, it will not end for the families that the Government’s Their response stated: rules and fees keep apart. Instead, their heartbreak continues. So, too, does the hostile environment that the “The principle of charging at above cost has been in place for over a decade”. Government have created for people who want to come to this country to make a better life for their family, and Will the Minister commit today to at the very least who, let us not forget, already live and work here. ending that shameful practice? Finally, I urge the Minister to listen to the thousands of families up and down the country who want nothing 2.4 pm more than to be one whole family living together. Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden) (Lab) [V]: I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Hackney 2.1 pm South and Shoreditch (Meg Hillier) for securing this Ian Byrne (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab) [V]: It is an debate. I know that she shares my sincere admiration honour to serve under your chairmanship, Mr McCabe. for the tireless dedication shown by our frontline doctors, I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Hackney South nurses and carers over the last year. Our treasured NHS and Shoreditch (Meg Hillier) for securing this hugely truly is the pride of our nation. important debate today. I was shaken to hear St Helier hospital staff on The current system of nationality application fees is “Channel Four News” in January comparing their wards deeply unjust. The 10-year route to leave to remain with war zones. A critical incident over Christmas had costs £12,771 per person and requires five separate resulted in the hospital diverting patients to Kingston applications over that time. The cost of leave to remain Hospital and St George’s Hospital, because they were fees over the past six years has increased by 331%. It is a using more oxygen than the vaporiser could deliver. The shame that our NHS staff pay rises are not set on that staff at St Helier hospital are doing a remarkable job, ratio by the Home Office. but they face the most testing of circumstances. As is clear from the Library’s briefing and We Belong’s So earlier this month I joined nurses from the Royal report, the administrative cost to the Home Office of College of Nursing on a call to hear about their experience. processing each application is a fraction of what it I met Kathryn and today I will tell her story. Kathryn is charges in fees. As much as 86% in profit is made by the an NHS nurse from the Philippines. Staff from her Minister’s Department from every single application, NHS trust flew out to her country six years ago to from a process that, as many in this debate today have recruit dozens of nurses, sponsoring their initial three-year described, has a devastating impact on the wellbeing working visas. For Kathryn, moving almost 7,000 miles and livelihoods of those faced with the costs, and which away from her family meant the opportunity to support also creates barriers to work, healthcare, renting a home, her family. We invited her here to do an essential job opening a bank account or going to university. that puts her at risk of losing her life, but Minister, we then charge her excessively for that privilege. As Members have mentioned in their speeches, those affected include young people who have also Every three years, Kathryn faces a new £1,000 visa been disproportionately hit in the pandemic. Youth fee. She was one of the lucky ones whose employers unemployment has risen by more than 100% in my covered her health surcharge, a cost that has soared to constituency of Liverpool, West Derby, so these fees are hundreds of pounds for her peers. Receiving just an becoming even more devastating. Added to that is the entry-level salary, Kathryn sends as much money back Department’s complex waiver system, which rejects a home as she can afford, and supporting her family high proportion of applications and leaves some individuals became even more important when her mum was needing to pay for legal representation. With the shutting hospitalised earlier this year. down of many law centres and advice centres in our After almost six years in the UK, Kathryn is now communities, the ability to access justice in some areas able to apply for indefinite leave to remain, but the is near impossible. As We Belong highlights, many clock is ticking and she needs to save the £2,500 required young people will undoubtedly be driven into poverty before her visa renewal is due this winter. If she cannot or will lose their lawful status as a result of those high save enough money in time, she pays a fresh cost of costs. £1,000 to renew her visa and she will have to start saving As my hon. Friend the Member for Streatham again from scratch. But how can she save when she (Bell Ribeiro-Addy) set out in her question to the Prime earns so little? Every penny is vital and Kathryn resorted Minister last month, hundreds of thousands of children to withdrawing from the NHS pension scheme before who were born or raised in the UK are priced out by the the pandemic. Maybe the Minister can see why the fees. A recent report from the Children’s Society found 1% pay rise is a bit of a kick in the teeth. 457WH Immigration and Nationality 25 MARCH 2021 Immigration and Nationality 458WH Application Fees Application Fees [Siobhain McDonagh] of the application meant that A’s parents were unable to secure ILR for him at the same time. Instead, he was Then along came covid. Kathryn was redeployed to granted 30 months’ leave to remain in 2014, which the accident and emergency department, facing intolerable expired in 2016. At that time, there was an administrative pressure, but so many of us owe our lives to A&E staff. delay and his family were poorly advised by their solicitor, One of her colleagues lost his life. He was just 33 and resulting in a short interruption in A’s immigration the breadwinner for his parents back home. He had status. A did very well at school and secured a place at worked to ensure that they could afford to send his university to study architecture, but because of the siblings to school. In his memory and without using his interruption in his status—no fault of his family’s—he own funds, his colleagues had to collect enough money has been refused student finance. I mention that example to be able to send his ashes home. With no NHS because it shows how this policy is causing further pension scheme and consequently no death in service material consequences that have devastating impacts on benefit, Kathryn came to work every day worrying how young lives. Had the fees been more affordable, A would she would be buried if she were to die. never have been in this situation. He would have been Asking people from poorer countries to help run our granted ILR at the same time as the rest of his family. NHS is not new, but charging them large amounts of The policy also affects many of the key workers on money for the privilege is. So I say to the Minister: whom we have relied throughout the pandemic. High Kathryn risks her life at our invitation and is charged immigration fees affect NHS workers, social care workers, exploitative costs to do so. Does he really think that is transport and retail workers—people on whom we all right or fair? Why should her sacrifice cost her so much? rely and to whom we all owe a huge debt of gratitude, particularly over this past year. This policy is an insult 2.8 pm to them and, in addition to the financial burden, has added further stress and anxiety at an impossibly difficult Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab) time. [V]: It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr McCabe, and I, too, congratulate my hon. Friend Immigration benefits the UK economically, socially the Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch and culturally. This country is enriched by those who (Meg Hillier) on securing this important debate. have chosen to come here from overseas. Yet the UK Government persist in this hostile environment, of which It is a feature of this Government’s hostile environment high application fees are a key component. I call on the policy on immigration that it treats everyone in the Government to undertake a comprehensive review of immigration system with equal bad faith. We see that in fees within the immigration system to stop the many the appalling state of initial accommodation for asylum hidden injustices that the policy is causing. seekers, which treats desperate people fleeing horrific violence, persecution and other horrors as if they were criminals; we see it in the lack of safe and legal routes 2.13 pm for asylum seekers, and in the cancellation of the Dubs Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP) [V]: I am scheme for family reunification; and we see it in the glad to be able to raise some of my constituents’ concerns appalling level of service that applicants receive from in this debate. The Home Office’s route to citizenship the Home Office, with mistakes and inaccurate decisions really does treat people as cash cows. It is blatant frequently being made, and in the absence of any service profiteering off the backs of people who have come to standard at all within the Home Office for determining this country to help and to contribute, and it has a applications brought under article 8 of the Human Rights negative impact on families’health and wellbeing, pushing Act. The system often keeps people waiting indefinitely, them into debt. The 10-year path to application for ILR, in extreme financial hardship, for the decision that they as people have pointed out, means fees every 30 months, need to resolve their status and to be able to provide for the immigration health surcharge, and the ILR application their families. At every turn, this Government go out of itself after all that. As the House of Commons Library their way to say to people who have come to the UK points out, that totals £10,372 in fees and an additional from overseas that they are not really welcome here. £2,389 for ILR. The schedule of application fees is another example. Of course, that amount assumes that everything is High fees are a cost barrier that stop people claiming simple and straightforward, which we know often is not. their rightful status as UK citizens. I have spoken to For example, it does not include lawyers’ fees which, many constituents who cannot afford to make applications although perhaps necessary,can be absolutely eye-watering for their children. Some end up in debt to family and for families. I know from people in my constituency that friends in order to fund applications, and others delay the costs mount up, particularly for families with more making applications on behalf of their children, storing than one child. As the hon. Member for Hackney South up problems for them later in life when they come to and Shoreditch (Meg Hillier) rightly pointed out, this apply for student finance or employment. Many victims means that families prioritise those who are working of the Windrush scandal came to the UK as children and leave children to a later stage. Other families who and encountered problems because the adults who were cannot make those choices end up in a huge amount of responsible for them at that time had never regularised debt, sometimes even putting these fees on credit cards, their status. The current policy of placing immigration leading to significant financial problems for many. fees out of the reach of parents risks sowing the seeds of They cannot live the life that the rest of us can enjoy. a future Windrush scandal. Many children cannot then participate in school trips, My constituent, A, arrived in the UK as a child and for example, because they do not have the right to travel legally resided here for more than a decade. His parents due to not having citizenship or the relevant passport to and sibling gained indefinite leave to remain under the do so. They lose out because their families are putting highly skilled migrants programme. However, the cost so much into the immigration system that they cannot 459WH Immigration and Nationality 25 MARCH 2021 Immigration and Nationality 460WH Application Fees Application Fees afford the basics that many other families enjoy. The fee I observe in passing, though, that I have noticed waiver, as others have pointed out and which the Minister among my own constituency casework a significant may fall back on, is incredibly difficult to get. I have increase in the number of people, previously here as EU tried to support constituents to get a fee waiver, but it citizens under the right to remain from the treaties, who often proves almost impossible unless the family were are now looking to take on citizenship. They feel that it absolutely destitute. That should not be something that gives them greater certainty than would be the case if a family has to prove just for the privilege of living in they were to go down the route of the other schemes and being a citizen of this country. that are available. I suspect that, in relation to citizenship As other Members have pointed out, the system itself and nationality, this situation is only going to become is incredibly poor.Many cases are lengthy and the processes more acute. are inefficient. Many of my constituents have waited The point that I want to put before the House and, in years and years to be processed due to issues that the particular, the Minister is that the fees for immigration Home Office deems “complex”while often being unwilling and nationality applications are not the only costs that or unable to discuss with me as the MP. I could speak at are faced by people in my constituency. The Home length as well about the visitor visa process, which is Office has refused from day one to offer the biometric absolutely appalling. It just takes money from people, enrolment process in Lerwick or in Kirkwall, because it only to refuse their application and then grant it later says that there are not enough people there to justify the down the line despite nothing much having changed. provision of the service. I understand that the numbers To move to the highly-skilled migrants, I was aghast are not high, but the consequences for my constituents and shocked to find the Chancellor bigging up the are severe. chances of bringing in highly-skilled migrants to this My constituents are required to go to Aberdeen or, country in his Budget, because I have dealt with many on one occasion where the machine in Aberdeen was of the highly-skilled migrants affected by the 322(5) case not working, to travel on to Dundee to enrol their and who found themselves suddenly losing out. Many biometric information. Over and above the cost of the of them, who were at the end of the 10-year route to fee for enrolling biometrics, if someone lives in Shetland, ILR and had paid their fees and taxes over the years, they would have to get the 5 o’clock overnight ferry to lost out because they had made legitimate changes that Aberdeen, which will get them in to Aberdeen at 7.30 am. anyone could make to their tax returns. That meant that They have their appointment and enrol their biometrics, their route to citizenship was torn away from them and are back at the ferry terminal in Aberdeen at the completely unjustifiably by the Home Office, and many end of the day to get the overnight ferry back. They people are still in this situation waiting for justice. leave at 5 pm on a Monday, and they are not back home Many of these people have been here contributing for until 7 am on the Wednesday.That is the actual commitment a decade or more, but the Home Office then treats them that is required. They could take a day trip on a plane. I like criminals in the country they have made their home. have just checked the service on Loganair’s website, and To use the phrase from 322(5) in the immigration rules, they can get out at 8.30 am in the morning and come they were deemed back at 10 past 3 in the afternoon, so it is just about “a threat to national security” doable, because enrolling biometrics is not a long process. The cost of that is £492. That is the extra charge that we and all for making a legitimate change to their tax pay over and above all the fees about which every other return. It is absolutely shocking and unacceptable, and person in this debate has rightly complained. before a single further person is given a highly-skilled migrant visa, I ask the Chancellor and the Home Office To put it in terms that the Minister might understand, to sort out this injustice once and for all. It cannot be he asks of my constituents the same as he would be that those who are already here and have already contributed asking of his own if he were to say to them that they are treated so abysmally while the Chancellor tries with should go from Torbay to Stoke-on-Tent to enrol their the other hand to bring people into this country. biometrics. I suspect that his constituents would not be I could speak at length about the many cases I have keen on that, never mind the possibility that the machine seen over the past six years showing how incompetent, in Stoke-on-Trent might be broken so they might have expensive, inefficient and cruel the Home Office is, but I to carry on and enrol their biometrics in Manchester. ask the Minister to reflect on these issues that I have He would not accept that for his constituents, so why do raised and make it fairer for families who just want to he and his predecessors seem to think that I should live their lives, get on with things and have their children accept it for mine? I will leave him the extra 45 seconds grow up in this country. We should owe them a great to give that answer in his reply. debt of thanks, not put a great debt on their shoulders. 2.21 pm Steve McCabe (in the Chair): Last but not least, Mr Alistair Carmichael. Stuart C. McDonald (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) (SNP) [V]: It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr McCabe. Thank you for 2.17 pm calling me. I thank the hon. Member for Hackney South Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD): and Shoreditch (Meg Hillier) for securing this important It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, debate and for her opening speech, which set the scene Mr McCabe. I congratulate the hon. Member for Hackney brilliantly. South and Shoreditch (Meg Hillier) on securing this Members have eloquently and powerfully raised some debate. She gave a comprehensive exposition of the strong examples of fees applied by the Home Office that issues, as have others over the course of the debate, and are unreasonable, unfair and sometimes frankly utterly I do not intend to repeat them. extortionate. We have heard about citizenship fees right 461WH Immigration and Nationality 25 MARCH 2021 Immigration and Nationality 462WH Application Fees Application Fees [Stuart C. McDonald] That said, his predecessor met with the equally brilliant Project for the Registration of Children as British Citizens across the board. Some have mentioned the immigration and, in the absence of any action or response, PRCBC health surcharge, which my party opposes outright. successfully persuaded the Court of Appeal that these Members also spoke powerfully about NHS and other fees breach the statutory duties of the Home Office frontline workers, to whom we owe so much. regarding the best interests of the child. The Supreme We have heard a lot about fees for children, including Court will, if required, go on to determine whether the those in the care system, and several hon. Members fees are also illegal on the grounds that they render the raised the fees that families face. Many family members statutory rights impossible for so many. are forced apart by them, and others have to make awful I appreciate that the litigation may mean the Minister calls, such as which child they can afford to put forward cannot say too much today, but the fact that these fees for citizenship and which they have to leave behind—what need to be looked at again means it is all the more an awful choice to have to make. important that, as cross-party MPs, we re-emphasise the opposition to them—and there is cross-party opposition. We have just heard about some of the other associated This is a grave injustice. As Members on both sides have costs of applications, from legal fees to biometrics and said, citizenship is not just a matter of the colour of the travel that is involved for some. Other hon. Members one’s passport; it has profound implications on a sense raised the quality of service provided in response to of identity, belonging, community integration, and so on. payment of those fees. My hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow Central (Alison Thewliss) rightly continues to If litigation forces a different approach, that would champion the case of highly skilled migrants. be brilliant, but it would be so much better if the Home Office and Treasury just listen to the arguments and There are many other causes that we could have made the change themselves. These kids are entitled to mentioned today.One is the fees faced by former members British citizenship, and fees should not stop them from of the armed forces who want to settle in the United accessing it. Kingdom. I support all those complaints, but in the The other distinct issue that I want to raise is one that time available I will focus on two issues that impact on others have touched on: the long route to settlement. children in particular, as others have done. I will close This is a 10-year process that people with strong ties of by suggesting that all these various complaints mean family or private life are put through by the Home that it is time that we rethink the statutory scheme that Office. The whole design of this route, not just its fee, is guides the Home Office when it is setting fees. cruel, but the expense is especially outrageous. As it stands, the Home Office is entitled to think about As we have heard, including the final indefinite leave only the following factors when setting fees: processing to remain application, this route requires five applications, costs, the benefits that will accrue to the applicant and currently costing a total of over £12,500 in fees and others, the cost of other immigration and nationality health surcharges for each individual before they will functions, economic growth, international comparisons ever have secure, permanent status. A family of four and international agreements. There are problems with must pay around £10,000 in fees every two and a half that framework and how the Home Office is currently years, and only a little over 10% of that covers the applying it. actual cost of the Home Office processing these applications. I will start with the fees that are charged to children In normal times, three quarters, or more, of fee waiver who are registering their right to British citizenship. applications are refused by the Home Office, and that then These are kids who are born here but are not automatically means that applicants have only 10 days to stump up British and are subsequently entitled to register as such, the cash before the whole application is rejected. That either because their parents become settled or become puts many back to square one. Indefinite leave applications citizens or because they are here for the first 10 years of do not attract a fee waiver at all, leaving many stranded their lives. Those rights were set out by Parliament on precarious short-term leave for a long, long, time, so in 1981 when it repealed automatic citizenship by birth slashing these fees is absolutely essential. Colleagues alone in the United Kingdom. Those rights are there to have spoken powerfully about the impact they are having protect kids for whom the reality is that the UK is their on the lives of families and children in their constituencies. home and, de facto, their country of nationality. Unlike The immigration health surcharge should be removed those of us who are British at birth automatically and from this route. These are people for whom the reality is pay no fee for the privilege, those kids, as we have heard, that the UK is their home, and it will continue to be; the are required to pay just over £1,000. The cost to the Home Government should acknowledge that. Office of processing the application is approximately In conclusion, Mr McCabe, I want to touch upon the one third of that. issue of whether or not we need to rethink the overall In essence, what we have here is a horrendous, great framework, and I think that we do. I will make two big poll tax on the British citizenship of certain children— quick points, although I could make many more. one that brooks no waivers or exceptions, and one that One fundamental problem is that the framework Home Office lawyers have acknowledged in court has treats all types of application as if they are of the same “a serious adverse impact on the ability of a significant number of nature, and that the same considerations should apply. children to apply successfully for registration” However, issues around citizenship have a profoundly different nature to visit visas, student visas or other as British citizens. types of work visa. Even within citizenship, the right to I know that the Minister knows the arguments well; a nationality in one’sde facto home country is a completely he has met with the fantastic campaign group We Belong, different issue to naturalisation fees for adults who have previously known as Let Us Learn, and I appreciate made a proactive choice to come here and to take up that he did that. that nationality. 463WH Immigration and Nationality 25 MARCH 2021 Immigration and Nationality 464WH Application Fees Application Fees Economic growth or subsidising other parts of the East (Stuart C. McDonald), have already said, the Court border system might be relevant to certain work visas, of Appeal found that the requirement for children who but it is absolutely not appropriate or fair to apply those are entitled to be registered as British citizens to pay a considerations to applications by children for citizenship fee of £1,012 fails to take into consideration the children’s in their home country. That is why we need to rethink best interests. The Government have yet to respond to the framework. this decision, and therefore I call on the Minister urgently Secondly, when considering the benefit that will accrue to reconsider this issue when they respond to those to the applicant, which is required by statute, it seems to concerns. Once again, it is disappointing that it has me that the Home Office approach is always “the greater fallen to the courts to pull up the Government with a the benefit to the applicant, the more that we should judgment that said the fee would leave children feeling charge them”, but it should not be. Citizenship confers “alienated, excluded, isolated” and “second-best,” when the most profound benefit of any of the applications instead some compassion and common sense would go that the Home Office deals with. We should want the a long way. children who have that right to be able to access it. The Others have raised the challenges facing this country consequences of them not being able to are really quite as a consequence of the pandemic. Immigration fees are troubling, so, in fact, the benefit that will accrue to a significant barrier to many migrant and overseas them is a reason for lowering the fee, rather than trying healthcare workers, as has been highlighted during the last to squeeze every last penny from it. year.I found myself unexpectedly cheering the contribution There is so much more that could be said in this, but I from the hon. Member for Delyn (Rob Roberts) when hope that the Minister will listen, both to the complaints he said that NHS workers should not be in debt to pay made about specific fees and to the suggestion that we their fees and that we are the ones who should be need to look more broadly at the framework that surrounds indebted to them. the process for setting them. Once again, thanks to the My hon. Friend the Member for Mitcham and Morden hon. Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch for (Siobhain McDonagh) gave a heartbreaking speech about securing such a crucial debate, and to Members for the contribution of her local migrant healthcare workers, engaging in it. which reflects the fact that 169,000 or 13.8% of NHS staff reported a non-British nationality in January last 2.29 pm year. Migrant workers currently make up 16% of our Holly Lynch (Halifax) (Lab) [V]: It is a pleasure, as social care workforce. Many of those workers face the always, to serve under your chairmanship, Mr McCabe. psychological and financial burden of immigration I join others in congratulating my hon. Friend the application fees. I believe the pandemic has made us all Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch (Meg Hillier) recognise beyond any doubt that we absolutely need on securing this important debate and opening the these people—there’s no two ways about it. contributions. Wewelcome the decision to extend the visas of doctors, My hon. Friend did an excellent job in setting out the nurses and paramedics that were due to expire before different fees, their cumulative effect and how they make October and then March, even though that second us one of the least competitive countries in the world if extension came late in the day. It has been a battle to we want to attract the brightest and the best, even through ensure that those extensions recognise all those that options like the global talent visa. She has enjoyed a they should. We were also delighted that the Government great deal of cross-party support this afternoon. listened to our calls to offer an exemption from the I begin by reflecting on how immigration and nationality immigration health surcharge to those working in fees have increased over the past 10 years. Others have healthcare, even though the delivery of that has been paid tribute to the wonderful organisation We Belong, far from as simple as it could have been, with many still which is led by young people who have made the UK waiting for refunds. As the Minister will remember, we their home. They are right to say that the cost of leave were keen to stress during the passing of the Bill that to remain for those who came to UK, which was a focus became the Immigration Act 2020 that it is not that we of my hon. Friend’s opening speech, has increased by are doing those workers a favour by extending their 331% in the past six years alone. Just imagine if the visas; they are doing us a massive favour, by staying and same could be said about nurses’ pay, as my hon. Friend working on our frontline. the Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Ian Byrne) said. How else can we recognise that contribution? In The 10-year route to permanent settlement through leave addition to the fees paid by individuals, the Minister to remain requires five applications totalling £12,771 per will also remember that we called on the Government to person. That statistic is made even more staggering rethink the immigration skills charge for NHS trusts, when we consider that it costs the Government just £142 to which is a fee paid by hospitals back to the Government; process those applications. The fact that the Government they often face no choice other than to recruit from seek to make a profit from people who grew up in this overseas for specialist clinical skills, because we have country and who simply want to establish a future here failed to train staff domestically. My local hospital in the UK is unacceptable. It denies them the security trust, which runs Calderdale Royal Hospital and and certainty that they deserve. My hon. Friend the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, paid nearly £163,000 back Member for Bradford East (Imran Hussain) is quite to Government in the 2019-20 financial year alone. right when he says that the fees paid are not reflected in That money could have been better spent on services the experience that people have in their service from the and improving health outcomes. We are aware of at Home Office. least three trusts that have paid out over £1 million since As my hon. Friends the Member for Birmingham, 2017, with Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust paying Hall Green (Tahir Ali) and for Bradford East, and the £2.7 million since 2017. I urge the Minister to reflect on hon. Member for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch that, as it surely does not make any sense. 465WH Immigration and Nationality 25 MARCH 2021 Immigration and Nationality 466WH Application Fees Application Fees [Holly Lynch] I have asked for that investigation to be published, but the Minister for Crime and Policing said this week The Select Committee on Home Affairs has repeatedly that that would not be possible. In his answer to my pushed for the free visa extension to be applied to care written question, the Minister present today also confirmed workers and low-paid NHS staff in non-medical roles, to me this week that: which we fully support, and it has recommended British “Per the Civil Service Code, Civil Servants must not accept citizenship or permanent residency be granted to health gifts or hospitality or receive other benefits from anyone which and social care workers with short-term visas. We have might reasonably be seen to compromise their personal judgement an obligation to acknowledge the sacrifices that migrant or integrity.” workers have made during the pandemic, and removing In its response to newspaper, Mishcon de the fees would be a great start. Research undertaken by Reya said: the liberal conservative think-tank Bright Blue suggests “There is nothing unusual or inappropriate about this common that 60% of the public think it is important for immigrants industry practice.” living permanently in the UK to become citizens, and Mishcon de Reya was aware that other law firms had 75% think it would be cheaper for certain migrant groups similar professional relationships with the official in to become citizens. We know there is a broad appetite question. Given that we know gifts were sent to other among the general public to make citizenship more Home Office officials, I would welcome some clear accessible, and fees are certainly one of the biggest barriers. answers from the Minister. Do we know who else received My constituents in Halifax know from personal gifts, and were these returned? How would he respond experience that the measures introduced by the Government to the suggestion that such conduct is common industry are falling drastically short. My office and I have been practice? Those are questions that must be answered, supporting a young woman who is a single parent and and some transparency is absolutely essential. who works in social care, caring for adults with learning Frankly, the news of this scandal comes as an insult disabilities. She paid to extend her visa in September to my constituents who cannot afford that level of 2020 and had to pay over £1,000 for the immigration access to officials via their lawyers, and who are struggling health surcharge. As a direct result of that payment, she to make ends meet in paying the fees required. We need is struggling financially, to the extent that we had to assurances from the Home Office that the UK immigration refer her to local food banks. We contacted the Home system is not one that works only for those who can Office to seek clarification as to when she could expect a afford to make it work for them. Over the last decade refund. However, I am afraid to say it has been utterly immigration and nationality application fees have risen non-committal. We still have no information as to when beyond what is reasonable, often trapping people into she will receive that back. Given the pressures that my paying fees that are beyond their means for years, just to constituent has faced over the last year during this have the security of staying where they are. My hon. pandemic, it is deeply distressing to hear how our Friend the Member for Dulwich and West Norwood immigration fees threaten to leave her without even the (Helen Hayes) made very clear the consequences for most basic essentials. My hon. Friend the Member for children, in particular, as they grow up in this country. Edmonton (Kate Osamor) shared similarly powerful I know the Minister will recognise the deeply unfair stories from her constituency, about how she feels that contrast I have set out between those who can afford both the fees and the solicitor fees are pushing constituents top lawyers and what would appear to be the enhanced into poverty and destitution. access that comes with that, and those who cannot. We The Doctors’ Association UK has pointed out: need a fairer system that recognises the contributions made by migrant workers, many of whom work in our “We entered this pandemic severely short-staffed, with over local healthcare and who are a precious resource that 10,000 vacancies for doctors, and 100,000 for nurses.” we just cannot afford to be without. An immigration policy that acknowledges that reality, and seeks to fix it with an accessible and affordable Steve McCabe (in the Chair): I was just checking that process that is fit for purpose, is now required from the that was an ending and not a break in the transmission. Government. My apologies. I call the Minister, Kevin Foster. Hon. Members will recognise from their casework that the examples I have mentioned are not uncommon, 2.40 pm but I want to turn to the really worrying contrast reported in both The Guardian and the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the recently,which relates to the investigation into the conduct Home Department (Kevin Foster): It is a pleasure to of a Home Office official dating back to 2016. I have serve under your chairmanship, Mr McCabe. I thank written to the Under-Secretary of State for the Home the hon. Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch Department, the hon. Member for Croydon South (Chris (Meg Hillier) for securing this debate on immigration Philp), about this issue, but sources have claimed, and and nationality application fees. I thank all Members the Home Office has confirmed, that a senior caseworker for their contributions to the discussion today. I welcome who works on nationality applications at the Home any opportunity to hear the views of the House on this Office was investigated by the Department’santi-corruption subject, even if we come from differing points of view. unit for allegedly being paid to offer external advice to It has been an interesting debate. I am in no doubt one of the UK’s largest law firms, Mishcon de Reya. from the contributions made about the strength of Allegations also include the release of unauthorised feeling. While I will respond to the points raised today, information regarding citizenship applications. The official before I do, it might be helpful to set out the current was taken to dinner, and gifts, including champagne, landscape for the fees we charge for visa, immigration were sent to him and at least one other colleague. and nationality services. 467WH Immigration and Nationality 25 MARCH 2021 Immigration and Nationality 468WH Application Fees Application Fees As was touched on by my SNP shadow, the hon. this issue, and that has been shown today. I look forward Member for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch to discussing them further when we look to bring forward East (Stuart C. McDonald), the Immigration Act 2014 our proposals. was approved by Parliament under the coalition, during It is not just in the settlement group specifically that the time when the right hon. Member for Orkney and we are looking to simplify the impact people face. Shetland (Mr Carmichael) was in the Cabinet. It sets Those who have been following the changes to the rules out the governing factors that must be given regard to over the last year may have seen things such as the and are the only matters that can be taken into account following. On the student route, if those reapplying when setting fee levels.These are: the costs of administering have been supporting themselves financially without the service; benefits that are likely to accrue to the recourse to public funds for 12 months or more, we do applicant on a successful outcome; the cost of operating not now ask them to prove it as part of their next other parts of the immigration system; the promotion application. They can do that, having done it visibly. We of economic growth; fees charged by or on behalf of have changed the English language qualifications, ending Governments of other countries for comparable functions; a position that was rather bizarre. Someone who went and any international agreement. to a state school and had achieved, say, an A grade at In setting fees, it is important to emphasise the Home GCSE English language or even an A in A-Level English Office cannot set or amend fees without obtaining the literature was then asked to pass a secure English language approval of Parliament. That ensures there are checks test. We are starting to reform some of our rules to look and balances in place and that there is full parliamentary at the wider impacts. oversight of the fees regime, in addition to debates such A particularly interesting one, which I am quite keen as that we are having today. Immigration and nationality on, is looking towards the reuse of biometrics and how fees are set within the limits specified by the Immigration we capture biometrics. The right hon. Member for Orkney and Nationality (Fees) Order 2016, which includes the and Shetland set out quite well exactly what a biometrics maximum fee levels that can be charged on each application appointment can mean, and not just for those looking type or service. That is laid in Parliament and is subject to make a reapplication for leave to remain here in the to affirmative resolution procedures. UK, but sometimes for those looking to get secure entry clearance. An example highlighted to me was of a Individual fee levels are calculated in line with managing couple of cultural performers who were Aboriginal public money principles and the powers provided by the Australians. Thankfully, they came within our generous Immigration Act 2014. Specific fees are set out in visitor route provisions for the performance they were regulations, which are then presented to Parliament and going to make. Had they been coming for slightly are subject to the negative procedure. The powers agreed longer, the most expensive part of their visa application by Parliament in 2014 bring benefits to the broader would have been the trip from the outback to their immigration and citizenship system and to the UK in nearest visa application centre to give us their fingerprints the form of effective and secure border and immigration and facial biometrics. functions, reduced funding from general taxation and promotion of economic growth. To reassure Members, we are looking to make a change. The first step is to look at increasing the amount I turn to the issue that the hon. Member for Hackney of biometric reuse in our system. That means people South and Shoreditch started with—the simplification can reapply using the fingerprints and facial images and the linked parts of the settlement requirements. As they gave in a previous application. The second part is she may be aware, I have recently written to the Home looking at how we can remotely capture biometrics Affairs Committee following a meeting with We Belong, from those who are making applications for the first which was a useful opportunity to explore with them time. The right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland their experiences of the current system. may wish to know that, for example, the vast majority Following the Law Commission report on simplification of EEA nationals applying to our skilled worker route of the immigration rules in 2020, the Home Office is in will be able to supply the biometrics using an app on the process of looking to simplify the immigration rules. their smartphone to check the chip on their passport As part of that, we are looking at reviewing the rules on without visiting a visa application centre. settlement and when people qualify for it. Weare examining As some may have picked up, last month we launched how we could improve the path to settlement for this an enhancement to the settlement route for British particular group of young people. Having met them, I nationals overseas and their households ordinarily resident recognise the concerns and the wider impact of being in Hong Kong by allowing a fully digital application placed on what is effectively an 11-year path to citizenship, route. This is the first time we have done that for allowing 10 years to get to permanent settlement—indefinite non-EEA nationals, and it allows many Hong Kong leave to remain—and then a year free of immigration special administrative region and, we believe, virtually restrictions to apply for British citizenship, having received all British national overseas passport holders the ability indefinite leave to remain. From what we are hearing, to apply from home if they qualify for that route. and from looking at the process, we believe that too many are ending up on the 10-year route and that is Mr Carmichael: I am enormously encouraged to hear something we want to look at as part of a process of what the Minister says, and it does sound like common simplifying the rules and requirements. sense. But it does all sound distant. In the meantime, can we not just get machines for enrolment and biometrics We are also clear that there are areas where we should in Kirkwall and Lerwick? simplify the rules to ensure that there are fewer instances where a lawyer needs to be paid for support in the Kevin Foster: It is not that far distant. We are already process, which is a cost that we know people face. I allowing people to reuse biometrics, and we are looking know there are some strong views across the House on to lay some regulations fairly soon. In fact, we had a 469WH Immigration and Nationality 25 MARCH 2021 Immigration and Nationality 470WH Application Fees Application Fees [Kevin Foster] about this, and the hon. Lady will appreciate that we need to make sure we do it correctly and properly, so we briefing the other day. I would be very happy to arrange will not simply chuck out a timetable from the Dispatch a briefing for the right hon. Member on where we are Box today. However, as I say, we are progressing and taking this work. I would say that it builds on the EU looking to promptly respond to the court judgment. settlement scheme, to which, as he will be aware, the It might be helpful if I come on to fees and exceptions, vast majority have applied from the comfort of their the process of which was raised by numerous hon. own home, using a smartphone for about 15 to 20 minutes. Members. To be clear, the Home Office has always We are building on that. It is already with us today and provided for exceptions to the need to pay application it will be being expanded. We are hoping, for example, fees for leave to remain in specific circumstances. The all EEA nationals applying into economic migration exceptions ensure that the Home Office’s immigration and study routes will soon be doing so, if they need to, and nationality fees structure complies with our from home. Again, this builds on what we have done international obligations, such as in relation to refugees, with the EU settlement scheme. It is happening. and wider Government policy, such as the protection of I appreciate that there is inconvenience for those spouses from domestic abuse and the protection of having to still use the existing system, but it is one that vulnerable children. we are looking to quite rapidly roll out over the coming The hon. Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch years, ahead of making all status digital by the end of asked whether we have looked at fee waivers in recent 2024. This is something that, hopefully, the right hon. times, and we have. We recently broadened the fee Member’s constituents will start seeing the benefit of, waiver policy to ensure that considerations of affordability particularly because biometric readers do not present and prospect of destitution are taken into account some of the challenges that he will appreciate come with when assessing applications. The overseas fee waiver capturing biometrics for the first time in a global context. policy is also being revised to include an assessment of Let me move onto the issue of child citizenship, the criterion of affordability for specified applications which I am conscious that a number of Members raised under the article 8/human rights route. The revised today. I am aware of the great strength of feeling on this policy is expected to be in place from August this year. issue across the House. As some Members referenced, In the meantime, we will consider urgent applications the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court’s judgment for an overseas fee waiver, although I am sure the hon. that the Home Office had not demonstrated compliance Lady will appreciate that with the strong limits on with its duties under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship international travel at the moment, the number of people and Immigration Act 2009 in setting the child registration potentially travelling is much lower, for reasons beyond fee—although, to be clear, the court did not strike down immigration. the regulations. We are currently carrying out a section 55 In addition, we have also introduced a waiver that assessment to inform a review of the fee. While it would will allow for fees to be waived in exceptional circumstances, not be appropriate for me to speculate on or predict the providing the Department with more flexibility in outcome of that assessment, including whether the fee circumstances where a number of individuals have been currently charged will change, we are taking prompt significantly impacted by circumstances beyond their steps in the light of that judgment to complete the control, rather than having to assess each case individually assessment. for the fee waiver where there is a group that needs to be It is important to emphasise that becoming a UK accommodated. citizen is not a specific requirement to enable individuals Various Members raised the immigration health to live, study and work in the UK and to benefit from surcharge. We were clear in our manifesto that it is right many of the public services appropriate to a child or a that all who may benefit from NHS healthcare have young adult, most of which come with indefinite leave made a contribution to it in line with their immigration to remain. status. We recognise that although some who migrate to The Home Office ensures that an application can be the UK will pay tax and national insurance contributions made for the fee to be waived for certain human rights-based from arrival, they will not on average have made the claims for leave to remain, including where the fee is same contribution to the NHS that most UK nationals unaffordable or where an individual or family could be and permanent residents have made or will make over rendered destitute on paying the fee. That ensures that their working lives. It is therefore fair to require them to the appropriate status can be secured to access any make an up-front and proportionate contribution to public services required. the NHS, the cost of which compares quite favourably with the type of medical insurance or healthcare charges Meg Hillier: The Minister talked about prompt steps that those migrating to other countries may face. on the section 55 assessment, but what is his definition of “prompt” and when might we expect a result? Waivers The hon. Lady rightly said it is hard to make a direct are still very complex, as my hon. Friend the Member comparison. For example, many countries, including in for Edmonton (Kate Osamor) highlighted, and the process Europe, do not provide the comprehensive level of needs a lot of legal support. Many people do not want free-at-the-point-of-need healthcare that the national to go through that regime for fear of failure and in case health service here in the UK provides, including to it jeopardises their wider applications. Is the Minister those who have what we deem as a temporary migration also looking at the whole approach to fee waivers? status. We can make a quick comparison. For example, New Kevin Foster: I appreciate that, as a former Home Zealand requires international students to take out a Office Minister, the hon. Lady might think that “soon”, form of health insurance. Ireland charges for visits to “nearly” and “shortly” can have different meanings—I A&E where attendance is without a referral letter from can see you smiling as well, Mr McCabe. Weare concerned a doctor—of course, there are no charges for urgent 471WH Immigration and Nationality 25 MARCH 2021 Immigration and Nationality 472WH Application Fees Application Fees and emergency care here in the UK—or charges to see a fairer and works in the interests of the UK, alongside family doctor and has some hospital charges. Non-EU the benefits that simplification of the rules can bring, as international students in Ireland are not covered for I outlined earlier. free medical attention off campus and must have their We recognise that immigration fees will always be a own private health insurance. And that is to leave aside subject for debate, but they play a vital role in ensuring examples such as the United States of America, where, that we have an effective border and immigration system. as all of us recognise, the cost of health insurance to We are committed to keeping fees for visa, immigration obtain provision that is not even close to what the NHS and nationality services under review, including by taking provides is extreme. account of the issues raised in this and previous debates Again, we believe that it is appropriate that this on this matter. system is in place, although we of course have, with the 2.58 pm introduction of the health and care visa and the refunds policy, looked to exempt those who work on the frontline Meg Hillier: I thank you, Mr McCabe, for chairing of health and social care, in recognition that their the debate today and all hon. Members who have contribution is made through working in such roles. highlighted how key workers, NHS staff and young people in this country are caught in a trap not of their The Government remain committed to maintaining own making. I pay particular tribute to my hon. Friend support for the vulnerable who come into contact with the Member for Edmonton (Kate Osamor), who raised the immigration system and ensuring that they are the issue of the fee waiver application cost and its treated fairly and humanely. By setting fees at the level complications, with people being pushed into debt; my at which we do and by putting the onus to pay on those hon. Friend the Member for Dulwich and West Norwood who benefit from our services, we reduce the burden on (Helen Hayes); and the hon. Member for Ruislip, the Exchequer and the wider taxpayers of this country. NorthwoodandPinner(DavidSimmonds),whohighlighted To be clear, the Home Office does not make a profit issues in the context of Britain’s position in the world— from application fees. Fees account for about 70% of global Britain—which is where the Government should the cost of operating the border,immigration and citizenship be and where they say they are coming from. system, with funding still required from the taxpayer more widely to support the system. Decisions on how The fees are too high and the process is overly complex, the system is funded are complex and require several but I take some comfort from the tone of the Minister factors to be carefully balanced to ensure that we can and the fact that he is engaging with those in We Belong, maintain an effective immigration system. In making who are the best advocates, particularly for young people, those decisions, we must also, of course, be mindful of about looking at simplification of the process, looking the lessons learned from the Windrush scandal. at how to deal with this, change the rules of settlement and try to do away with the need for the repeated Immigration fees have, in the main, remained static now involvement of lawyers, which we have not even discussed for some time; the last increases were in April 2019. In today, in terms of fees, because that adds a lot as well. addition, the Government have introduced comprehensive I will just say, though, that the Minister let the cat out measures to support people and businesses, including of the bag, rather, when he talked about the rationale wide-ranging financial support, throughout the global behind the fees being the benefits likely to accrue to the pandemic. Many were available to people working in applicant. I would say we should also think about the the country, even with their migration status, given that benefit of the applicant to the UK, which has been ably they were not classed as public funds. For example, the highlighted by,among others, my hon. Friend the Member furlough scheme could be used to support someone for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh). The working on, for example, a skilled worker visa. Minister also talked about paying for the costs of other As we go forward, the Home Office is committed to parts of the immigration system, so this does cross-subsidise, playing its part as the world recovers from the devastation and I think we need to look very carefully at that of the global coronavirus pandemic. As I touched on principle. earlier, we have introduced the health and care visa. We However, I appreciate the Minister’s tone. He has a have also introduced changes to the minimum income ginger group of MPs here who would welcome working and adequate maintenance requirement for those applying with him to change policy and practice to ensure that to enter or remain in the UK on the basis of their family we can welcome people who wish to contribute and to or private life, so they are not disadvantaged if their become full citizens and that it is affordable for them to income has been affected by the impact of the coronavirus. do so and they are not saddled with the debt that the For example, with those on furlough, we consider them, current system leaves upon them. for immigration assessment purposes, as if they were on Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 10(6)). 100% of their salary, even if they are receiving only 80% under the furlough scheme.In addition, we have introduced 3 pm a new points-based system, which we believe is firmer, Sitting suspended. 473WH 25 MARCH 2021 Government Support NGOs/Churches 474WH in Developing Nations: Covid-19 Government Support for NGOs and In particular, I remember one gentleman from my Churches in Developing Nations: Covid-19 church, John Robinson, who is no longer in this world—he died a few years ago—who was actively engaged in some of those projects. He was not a builder—indeed, [CLIVE EFFORD in the Chair] he was a salesman and did other things—but he went out to those projects in central Africa, along with others 3.15 pm who were perhaps not experts, as they had not done their apprenticeships and so on, but were able to help Clive Efford (in the Chair): I remind hon. Members manually.Those who were experts—builders, carpenters, that there have been some changes to the normal practice plasterers, electricians and plumbers—were able to do in order to support the new hybrid arrangements. The the work when it came to building schools and hospitals, timings of debates have been amended to allow technical and project work. That was incredibly important. arrangements to be made for the next debate. There will also be suspensions between each debate. I remind To start with, I want to mention two projects in Members participating physically and virtually that they Eswatini and Malawi, which are supported through a must arrive for the start of a debate in Westminster local church in Newtownards—the Ards Elim church. Hall. Members are expected to remain for the entire It has done some incredible work with education and debate. health, but it is not just about that; it is also about jobs I must also remind Members participating virtually and farming. It is about helping people to be self-sufficient that they are visible at all times, both to each another and able to provide for themselves, with food and and to us in the Boothroyd Room. If Members attending clothing. There are many things that those church projects virtually have any technical problems, they should email are able to do. I have heard from them of entire families the Westminster Hall Clerks’ email address. Members going for days at a time without a mouthful of food. attending physically should clean their spaces before Mr Chairman, it would make your heart ache to hear they use them and as they leave the room. I remind that; my heart aches for them. Members that Mr Speaker has stated that masks should In normal circumstances, churches will rally the be worn in Westminster Hall. troops—so to speak—and organise fêtes, cinema nights or meals to raise funds; I have personally attended such 3.16 pm events. However, all of that activity is out of the question Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP) [V]: I beg to move, now due to the covid-19 pandemic. That this House has considered Government support for non- I will mention one group that does incredible work, governmental organisations and churches in developing nations which is Samaritan’s Purse UK. I am not sure whether during the covid-19 pandemic. any other Members are aware of it—I hope that they I sincerely thank you, Mr Efford, and the Chair and are—but it makes a shoebox appeal every year. It did so members of the Backbench Business Committee for before lockdown and it has done so during lockdown. allowing me the opportunity to raise this vital issue During lockdown in particular, they have been able to today. I have been asking for this debate for some time. provide computers and other IT equipment for vulnerable It is one of the ones that I was very keen to bring and poor families both at home and across the world. through. Covid-19, of course, has exacerbated the issues There are many such groups in my constituency and I for non-governmental organisations in particular. I will know that there are many others in other hon. Members’ be giving a number of examples, and I know that others constituencies that have also done incredible work. We will too. appreciate that work very much; they are really making I have long been a supporter of the 0.7% of GDP things happen and we thank them for it. international aid commitment, as I have witnessed the As has become abundantly clear in our country during need in developing countries. Although I understand this pandemic, churches are bodies of people, not simply that our first priority is always the needs of our own structures of stone, concrete, brick, wood and plaster, communities—that is correct—I believe that we have a and as such, they have continued to persevere in the face moral obligation that can be carried out in tandem. It of covid-19, continuing to serve the communities in should not be impossible to do both. The motivation which they are based, not only at home but overseas, for this debate is that I have been made aware of the dire through the NGOs and the work that they do. circumstances that individuals find themselves in. Although we have been able to provide furlough for our workers Togive one example among many,Challenge Ministries at home, those in developing nations have no such help is responsible for feeding 400 orphans in Swaziland. I and lockdown has meant devastation. The figures that I mentioned earlier the work that is done in education will mention later show that up to 50% of those employed and health. However, it also feeds 400 orphaned children by NGOs, who are doing marvellous work, have either in Swaziland who nobody else has looked out for. lost their jobs or may lose them. Although its normal fundraising practices have stopped, Every church in my constituency of Strangford has it still has to provide for those children, who are reliant been involved in missionary and charity work in countries on Challenge Ministries, which also supports a women’s across the world, whether it be through WaterAid or refuge centre. So Challenge Ministries has organised an education or health projects—all paid for voluntarily. online concert tomorrow—Friday 26 March—at 6.30 pm, All Churches—Church of Ireland, Methodist, Presbyterian, and the links to it are on my Facebook page. It has had Roman Catholic, Reformed Presbyterian, Congregational, to raise funds in a different way, doing all it can to small assemblies and my own Baptist Church—are remind people that there is still great need and that involved in aid projects and missions across the world in every £5 or £10 will make a difference. It is thinking many continents. outside the box, staying within covid rules but using the 475WH Government Support NGOs/Churches 25 MARCH 2021 Government Support NGOs/Churches 476WH in Developing Nations: Covid-19 in Developing Nations: Covid-19 wonders of technology to bring together local people, At a time when the world has been ravaged by a who are performing, and the people who we have pledged pandemic, vulnerable communities have continued to to support. receive support from the storm-proof structure of the local and global Church. We are reminded of the call on When I think of Challenge Ministries, in particular I Christians to be His body—I say this as a Christian who think of all those orphans. As we know, Swaziland has reads his Bible—to give, to serve, to sacrifice, to show been ravaged by HIV and AIDS. Many of the young love as Christ, as outlined in Matthew 25:35-40: “I was people there, as well as many of the adults there, have hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me water, AIDS and many people have died; indeed, that is why naked and you clothed me, in as much as you have done lots of those 400 children were orphaned. Every year—at to the least of one of these you have done to me.” It is in least every year pre-covid—Challenge Ministries sent a times like this that the call has never been so clear, to be choir to my constituency to raise funds, and to introduce His hands and feet. The Church, made up of everyday its mission and the work that it does. I well recall the individuals who are struggling in their own way, in their contributions of those children at different events that I own lives, in this pandemic, are juggling things around attended; it really did my heart good to hear what being faithful and giving, and that has to be acknowledged Challenge Ministries was doing and what it was committed and commended. I thank all the churches everywhere, to. I believe that we must look at the programmes of which give so much of their time and moneys. I know help for adults and children, including those children that Christians tithe their money across all the Church who came to Northern Ireland as a children’s choir, so structures in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and that we can then tell people about what happens to Northern Ireland. them afterwards. As the Government prepare their proposals for When I see local people doing what they can to be international development policy moving forward, I safe but still helping other people who are dying of very much look forward to seeing them. I hope they will starvation, my concern is this: are we in this place—the give due consideration to supporting NGOs who work House of Commons, including the Government and with churches. I have asked that on a number of occasions, indeed the Minister who is here today—doing the same? and I ask again. If we see a group of churches and I believe that we should all be doing the same. I am people and individuals working hard and doing good pleased to see the Minister in his place and I look work, that is motivated by a wish to help others. They forward to hearing what he has to say in response to the do so by partnering with existing church networks that debate. I look upon him not just as a Minister but as an stand alongside communities to deliver aid, empowering hon. Friend. local people to determine the shape and direction of The fact is that NGOs with commitments are struggling that support for themselves. How can the Government and we in this place—especially the Government and best help those churches who are supporting NGOs the Minister—have the ability to step in and step up. I across many continents? admire Oxfam, Trócaire, Compassion and so many other The UK has been committed to spending 0.7% of organisations for staying the course, but they simply gross national income on overseas development assistance. cannot do enough; they cannot fill the gap that has Due to the economic impact of covid-19 on GNI, the developed with religious resources. That is why the UK’s 0.7% contribution to ODA was already reduced charities and the NGOs are under pressure, and why the by £2.9 billion. It is now expected to drop to 0.5% of Churches back home, which are already giving heavily, GNI. The double crisis of a drastic drop in income and find themselves under intense pressure as well. severe Government cuts means that charities working internationally face significant challenges in funding In developing countries, local churches have provided their programmes and keeping their organisations afloat. a lifeline to families in need—both those who were It would be a tragedy for these NGOs to not be able to already living in poverty and those newly thrust into continue the excellent work that they do on a voluntary poverty by sickness or unemployment, or because of basis. any number of opportunities that have been lost to this pandemic. There is a real need for this support. Some 39% of those who receive Government grants said that their funding To give just one example, I recently met representatives has been seriously or very seriously affected by the 2020 of Compassion, a Christian international development cuts. Similarly, 42% of those who received Government charity that is a wonderful body that does incredible work. contracts had their funding seriously or very seriously Compassion’s operating model is to partner with churches impacted. NGOs are worried that the cuts will impact based in poor communities in the global south. In practice, those most in need. It is clear to me what the impact will that is 7,912 churches across 25 developing countries. be on those groups—those thousands of people. Just as That is almost 8,000 churches with all the congregations an example, Challenge Ministries in Newtownards in and friends. During the pandemic, Compassion has my constituency is involved with 400 orphans. If we do supported churches in delivering 10,614,700 food parcels not or cannot help them, or reach out and run a project and 7,128,700 hygiene kits to those most in need. Wow— that will take them on board, we have a real issue. that is some figure. Despite the cuts in funding for UK NGOs, organisations That support has been directed and delivered by have seen increased need for their services—their church staff and volunteers who know their communities programmes of healthcare, water, sanitation, food and because they are an active part of them. They know local humanitarian relief. A few years ago I obtained a people by name, understand local issues and can speak Westminster Hall debate on WaterAid, because I recognised to highly specific needs. The NGOs cover some highly at that time that the Government were doing some specific and important needs, such as education, health fantastic work with it. Some of the churches, such as projects and the provision of jobs, food and clothing. Challenge Ministries, do incredible work with WaterAid 477WH Government Support NGOs/Churches 25 MARCH 2021 Government Support NGOs/Churches 478WH in Developing Nations: Covid-19 in Developing Nations: Covid-19 [Jim Shannon] refusing to distribute rations among minorities. So we are very concerned about those things. To back that up, too, in providing water—which is something we take for UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said that granted in the Province where I come from, where it is this is there most days of the week. Many people across the “a human crisis that is fast becoming a human rights crisis.” world do not have that. Sixty-three per cent. of organisations expect demand for their services to increase in 2021-22. Covid-19 has aggravated the existing disparities. There NGOs must do more with less, while worrying about is a need for radical reform and response. their own sustainability and the staff they employ, and Refugees and the disabled are especially affected. their ability to support the communities they work in. One video that I am aware of involved a Hindu who was So NGO money is down, but the demand for their work refused food simply because they were a Hindu. In the has increased. second video, three Christian ladies were refused rations I have four requests, which I believe are well thought and food because they were Christians, but were told out, and I would appreciate the Minister’s response to that if they converted to Islam they would get the food. them. The international charity Bond has made four How much does that hurt someone? As chair of the calls that I fully support. They give us another option all-party parliamentary group for international freedom for somewhere to focus our attention, or the direction in of religion or belief, I have spoken up on many occasions which the FCDO could go. First, there should be focus for all ethnic and religious groups across the whole on support for vulnerable populations, areas and countries world. To be told that they cannot get food unless they that may have the least capacity to access support. New are a certain religion and that they have to convert to funds should be allocated on a “no regrets” basis, and Islam is wrong. It is totally outrageous and not acceptable. the FCDO should ensure that new funding does not Covid-19 has exacerbated this for the lower levels of divert aid away from other necessary work, such as society. Christians, Hindus and other ethnic groups are conflict prevention and peacebuilding. already disadvantaged in health and education, but are now disadvantaged because of covid-19. I will use some My second request is to ensure the transparency of strong terminology, but there is a religious-blind policy covid-19 funding. The UK Government need to be in some of UK Aid. Those are strong words to use, but transparent in their covid-19 funding that goes through that is patently obvious on the ground when we see multilaterals and FCDO country offices, so that civil what is happening. I am not aware of any steps that society organisations working with communities have have been taken by UK Aid to safeguard religious quick and easy access to sufficient levels of funding. minorities and I believe that that must change. I ask the Thirdly, we should set up an access fund for small Minister for his direct involvement to prevent the NGOs. Smaller ones do incredible work. I believe that abomination of people not getting food simply because there is a possibility to do something in that way, and I they are Christians or Hindus. look forward to the Minister’s response. Small NGOs Further examples are street sweepers and those involved provide niche development expertise but are struggling in sanitation work, who are usually Christians or Hindus, to find funding for their much-needed work. Voluntary having to work without personal protective equipment, work, after all, provides incredible opportunities for the which is putting real pressure on persecuted Christians, future. Will the Minister seriously consider a fund for Hindus and other ethnic groups. Again, I believe there small NGOs, which do great work, so that they can must be action to introduce laws against institutional continue to support their local partners and the communities discrimination on the basis of religious belief, and the that they operate in? That small investment can bring positive inclusion of religious minorities as beneficiaries great dividends. Fourthly, funding that reaches the most and part of the reforming system. marginalised should be prioritised. The all-party parliamentary group for Pakistani I will offer one more thought about those four requests. minorities, of which I am chairman, took notice and I visited Pakistan in September 2018, with Lord Alton, wrote to Ministers and to the Charities Trust, as it is the hon. Member for St Helens South and Whiston based in the UK, to protest. The Charities Trust replied (Ms Rimmer), Amro Hussain, Javaid Rehman and Morris to say that its policies would be reviewed. If the Minister Johns. I saw at first hand some of the issues that people has any knowledge or information about that I would must deal with. From the imposition of lockdown on be keen to hear his thoughts. It said it would ensure that 21 March onwards, many private entities and NGOs it would not happen again, but proof of the pudding is started distributing rations and sanitation items among in the eating. It is in the actions. We will see if it happens the needy. However, reports of religious discrimination again. I look to the Minister for his support. by some organisations emerged on social media. We need to engage to ensure that funding is allocated I have mentioned Bond, the group that put forward fairly, reasonably and equally. I ask that consideration is the four thoughts I outlined, and the UK charities given to the introduction of measures to eliminate the working on the frontline delivering lifesaving care to chances of institutional discrimination on the basis of people in the UK and the poorest parts of the world—but religion or belief within a system. We have to ensure current programmes are being eroded because of income positive inclusion of religious minorities among the being reduced. It is worrying for the future, and the beneficiaries, and make inclusion of religious minorities most worrying thing is that even worse cuts may happen and other marginalised and vulnerable groups a central in 2021 and 2022. part of the delivery system. That is why this debate is so To refer back to Pakistan, a report by a local YouTube vital. Many people across the world are affected. The news channel in Karachi, JD News, went viral on social projects are in Africa, the middle east, Asia, India, media when the representatives of Saylani Welfare, a Pakistan, and they are in South America—there are well-reputed welfare organisation, were reported to be projects everywhere. 479WH Government Support NGOs/Churches 25 MARCH 2021 Government Support NGOs/Churches 480WH in Developing Nations: Covid-19 in Developing Nations: Covid-19 As I come to the end of my contribution, I want to people in all those continents—in Asia, in India, in refer to Iraq, where 1 million Christians have left their Pakistan, in the middle east, in Africa and in South homeland since 2003. This is probably the highest America. I believe that we have a moral duty to help proportion of one Christian group having to leave the them as much as we can. country that they were born in and brought up in. The Nineveh plain is mentioned in our own Holy Bible and 3.45 pm is next to Mosul, which I had the opportunity to visit Brendan O’Hara (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) [V]: It is a with Aid to the Church in Need some years ago. That pleasure to see you in the Chair, Mr Efford. I thank the was before Mosul fell to and was then freed of terrorism hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) for his and Daesh. I saw at first hand the persecution of contribution and for securing the debate, and wish him Christians and the disparities in the way they were a very happy birthday. We have known for a long time treated. that the interests of minority religious communities and In this area, Christians have been blamed for covid-19. those seeking to shine a light on human rights abuses I mention this to bring the issue up to date. It is so around the world have no greater champion in the House untrue and so dishonest that they have been blamed, than him. He proved that again today, and we thank because they have been affected the very same as other him for it. religious groups. Covid-19 does not and did not start As the hon. Member said in his opening remarks, the with them. We know that, but sometimes others take covid-19 pandemic is a global economic and health advantage of the circumstances. Iraq claims to be a crisis. The virus does not respect international borders, pluralistic society, but it has failed miserably to protect and while one country is at risk all countries are at risk. and give equal treatment to other minorities already I add my thanks to all the UK charities, NGOs, faith suffering from the Daesh abuses of the past. We also groups and Churches that have been working on the think of the Yazidis in Iraq, who have faced abysmal frontline day in and day out, delivering life-saving care treatment—violence, murders and abuse. It has been to people living in some of the poorest parts of the world. absolutely horrendous. The people who have been working throughout the Access to medical care is already inadequate. Their pandemic, supplying aid and assistance to developing only source of covid-19 assistance has been through the countries and countries ravaged by war, or in areas NGOs and church groups. They have had no Government devastated by drought or flood, deserve our most sincere supplies, showing very obvious, direct discrimination, I and heartfelt thanks. As so often during the pandemic, wholly believe, against Christians and other ethnic and it is they who have become the trusted voice in those small minority groups. Many of the qualified medical communities,raising awareness of public health preventative staff were Christians. Many of them fled to Jordan, Egypt measures, tackling vaccine disinformation and encouraging and surrounding countries because of what was happening people to take up the vaccine where it has been available. in Iraq. So there is now a substantial loss and dearth of As well as being able to deliver effective humanitarian qualified doctors and nurses in Iraq. Many wish to aid and meaningful long-term assistance, they are so return but feel that they cannot while danger still exists often the institutions that people turn to for social and on the ground. spiritual support. For what they are doing in the most The role for the Government in Iraq and, I believe, trying and difficult circumstances they deserve our deepest for our Government has to be to work together to deliver gratitude and support. They do not deserve to have the security. The needs are great and we cannot meet them rug pulled from under them when they are trying to alone. But, Minister, look at the tremendous work of deliver that help to people living in crisis. Sadly, that is the NGOs and the churches and the thousands of their exactly what has happened. congregations that deliver across the whole of the United In the middle of a global pandemic, at a time when Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Look many of the poorest people on the planet are more at the gifts, the moneys that are set aside and the vulnerable to hunger and disease than ever before, the practical work and developments, be it in education, UK Government—the Government of one of the richest health, farming, food or clothing. All those things are countries in the world—have decided arbitrarily to reduce done by the NGOs and churches, many of them on a the help that they give to those poor communities. Not voluntary basis. The value per pound is greater for only is the decision to cut foreign aid from 0.7% to those projects. 0.5% of GDP a betrayal of those people and of our I ask the Minister, can we take their lead and do good NGOs and the charity sector, it must also be the final to all men, to all women, and especially to all children? abandonment of what little was left of the UK’sreputation Can we get aid out now to those who are starving? This for moral leadership in the world. is not about education alone or long-term change. It is What makes that betrayal utterly grotesque is the fact just about helping people, Minister. It is about making that, having announced that they were taking the money sure that we can reach out and help those who we see away from those poor communities, the same Government are in trouble— those who have problems, families that announced that they were preparing to spend billions of are under health pressures and even the pressure to put pounds to increase their stockpile of nuclear weapons. food in their stomachs. I believe that we can play a In my opinion, and that of the Scottish National party greater part and that our Government—my Government, and, I believe, of most decent people, to do such a thing my Minister—and the FCDO and, indeed, hon. Members is utterly abhorrent and deeply immoral. across all political parties in the Chamber have the wish Earlier this week, the United Nations published figures to help those who need help. I believe that society is showing that around 34 million people are struggling marked and measured by its help for those who are less with what it calls “emergency levels” of acute hunger. well off. Today I am asking for that commitment from That means they are just one step away from starvation. the Minister and from my Government for all those At the same time, the UK’s NGOs and charities reported 481WH Government Support NGOs/Churches 25 MARCH 2021 Government Support NGOs/Churches 482WH in Developing Nations: Covid-19 in Developing Nations: Covid-19 [Brendan O’Hara] every child that it can who has been left vulnerable through poverty. It works in 24 developing countries that demands for their services have increased, particularly and is living proof of what can be done with just a little around healthcare, water and sanitation, food supplies money to give life-changing support to mothers and and humanitarian relief. Against that backdrop, whereas babies in countries where infant mortality and death every other G7 member responded to the covid pandemic from pregnancy complications are, sadly, very high. The by increasing international aid, the UK alone in that pandemic is having a major effect on its work and a group chose to cut its aid budget for this year. significant impact on its clients, who are frightened to I look forward to the Minister’s response to the go to hospital, are worried about going to anti-natal debate and to hearing him explain how the UK thought clinics, and are not attending vaccination appointments it appropriate, justifiable or morally acceptable to take for their babies. money away from starving people and starving children, Thankfully, Compassion UK has been able to use the and from preventing the spread of coronavirus, and years of trust that it has built up in local communities instead divert funds into the purchase of even more to find networks of support for these mothers and their nuclear weapons. Let us be in no doubt that right now babies, and provide vital masks and sanitation equipment the UK charity sector and our NGOs are in severe so that they can protect themselves and their families. I financial crisis. Many are at risk of closure because spoke to Compassion UK this morning, and the charity public fundraising has been substantially reduced. The has asked me to extend an invitation to the Minister to NGO and charity sectors are currently being squeezed join it on a virtual tour to Togo, to see for himself the from all sides. They are bearing the brunt of Government remarkable, life-changing work that it can do with the aid cuts and at the same time having their income from tiny amount of UK aid money allocated to it. I am sure their traditional tried and tested sources of fundraising that the hon. Member for Strangford will agree that the decimated. High street charity shops,town centre collections Minister will be hugely impressed with what he sees, and fundraising fetes have all but disappeared because should he choose to accept that invitation. of the pandemic, yet, as the hon. Member for Strangford Mr Efford, those in the sector say that falling income says, rarely have they been in greater demand. has made it more difficult and more expensive to deliver Bond, the UK network for organisations working in aid. Yesterday,I spoke to the Scottish Catholic International development and humanitarian aid, found that nearly Aid Fund, which has been delivering humanitarian aid three quarters of the organisations they represent are for decades in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the middle experiencing financial difficulty. Their income stream east. They have been assisting the Malawian Government has been badly hit, with 81% saying that their public in their national response to the covid pandemic, and fundraising has been seriously or very seriously affected. are supporting 11,000 slum dwellers and migrants in The double crisis of a drop in income and a severe cut India with food and sanitation kits. from Government grant means that these charities face Every charity has a different story to tell, but they are significant challenges in funding their programmes and absolutely united in their unequivocal condemnation of keeping their organisations afloat. Against that background, this Government’s decision to reduce overseas aid. They the Government cut funding, and almost two thirds of are as one in saying that the Government must keep NGOs expect the demand on their services to increase their commitment to the most marginalised communities in the next 12 months. and revert to the 0.7% target—a commitment that was As I have said, this is almost a perfect storm of cuts made in their election manifesto. in aid amid a global pandemic. Those working on the Overseas aid has never been more vital, particularly ground are having to do much more, but with much less. as the impact of covid is in danger of setting back I pay tribute, as the hon. Member for Strangford did, to international development for a decade. I would therefore the small church groups and charities that work so ask the Minister how the UK Government can cut aid hard. He gave a couple of wonderful examples of churches to the most vulnerable people in the world at this time, in his constituency that work in Malawi and Swaziland in a year in which they will chair the G7 and take over to try to alleviate the worst effects. the presidency of the COP. How can they claim to be a My own Argyll and Bute constituency is home to the world leader but, at the time of greatest need, deliberately marvellous and wonderful Mary’s Meals, which uses cut off the supply of aid to the poorest and most schools to provide hot meals to 1.5 million of the world’s vulnerable? poorest children every day. It has had to find new ways I know that the Minister will say that the UK to feed those children as the pandemic has closed schools Government are still one of the biggest contributors to and the home has now become the primary place of humanitarian aid, and he is right, but that is exactly learning. Thankfully, by working with Governments, how it should be. As one of the richest countries in the community leaders and on-the-ground partners, Mary’s world—and, let us face it, one that became fabulously Meals has developed new ways of distribution, and will wealthy at the expense of countries in Africa, Asia and continue to do so until it is safe, but it is more expensive the middle east, who are now in desperate poverty—we and more time consuming and will require more money, have a moral responsibility to look after those people not less. now, in the moment of their greatest need. The reversal Of course, Mary’s Meals is not alone. The financial of this 0.7% decision must be the first step in doing that. effect of the pandemic can be felt throughout. In January, This pandemic should have been an opportunity for I was privileged to join the hon. Member for Strangford the UK Government to show genuine leadership. Instead, and my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow East they have used the pandemic to turn their back on the (David Linden) on a virtual tour to see the great work most vulnerable people in the world. In so doing, not being done by Compassion UK in Togo. Compassion only are this Government reneging on a legally binding UK is a Christian charity dedicated to empowering spending commitment, but they are also breaking one 483WH Government Support NGOs/Churches 25 MARCH 2021 Government Support NGOs/Churches 484WH in Developing Nations: Covid-19 in Developing Nations: Covid-19 of their manifesto commitments and their promises. Or we could look at Micah 6:8: Pulling the rug out from under outstanding NGOs, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does faith groups and Churches, who battle every day against the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to impossible odds to deliver aid to those who need it walk humbly with your God.” most, is unforgivable. It is no surprise that Church and faith-based organisations I will finish by reminding the Minister of the words have come to play a critical role in empowering the most of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, that, when marginalised and healing the wounds left by war, natural it comes to this pandemic, and the world in which we disasters or, indeed, this pandemic. now live, I think about the work of the Somaliland Muslim “none of us is safe until all of us are safe”. community in my own constituency helping to rebuild their country and to encourage its development since 3.58 pm the conflicts of the early 1990s; I serve as the secretary Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/ of the all-party parliamentary group on Somaliland. I Co-op): It is a pleasure to serve under your chairpersonship, also think about the remarkable generosity of our Sikh, Mr Efford. Hindu and Jewish communities, and of their related I will begin by paying tribute to the hon. Member for organisations. Faith, belief and moral duty are incredible Strangford (Jim Shannon); I wish him a very happy motivators and they enable people to do incredible birthday too. He was one of the very first Members to things in some of the most trying circumstances around welcome me to this House, and our common Christian the world. faith and commitment to humanitarianism, human rights, Let us reflect on what challenges we face with the and international development mean that we have often covid crisis.Scotland’sInternational Development Alliance found ourselves in the same debates over the years, pointed out: raising very similar concerns. “It has been said that this disease “does not discriminate”—but He knows that the House has a huge affection for that’s not true. If you are already a marginalised or vulnerable him, and I am always delighted to hear him speak on group, this pandemic will affect you more.” these crucial issues. Indeed, I endorse many of the points That is very true. Beyond the immediate death toll and the he has made today,not least around the 0.7% commitment devastating impact it has had in this country and in so and our moral duties as a country. He is absolutely right many others, the pandemic has highlighted how those to have illustrated the crucial role that NGOs, and who are often marginalised, other minorities, front-line particularly faith-based NGOs and Churches, play in workers and those on marginal incomes who are already both international development and humanitarianism, struggling to make ends meet have been disproportionately not least in response to this current pandemic. affected by covid-19 and its indirect impacts. I thank the SNP spokesperson and commend the The crisis has highlighted the gaps in gender equality critical work of agencies based in the devolved nations and made them worse. It has worsened economic as well, such as the Wales for Africa programme, many inequalities, affected education, and diverted resources of the Scottish organisations mentioned today, and from other healthcare and disease challenges. It has those in Northern Ireland to which the hon. Member for allowed repressive regimes to threaten human rights Strangford referred. They all play a critical part in this further. It has created the space for extremism to flourish country’s response to the challenges that the world faces from Mozambique to the Sahel. It has destabilised and reflect very powerfully on our moral intent as a country fragile states and Governments and in some cases, it has —one that is sadly being undermined by the current tragically taken the lives of both political and faith Government, which I will return to in due course. leaders as well. The impact on those marginal groups, Having worked myself for a Christian NGO, World as I said, has been horrendous. Vision, I have seen first-hand the work that World Let us look at health. Even before covid-19, more Vision and other faith-based organisations do in many than half of the world’s population still did not have crises. I often reflect on its work with the HIV/AIDS access to all essential health services and unfortunately pandemic that I witnessed in places such as Malawi, that has gotten worse. I have spoken to many people which has close links with Scotland and Wales—I declare from Sierra Leone to Malawi and from many other my interest as chair of the all-party parliamentary contexts over recent months. Until the pandemic hit in group on HIV/AIDS—and on its work responding to 2019, we had actually witnessed a steady decline in disasters and catastrophes, such as the Boxing day maternal and child death rates around the world, including tsunami in 2004. I saw how World Vision worked not a huge boost in funding for childhood immunisation, only with its own partner organisations and its staff which increased by 41% since 2010 according to the UN. around the world but with other faith-based organisations, including those of the Islamic faith in many of the Those accomplishments now risk being in vain as the countries affected, to respond to the devastation that World Health Organisation has reported that 70% of left a quarter of a million people dead. surveyed countries have seen a decrease in the number The very morals and values on which basis such of routine immunisations,and major shortfalls in emergency generous and selfless acts are done by both these units and facilities.Again, listening to Scottish organisations organisations and their donors are inspired by the same the other week about the situation facing some of beliefs that drive many people in their faith and, indeed, Malawi’s hospitals was absolutely shocking. many Christians. As it says in the ancient prophets—the Aaron Oxley, executive director of RESULTS UK, hon. Member for Strangford quoted the Gospels, but I has stated that at least 80 million children under the age will quote Isaiah 1:17: of one are at risk of missing out on routine vaccines for “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up diseases like measles, polio and diphtheria. He stated the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” that the impacts of covid-19 on TB might add 1.4 million 485WH Government Support NGOs/Churches 25 MARCH 2021 Government Support NGOs/Churches 486WH in Developing Nations: Covid-19 in Developing Nations: Covid-19 [Stephen Doughty] group, so faith and religious institutions are crucial in shaping people’s behaviour, in identifying at-risk groups, deaths, and that 50 million children in Pakistan and and in supporting people with services in communities. Afghanistan may now not receive a polio vaccine in an Many communities rely on religious communities to area where polio is a real threat. STOPAIDS, with which access knowledge and advice—for example, on issues I work closely, has stated that 11.5 million people have related to health—because they see those institutions as had inconsistent access to the crucial antiretroviral drugs trustworthy. We have seen where that has gone wrong in for HIV over the pandemic period, and 75% of the the past, but we have also seen where those institutions UN’s“Global Fund”HIV/AIDS programme has reported have played an absolutely critical role in the pandemic moderate to high levels of disruption to service delivery. by providing advice. We have seen huge economic impacts: there has been The Catholic Church and its charitable organisations, an impact on global growth, and Oxfam has dubbed it a such as CAFOD and SCIAF,have done work on education, twin crisis of health and economy. Millions more will be sustainability,disasterrelief,peacebuilding,goodgovernance pushed into extreme poverty and will lack access to building, fighting misinformation, and working with public services. The UN estimates that in in 2020, 1 billion indigenous people, using the trusted voice of the Church, people in low to middle-income countries spent 10% of which people see as a source of advice and support in their entire household budget on healthcare. these critical times. They have been working in some of Tragically, we can expect huge increases in unemploy- the most volatile and fragile countries, such as Syria ment. The World Health Organisation has suggested and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. CAFOD that nearly 1.65 billion could lose their job or money-making has helped to provide food parcels to 30,000 people in activity, increasing the number of people on the most rural Guatemala who face food shortages because of marginal incomes. The UN estimated that 71 million the pandemic. people would fall back into poverty in 2020. Those are As cases of coronavirus increased in Ethiopia—a extraordinary figures of which the Government are country that will later be debated in the main Chamber only too well aware. in the light of the terrible humanitarian situation in Despite all those challenges, however, global foreign Tigray—Catholic hospitals and health centres used their aid is set to decline for the first time in many years, and reach to provide hygiene materials and raise awareness tragically, the UK is one of the countries leading those among rural populations of how to protect themselves cuts. It is not morally right, makes little economic sense, against covid, and have made cash transfers to some of and stores up future costs for us through the impact on the most at-risk populations in Tigray, who have suffered global growth, tackling poverty and inequality, and of gravely and now face potential famine. CAFOD Ethiopia course,future instability.The UN estimated that 132 million was able to raise funds and repurpose existing programmes more people could fall victim to chronic food insecurity to reach 1.4 million people through early-stage interventions. in 2020. I was struck by the answer a Minister gave me We must not forget that some of these organisations the other day, pointing out that people are already in have decades of experience, links and community famine in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere, and that partnerships, which will be at risk if they are unable to millions more are at risk. They know that, yet they are access the funding and support that they need. They cutting aid and support for the programmes at the very will not only cut their programmes in the short term, time that people are in famine. but we will lose that expertise, those connections and Look at the situation in Yemen. The International the impact that they can have—often in prevention, in Rescue Committee has shown that the cost of a food advance of future crises. basket has gone up by 35% in the last year in a country The Society of Daughters of Mary Immaculate—an that we know has been devastated by war and humanitarian organisation linked to the Catholic Church—did work disaster. Human rights have been threatened in so many in South Sudan around covid-19, providing advice on places around the world. Hunger has forced parents to the radio and delivering hygiene projects. I mentioned send children to work or beg. Women and girls have had World Vision, which I used to work for. It works in to resort to selling their bodies for sex simply to eat. 100 countries and is now the largest Christian non- World Vision says that 8 million children have been governmental organisation in the world. It has put huge forced into child labour or begging. An estimated 31 million effort into fighting covid-19, and has pledged $350 million cases of gender-based violence were predicted in 2020 towards emergency response for 72 million people. Seventy because of covid-19. countries have benefited from its support and work on Those are shocking statistics for this House to hear as food security and livelihoods, or its work with children we make crucial decisions about our future aid spending and on strengthening health systems and preventive and development policies. Lastly, UNICEF suggests that measures. In particular, it is renowned for its work with 9.7 million students could drop out of school because vulnerable children. of the effects of covid-19, despite all the fantastic Christian Aid has been working in conflict-affected progress—for which there has been cross-party support areas in the Sudan with those who face sexually-based in this House for many years—made through initiatives gender violence. As I said, many of those challenges such as “Education for All”. have increased during the pandemic, so that is crucial I will return to some of the positive examples of how work. Will those projects be under threat because of the faith-based organisations and Churches are helping, as cuts that are coming? exemplified by some of the many examples that the The hon. Member for Strangford referred to the fact hon. Member for Strangford mentioned. There are far that 39% of international charities that receive funding too many organisations to list, but I will name a few. As from the Government said that cuts have already affected the hon. Gentleman pointed out, it is estimated that them seriously or very seriously, and 42% have received 84% of the world’s population identifies with a religious very serious or serious hits to their funding. It is quite 487WH Government Support NGOs/Churches 25 MARCH 2021 Government Support NGOs/Churches 488WH in Developing Nations: Covid-19 in Developing Nations: Covid-19 extraordinary, given the growing threats in regions such Will the Minister commit to publishing urgently the as the Sahel, that we heard in the media the other week scale of cuts to NGOs and, specifically, faith-based that the Government will reduce overseas development organisations? What role does he see for them in responding aid in the Sahel region by 90%. That is extraordinary,given to the primary and secondary impact of the crisis? How that the region has been hit by covid-19, desertification, can it be justified to make these cuts when his Department climate change, potential famine, and the multiple conflicts is also admitting that famine is occurring in some of that affect people in that region. At the same time, we these countries, not just that they are at risk? have British troops stationed in the Sahel, working The Minister is a good person and I know he will alongside the French and the United Nations, trying to have to toe his FCDO line, but he knows that this build stability. It is perverse to be cutting support for measure is not supported on his own side. He knows the our development and humanitarian response while we cross-party concern that there is. He knows the many are responding to the consequences of some of that. members of his own party who have spoken out powerfully Our brave troops are putting themselves on the line to in recent weeks. Former Ministers and people from all protect civilians, and are working alongside the United different political persuasions within his party, some of Nations and others. The Government seem to be doing whom I disagree with on many issues, have spoken two completely contradictory things—one with one passionately and powerfully on this one. It is breaking hand and one with the other. our promises to do our fair share. It breaches the As I mentioned, the Government are proposing to cross-party consensus in the International Development cut aid to Yemen from £164 million last year to £87 million (Official Development Assistance Target) Act 2015. this year. They are also proposing to cut aid to Syria, The Government need to rethink. We are heading Nigeria and other countries facing conflict and instability, into that crucial G7 summit, where health is key on the which have been worsened by covid, including Somalia, agenda. We have the COP summit coming up, where the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan climate change and its impact are so crucial. We are and other places. It is an absolutely absurd decision to handing over the chair of the Commonwealth to a be making at this time. Commonwealth member we enjoy a close partnership The situation in Ethiopia could not be starker. Millions with, Rwanda, later this year. This is an extraordinary are facing famine, and huge areas are without humanitarian backdrop to be heading into those crucial international access. There were significant reports of horrendous moments, when the threats are so large, when the impact sexual violence in the media over the weekend. This is from covid-19 is so great, when other threats to people exactly the wrong time for us to be cutting back and around the world are so intense and when we would be retreating from some of these crises, which have been letting down those very Churches,faith-based organisations exacerbated by covid. and NGOs that have been at the heart of a moral, I want to end with some questions to the Minister. He humanitarian, human rights-based British response over knows that the covid-19 pandemic has had a staggering so many decades. I urge the Government to think again. impact well beyond health, so why cut at this time? Why are the Government going to do that? We have heard 4.16 pm about the potential impact on Voluntary Service Overseas The Minister for Asia (Nigel Adams): It is a pleasure —one of our national treasures, which enjoys cross-party to serve under your chairmanship here this afternoon, support. It ensures human-to-human contact and does Mr Efford. The Minister for Civil Society would love to work in communities around the world. It is under threat, have replied to this debate, but she is travelling on like the other organisations that we have heard about. FCDO business, so I am afraid hon. Members will have There are deeply disturbing reports today from William to put up with me in her place. I will do my best to fill Worley on the Devex website that the FCDO is allegedly her considerable boots. gagging NGOs from speaking out, even as their budgets I am incredibly grateful to the hon. Member for are slashed. There are some quite extraordinary reports. Strangford (Jim Shannon) for securing this debate. It is They are anonymous, because many of these organisations always a pleasure to listen to him speak and to hear his are frightened to speak out. One NGO executive said: wisdom on these matters. He speaks with great authority. “FCDO said we should not engage with the press as it could May I also add my birthday congratulations? It is a real affect fund allocations!...But obviously the more outrageous and shame that he is not here today, because I brought a sinister the more senior it was, and the more organised and card for him. I will pop it in the internal post for my deliberate.” hon. Friend—indeed, my friend. Another executive from one of the NGOs said that I commend his ongoing work as chair of the all-party FCDO officials were not being communicative, and parliamentary group on freedom of religion or belief. It “we haven’t been able to get much out of people because” continues to raise the profile of this human right to the FCDO parliamentarians and, importantly, to the public. I thank “are closing down all communications with everyone because of all hon. Members for their contributions. The hon. the cuts.” Member for Cardiff South and Penarth (Stephen Doughty), Report after report after report is coming out about the Opposition spokesman, brings with him a depth of the way the Department is handling things. The very knowledge, having worked in the sector. We are incredibly least it could do is be transparent and open and engage grateful for the commitment to the causes and the with some of these organisations, which are on the ongoing work that he does. frontline and are responding to the covid pandemic and The integrated review, which was published last week, these threats with the moral purpose that I think is at sets out our renewed commitment to the UK as a force the heart of being British, and for which we have had for good in the world. It is our goal to defend open cross-party support for decades, particularly when tragedies societies, democracy and human rights. For open societies such as covid and other diseases have hit. to develop and thrive, they need an inclusive civic space 489WH Government Support NGOs/Churches 25 MARCH 2021 Government Support NGOs/Churches 490WH in Developing Nations: Covid-19 in Developing Nations: Covid-19 [Nigel Adams] We are committed to delivering our aid according to internationally recognised humanitarian principles. Those and a vibrant civil society, and for that reason, NGOs principles ensure that aid gets to those who are most and faith-based groups are essential partners. These vulnerable and most urgently in need of help, irrespective partnerships can open a dialogue with and provide of race, religion or ethnicity. This issue was raised by support for the world’s most marginalised people. This the hon. Member for Strangford, and this group includes is particularly true, as we have heard this afternoon minority religious communities, who are assessed by from hon. Members, during the pandemic. As covid-19 our partners when they are determining those most in continues to affect communities around the world, we need of protection and assistance. And as the hon. continue to take a leading role in this response. Member also mentioned in his excellent speech, churches We have committed up to £1.3 billion of ODA to and other faith groups are providing essential services counter the seismic impact of the pandemic. Nearly around the world during the pandemic. £70 million is going directly to international and UK-based We know that faith-based networks can reach the charities to support vulnerable communities to recover most remote communities and involve the world’s poorest and to rebuild. There is a great deal of work going on, people in their social, economic and political life. They but, as we have heard in the informed speeches this can reach people who are largely untouched by secular afternoon, the challenges of the pandemic run deep. institutions, such as persecuted religious minorities, which As hon. Members have said, we have had to take an is vital, because these groups may experience crises such incredibly tough but temporary decision to reduce our as covid-19 outbreaks differently from others. Such spending on overseas development. In real terms, as crises may reinforce their marginalisation, multiply their hon. Members will know, we will still be spending more experience of discrimination, violence and stigma, and than £10 billion to fight poverty and climate change. further limit their access to essential support and services. That money is to help improve global health and achieve We are currently funding more than 200 projects that are the UN sustainable development goals. I appreciate managed by 126 different faith-based groups, organisations that the hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth and churches. Our support totals £130 million annually wants more detail about potential reductions in funding and spans 39 countries. in this regard. At this time, I cannot confirm such The hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth details, but hopefully clarity will be given in the coming rightly mentioned many of the great projects around weeks. So we understand the challenges for the sector the globe, many of them in conflict areas. The majority and the need for clarity—that is absolutely clear—and of our partners are small in-country groups deeply rooted although this is a complex process, the Government in local communities, such as the Christian Association commit to sharing details, as I have said, as soon as is of Nigeria and the Jamaica Baptist Union. In many practically possible. countries, the indirect health, humanitarian and economic Together with NGOs, faith-based groups and religious impacts of the pandemic are being felt very keenly, as leaders, we are continuing to deliver for those most in they exacerbate pre-existing problems. They are reversing need, in order to keep essential services going at this years of development gains in areas such as poverty time.Through our partnership with Unilever—the Hygiene reduction, gender equality, girls’ education and sexual & Behaviour Change Coalition—the UK Government and reproductive health and rights. With our support, are providing up to £50 million to mount a rapid response faith-based groups are working to counter that trend. to covid-19 in 37 low and middle-income countries. The hon. Member for Strangford asked that funding Through this programme, charities including World be prioritised to reach the most marginalised, and he is Vision, which the hon. Member for Cardiff South and correct. The UK is committed to delivering aid according Penarth once worked for, WaterAid and ActionAid are to its internationally-recognised humanitarian principles. delivering evidence-based hygiene messages to vulnerable Those principles ensure that aid gets to those who are communities. This type of support plays a vital role in the most vulnerable and most urgently in need, irrespective stopping the spread of the disease in the developing of race, religion or ethnicity. They provide health and world and will also potentially limit its further spread in education, empower people to hold their Governments the UK. to account and strengthen resilience to disaster and My hon. Friend the Member for Strangford asked conflict. Through our support to Christian Aid, we are about the humanitarian response to covid-19. Through enhancing nutrition for women of childbearing age and our rapid response facility, we have allocated £80 million under-fives in South Sudan, our funding to CAFOD is to support UK and international humanitarian charities, building community resilience to climate shocks in Eritrea, including Christian Aid, to meet the basic needs of Zambia and Zimbabwe and we have supported Tearfund some of the world’s most vulnerable people. That includes to provide secure livelihoods for women in the Central those suffering from multiple crises in Yemen, Afghanistan African Republic. and Somalia. Last summer, the British public generously donated The hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth referred more than £10 million to the Disasters Emergency to transparency. We have a world-renowned reputation Committee appeal for covid-19, and the UK Government on transparency. We are committed to aid transparency have provided match funding to double that amount. both legally and publicly, and we are committed to the The appeal is funding the work of the British Red Cross publication of quality, accessible information on our and CARE International UK, among others. These aid programmes, which is available on the Development charities are tackling the impacts of the pandemic on Tracker, along with the continued independent scrutiny displaced people, including those in the Rohingya refugee of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact. camps in Bangladesh. They are providing frontline doctors The pandemic has undoubtedly brought out the best with equipment and supplies to care for the sick, and in many communities around the world. Nevertheless, giving families clean water and soap to stay healthy. there has also been a concerning increase in hate speech 491WH Government Support NGOs/Churches 25 MARCH 2021 Government Support NGOs/Churches 492WH in Developing Nations: Covid-19 in Developing Nations: Covid-19 and a rise in conspiracy theories, which the hon. Member (Brendan O’Hara) and others, I have got to the stage for Strangford referred to, such as that certain faiths where I do not count birthdays any more, but I appreciate are to blame. I take this opportunity to reaffirm the their thoughts. Government’s steadfast commitment to championing The hon. Member for Argyll and Bute referred to freedom of religion or belief for all, and to promoting hunger, disease, famine, droughts and floods. Pile that respect between different religious and non-religious upon vulnerable people with covid-19, and we almost communities. The UK’s recently appointed special envoy have, as he said, a perfect storm. What can we do? He for freedom of religion or belief, my hon. Friend the clearly outlined that we need funding for all the NGOs Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce), will continue to and groups. We have some ideas about that, and I thank advance that important agenda. him for his contribution. My ministerial colleague, Lord Ahmad, also regularly I thank the shadow spokesperson, the hon. Member meets civil society and faith-based development for Cardiff South and Penarth (Stephen Doughty), who organisations to hear about the challenges minority used the words “What does the Lord require of you?” faith communities face, particularly during the pandemic. from Micah. I thought that that was lovely. It is good to The UK Government are deeply concerned by the remember that. He was also right that, if we do not have severity and scale of violations and abuses of freedom the resources for the polio vaccines, unfortunately we of religion or belief in many parts of the world, and we probably face the potential for lethal diseases in the will continue to refute those divisive and harmful claims. future. He referred to HIV/AIDS, and he chairs the We will also continue to put our money where our APPG so well, and we thank him for it. If people fall mouth is on hate speech. The FCDO is funding an back into poverty, they become susceptible to all sorts Institute of Development Studies project that works of diseases. He referred to food being more costly, in with minority religious groups in Africa and Asia, some parts by 35%. UNICEF referred to the effect on doing vital work in challenging narratives and countering students. All those things combined lead potentially to hate speech relating to minorities and the spread of the perfect storm that was referred to. covid-19. We are also working with the University of I also thank the Minister for his response. He clearly Oxford and parliamentarians in nine countries to reduce acknowledged the good work of the NGOs and faith the use of language during elections that intimidates groups, and referred to them as essential partners. That minority religious groups. is good to know.All three of us who spoke would probably I think I heard the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute seek a wee bit more detail on the funding. That will (Brendan O’Hara) extending an invitation to me to visit become clear over the next few months, but we need to Togo to see the great work that is being done there. I see where that will be. I am also very interested in the would love to take that up but, unfortunately, I am the Unilever project. Perhaps he could come back to me in Minister for Asia, not the Minister responsible for this writing, and confirm how some of the NGOs and particular brief. I will ensure that my colleague hears Church groups can work with Unilever to help some of about it, and I am sure she will be very keen to see the their projects. I think that something can be done for great work that is going on in that regard. Church groups, faith groups and the NGOs, so I thank The effects of the pandemic have been far-reaching him for that. and will continue to have an impact on our lives for The Minister also gave a commitment to continue to some time. The UK will remain at the forefront of the champion, which to be fair the Government have, freedom international response as we recover and rebuild in the of religious belief for all beliefs and respect for all, while wake of covid-19. We will be a force for good in those addressing hate crime and hate speech. Those are all places most in need and for the most vulnerable good things. We need a wee bit more detail on future communities. Our effectiveness will rely on the expertise funding, but I recognise his comments that NGOs and of our partners, the NGOs whose brilliant work has faith groups can be a force for good in the world. They been described so well this afternoon and the faith-based very clearly can. organisations. Only with trusted people embedded in I thank all hon. Members for their contributions, and those communities most in need can we provide relief, I will finish with a biblical quotation: we have been promote recovery and build back the open societies that called to be His hands and His feet—to clothe, to feed, shape security and prosperity for us all. to visit and to help. I say to our Government and our Minister that this House will do exactly that. Clive Efford (in the Chair): I call Jim Shannon to Question put and agreed to. wind up the debate and to wish him a happy birthday. Resolved, 4.29 pm That this House has considered Government support for non- governmental organisations and churches in developing nations Jim Shannon [V]: Thank you so much, Mr Efford. I during the covid-19 pandemic. thank all Members for their contributions, particularly the Minister, and for their birthday greetings. As I said 4.34 pm beforehand to the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute Sitting adjourned.

63WS Written Statements 25 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 64WS

We intend to learn from the experience of both Written Statements EU exit transition and the covid-19 pandemic, modernising government to respond to the big challenges facing the Thursday 25 March 2021 country and deliver our ambitious agenda. We will ensure that our people are closer to citizens and have the skills and experience to meet the needs of those we CABINET OFFICE serve. We will put innovation at the core of how we work and seize the power of digital systems and data to improve our services. We will ensure the whole of Civil Service Delegated Pay Remit Guidance government works together with a common purpose to deliver outcomes for citizens rigorously and efficiently, The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Julia improving the delivery of our major projects. Lopez): Today we publish this year’s civil service pay The Government have committed to level up across remit guidance. This document provides a framework the UK, including relocating roles to the regions and for setting pay for civil servants throughout the civil nations of the UK. The places for growth programme service,includingDepartments,non-ministerialdepartments within Cabinet Office is driving the necessary planning and agencies, as well as for public sector workers in within Departments and public bodies, with a commitment non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) and other to relocating a minimum of 22,000 civil service roles arm’s-length bodies for the 2021-22 pay remit year. over the next decade, with the majority of these in the Public sector pay context regions and nations of the UK. In November 2020, the Chancellor announced at the By 2030, large numbers of civil service roles and spending review that the public sector workforces,excluding public bodies will be moved out of London and south-east the NHS, would be subject to a pay pause for the 2021-22 England, moving whole organisations, and business pay year. The exception to this policy are organisations units and functions of larger bodies and Departments, in legally binding pay deals, including those in multi-year with a view to reducing our central London footprint deals. but also to: This pay pause is necessary in order to help protect Strengthen the Union; public sector jobs and protect investment in public Support levelling up of the regions and nations; services as well as ensuring fairness between the private Ensure that the civil service and administration of government and public sectors in this time of crisis. Performance is better connected with communities across the UK; pay, overtime, pay progression where it is in place, and Tackle the recruitment and retention challenges of a London- centric civil service; pay rises from promotion will continue. Departments Reduce costs overall, especially estate and people costs. may continue to utilise existing allowances. A more regionally dispersed workforce has significant To protect the lower paid staff earning below the benefits for the UK civil service. Places for growth is national median, those on full-time equivalent base pay working closely with Departments on their plans to of under £24,000 pa, excluding overtime and allowances, relocate a number of civil service roles to the regions will receive a consolidated increase of £250. For those and nations, providing opportunities for civil servants who will be receiving an increase to the new national to progress and build sustainable career paths. living wage rate of £8.91 an hour, which from April [HCWS890] 2021 will be extended to individuals aged 23 years and over, they will receive the national living wage increase Infected Blood: Victim Support or £250, whichever is greater. Civil servants benefit from a competitive employment The Paymaster General (Penny Mordaunt): Today I offer including access to one of the best pension schemes am providing an update on parity of financial support, available and flexible working arrangements in managing the commitment to considering a compensation framework, work and family life. and enhancements to the psychological support for the In addition to this our ambition is for the civil service victims of the infected blood tragedy. to be the most inclusive employer in the country, offering Parity opportunities and a chance to progress in challenging In July 2019, a UK-wide agreement was reached in roles delivering vital public services across the country. principle to resolve disparities in levels of support for people Strategy for civil service modernisation infected and affected. In January 2020 at a meeting with The covid-19 pandemic has posed a huge challenge to campaigners, the UK Government committed to resolving the civil service over the last year and to civil servants at the disparities in financial support in Wales, Northern all levels both through the work required in response, Ireland, and Scotland as well as addressing broader but also through the significant changes to working issues of disparity,including support for bereaved partners. practices individuals have faced, as well as the impact I am pleased to confirm that the following changes on their personal lives. The significant task of tackling are planned to the four separate schemes to bring them the pandemic, as well as EU exit transition, has placed into broader parity. Increases in annual payments will an immediate pressure on resources. The civil service be backdated to April 2019. Where lump sum payments has been increasing its capacity and capability to meet are being increased, this will apply to all current scheme this challenge, bringing on its own talent, investing in members. We will work with the four schemes to specialist skills and sourcing external support where communicate the changes to beneficiaries. Beneficiaries necessary. Frequently this has meant the necessary will continue to receive their current payments until the redeployment of staff across and within Departments, changes can be made. We hope that the schemes will be as well as the creation of and recruitment to new posts able to make additional payments where required by the within Departments at both junior and senior grades. end of the calendar year, and sooner if possible. 65WS Written Statements 25 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 66WS

The key elements of change for the England infected Psychological support blood support scheme are: Since May2020, there have been important improvements annual payments for bereaved partners will be increased to to how beneficiaries of the England infected blood support an automatic 100% of their partners annual payment in scheme can access psychological support. Beneficiaries year 1, and 75% in year 2 and subsequent years, in line with are now able to receive funding for counselling directly the position in Scotland; from the scheme without GP approval or the need to the lump sum bereavement payment will move from a access waiting lists. This change has been communicated discretionary £10,000 to an automatic £10,000, in line with to beneficiaries. the position in Wales; The Department of Health and Social Care will the lump sum payment paid to a beneficiary in the scheme continue to work with EIBSS and NHS England and with hepatitis C stage 1 will increase by £30,000 from £20,000 Improvement to review if further improvements are to £50,000, in line with the position in Scotland; and necessary to the psychological support which is available the lump sum payment paid to a beneficiary in the scheme for beneficiaries. with HIV will increase from up to £80.5k maximum in England, to an automatic £80.5k. Finally I would like to place on record my thanks to the inquiry chair, Sir Brian Langstaff, and his team for In addition, the schemes managed by the devolved the way the inquiry has managed to continue its work Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland throughout the last 12 months despite the challenges will be similarly adapted so that across the UK there is presented by covid-19, and for consistently putting the broad parity of payments to infected and affected people. interests of the infected and affected victims at the heart These adaptations are in line with the UK-wide agreement of their decision-making when dealing with significant reached in July 2019. logistical and planning challenges. In Scotland, the changes are to increase annual payments [HCWS895] for infected beneficiaries and bereaved partners, and to introduce £10,000 lump sum bereavement payments for Local Government Elections and Referendums: the families of those beneficiaries who have died since Covid-19 Indemnity the scheme began. In Wales, the changes are to increase annual payments The Minister for the Constitution and Devolution (Chloe for infected beneficiaries, increase both the payments Smith): On 5 February, the Government confirmed that and length of payments for the bereaved partners, in the council, mayoral and police and crime commissioner line with the position in Scotland, and changes to the elections scheduled for 6 May 2021 will be going ahead lump sums for hepatitis C and HIV. as planned, and published a delivery plan outlining how In Northern Ireland, the changes are to annual payments these polls will be delivered in a covid-secure way. Since for non-infected bereaved spouses/partners, lump sum then, the Government have put in place a number of bereavement payments, and a commitment to introduce measures to support statutorily independent returning enhanced financial support for hepatitis C (stage 1), at officers to deliver these elections successfully and with the same payment levels as in England, as soon as a the right precautions in place. I have also today updated system can be put into operation. Parliament separately on the wider progress being made to support delivery of the local polls on 6 May 2021. We have agreed with Health Ministers that any future The Government have already, in line with usual changes to national schemes would be subject to practice, provided an indemnity in relation to police consultation between the UK Government and devolved and crime commissioner elections. The delivery plan Administrations. also included a commitment to provide a further indemnity Compensation framework for local elections and referendums1, in respect of covid-19 To meet the Government’s commitment to consider a risks, in order to address any gaps in coverage of existing framework for compensation, we can confirm our intention local authority insurance. to appoint an independent reviewer to carry out a study, It is necessary to indemnify returning officers and looking at options for a framework for compensation, counting officers in England against uninsured claims and to report back to the Paymaster General with in this way because, for the purposes of local elections recommendations, before the inquiry reports. and referendums, returning officers and counting officers are statutorily independent officers and are separate The terms of reference of this study will be finalised from both central and local government. As such, they in consultation between the independent reviewer and are personally liable for the conduct of the local elections those infected and affected. The study will include and referendums. Existing insurance that covers returning consideration of the scope and levels of such compensation, officers and counting officers in discharging their statutory and the relationship between a compensation framework duties at local elections will not, in most cases, cover and the existing financial support schemes in place. them against claims in relation to covid-19. The study is entirely separate from the public inquiry, In light of this, I have today laid a minute setting out which continues to have this Government’s full support; the Cabinet Office’s intention to indemnify returning it will not duplicate the work of the inquiry, or cut officers and counting officers on this very limited basis across the inquiry’s findings. The study shall provide the at local elections and referendums in England taking Paymaster General with advice on potential compensation place between 6 May 2021 and 4 May 2022 inclusively. framework design and solutions which can be ready to The Treasury has approved the proposal in principle. implement upon the conclusion of the inquiry, should The purpose of the indemnity is to ensure that returning the inquiry’s findings and recommendations require it. officers are financially supported if any covid-19 related The name of the independent reviewer will be announced claims are brought against them in relation to the local shortly. polls. Whilst the indemnity provides for reimbursement 67WS Written Statements 25 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 68WS of costs incurred once a claim has been concluded, we counting officers, in relation to covid-19, for the local want to support returning officers wherever possible to elections and referendums in England taking place between deal effectively with claims brought against them. We 6 May 2021 and 4 May 2022 inclusively. will look at any such claims on their merits and seek to Safe and secure elections are the cornerstone of our provide returning officers with any relevant support we democracy. On 5 February, the Government published are able to give them to effectively and robustly defend a delivery plan outlining how these polls will be delivered such claims. It is right that returning officers can be held in a covid-secure way.The Government have been working to account for the conduct of the polls but it is also closely with Public Health England, the Electoral right that we support these individuals financially in Commission, the Association of Electoral Administrators, that process. the Local Government Association, the Society of Local The indemnity covers (but is not limited to) a returning Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE), political parties officer’s or counting officer’s liabilities to the public, as and independents to support the delivery of these polls. an employer,or otherwise incurred in his or her professional On 26 February, the Government published guidance capacity: on covid-secure campaigning for the May polls, supporting in relation to any claim for personal injury or death where a level playing field for candidates and ensuring that the cause of action relates to the contracting of covid-19 due to participation in the election or referendum process in the voters can make a well-informed choice while continuing context of the returning officer’s or counting officer’s exercise to protect the NHS and save lives. of their functions, or Parliament has made changes to the nomination process as a result of a challenge to the conduct of the election or to reduce the amount of movement and person-to-person referendum by an election or referendum petition arising contact that might otherwise be necessary, but ensuring from alleged poll irregularities caused by the covid-19 pandemic. there remains a democratic check and balance for The indemnity only covers losses, liability, damages, candidates. costs, claims, proceedings or expenses incurred in relation Legislation has also been made to change the rules to the conduct of the local government election or for proxy voting, enabling those who need to self-isolate referendum arising from covid-19 related issues. There close to polling day to request an emergency proxy vote is no limit on the number of claims which a returning at very short notice, right up to 5pm on polling day officer may make under this indemnity. itself. It is normal practice, when a Government Department proposes to undertake a contingent liability in excess of Building on these changes to legislation and guidance, £300,000 for which there is no specific statutory authority, the Government are also continuing to provide practical for the Minister concerned to present a departmental support to returning officers where appropriate, including minute to Parliament giving particulars of the liability the sourcing of over 2,000 additional volunteer staff for created and explaining the circumstances; and to refrain the polls to date. from incurring the liability until 14 parliamentary sitting This work supports the significant preparations already days after the issue of the minute, except in cases of being undertaken by local authorities and is backed up special urgency. by Government funding. The Government are directly 1 This refers to council tax referendums, neighbourhood planning providing around £95 million for the running of the referendums and governance referendums held in England under polls, which includes an additional allocation of around the relevant legislation. £32 million to specifically cover additional covid-19 [HCWS899] related costs. As outlined in my written statement of 9 March Prosperity Fund: Change of Ministerial Accountability 2021, the Government are also committed to tackling intimidation in public life. Further to this, we are today The Paymaster General (Penny Mordaunt): The cross- publishing security guidance for returning officers and Government prosperity fund arrangement will end on candidates to support the May 2021 polls. 31 March and prosperity programming will move to the Of course, polling day is not the end of the electoral Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) process and I am aware that many returning officers are as part of a machinery of Government transfer. The considering carefully how they can conduct the verification transfer will help drive strategic coherence across overseas and count, which are often large and complex events, in development assistance (ODA) programmes. This will a covid-secure way. It is vital for free and fair elections allow the Foreign Secretary to make decisions on aid to that polls are transparent and effectively scrutinised. implement the UK Government’s integrated review of However, minimising the transmission of covid-19 and security, defence, development and foreign policy. protecting public health is a priority during these elections. The machinery of Government change will take effect A strong set of measures will therefore be in place to on 1 April 2021. ensure every aspect of the polls are covid-secure for [HCWS889] voters, staff and observers. It is the responsibility of returning officers to manage Local Elections: May 2021 the conduct of the count and to ensure that appropriate reasonable measures are taken to comply with covid-19 The Minister for the Constitution and Devolution (Chloe regulations and to allow fair scrutiny of the count. Smith): I am updating Parliament today on the progress Returning officers will want to put in place arrangements being made to support delivery of the local polls on to allow the effective scrutiny of their counts while 6 May 2021 and to outline our expectations for the ensuring the count is covid-secure for everyone present. respective verification and count process. I have also To support returning officers with this, the Government today separately laid before Parliament the indemnity have been working with the Electoral Commission to the Government are providing to returning officers and update their guidance on the verification and count 69WS Written Statements 25 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 70WS process in the context of the pandemic, in line with having reasonable cause to suspect that the funds would prevailing covid-19 restrictions. I have also written today or may contribute to the serious human rights violations to election administrators to provide guidance on there committed, and that MEHL is associated with the being no public health need to quarantine ballot papers commander-in-chief and deputy commander-in-chief. or postal votes. Designating MEHL will immediately impose an asset The announcement of results will, as usual, be made freeze on any assets that MEHL may hold in the UK as soon as is practicable after the close of the polls. and a ban on any UK individual or company from However, it is important to be clear that counts, like providing funds or economic resources to MEHL directly other aspects of these polls, may look and feel different or indirectly. This will also prohibit funds being made to previous occasions. Due to covid-secure measures, available to any subsidiaries “owned or controlled” by each stage of the count may take longer than in previous MEHL as defined by the global human rights sanctions years. It is essential that all involved recognise the need regime. to work together to support them taking place effectively These sanctions complement the ongoing strategic and safely. review of the UK’s trade and investment approach Democracy should not be cancelled because of covid-19, led by the Department for International Trade. The and the Government have every confidence in the ability Government’s position is that UK businesses should of the returning officers and their teams to run these not be supporting the military or their businesses. polls in a way that meets the highest standards of both Along with the UN Security Council and the wider public safety and democratic integrity. The Government international community, we will continue to make are committed to supporting the sector to achieve this. I clear that the military must stop killing its own people, would like once again to express gratitude for the tireless release all those who have been detained arbitrarily and efforts and exceptional dedication of all those involved. respect the democratic wishes of the people of Myanmar. The associated documents have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. [HCWS898] [HCWS900]

FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICE STRATEGY Myanmar

EU Emissions Trading System: Sale of Allowances The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and First Secretary of State (Dominic Raab): The UK condemns the coup in Myanmar and reiterates our deep concern at the violent crackdown The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial on peaceful protestors. We call on the military to hand Strategy (Kwasi Kwarteng): In April 2019, the Government back power to the democratically elected Government; entered into a commercial agreement with British Steel protect rights and freedoms, including the right to Ltd in relation to their annual obligations under the EU peaceful protest; and to ensure unobstructed humanitarian emissions trading system (ETS). This agreement was access. needed to support the operator in complying with its 2018 EU ETS obligations, in the absence of receiving its The UK has been at the forefront of a strong, expected 2019 free allowances, due to restrictions placed co-ordinated international response. On 10 March we on the UK’s participation in the EU ETS during secured a presidential statement at the UN Security negotiations on the withdrawal agreement. Council that condemned the violence against peaceful protestors and called for respect of Myanmar’sdemocratic My right hon. Friend the Member for Tunbridge transition and the release of all those detained arbitrarily. Wells (Greg Clark) informed the House of this agreement This followed further UK-led statements by the UN on 1 May 2019—a bridge facility valued at around Security Council on 4 February and G7 Foreign Ministers £120 million under section 7 of the Industrial Development on 3 February and 23 February. Act 1982 at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 7%. Under Working closely with partners in the US, Canada and this commercial agreement, the Government were entitled EU, the UK has already sanctioned nine individuals to recover the next allocation of allowances issued to responsible for serious human rights violations during British Steel Ltd, and sell these back to the ETS market the coup, including three military cabinet members and to recover the full cost of the bridge facility. all the military members of the State Administration Following ratification of the withdrawal agreement, Council. This is in addition to 16 individuals already restrictions on the UK’s participation in the EU ETS sanctioned for their role in serious human rights violations market were lifted in February 2020 and the Government against the Rohingya and other minorities. successfully recovered the allowances to which they Today, I am announcing, further measures to target were entitled. The Government have since successfully the Myanmar military’s economic interests in conjunction sold these allowances back to the EU ETS market, and with the US. concluded the contractual obligations with British Steel The UK will enforce sanctions against Myanmar (in compulsory liquidation), under control of the official Economic Holdings Ltd (MEHL), the military owned receiver. conglomerate supporting the Tatmadaw. We have found I am pleased to inform the House that sale proceeds credible evidence that MEHL contributed funds to of nearly £140 million have been received. This exceeds support the Tatmadaw in their campaign on ethnic the total cost owed to the Government from this bridge cleansing against the Rohingya in 2017, knowing or facility, delivering value for money for the UK taxpayer. 71WS Written Statements 25 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 72WS

The Government have also sold a separate 3,191 I am grateful to the Law Commission for its review of the allowances in their possession. These allowances were Land Registration Act 2002 which it published on 24 July transferred to the UK national Government holding 2018. The Government have today published their full response account within the EU ETS union registry, over several to the review recommendations. years, following the closure of several operator and HM Land Registry is committed to becoming the world’s trader accounts, in line with EU ETS registry regulations. leading land registry for speed, simplicity and an open approach to data. The land registration regime provides The net sale proceeds from this transaction is around essential trust and confidence to the property and lending £80,000. This transaction is not related to the agreement markets. It does so by providing efficient access to secure with British Steel Ltd, and the sale of 3,191 allowances and accurate information needed to transact land and use it was undertaken separately for administrative reasons to as security for borrowing. The regime is underpinned by a provide value for money to UK taxpayers. state-backed guarantee of title. It is important the regime is [HCWS887] examined, from time to time, to ensure that it is working effectively. Recovery Loan Scheme: Departmental Contingent The Law Commission made 53 recommendations, most Liability Notification of which are quite technical in nature and narrowly focused. That should give us confidence that the land registration system is generally working well. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, The full response sets out the Government’s conclusions Energy and Industrial Strategy (Paul Scully): I am tabling in respect of each of the recommendations. this statement for the benefit of hon. and right hon. Once again, I thank the Law Commission for the diligence Members to bring to their attention the details of the that has gone into its work examining the land registration recovery loan scheme (RLS) announced by the Chancellor regime, and for the clarity of its conclusions expressed in its of the Exchequer on 3 March 2021. report. RLS will be facilitated by the Government-owned [HCWS888] British Business Bank and delivered through its delivery partners. Lenders will offer facilities of up to £10 million to support businesses that are affected by the coronavirus outbreak. There will be no limit on the number and HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE aggregate value of loans that can be made under the scheme. The scheme is based on the British Business Bank’s Early Years Healthy Development Review and The Best existing coronavirus business interruption loan scheme Start for Life: A Vision for the 1,001 Critical (CBILS) but is open to all businesses regardless of turnover. The key parameters of the scheme are as follows: The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health The percentage of the remaining balance of each loan and Social Care (Jo Churchill): In summer 2020 the that is guaranteed by the Government is 80%. Prime Minister commissioned the early years healthy The maximum facility size will be £10 million per business, and the minimum facility size will be £25,001 for loans and development review. Chaired by my right hon. Friend overdrafts and £1,000 for asset and invoice finance. the Member for South Northamptonshire (Andrea Businesses will be required to meet the costs of interest Leadsom), the review looks across the “1,001 critical payments and any fees from the outset. days” from conception to the age of two, ensuring Businesses who have made use of the current coronavirus babies and young children in England can be given the loan schemes will be able to access the new scheme. best start in life. The lender must establish that the borrower has a viable The focus on these 1,001 critical days from pregnancy business proposition assessed according to its normal commercial to the age of two is important. They are a unique period lending criteria. This may, but is not required to, be determined of time, when the foundations for an individual’scognitive, without regard to any concerns over the borrower’s short-to- medium term business performance due to the uncertainty emotional and physical development are developed and and impact of coronavirus. set. It is also a period of time when babies are at their The scheme launches on 6 April and is open until most vulnerable and susceptible to, and influenced by, 31 December, subject to review. The Government will the environment around them. be subject to an equivalent contingent liability as for It is for these reasons, and many more, that I am CBILS. The maximum contingent liability for assumed pleased to share the first publication from the early initial lending of £12 billion (our central estimate) is years healthy development review entitled: “The Best £9.6 billion. Start for Life: A Vision for the 1,001 Critical Days”. I will be laying a departmental minute today containing This comes at a timely moment for our nation as we a description of the liability undertaken. reflect on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and [HCWS903] begin to turn our focus on building back better. As we do this, we must place our youngest citizens at the Law Commission’s Review of the Land Registration Act centre of our ambition. 2002: Government Response Our vision sets out an ambitious programme of work to transform how we support families across England The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, throughout these 1,001 critical days. It sets out six Energy and Industrial Strategy (Paul Scully): My right action areas to ensure that families have access to the hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of services they need, when they need them. We want to State for Climate Change and Corporate Responsibility enable the parts of the system to work even better (Lord Callanan) has today made the following statement: together to provide this support. 73WS Written Statements 25 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 74WS

Action area 1: Seamless support for families. Our for trusts. The DSIS is supervised by DHSC and vision is for seamless support for families, with local administered by NHS Resolution, and, to date, has areas encouraged to publish a start for life offer. The proved to be an effective package of support to designated offer should explain clearly to parents and carers what settings. services they are entitled to and how they can access DSIS initially provided cover for designated settings them. until the end of March 2021. Following a review of Action area 2: A welcoming hub for the family. All DSIS, it will now be extended until 30 June 2021, in families need a welcoming space to access services. Our order to maintain the current level of support for these vision is that family hubs are a place for families to vital settings. This extension will benefit current DSIS access start for life services. participants, as well as any additional settings who may Action area 3: The information families need when wish to apply for the support and who meet the criteria they need it. All families need to have access to trustworthy for inclusion. A review of DSIS will take place in early information at the times they most need it. This includes June. digital, virtual and telephone services designed around I regret that in this circumstance, due to the need to the needs of the family. ensure that there are no gaps in DSIS cover after the current 31 March end-date, the normal 14 sitting days Action area 4: An empowered start for life workforce. for consideration has not been possible. A departmental Our vision is that every family will be supported by a minute will be laid in the House of Commons providing range of professionals and volunteers, each of whom more detail on this contingent liability. brings skills, knowledge and empathy to interactions with families. From their first appointment, every parent [HCWS894] and carer must feel that they are heard and that they can ask for help. NHS England and NHS Improvement: Mandate for 2021-22 Action area 5: Continually improving the start for life offer. We want every parent and carer to have confidence that the services and support in their area will help them The Minister for Health (Edward Argar): The Prime give their baby the best start for life. A brilliant start for Minister paid tribute to the extraordinary success of the life offer will continuously improve with better data, UK’s covid-19 vaccination programme when setting out evaluation, and proportionate inspection. on 22 February 2021 his road map for easing lockdown Action area 6: Leadership for change. Leadership is restrictions in England. This vaccination programme critical to the success of the vision. There must be local would not be possible without the dedication and and national commitment and accountability. commitment of many thousands of NHS staff who This is just the beginning of our work, and the early have already worked tirelessly for many months to years healthy development review will continue with a support the covid response while doing their utmost to second phase where we will focus on the implementation reduce the impact on wider NHS services. and delivery of these six action areas. I am today laying before Parliament the Government’s [HCWS896] 2021-22 mandate for NHS England and NHS Improvement. It will make clear that covid-19—including further roll-out of the vaccination programme to ensure Temporary Indemnity for Designated Care Home that every adult in England will be offered a first Settings: Contingent Liability vaccination by 31 July—remains the NHS’s top priority in 2021-22. At the same time, and taking account of the pandemic’simpact, the NHS will return to implementation The Minister for Care (Helen Whately): Further to of the important transformative ambitions set out in its the written statement made on 18 January 2021 by the long-term plan and our 2019 manifesto. These will Minister for Covid Vaccine Deployment, my hon. Friend underpin recovery, and support the NHS’s longer-term the Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Nadhim Zahawi), I resilience and sustainability. There will be a renewed am tabling this statement for the benefit of hon. and focus on prevention to empower people to live as healthily right hon. Members to bring to their attention the as possible, and on tackling those health challenges undertaking of a contingent liability. This relates to an which have been highlighted by the pandemic. The extension of the designated settings indemnity support NHS will also work to recover performance of non-covid (DSIS), which offers targeted and time-limited state-backed services that were unavoidably impacted by the pandemic— indemnity arrangements to care homes registered, or including elective care. intending to register, as “designated settings”, and which The new mandate is underpinned by our further are unable to obtain sufficient insurance cover. funding commitments to the NHS. In addition to the On 18 January 2021, the Minister for Covid Vaccine substantial support made available for the pandemic Deployment announced in a written ministerial statement, response in 2020-21, and the further £6.3 billion increase and accompanying departmental minute, provision of in NHS funding already confirmed as part of its funding these temporary indemnity arrangements under the settlement to 2023-24, we are providing a further £3 billion DSIS. The DSIS includes cover for clinical negligence, in 2021-22 to support NHS recovery. This includes employer’s and public liability where a care provider £1.5 billion for indirect covid pressures in 2021-22 as seeking to become a designated setting is unable to well as £1 billion for tackling backlogs in elective activity, secure sufficient commercial insurance, or where an and £500 million for mental health and the NHS workforce, existing provider has been operating without sufficient for which operational delivery will be agreed in due cover. Employer’s and public liability is covered under course. This is in addition to the £6.6 billion announced the new coronavirus temporary indemnity scheme; clinical last week for operationally necessary costs arising from negligence is covered by the clinical negligence scheme the pandemic in the first half of 2021-22. 75WS Written Statements 25 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 76WS

As in previous years, I will also today lay a revised Where appropriate, local planning authorities should 2020-21 mandate. As required by the NHS Act 2006, also highlight this temporary relaxation to retailers in this revision is to reflect changes to the capital and their area so that they can take advantage of longer revenue resource limits included in it that result from opening hours if they wish to do so. in-year funding decisions. The Government recognise that longer retail opening [HCWS893] hours could have a temporary impact on local residents, but this needs to be balanced by the significant public interest in ensuring there is a safe retail environment HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL when non-essential shops reopen. The 10 pm limitation GOVERNMENT should also mitigate the impact for local residents.There will be no change in licensing restrictions on retailers. Covid-19: Construction Industry and Retail Sector Finally, I am through this written ministerial statement extending the statement that I made to the House on 13 March 2020 about planning enforcement and the The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and delivery of food and other essential goods to retailers Local Government (Robert Jenrick): As England moves until the introduction of step four of the roadmap towards step two of the covid-19 response road map out (scheduled for no earlier than 21 June 2021). This will of lockdown, which will take place no earlier than help supermarkets and other retailers to continue to 12 April, the Government want to ensure that planning continue to provide home deliveries while restrictions measures are in place to support businesses to operate are still in place. safely and drive the economic recovery. [HCWS902] First, the Government recognise that the construction Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal industry will need to continue to operate in a safe and productive way. Temporary extensions to working hours The Minister for Housing (Christopher Pincher): In were introduced over the last year on some sites to March 2017 the Government committed to the Oxfordshire facilitate safer working and allow tasks to be completed housing and growth deal (the deal), to support ambitious where social distancing can be challenging. These changes plans to deliver 100,000 homes by 2031. The deal committed have also helped to protect and support jobs in the to an Oxfordshire-wide joint statutory spatial plan to be construction industry and reduced pressures on public adopted by 2021, and to be supported by £215 million transport at peak hours throughout the pandemic. of funding to help deliver more affordable housing and This written ministerial statement confirms that the infrastructure improvements to support sustainable approach set out in my previous statement to the House development across the county. of 13 May 2020, about construction working hours due As part of the deal, to support this strategic approach to covid-19, will remain in place until 30 September to supporting housing delivery through joint working, 2021. This continued flexibility is necessary due to the Oxfordshire was granted flexibility from the national continued impact of covid-19 and to support the planning policy framework policy on maintaining a construction industry to recover and operate safely as five-year housing land supply. Since 2018, Oxfordshire we emerge from the pandemic. This date will be kept has had to provide proof of a three-year land supply for under review. planning purposes. This has worked to support the Secondly, the Government would like local planning delivery of the local plans for the area and ensure that authorities to continue to take a positive and flexible the local authorities could focus their efforts on their approach to planning enforcement action to support joint spatial strategy. economic recovery and support social distancing while This flexibility was laid out by the Secretary of State it remains in place.The national planning policy framework at the time the right hon. Member for Old Bexley and already emphasises that planning enforcement is a Sidcup (James Brokenshire) in a written ministerial discretionary activity, and local planning authorities statement on 12 September 2018—https://questions- should act proportionately in responding to suspected statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/ breaches of planning control. 2018-09-12/hcws955. In particular, to ensure a safe and successful reopening Since 2018, Oxfordshire has not finalised and adopted of the non-essential retail sector from step two of the its joint statutory spatial plan. Therefore, in the best road map, the Government want to see retailers given interests of housing delivery in the region, my Department the opportunity to extend their daily opening hours has extended the time afforded to Oxfordshire for the from Monday to Saturday,notwithstanding local planning delivery of this plan to 2023. This extension, however, restrictions on opening hours, where appropriate. This will not be subject to the original land supply flexibilities. will help to spread footfall, ease transport pressures and From today, Oxfordshire will need to maintain a five-year make shopping in a socially distanced way easier by housing land supply in accordance with the national giving shoppers greater flexibility to choose when they planning policy framework. shop and avoid peak times. This statement is a material consideration in planning Accordingly local planning authorities, having regard decisions and applies to those local planning authorities to their legal obligations, should not seek to undertake in Oxfordshire with whom the Government agreed the planning enforcement action which would result in the Oxfordshire housing and growth deal, namely Cherwell unnecessary restriction of retail hours between 7 am to District Council, Oxford City Council, South Oxfordshire 10 pm Monday to Saturday, from step two of the road District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council map (no earlier than 12 April) until the introduction of and West Oxfordshire District Council. This statement step four of the road map (scheduled for no earlier than applies from today. 21 June 2021). [HCWS897] 77WS Written Statements 25 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 78WS

Covid-19: Support for Businesses Without action and legislation, there would also be a significant impact on the entire business rates system, as the Valuation Office Agency faced working through The Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government these cases, further valuation tribunals, wider separate (Luke Hall): Covid-19 has presented a significant challenge cases, and preparing for the next revaluation in 2023. for businesses in all sectors. The Government response This would be at the detriment of other ratepayers who to the pandemic has been unprecedented in scale, with would suffer as a result of the valuation system grinding more than £280 billion provided to protect millions of to a halt. jobs and businesses, and the Budget in March setting Nevertheless the Government recognise that businesses out an additional £65 billion of support in 2020-21 and outside of the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors have 2021-22. also been adversely affected by the pandemic, including through limitations on how their property can be used. On business rates specifically, at Budget 2020 the So we are now going even further than the £16 billion of Government announced a 100% business rates relief to relief since Budget 2020 and providing £1.5 billion of all eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties, given additional support to businesses that have not already the acute and direct impact of covid-19 restrictions, received business rates relief. This is the fastest and non-pharmaceutical interventions, on these sectors. This fairest way to support businesses outside the retail, was worth around £10 billion in 2020-21 and, alongside hospitality and leisure sectors who have been adversely other business rate reliefs, ensured that over 1 million affected by the pandemic. properties paid no business rates this year. At Budget 2021, the Government announced that it would extend The new relief will ensure a fairer and more proportioned the scheme for the first 3 months of 2021-22 at 100%, allocation of support, by awarding funding through followed by a 9-month period of relief at 66%, subject local authorities, who will able to use their knowledge to a cash cap for businesses. Taken together, this amounts of their local businesses and the local economy to to business rates relief worth £16 billion for retail, award dedicated support to those businesses who need hospitality and leisure properties. it most. Funding will be allocated to councils taking into account the economic impact covid-19 has had on While support has been needed to support these specific sectors. This approach will ensure relief is awarded sectors, our business rates system is designed to provide quicker than would be the case if businesses sought a stable source of income for local councils and help support under the sometimes drawn out process of a fund vital local services, such as street lighting and rating appeal, which can often last years. keeping streets safe and clean. It is based on the principle At the same time we will legislate to ensure that the of regular revaluations, with changes in property values Government response to covid-19, including restrictions reflected at these revaluations. Market wide economic on the use of property, is reflected at the next revaluation changes affecting property values, such as from covid-19, in 2023, in line with the principle of the business rates can only be properly considered at these general system, and not through complicated and protracted revaluations, which is why we have changed the date of property-by-property litigation. We will do this through: the next revaluation to 1 April 2023, based on rental values at 1 April 2021, to ensure it can better reflect the Introducing primary legislation with retrospective effect, impact of the pandemic. when parliamentary time allows, to clarify that covid-19 and the Government response to it is not an appropriate use of Between these revaluations rateable values should material change of circumstance provisions; and only change for material change of circumstances, which Laying a statutory instrument today with the same effect is a process intended to consider individual cases like prospectively and bringing it into force on the same day. roadworks near a property that affect its value. A number Taken together, this will ensure support for of businesses that do not qualify for our existing reliefs covid-19 continues to be directed to ratepayers through have sought to challenge their business rates liability by rate reliefs—including the additional £1.5 billion of seeking reductions to their property’s value through this support—in the fairest and fastest way, and not through material change of circumstances provision. valuation appeals made by rating agents. We will work Relying on this system to help businesses that need with and support local Government to enable ratepayers further support from the pandemic is not the right to apply as soon as possible this year, once the legislation mechanism. These appeals would seek to reduce rate relating to material change of circumstance provisions bills, and funding for local councils, based on the estimated has passed and local authorities have set up local relief impact of covid-19 on the market value of a property, schemes. and not on the economic circumstances of the business. This will give local councils the certainty they have This system was not designed to address the challenges been seeking, and will ensure that support flows to we face and would mean significant amounts of taxpayer businesses in need across England, rather than primarily support going to businesses based in offices—like banks, to high- value locations and the office market. large online retailers and technology businesses, law [HCWS901] firms and consultancy firms—many of whom have been able to operate successfully throughout the pandemic. The process of resolving these appeals and litigation Troubled Families Programme through the courts could take years and would not provide the support now when it is most needed. It would also expose local authorities to uncertainty about The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, their financial position, including whether they would Communities and Local Government (Eddie Hughes): As need to return money spent on their response to covid-19, required by the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016, and how much. section 3(1), today my Department has published the 79WS Written Statements 25 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 80WS

2020-21 annual report of the troubled families programme. Evaluation report: Supporting Families Against Youth Crime The report sets out how the programme has been supporting Staff Surveys: Troubled Families Co-ordinators: part five our most disadvantaged families who face multiple and complex problems. We are laying this report today and Staff Surveys: Troubled Families Keyworkers: part five will place a copy in the Library of the House. Staff Surveys:TroubledFamiliesEmploymentAdvisors:partfive. The troubled families programme has been at the [HCWS904] heart of our ambition to strengthen families and improve their futures since 2015. In last year’s spending review TRANSPORT the Chancellor announced £165 million of new investment to extend the programme until the end of 2021-22. Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy 2 “Improving families’lives: annual report of the Troubled Families Programme 2020-2021” includes an update on the programme’s performance and a summary of the The Minister of State, (Chris latest research findings and policy developments for the Heaton-Harris): In 2017 the Government published the programme. first statutory cycling and walking infrastructure strategy (CWIS 1) which covered the period 2016-17 to 2020-21. It sets out how the programme has driven a profound Since it was produced, the Secretary of State and the shift in the way that local services respond to entrenched Prime Minister have significantly expanded the ambition problems and support our most disadvantaged families. and funding of the Government’s cycling and walking The programme assigns a single key worker to each programme, launching the Gear Change White Paper in family, backed by multi-agency partners and coordinated summer 2020 with £2 billion of additional funding over data. This joined up “wrap-around” support for families this Parliament for active travel, the largest amount of has been shown to be successful in tackling the range of dedicated spending ever committed to increasing cycling issues they face. and walking in this country. Significant delivery on the Since 2015 the programme has supported 401,719 ground has already occurred. families to achieve successful outcomes. This includes Because of the pandemic, the multi-year spending 32,382 adults who were helped into sustained employment. review planned for autumn 2020 was postponed. Instead, These families faced multiple and complex problems as with most other budgets, a single-year settlement for including a combination of crime, truancy, neglect, cycling and walking reflecting the ambitions set out in anti-social behaviour,domestic abuse, poor mental health, Gear Change has been set for the year 2021-22. The worklessness and financial exclusion. Every successful Government will set out plans for future years, including family outcome represents a family’s life changed for future funding for cycling and walking beyond 2021-22, the better—a considerable achievement for the families at the spending review later this year. and the local services supporting them. I am today informing Parliament of my intention to The report sets out how local services funded by the publish as soon as possible thereafter a second four-year programme have responded to the covid-19 pandemic. statutory cycling and walking investment strategy (CWIS The programme has been a key part of the local response 2), reflecting the new policies in Gear Change and the to covid-19 by supporting families with immediate needs multi-year funding settlement. such as food and equipment for home learning. The The Government will consult on CWIS 2, with relevant programme will play an important role in the recovery, stakeholders, ahead of its publication, as required by supporting families with longer-term impacts of the the legislation. pandemic such as unemployment and mental ill health. [HCWS891] The report summarises the latest research findings relating to the programme. Staff survey research showed consistent support for the programme from local teams. WORK AND PENSIONS 95% of troubled families co-ordinators agree the programme is effective at achieving whole family working and 89% Annual Households Below Average Income and agree it is successful at achieving long-term change for Separated Families Statistics 2019/20 families. An independent evaluation of the supporting families against youth crime fund shows that the fund The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Dr improved the provision of local services addressing Thérèse Coffey): The Department for Work and Pensions youth crime. The fund supported a number of innovative has today published annual statistics covering 2019-20 approaches in 21 local areas. Local areas reported that including on households below average income (HBAI) whole family interventions,role model based and mentoring and separated families.HBAI covers a range of information, interventions were most successful. including household incomes and a range of low-income This builds on previous analysis which found that the indicators for 2019-20, derived from the family resources programme has made a significant impact in reducing the survey of around 20,000 households. proportion of children who are taken into care. A cost Between 2018-19 and 2019-20, the proportion of people benefit analysis showed that for every £1 spent on the below the absolute low income line fell. Before housing programme it delivers £2.28 of economic benefits (includes costs, this was a decrease of one percentage point to economic, social and fiscal benefits) and £1.51 of fiscal 14% or 9.2 million people. After housing costs, it was a benefits (only budgetary impacts on services). fall of two percentage points to 18% or 11.7 million “Improving families’lives: annual report of the Troubled people. There were also decreases in absolute low income Families Programme 2020-2021” is accompanied by a after housing costs for children, pensioners, working-age range of publications that evaluate the programme’s people and individuals living in a household where progress which can be accessed at gov.uk. These are: someone is disabled. Compared to 2009-10, there were 81WS Written Statements 25 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 82WS over 1.3 million fewer people in absolute low income, Today’s statistics also show that 44% of separated after housing costs: 260,000 fewer children, 890,000 working families did not have a child maintenance arrangement age adults and 180,000 pensioners. in place in 2019-20. We know that child maintenance In 2019-20, median household incomes grew by 4.5% payments have a significant impact on reducing the after inflation, an increase of over £1,000 a year to number of children living in low income households. reach an all-time high, alongside a record high employment For the first time, estimates relating to the income rate. This was the strongest annual income growth since distributions of parents in separated families have been 2001-02. Incomes increased across the entire income published, showing that 60,000 children move out of distribution, with the poorest 20% of households seeing absolute low income before housing costs; and 120,000 after their real incomes increase by over 6% on average after housing costs as a result of child maintenance payments housing costs. This growth in median income reflects from 2017-18 to 2019-20. the success of Government policies we have taken to We have also published data on household food help people move into work and keep more of what security from the family resources survey for the first they earn—for example, raising the national living wage time, to get a better understanding of the lived experience and increasing the personal tax allowance. of families. This shows that 8% of households are The statistics show increases in the proportions of classed as food insecure, with 4% of households in low households below the relative low income lines, reflecting food security and 4% in very low household food security. the very strong growth in median income in 2019-20. Overall, these statistics reinforce that the economy The proportion of households below the relative low entered the pandemic in a strong position, with people income line, before housing costs, increased by one seeing rising incomes. The Government have built on percentage point to 18% or 11.7 million individuals, this firm financial foundation with an unprecedented and, after housing costs, the proportion remained the package of measures to protect livelihoods and incomes, same at 22% or 14.5 million individuals. There were including the coronavirus job retention scheme, the increases in relative poverty both before and after housing self-employment income support scheme and an extra costs for children, pensioners and those living in households £7.1 billion of welfare support in 2020-21. Our plan for where someone is disabled. jobs and the support provided through universal credit Rates of combined low income and material deprivation are helping people to raise their incomes by moving into for children were lower in 2019-20 than in 2010-11 and and progressing in work. rates of material deprivation for pensioners remained at [HCWS892] a record low of 6%. 5MC Ministerial Corrections25 MARCH 2021 Ministerial Corrections 6MC

surface-to-surface guided weapon will replace the Harpoon Ministerial Corrections missile, and we will upgrade the air defence weapon system on our Type 45s to better protect them from new Thursday 25 March 2021 threats. Mr Wallace: In recognition of the growing demand for enhanced assistance and our commitment to delivering DEFENCE resilience to those partners, we will establish an Army Integrated Review: Defence Command Paper special operations brigade, built around the four battalions The following are extracts from the statement on the of the new ranger regiments. This new regiment will be Defence Command Paper on 22 March 2021. seeded from 1 Royal Scots, 2 Prince of Wales Royal Rifles, 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster and 4th Battalion Mr Wallace: Wewill deploy new automated minehunting The Rifles. systems, which will replace the Sandown and Hunt [Official Report, 22 March 2021, Vol. 691, c. 638.] classes as they retire through the decade. The interim Letter of correction from the Secretary of State for surface-to-surface guided weapon will replace the Typhoon Defence, the right hon. Member for Wyre and Preston missile, and we will upgrade the air defence weapon North (Mr Wallace). system on our Type 45s to better protect them from new threats. An error has been identified in my statement. [Official Report, 22 March 2021, Vol. 691, c. 638.] The correct statement should have been: Letter of correction from the Secretary of State for Mr Wallace: In recognition of the growing demand Defence, the right hon. Member for Wyre and Preston for enhanced assistance and our commitment to delivering North (Mr Wallace). resilience to those partners, we will establish an Army An error has been identified in my statement. special operations brigade, built around the four battalions The correct statement should have been: of the new ranger regiments. This new regiment will be seeded from 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Mr Wallace: Wewill deploy new automated minehunting 2nd Battalion the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, systems, which will replace the Sandown and Hunt 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and 4th classes as they retire through the decade. The interim Battalion The Rifles.

ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 25 March 2021

Col. No. Col. No. CABINET OFFICE...... 1035 CABINET OFFICE—continued Census 2021: Covid-19...... 1040 Office for Veterans’ Affairs...... 1040 Civil Service: Location of Jobs...... 1038 Ports: New Trading Arrangements...... 1041 Food and Animal Products: Trade to the EU...... 1035 Public Procurement: Value for Money ...... 1045 Government Contracts: Small Businesses ...... 1036 Safety of Local Elections: Covid-19...... 1047 Native Advertising in UK Newspapers: Topical Questions ...... 1050 Departmental Spending ...... 1048 Trade with the EU: Non-tariff Barriers...... 1042 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Thursday 25 March 2021

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE...... 72WS STRATEGY ...... 70WS Early Years Healthy Development Review and EU Emissions Trading System: Sale of The Best Start for Life: A Vision for the 1,001 Allowances...... 70WS Critical...... 72WS Law Commission’s Review of the Land NHS England and NHS Improvement: Mandate Registration Act 2002: Government Response ... 71WS for 2021-22...... 74WS Recovery Loan Scheme: Departmental Temporary Indemnity for Designated Care Home Contingent Liability Notification...... 71WS Settings: Contingent Liability ...... 73WS

HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL CABINET OFFICE...... 63WS GOVERNMENT...... 75WS Civil Service Delegated Pay Remit Guidance ...... 63WS Covid-19: Construction Industry and Retail Infected Blood: Victim Support ...... 64WS Sector...... 75WS Local Elections: May 2021...... 67WS Covid-19: Support for Businesses...... 77WS Local Government Elections and Referendums: Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal ...... 76WS Covid-19 Indemnity ...... 66WS Troubled Families Programme ...... 78WS Prosperity Fund: Change of Ministerial Accountability ...... 67WS TRANSPORT ...... 80WS Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy 2...... 80WS

FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 80WS DEVELOPMENT OFFICE...... 69WS Annual Households Below Average Income and Myanmar ...... 69WS Separated Families Statistics 2019/20 ...... 80WS MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

Thursday 25 March 2021

Col. No. DEFENCE...... 5MC Integrated Review: Defence Command Paper ...... 5MC 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 Thursday 1 April 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 691 Thursday No. 197 25 March 2021

CONTENTS

Thursday 25 March 2021

New Writs [Col. 1035]

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1035] [see index inside back page] Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office

UK Steel Production: Greensill Capital [Col. 1057] Answer to urgent question—(Kwasi Kwarteng)

Abortion in Northern Ireland [Col. 1071] Answer to urgent question—(Brandon Lewis)

Business of the House [Col. 1087] Statement—(Mr Rees-Mogg)

Scottish Parliament (Disqualification of Members of the House of Commons) [Col. 1106] Bill presented, and read the First time

Coronavirus [Col. 1109] Public Health Motion—(Matt Hancock)—agreed to Coronavirus Act 2020 (Review of Temporary Provisions [Col. 1109] Motion—(Matt Hancock)—on a Division, agreed to Coronavirus Act 2020 (One-Year Status Report) [Col. 1170] Motion—(Matt Hancock)—agreed to

Proceedings During the Pandemic [Col. 1170] Motion—(Matt Hancock)—agreed to

Petition [Col. 1171]

Conflict in Tigray Region of Ethiopia [Col. 1173] Debate on Motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Immigration and Nationality Application Fees [Col. 447WH] Government Support for NGOs and Churches in Developing Nations: Covid-19 [Col. 473WH] General Debates

Written Statements [Col. 63WS]

Ministerial Corrections [Col. 5MC]

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