Monday Volume 697 21 June 2021 No. 20

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 21 June 2021 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2021 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 567 21 JUNE 2021 568

Mark Logan (Bolton North East) (Con): What steps House of Commons his Department is taking to provide high-quality tutoring to disadvantaged students. [901522] Monday 21 June 2021 James Sunderland (Bracknell) (Con): What steps his The House met at half-past Two o’clock Department is taking to provide high-quality tutoring to disadvantaged students. [901524] PRAYERS The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson) [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] rose— Virtual participation in proceedings commenced (Orders, 4 June and 30 December 2020). Caroline Ansell [V]: Early feedback from my local school [NB: [V] denotes a Member participating virtually.] leaders suggests that tutoring is going to make a real difference, but there is some small concern that it can NEW MEMBER come with an opportunity cost in the school day,potentially affecting pupils’ experience of a broad and balanced The following Member made and subscribed the curriculum, especially the creative arts and sports. Is Affirmation required by law: that therefore an important consideration in the debate Sarah Green, for Chesham and Amersham. about having a longer school day, especially if tutoring could prove to be the longer-term strategy that we need Mr Speaker: I am suspending the House briefly to to address the pre-pandemic attainment gap? allow the necessary arrangements to be made for the next business. Mr Speaker: Secretary of State, will you please pick 2.35 pm up the first part of the question? Sitting suspended. Gavin Williamson: My hon. Friend raises an important Speaker’s Statement issue. As we bring forward the largest investment in tutoring that this country has ever seen, we want to 2.36 pm look at how we can continue to make changes and Mr Speaker: I wish to make a statement about the improvements to the whole of the school day. That way, senior leadership of the House of Commons service. I we can not only embed the tutoring revolution that we am pleased to announce that, following a competitive are driving forward but ensure that the other areas of recruitment process, Marianne Cwynarski CBE has enrichment that are so important for a child’sdevelopment been appointed as director general of the House of are properly incorporated into any changes. Commons service with immediate effect. Marianne is Jason McCartney: My area of Kirklees continues to currently the managing director of the Governance have higher covid case rates than the national average, Office and the secretary to the House of Commons which means that more pupils and students are having Commission. She has taken a leading and very successful to self-isolate and miss classroom teaching, which has role in ensuring that the House service has been able to an increased impact on wellbeing and mental health. operate effectively during the covid-19 pandemic. I wish Will the Secretary of State please tell me what extra personally to congratulate Marianne on her appointment catch-up funding and support is available for schools and look forward to working with her in her new role. I and colleges in areas such as mine, where there are am sure the House will agree that she has already given above average rates of absence? sterling service to this House—may that continue. Gavin Williamson: As my hon. Friend will be aware, there is a £650 million universal catch-up premium, as Oral Answers to Questions well as the recovery premium. That funding is very much to ensure that schools such as those in his constituency are best able to target that money at the areas that will EDUCATION have the most impact on children. We must not lose sight of the fact that children from whatever background The Secretary of State was asked— have been impacted as a result of covid, which is why we have always aimed to have flexibility in the system so Disadvantaged Students: Tutoring Support that schools can support all children.

Caroline Ansell (Eastbourne) (Con): What steps his Henry Smith [V]: I welcome the Secretary of State’s Department is taking to provide disadvantaged students comments. What particular support will be made available with access to high-quality tutoring support. [901500] to disadvantaged pupils who have a disability and are therefore more affected still? Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): What steps his Department is taking to provide high-quality catch-up Gavin Williamson: My hon. Friend raises a vital support to students. [901504] point. That is why we took the decision to ensure a higher rate of funding for special schools and for schools Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): What steps his that provide alternative provision, recognising that they Department is taking to provide high-quality tutoring will want more specialist and one-to-one tutoring for to disadvantaged students. [901514] those children. 569 Oral Answers 21 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 570

Mark Logan [V]: Will the Secretary of State agree to Mr Speaker: Let us go to the Chair of the Education meet me to discuss Tutor the Nation, which is now Committee, Robert Halfon. being rolled out right across Bolton, and the lessons that it might provide for the rest of the country? Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con) [V]: Even before the pandemic, persistent absence—pupils missing 10% or Gavin Williamson: I would very much like to hear not more of their education—was alarmingly high, at 13.1%. only how Tutor the Nation is tutoring Bolton, but how As pupils have returned, the overall rate has remained we can do so much more to tutor all the other parts of stubbornly high at 13%, or at around 916,000 pupils. the nation as well, so I would be more than delighted to For secondary pupils, it has actually risen from 15% to meet my hon. Friend. I will ask my office to get in touch 16.3%. What are the Department’splans to bring persistent with him so that we can meet to discuss the work that absence down? Tutor the Nation is doing in his constituency. Gavin Williamson: This is an incredibly important area. At the very start of the pandemic, we set up the regional James Sunderland: Will the Secretary of State please education and children’s teams—REACT—which were update the House on progress with the special educational a co-operation between schools, local government, the needs and disability review and also confirm that we Department for Education and the police in order to will be investing more in focused intervention for those target some of the youngsters who struggle the most who need extra support? and are most likely not to be in school. We continue to expand that work through the Ministry of Housing, Gavin Williamson: I know that this issue is close to Communities and Local Government to help the families my hon. Friend’sheart. Yes, we have been making progress who struggle the most, and recognise that it is children on the special educational needs review. Sadly, as a in that category who are most vulnerable and possibly result of a pandemic, the speed at which we had hoped the most likely to have persistent absence from schools. to bring it back to the House has been slowed, but we We will continue to work across Government, recognising will be providing an update in the near future. It is that it is not just about schools, but about local authorities, incredibly important that our interventions for children the police, health and social care coming together to with the most acute needs are specially tailored to bring children back into the classroom and to ensure address not only some of the challenges that covid has that they are not missing out on school. thrown up, but the continuing challenges that all children with special educational needs experience. Financial Education

Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): Will the Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): What Secretary of State tell the House what proportion of assessment he has made of the potential merits of children will have received tutoring under the national providing financial education to children at primary tutoring programme by the end of this academic year? school level. [901501] The Minister for School Standards (Nick Gibb): It is Gavin Williamson: We had set out the aim of having a important that pupils are well prepared to manage their quarter of a million children going through the national money, make sound financial decisions and know where tutoring programme, but, as a result of the take-up of to seek further information. Financial education forms the programme and the success that individual and part of the citizenship curriculum, which can be taught small group tutoring has had, we have set out an at all key stages but is compulsory at key stages 3 and 4. ambition and an aim to massively expand that programme over the coming years. Alex Cunningham: In 2013, the Money and Pensions Service found that our money habits and attitudes Kate Green: The latest figures show that it is just towards finance are formed by the age of seven. However, under 3% of pupils in this academic year, and even the eight years later the Government have still not made funding for next year will reach only 8% of students, yet financial education compulsory within the primary school last week in Prime Minister’squestions, the Prime Minister curriculum. Does the Minister agree that teaching our said that the Government want to get on the side of all children positive saving habits at a young age is vital to kids who do not have access to tuition and support their financial futures, and that dormant assets from the them. Why did the Secretary of State and the Prime savings and investment sector could fund initiatives Minister fail to persuade the Chancellor of the Exchequer such as KickStart Money to deliver primary financial to invest in what Sir Kevan Collins said is needed to education for all? secure children’s futures, or does he in fact agree with the Chancellor who has said that the Government have Nick Gibb: The priority at primary school must be to “maxed out” on support? ensure that all children have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of arithmetic: that they can add, subtract, Gavin Williamson: The Prime Minister and I have multiply and divide; that they know their times tables outlined a clear plan to roll out tutoring to 6 million by heart; and that they can add, subtract and multiply children up and down the country. We recognise the fractions. In 2013, the Government introduced a new importance of small group tutoring and how it can primary maths curriculum that includes ratio and benefit every child. That is why we have set out our proportions, that teaches pupils to use percentages and ambition, and that is what we will deliver. It has already that introduces them to algebra. In year 2, pupils are been an incredibly successful programme. We want to introduced to the values of our coinage. That is all build on it. We want to add extra flexibility for schools fundamental to being secure in handling finances and so that we can reach all children right across the nation. being taught financial education at key stage 3. 571 Oral Answers 21 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 572

Performing and Creative Arts, Media Studies Michelle Donelan: Just to reiterate, this Government and Archaeology are not disputing the value of the arts either to our economy or to our society. I want to fully confirm that on the record. We have asked the OfS to consult on altering the Margaret Greenwood (Wirral West) (Lab): What steps high-cost subject funding to enable a reprioritisation of he is taking to support universities to provide courses some subjects towards the provision of high-cost subjects on (a) performing and creative arts, (b) media studies that support the NHS and wider healthcare policy, and (c) archaeology. [901503] high-cost STEM—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—subjects, and subjects meeting specific The Minister for Universities (Michelle Donelan): This labour market needs. I reiterate that this accounts for Government value the arts and social sciences.High-quality only approximately 0.05% of higher education providers’ provision in a range of subjects, including archaeology, total income. is vital for our workforce and public services, and is culturally enriching for society. Universities receive a School Quality and Outcomes: Disadvantaged Areas top-up from the taxpayer for all the subjects referred to, and although the Office for Students consultation has Ben Bradley (Mansfield) (Con): What steps his proposed changes to the amounts, it does not seek to Department is taking to improve (a) the quality of schools remove the top-up entirely. and (b) outcomes for pupils in the most disadvantaged areas. [901505] Margaret Greenwood [V]: The Government’s decision to cut funding to performing and creative arts,media studies The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson): and archaeology courses by a total of £20 million will I am committed to levelling up education, and see strong diminish our future cultural offer, reduce opportunities multi-academy trusts as the best vehicle for achieving for students and put jobs at risk. The University and this. That is why we are investing £10 million in four College Union is campaigning hard to save jobs at the high-needs areas, including Ashfield and Mansfield, to University of Chester; I pay tribute to it for doing so. improve pupil outcomes. Up to half of this will be Nevertheless, the university is still planning to make channelled through the successful trust capacity fund. redundancies in some areas, including music, media Ben Bradley [V]: I welcome the news that Mansfield and performance. Does the Minister recognise the huge and Ashfield will get a share of that £10 million fund to contribution that arts and culture make to the UK drive school improvement in disadvantaged areas and economy and to all our lives, and will she support the to boost academic outcomes for our young people. That UCU campaign to save jobs at the University of Chester? is very welcome indeed. The other half of this conversation is perhaps about the non-academic side—the cultural Michelle Donelan: Despite the hon. Member’s claims, enrichment, extra-curricular activities and raising of the strategic priorities grant accounts for approximately aspirations that might support young people to reach only 0.05% of higher education providers’ total income. their potential. What opportunities might exist in that The House should be under no illusion that this kind of space for our schools to access support? Government 100% support the arts, which is why we asked the OFS to invest an additional £10 million in our Gavin Williamson: My hon. Friend is absolutely right world-leading specialist providers, many of which specialise to point to the enrichment that goes on in so many of in arts provision, and why we have spent £2 billion the most successful schools right across the country. through the cultural recovery programme, plus furlough That is why we are absolutely committed to trying to and plus VAT and other reliefs—more than any other work with trusts from across the country to target areas country. such as Mansfield and Ashfield to bring the most successful trusts into those areas to drive up educational Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab): attainment. We look forward to working with him. I Research by the British Academy has shown that of the will be delighted to sit down with him to discuss what 10 fastest growing sectors in the UK economy, eight more we can do to drive not just academic attainment employ more graduates from the arts, humanities and across schools in his constituency but the rich cultural social sciences than the other disciplines, and MillionPlus offer that schools can offer their pupils, which is incredibly states that important for all children. “there is an economic imperative to invest in creative arts education…job creation is double the rate of the rest of the Carol Monaghan (Glasgow North West) (SNP): It economy.” might be raining today in London, but in Glasgow and Just take media studies, which the Government state is across Scotland the sun is out, which is great because not a strategic priority, despite our making some of the over the next week Scottish schools break up for their best films, TV, theatre and advertising in the world. Last summer holidays. I am sure the whole House will join year the UK saw inward investment in co-production me in thanking the teachers and support staff for spend in film and TV account for 83% of the entire the great work they have done and will wish Scottish production spend, underlining our global reputation. schoolchildren and young people a very safe and enjoyable The Government seem to be unaware that this country summer holiday. is a globally renowned creative powerhouse. Can I just Improving academic outcomes for disadvantaged urge the Government to get into SHAPE—social sciences, children needs strong, professional input, but hunger is humanities and the arts for people and the economy? not conducive to effective learning, so when will we see Will the Minister accept that the benefit that this nation this Government mirror the approach of the Scottish derives from university education cannot be measured Government and provide free school meals for all primary solely in terms of its immediate economic impact? schoolchildren? 573 Oral Answers 21 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 574

Gavin Williamson: I very much join the hon. Lady in Vicky Ford: My right hon. Friend is a true, passionate thanking teachers not just across Scotland but right spokesperson for the maintained nursery schools sector. across the United Kingdom; they have done an amazing Supplementary funding allows the local authorities to job. It is lovely to see her in the Palace of Westminster protect their maintained nursery schools at the 2016-17 after a period of time. We are absolutely committed to funding level. Back in 2017, Barnet got a 23% increase ensuring that we support families and support children. in its early years funding rate. That is now the 11th That is why we are rolling out our holiday activities and highest rate in England, so supplementary funding was food programme, which is an incredibly important part not provided because there was not a funding gap in the of supporting children not just by feeding them but by MNS sector to protect. The next spending review will providing activities as well. consider future Government funding, including that for maintained nursery schools. Carol Monaghan: Unfortunately the Secretary of State avoids the question. For many families on the edge, free School Rebuilding Programme school meals really do make a difference. It is a tale of two Governments, because the Scottish Government Christian Matheson (City of Chester) (Lab): When he are focused on the health and wellbeing of children, plans to announce the results of the recent round of including the transformational Scottish child payment applications for the school rebuilding programme. of £10 a week per eligible child, and the UK Government [901507] are not taking action on free school meals and primary schoolchildren. Will he update the House on anydiscussions The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson): he has had with the Chancellor to provide more money We announced the first 50 rebuilding projects in February in this area, and possibly even on retaining the £20 a as part of the commitment to 500 projects over the next week universal credit uplift? decade. A process to identify the next 50 projects, informed by the Department’s data on the condition of Gavin Williamson: One of the great advantages of schools, began in March, and we plan to confirm which being a United Kingdom is that we are able to pull schools are included later on this year. together and ensure that there is the support that has been made available, whether that is through the furlough Christian Matheson [V]: The Secretary of State will scheme, which everyone within the United Kingdom know that Upton-by-Chester High School in my has been able to benefit from; whether that is through constituency is rated good, with an outstanding sixth the uplifts in universal credit, which everyone right form, but it needs a rebuild, and the local authority across the United Kingdom has been able to benefit maintenance repair budget is inappropriate and insufficient. from; or whether that is through the continued action What advice can the Secretary of State therefore give to that we have undertaken to put in extra funding, including me, the governors and the headteacher at Upton High for free school meals and for the holiday activities and to ensure that we are on that next list? food programme, which the devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Government, have been able to Gavin Williamson: As tempted as I am to pre-announce benefit from as a result of the Barnett consequentials that list to the hon. Gentleman, I am afraid I am not in that have fed through as a result. that position. I would be very happy to meet him to discuss some of the challenges that he has. The reason that we have announced a commitment to the rebuilding Maintained Nursery Schools of 500 schools, admittedly over a number of years, is so that we are able to have proper sight of some of the Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) (Con): If he will challenges that high schools and primary schools face, publish a long-term financial settlement for maintained have proper information on their condition and have a nursery schools. [901506] proper understanding as to where that priority sits as part of a broader national priority. I would be very The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education happy to sit down with the hon. Gentleman to discuss (Vicky Ford): Maintained nursery schools are an important that in further detail. part of the early years sector and provide valuable services,especially in disadvantaged areas.The Government remain committed to their long-term funding and to Closing the Digital Divide reaching a long-term solution by working with the sector. Any reform of its funding will follow a public Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden) (Lab): consultation. What plans he has to implement the recommendations of the UK Committee for UNICEF and the Carnegie Theresa Villiers: I am grateful to the Minister for her UK Trust’s report entitled “Closing the Digital Divide reply,but we need this long-term settlement for maintained for Good”. [901508] nursery schools. There are three wonderful maintained nursery schools in my constituency,and their very survival The Minister for School Standards (Nick Gibb): Over is now in jeopardy. We need that long-term settlement 1.3 million laptops and tablets and 75,000 4G wireless and, even more urgently, we need a consultation on routers have been distributed to schools and local reallocating supplementary funding so that areas such authorities.Weare building on the Department’ssignificant as Barnet, which has got zero from that funding, can investment in devices, platforms, training and digital actually receive some of it as an interim solution to services to develop an evidence-based strategy for the keep the maintained nursery schools above water until most effective long-term approach to digital technology we get that settlement. in education. 575 Oral Answers 21 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 576

Siobhain McDonagh: Before the lockdown, children School Transport Costs on the wrong side of the digital divide were already leaving school behind their classmates. Schools closed, Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham) (Lab): What recent and despite the Government’s tech roll-out and the assessment he has made of trends in the cost of school great community effort right across the country, a quarter transport. [901510] of children on free school meals did less than one hour’s school work a week. This is not a problem for the past; The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson): closing the digital divide will be critical to genuinely In the past three years, there has been an 18% increase levelling up our tech-reliant society.Will the Government in local authority spend on school transport, reaching support my campaign calling for every child entitled to £1.3 billion in the year 2019-20. a free school meal to have internet access and an adequate device at home? Mary Kelly Foy [V]: Although St Leonard’s Catholic School in Durham has done its best to subsidise the Nick Gibb: I read the joint article in The Times this cost of school transport for families over the past year, morning by the hon. Member and my right hon. Friend it can no longer afford to do so, and for some the cost the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) about the per student will rise from £50 to £70 a month. Will the UNICEF report and her objectives, and I agree with Education Secretary explain what the Government are much of what they have both written, particularly about doing to protect families in Durham from that increased the importance of closing the digital divide. I am grateful and unexpected cost, and will he meet me before the for the acknowledgement in that article of the much summer holidays to discuss school transport? needed support to disadvantaged children that the provision by this Government of 1.3 million laptops and tablets Gavin Williamson: If the hon. Lady would be kind gave. One should not underestimate the size and scale of enough to send in more details of the issue she has that procurement: 1.3 million devices built to order, raised, I would be very happy to organise for the Minister shipped, configured and delivered to schools and local for School Standards to meet her to discuss in finer authorities, all at a time of peak international demand detail some of her concerns, some of the challenges that for such computer equipment. the local authority may be facing and what needs to be done by Durham County Council. Summer-born and Premature Children Sexual Abuse in Schools: LGBT+ Pupils Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con): What recent Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con): With reference progress the Government have made on enabling the to the report published by Ofsted on 10 June 2021 parents of summer-born and premature children to entitled “Review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges”, defer their child’s school start date. [901509] what steps his Department is taking to support LGBT+ pupils to report to teachers incidences of harmful sexual The Minister for School Standards (Nick Gibb): We behaviour in school. [901511] published guidance in 2020 on the delayed admission of summer-born children to a reception class where that is The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education what parents want. In May, the Secretary of State (Vicky Ford): Schools are under a legal duty to safeguard issued a statement to ensure admissions authorities take and promote the welfare of all children and must have these decisions in the best interests of the child, and we regard to keeping children safe in education. The guidance will legislate when parliamentary time permits. is clear that, while anyone can be a victim of abuse, schools should recognise that some groups, including Stephen Hammond [V]: I thank my right hon. Friend LGBTQ+ pupils, are potentially more at risk. and the Department for their continuing support for my campaign to recognise the need for summer-born children Michael Fabricant [V]: I thank my hon. Friend for her to have that flexibility.He rightly says that the Department answer, but she will know that the Ofsted report identified will legislate as and when is appropriate, but can I urge a huge discrepancy between the knowledge of teachers him to speak again to the Treasury to point out that it of incidents that are harmful to young LGBT children would be one of the most effective ways of levelling up and the actual experience of it, so what steps can the and creating levelling-up opportunities? Will he meet Department take to train teachers to recognise how me to discuss what the Treasury’s response might be harmful sexual behaviour actually affects LGBT young and what more can be done to ensure that legislation is people? brought forward? Vicky Ford: The Government are committed to working Nick Gibb: Yes, of course, I would be delighted to with school leaders, governors and teachers to improve meet my hon. Friend. Summer-born children who defer how they can better recognise the effects of sexual entry to school by a year continue of course to be harassment and abuse, and better support victims. We entitled to a childcare place before they start school, so expect the issues raised by LGBTQ+ pupils to be addressed the costs will depend on the number of parents who as part of this really important work. choose to delay entry and the need for childcare. However, I should say to my hon. Friend that, in the surveys we Climate Change Education have been carrying out with local authorities, the vast majority of requests to delay entry and to return to Munira Wilson (Twickenham) (LD): If he will take school in reception rather than year 1 are granted by steps to ensure that pupils who opt out of GCSE local authorities. geography receive education on climate change. [901512] 577 Oral Answers 21 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 578

The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson): the pandemic children of all ages from disadvantaged It is vital that pupils are taught about climate change, backgrounds have particularly suffered from the withdrawal which is why related topics are included throughout the of speech and language support. Will the Minister geography and science curriculums from five to 14 and ensure that extra resources are provided for children of five to 16, respectively. That is mandatory in state- all ages from disadvantaged areas, with both digital and maintained schools. Academies must offer a broad and in-person support, so that their life chances are empowered balanced curriculum, as exemplified by the national not impaired, and that those in greatest need get greater curriculum. support? Will she meet me and the royal college to discuss that? Munira Wilson: I hope the Secretary of State will join me in welcoming my hon. Friend the new Member for Vicky Ford: In England, schools can use their recovery Chesham and Amersham (Sarah Green) to the Chamber funding to purchase additional therapies such as speech today. I am sure he will agree that it is critical that and language therapies, and I have seen examples of children and young people learn about the scientific where that has already happened. The funding we have causes and consequences of climate change, and that given for recovery has included Barnett consequentials they are equipped for the future in terms of practical and money going to Wales, and I encourage the Welsh action and the impact on jobs and future careers. With Government to look at the Nuffield early language fewer than 50% of GSCE pupils taking geography, what initiative. Nearly a quarter of a million children have consideration has he given to creating a standalone already been screened for it, and it is having real benefits subject that properly prepares and empowers our young in England. I encourage taking a look at it across the people to engage with climate change? border, as it is a brilliant way to help children.

Gavin Williamson: Of course I join the hon. Lady—and, UK-EU Co-operation and Tutoring Agreement I am sure, all Members—in welcoming a new Member to the House. It is a shame that the few Liberal Democrat Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP): MPs who are left could not be bothered to stay for Education questions. Perhaps that shows the priority What assessment his Department has made of the effect that the Liberals put on education, compared with of the UK-EU Cooperation and Trade Agreement on Conservative Members and Labour Members as well. It (a) higher and (b) further education. [901515] is nice that there is a lone voice on behalf of Liberal England. The Minister for Universities (Michelle Donelan): The It is incredibly important that climate change is taught, trade and co-operation agreement is based on co-operation and it is vital that it is a key part of the geography between sovereign equals, centred on free trade and curriculum. It is also an incredibly important part of inspired by our shared history and values. The Department the science curriculum. We know that science is critical discussed the agreement with sector representatives and to understanding climate change, and all Members of devolved Administrations, and we will continue to do the House are deeply indebted to the former Member so through bodies such as the Education Sector Advisory for Finchley, and her amazing work in highlighting Group. global climate change in the 1980s, when she was Prime Minister. She was not just speaking to the United Alison Thewliss [V]: Thousands of EU academics Kingdom; she was speaking to the globe. I am sure have already left the UK for the EU, driven away by the many Members, including Opposition Members, recognise UK Government’s hostile environment, the Government’s the amazing work she did in ensuring that we understand reckless cuts to funding and in-progress projects, and climate change and can act on that. Brexit uncertainty, with up to 70% more per year leaving for work or study in the EU than at any time before the Delayed Speech: Disadvantaged Children Brexit referendum. How will the Minister’s Government prevent an even greater brain drain to the EU from UK Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): universities? What steps he is taking to tackle the increase in delayed Michelle Donelan: The hon. Member touched on a speech among reception age children from disadvantaged number of points, including workforce and talent within backgrounds as a result of the covid-19 outbreak. the UK in our universities. Through the introduction of [901513] the new skilled worker and global talent route, the UK is actually giving top priority to those with the highest The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education skills and the greatest talents, including researchers, (Vicky Ford): The Government’s education recovery scientists and academics to join our world-leading higher plan includes £17 million for the Nuffield early language education sector. The global talent route ensures that intervention. That excellent evidence-based programme highly skilled individuals, including scientists and targets reception-age children who need extra support researchers, can come to the UK and make an important for their language development. It is proven to help contribution. children make around three months of additional progress. So far, 40% of primary schools in England have signed up, helping 60,000 children in this academic year. Funding for Academic Research

Geraint Davies [V]: Before the pandemic, 50% of Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire) (SNP): What children from disadvantaged backgrounds suffered a recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues speech delay at school entry, and the Royal College of on the allocation of Government funding to academic Speech and Language Therapists has found that since institutions for research. [901516] 579 Oral Answers 21 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 580

The Minister for Universities (Michelle Donelan): The Vicky Ford: My hon. Friend is a great champion for Government are investing £14.9 billion on research and Redcar and I would certainly be very happy to visit development in 2021-22, the highest level for four decades. schools in his constituency with him. I just want to take The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial a moment to thank staff and students in schools and Strategy provides funding for academic researchers through special schools all across the country, and to say this to UK Research and Innovation and the national academies, children: “We know it has been such a difficult time, but and published detailed allocations in May.I will continue children please do hold your heads up high. You have to work closely with the Minister with responsibility for done so much. Be proud of all you have achieved during science, research and innovation, the Under-Secretary this pandemic.” of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, my hon. Friend the Member for Derby North (Amanda Apprenticeships Solloway). Cherilyn Mackrory (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): What Dr Whitford [V]: The UKRI’sglobal challenges research steps his Department is taking to increase the number fund was set up to promote international collaboration of apprenticeships. [901518] on global issues, including climate change and health. However,due to the reduction in overseas aid, the funding Jack Brereton (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Con): What promised in 2019 has now been cut in half, causing steps his Department is taking to increase the number projects to be cancelled and researchers in low-income of apprenticeships. [901523] countries to be made redundant. In many cases, the last two years of research will be wasted. How will the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education Minister get academics to commit time and energy in (Gillian Keegan): Apprenticeships are a great way for the future, when they cannot trust this Government to employers to develop the skills they need to build back honour their commitments? better, especially as we recover from the pandemic. We have increased the incentive payment to £3,000 for Michelle Donelan: The changes to the level of official employers hiring a new apprentice. As of 4 May, 52,719 development assistance quality-related funding made incentive payments had been claimed. Weare also making available to universities has been applied equally across apprenticeships more flexible, encouraging front-loaded the four nations of the Union, as the hon. Member will and accelerated training, and introducing new flexi-job know. The Government’s research ODA spend includes apprenticeships. We are also making it easier for levy the global challenges research fund, which has been payers to transfer funds to support new apprenticeships allocated in line with the thematic, rather than geographic, within small and medium-sized enterprises and within priorities of the strategic framework for UK ODA, as their local areas. outlined by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, while prioritising high-value-for-money projects and Cherilyn Mackrory [V]: I thank the Minister for her existing legal commitments. I will be delighted to meet answer. Our world-class maritime businesses in Falmouth the hon. Member along with my hon. Friend the Under- inform me that there is a shortage of qualified maritime Secretary responsibility for science, innovation and research and marine engineers. Will she work with me to see how to discuss this matter further. we can best try to accelerate the hiring and training of such apprentices in this important sector so that marine Autistic or Neurodiverse Pupils industries such as the one here in Falmouth and across the UK can thrive and prosper?

Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con): What steps his Department Gillian Keegan: I would be delighted to work with is taking to support autistic or neurodiverse pupils. my hon. Friend on such an important industry for her [901517] area. I am also delighted to say that there are over 480 apprenticeship standards approved for delivery that The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education can provide strong support to the marine industry. These (Vicky Ford): Alongside the £8 billion high needs budget, include a level 2 apprenticeship in maritime, mechanical we fund the Autism Education Trust, which develops and electrical engineering, a level 4 apprenticeship as a autism awareness training for education staff. Over the maritime operations officer and a level 6 degree past decade, over 300,000 staff have been trained. We apprenticeship as a maritime surveyor, all of which have have also worked with the Department of Health and been supported by expert trailblazers, including the Social Care to include children in the autism strategy, Royal Navy, P&O Ferries and others. It is my hope that which will be published shortly. we will be able to use these standards and work together to build on the more than 7,000 apprenticeship starts in Jacob Young: The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre is a school Truro and Falmouth since May 2010. in South Bank which provides autistic and neurodiverse young people from across Redcar and Cleveland with Jack Brereton: I thank the Minister for visiting Stoke- the support they need in their education. It is a great on-Trent College last week with my neighbouring Stoke- example how local authorities, working in partnership on-Trent MPs. Only 22.5% of people in Stoke-on-Trent with specialist charities such as the North East Autism have an NVQ—national vocational qualification—at Society, can provide this type of enhanced support level 4 or above, so does she agree that increasing the closer to home. Will the Minister come to Redcar and uptake of apprenticeships in Stoke-on-Trent is a key Cleveland to meet me and the North East Autism aspect of improving skill levels, supporting local industries Society to see how it can expand its current support and and ensuring that more people can access the better-paid replicate it elsewhere? employment opportunities that we want to see? 581 Oral Answers 21 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 582

Gillian Keegan: I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend, Single-handedly, the two of them passionately seem to and that is why I was really delighted to join him and be on the way to stamping out bullying in the whole our colleagues—our other Stoke MPs—to visit Stoke- school and have actually required very little assistance on-Trent College. It was great that we were able to meet from the teachers. The Diana Award, I understand, is students who are on a wide variety of pathways and see currently awaiting funding and has put in an application the fantastic facilities that our investment has enabled to the Department for Education. Will my right hon. at this brilliant college. There have been nearly 30,000 Friend confirm here today his commitment to supporting apprenticeship starts in the Stoke-on-Trent area since all the work they are doing to tackle and prevent May 2010. I encourage learners and employers to take bullying? advantage of the support, including the incentive payment of £3,000, and I am sure that he will welcome the Gavin Williamson: It sounds as if amazing work is establishment of a new Home Office centre that will going on at Gusford Primary School. That has been create more than 500 new roles over five years, with an underpinned by the £3.5 million in funding available to apprenticeship-first policy for hiring at the entry grades. charities and organisations such as the Diana Award. A I agree that they are absolutely vital to the development number of organisations are currently bidding. I am and economic recovery in Stoke-on-Trent and beyond. afraid that I am not in a position to confirm which have been successful, but I understand that the Diana Award Mr Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): I am afraid the is one of those that has been bidding for the next Minister just sounds like she is in denial. Between August tranche of funding. and January,under-19 apprenticeship starts were 41% lower than they were in 2018-19. Wekeep telling the Government Tulip Siddiq (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): Last that their apprenticeship incentives are inadequate,and there week, the Early Years Alliance revealed secret Government has been widespread support for Labour’s apprenticeship documents that exposed that Ministers have been knowingly wage subsidy proposal. The Conservative Chair of the underfunding childcare, childminders and nurseries for Education Committee, the right hon. Member for Harlow years now, knowing full well that that would mean (Robert Halfon), has joined those calling for the increased childcare costs for parents and lower-quality Government to subsidise the wages of young apprentices early education. Bearing in mind that in this year alone and help to tackle this crisis of opportunity. Why will there has been a net loss of 2,500 childcare facilities in the Minister not work with us and Members right England, will the Minister apologise for covering this across the House to introduce Labour’s apprenticeship up? Will she explain to the House how she plans to wage subsidy proposal? rectify the very serious problem of underfunding in early education? Gillian Keegan: I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I am not in denial. Perhaps he is forgetting the kickstart The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education scheme, which also subsidises wages for six months for (Vicky Ford): I do wish sometimes that my opposite young people. That scheme is live and is going on number would stop scaremongering. We have put for the rest of this year. In addition, it may have escaped unprecedented investment in childcare over the past his notice, perhaps, that many of the sectors have been decade: more than £3.5 billion in each of the past three in lockdown until relatively recently. If we look at years. There are always a number of reasons why providers apprenticeship starts, we notice that there is an acceleration come and go from the register, including mergers and in those using the incentive payments to get back to acquisitions. The key thing is whether or not there are work. Of course, the £3,000 that has been provided can sufficient places for children. We monitor the market be used in any way that the employer wants to use it, very closely, and we are continuing to see that there are including to subsidise wages. So there is a lot of support not a significant number of parents who are unable to and I expect that the numbers will continue to increase. secure a childcare place this term or since early years sectors reopened in June. Topical Questions [901561] Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): Could the Secretary of State update the House [901560] Tom Hunt (Ipswich) (Con): If he will make a on progress on changing A-levels to enable students to statement on his departmental responsibilities. apply with known grades rather than predicted grades?

The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson): Gavin Williamson: I thank my hon. Friend for that I thank everyone in the education sector for their dedication question. The consultation closed on 13 May and we throughout the pandemic. Last week, I had the pleasure are looking at the response very closely. We really want of watching the Second Reading of the Skills and to bring post-qualification admissions forward as rapidly Post-16 Education Bill in the other place. The Bill will as possible. We would like to do so without legislation legislate for landmark reforms first set out in the skills and in co-operation with the sector, but if we are not for jobs White Paper to help to transform post-16 able to have that co-operation, we will drive this forward. education and training, boost skills and get more people All the evidence, from the Sutton Trust and from so into work, helping us to build back better as we come many others, is clear that PQA helps children from the out of the pandemic. most disadvantaged families more than any others. That is why we will make it happen. Tom Hunt: On Friday, I found out about the Diana Award anti-bullying strategy when I visited Gusford [901563] Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton Primary School and I had the pleasure of meeting West) (Ind): Given that the National Fire Chiefs Council, Harrison, a year 5 pupil, and Katie, a year 4 pupil. They Zurich Municipal and many other stakeholders across are the two anti-bullying ambassadors for Gusford primary. the UK have repeatedly called for Ministers to bring 583 Oral Answers 21 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 584

England in line with Scotland and Wales, where sprinklers Vicky Ford: The £3 billion education recovery are compulsory, will the Secretary of State explain interventions are largely targeted towards those children under what rationale the Department for Education has who need the most help. The catch-up and recovery chosen to pursue a programme of installing sprinklers premiums can be used flexibly by schools to support only in new schools over 11 metres tall? pupils with special educational needs, including those with dyslexia. Gavin Williamson: Wealways look at the latest evidence and take the very best guidance. We are very proud of [901566] Mohammad Yasin (Bedford) (Lab) [V]: Develop our building programme in schools, in new build and is part of a small not-for-profit organisation in Bedford refurbishments, but we always look very closely. As the providing personalised teaching and training to local hon. Lady will be aware, there is some debate as to learners. Many of its 31 students have special educational whether deluge systems or mist systems are best, but we needs and disabilities and cannot attend a mainstream are always guided by the best advice and the best college, so can the Secretary of State explain why this evidence in our school building programme. incredible centre’s Education and Skills Funding Agency funding will be stopped in July and how it is to support [901565] Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con) [V]: Our its devastated students and families? programme of promoting academies and enabling schools and colleges to become academies has been outstandingly Vicky Ford: Wehave, of course, increased our high needs successful and very popular. However, there is one budget by nearly a quarter over the past two years and section that has not been able to convert: Catholic put additional funding, through the recovery and catch-up sixth-form colleges. Will my right hon. Friend enable an programmes, towards special needs, supporting those amendment to the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill to children who need to be in special schools and not provide an opportunity for Catholic sixth-form colleges mainstream schools, but I would be happy to meet the to academise with the legal protections that they need? hon. Member and look at the specific case that he has raised. Gavin Williamson: I am aware of how important this is. We look at all legislative opportunities to see how this [901569] Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): Kash Singh came can best be done, and we are committed at the earliest to the United Kingdom aged seven, unable to speak opportunity to making it happen. We want to see English. He became a popular police inspector in Bradford, Catholic sixth-forms in a position to be able to academise, and on his retirement he set up OBON—One Britain because we have seen the benefits that that can bring to One Nation—which aims to bring communities,particularly so many schools. I will happily work with my hon. schoolchildren, together under the common cause of Friend and others to ensure that it happens at the being proud of being British and taking pride in British earliest moment. values. OBON Day is on Friday. Will the Secretary of State thank Kash Singh for all his work in this regard, [901564] Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op): and will he encourage all schools to take part in OBON Will the Secretary of State ensure that, instead of Day on Friday? experiencing disruption to a third academic year, Gavin Williamson: I would very much like to thank universities are able to determine their own return of Kash Singh for the work he has done on this amazing students in September this year? The University of project, and it is incredibly important that schools take York and York St John University have advanced plans part in it. We have already asked schools to participate, in place and they do not want to see further delays, and I am happy to reiterate the endorsement of the including staggered starts. Can they now also have the project from the Dispatch Box and to encourage them ability to allow international students to quarantine at to play their part in it. their local university? [901573] Dame Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull The Minister for Universities (Michelle Donelan): We North) (Lab) [V]: How confident is the Secretary of have every expectation that by the autumn term we will State that children and young people in the care of be able to move forward beyond step 4, meaning that local authorities are being protected from grooming there will be no further restrictions on the provision of gangs, and what discussions has he had with the Home in-person teaching and learning. During the pandemic, Secretary about what more needs to be done to protect many providers have developed a digital offering and, this group of young people? as autonomous institutions, they might choose to retain elements of that approach, as well as undertaking risk Gavin Williamson: I have regular discussions with the assessments, but our expectation is clear that universities Home Secretary and across Government on this issue. should maintain the quality, quantity and accessibility It is vital that everything is done to address this. I know of provision. In terms of international students, we that this is something that is felt on both sides of the have been one of the world’sleaders in our visa concessions House. We will continue to put in all the resources and and flexibilities. I shall continue to work closely with all the effort required to tackle this vital issue. the Home Office and the Department of Health to ensure that the best interests of students are always [901570] Rob Butler (Aylesbury) (Con): In the digital age, maintained, as well as public health. it is more important than ever that school and college courses reflect the skills needed by employers in the [901568] Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con) [V]: I refer the future. Will my hon. Friend outline the steps she and House to my entry in the Register of Members’ the Department are taking to bring forward new technical Financial Interests. Can the Secretary of State say what qualifications that will ensure that students from Aylesbury, particular support is being made available for pupils especially at the university technical college and the with dyslexia to help them to catch up following the further education college, are well equipped to meet the disruptions caused by the covid-19 pandemic? demands of the modern economy? 585 Oral Answers 21 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 586

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan: I will update the hon. Gentleman. We (Gillian Keegan): My hon. Friend is right: technical have been working with the Department for Work and skills and education are vital to our modern economy, Pensions to extend to 12 weeks the time that those who and never have we seen that more clearly than during are claiming universal credit can undertake college courses. the pandemic. The Conservative Government are Anyone who wants to attend one of the boot camps we encouraging more students into STEM education at all are rolling out across the country can complete the stages, from primary to higher education. We are proud programme, with up to 16 weeks in total. to have rolled out multiple programmes to increase support for and uptake of STEM subjects, including Emma Hardy (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle) through the National Centre for Computing Education. (Lab): The Department of Health and Social Care is We are also investing £138 million to fund the roll-out closing the asymptomatic testing and lateral flow testing of skills bootcamps across the country and free courses facilities at the University of Hull on 31 July, despite the for jobs, through which adults can study for qualifications fact that the university remains open during the summer such as a diploma in networking and cyber-security or a for staff, postgraduates, international students and students certificate in systems infrastructure. I am delighted that, who cannot return home, despite the fact that not all from September, Buckinghamshire College Group will students have been double vaccinated, and despite the offer our new employer-designed digital T-level. fact that the number of cases is rising. Will the Minister for Universities intervene urgently and speak to her colleagues at the DHSC to keep testing open at the [901574] Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab) [V]: Does University of Hull? the Secretary of State share my concern about the impact of the last year on teacher retention? What Michelle Donelan: As the hon. Member will know, we plans does he have to mitigate this and to tempt more have worked very closely with the Department of Health new entrants to the teaching profession? Is he considering and Social Care throughout the pandemic, and the more grant funding for those who are planning to enter testing offer for students continues to be as accessible as the profession? Will he take some positive steps? possible. In addition, students can utilise the universal testing offer. I will continue to work closely with the Gavin Williamson: We continue to support recruitment Department of Health and Social Care in regard to to the teaching profession with an extensive bursary summer provision as well as autumn provision, and I scheme to incentivise people to take up teaching, especially am happy to meet her to discuss this further. in areas with the greatest shortage. We remain committed to our £30,000 starting salary for teachers, which we Peter Kyle (Hove) (Lab): Ministers failed to secure recognise is an incredibly compelling offer for many over 90% of the funding called for by Kevan Collins for people. Mr Speaker, you will be pleased to hear that last the catch-up fund, and we have just discovered that year a record number of people chose to enter the teaching 100,000 vulnerable students and disadvantaged students profession, and we expect similar results this year. will miss out on the pupil premium because Ministers have failed to secure the funding. Over the weekend, when the Chancellor was asked, he gave the reason why: [901571] Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con) [V]: I thank my right hon. Friend for the recently announced because he cannot fund every cause that multimillion-pound rebuild of Lytham St Annes High “comes knocking on my door.” School, but looking to the present, what steps is the Do students in this country not deserve a set of Ministers Department taking to help school leavers this summer, with the skill and determination to get through the as they transition into work or higher education front door of the Treasury and come out with the following severe disruption to their final two academic investment that our schools, students and teachers need? years? The Minister for School Standards (Nick Gibb): We have announced a £1.4 billion education recovery package, Gavin Williamson: I pay tribute to my hon. Friend, which is the third announced in the last 12 months, who campaigned hard to get the funding to deliver the coming on top of £1 billion announced in June 2020 rebuilding of Lytham St Annes High School for his and £700 million announced in February last year. That constituents. We will continue to work with all schools £1.4 billion will provide an extra £1 billion for tutoring, throughout the remainder of this academic year to which will provide up to 100 million hours of tutoring. ensure that there is as much support as possible for That is 6 million 15-hour courses for five to 16-year-olds students, whether through the recovery premium that and 2 million 15-hour courses for 16 to 19-year-olds. schools have been receiving or money made available This is a huge package. We are now reviewing the time for summer schools, so that schools can put on additional aspect of the recommendations made by Sir Kevan, and activities. The further education sector has also been that will report into the spending review later this year. supported to support its pupils, so they can get on and get the best opportunities. Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. A few moments ago, the [901575] Richard Thomson (Gordon) (SNP): The Secretary of State—I am sure inadvertently—in answer Association of Colleges has accused the UK Government to me said that he and the Prime Minister had a plan to of creating an “education versus work”divide by requiring roll out tutoring to 6 million children across the country. universal credit claimants to prioritise looking for work That is an error that was also made last week by the over training. How exactly do the Government expect Prime Minister at Prime Minister’s questions. As I am disadvantaged universal credit claimants to train and sure the Secretary of State will wish to make clear to the improve their skills if their financial support is linked to House, the correct figure is 6 million tutoring sessions. prioritising work over training opportunities? That is slightly different. 587 Oral Answers 21 JUNE 2021 Oral Answers 588

Mr Speaker: Does the Secretary of State want to I now suspend the House for three minutes to enable come back? the necessary arrangements for the next business to be made. Gavin Williamson: Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. To be absolutely clear, we aim to roll out tutoring for 6 million pupils across the country. 3.37 pm Mr Speaker: Right. That has gone on the record. Sitting suspended. 589 21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 590

End-to-end Rape Review quickly as possible. The Government could not agree more, which is why the Minister for Crime and Policing Mr Speaker: Before I call the Lord Chancellor, I wish will be personally pushing this work forward, and the to remind Members that the House’s sub judice resolution Government will publish updates every six months detailing means that reference should not be made to any case in progress to ensure clear accountability. That will include which proceedings are active in the United Kingdom scorecards monitoring progress against key metrics, courts. including timeliness and victim engagement in each part of the system, and implementation of the action 3.40 pm plan. Our ambition is for the volume of cases referred by the police for charging decisions and reaching court The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice to return to 2016 levels by the end of this Parliament. (Robert Buckland): Thank you, Mr Speaker, for allowing me to make a statement. I want to put on record my One of the key themes of the review is how we can thanks to the Opposition Chief Whip, too, for allowing create the conditions that will enable effective joint some valuable Opposition day time. working between the police and CPS. It launched its I would like to make a statement on the Government’s joint action plan in January this year. That will enable end-to-end rape review report on findings and actions. both the police and CPS to work hand in glove to Rape and sexual assault are some of the most horrific support rape victims and to secure convictions. In the offences dealt with by our criminal justice system. They implementation phase of the review, we plan to introduce can leave devastating effects on victims for life. While joint decision-making guidance for CPS and police the majority of victims of rape are women, this crime investigation teams that will be implemented as part of can have a devastating effect on male victims as well. a necessary culture change. We will also build on the Over the last five years, we have seen an alarming shared learning and development in the form of training decline in the number of police referrals, charges, and guidance around trauma, to develop understanding prosecutions and convictions for these sorts of crimes—a of its effect on victims right across the system. In the trend that the Government are determined to reverse next 24 months, we will have a framework for a new with urgency. I want to pay tribute to the bravery of operating model that can be adopted by forces nationally. victims and to commend their courage in coming forward A key plank of our work to transform the way in to report these crimes. It is crucial that the system gives which cases are dealt with is the pathfinder programme all victims the reassurance that they will be believed and known as Operation Soteria, which is being launched to that they will receive the right support, right from the drive systemic and sustainable transformation in how moment they report their crime through to the conclusion the police and CPS handle investigations into rape and of their case and beyond. sexual offences. I am pleased to say that we have already In March 2019, the national criminal justice board begun to transform the support provided to victims by commissioned the first ever end-to-end review of how publishing a revised victims code, which sets out 12 clearly the criminal justice system handles rape cases. The rape defined rights. We have invested record amounts in review report and action plan outlines how we will act support over the last 18 months, including spending on its findings to deliver much needed improvements, more than £70 million on rape and domestic abuse building confidence in the system and encouraging more services in 2020-21 and £27 million on the expansion of victims to come forward. That will enable cases that are the independent sexual violence adviser service—the better prepared from the start, more prosecutions of ISVA service. rapes, greater encouragement of early guilty pleas, and fair and timely trials. This has been a collaborative I accept that more needs to be done to reform support effort between the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office, services to meet current and rising demand, and ISVAs the Attorney General’s Office—I am grateful to the play a crucial role. Research suggests that their involvement Solicitor General for being here today—the police, the in the criminal justice system can make a victim 49% more Crown Prosecution Service, and Her Majesty’s Courts likely to stay engaged and see their complaint through and Tribunals Service, which is something that we believe to its conclusions. With that in mind, we will shortly will be crucial to its long-term success. Alongside the consult on a statutory underpinning for the ISVA role action plan, a Government social research report outlining as part of the forthcoming victims Bill consultation. the underlying primary research in detail is also being The police and CPS will work together to introduce published. I have laid that report before the House.1 minimum standards on how to communicate with ISVAs Our action plan sets out a robust and ambitious after a complaint is made, throughout the investigation programme of work to improve the way in which the process, through charging decisions and through court criminal justice system responds to rape at every stage proceedings themselves. This will be done through a in the process, so that victims are better supported to national framework to ensure that standards improve get the justice they deserve and so that all our constituents right across the country. can have confidence that perpetrators of these sickening We are also committed to ensuring that no victim is crimes will be rightly punished. As the House will know, left without a means of communicating through an this has been a priority area for Government for some extremely traumatic period in their life, which is why we time, and I would like to take this opportunity to are working to increase the capacity of the frontline highlight some of the work already done, alongside the technology used to examine digital devices. We will new actions that we are committed to delivering in the work with the mobile phone technology industry to implementation of the review. support police efforts to provide swap-out phones for We appreciate that this is not the first piece of work victims to use when their own devices are unavailable. in this area of criminal justice, and that both victims Our ambition is that no victim will be left without a and stakeholder groups want change to happen as phone for more than 24 hours. 1.[Official Report, 5 July 2021, Vol. 698, c. 8MC.] 591 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 592

Werecognise that the court experience can be particularly have fallen to a record low. In the year 2016-17, there distressing. Last year, we rolled out section 28 of the were 41,616 rapes recorded in England and Wales—a Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 to help third less than currently—and there were 5,090 prosecutions support children and vulnerable adult victims and witnesses and 2,991 convictions. In 2019-20, the most recent year to give their evidence and be cross-examined sensitively. for which we have available data, the police recorded We are already piloting the same arrangements for 55,130 rapes but there were only 2,102 prosecutions and intimidated witnesses and victims in three locations, and 1,439 convictions. Rape convictions and prosecutions plan to increase that pilot to three additional courts. more than halved in just a few years, even despite the Subject to that evaluation, we aim to commence full number of recorded rapes having rocketed upwards. roll-out to all Crown courts for this group, and will It is impossible to separate those appalling statistics consider whether any further legislative change is needed. from the decade of Conservative cuts that have accompanied We also plan to test the use of section 28 in the youth them. Funding for the Ministry of Justice has fallen by court. 25% since 2010. When asked by the BBC whether the We will continue to explore how we can increase the removal of funding for legal services was linked to the use of special measures in rape trials, and will develop a downward trends, the Secretary of State admitted that best practice framework for rape and sexual violence that is “self-evidently the case.” Ten years of cuts to the cases during court proceedings. Additionally, we have courts, legal aid, police and the Crown Prosecution asked the Law Commission to explore the use of rape Service have created an environment in which victims myths and evidence about victim credibility at court to are denied justice and criminals are let off the hook. see whether there are changes we can make there to The Lord Chancellor swore an oath improve the experience for victims and give them the “to ensure the provision of resources for the efficient and effective opportunity to present their best evidence. In addition, support of the courts”; the CPS has updated its legal guidance to address rape clearly, he has failed. myths and stereotypes. After we have waited two years for the review to be We will go further than the work outlined in the published, its recommendations do not go far enough. review; later this year, we will publish a new strategy to Despite the Secretary of State’s having admitted that his tackle violence against women and girls, and we will funding cuts helped to cause the crisis, almost no new consult on the new victims Bill. I am sure that the whole funding at all is announced in the review. The review House will join me in acknowledging the many people lumps in spending on domestic violence and rape as a and organisations who are working tirelessly to improve headline to misrepresent the truth; the reality is that the the way in which these cases are handled. I thank the vast majority of the funding for refuge accommodation— organisations in this field. Their expertise, research and which is of course vital—has nothing to do with increasing challenge is invaluable. I am incredibly grateful to Emily rape prosecutions or convictions. The only mention of Hunt in particular, who has been working as an expert new funding is the £4 million over two years for independent adviser on the rape review, and ensured that the voice of sexual violence advisers. That equates to £15 per rape victims was heard loud and clear as the Government victim for a year. Does the Secretary of State really considered their approach. think that is enough funding to address the failings that I reassure the House that if the proposed actions do the report sets out? not yield sufficient change in the timescales that we have The review mentions the pre-recording of evidence set out, the Government are prepared to look at more for intimidated victims, which is a vital reform, but why fundamental changes to the criminal justice system, are the Government re-piloting the scheme for a further including measures to strengthen accountability and two years when they have piloted it twice already? Does governance more widely. The review represents just the the Secretary of State doubt that the current two-to- beginning of this work. We must continue to challenge three-year waiting list to get a rape case to court is the entire system to deliver urgent and sustained change. leading to many dropping out? Why are the Government We owe that to every victim of these terrible crimes. not funding specialist units for rape cases throughout Every part of the system can and must do better; now is the country? The pilot in Avon and Somerset has been the time for it to deliver. I commend this statement to successful, but the Government are going to roll it out the House. for only one year,among just four more police forces—more piecemeal pilots and nowhere near enough funding and 3.49 pm long-term commitment to make any real impact. We know the problems, we have the answers and the technology Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): Last week, the is in place—what is the hold-up? Secretary of State took the bold step of saying that he was “sorry” and “deeply ashamed” for how he and his As the Opposition spokesman, it is my job to hold Government had failed rape victims. “Sorry” is a word the Secretary of State to account. For his apology to that we do not hear often in this House, and we certainly have meaning, it needs accountability alongside it. In do not hear it enough. It is, frankly, a difficult word for their rape review,the Government outline their commitment politicians to say, but when a politician says sorry, it to return the volume of cases being referred by the means they are taking responsibility and expressing police and charged by the Crown Prosecution Service regret for mistakes that have caused large swathes of the and then going to court to at least public to suffer. “2016 levels by the end of this Parliament.” The Secretary of State was right to apologise, but his We in the Opposition said that by the end of this apology has been made meaningless by his attempt to Parliament is not good enough. Rape victims cannot be avoid taking responsibility over the weekend. Under his forced to wait another three years for conviction and watch, the conviction and prosecution rates for rapists prosecution levels to return to 2016 levels. We demanded 593 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 594

[Mr David Lammy] That in itself tells us that something has happened here with regard to the way in which these cases are approached, that the Secretary of State met the target within a year, and that has caused huge concern. There was a judicial but, bafflingly, his response was to describe such a review case about it that we are familiar with, which was target as “constitutionally illiterate”. We know that this hotly disputed between the Crown Prosecution Service failure affects several Departments. We know that the and the sector, and, rightly, we waited for that to be Crown Prosecution Service is independent, with oversight concluded before we published this review. I say again by the Attorney General’s office. We know that the to him what I said yesterday, which is that to in any way police are overseen by the Home Office. But we also suggest that an increase in prosecutions and the bringing know that the health of the justice system as a whole of cases should be linked to the fate or otherwise of a has a huge impact on the likelihood of a victim pressing politician is constitutionally illiterate, dangerous, and charges, the police charging a suspect and a conviction the sort of approach that could lead to allegations of being secured. Victims are facing delays because of the improper pressure being put on independent prosecutors. Justice Department’s cuts to the courts and legal aid, I wonder whether, before he issued his public and it is because of those delays that 44% of rape pronouncement, the right hon. Gentleman cleared it victims are pulling out of the justice system altogether. with his own boss. I can imagine the scene: me, as Lord In describing such a target as constitutionally illiterate, Chancellor,speaking to the Director of Public Prosecutions the Secretary of State suggested that the record low in a way that would have crossed the line with regard to prosecution and conviction rates for rapes were out of his prosecutorial independence; of course, the right his hands. That runs counter to his previous apology in hon. and learned Member for Holborn and St Pancras which he took responsibility for them. Does he, or does (Keir Starmer) was the DPP, and I am pretty sure about he not, take responsibility for this Government’shollowing the answer that I would have got from him. I think that out of the justice system? If not, does he intend to take the silence of the Leader of the Opposition on this his apology back? Do the Government intend to meet matter speaks volumes. their target of returning the number of rapists who face justice to 2016 levels, or have they done a U-turn and scrapped that target? Sir Robert Neill (Bromley and Chislehurst) (Con) [V]: This is a very important statement, and the Lord Chancellor The Secretary of State cannot show disdain for the knows that when he makes a bid for further funding for constitution whenever it suits him and then blame the the justice system, there is compelling evidence from the constitution when he is trying to defend his own failings. Justice Committee’s evidence sessions to support that. Enough is enough. Will he reverse these failures within In relation to the current issue, does he agree that one of a year, or will he resign? the most striking figures is that of 52,000 cases reported as rapes or serious sexual offences, only 2,700 found Mr Speaker: This is a very, very important subject their way to the Crown Prosecution Service, which has a and it is quite right that we are having this statement, high percentage of then charging? Does he agree that it but there are other Members besides those on the Front is critical that the evidence file is available to the Crown Benches whom I need to hear from. It is important to Prosecution Service and that victims and complainants all colleagues to get on the record, so please, whether we are treated sensitively? Can we find out more about are talking about the Minister or the shadow Minister, what happened to the other 50,000 that never even we must stick to the time that the House has agreed to. made it to the stage of being considered by the CPS? It is not what I have agreed to, but what the House and Members have signed up to. Please, let us ensure that Robert Buckland: My hon. Friend the Chair of the everybody gets a fair chance. Justice Committee is right to point out the significant difference between the number of complaints that are Robert Buckland: I am mindful of your stricture, made and the number of cases that reach their way to Mr Speaker. court. I have long harboured deep concerns about those May I remind the right hon. Gentleman very firmly early stages in the investigative process when a complainant about what I said? I rightly took responsibility and or a victim comes forward with a complaint and then is apologised for the overall failure that has led us to this made to make some very difficult choices, most notably situation. I do that as somebody who is politically about handing over a mobile phone. A young woman’s responsible; I accept that without any qualification. I life will be on that phone. What replacement is she going accept as well that resources are a matter for the to have, and how is she going to manage without such Government, and I explained that, in the context of an important device? Very often that sort of Manichean what we were left with, decisions were made back in choice is given, which is wholly wrong. That is why I 2010 that did indeed result in reductions. None the less, think at the early stages of the investigation we need to he will know as well that the issue with regard to the do more to support victims, which is why I regard the prosecution of rapes is not just about resources. It is investment in ISVAs as key to making sure that we can about culture. It is about the way in which victims have, make a difference and reduce that cliff edge. I want to for far too long, been the focus of all attention. I know consult further on other aspects of support that we can he agrees that that is inappropriate and that it is time for give victims at the earliest stage to make sure that, when a much more perpetrator-focused approach. it comes to disclosure, the rights of victims are protected When we calmly look at the figures for rape prosecutions just as much as the rights of the accused. over the past 10 or 15 years, we will see an encouraging rise from 2010 to about the middle of the decade, then a Ms Harriet Harman (Camberwell and Peckham) (Lab): sustained improvement until about 2017-18, and then this I welcome the fact that the Justice Secretary has very concerning decline that I have rightly acknowledged. acknowledged the woeful failure of the justice system to 595 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 596 protect women and girls from the abhorrent crime of is unacceptable. Does the Secretary of State agree that rape. Will he recognise that one of the things that deters that cultural change must include making misogyny a victims from supporting a prosecution is that, when it hate crime, so that it is treated as severely as crimes comes to trial, it is they who are put in the dock by motivated by racial or religious hatred, as well as better having their sexual history being dragged out and being age-appropriate relationships and sex education in schools? made the focus of the trial, instead of the focus being on the defendant and what he actually did? Will he Robert Buckland: I am grateful to the hon. Lady, who address this by backing the new clauses that have been makes some extremely relevant points and gets to the put forward on a cross-party basis to the Police, Crime, heart of the issue when it comes to the need to reduce Sentencing and Courts Bill, which will ensure that the the number of victims in the first place. I was very glad defendants’ previous sexual history is only ever brought to hear her reference to the curriculum. A lot of work up in court when there has been a previous application has been done to expand the curriculum on sex education to the judge, who has ruled that it is relevant to the and healthy relationships, and I pay tribute to the work particular issue on trial? not only of teachers, but of third sector groups that are campaigning actively to improve the quality of that Robert Buckland: May I pay tribute to the right hon. provision. She will be glad to know that the violence and learned Lady for her tireless work in this area? against women and girls strategy, which was reopened Indeed, she and I have regular dialogue about these in the wake of the appalling Sarah Everard killing, has issues and have done in the past. I will say several things received hundreds of thousands of responses. That is in response. First, it is vital that existing protections are going to be the heart of the Government’s approach to properly policed and used by the courts when it comes prevention in order to achieve the goal that she and I to restrictions on wholly inappropriate cross-examination. share. I have in particular asked the Law Commission to look Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden) (Con): at the whole issue about the trial process, and the rape Most rape victims feel unable to pursue their case myth issue that is still a real concern for many people because they feel disbelieved or judged. That was highlighted who end up taking part in this process. But I will say in the DSD and NBV v. Met police in 2018. The words this to her: I think it begins much earlier. I think the of DSD, who was a victim of John Worboys, were: undue focus on the victim begins right from the initial investigation, and I think that that is wrong. I think that “The police made me feel that I’d made it all up.” the proper emphasis in this report is about looking at It meant that Worboys was able to go on and carry out the person who is alleged to have done it, rather than 100 more rapes of women. The other victim, NBV, said constantly focusing, as she rightly says, on irrelevant that the police previous sexual matters that have nothing to do with the “asked me whether I’d describe myself as a young lady who would case and are an unwarranted intrusion into the private wear red nail polish and red lipstick. They asked me how often I … life of victims. would go out drinking The way they behaved made me feel like anything that had happened to me was because I deserved it.” The behaviour of the police in this case is a stark Sara Britcliffe (Hyndburn) (Con): It is absolutely demonstration of why so many victims give up, yet the vital that there is a focus on offender behaviour rather Metropolitan Police Commissioner rebutted the case, than victim credibility, which is and will have been a saying that it made their job too difficult. Frankly, significant factor as to why victims fear coming forward. unless the senior management of the Met and other The steps being taken on ensuring victims and witnesses large police forces show a willingness to change and can pre-record video evidence is welcome, but what will learn from these cases, I am afraid we will need to look be done to extend this to all the courts so that all victims for new senior management. and witnesses can have access to this? Robert Buckland: My right hon. Friend has very Robert Buckland: I thank my hon. Friend, and I say graphically illustrated some of the appalling experiences this: we have already rolled out the section 28 provisions that many complainants and victims have undergone, to cover intimidated witnesses, many of whom will of and that is very much at the core of this review. We need course themselves have been the victims of sexual offences. to move away from the fixation with the credibility or We are going further: we are working very hard with the believing of the victim and be much more about the judiciary to pilot more use of the pre-recorded cross- perpetrator. If someone’s house is burgled, they do not examination technology in the case of intimidated witnesses. expect to have a long trawl into their personal history I have indicated that I will be prepared to legislate, if and whether they had left an upstairs window unlocked necessary, to ensure that we can fulfil the scale of my or whether they had been drinking; it is about trying to ambition, but I have to work closely with the judiciary find out who did it and who is responsible for the crime. to ensure that the operational realities—listing pressures It is that sort of approach that we need in rape and and the sheer way in which we can accommodate these serious sexual offending. hearings—are fully taken into account as well. Liz Saville Roberts (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): The Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD): It is of course vital that prevalence of rape myths and the lack of understanding the charging and prosecution of rape cases improves of consent are known to act as barriers to justice for dramatically,so that rapists are put in prison and survivors rape victims, and the Lord Chancellor rightly mentions get justice, but we also need to stop rape and other the need for culture change. Will he therefore commit to forms of violence against women and girls happening in bringing forward a strategy to provide training for the the first place, and that requires a cultural change investigation of rape and alleged rape complaints, not across our society—all men and boys must understand only for the judiciary but for all jury members hearing that violence, harassment and abuse of women and girls such prosecutions? 597 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 598

Robert Buckland: The right hon. Lady is quite right think a couple of things combined to make the figures to ask about the trial process. I think she knows that my so alarming. Most notably, there were a number of fundamental view about this is that things go wrong cases towards the end of 2017—such as the Liam Allan well before cases get to court and that the gap between case, which we remember—where there was a genuine complaint and prosecution is the real problem. However, concern on the part of those representing accused people I fully take on board what she says. She will note that in that somehow there was an issue with disclosure and the review we have committed to look very carefully—in that disclosure was not being done properly and thoroughly. fact, I have already asked the Law Commission to do That has long been a concern of mine, and I initiated this—at, to coin a phrase, the rape myth issue, to see work as Solicitor General to improve the way in which whether the existing provisions are strong enough. I the disclosure was effected. I think that has had a know that rape myths are already being challenged chilling effect upon the approach to many cases. daily in our courts, but we want to look at whether more I do not think it is right for me to apportion blame to can be done, particularly on issues such as the assumption anybody—far from it—but there is no doubt that we that a rape victim has to have some injury or bruising, need to move away from the swinging pendulum—either which is clearly a misconception. A lot more can be the perception that it is swinging too far in the direction done to dispel that myth with more comprehensive, of too many cases being brought without evidence, or perhaps medical evidence from the prosecution, but I too far the other way, where only the safest cases are look forward to working with the right hon. Lady, as I being brought and not enough is being done in respect always do, on these important issues. of the volume. I will take on board the right hon. Lady’s points Simon Fell (Barrow and Furness) (Con): We know about arrests. I think she will be encouraged by the that all too often rape is committed by someone the review, which is a clarion call for a change in culture victim knows. Because of that, investigations are incredibly and in a way that the police in particular deal with the hard to progress and are incredibly intrusive for the early stages of the investigation, but I will be happy to victim as well. Many victims disengage from the process, engage further with her on the detail. which means that we cannot move those cases forward. My right hon. and learned Friend’s announcement on ISVAs is therefore incredibly welcome, but improving Alberto Costa (South Leicestershire) (Con) [V]: Following criminal justice outcomes will be difficult without a the John Worboys outrage, the Secretary of State was substantial increase in their numbers and their capacity. given the authority,through the reconsideration mechanism, What measures will he put in place to do that and to request that the Parole Board reconsider certain improve outcomes for victims? decisions. He does not need to apply the same high threshold as in judicial review grounds of law to deem a Robert Buckland: My hon. Friend is right to focus on case irrational. I welcome the future root-and-branch the need for early support for victims. As I said in my review of the Parole Board, but will the Secretary of statement, the evidence is clear that an ISVA can reduce State confirm that he will stand by his welcome numerous quite dramatically the number of victims who drop references to being firm on those who commit the most their case. The funding that I have put in place will allow egregious sexual offences and murders against women, us to recruit an extra 700 ISVAs, and we will go further and will he refer the appalling decision to release double than that in the victims’ law consultation by creating a child rapist and killer Colin Pitchfork back to the statutory framework within which the work of ISVAs Parole Board? can be recognised and a national standard set, to ensure a consistent approach across England and Wales. Robert Buckland: I pay tribute to my hon. Friend’s assiduous campaigning on this most grave and disturbing Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) case. The decision to reconsider is one that I am looking (Lab): The Home Affairs Committee will take evidence at very carefully. I am taking the fullest advice and will on the Government’s response from the Victims’ make an announcement within the 21-day period, which Commissioner, Emily Hunt, who advised the review, will be very soon. Imkaan and Rape Crisis on Wednesday. In 2014-15, I raised serious concerns with the Government about the John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): The Justice drop in rape arrests at that time, which were already Secretary’s statement referred to rolling out the pilot to falling, and also warned about the hollowing out of all Crown courts, but we all know that it will be rolled specialist police teams and specialist prosecution teams out immediately to only nine Crown courts out of working on rape, with fears for the consequences. However, 70-odd. On the basis that during the two years that it none of us would have anticipated quite how far the took to publish the review, there were 100,000 reported numbers of prosecutions would then plummet. Can the rapes, at what point will he reach every Crown court in Lord Chancellor tell me what assessment he has made the country? of the number of specialist police officers and specialist prosecutors working in specialist rape teams and how it Robert Buckland: The hon. Gentleman is right to press compares with five years ago, and if he has not, why not? me on speed. I remind him that the decision to publish the rape review now was made in the light of a very important Robert Buckland: I take on board the proper points judicial review that was mounted by representatives of of the Chair of the Home Affairs Committee. I do not the sector; I listened to their representations and quite have specific figures to hand, but I can tell her that the rightly waited for the outcome of that important case RASSO—rape and serious sexual offence—units have before publishing. However, I take the point. I am as been working for a number of years, from right back anxious as he is to get on with things, but in respect of before 2014, bringing the police and the CPS together. I the section 28 roll-out I have to work hand in glove with 599 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 600 the judiciary, who are operationally responsible: for good practice where suitably trained police officers do example, a listing of a section 28 remote cross-examination that sort of work. We want to ensure greater consistency, will take some time in the court day. We have seen some and over and above the combined CPS-police working, really good examples in which it is working well, but I I want more external scrutiny, in particular examining am listening very carefully to the judiciary’s observations and looking at cases to ensure that all necessary evidence about how it can be rolled out fully. I will push as hard has been gathered, rather than the case being dropped. as I can to achieve my personal ambition to see section 28 That aspect of challenging and testing the evidence will become the norm. Through the scorecard mechanism that be an important plank of what I hope will be an we are introducing, we will be held accountable at regular increased number of cases. This is about confidence, intervals and he will have an opportunity to press me if and all Members of the House want to give those who he does not think that it is going fast enough. have suffered at the hands of perpetrators the confidence they need to come forward. I accept that confidence has Jeremy Wright (Kenilworth and Southam) (Con): I taken a huge hit in the last few years, and I hope that welcome what my right hon. and learned Friend has through my acknowledgement of that, and my willingness said. As he recognises, what is done in the preparation to take action—something I know is supported by of a case matters at least as much as what is said Members across the House—we can start to grow in court, so I urge him to link closely the work that the confidence and improve that vital trust. Government are already doing on disclosure with the work that he has described this afternoon. However, as Katherine Fletcher (South Ribble) (Con): I hear many he also knows, what is said in court matters too. To times from friends and constituents the perception that reinforce the point that the right hon. Member for if someone is a victim of crime, a rape, coming forward Dwyfor Meirionnydd (Liz Saville Roberts) made, if we and reporting that will be painful—the hon. Member are to ensure that rape myths are properly challenged, for Strangford (Jim Shannon) made that point. People will the Justice Secretary make sure that in his conversations feel they will not be trusted, and there is a barrier with the judiciary he looks carefully at the judicial because people are not even coming forward to achieve directions given to juries, and that if they need further the possibility of justice. How will the Lord Chancellor refinement, they get it? hold the system to account for the actions to which his Government have committed, to ensure that the report Robert Buckland: I pay tribute to my right hon. and is delivered on, and those barriers broken down? learned Friend, who as Attorney General worked very hard with me on the issue of disclosure and started the Robert Buckland: My hon. Friend is right to ask how process that resulted in the revised Attorney General’s we will measure this process; the scorecards, the data guidelines issued last year. He and I both know from metrics, that will be published later this year will be a our professional experience that a badly prepared and crucial way to do that. They will consider things such as badly run case, in terms of disclosure, can be extremely victim engagement, the quality of files being processed, destructive and frankly a miserable experience for those and the overall impact that that is having on the system. involved. He will be glad to know that we are not only Those data will be an invaluable public source of pledging to ensure that victims’ phones are returned after accountability. I am prepared to go further. If we do not no more than 24 hours, but working on new technology see the outcomes that I set out, we will of course have to to ensure that analysis of data can happen that much look again at accountability issues. Given the excellent more quickly. We want to ensure that 10,000 devices are way that my hon. Friend opened her question, she will examined through the year, rather than being left for be glad to know that the CPS is in the process of months and months before the investigation can be developing new guidance for pre-trial therapy, counselling taken further. On the court process, he will be glad to and support, with the aim of ensuring that victims get know of my decision to ask the Law Commission the support they need in a way that does not undermine to look at some of the enduring issues surrounding the or diminish the quality of their evidence. That could be trial process, which I think will address many of his a vital step forward for victims. observations. Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I thank the Secretary Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham) (Lab) [V]: Darlington of State for his statement. I was disheartened to hear and County Durham’s rape and sexual abuse counselling that there are an estimated 128,000 victims of rape a centre is working with around 300 survivors. We know year and that the reason that the figure is estimated is that 44% of rape victims pull out of the justice system that less than 20% of victims of rape report to the before their day in court, and most never come forward police. Will the Secretary of State outline whether funding to the police at all, with trauma being a major reason will be available to provide greater training for the first for that. What measures has the Secretary of State port of call in finding justice—the first police officer called taken to ensure that sustainable funding for the mental to the scene—to help them to have a greater understanding wellbeing and support of victims is available at every of the needs of a rape victim in the first instance? Does point on the pathway to justice, and beyond? he intend to provide additional funding for police forces throughout the UK to ensure that there are highly Robert Buckland: I thank the hon. Lady for her trained support-giving officers on every shift in every question, and I pay tribute to the work being done by police district in every part of the United Kingdom? agencies in Durham. As she rightly points out, that is an example of the very good practice we see in various Robert Buckland: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his parts of our country. She will be glad to note the question. I rightly have to speak about England and increased funding that I announced for ISVAs, and our Wales as a jurisdiction, but I know these issues cover all intention to go further in the victims’ law consultation three jurisdictions. There are plenty of examples of to create a national statutory framework. She is right to 601 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 602

[Robert Buckland] replacing this confrontational system with something more like the family courts? In the context of alleged press the issue of expenditure and funding, and in the rape, it is quite right that the victim has anonymity, but past two years my Department has achieved, year-on-year, if the perpetrator had anonymity as well—if the case 5% increases in revenue funding. In the next spending was not going forward in a blaze of local or national review I intend to make a strong case for the need to publicity—we might actually get closer to the truth. ensure that the rape review, and its ambition, is met with results. Robert Buckland: My right hon. Friend posits a very interesting point about the merits of perhaps a more Mark Fletcher (Bolsover) (Con): I have spoken to inquisitorial or consensual system than the adversarial victims who were actually treated well by the police—they system, but I remind him—of course, he was a practitioner were looked after—but when the Crown Prosecution as well—that allegations of a criminal nature have to Service became involved, it all fell apart. What steps is meet a high standard of proof, and the burden of proof my right hon. and learned Friend taking to improve is on the prosecution in these cases. There is no getting collaboration between the police and the CPS so that away from that, which is why, progressively over the victims get the full support that they need? years, we have done everything we can to improve and to allow the best evidence to come forward from Robert Buckland: My hon. Friend rightly identifies complainants through the use of special measures, remote the breakdown that can sometimes occur when one technology and, indeed, the TV link, which has been agency passes over responsibility to another. That should around for 30 years. I want to go further with regard to not be happening. There are plenty of examples where that and make sure that evidence can be dealt with as there is better practice, but it should be uniform. That is early as possible. I will no doubt have further discussions why, in the report, we place heavy emphasis on joint about this issue with him, but at this stage I believe that working between the police and the CPS to create a we can seek improvement through the existing system much more seamless approach to the support for victims. while, as I say, dealing with some of the unfortunate Victims find that if they have one main point of contact consequences to which he rightly alludes. who is with them throughout the process, that makes things somewhat easier compared with the experience Joanna Cherry (Edinburgh South West) (SNP): This of others. That is a very important principle when it review applies to England and Wales only, but Scotland comes to the support that victims deserve. The victims faces similar challenges. In 2009 I was privileged to be code will, and does already with its improvements, set one of the first specialist sex crimes prosecutors in out fundamental and clear rights, and we will go further Scotland’s national sex crimes unit, and I am looking to by enshrining those in legislation. its work being rejuvenated under the leadership of the Lord Advocate, my very dear friend Dorothy Bain QC. Does the Lord Chancellor agree that it is imperative for Peter Kyle (Hove) (Lab): The review that the Secretary data accuracy, and for trust in official statistics, in of State has presented quotes victims as reporting that public policy, in media reporting and in research and the withdrawal of services in recent years has played a public bodies that the sex of those directly charged with crucial part in their failure to secure a prosecution. He rape or attempted rape is accurately recorded? has said in the media in recent days that the lack of investment and the cuts in recent years have played a Robert Buckland: I join the hon. and learned Lady in part in the fall in prosecutions, so if disinvestment in her remarks about the Scottish system. I congratulate parts of the criminal justice system is part of the the new Lord Advocate and look forward to meeting problem, why has he presented a plan to Parliament her. As I have always said to the hon. and learned Lady, that includes almost no reinvestment in the system? there is much that we can learn from the Scots and, I know, much that the Scots learn from England and Robert Buckland: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman Wales with regard to the prosecution of offences. and, again, I pay tribute to the work that he has done on [Interruption.] Oh, she must readily accept that. We victims’ issues. Even though he has other responsibilities, were far ahead of the Scots with regard to rules on I know that he will want to engage in the ongoing corroboration, for example. But it is not a competition; victims’ law consultation. I readily acknowledge some it is all about us learning jointly as part of our United of the pressures and financial issues that have led to Kingdom. With regard to the accurate reporting of gender, some services not being there, but some services were clearly the definition of rape itself will tell us about the not even there in the first place. The number of ISVAs sex of the perpetrator. That, in itself, should be the in the country is too low and that has historically been clearest indicator of the sex of the person who perpetrates the case. I want to see not a return to a previous number these crimes. No doubt she and I will talk about this but a new departure in the scale of support for victims. matter further. I think I know the drift of her question. He will note the funding that I announced this year, which I want to follow up: I will continue to make the Siobhan Baillie (Stroud) (Con): My right hon. and point and make the case that we need a sustained learned Friend mentioned that our lives are on our improvement in services to see long-term results. The phones. Access to people who can give us comfort on hon. Gentleman’s voice is being heard. our phones is greatly needed when going through a period of trauma, as are some of the victims of rape Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): None of coming forward to the police. Can he give us more what has been said so far is going to get us very far. It is information about what he is doing to ensure that the absolutely intimidating for a woman—an alleged victim ambition that phones will not be separated from victims of rape—to have to go through a traditional court for more than 24 hours will be achieved, and give us the procedure. Can we not think, in really radical terms, of timeline for that as well? 603 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 604

Robert Buckland: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, BILLS PRESENTED who, as a practitioner in the law, dealt with, in a family context, many of the consequences of serious sexual Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): We abuse. She will see that the report does include direct now come to the presentation of Bills. As the House can reference to our ambition to return phones within 24 hours, see—I do not think I have seen this many people in the or to provide a swap-around service so that if the phone Chamber for a very long time—we have a good many cannot be handed back, then a substitute will be given. Bills to be presented today. In order to save time and to However,this needs to go further with regard to investment get on with today’smain business, for Members presenting in analytics. That is why this year I shall host a tech more than one consecutive Bill, I will accept private summit to bring together the sector in a way that can notice of the dates of Second Reading for those Bills. only lead to enhancements in the speed and quality of These dates will be minuted accordingly in Hansard and data analysis, because she is quite right that we need to in Votes and Proceedings. For Members presenting improve that experience quickly. individual Bills, they will name the date for Second Reading as usual. Mr Speaker: I now suspend the House for three minutes to enable the necessary arrangements to be REGISTERS OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS made for the next business. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) 4.32 pm Saqib Bhatti presented a Bill to make provision about Sitting suspended. the keeping and maintenance of registers of births and deaths; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 26 November, and to be printed (Bill 34).

MENTAL HEALTH PROVISION (CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Munira Wilson presented a Bill to require the Government to report annually to Parliament on mental health provision for children and young people. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 18 March 2022, and to be printed (Bill 35).

ASYLUM SEEKERS (PERMISSION TO WORK) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Carol Monaghan, supported by Martin Docherty- Hughes,Patrick Grady,Anum Qaisar-Javed, David Linden, Stewart Malcolm McDonald, Stuart C McDonald, Anne McLaughlin, Angus Brendan MacNeil, Chris Stephens, Alison Thewliss and Owen Thompson, presented a Bill to make provision for granting permission to work to asylum seekers who have waited six months for a decision on their asylum application; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 3 December, and to be printed (Bill 36).

MINIATURE MOBILE PHONES (PROHIBITION OF SALE) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Sarah Atherton presented a Bill to prohibit the sale of miniature mobile phones; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 37).

DOMESTIC BUILDING WORKS (CONSUMER PROTECTION) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Mark Garnier, supported by Mr Steve Baker, Anthony Mangnall, David Morris, Kelly Tolhurst, Caroline Nokes, Jake Berry, Emma Hardy and Fleur Anderson, presented a Bill to make provision about consumer protection in relation to domestic building works; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 19 November, and to be printed (Bill 38). 605 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 606

UNSOLICITED EXPLICIT IMAGES AND DEEPFAKE and employee associations; to amend the definition of PORNOGRAPHY worker; to make provision about the employment rights Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) of members of the armed forces; to make provision Angela Richardson presented a Bill to create the about employee representatives on company boards; offences of sending unsolicited explicit digital images and for connected purposes. and of producing digitally-altered images or videos in Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on which an individual is depicted pornographically without Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 45). their consent; and for connected purposes. CORPORATE HOMICIDE BILL Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Friday 4 February 2022, and to be printed (Bill 39). Chris Stephens presented a Bill to amend the Corporate LOCAL AUTHORITY BOUNDARIES (REFERENDUMS) Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 to make provision about the offence of corporate homicide; Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) and for connected purposes. Robbie Moore, supported by Philip Davies, presented Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on a Bill to make provision to enable parliamentary Friday 22 October, and to be printed (Bill 46). constituency areas to form new unitary local authority areas if agreed by referendum; to make provision for PUBLIC ADVOCATE BILL such referendums; and for connected purposes. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Maria Eagle, supported by Sir George Howarth, Friday 25 February 2022, and to be printed (Bill 40). Derek Twigg, Alison McGovern, Dame Angela Eagle, Peter Dowd, Bill Esterson, Conor McGinn, Dan Carden, APPROVED PREMISES (SUBSTANCE TESTING) Ian Byrne, Paula Barker and Kim Johnson, presented a Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill to establish a public advocate to provide advice to, Rob Butler presented a Bill to make provision about and act as data controller for, representatives of the substance testing in approved premises and for connected deceased after major incidents. purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 47). Friday 29 October, and to be printed (Bill 41). PATERNITY (LEAVE AND PAY)BILL PRIME MINISTER (TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Gareth Davies presented a Bill to extend eligibility Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to make provision for for paternity leave and pay; to make provision for more the carrying out of the functions of the Prime Minister flexibility in the timing of, and notice period for, paternity in the event that a Prime Minister,or a person temporarily leave; and for connected purposes. carrying out the functions of the Prime Minister, is Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on incapacitated; and for connected purposes. Friday 29 October, and to be printed (Bill 48). Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 14 January 2022, and to be printed (Bill 42). GOODS DELIVERY SERVICES BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) BRITISH GOODS (PUBLIC SECTOR PURCHASING DUTY) Jamie Stone presented a Bill to regulate charges for, Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) and the advertising of, goods delivery services; to make provision about transport infrastructure in remote areas John Spellar presented a Bill to place a duty on public to promote the use of goods delivery services; and for bodies to have a presumption in favour of purchasing connected purposes. goods of British origin in purchasing decisions; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 18 March, and to be printed (Bill 49). Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 10 December, and to be printed (Bill 43). PUBLIC BODIES (REPRESENTATION FROM DEVOLVED NATIONS)BILL COVID-19 VACCINE DAMAGE Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Wendy Chamberlain presented a Bill to require the Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to require the Government to have regard to the desirability of boards Secretary of State to establish an independent review of of public bodies including at least one person with disablement caused by Covid-19 vaccinations and the relevant experience in at least one of Scotland, Wales adequacy of the compensation offered to persons so and Northern Ireland. disabled; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 26 November, and to be printed (Bill 50). Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 44). EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT (ACCOMPANIMENT TO EMPLOYMENT BILL HEARINGS)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) Martin Docherty-Hughes, supported by Chris Stephens, Brendan Clarke-Smith, supported by Andrew Lewer, presented a Bill to make provision about the rights of Andrew Percy, Caroline Ansell, Damian Hinds, Jonathan workers, including to negotiate pay and join trade unions Gullis, Jim Shannon, Robert Halfon, Scott Benton, 607 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 608

Selaine Saxby, Tim Loughton and Virginia Crosby, in their work; to add onto a Minister in each government presented a Bill to provide that teachers and other department’s portfolio a duty to promote the future education staff may choose to be accompanied to generations principle across government policy; to establish disciplinary or grievance hearings by a person other a Joint Parliamentary Committee on Future Generations; than a trade union representative or colleague; and for and for connected purposes. connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 56). Friday 22 October, and to be printed (Bill 51).

CLEAN AIR TARGETS (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION CONVERSION THERAPY (PROHIBITION)BILL GUIDELINES)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) Wera Hobhouse presented a Bill to prohibit sexual Christine Jardine presented a Bill to require United orientation and gender identity conversion therapy; and Kingdom clean air targets to comply with World Health for connected purposes. Organization guidelines; to require the Secretary of Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on State to report annually to Parliament on that compliance; Friday 18 March 2022, and to be printed (Bill 57). and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 10 December, and to be printed (Bill 52). PEDICABS (LONDON)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) ENERGY PRICING BILL Nickie Aiken, supported by Felicity Buchan, Florence Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) Eshalomi, David Simmonds and Ms Karen Buck, presented Martyn Day, supported by Margaret Ferrier, Marion a Bill to provide for the regulation of the carrying of Fellows, John Mc Nally, Ronnie Cowan and Douglas passengers in Greater London by pedal cycles and Chapman, presented a Bill to prohibit the practice of power-assisted pedal cycles for hire or reward; and for offering preferential energy tariffs to new customers connected purposes. compared to existing customers; to place further restrictions Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on on energy pricing; and for connected purposes. Friday 19 November, and to be printed (Bill 58). Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 22 October, and to be printed (Bill 53). EMPLOYMENT (CARING LEAVE)BILL COMMERCIAL RENT (PROHIBITION OF UPWARD-ONLY Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) REVIEWS)BILL Jack Brereton presented a Bill to give employees who Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) are unpaid carers the right to one week’s unpaid leave Sarah Olney presented a Bill to prohibit the use of for caring purposes; and for connected purposes. upward-only rent review clauses in commercial rent Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on agreements; to nullify existing such clauses; and for Friday 4 February 2022, and to be printed (Bill 59). connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on PALESTINE STATEHOOD (RECOGNITION)BILL Friday 18 March 2022, and to be printed (Bill 54). Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) CITY OF BRADFORD (REFERENDUM ON SHIPLEY AND Layla Moran, supported by Ed Davey, Stephen Farry, KEIGHLEY)BILL Sarah Champion, Andy Slaughter, Alyn Smith, Caroline Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) Lucas and Claire Hanna, presented a Bill to make Philip Davies, supported by Robbie Moore, presented provision in connection with the recognition of the a Bill to make provision for a district-wide referendum State of Palestine. in the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on area on the continued inclusion of the areas covered by Friday 18 March 2022, and to be printed (Bill 60). the Shipley and Keighley parliamentary constituencies in that district; and for connected purposes. CLIMATE AND ECOLOGY BILL Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 25 February 2022, and to be printed (Bill 55). Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) Caroline Lucas, supported by Barry Gardiner, Alan WELLBEING OF FUTURE GENERATIONS (NO. 2) BILL Brown, Ed Davey, Liz Saville Roberts, Claire Hanna, Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) Stephen Farry, Clive Lewis, Alex Sobel, Brendan O’Hara, Simon Fell presented a Bill to make provision for a Sarah Olney and Ben Lake, presented a Bill to require public consultation to inform a set of national wellbeing the United Kingdom to achieve climate and nature goals; to require public bodies to act in pursuit of the targets; to give the Secretary of State a duty to implement United Kingdom’s environmental, social, economic and a strategy to achieve those targets; to establish a Climate cultural wellbeing by meeting wellbeing objectives, and Nature Assembly to advise the Secretary of State in publishing future generations impact assessments and creating that strategy; to give duties to the Committee accounting for preventative spending; to establish a on Climate Change and the Joint Nature Conservation futures and forecasting report; to establish a Commission Committee regarding the strategy and targets; and for for Future Generations for the United Kingdom; to connected purposes. extend the duty of the Office of Budget Responsibility Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on to consider wellbeing and the future generations principle Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 61). 609 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 610

NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS BILL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (ABOLITION)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Mrs Maria Miller presented a Bill to restrict the use Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to abolish the Electoral of non-disclosure agreements; and for connected purposes. Commission; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 3 December, and to be printed (Bill 62). Friday 26 November, and to be printed (Bill 69).

HOSPITALS (PARKING CHARGES AND BUSINESS TIPS BILL RATES)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Dean Russell presented a Bill to prohibit employers Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to prohibit charging retaining tips and gratuities intended for staff; to make for car parking at NHS Hospitals for patients and provision about the division of tips and gratuities between visitors; to make provision for NHS Hospitals to be staff; and for connected purposes. exempt from business rates; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 63). Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 70).

HUMAN TRAFFICKING (CHILD PROTECTION)BILL EDUCATION (16 TO 19 ACADEMIES) (RELIGIOUS CHARACTER)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to make provision for the creation of secure safe houses for children that have Scott Benton presented a Bill to permit 16 to 19 been subject to human trafficking; and for connected academies to have a designated religious character; and purposes. for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 21 January 2022, and to be printed (Bill 71). Friday 29 October, and to be printed (Bill 64).

GENERAL ELECTION (LEADERS’DEBATES)BILL KINSHIP CARE (PARENTAL LEAVE)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to set up a commission Katherine Fletcher presented a Bill to make provision to make arrangements for debates between leaders of about parental leave for kinship carers who take on political parties during a General Election; and for responsibility for children whose parents are unable to connected purposes. care for them; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 22 October, and to be printed (Bill 72). Friday 14 January 2022, and to be printed (Bill 65). HOMELESS PEOPLE (CURRENT ACCOUNTS)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) MISCARRIAGE LEAVE BILL Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to require banks to Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) provide current accounts for homeless people seeking Angela Crawley presented a Bill to make provision work; and for connected purposes. for paid leave for people who have experienced miscarriage. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 22 October, and to be printed (Bill 73). Friday 3 December, and to be printed (Bill 66). ELECTORAL CANDIDATES (AGE)BILL CROWN ESTATE (DEVOLUTION TO WALES)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to allow a person who Liz Saville Roberts, supported by Hywel Williams is age 18 or older on the day of a parliamentary or local and Ben Lake, presented a Bill to devolve management election to stand as candidate; and for connected purposes. of the Crown Estate and its assets in Wales to the Welsh Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Government; and for connected purposes. Friday 22 October, and to be printed (Bill 74). Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 29 October, and to be printed (Bill 67). PRIME MINISTER (ACCOUNTABILITY TO HOUSE OF COMMONS)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING POINTS (NEW BUILDINGS)BILL Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to impose duties on the Prime Minister relating to accountability to the Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No.57) House of Commons; to require the Prime Minister to Felicity Buchan presented a Bill to make provision be available to answer questions in that House on at about electric vehicle charging points in new buildings; least two occasions during a sitting week except in and for connected purposes. specified circumstances; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 22 October, and to be printed (Bill 68). Friday 4 February 2022, and to be printed (Bill 75). 611 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 612

VOTER REGISTRATION BILL MOTOR VEHICLES (COMPULSORY INSURANCE)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to prohibit persons Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to amend retained EU from being registered to vote in Parliamentary elections law relating to compulsory insurance for the use of at more than one address; and for connected purposes. motor vehicles; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 76). Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 83).

CONSUMER PRICING BILL NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE (URGENT CARE FACILITIES)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) John Spellar presented a Bill to prohibit the practice Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to make provision of offering preferential pricing to new customers compared about the restructuring of urgent care facilities in North to existing customers; and for connected purposes. Northamptonshire; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 10 December, and to be printed (Bill 84). Friday 18 March 2022, and to be printed (Bill 77). BROADCASTING (LISTED SPORTING EVENTS)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE COMMISSION BILL John Spellar presented a Bill to expand the list of Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) sporting events that must be made available for broadcast Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to create a Business of by free-to-air television channels; and for connected the House Commission to regulate the timetabling of purposes. business in the House of Commons; and for connected Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on purposes. Friday 10 December, and to be printed (Bill 85). Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 28 January 2022, and to be printed (Bill 78). PUPPY IMPORT (PROHIBITION)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) ASYLUM SEEKERS (RETURN TO SAFE COUNTRIES)BILL John Spellar presented a Bill to prohibit the import of Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) young puppies; and for connected purposes. Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to require asylum Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on seekers who have arrived in the United Kingdom from a Friday 10 December, and to be printed (Bill 86). safe country to be immediately returned to that country; and for connected purposes. EMPLOYMENT (APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS)BILL Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 79). John Spellar presented a Bill to regulate the use of minimum qualification or experience requirements in BBC LICENCE FEE (ABOLITION)BILL job applications; and for connected purposes. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to abolish the BBC Friday 10 December, and to be printed (Bill 87). licence fee and make the BBC a subscription service; PUBLIC SECTOR WEBSITE IMPERSONATION BILL and for connected purposes. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 29 October, and to be printed (Bill 80). John Spellar presented a Bill to create an offence of impersonating a public sector website for the purpose of collecting payment or personal data; and for connected HUMAN TRAFFICKING (SENTENCING)BILL purposes. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to make provision Friday 10 December, and to be printed (Bill 88). about penalties for human trafficking offences. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on HUNTING TROPHY IMPORT (PROHIBITION)BILL Friday 25 February 2022, and to be printed (Bill 81). Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) John Spellar presented a Bill to prohibit the import of LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS (ELECTION) wild animal specimens derived from trophy hunting; BILL and for connected purposes.. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to amend the House Friday 10 December, and to be printed (Bill 89). of Commons Administration Act 1978 to provide that the Prime Minister may only nominate as Leader of the ARMENIAN GENOCIDE (RECOGNITION)BILL House of Commons a Member of that House who is Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) from the governing party and is elected by a system in John Spellar presented a Bill to require Her Majesty’s which all Members of the House of Commons may Government to formally recognise the Armenian genocide participate; and for connected purposes. of 1915-16. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 19 November, and to be printed (Bill 82). Friday 10 December, and to be printed (Bill 90). 613 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 614

HOUSE OF LORDS (HEREDITARY PEERS) (ABOLITION OF BBC LICENCE FEE NON-PAYMENT BY-ELECTIONS) (NO. 2) BILL (DECRIMINALISATION FOR OVER-75S)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) John Spellar presented a Bill to amend the House of Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to decriminalise Lords Act 1999 so as to abolish the system of by-elections the non-payment of the BBC licence fee by persons for hereditary peers. aged over seventy five; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 10 December, and to be printed (Bill 91). Friday 29 October, and to be printed (Bill 98).

PUBLIC HEALTH (CONTROL OF DISEASE)ACT 1984 REGULATORY IMPACT ASSESSMENTS BILL (AMENDMENT)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to require a Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to amend the Regulatory Impact Assessment to be published for all Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 to make primary and secondary legislation introduced by the provision about Parliamentary scrutiny of regulations Government; to make provision for associated sanctions; made under that Act; and for connected purposes. and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 29 October, and to be printed (Bill 92). Friday 14 January 2022, and to be printed (Bill 99).

BARNETT FORMULA (REPLACEMENT)BILL CARAVAN SITE LICENSING (EXEMPTIONS OF MOTOR HOMES)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to require the Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to exempt Chancellor of the Exchequer to report to Parliament on motor homes from caravan site licensing requirements; proposals to replace the Barnett Formula used to calculate and for connected purposes. adjustments to public expenditure allocated to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with a statutory scheme Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on for the allocation of resources based on an assessment Friday 29 October, and to be printed (Bill 93). of relative needs; and for connected purposes.

NHS ENGLAND (ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT)BILL Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 21 January 2022, and to be printed (Bill 100). Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to make NHS (PROHIBITION OF DATA TRANSFER)BILL provision about arranging alternative non-NHS England Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) treatment for patients who have waited for more than Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to prohibit one year for hospital treatment; and for connected the transfer of personal data by the NHS without the purposes. authority of the data subject; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 19 November, and to be printed (Bill 94). Friday 4 February 2022, and to be printed (Bill 101).

HANNEL RIVATISATION ILL C 4 (P )B MOBILE HOMES ACT 1983 (AMENDMENT)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to make Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to amend the provision for the privatisation of Channel 4; and for Mobile Homes Act 1983; and for connected purposes. connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 28 January 2022, and to be printed (Bill 102). Friday 22 October, and to be printed (Bill 95). RULE OF LAW (ENFORCEMENT BY PUBLIC BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION AUTHORITIES)BILL (PRIVATISATION)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to require Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to make public authorities to exercise their statutory powers to provision for the privatisation of the British Broadcasting investigate and take enforcement action for breaches of Corporation; and for connected purposes. the law; to make provision for sanctions for failing to Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on take such action; and for connected purposes. Friday 22 October, and to be printed (Bill 96). Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 25 February 2022 , and to be printed (Bill 103). CHILDREN’S CLOTHING (VALUE ADDED TAX)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION (OFFENCES)BILL Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to extend the Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)s definition of children’s clothing for the purposes of Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to create exemption from VAT; to extend the VAT exemption to offences in respect of persons who have entered the UK further categories of school uniform; and for connected illegally or who have remained in the UK without legal purposes. authority; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 19 November, and to be printed (Bill 97). Friday 26 November, and to be printed (Bill 104). 615 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 616

NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CO-FUNDING AND employment guarantee scheme for benefit claimants CO-PAYMENT BILL who have been unemployed and looking for work for Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) longer than six months; and for connected purposes. Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to make Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on provision for co-funding and for the extension of Friday 26 November, and to be printed (Bill 111). co-payment for NHS services in England; and for connected purposes. HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK BILL Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Friday 4 February 2022, and to be printed (Bill 105). Chris Stephens presented a Bill to amend the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 to make provision about civil liability for breaches of health and safety CARAVAN SITES BILL duties, and for connected purposes. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to amend the Friday 26 November, and to be printed (Bill 112). requirements for caravan site licence applications made under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development ASYLUM SEEKERS (ACCOMMODATION EVICTION Act 1960; and for connected purposes. PROCEDURES)BILL Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Friday 29 October, and to be printed (Bill 106). Chris Stephens presented a Bill to make provision for asylum seekers to challenge the proportionality of a PUBLIC SECTOR EXIT PAYMENTS (LIMITATION)BILL proposed eviction from accommodation before an Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) independent court or tribunal; to establish asylum seeker Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to limit exit accommodation eviction procedures for public authorities; payments made by some public sector organisations to and for connected purposes. employees; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 3 December, and to be printed (Bill 113). Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 22 October, and to be printed (Bill 107). DISABILITY BENEFIT ASSESSMENTS (RECORDING)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) GREEN BELT (PROTECTION)BILL Chris Stephens presented a Bill to place a duty on the Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Secretary of State to ensure that applicants for Disability Sir Christopher Chope presented a Bill to establish a Benefit are given the option of their eligibility assessment national register of Green Belt land in England; to being audio-recorded; and for connected purposes. restrict the ability of local authorities to de-designate Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Green Belt land; to make provision about future Friday 3 December, and to be printed (Bill 114). development of de-designated Green Belt land and for connected purposes. BENEFIT SANCTIONS (WARNINGS)BILL Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Friday 29 October, and to be printed (Bill 108). Chris Stephens presented a Bill to make provision for warnings to be given to benefit claimants before they WORKERS (EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AND DEFINITION) are given sanctions; and for connected purposes. BILL Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Friday 10 December, and to be printed (Bill 115). Martin Docherty-Hughes, supported by Chris Stephens, presented a Bill to make provision about employment UNIVERSAL CREDIT SANCTIONS security and the rights of workers; to amend the definition (ZERO HOURS CONTRACTS)BILL of worker; and for connected purposes. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Chris Stephens presented a Bill to amend the Welfare Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 109). Reform Act 2012 to provide that a Universal Credit claimant may not be sanctioned for refusing work on a WORKERS (RIGHTS AND DEFINITION)BILL zero hours contract; and for connected purposes. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 10 December, and to be printed (Bill 116). Chris Stephens presented a Bill to make provision about workers’ rights; to amend the definition of worker; PARLIAMENTARY AND HEALTH SERVICE OMBUDSMAN and for connected purposes. (POWERS)BILL Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Friday 22 October, and to be printed (Bill 110). Chris Stephens presented a Bill to grant powers to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman to identify FULL EMPLOYMENT BILL and investigate systemic problems in the benefits system Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) and make associated recommendations to the Secretary Chris Stephens presented a Bill to place a duty on of State; and for connected purposes. the Chancellor of the Exchequer to pursue a policy of Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on full employment; to make associated provision for an Friday 14 January 2022, and to be printed (Bill 117). 617 End-to-end Rape Review21 JUNE 2021 End-to-end Rape Review 618

UNDER-OCCUPANCY PENALTY (REPORT)BILL INTIMATE IMAGES (OFFENCES)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Chris Stephens presented a Bill to require the Secretary Mrs Maria Miller presented a Bill to create offences of State to report to Parliament on the merits of repealing relating to the taking, making and sharing of intimate those provisions of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 which images without consent; and for connected purposes. provide for persons to be paid reduced rates of housing Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on benefit or universal credit because their accommodation Friday 3 December, and to be printed (Bill 124). is deemed to be under-occupied. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on PREGNANCY AND MATERNITY (REDUNDANCY Friday 14 January 2022, and to be printed (Bill 118). PROTECTION)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS (HEALTHY EATING)BILL Mrs Maria Miller, supported by Sally-Ann Hart, Nickie Aiken, Mrs Flick Drummond, Virginia Crosbie, Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Caroline Nokes, Karen Bradley, Angela Crawley, Sarah Chris Stephens presented a Bill to require the Secretary Champion, Jeremy Hunt and Stephen Timms, presented of State to publish annual calculations of the benefit a Bill to prohibit redundancy during pregnancy and and tax credit rates that would be required for a maternity leave and for six months after the end of the representative household to afford to buy meals in pregnancy or leave, except in specified circumstances; accordance with the Eatwell Guide to eating healthily; and for connected purposes. and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 3 December, and to be printed (Bill 125). Friday 14 January 2022, and to be printed (Bill 119). WORKERS (RIGHTS)BILL

HOUSING STANDARDS (REFUGEES AND ASYLUM Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) SEEKERS)BILL Gavin Newlands, supported by Ian Blackford, Chris Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Stephens, Mhairi Black, Kirsten Oswald, Brendan O’Hara, David Linden, Drew Hendry,Alan Brown, Alison Thewliss, Chris Stephens presented a Bill to make provision for Amy Callaghan and Owen Thompson, presented a Bill national minimum standards in accommodation offered to make provision about workers’rights; and for connected to refugees and asylum seekers; and for connected purposes. purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 22 October, and to be printed (Bill 126). Friday 21 January 2022, and to be printed (Bill 120). WORKERS (RIGHTS AND DEFINITION) (NO. 2) BILL ASYLUM SEEKERS (PERMISSION TO WORK) (NO. 2) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) BILL Angela Crawley presented a Bill to make provision Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) about workers’ rights; to amend the definition of worker; Chris Stephens presented a Bill to make provision for and for connected purposes. granting permission to work to asylum seekers who Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on have waited six months for a decision on their asylum Friday 3 December, and to be printed (Bill 127). application; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on WORKERS (RIGHTS) (NO. 2) BILL Friday 21 January 2022, and to be printed (Bill 121). Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Anum Qaisar-Javed, supported by Ian Blackford, Gavin Newlands, Chris Stephens, Kirsten Oswald, David EVICTIONS (UNIVERSAL CREDIT)BILL Linden, Angela Crawley,Martin Docherty-Hughes,Martyn Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Day, Carol Monaghan, Angus Brendan MacNeil and Chris Stephens presented a Bill to place a duty on the Owen Thompson, presented a Bill to make provision Secretary of State to prevent the evictions of Universal about workers’ rights; and for connected purposes. Credit claimants in rent arrears; and for connected Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on purposes. Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 128). Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 28 January 2022, and to be printed (Bill 122). AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (PUBLIC ACCESS)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) IMMIGRATION (HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE STAFF) BILL Jim Shannon presented a Bill to require the installation of automated external defibrillators in public buildings, Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) sporting facilities, schools, higher education and other Christine Jardine presented a Bill to grant indefinite education and skills facilities, and facilities that provide leave to remain to health and social care staff; and for care to vulnerable people; and to make associated provision connected purposes. about training and signage. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 22 October, and to be printed (Bill 123). Friday 10 September, and to be printed (Bill 129). 619 End-to-end Rape Review 21 JUNE 2021 620

Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): I will briefly suspend the House for two minutes in order to Opposition Day make preparations for the next item of business. [3RD ALLOTTED DAY] 4.52 pm Planning Decisions: Local Involvement Sitting suspended. 4.55 pm Steve Reed (Croydon North) (Lab/Co-op): I beg to move, That this House believes planning works best when developers and the local community work together to shape local areas and deliver necessary new homes; and therefore calls on the Government to protect the right of communities to object to individual planning applications. It was only last month in the Queen’s Speech debate that we warned the Government that they would reap a political whirlwind if they went ahead with their plans to silence communities and hand control over planning to developers. They felt the first blasts of that whirlwind in Chesham and Amersham, but it will not finish there because it is fair to say that the Conservatives’ planning reforms are not popular with voters. That is not because voters are nimbys, as Ministers rather offensively like to brand them, but because residents rightly want and deserve a say over how their own neighbourhoods are developed. Under the Conservatives’proposals, planning decisions will be taken awayfrom democratically elected local councils and handed to development boards appointed by Ministers in Whitehall. These new quangos will help zone areas for development. Residents living in areas zoned for growth will find that they no longer have an automatic right to object to individual planning applications on their own doorsteps, no right to object to oversized blocks at the end of the street, no right to object to concreting over precious green space, and no right to object to new developments that overburden local infrastructure such as roads, doctors’ surgeries, schools or public transport. Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): I can quite understand why the hon. Gentleman wants to make a doomed bid for prosperous Tory voters in the south-east, but will he answer the question, on behalf of my children, young professional people working in London and the south-east: how on earth are they going to get on to the property market? Steve Reed: The point the right hon. Gentleman makes is important. If he listens to my speech, he will hear me go on to talk about the 1 million consented homes that have not been built, which all those people could be living in if the Government would address that issue, rather than tackle the wrong issue, which they seem intent on doing, despite the backlash from their own political supporters against their proposals. Under the Government’s proposals, residents will be gagged from speaking out, while developers will be set loose to bulldoze and concrete over local neighbourhoods pretty much at will. These proposals are nothing less than a developers’charter that silences local communities, so developers can exploit local communities for profit. Andrew Griffith (Arundel and South Downs) (Con): The hon. Gentleman talks about the Government’s proposals. I think that he should bring them here and table them in this House, because all that we on the Government Benches have seen is a White Paper. We have not seen the Government’s response to that. Perhaps he has. 621 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 622 Local Involvement Local Involvement Steve Reed: It is pretty fair to say that a White Paper get approval, but according to the Conservative-led is Government proposals. Local Government Association, over 1.1 million homes Whywould the Government do something so desperately that received consent in the past decade have still not unpopular with their own voters, let alone with all been built, which is over half of all homes approved by the rest of voters? Well, since the current Prime Minister council planning departments. took office, donations to the Conservative party from One of the problems causing this situation is land major developers have increased by nearly 400%, according banking. That is where a developer gets approval for an to analysis by openDemocracy. That money was an application to build new homes, but instead of building, investment in expectation of a return, and here it is. The waits for land values to rise so they can sell it on Prime Minister is paying back developers by selling out without having laid a single brick. Instead of a planning communities. Bill that does nothing about this, we need new measures The Government’s proposals have been criticised by the that incentivise developers to get these shovel-ready Royal Town Planning Institute, the Town and Country homes built more quickly, and since the Government Planning Association, the Royal Institute of British have done nothing at all about this, we will bring Architects, the Local Government Association, the forward legislation for the House to vote on. Countryside Alliance and even the National Trust, but Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD): Does the hon. Member they have also been criticised by Members on the agree that this is not about the number of houses, but Government’s own Benches. The right hon. Member for about the whole infrastructure around housing applications Maidenhead (Mrs May), a distinguished former Prime —accessibility, connectivity, access to schools and green Minister, says: places? The planning system is not just about building “We need to ensure that that planning system sees the right the number of houses, but about building them in the number of homes being built in the right places. But we will not right places with the right infrastructure around them. do that by removing local democracy, cutting the number of affordable homes that are built and building over rural areas. Yet Steve Reed: I thank the hon. Member for her intervention, that is exactly what these reforms will lead to.”—[Official Report, 8 October 2020; Vol. 681, c. 1051.] and certainly new homes need appropriate infrastructure to allow communities to thrive. That is one of the That was the former Conservative Prime Minister speaking important reasons why local communities need a say over about the Government’sproposals.The right hon. Member planning and development—a say that the Government for South West Surrey (Jeremy Hunt) says: are intent, unfortunately, on taking away from them. “Increasingly, it looks like the Government are not interested Regeneration cannot be something that is done to in what local people think at all. I urge the Minister to think communities; it must be done with them. The current abouttheimpactof showingcontemptforlocaldemocracy.”—[Official planning system does not work well enough, that is for Report, 8 October 2020; Vol. 681, c. 1063.] sure, but the answer cannot be to carve local communities That was a senior member of the Housing Minister’s out of a say over their own neighbourhoods. It should own party accusing the Government of showing contempt be to incentivise developers to build the homes they for local democracy. The right hon. Member for Ashford have approval for. (Damian Green) puts it like this— The motion before the House is a modest proposal “instead of taking away local powers, the Government should be that simply invites Members to vote for what many looking at the number of planning permissions given that do not Government Members say they believe in. It simply result in houses being built.”—[Official Report, 8 October 2020; Vol. 681, c. 1066.] asks the Government to guarantee that residents will retain the right to a hearing over individual developments That is precisely the point I made in response to the on their own streets, in their own neighbourhood or on right hon. Member for Gainsborough (Sir Edward Leigh). their own local green space. We are asking for nothing They are all right—they are all absolutely right. more than what Government Members have already I used to co-chair the biggest regeneration strategy said they want. Their own Front Benchers clearly are board in the country—it delivered over 5,000 new homes— not listening to them, so here is the chance for them to and that experience showed me that regeneration works make the point more clearly. Members’ constituents best in everyone’s interests when it is a strong partnership would be astonished if their MP failed to vote for between councils, communities and developers. That is something that they say they support, so I urge Members how we get new homes built where people need them. in all parts of the House to come together this afternoon. The best developers know that, too. They do not want Let us work cross party, across the Chamber, and take a to build in the teeth of local opposition; they want to stand for the communities that we all represent. work with the local community and build something that enhances the local area for the existing community Several hon. Members rose— as well as for newcomers and those who need a home. Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing): Order. There are real problems with the current planning It will be obvious to the House that a great many people system that need to be addressed. We are not building wish to speak in this debate and the next debate this the number of new homes the country needs. The last afternoon, so we will have to begin with a time limit of Labour Government increased home ownership by 1 million three minutes, which will be immediately imposed. people. The current Conservative Government, sadly, have reduced it by 800,000 people, and they have cut the amount of social housing being built by 80%. However, 5.5 pm the problem with getting homes built is not the planning The Minister for Housing (Christopher Pincher): I am process; it is developers who do not build the homes sure that the entire House enjoyed the performance of once they have consent. The Government are refusing the hon. Member for Croydon North (Steve Reed), the to tackle the real problem. Nine in 10 planning applications shadow Housing Minister, although I have to say that 623 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 624 Local Involvement Local Involvement the closest he came to accuracy, Madam Deputy Speaker, Christopher Pincher: We certainly want communities was when he addressed you as Madam Deputy Speaker. to have much greater involvement in planning, and I However, at least he gives me the opportunity to put the will certainly look at the proposals that my hon. Friend case for a transparent, engaging and modern planning put forward. system that will help to deliver the homes that we need, Our proposals will deliver a simpler, faster, more to give everyone in our country the chance, if they want transparent process, giving communities and builders, to, to get on to the housing ladder. especially small builders, certainty over what development Our planning reforms are a sensible set of proposals is permitted through clear land allocations in local to address the failures of the English planning system, plans. They will ensure that developers contribute a fair which was conceived almost three quarters of a century share to funding affordable housing and infrastructure ago and which many accept is now too slow, too difficult through a new, more predictable, more transparent and to navigate and too off-putting for the broad mass of faster infrastructure levy that will ensure that communities communities. Right now, it can take up to seven years to get the affordable homes—and the schools, clinics and adopt a local plan. Only 41% of local authorities have roundabouts to support those homes—when they need an up-to-date plan and some have no plan at all, all of them. And they will further empower local people to set which puts much of their communities at risk of speculative standards for beauty and design through local design development. codes, putting beauty at the heart of the planning system for the first time. The proposals will bring a slow Christian Wakeford (Bury South) (Con): Talking about and cumbersome paper-based system into the digital councils that have no plan, I refer the House to my age, with interactive maps at our fingertips and involving Labour-led council in Bury. Does the Minister agree far more local people than at present. that while we want democratic engagement, the worst thing possible is to have that engagement and not listen Emma Hardy (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle) to the people, as my council is doing to the over 10,000 (Lab): One of the concerns in my constituency is flooding, people who want protection of the green belt, every and as the Minister knows, the Flood Re insurance single one of whom is being ignored? programme is suitable only for homes that were built before 2009. Given that all these new homes are being Christopher Pincher: I hope that my hon. Friend’s proposed, what reassurance can he give people that they council does listen, and I also hope, for that matter, that will still be able to have affordable flood insurance to go the Greater Manchester Mayor listens. We have given with them? them £75 million of public funds to invest in brownfield remediation. Let him use it effectively for his constituents Christopher Pincher: The hon. Lady is quite right, in Greater Manchester. and we will look at the flooding issue as we further Individual planning applications can take up to five develop our proposals and bring them to Parliament. I years to determine, in addition to plans potentially recognise that this is a challenge; it is a challenge in my taking up to seven years. The system is not fast enough own constituency too. and it is not consistent, nor is it clear or engaging One poll showed that 69% of people had no knowledge enough. We are committed to improving the system, of or connection with local plan making. That is simply because our reforms will protect our valuable and beautiful not good enough, and we believe that there is an appetite green spaces, with vital protections for the green belt. for change. Let me briefly come to some of the comments made by the hon. Member for Croydon North. We all Daniel Zeichner (Cambridge) (Lab): The Government’s know that he is trying to make a name for himself—quite Environment Bill rightly protects environmental net some name—and we also know that he has one or two gain. How can that possibly work within a zonal planning little hobby-horses. But like so many hobby-horses, they system? can turn into an obsession. He started out quite normally with an interest in planning and its rules, but quickly—all Christopher Pincher: We are determined to bake in too quickly—it went downhill. He conceives himself as biodiversity net gain of 10%. We are determined to look some sort of latter-day witchfinder general, a chief of at recovery networks and also to ensure that we introduce the inquisition constantly in search of some heresy under a future homes standard. We will make sure that, baked every stone, and finding plots and conspiracy under into these plans and beyond, the environment comes every brick. I fear that his latest, albeit short, outpouring first and foremost. I shall say a few more words about shows that the fantasy has gone a little too far. In just a that in a moment. few minutes, he has gone from acting like Tomás de Mr Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): Will the Minister Torquemada to being like David Icke. How long will it allow me to intervene? be before he runs off and jumps into his turquoise tracksuit and starts telling everybody that the world is Christopher Pincher: I will allow my hon. Friend very run by lizards and that he is the godhead? briefly. In the wording of the Opposition’s proposals, are they now saying that they oppose local development orders, Mr Baker: In Wycombe, in the especially treasured area which allow certain types of development to go ahead of Gomm Valley, there was public consent for a plan to without a specific planning application, even though put in some houses that actually increased environmental they introduced that legislation themselves in 2004? Are amenity. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the public they also opposed to neighbourhood development orders, need the opportunity to say no, but the incentives to say which also allow certain developments without specific yes, because they can see the gains for their community? planning applications? It sounds as if they are. In fact, May I also invite him to look at plans that I put forward it sounds as if they do not really know what they are in 2014 that would do just that? talking about and that they do not have any firm, sound 625 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 626 Local Involvement Local Involvement [Christopher Pincher] Christopher Pincher: I am obliged to my hon. Friend, who is a doughty campaigner for his constituents. As he policies at all, which his predecessor, the hon. Member will know, we introduced a tall buildings policy in London for Bristol West (Thangam Debbonaire), admitted in a in the teeth of opposition from the Mayor of London, private briefing. Sadiq Khan. We are certainly open to the prospect of I make this offer to the hon. Gentleman: come in to such policies more broadly, beyond London; I am happy the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local to talk to my hon. Friend about that policy opportunity. Government, talk to our officials and let them explain Our plans will make it easier for local people to really how the current planning system rules for Ministers influence the plan in their community and have their work. In that way, he can see for himself how carefully it say on the future development of their local area, including is controlled. He may not take any notice—in fact, I the standards of design that builders must adhere to. suspect he probably will not—but at least he will have had the chance to listen, to ask some questions and Christian Wakeford: The Minister is being generous possibly to learn. in giving way. We have talked about the huge importance There has been a good deal of discussion, in the of communities engaging in the planning process and of House and beyond, about community engagement. I having a local plan, but does he agree that the most reassure the House that our proposals will not diminish engaging way to get residents involved in the planning the ability of local communities to take part in the process is by rolling out more neighbourhood plans, so planning process. On the contrary, they are designed to that the process can be devolved to the most local areas give communities more of a say, not less, with better possible, whether they are areas of towns or villages? information, easier means of taking part and, crucially, a clearer voice when it can make a real difference in the Christopher Pincher: I am grateful to my hon. Friend planning process. for raising neighbourhood plans. We are keen to advance the opportunities that they afford to their communities. Under our present planning system, when asked what We are very conscious that they tend to occur in the they think of their local area, there are twice as many south of our country or in the more rural parts; we are people who say that it has got worse as those who say it determined to roll them out into places further north has got better. Under our present planning system, just and places that are much more urban, so that those 1% of the local population get involved in local plan communities too can benefit from the opportunity. making, and just 2% or 3% of local people get involved in discussions about local developments. That is very Our proposals will transform how planning and plan- few—too few—yet with so little engagement, and often making is done, taking us from an era of planning after months or years of tortuous wrangling, nine in notifications on lamp posts to digital, interactive services every 10 planning applications end up being approved enabling prop-tech companies to develop more engaging anyway. I do not think that those facts suggest a system ways to visualise and communicate planning information, that is really very engaging, still less one that is truly in turn improving everyone’s overall understanding of empowering. We can do better, and we will. what is happening and where. Plans will be more accessible, presented in new, visual map-based formats based on Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op): Will machine-readable data accompanied by clear site-specific the Minister therefore listen to local communities who requirements. As I say, communities will be engaged at want local occupancy restrictions so that they can live the earliest stages of the plan-making process to ensure in local homes, as opposed to those homes becoming that their views are fully reflected. To make sure that holiday lets and Airbnbs? local authorities have the tools that they need, we promise a holistic review of council planning resources, Christopher Pincher: We are certainly open to the because we want councils and their officers to have the proposition; we are taking it forward anyway with our scope and the skills to plan strategically for their proposition for first homes. However, I suggest to the communities, involving communities much more closely hon. Lady that it would be very helpful if, as I know she in their plan-making, the design of their communities, believes should happen, her own local authority got a and the infrastructure to support them. plan in place to protect its community—her community— from speculative developments. Andrew Griffith: Fundamental to building a consensus Our proposals will increase opportunities for local around the new planning structure will be making better people to be involved in local plans, using a map-based use of brownfield land and, in particular, investing in system that will show clearly what building is proposed brownfield land registers. Land is our most precious and where, what it will be, what it will look like and what commodity. We are all into recycling. Recycling our kind of infrastructure will support it—real involvement, land must be the way to go. Does the Minister agree? including in the development of local design codes. Through our new office for place, drawing on Britain’s Christopher Pincher: My hon. Friend is absolutely world-class design expertise, communities and their local right. That policy point is enshrined in the national councils will be empowered to set local design standards, planning policy framework and we will take it further in putting design and beauty at the heart of our planning our proposals.The £400 million of brownfield regeneration system. funding that has been made available by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, added to by a Dean Russell (Watford) (Con): Does my right hon. further £100 million, is all designed to add teeth to our Friend agree that in the consultation people should determination to develop on brownfield first. have a say on the height of buildings in their local There will be a continuing role for the existing planning community, so that they do not live under the shadow application process. As I have said before in this House, of tall buildings when they do not wish to? that system does not go away. Where applicants wish to 627 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 628 Local Involvement Local Involvement vary from the local plan, they will need to make a full We have made it clear in the NPPF,through Government planning application in the usual way. Even where the investment and through our permitted development broad principle of development is agreed through the rights reforms, and we make it clear once again in our plan, all the details will still need to be consulted on wider planning reforms: brownfield development must with communities and statutory consultees, and approved come first. by officers or committees where appropriate. We are also looking closely at enforcement rules to ensure that Mike Wood (Dudley South) (Con): Under the current where, such as in growth sites, the local authority has set system, too often local planning officers advise that up clear rules about development—which, by the way, unless green belt is released, local plans will be subject will have had community consultation and agreement to challenge and will lose once they are referred to the in the local plan—the authority has the tools and the inspector. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that where ability to monitor and enforce those rules as development local authorities can demonstrate that they have enough is built out. brownfield sites available for development for their own The hon. Member for Croydon North mentioned build- assessed housing need, the green belt in areas such as out. We are very conscious that Oliver Letwin and, before Dudley South will be protected? him, Kate Barker produced a series of reports about build-out. We reckon that introducing this new, speedier Christopher Pincher: My hon. Friend must have seen process, which will aid small and medium-sized enterprises, my speech, because I am about to move on to the matter will make it easier to bring forward plots of land with of the green belt, which we will continue to protect, planning application for development much more quickly, because our policy has not changed. Wemade a manifesto and there will be more competition among developers. commitment to the green belt as a means of protecting If people know that there are some up-front rules that against urban sprawl, and we mean to keep it. Local they have to adhere to in order to build, there will be no authorities should not develop on the green belt, save in necessity to land-bank. We are also very conscious of exceptional circumstances, and local plan making should the points that have been made by many Members recognise the green belt as a constraint on numbers, as across the House,and those beyond it, about the importance my letter to Members of Parliament in December last of getting permissions built out, so we are looking year made clear. For the record, we will not be accepting closely at ways in which we can incentivise developers to the recommendation in the Housing, Communities and continue to work closely with local authorities and with Local Government Committee’s report for a wholesale landowners to make sure that permissions are built out review of the green belt. as rapidly as possible. These measures and these commitments are important. They are a very important part of delivering the James Cartlidge (South Suffolk) (Con): I welcome Government’s manifesto commitment to create the most the fact that my right hon. Friend recognises the issue of ambitious environmental programme of any country in build-out rate, but he has also referred several times to the world. Weare clear that to help make home ownership the risks of speculative development. The risk is that if affordable for more people, we need to deliver more you do not deliver, you lose control of your plan and are homes, because by the age of 30, those born between therefore subject to speculative development, which no 1981 and 2000 are half as likely to be homeowners as one wants because such developments are sited in places those born between 1946 and 1965. We need to take that have not been supported at all. Does he agree that bold steps to provide enough homes in the places where one of the upsides of the planning system must be to people and communities need them. give communities certainty about the number of homes going forward, lessening the risk of losing the five-year At the last general election, we made a commitment land supply by having speculative development? to deliver the homes that the country needs—better-quality homes, of different designs and different tenures in the Christopher Pincher: My hon. Friend, who is an right places all around the country where they are expert in this field, is absolutely right. As I said in my needed. We have promised to extend the chance of earlier remarks, too few councils have up-to-date local home ownership to all who want it, and in any poll one plans. That leaves their communities at risk of speculative cares to conduct, more than 80% of people—young development. By implementing our proposals, which people, less affluent people—will say that they want the will ensure that local authorities must have local plans opportunity to own their own home. They aspire to a in place within 30 months, we will help protect communities stake in their community and their country, yet for far such as his and such as all of ours against speculative too many people that aspiration— development. Our reforms will also leave an inheritance of Ruth Cadbury (Brentford and Isleworth) (Lab): Painful. strengthening and enhancing our environment. They will mean that environmental assets are better protected, Christopher Pincher: The hon. Lady says it is painful. more green spaces are provided, more sustainable Yes, it is very painful for those people who cannot get development is supported, and new homes will be, as I on the property ladder. It seems an impossible dream, said earlier, much more energy-efficient. Our planning because in places around our country, the average price reforms will support the implementation of the of a home is many multiples of average earnings—in 10% biodiversity net gain enshrined in the Environment some places, it is 12 times the average wage. In other Bill and capitalise on the potential of local nature places there are just not enough appropriate homes for recovery networks. We will also make the system clearer older people who want to step down the property and more accountable. ladder into more suitable individual accommodation. Our reforms also include measures to protect and If we are to keep our promise to those who aspire to enhance the green belt, taking into account its fundamental own their own home or move into the right home, we importance when considering the constraints that areas face. must not only provide the right economic framework in 629 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 630 Local Involvement Local Involvement [Christopher Pincher] reform. As we emerge from the pandemic, now is the time to drive those reforms forward: giving communities which skills and jobs can thrive, and continue to deliver a real say in development; creating more beautiful places; initiatives such as Help to Buy, right to buy and First making the very best use of brownfield sites to regenerate Homes, which give people a leg up on the ladder, but we our cities and town centres; extending opportunity and must deliver the homes people need. That is what we are security for millions; and delivering the homes our doing. country wants and needs. We have delivered 1.8 million new homes since 2010. While the Opposition sink back into their comfort In 2020 we delivered 244,000 new homes across our zone, extolling sectional interest and chained to Corbynite country. We have an ambition to build—as do the dogma, we will build the homes the country needs. We Liberal Democrats, apparently—300,000 homes each will build them back better and stronger. We will make year by the middle of this decade. That is in stark sure that the banner of aspiration flies here. contrast to Labour’s lamentable failure to provide the homes this country needs. Under Labour, housebuilding fell to its lowest rate since the 1920s and the days when 5.35 pm Ramsay MacDonald was the party leader—by modern standards he was quite popular. In London, Labour’s Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): I have had to cut Sadiq Khan has built fewer than half the homes he my speech down. promised, despite having an extra year in which to do it. I welcome this motion, following the publication of In Labour-run Wales, so few council homes are being the report by the Housing, Communities and Local built that they could barely accommodate a Welsh Government Committee. The Minister will know that my rugby team. Adjournment debate was a foretaste of what my We now have a new shadow Housing Secretary, the constituents have had to put up with and what the hon. Member for Manchester Central (Lucy Powell), future holds if the Government proceed with the as yet who opposes the delivery of almost any building proposed unpublished White Paper. in her constituency—something of a niche approach to The Government’s hopeless response is to exclude the home making. In truth—Labour Members do not like public even more from the process, instead of improving this truth; they cannot handle it—Labour does not like processes now. It is a developers’ charter that is becoming people to own their own homes. Labour Members do the people’s nightmare. The Select Committee’s report not want people, especially young people, to get on the included an interesting statistic on the planning process, property ladder. They do not like aspiration, they do stating on page 112: not like capitalism, and they do not want our people to “63% said they were not satisfied with their experience. 61% said aspire to or to be capitalists. Well, we have something to they did not think that the planning process was fair.” say to that and it begins with a B. We say “Bolshevism” to that. Indeed, Lord Mandelson, one of Labour’s more The Minister will know the story of Narrow Lane, successful and less bolshy people, says the same. When but I have to repeat it. In Walsall, we had a plan. We he returned from Hartlepool a few weeks ago, he said: had the site allocation document—a document on how “I can see that people are proud of what they have achieved,” the land will be used. There was extensive consultation and it was approved by the planning inspector in 2019. He said that people are aspirational, and that they are Without any notice or consultation, Walsall Council’s not sure they have achieved that with Labour—a damning cabinet decided that Narrow Lane was to be the location indictment of that party. for a Traveller transit site. The site is on a junction, so By contrast, Conservative Members are proud of there is poor air quality and there have been a number those people, and we will ensure that people like them of accidents, including one two weeks ago, when an across the country achieve their aspirations under this elderly person was knocked over. Government. This Government are determined to level up opportunity the length and breadth of this country. The council’s cabinet agreed on the location without From Redruth to Redcar we are determined to ensure even looking at the site allocation document or referring that people are not priced out of their local communities. to it in the background papers, and that is what is going We are determined to get them on the ladder, because that to happen under the Government’s proposals: they will is what they want. Just a week or two ago Sam Legg, say that they have had the consultation with the local just 19 years of age from Asfordby in Leicestershire, plan, but there will be no further involvement with our became the 300,000th Help to Buyer. He said that he constituents and councillors, and the Secretary of State could not have got on the ladder without Help to Buy will be free to decide what they want, without local and the support of this Government. If people like involvement. Here is the warning: the decision maker Sam and Megan, and millions like them all around the can depart from the local plan. Our constituents will country, want to get on the property ladder, we must remain helpless under these hopeless proposals. address the housing challenge head-on. The Government say that this is about housing, but 1 Weknow that introducing wide-ranging reforms excites million homes have been approved but not built. Some real passion. It is right that those reforms are properly are built on floodplains, as my hon. Friend the Member scrutinised by the House, and they will be; we are keen for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle (Emma Hardy) to ensure that our proposals are well considered and mentioned, and there is no mention of climate change. reflect the interests of every community across the Why does the Minister not mandate that every new country.Westrongly believe that a modernised, transparent, build should have solar panels on the roof? There are engaging planning system that delivers better outcomes serious concerns about making planning changes. for local democracy, the economy, the environment and My next point is about transparency and conflicts of housing in a better and faster way is a long overdue interest. 631 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 632 Local Involvement Local Involvement Emma Hardy: I am sorry to intervene so early and are not happening quickly enough and are not strongly thank my right hon. Friend for taking my intervention. protected enough in law. It is a straightforward way to My point was about not just building on floodplains, involve people in the system and to make them buy into but the importance of having flood insurance for all the it, as it were, so that they can accept the new homes that new homes that are not currently eligible for the Flood it is necessary to build. Re insurance scheme. I also borrow from the motion the phrase “necessary new homes”. Yes, but is the 300,000 target the issue? After Valerie Vaz: I absolutely agree. all, parties seemed to agree with that in their manifestos. In our case, it was agreed in the SAD that the transit It is necessary, I venture to say, to end land banking, as site would be placed on a site that was environmentally a number of Members have touched on. Having a million suitable, near to a settled community—everything to or so units with permissions but that are not being built integrate that community—but it happened to be in the seems to be at the heart of the problem that we face. I constituency of the Under-Secretary of State for Housing, look forward to the Minister bringing forward concrete Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member proposals to, as he said, “incentivise” them, but if for Walsall North (Eddie Hughes), who used to be a incentives do not work, we should, quite frankly, use the councillor on Walsall Council. The portfolio holder stick as well. used to work for him, but he now works for the Conservative It is also necessary to continue to promote brownfield party, registering his interest only days after the scrutiny developments. This is a success story for the Government. committee meeting. Our legal advice said that there was In Stockport, for example, they told us that there was bias, just as there was with the approval of the £1 billion room for only 7,000 units on such sites, but the Government Westferry Printworks in Tower Hamlets. The Secretary then mandated the council to provide that register and, of State has already admitted that that was lo and behold, that increased to 12,000, so that shows “unlawful by reason of apparent bias.” that progress is being made in that area. I have asked the Minister to investigate the earlier We are not nimbys—that is not an accusation that decision of Walsall Council’s cabinet. I ask him again: should be thrown at those of us who might have some could he please do so? If he is serious about making scepticism about some of the ideas that have ventured changes, could he also mandate that every planning forth. Nor, indeed, are we bananas—that is, “build committee has a compulsory recorded vote for every absolutely nothing anywhere near anybody”. What we decision that they make,as that would increase transparency want to see is a planning process—although some people and accountability? might disagree—that involves and engages people and In conclusion, we need more consultation, not less, delivers the housing that we most certainly need. including with all civic society and historical associations. The Town and Country Planning Association said: 5.42 pm “All of these reforms have a common theme of removing local Stephanie Peacock (Barnsley East) (Lab): It is a pleasure voices from the process.” to follow the hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Mr Wragg). Buildings and places do not exist without the people The planning system is already well rigged in developers’ who breathe life into them, just as we have seen during favour. We put trust and faith in a democratic process the pandemic. I urge the Minister to listen to local that has been eroded in much of the country. In my people, give them back control and end the people’s constituency, there has been a significant amount of nightmare. anger, upset and deep concern caused by the planning system, particularly with regard to a site that is being 5.39 pm developed for myHermes. Although there were a number of consultations before land allocation, understandably Mr William Wragg (Hazel Grove) (Con): It is a the vast majority of people were not even aware that a pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Walsall potential allocation was taking place. South (Valerie Vaz). I have to say that I thought what The Minister for Housing, the right hon. Member for happened to her in her party’s reshuffle was deeply unfair, Tamworth (Christopher Pincher), said in response to because—and I say this gently—I do not think she was my written question on this issue that the problem at all. “previous studies suggest that only a small proportion of the There is a sense of déjà vu pervading our proceedings public tend to engage in local plan consultations.” today. As repetition is not a cardinal sin in this House, I We all know that people tend only to become aware and shall again make the points that I have made on umpteen engage when an application is made and when a site occasions, whether in this Chamber or in Westminster notice appears, but this causes real upset when people Hall. Unusually, I will look at the wording of the motion do then engage and seek to share their views at the as the basis of my speech, because who could possibly application stage, only to be told that the decision about disagree with the sentiments expressed in it? The problem the site has already been made. At best, it leaves people is that we agree with the principle, but politics gets in feeling ignored. At worst, it leads to a feeling of total the way. I suppose it is an occupational hazard of being disenfranchisement from local democracy. This is not here, as, indeed, it is a hazard in the adversarial nature the fault of our local councils; it is the process. of the planning system. If I may borrow the phrase “work together” from the Christopher Pincher: Will the hon. Lady give way? motion, I see that very much epitomised by the concept of neighbourhood planning, which I want to see Stephanie Peacock: No, I am going to make some strengthened still further and support entirely. For those progress. However, the councils and the planning in High Lane, Marple, Marple Bridge, Mellor, Mill committees take the blame. Planning works best when it Brow and Compstall in my constituency, those processes is a partnership. We need the right types of homes in the 633 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 634 Local Involvement Local Involvement [Stephanie Peacock] Let me say a word about demand. The problem is that we simply do not have enough houses to meet right places. Of course we need investment and new demand. That demand grows largely because of population jobs, but just leaving delivery to the market will not change. The population is growing at an astonishing deliver partnership and will fundamentally fail to meet pace: it has increased by 6.6 million since 2001 and is people’s needs. With the brownfield remediation fund expected to grow by a further 5.6 million by 2041. The devastated by the Tories and a soft-touch approach to problem of population growth is at the heart of this land banking and speculation, the inevitable consequences debate. Concerns about density, housing numbers and of this policy will be a further loss of valued green ecology can all be traced back to the fact that to house spaces without local voices being heard. the expected 2041 increase in population, we will probably The reality is that the planning process is not a have to build a settlement greater than the size of democratic one; it is a legal one. However, this situation Bedfordshire. That really cannot be reconciled with the is due to become far, far worse. With these changes, the current planning system. We need to control population Government will be ripping out the only democratic element by looking at the biggest single driver, which is net of the planning process. The proposals are nothing migration—it is not the time or place to discuss that short of a developers’ charter. As has been stated, since here, because I have only 11 seconds left—so let me end the Prime Minister became leader of the Conservative party, by saying this. This planning reform can be regenerative donations to the Tories from developers have increased and groundbreaking, but it will only be so if it has by 400%. With these proposals, the Prime Minister is communities at its heart and beauty as its ambition. paying them back by selling out our communities. Some of those developers have even seen their individual 5.49 pm planning applications personally approved by the Secretary of State against his own Department’s advice. Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab): There is a reason why there is so much opposition to Planning has a vital role to play in our response to the the proposals. Their introduction would be the greatest climate emergency, both in achieving net zero and in shift in power to big developers in the history of this adapting to climate change which is already happening. country. We need a fundamentally new approach, not It is critical in delivering the homes we need to end the more market control. We need democratic control. The housing crisis, and in delivering the infrastructure and Government’sproposals will not deliver that. The developers services to support new residents. It is vital for economic and donors will be delighted, but it is our communities development and the delivery of green jobs. At its most who will pay the price. basic level, planning should be a framework for fairness. It should ensure that new development delivers what communities need, not what makes the most profit, and 5.45 pm it should safeguard the things that they hold most dear. Sir John Hayes (South Holland and The Deepings) There is no doubt that our planning system is in need of (Con): These were the words of Dickens: reform, but this White Paper takes entirely the wrong “Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than approach. Locking communities and local councillors magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest out of planning decisions on individual applications conjuration.” will not deliver more homes, better design, or zero-carbon I want to speak briefly about demand, supply and development. It will create a developers’ charter for ownership. identikit places. Deregulating the planning system by Homes form the heart of a property-owning democracy, expanding permitted development rights will mean that one that Britons want and deserve. Ownership kindles instead of protecting character and quality in our town individual fulfilment and communal wellbeing, as it and city centres they will be eroded, as shopping streets fosters feelings of responsible pride. Through beautiful are pepper-potted with homes, and roofscapes become building, desired homes can allow people’s dreams to a mess of ad hoc two-storey extensions. come true. Yet fewer people own homes now as a Instead of treating the planning system as inconvenient proportion of the total than did 20 years ago. That is red tape to be swept away as much as possible, the not acceptable, because we know that most people do Government should be seeking to make it fit for purpose not want it that way. Every poll taken, as the Minister for the challenges of the 21st century. From 2010, the said, suggests that people want to become homeowners. Tory-Lib Dem coalition Government embarked on a Our job is to help to make that dream come true. Owning bonfire of planning regulations, which removed many capital is the heart of capitalism and homeownership is of the design standards intended to ensure low-carbon a vital milestone to communal enfranchisement, but development, including the zero-carbon homes programme. they must be beautiful homes. That has resulted in more than a decade of lost time to I want to talk about supply, because the supply of deliver net zero, a decade in which new homes have housing is not the same as building homes in which continued to be built, which will now need to be retrofitted people want to live. It is right and proper that we should in the future when they could have been built to zero-carbon be inspired by the best of what has been. We should be standards in the first place. The Government have been no less ambitious for the next generation than Wren was utterly negligent on low-carbon building, and making when London was rebuilt after the great fire, or Pugin the superficial and subjective concept of beauty the was when he designed the very place in which we sit. Let core principle of their planning policy will do little to us be imaginative. Let us accept that all we build should address that. inspire, should enthral. That is what the planning system Our planning system cannot deliver the genuinely needs to deliver: no more identikit soulless housing affordable social housing that we need without land estates bolted on to the edge of settlements, but better, reform. In the last Parliament, I introduced a ten-minute beautiful homes—homes of which we can be proud. rule Bill to reform the Land Compensation Act 1961 to 635 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 636 Local Involvement Local Involvement enable local authorities to purchase land for housing at Communities should have more say on planning and an affordable price without having to pay enormous development. They know what is needed locally, and windfall profits to landowners. Such reforms would systems work better where people are working together enable councils and housing associations to build the rather than being shut out. So why have the Government homes that our communities need without having to put forward such obviously terrible proposals, angering cross-subsidise them with private development. their Back Benchers and even their own voters, as we In the short time that is left available to me, I urge the saw in the by-election last week? Could it be connected Government to think again and place climate change at to the fact that developer donations to the Tory party the heart of the system, people at the heart of the have risen 400% since the right hon. Member for Uxbridge process, zero carbon and genuinely affordable homes as and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson) became leader of his the key priority for delivery, and land reform to stop party? Scarcely a week goes by without stories emerging windfall profits as a core concern. of the Communities Secretary weighing in on behalf of developers who have made big donations to him or the 5.52 pm Conservatives. Charlotte Nichols (Warrington North) (Lab): I am We can see the threat to our green and pleasant land very pleased to be able to speak in this debate today, not from these greedy, present plans. I suspect that the just because there are local issues that I wish to raise, Government would like to drop these proposals, but but because planning policy reveals so much about who that is difficult when they have been bought. If Ministers really has a say in deciding the face and quality of our press ahead with this developers’ charter, they must towns and country in the years and decades to come. know that it will be resisted in the country, even in areas There are natural tensions between residents, they have taken for granted. I call on them to listen to conservationists, people seeking new homes and the their constituents, not their paymasters, and to drop the developers who stand to benefit. A fair planning system proposals. gives them all an opportunity to present their cases and to be heard equally so that provision can be made 5.55 pm without exploiting or spoiling our landscape and heritage. Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op): The If this developer’s charter becomes law, there would be architecture of York is stunning. It is why 8 million no way for local people to object to bad or inappropriate people from across the world come to wind their way proposals, such as those to build over Peel Hall in through medieval streets and snickets to stand before Warrington despite the valiant campaigning efforts over the towering Gothic architecture of York Minster in the past three decades by residents against proposals awe. The archaeology is rich and sensitive, and must be from Satnam. This vital green lung in our communities respected. It is the pride of our city that, beyond the is beloved by residents and is a vital part of our area’s walls, York’s housing, inspired by the Rowntree family biodiversity. to address poverty and inequality, set the blueprint for Working with Warrington’s Labour council, I am social housing, paving the way for the 1919 housing looking at ways to make nature more accessible to Act, with well proportioned family homes with gardens, residents, including bringing together the green spaces first in New Earswick and then in Tang Hall. and nature reserves that ring the town through connecting Today, a city of inequality, where poverty once again cycleways and pathways to create a Warrington orbital suppresses the dreams of my constituents, is faced with park, and working with volunteers to clean up these a housing crisis. The low-waged economy means spaces. I am also working with our vibrant creative extortionate house prices, which are about to take a far sector to bring sculptures and other artworks to the more damaging turn through the alien York Central parks to celebrate our local culture and heritage. All of development plans. The developers’ charter that we are this is now under threat. debating today is a fast track to procuring a city of The Government’s White Paper has not only nothing luxury apartments that no one from York can afford. It on the natural environment, but almost nothing on will simply drive local house prices up, skewing the local affordable rent or on net zero. It does not address wider economy and pushing local people further from their infrastructure such as transport, retail or leisure, and roots. simply puts developers in the driving seat of their Those investors, who will spend over £500,000 a unit, cranes and diggers and gives them a green light to do will be the new commuters or, as we are seeing in other what they like. I am not opposed to house building. new developments, will turn their homes into holiday Indeed, probably the largest volume of casework that I lets,Airbnbs and second homes.Homes England recognises deal with relates to the lack of appropriate housing, that this development could turn York into a hen and especially affordable housing for large families and for stag party city, where local people fear to go. There is constituents of my age looking to get on to the housing nothing beautiful about that—or about local families ladder. living in damp, overcrowded homes,where private landlords Valerie Vaz: It is not just about houses, though, is it? are fleecing them for every penny they have, or about It is about decent quality houses and homes. the council failing to house people adequately. The plans also lack local consultation and scrutiny. Charlotte Nichols: My right hon. Friend is exactly Let us contrast that with Labour’s vision of wanting right. We need more three and four-bedroom family to meet housing need with good-quality, sustainable properties in Warrington where people can have a good homes, with gardens for families to enjoy, to meet local standard of living, but what developers want is to convert need and to rekindle the investment that the Rowntree or build endless one-bedroom flats where they benefit family made. Wewant a family-friendly city, with facilities from their highest profit margins while delivering the for children to play and for local people to enjoy. We least for families and our community. want York Central to focus on jobs, to lift the low wages 637 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 638 Local Involvement Local Involvement [Rachael Maskell] former politicians for becoming lobbyists, but who was a highly paid lobbyist when he was a former politician; of York and give everyone a hope of a better, fairer a party that describes itself as democratic while trying future. Instead of more cars congesting our streets, we to overturn the single largest democratic exercise in want cleaner air and better transport, cycling and walking. British history. This site will be the ruining of York unless it is forced to change direction, empowering local people and putting The simple fact of the matter is that simply telling the economic opportunity and housing needs of York people what they want to hear will never get the job first. The power of the site is its rail connectivity. It done. We cannot just talk the talk; we have to walk the could be the economic driver of the north. Instead, walk. I am cautiously optimistic about the planning opportunities for jobs will be choked off by housing Bill. In particular, I want to make it easier to build on that fails local people. The Minister’s development charter brownfield, because we have an abundance of it in my will simply accelerate the plans of the greedy at the cost constituency and a severe shortage of good-quality, of the needy. It must be rejected today. affordable homes. In closing, I lay down a challenge to my council, because it is very keen on building. Instead of carving up our green belt, will it listen to what people 5.58 pm are saying locally, as colleagues in Westminster have Chris Clarkson (Heywood and Middleton) (Con): asked, and start developing the brownfield now? Like I think most Members, a substantial portion of my casework is on either planning or housing, so I am glad 6.1 pm to participate in today’s debate. I would even say that I do not necessarily disagree with the thrust of it, although Emma Hardy (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle) I ask Opposition Members whether they have actually (Lab): It has been a pleasure to be part of this lively and spoken to any of their colleagues in local government. informed debate, but I want to take a slightly different tack and focus on something very specific. The motion Christian Wakeford: I thank my hon. Friend and refers to delivering “necessary new homes”; I want to neighbour for giving way on this point. Does he agree focus on the word “necessary”. that while Labour Members are expressing their faux outrage and are already attacking their inadvertently There is a section of our society who are always misleading attack ads, what they really need to do is forgotten—in education, in adult social services and turn lecture mode off and listening mode on? certainly in planning and home building—but whose numbers are growing: adults with learning disabilities Chris Clarkson: I thank my hon. Friend for his and general disabilities. Where is the thought for them? clairvoyance, because I was about to say that the lived Where is the thought for the number of homes and the experience does not necessarily match the rhetoric, and housing needed for supported independent living? There nowhere is that clearer than in Andy Burnham’s love is a huge shortage throughout the country, and people letter to developers, the Greater Manchester spatial are getting desperate. framework. As Labour authorities were scrambling over one another to designate as much green belt as possible I refer particularly to constituents I have spoken to, a for development, one in particular stood out: Rochdale couple now in their 60s who have taken early retirement Borough Council, which volunteered to build more to care for their son, who is in his 30s. Their son has homes than were allocated. In fact, in the first conversation been known to social services and to the local authority that I ever had with the council leader, he told me that since 1994, so it should not have come as a surprise to he wanted to build as many unaffordable homes as the local authority that he will need some form of possible. We thought that we had killed off the plan accommodation as he gets older. His parents have done when the Conservative group on Stockport Metropolitan everything possible for him, but they are worried that as Borough Council voted it down, but now Andy has they start to age, they can no longer continuously care simply repackaged it and is trying to force it through for him as they have done before. They have been trying again. Apparently, that constitutes listening to people. since 2016 to find him some form of supported independent living, and none can be found. When I have liaised with We know that planning is a hot-button issue. Several the family to try to find them suitable accommodation, hon. Members have mentioned the by-election result. I the stories they have told me of the difficulties they face honestly congratulate the new hon. Member for Chesham are truly shocking. I will read just a little from an email and Amersham (Sarah Green): it is a privilege and an that the mother sent me: achievement to get here. I take some issue with the way she arrived here, though. On Thursday evening, when I “This in itself is further evidence that housing for people like my son should not be subject to these vagaries and upheavals. I was trudging the streets of Chesham, I had the following can only reiterate the need for a clear pathway for families so that conversations at door after door: “Oh, yes, I am a these situations at the whim of the marketplace are avoided. Conservative—I always vote Conservative—but I voted Appropriate housing stock should be provided for vulnerable for the Liberal Democrats this time because they’ve adults. For example a plot should be allocated on each of the new promised to stop all the house building,” and “I voted housing developments. Not just a care home for the elderly or a for the Liberal Democrats this time because they’re couple of flats bought up as social housing by housing associations, going to stop HS2.” This is a party that talks about but properly designed units. Yes there would be a tiny reduction in social aspiration, but they are the sort of people who the property of the big developers as the footprint of, for example, a 2 storey unit with 4 flats and a staff office would probably take make sure that they are not in the house when the up that of 1 large detached home. But I’m sure the good PR as a cleaner is coming; a party that talks about the environment, result would more than make up for that. Far preferable to being but with a Range Rover in the drive that only ever does moved to out of county specialist provisions which can cost more the school run; a party led by a man who criticised than double that of an appropriate and more suitable ISL.” 639 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 640 Local Involvement Local Involvement I hope that as the White Paper goes forward, the We do not want to have a tall buildings policy dictated needs of that section of society are at the forefront of by the Mayor of London as part of a one-size-fits-all the minds of the Minister and the Secretary of the approach. We want to be able to decide for Bromley State. what the density levels and height levels should be in those areas. I have nothing against the shadow Secretary 6.4 pm of State, the hon. Member for Croydon North (Steve Reed), but we do not want the same height levels as our Sir Robert Neill (Bromley and Chislehurst) (Con) [V]: neighbours in Croydon, which we can often see from It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Kingston Bromley. That ought to be a matter of our democratic upon Hull West and Hessle (Emma Hardy) and to choice. I think that is an important matter, and provided speak in this important debate. we can get the balance right, I think we can find a Planning is about reconciling conflicts, such as conflicts sensible way forward. in demand and conflicts in pressures both for homes, The final thing I want to say—I refer to my entry in which are critical, and for building for protection of the the Register of Members’ Financial Interests—is that environment. It is about reconciling potential conflicts we also need to have more planners. Good plan making between individuals—between those who wish to develop requires dedicated professionals, particularly at local and their neighbours—and it is also about shaping level, and we suffer from a real shortage of those. I hope places and communities. I have a lot of sympathy for the Government will work with the profession to deliver many of the Government’s proposed reforms. There is a workforce strategy to get more people particularly no reason why we should not use modern technology to into the local authority sector, because all too often make planning much quicker and much more interactive, those who are good are lost to the private sector. I hope and those things I welcome. those are issues we can take forward constructively as we take this further. I think that we could also look to legitimately speed up the process in a number of particulars. First, I have long been frustrated—going back to the time when I 6.8 pm was a planning Minister in the Department—by the Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South East) (Lab) [V]: The slow way in which statutory consultees often respond. Labour party and I understand and accept that the Frequently, they delay applications for months on end. planning system in its current form is problematic and That ought to be very much in the Government’s gift, needs to be reformed, but the plans this Government since most of them are Government agencies. We really have presented just hand power over to the developers— ought to be holding their feet to the fire to respond in a those developers who have donated loads of money to timeous fashion when they are required to do so. Secondly, the Tory party recently—and away from communities if we can simplify the plan creation process, that too such as mine in Bolton South East. will be sensible. Thirdly, many builders that I know in my constituency—medium-sized builders in particular—are The Tory Government’s proposals fail to address the frustrated by the length of time it takes to negotiate wider issues that face our country. The climate crisis is pre-commencement conditions. Those really ought to more acute than ever, and without a concerted effort to be kept to the minimum so that we can get moving integrate planning infrastructure and development, we will on site. struggle to achieve our net zero targets.Weneed sustainable transport. Bolton South East has a disproportionate The other matter we ought to look at in this regard, number of people who are reliant on public transport— and I welcome the Government’sproposals for larger-scale 70% of them do not have a car—yet none of these plans development, is a greater simplification of the community talk about integrated solutions for the community. It is infrastructure levy and the way in which we capture only Labour with Andy Burnham in power in Greater planning gain. That is important, and, as yet, we have Manchester that is leading the way on an integrated not quite got that right. Those, too, are things I welcome. transport network and the public ownership of buses. There are currently 1.6 million people on housing However, I do think that when we make those waiting lists, and the Government’s projection is to improvements and modernisations—nothing ever stands build 100,000 to 340,000 homes per year for the next still and we can always learn, particularly in technological 10 years, but these do not appear to be homes for social matters—we also need to recognise that that cannot renting, affordable homes, retirement home or sheltered come at the expense of the right of communities to have accommodation. There is a huge need for those types of a say in how those very communities in which people accommodation, and I would encourage the Government live, have put down their roots and have a stake, are to plan for those types of houses as well as those for developed. I have a word of caution for the Minister first-time buyers. We need to concentrate on the people about how we approach the role of the individual who are the most vulnerable economically and in many objector and the role of the local authority in the other ways. They need to be accommodated. planning process. It is a democratic issue. We have to make sure that we are efficient, but not at the expense of The new planning laws will be on top of the national local democracy. planning policy framework introduced in 2012, which allowed green belt land to be used to build homes. We This must mean that a lot of key matters are taken at have seen that in my constituency, where a local developer, local level. For example, in Bromley in my constituency, Peel Holdings, was able to get permission to build we have a significant town centre, and there is considerable thousands of homes on the green belt even though it pressure for more tall building in Bromley. In the right owned many brownfield sites that it had acquired over place, that can be done, and Bromley Council has the years and that it could quite easily have built on. shown itself willing to do so, but within certain constraints. However, everyone knows that brownfield sites are more 641 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 642 Local Involvement Local Involvement [Yasmin Qureshi] of the areas where Labour is currently in power, where there are lots of brownfield opportunities, widespread expensive.Weneed social housing, and there are brownfield support for house building—I should know: I used to sites in my constituency that could easily benefit from be one of those offering support—and considerable development, so I would like the Government to set a Government funding, Labour is falling far behind. Sadiq target to ensure that these houses are built. As the right Khan promised to build 116,000 new affordable homes hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) said, housing by 2022; as of 2021, he has started fewer than half that is required, but it is required in the right areas. We number. cannot have thousands of houses in the salubrious The problem is Labour, first in national Government parts of a town or community while people in the inner and now in local government. Instead of working cities or towns do not have homes. constructively together to ensure that this country has the homes it needs, Labour just tries to create division, 6.12 pm sits on the fence and ignores its own record of failure. Claire Coutinho (East Surrey) (Con): I think everyone 6.15 pm in the Chamber agrees that it is our duty to ensure that this country has the homes we need. It is our moral duty Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale) (LD): Probably not only to the next generation but to the current the most bogus claim made for the Government’splanning generation, because having the right homes in the right reforms is that they will lead to more homes. Exactly the places is key to our ability to remain a competitive country opposite is true. Their reforms will incentivise the building in an increasingly competitive world. If we lose that edge, of fewer, unaffordable, expensive properties rather than we lose the means to pay for the excellent public services the more affordable homes we want. That was the message we all enjoy. Badly formed planning policy comes up I heard when I was knocking on doors in Chesham and time and again when we look at economists’ views of Amersham and in my communities in Cumbria over the the challenges ahead for British growth and prosperity. past few days. However,we also have a duty to ensure that those needs James Cartlidge: To be clear, is it the hon. Gentleman’s are balanced against the needs and legitimate concerns view that the Government should build more homes? of existing communities, such as the ones I represent in East Surrey. Those who worry about flood risks, Tim Farron: Yes, and the Government’s plan is to do infrastructure constraints or house building harming exactly the opposite. Their plan is to allow developers to nature should be heard, and solutions should be found. build a smaller number of executive homes that we do That is why I support ambitious approaches towards not need, rather than the larger number of affordable restoring biodiversity, including my campaign for a new homes that we do need. That is against the will and “wild belt” designation and the Government’s plans to wishes of many people who live in communities around create new biodiversity units that will help us to create London, in Cumbria and elsewhere in the country. connected corridors that can be wildlife-rich. I notice Today, my hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and that those plans have not been mentioned by the Opposition Amersham (Sarah Green), my Liberal Democrat colleagues today. and I will—along with, clearly, many on the Opposition I back local input to a strict standard of beauty and Benches—vote with the courage of our convictions to homes design, and increasing online access to local defend our communities, and we will vote for more plans so that more people can have a say. We should affordable housing. My challenge to Conservative Members also prioritise the next generation of local families and is: “Do you care for your communities? Are you listening key workers for new affordable homes, and ensure that to yours? If so, you should have the courage of your infrastructure needs are addressed. The Government convictions and vote with us in the Lobby tonight.” are looking at these things, and I thank the Ministers Let me say more about the planning reforms. It is for their ongoing conversations with me. I would like to about not just what is wrong with them but what is not see greater flexibility on what the right number of homes in them. Yes, they will lead to fewer affordable homes should be, based on local areas’ capacity to deliver. and cut local communities out of the planning process—it Combining all of this together would mean that we is an insult to the electorate not to listen to them and were increasing local input, not reducing it. allow them to have their say—but the reforms are also a I have talked about the difficulty of achieving the balance colossal missed opportunity. between protecting existing neighbours and providing Let me share with the House something that is and for future ones, but however hard that is, it is right that has been happening in my community during the pandemic. the Government are trying to grasp the nettle, and it is Over many years in places such as the lakes and the morally defunct of the Opposition to try to face two Yorkshire dales, there has been a steady erosion of local ways at once. We saw this in Chesham and Amersham, affordable homes for our communities. We see our where the Liberal Democrats campaigned locally against communities become ghost towns as a large number their own national position on house building and HS2. and growing proportion of homes in those communities We also see it in Labour’s motion today, and I have become second homes and holiday lets, leaving us without some sympathy with it, but Labour is trying to create a vibrant permanent population. division on the Government side of the House in the As any geologist will tell us, erosion can take aeons hope of making political capital while not contributing and aeons, and then sometimes a whole cliff will fall any ideas to solving a national problem. I wonder how into the sea in one go. That is what has happened in the that sits with the constituents they were elected to serve. past 15 months: there has been a 32% increase in the In 2008-09, when Labour was most recently in number of holiday lets in the Lake district. Up to government, only 75,000 new homes were started—the 80% of all houses sold in Cumbria during the pandemic lowest level of house building since the 1920s. In some went into the second-home market. Those are the figures. 643 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 644 Local Involvement Local Involvement The anecdotal, person-by-person reality includes the woman cleaning up brownfield. It is a disgrace that 70% of I spoke to recently in Ambleside who pays £700 a month finishes on the Isle of Wight are on greenfield. Why, for her small flat in Ambleside but has been kicked out when we have 35 potential brownfield sites? We need to so that her landlord can charge £1,000 a week on do more with greenfield in the way of taxing it, then Airbnb. That is what is happening: a kind of lakeland spending the money on brownfield. There are many clearances whereby people are being moved out of more ideas, and I will be writing to the Minister this Cumbria because people can make more money without week about this, because it is such an important problem. there being a local resident population. We need to do more to prevent land banking, to ensure I plead with the Government and the Secretary of legal priority for brownfield and to provide more powers State; it is great to see him in his place now: when for compulsory purchase. We have 600 empty homes on drastic things such as a pandemic happen out of the blue, the Isle of Wight. If the Minister wants to do something drastic action needs to happen, and it needs to happen to help us on the Island, let the council compulsorily right now, this side of the summer. I suggest that the purchase long-term empty buildings and we will take Secretary of State amends planning law to make holiday 600 people straight off our housing list. lets and second homes separate categories of planning We need to get our planning right. Surely we have use, so that local authorities and national parks can say, reached the end of using unsustainable, car-dependent, “Enough is enough: if we do not make changes,Ambleside’s low-density greenfield sites. Our reliance on them must community is potentially dying out, and Kirkby Lonsdale’s, come to an end. Weneed clear principles, and I recommend Windermere’s and even Kendal’s will, too.” these to the Secretary of State: planning should be I am determined that our communities should move community-led, environment-led, and levelling-up-led. out of this pandemic stronger and more vibrant. They should not find a situation in which there just is not a 6.22 pm local community anymore. Rather than introducing Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) planning reforms that undermine local communities, (Lab): I am regularly contacted by constituents who are the Secretary of State has the opportunity to change deeply concerned about the scale and pace of housing planning law to protect them, to stop these lakeland development across Newcastle’s outer west, and the clearances and to make our communities last well into long-term failure to deliver the infrastructure and amenities the future. that residents of new housing estates were promised. I share their concern that the current planning system 6.19 pm does not have people at its heart. Residents will find it incredible that the Government’s preferred solution is Bob Seely (Isle of Wight) (Con): I note what the hon. to give housing developers even more of a free hand, Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale (Tim Farron) while imposing an entirely arbitrary cities uplift on said about second homes, because we have a similar Newcastle’s new-build target. Residents on new estates problem on the Isle of Wight. in Newcastle have all too often felt abandoned by I genuinely wish the Secretary of State and Ministers developers, who seem eager to move on to the next well on this issue. Our planning reforms should be lucrative round of house building long before new community led, levelling-up led and environment led, estates have the amenities and infrastructure needed to and it would be great to see even more evidence of that, make sustainable communities. if at all possible. Communities help development to The Government’s plans would take the planning happen, as long as they can shape it. One initial study system further away from where it should be headed. As has shown that places with neighbourhood plans accept the Housing, Communities and Local Government more development. Therefore, working with communities Committee points out, the Government’s new planning gets better results than treating them as the planning proposalsareessentiallyhousebuildingproposals.Important equivalent of a foie gras goose, with ever more housing non-housing areas are barely mentioned at all, while shoved down them. Stripping away democracy,at whatever development and landowner interests are clearly favoured level, should be avoided by a Conservative Government. over those of local communities. When it comes to levelling up, I believe that the That is not where we should be taking our planning standard method is still a problem at the heart of this system. Local shops, employment, transport links, leisure matter, and many red wall colleagues are beginning to and climate change are all key elements that should realise this. In the words of one expert report, the form a fundamental part of any cohesive planning system current housing methodology that shapes the communities our constituents live in. “systematically disadvantages poorer parts of the country, particularly in the North and Midlands”. Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) Simply put, we are actively depriving the red wall of (Ind): I cannot profess knowledge of the situation in investment, because the construction jobs,the infrastructure England, but Wales is very much pro development biased jobs and the household spend jobs all come down to the toward developers. Essentially, the first part of the south-east. If this process continues reductio in absurdum, process is the local development plan, and once the land like some planning wheel of doom, it is a road to is on that document, the planning application is a done nowhere. We need a better system. I hope the Minister deal. Is that the situation in England? will take that and what others are saying here to heart. As one of my hon. Friends said earlier, we need a Catherine McKinnell: The problem is further recycling agenda. I suggest that the Secretary of State compounded by the revised housing formula. After the puts at the heart of that a tax on greenfield sites, to application of the Government’s arbitrary cities uplift, recognise the true cost of greenfield, and the money the requirement of 1,400 new dwellings per year in should go into major campaigns—a massive process—of Newcastle is 30% higher than the Newcastle and Gateshead 645 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 646 Local Involvement Local Involvement [Catherine McKinnell] building on brownfield sites.That is the kind of development we want to see and that the Government are championing core strategy and urban core plan’s average target for and enabling. 2020-30, so I worry that the over-allocation of land for Another problem in Greater Manchester—this was housing, particularly in a local authority such as Newcastle, highlighted earlier—is that devolution plans for Greater where the boundary is tightly drawn, will further affect Manchester to enable local leadership should have helped the availability of land for other commercial and community to deliver a plan for 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester, uses. Newcastle could be looking at a perfect storm of which Bolton and Wigan boroughs would be two. emerging from the proposals, with accelerated house Unfortunately, the Mayor, Andy Burnham, has not building alongside a radically reformed planning system delivered on that. He vetoed the first version and did that both reduces local say and lacks focus on the not enable it to be delivered. We are now on the third non-housing elements of the planning system, which version, so it is causing a huge number of problems for are essential to creating sustainable joined-up communities. many residents and it is not enabling the delivery of That is not the direction our planning system should be vital infrastructure. I would welcome it if the Secretary taking. of State and the Housing Minister ensured, if the So many residents in my constituency have been left Greater Manchester spatial framework is not delivered, for years without the kind of amenities that most people that the Bolton plan is. take for granted, such as GPs, dentists, proper transport links, schools, or even a local shop. We cannot see the failure to deliver on infrastructure and local facilities, 6.28 pm which has been problematic for many thousands of Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab) [V]: If the residents in Newcastle Great Park, replicated across Government’s contention is that the current planning Newcastle’s outer west, where thousands of homes are system is flawed and needs reform, I can only agree. already being built and 1,000 more are in the pipeline. One problem is political interference. Last week, the Ministers cannot pretend that housing can be built in right hon. Member for Chelsea and Fulham (Greg Hands) isolation from much needed support structures, for persuaded the Secretary of State to call in a much both business and leisure. Such structures are key to needed development of 133 social and affordable homes ensuring that any planning system seeks to shape not that would benefit my constituents as much as his. Far just houses, but good communities and places for our too little social housing is being built. As Shelter points constituents to live. out, in the last five years, on average, there have been 6,500 social homes a year—a 10th of what is needed. 6.25 pm It is not just the number of homes that is lacking; Chris Green (Bolton West) (Con): It is a pleasure to good design, energy efficiency and space standards do follow the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North not get much of a look in either. There is an inequality (Catherine McKinnell). She captured some of the concerns of arms between short-staffed planning departments that my constituents, and I am sure those of colleagues and local residents, on the one hand, and well-resourced around the country, have, in terms of having the house developers on the other. building, yet not having yet the infrastructure and facilities If the proposed reforms addressed these and other that ought to go along with it. I know my right hon. inequities, they would be welcome, but they do not; in Friend the Secretary of State will place those concerns fact, they make them worse. Developers will dominate a at the heart of what he wants to do with the Planning system of decision making that sidelines or eliminates Bill and ensure that that is improved on. We just have to public consultation and the role of local councils. In place help and support him in getting there in whatever ways of section 106 agreements, there will be an infrastructure we see fit. levy that aims, at best, to fund the current pitiful Local planning and house building is almost the No.1 number of social homes, but there is no explanation of issue in my constituency. In so many ways, it aggravates how it will do even that. The free-for-all allowed by and grates upon my constituents, whether it is the permitted development means that we are building the development at Hulton Park or Horwich golf course. slums of the future—badly designed, cramped, ugly People campaign hard and intensively against a and not fit for habitation. Neighbourhood planning is development, and either they see the development go to go; so too are planning committees. Objections will ahead, or the developers come back again and again not be heard in “growth” or “renewal” areas. These with new alternatives. It is very frustrating. It is important proposals are not about challenging NIMBYs or helping to get clarity and certainty over which plans can go young people with families on to the housing ladder but ahead: either we get the infrastructure and other support— about an increasingly corrupt relationship between the whether schools, GP services or roads—or the plan is Conservative party and the major developers and builders: vetoed, so we have that certainty for local residents. cash for profits; donations for deregulation. I welcome the Government’s strong agenda to develop I asked my local planning experts at the Hammersmith and focus on brownfield sites, and the commitment of Society what they would like to see from reform. They £75 million to Greater Manchester to focus on and pointed out that, on the one hand, public input without get brownfield development first. David Greenhalgh, rights of appeal is already often brushed aside, while on leader of Bolton Council, has done much to ensure that the other, allowing third-party appeals could see development in Bolton happens on brownfield sites first. development grind to a halt. A compromise might be The system does not always lend itself to his championing for local planners to develop specific briefs for sites in that cause, but he is leading the way. I welcome the consultation with design panels, setting out what is and commitment made by the Secretary of State’s predecessor is not acceptable, discouraging both the forlorn objection to a spine road on Horwich Loco Works to enable and the speculative application. 647 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 648 Local Involvement Local Involvement With the right approach from Government, both 6.35 pm residents and developers may be willing to compromise, but the current proposals are a developers’ charter Margaret Greenwood (Wirral West) (Lab) [V]: The surrendering both town and countryside to those who, Government’s planning proposals are a developers’ for their own gain, will ruin our collective past without charter, removing the right of local people to challenge benefiting our individual futures. inappropriate developments in their own street or neighbourhood. The importance of protecting that right and ensuring that the planning system involves local 6.31 pm residents was abundantly clear to me last week when I John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con) [V]: I support the met residents in West Kirby campaigning against an Government’s passion for home ownership. They are 18-metre high 5G mast on a residential street—a campaign right that we need to do more to extend that opportunity I fully support. to a new generation. It was, after all, an opportunity The Government intend that new-style local plans that previous generations took advantage of, enjoying will divide land in England into three zones: growth, the pleasures that can come from owning one’s own renewal and protected. While residents will be consulted home and doing with it rather more of the things one on these zones during the development of a local plan, wishes to do. once the plan is completed, they will have very little I support the Government’s wish to bring forward say—and in the vast majority of cases, no say at all—on more brownfield development, because there are still what gets built in growth and renewal areas. many sites around the country that could be tidied up Protected areas, which will include the green belt, and better used. I trust that, within that, the Government areas of outstanding natural beauty, conservation areas, wish to ease the planning system sufficiently so that local wildlife sites, areas with significant flood risk and where we need to convert tired or redundant commercial important areas of green space, will continue to be buildings into residential properties there will be no subject to the current planning application process. great planning impediment in doing so. However, even if an area is designated as protected, that I strongly support the wish of the Government to do does not necessarily mean there will not be anydevelopment; something extra to make sure that developers with it just means there will be no automatic planning permission. planning permissions build out the permissions they Clearly, under this Government, such areas are not safe have under a proper local plan. In the borough of from development. Wokingham, of which I represent a part, we have been People in Wirral West value the green belt very highly, afflicted in recent years by some landowners and developers and many are understandably concerned that Leverhulme gaming the system. Thousands of planning permissions Estates, which owns much of the green belt in Wirral, is are outstanding, and yet the local plan, which tries to arguing for the release of the green belt for building, protect areas, has been overwhelmed at times by people despite Wirral Council’scommitment to a brownfield-only lodging appeals on land not within the local plan for policy. People have contacted me recently with their development and inspectors deciding that we did not concerns about seeing surveyors out in the fields around have enough land because of the slow rate of build Greasby and between Thingwall and Barnston. They against all the permissions that are there. are worried that these green fields are at risk. Above all, we need a planning system that can reconcile our wish to protect the green gaps, the green fields, the People in Wirral West want to see a clear commitment farms and the woods—indeed, to expand the woods—and from Government to protect the green belt, as do I. The at the same time to make enough land available for Government’sproposals offer no such thing. The Housing, housing. The Office for National Statistics has shown Communities and Local Government Committee’s recent that, in the year to March 2020, we welcomed some report “The future of the planning system in England” 715,000 extra people into our country. Although 403,000 stated that: of them left, that meant that there were still 312,000 “All individuals must still be able to comment and influence extra people to house, and not all of those going freed upon all individual planning proposals.” up homes in the right place for the incomers. We need to That is a basic fundamental right, yet it is one that the have sustainable immigration. Of course we need to Government want to take away from people. CPRE, the welcome people into our country, but they should expect countryside charity, has expressed concern, saying: decent standards of housing, and the gap is too large. We now have a backlog of demand and need, and if we “The Planning Bill looks set to prioritise developers’ needs keep inviting in hundreds of thousands of extra people, over local communities”. we are not going to catch up. I urge the Government to Wirral West residents have made their feelings clear. make things easier so that the trade-offs between Many have written to me saying that the proposed environmental protection and more concrete for housing changes, which would allow some planning proposals are not so difficult. to proceed without approval by elected councillors, are Finally, on levelling up, which I strongly support, bad news for local democracy, communities and our over the years a large number of executive homes have environment, and they are right. The Government been built in Wokingham and places like it, attracting should give local people and their elected representatives people with great qualifications—people capable of more say over the development of their neighbourhoods, commanding well above average earnings. We need to not less. I therefore call on Members on the Government provide that kind of housing if we wish to attract Benches to support this motion and send a clear companies and the investment to level up, and we message to Ministers that the right of communities should not put all that housing into the areas that have to object to individual planning applications must be already been very successful. protected. 649 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 650 Local Involvement Local Involvement 6.38 pm Worse still, new developments often include little Andrew Griffith (Arundel and South Downs) (Con): decent social housing and too often lack the local public We in West Sussex are on the frontline of the debate on services required to support new homes. Put simply, our planning, squeezed between the coast and the capital. planning laws are already widely unbalanced, and it is In my short time here, I have spoken many times against time that we put local people before the big developers’ proposed developments on greenfield land at Adversane, profit margins. Ashington, Buck Barn, Barnham, Mayfield, Kirdford As the Government craft their latest changes to planning and Wisborough Green. Today, we can add Rock Road, policies, Ministers must at last take the time to engage Storrington to that list, where Clarion Housing Group with those affected by development—those who feel is trying to build on more than 30 acres of species-rich powerless in the face of mass building projects. When woodland, against the wishes of local people and the local voices are ignored, the result is the wrong houses neighbourhood plan. built in the wrong places. Instead of lucrative estates The homes that the nation needs should be built on constructed by Conservative party donors, Britain needs brownfield land or in urban areas. A perfectly sensible planning and development rules that listen and respond national target for new dwellings is roughly one new to local people and local needs. Handing power back to dwelling for every 160 adults living in an area. That communities and their representatives in local government would be reasonable if everyone paid their fair share. In can unlock a brighter future for how we meet our the south-east, London built only one new dwelling for housing needs. No community can be expected to support every 400 of its people, and of that diminished figure, a development that it was powerless to shape. just one in 10 were sold to a conventional owner-occupier. Once, those on the Conservative Benches spoke of a The construction rate of tall buildings, which soared property-owning democracy, yet now they seek to strip under Mayor Johnson, has plummeted by half. Under away the last few democratic safeguards in our planning Mayor Khan, we see more foot dragging than on a system. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of families bunioned millipede. are left renting poor quality houses for sky-high rents, Faced with a hostile environment and weighed down while others are forced to move away from the only by planning conditions and social housing mandates, it community that they have ever known thanks to is no wonder that developments look to where the grass development designed to serve only property investors. is literally greener. We do not even have to travel to The Government are putting the profits of a greedy London. The Green and Labour-led Brighton Council few ahead of the concerns of thousands whose communities is proposing 16 developments on 28 green hectares are faced with bulldozers, so I call on Members from all when there is abundant brownfield land inside that city, parties to stand up to be counted against the Government’s so I congratulate the Conservative councillors there. proposals as they seek to permanently rob communities We must learn lessons from one of Aesop’s Fables, of the powers to shape their neighbourhoods and their “The North Wind and the Sun”. I know that the own futures. Secretary of State, who is a very decent man, recognises Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): The wind-ups the challenge, but blowing harder simply increases the will begin promptly at 7.10, and apologies to the probably level of noise and sees communities understandably 17 Members who will fail to be called. pull their cloak tighter for protection. As we reform planning, let us instead bring out the sun and unleash a 6.43 pm field of carrots that would put Beatrix Potter’s Farmer McGregor to shame. Mr Simon Clarke (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland) (Con) [V]: It is a pleasure to be called 6.40 pm to speak today, because Britain needs more good homes. Taiwo Owatemi (Coventry North West) (Lab): Of all That is an undeniable fact. We witness it in the ever- the problems that my constituents bring to me on a increasing house prices right across our country. We regular basis, it is planning and development that, time witness it in the ever more cramped accommodation and again, possesses some of the greatest difficulties. that too many families are forced to settle for. We The Government’s plans to take power from communities witness it in the ever more expensive and dysfunctional and hand them to developers will be nothing short of a rental market trap, which makes it so hard for so many disaster for our green spaces. Already, local people have people of my age to buy their first home. too little control over which developments are built near The Government have sensible proposals on the table to them. Communities such as Keresley in my constituency to allow communities to designate those areas that are risk being subsumed into the city suburbs by plans that appropriate for development and those that should be they did not approve and are now fearful of losing protected; to make building beautiful homes a top much of their unique village identity. Even when priority; to empower communities to set out the right comparatively few homes are under construction, those design codes to ensure that new homes are in keeping scrutinising plans often lack the powers needed to ensure with their surroundings; and to create an infrastructure that new additions are in character with existing homes, levy to fund the new roads, schools and GP surgeries with strict enforcement made virtually impossible by that these new developments need in order not to impose loopholes created by Whitehall. a detrimental effect on the existing community. In addition, local councils such as Coventry City Like any constituency MP, I know just how hard it is Council are being forced to build tens of thousands to discuss matters relating to planning, but we are sent more homes than residents require and, if they refuse, to this House to do the right thing for the country, and I not only would yet more homes be foisted upon them, am clear that this must mean cutting the ropes that are but those developments would be unleashed to sprawl preventing us from building the homes that our people outwards with zero control for those most affected locally. need. For too long, we have attempted to address what 651 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 652 Local Involvement Local Involvement is fundamentally a supply-side problem with demand-side In Avonmouth, we have had a long-running battle with solutions. Frankly, that is the easier politics of the an over-concentration of low-quality waste processing situation, though we owe it to the country to be honest sites. Each new application for such a site now receives that the fundamental issue is one of land supply. Even if very high engagement from local residents, but under someone is fortunate enough to own their own home, these proposals, a statutory presumption in favour of especially in the parts of the capital or the south where development could now apply. prices are so high, it is their children and grandchildren On the Downs, a proposal to convert an old toilet who are the victims of the impasse that our inefficient block into a new coffee shop required the publication of planning system has created. physical notices. Even in those circumstances, many We meet today in the shadow of the Chesham and local residents did know about them. Under these proposals, Amersham by-election. I wish the hon. Member for those notices will now just be online. In Lawrence Chesham and Amersham (Sarah Green) every success Weston, we have a very successful local neighbourhood in her new role representing that constituency and welcome development plan, but under these proposals, all that her to this House, but this was an election won in the hard work by local residents now stands for nothing, very worst spirit of pandering to nimbyism, denying the with neighbourhood plans being effectively closed down. growing social injustice that we are witnessing and In Henleaze, a freeholder is trying to use permitted privileging the interests of the haves over the have-nots development rights to build more flats on top of existing in our society. This may be all right for the Liberal ones. Leaseholders sought to buy the freehold to prevent Democrats, whose long tradition of saying one thing a future development, but under these proposals, the locally and one thing nationally has reasserted itself; it cost of the freehold has massively increased because of may be all right for a desperate Labour party whose speculative development, making it impossible for the speeches collectively today have been nothing more existing tenants to afford it. The Government promised than a terrible mixture of, frankly,hypocrisy and innuendo to revive high streets, but under these proposals, they directed at those on the Government Benches; but it is are just closing them down. not a choice open to my party. Lastly, for the thousands of young people and families To govern is to be sent here to make the tough choices on low incomes, these proposals offer little hope. We on behalf of the nation, and we have to face the reality need more council houses, more affordable homes, a that there is nothing inevitable about the broken housing route to home ownership where tenants can save for market that we have at the moment. It is broken because their deposit, and low-carbon, energy-efficient houses we have lacked the political courage to fix it. That needs now, and we need to protect the rights of citizens to be a to change. The Government have come forward with valued part of our local democracy. It is therefore moderate and pragmatic proposals to unlock more land evident that the Government need to get back to the for housing while protecting the legitimate interests of drawing board. existing communities and looking after their areas. It is high time for us to take this forward and build the 6.49 pm homes that Britain needs. Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con): In the last year, the Government have built roughly 244,000 6.46 pm additional homes for our people, the highest number for Darren Jones (Bristol North West) (Lab): The planning 33 years. While that is good news, in my view it is merely process is part of our democracy. It is one of the a step in the right direction. Even if we achieve the reasons we elect local councillors and one of the reasons target of 300,000 additional homes a year in this Parliament, we have planning committees that are independent of it will be nowhere near enough to even begin addressing party political leadership. Citizens in every community the housing crisis. across the country have a stake and a say in what In my constituency, as I have said before in the House, happens in their local area, but the Conservatives’planning the average house price is around £300,000, which is reforms pull the rug from under our local democracy nine times the average salary. It is absurd that most and instead roll out the red carpet for the big developers, young people today cannot even aspire to get on the with the automatic granting of outline planning permission; property ladder unless they have family help or inherit statutory presumptions in favour of development; planning some money.It is not morally right and it is not sustainable, notices moving to online only; no real role for existing and this is not just about private ownership. According neighbourhood plans; still not enough action on net to Shelter, which I met a couple of weeks ago and am zero energy-efficient housing resources and low-carbon doing some work with, there are hundreds of thousands heat; proposals that do not go far enough to deliver of people stuck in temporary accommodation across more council and affordable housing; and, based on the country. Even in my constituency, the local council’s recent permitted development rights, high-street shops Homechoice website says: that can be converted into often low-quality housing, “There is a severe shortage of homes in the South Gloucestershire with limited standards on space, light or community area. Most applicants on the Housing Register will have to wait a structure, and mobile phone masts that can be seemingly long time for re-housing and many will not be re-housed at all.” plonked anywhere. All in all, it is a complete shambles. It is therefore absolutely vital that we increase supply. Let me take a few examples from my constituency. In The Government are investing £11.5 billion to unlock Horfield, a developer bought a large house on the corner affordable homes across the country, but to really increase of a street and is developing a complex of bedrooms supply we have to reform and speed up the planning with shared living spaces. Local residents with concerns process, which is precisely what the Government are were able to submit them to the planning process, but trying to do. We must make the system faster, simpler under these proposals, the development could have and more modern in order to deliver what we need. We had its planning permission automatically granted. have to make it accessible, using modern technology 653 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 654 Local Involvement Local Involvement [Jack Lopresti] Steve Double (St Austell and Newquay) (Con): Does my hon. Friend share my view that part of the housing and data to make it much more efficient. That is why I crisis in Cornwall is very much driven by second and am again disappointed to hear colleagues from all parts holiday home ownership? Does he therefore agree that of the House trying to pre-emptively kill any reform to it is time for the Government to look seriously at score political points and shore up support from people requiring planning permission for a home that will not in their constituencies who are already on the housing be a primary residence? ladder. We cannot keep using the excuse about the wrong houses in the wrong places to justify saying no to Derek Thomas: I welcome my hon. Friend’sintervention any new development. because I was about to come to that subject and credit These reforms will make planning and building simpler him with that very idea. It is absolutely the case that we and more transparent. We need to make building homes live in a beautiful part of the world; Mr Deputy Speaker, on a much larger scale easier for everyone, from the do come and visit, but please do not buy a house smallest local builder to the largest social housing there—not until we get this sorted. corporation. We have to plan to get the diggers moving, My hon. Friend is right that people want houses in but we cannot ignore the fact that the green belt is our area—they want to have their bolthole there—but strangling housing growth in some of our cities. There that has caused huge problems for communities such as are many areas of our country that should be protected, Mousehole, St Ives and Porthleven in my constituency. but less than roughly 10% of the land available is built We do not want to interfere in the market, but the idea on, so we have space. We can build new towns, and we right now is that we have some sort of planning condition need to be more open-minded about what solutions for properties that are not going to be a primary residence. might look. This White Paper must sweep in stronger local As I have said before, the housing crisis is shredding communities, where family homes help the viability of the social contract. Werisk condemning an entire generation the pub, the local post office and the local school. I have of young people to a huge amount of student debt and a situation right now in Coverack; its fantastic community no prospect whatsoever of ever owning their own home, school has years of history, yet there are just not enough and with renting becoming ever more unaffordable, to children in the area to sustain it. We have a plan, but for being stuck in shared housing for the foreseeable future. the plan to survive it needs housing built for local This must go beyond narrow party politics. This is our families in the next three years. duty, as somebody said earlier. We are elected to come Finally, the planning White Paper must sweep in here and make tough decisions, but the right decisions, opportunities for vibrant small and medium-sized so we must increase supply and reform the planning enterprises that can provide apprenticeships and skilled system, so that we can build enough homes for all our jobs as these new homes are built and as existing ones people for the future. are retrofitted for the benefit of our environment. We want to ensure that we live in homes that are healthy 6.52 pm and safe, that provide the opportunity for young people Derek Thomas (St Ives) (Con): I am so glad to speak to attain better in school and that are good for older in this debate, because if there was no problem in people as they age. Cornwall with housing, we would not be having it. We I am glad to have been able to speak in this debate on need the planning White Paper to deliver the right this critical issue. I would be absolutely wrong not to housing in the right places for the right people, and we stand up for my constituents and those in the rest of cannot get close to delivering on the Government’s Cornwall who are struggling today to be able to live in levelling-up agenda unless we get the housing right. the place that they call home. This debate is about local involvement in planning, and local priorities are at the heart of this. I know that 6.56 pm my local community in west Cornwall and on Scilly would rally behind house building if my constituents Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD): These planning reforms knew that local families would be provided with homes are the biggest change to the planning system since they can afford and can call their own. I ask the Secretary 1947, yet this White Paper is a jumbled series of aspirations of State to take a careful look at the situation in Cornwall, and statements that do not amount to a coherent document. where local people find it difficult to get on the housing It would fail the test that every local plan has to go ladder. The demand to live in such a beautiful place as through. ours has created great problems for people who already Liberal Democrats believe in community empowerment. live locally.With the fresh administration on Conservative- I believe that the people of Bath and their elected local led Cornwall Council and incentives from the Government representatives understand the needs of our community to help first-time buyers, I am of the belief that we can better than Ministers or, indeed, those developers who fix this problem. With the planning White Paper, that is just want to make a profit. Yet there will be no more made even more certain. local input into application development, nor into public The planning White Paper must and can sweep in hearings. The proposals are less strategic, less flexible three areas of opportunity, all of which are consistent and less democratic. What is more, there is no evidence with the Government’s levelling-up agenda, and they all that the reforms will actually make any difference to the depend on a robust local plan. The first is homes built number of homes being built. Local councils approve for people who need them. In places such as Cornwall nine in 10 planning applications. In fact, the number of and other areas referred to this afternoon, we need to homes granted planning permission has far outpaced look carefully at how housing policy can ensure that the the number of homes being built. More than 1 million houses being built are available to local people. homes that have been granted planning permission in 655 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 656 Local Involvement Local Involvement the last decade have yet to be built. If the Government would add significant pressure on public services in are trying to address the housing crisis, this is completely Wolverhampton, I seek reassurance that the voices of the wrong answer. people affected by large developments should be heard Any review of England’splanning system must consider even across the county boundary. not only the delivery of housing, but the many roles that As time is short, I will conclude by applauding the planning authorities play in creating great spaces for ambition of the Ministry of Housing, Communities their communities: connectivity,accessibility,affordability, and Local Government and not just because it will be access to green spaces, schools and infrastructure provision. my new neighbour in Wolverhampton. Levelling up All those things contribute to ensuring quality of life in opportunity includes the opportunity to own one’s own our communities, as, indeed, does the quality of housing home. This has simply been a pipe dream for so many of we build. my constituents. Beautiful affordable homes helping Every new home should be built with the climate and ordinary working people to fulfil the dream of home ecological emergency in mind. Domestic heating accounts ownership is absolutely the right thing to do. Building for about 14% of the UK’s carbon emissions. We cannot on brownfield land, and indeed investing in the National hope to reach our emissions targets without proper plans Brownfield Institute in my constituency, is the right to decarbonise heating. Climate action begins at home. thing to do. Rather than undermining local authorities,the Government There is so much to address around planning: making should be directing their energy towards building greener, retirement housing a positive move that will free up more resilient and more sustainable homes. family homes, ending land banking, innovative design Planning continues to be one of the areas in which and bringing empty homes back into use. Modernising every local community gets involved and local democracy the planning system is a difficult nettle to grasp, but it is plays such a vital role in our community. The current long overdue as the current system has not been fit for proposals are an assault on democracy, and the emphatic purpose and it will not deliver the homes we desperately Lib Dem win in Chesham and Amersham—fought on need. issues of local democracy—should be a wake-up call for this Government. The right of local communities to 7.1 pm have a say over planning in their area must be protected. Florence Eshalomi (Vauxhall) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in this debate on 6.58 pm such an important issue for my constituents. Ministers are right to say that fundamental reform is Jane Stevenson (Wolverhampton North East) (Con) needed. The current planning system is not fit for [V]: It is a pleasure to have the chance to speak in purpose. As I have said in this House before, it is too today’s debate. distant from the people it most directly impacts. That This is an emotive issue. For most people, a home is leads to developments that do not work for the communities the biggest purchase they will ever make. Where we buy who have to live there for years. For too long the system our home—our local neighbourhood—has a huge impact has been unfairly weighted in favour of developers. The on our quality of life. Planning decisions affect our access Government’s proposals will not increase the ability of to public services, jobs, retail and leisure facilities, and local people to have their say; they will dilute it. The quality green spaces. To listen to the Opposition, I would proposed introduction of a Whitehall-appointed board think that we lived under a perfect planning system. of developers will lead to local people no longer having Our planning system is decades old. Anyone who has the ability to object to inappropriate developments. It served in local government knows how clunky it is and will remove the right of local people and councillors to how little involvement local people have in planning have a say at key points in the planning process. They decisions. Local neighbourhood plans take several years will have little opportunity to influence the design of to draw up and even then they are not respected. In the specific planning applications, as most design codes will ward I previously represented as a Wolverhampton city be site-specific and so no longer subject to local consultation. councillor, there was a clear local neighbourhood plan As an MP for a central London constituency with that was against any homebuilding on a local nature some of the highest levels of building in the country, reserve—on the site of the Wolverhampton Environment every day I see the negative impact that unsystematic Centre. The council has ploughed on regardless and has development has on communities in Vauxhall. We have plans for a number of homes. Local people are still hundreds of tower blocks going up that often block out campaigning against the development, assisted by my daylight for neighbours. We see huge telecommunication hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton South masts placed in the middle of small streets in conservation West (Stuart Anderson). As the Minister said earlier, areas against the wishes of residents. We see communities only 1% of local people are getting involved in planning disrupted by the introduction of 24-hour businesses decisions, and I applaud the Government for their that bring little or no benefit to the area. commitment to an easier system for local people to Planning can be viewed as boring or as a nimby navigate. Online maps with design codes and the ability subject. This is often because residents feel powerless to to really see what is suggested in a good level of detail influence local decisions. I pay tribute to the community will increase engagement. groups across Vauxhall who work hard to challenge I again draw Ministers’ attention to the issue of some of the proposed developments, volunteering their cross-border co-operation. My northern border with time, effort, expertise and knowledge to read through South Staffs is green belt and it is under threat. My pages of designs, attending consultation meetings and constituents are gravely concerned that they have no responding by focusing on the needs of the local community. say, and what suits South Staffordshire does not Residents in Vauxhall understand and appreciate the suit Wednesfield and Bushbury. As any development need for growth and regeneration, but that must be 657 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 658 Local Involvement Local Involvement [Florence Eshalomi] with communities but about a land grab. Housing is a fundamental right, without which it is impossible to done with the consent of the people who have to live build a secure and happy life. The Government must with the daily consequences of planning decisions.Everyone recognise that fact and begin to work in the interests of wants to see local people and their local elected all UK— representatives given a bigger, not a smaller, say over planning decisions. I therefore urge the Government to Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. Sorry, rethink their proposals. Claudia. I call James Daly, who is to finish his speech at 10 past seven. 7.4 pm 7.8 pm Claudia Webbe (Leicester East) (Ind) [V]: When it James Daly (Bury North) (Con) [V]: This is a really comes to planning, everyone except wealthy landlords important debate about the role that local communities gets a raw deal from this Government. Since 2010, the play in the planning process. As we have heard from Conservatives have slashed funding for new homes, refused Members from all parties, communities have their own to regulate for higher standards, and given a free hand priorities. In Bury, we have a thriving local debate about to commercial property developers. The number of where we feel housing should be put and the type of Government-funded homes for social rent has fallen by housing we need in our area. Organisations such as more than 90%, the number of households stuck renting Bury Folk Keep It Green are at the forefront of the from a private landlord has risen by more than 1 million, debate. Thousands of my constituents in Bury hold the and the number of young people who own a home has view that their priority is to protect the green belt, and fallen by almost 900,000. According to Shelter,even before there is a clear local view that people want their the pandemic half of all renters were only one pay democratically elected politicians to protect it. cheque away from losing their homes, with no savings to Let us look at the Government’s position. The recent fall back on. Since then, the Resolution Foundation has response to the Government’s consultation on changes found that renters are 40% more likely to work in places to the current planning system makes it crystal clear that have been shut down by the coronavirus crisis. that The Conservatives plan to reward their developer “meeting housing need is never a reason to cause unacceptable donors by selling out communities with a new developers’ harm to such” charter, which will remove powers from elected local things as the green belt or countryside. Indeed, in that representatives, thus silencing residents and tipping the consultation response the Government go on to say: balance of power further in favour of profit-seeking “We can plan for well designed, beautiful homes, with access to developers. The Government plan to scrap section 106 the right infrastructure in the places where people need and want agreements and the community infrastructure levy, yet to live while also protecting the environment and green spaces section 106 agreements between developers and local communities most value.” authorities result in almost 50% of all affordable homes Why are we not in that situation in Bury? Why are the for social rent. By scrapping section 106 and the community Greater Manchester spatial framework and other such infrastructure levy altogether, the Government risk documents being railroaded through, destroying the green abandoning one of the chief engines of affordable belt in Walshaw and Tottington and at Elton reservoir? living. The president of the Royal Institute of British The reason is that my local Labour council will not put Architects said that this could a local plan in place. How can planning exist in any way, “lead to the creation of the next generation of slum housing.” shape or form when our local Labour council do not Rather than making it harder to build homes that are have a local plan? It is simply beyond belief that, since fit for the many, the Government must rapidly increase 1997, we in Bury have not had a local vision of how our theconstructionof councilhousingandgenuinelyaffordable communities should look. I implore Bury Labour: please, properties to urgently address the housing crisis. The put a local plan in place that protects our green belt, soaring inequality and exclusion derive from the way rather than subcontracting the responsibility— land is owned and controlled. The Government make Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. Sorry, ideological choices to sustain this inequality as a direct James, but it is 10 past 7 and we have to start the attack on the working class. wind-ups. At least you got in. In my constituency of Leicester East, overcrowding is a huge problem. There are pockets of areas close to 7.10 pm Leicester General Hospital with populations of 2,000 Ruth Cadbury (Brentford and Isleworth) (Lab): It is a living in an area 60,000 square metres in size. That is an pleasure to close this debate in which many Back Benchers average of 32 square metres of space, which is the have expressed their concerns, both about their local equivalent of a single box bedroom, without front or areas and about the Government’s stated intention to back gardens. The UK average is 3,676 square metres of remove the community voice from local planning decisions. space per person, which is more than a hundred times Unfortunately, time does not allow me to acknowledge the amount of space that working-class communities all the excellent contributions to the debate. have in my constituency, yet the Government want to The motion in my name and those of my right hon. downgrade our much-needed and loved local NHS and learned Friend the Leader of the Opposition, my general hospital and sell off its land to property developers. hon. Friend the Member for Croydon North (Steve Reed) It is sadly not surprising that this Government act so and others, states that overwhelmingly in the interests of landowners and landlords “planning works best when developers and the local community when we remember that many of them are in fact work together to shape local areas and deliver necessary new landlords themselves, catering for their property developer homes; and…calls on the Government to protect the right of donors.TheGovernment’sproposalisnotaboutpartnership communities to object to individual planning applications.” 659 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 660 Local Involvement Local Involvement We have brought it to the House because of the wealth about 1 million homes have permission; they are just of opposition throughout the country to the Government’s not being built out. The Government proposals risk proposals,including from professional institutions,respected ignoring the issues of quality, affordability or type of non-governmental organisations and councillors of all housing to be built. parties, including the Conservative-led Local Government There is a housing crisis—we accept that—but there Association, as well as the Housing, Communities and is no doubt that the Government are delivering the Local Government Committee in its unanimous excellent wrong answer to the growing challenge. Too many young report. people are priced out of the community that they grew From the outset, the health and wellbeing of people up in. The bulk of homes in recent years have been and communities were at the heart of what became the executive homes in the south-east or expensive London town and country planning system. Planning is making flats, all way out of the reach of local people. Defenders decisions that are central to our lives and that impact on of the Government’s plans have said time and again the generations that follow. It is not about churning out that these proposals are the solution to the housing housing “units”. It is about delivering homes—enough crisis, as though delivering all these homes would magically homes for the full range of pockets and household bring all house prices down to a level affordable to all types, particularly young people who want to get on young people across England. They know that the with their lives. It is not just about building new estates. solution is far more complex than that. It is about place making, incorporating the social, transport and physical infrastructure that makes a place a community Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): Will and ensuring that there are places of work, providing the hon. Lady give way? jobs, regeneration and growth. Planning is about deciding how we move towards net zero, how we enhance and Ruth Cadbury: I am sorry, but I cannot. You have improve our biodiversity, how we protect and enhance told me, Mr Deputy Speaker, that I need to leave our natural environment, and how we build strong and enough time for the Secretary of State. sustainable local high streets. Only in some places are prices low enough that young Many of the challenges we face as a society and as a people can buy. Schemes such as Help to Buy are country will need to be tackled through the planning affordable in my constituency only to a few who earn system. To do that, new development has to be planned City salaries or have a large chunk of money from the and determined with the engagement of people and their bank of mum and dad. From 2008, the Labour elected local representatives, but the Government want Government delivered the biggest affordable housing to undermine local involvement—in fact, they want to programme in a generation, with £10.8 billion in three undermine the whole planning system. The proposals in years, but it ended with the 2010 election. the White Paper, confirmed in the Queen’s Speech, are We need a planning and housing system that delivers the next step in the Conservative party and its friends’ well designed homes in genuinely mixed, well designed 10-year project to dismantle the planning system. They communities with proper infrastructure. The Government have been doing it for years, such as through permitted have had 10 years of tinkering and have undermined the development rights and going back to delivering “slum planning system. They have allowed a free-for-all in housing”, as the Government’s own adviser described town and village centres, where any shop can be converted it. Instead of involving local communities in future into a flat without requiring planning permission. development decisions, the Government want to limit No one on the Opposition Benches is suggesting that that. The right to comment on planning applications the planning system should be preserved in stone. It is would be abolished in the new growth areas, potentially ludicrously complex, and local plans take too long. in large parts of the country—[Interruption.] Well, There are elements that we welcome in the Government’s which areas are going to be growth areas? It could be proposals—digital technology, a speeding up of the large parts of the country, affecting many constituencies. local plan process and a plan for every part of England. Planning applications will be determined not by local We agree, and the Government acknowledge, that there elected councillors but by unelected planning officers. is a desperate shortage of planners with the range of Even the delegation process will end. The Government’s skills needed. However, beyond the removal of public ambition is to require all local plans, covering all of participation and the failure to address the housing England, to be delivered within 30 months. That is way crisis properly, so much is missing from the Government’s beyond the resources not only of most planning proposals. departments, but even of most community organisations Specialist housing, which my hon. Friend the Member that already comment on and are involved in planning for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle (Emma Hardy) matters. The task is just too great, the timescale just too mentioned, protecting our high streets, levelling up, tight. protecting and enhancing our natural environment, Community engagement and discussion leads to better delivering net zero, mitigating the impact of climate outcomes. When I speak to voters in my constituency, change—the Government talk the talk on those objectives, they consistently tell me that not only do they want but do not walk the walk. The specific proposals are not truly affordable, good-quality homes, but they want the there, and we cannot support the Government without community services that go with them—sport and play those details. It feels as if they are just not interested. areas, schools, more buses and so on. Hounslow Council’s Weneed an effective planning system—an improvement planning decisions have delivered all of those, and on the current system, not its demise. Rather than more. The people are being sidelined because the removing the public and their elected representatives Government do not trust the people. The Government from the picture, the Government need to improve their justify tearing up our planning system by saying that engagement and retain their right to have a say over they want to build more homes, but as we heard today, planning applications. They can start by giving planning 661 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 662 Local Involvement Local Involvement [Ruth Cadbury] Labour party’s own derisory record on housing. Let us not forget that this Government, back in 2010, inherited committees back the power to determine whether shops, levels of house building at the lowest they had been since office blocks and warehouses should be converted into the 1920s. Those of us who are just about old enough to housing, and if they are approved—because some are remember that time recall when John Prescott was suitable—to ensure that they make for good-quality Secretary of State in my Department and they recall his housing. flagrant disregard for the green belt, the needs of local There are developers that want to work with communities communities and local democracy,with his failed approach and councillors to develop good places that serve the to regional planning, which we scrapped when we came neighbourhood. I have worked on community plans to power. with just such firms, and they should be encouraged, Those of us who see what Labour is doing today see but too many of the Government’s friends and party how damaging and feeble their policies are. If we look donors in the house building industry just see the planning at Wales, we see that, despite the rhetoric we heard process as a block on their mission to deliver “units” today, the Labour party is developing 12 council houses— and little else. for the whole of Wales. In Croydon, the Labour borough We want a planning system that effectively mediates represented by the shadow Housing Secretary and run between public and private, between community and by his closest friends and cronies, the local council has decision makers, between local and national—a system gone bankrupt and its housing company, Brick by that is transparent, open and participative. We need Brick, has taken tens of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ more decent, affordable homes, but a home is more money and has failed to deliver a single home. Its social than bricks and mortar, and a community is more than housing stock is so disgracefully Dickensian that the a collection of houses miles away from anything and housing regulator has in recent weeks condemned it. anywhere. The Government must listen to the people What has the hon. Gentleman said? He has said nothing and their elected representatives, not their paymaster at all. His Twitter account, which he loves to use to donors. We do not need a developers’ charter; we need a criticise the Conservative party, has fallen as silent as charter for communities and delivering homes. that of Donald Trump—he has said absolutely nothing. The Government’s gagging of communities, removing So we will take no lectures from the Labour party. the inconvenience of people and their elected councillors Wealso heard from the Lib Dems,who have mysteriously from decisions, is perhaps a new version of “Who gone AWOL now, at the end of the debate. Days after Wants to Be a Millionaire?” If the Minister is unsure winning a by-election, saying that they would campaign about the reforms, he could call a friend, but after last to ditch the planning Bill, they could not even be week’s by-election result, I have a feeling that his friend bothered to turn up to the end of the debate. We have will beg him to withdraw these plans. He could even ask heard the appalling, rank hypocrisy of the Liberal the audience, but some of the audience on the Benches Democrats throughout this debate. Their leader went behind him do not seem, from their contributions today, on TV at the weekend to declare himself a “yimby”, but to be too keen to help him. That simply leaves him that is very different from what he was saying to people 50:50—plough on, or ditch these proposals. on the doorsteps of Buckinghamshire in recent weeks. It is better to describe him and his party, in the term of 7.19 pm my hon. Friend the Member for Hazel Grove (Mr Wragg), as a “banana”—build absolutely nothing anywhere near The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and anything. Local Government (Robert Jenrick): The Opposition called this debate today to divide us, but I do not think Except in practice that is not what some Liberal they have succeeded. What we have heard, time and Democrat councils do. The two Lib Dem Members who again, across the House is a very high degree of consensus. did turn up to speak in this debate, the hon. Members Member after Member, from either side of the House, for Westmorland and Lonsdale (Tim Farron) and for queued up to say that this country needs to build more Bath (Wera Hobhouse), both represent areas with Liberal houses. Some said we have a housing crisis. Some said Democrat councils that are building twice the number we have a generational duty to help young people and of homes that the Government are asking them to those on low incomes to enjoy the dream of home build. I do not criticise those Liberal Democrat councils ownership, which so many of us—the vast majority of for trying to build homes, but if anyone is objectively people in this House—have already achieved and are concreting over the green belt or greenfield land, it is enjoying. Member after Member, including almost every those councils that are choosing to build twice the contribution from the Labour party, queued up to say number of homes that the Conservative Government that the current planning system does not work. Some are asking them to build. made extremely good and important points. The hon. Of course, it was the Liberal Democrat leader who Member for Coventry North West (Taiwo Owatemi) voted consistently for HS2 and, when we were in coalition, said that the single biggest issue she hears from her voted for every one of this Conservative Government’s constituents on is the planning system and how it is planning Bills from 2010 until he lost his seat in 2015, so failing to address the needs of her constituents. Yet we the speeches from the Opposition Front Bench and the also heard from the Labour Front-Bench team an argument Liberal Democrats were, I am afraid, just embarrassing. that we should do absolutely nothing—that we should Nothing was more emblematic of that than the graphic not take forward any ambitious plans to reform the put out by the Labour party this afternoon, which planning system at all. showed some properties in the Cotswolds that Labour The shadow Secretary of State spoke for nine minutes had taken from an article in a newspaper with the but said absolutely nothing. All he has managed to headline “Why £10 million country estates are the new achieve with this debate has been to shine a light on the £5 million estates”. How out of touch is that? We on 663 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 664 Local Involvement Local Involvement this side of the House do want to build homes. We do in 13 months, not seven years, and that millions more of want to help young people on to the housing ladder, our fellow citizens are involved in the plan-making process and we do care about homelessness and rough sleeping, than they are today. As we have heard already, only and tackling intergenerational unfairness. 1% of the public even engage in the current system. We As I said at the beginning of my speech, a great deal are going to ensure that many, many more people do so. united the House in this debate, and six themes emerged, We are going to ensure that neighbourhood plans have all of which are fortunately the chapters—the pillars—of more teeth and that more of them happen across the the planning reform Bill. First is our united desire to see country, not just in the most engaged and well-heeled greater environmental protection—our categoric insistence places. We will ensure that they become ubiquitous and that the green belt must be protected, in a way that the a key part of the planning system. And we are going to Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, who is doing end speculative development, which does more than more than any other person in this country to build anything to lead to the corrosion of public trust in the upon the green belt, does not seem to understand. We planning system. will enshrine those principles in the Bill. The benefits of our proposals are clear, and we are Secondly, we will ensure that the Bill means a massive going to ensure that people across the House and improvement in the quality and design of properties. across the country see and appreciate them in the We will bring forward the ideas of Sir Roger Scruton’s months to come. Of course we are going to listen, Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission, so because planning is inherently contentious. It has that new homes in this country are built to a dramatically always been that way, but as my hon. Friend the higher standard. Member for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland (Mr Clarke) said in his important speech, we are not Sir John Hayes: Will my right hon. Friend give way? sent here to tackle the easy questions. We are sent here to tackle the hard ones, and some of us—those of us Robert Jenrick: I cannot, as I have only a few minutes on the Government side of the House, and potentially left, but I appreciate that my right hon. Friend is at the some in the Labour party—want to work together in vanguard of this issue. the weeks and months to come to ensure that we build the homes this country needs, that we tackle the Thirdly, everyone in this country wants to see more housing crisis and that we build those homes in a way infrastructure built alongside the homes—the GP surgeries, that we can all be proud of for generations to come. the hospitals, the roads, the parks, the playgrounds. We will bring forward an infrastructure levy that gets more Question put. of the land value out of the landowners and the big The House divided: Ayes 231, Noes 0. developers and puts it at the service of local people. Division No. 30] [7.29 pm That will mean more affordable homes being built in this country than ever before. AYES We will also ensure that we tip the balance away from Abbott, rh Ms Diane Cooper, Daisy the big-volume house builders and towards the small Abrahams, Debbie Cooper, Rosie builders, so that local entrepreneurs—the brickies, the Ali, Rushanara Cooper, rh Yvette plumbers and the builders in our constituencies—get a Ali, Tahir Corbyn, rh Jeremy fair shot at the system. Allin-Khan, Dr Rosena Coyle, Neil Amesbury, Mike Creasy, Stella Kevin Hollinrake: Will my right hon. Friend give way? Anderson, Fleur Cruddas, Jon Antoniazzi, Tonia Cryer, John Sarah Owen (Luton North) (Lab): Will the Minister Ashworth, rh Jonathan Cummins, Judith Barker, Paula Cunningham, Alex give way? Beckett, rh Margaret Daby, Janet Begum, Apsana Davey, rh Ed Robert Jenrick: I will not, because I have only a few Benn, rh Hilary David, Wayne moments left. Betts, Mr Clive Davies, Geraint If the Bill were to fail, it is the big-volume house Blake, Olivia Davies-Jones, Alex builders who would be celebrating. They would be Blomfield, Paul De Cordova, Marsha opening the champagne bottles, and the hon. Member Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Debbonaire, Thangam Brennan, Kevin Dhesi, Mr Tanmanjeet Singh for Croydon North (Steve Reed) knows that perfectly Brown, Ms Lyn Dodds, Anneliese well. The current system is stacked in favour of the big Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Doughty, Stephen boys and we are going to change that. Bryant, Chris Dowd, Peter We also want to see more brownfield land built upon, Buck, Ms Karen Dromey, Jack more regeneration, more levelling up and more support Burgon, Richard Duffield, Rosie for our high streets, which has never been needed more Butler, Dawn Eagle, Dame Angela than it is today, and the Bill will deliver that. It will give Byrne, Ian Eagle, Maria local authorities more power for compulsory purchase Byrne, rh Liam Efford, Clive to assemble land and regenerate those important and Cadbury, Ruth Elliott, Julie Campbell, rh Sir Alan Elmore, Chris much-loved spaces in our communities, and at the heart Carden, Dan Eshalomi, Florence of it is a brownfield-first policy for the whole country. Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Esterson, Bill Lastly, we are going to ensure that there is more Chamberlain, Wendy Evans, Chris engagement and more local democracy, not less. We are Champion, Sarah Farron, Tim going to ensure that the plan-making process is faster Charalambous, Bambos Farry, Stephen and better. Weare going to ensure that plans are produced Clark, Feryal Fletcher, Colleen 665 Planning Decisions: 21 JUNE 2021 Planning Decisions: 666 Local Involvement Local Involvement Fovargue, Yvonne Lammy, rh Mr David Owatemi, Taiwo Starmer, rh Keir Foxcroft, Vicky Lavery, Ian Peacock, Stephanie Stevens, Jo Foy, Mary Kelly Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Pennycook, Matthew Stone, Jamie Furniss, Gill Lewis, Clive Perkins, Mr Toby Streeting, Wes Gardiner, Barry Lloyd, Tony Phillips, Jess Stringer, Graham Gill, Preet Kaur Long Bailey, Rebecca Phillipson, Bridget Sultana, Zarah Green, Kate Lucas, Caroline Pollard, Luke Tarry, Sam Green, Sarah Lynch, Holly Powell, Lucy Thomas, Gareth Greenwood, Margaret MacAskill, Kenny Qureshi, Yasmin Thomas-Symonds, rh Nick Griffith, Nia Madders, Justin Rayner, rh Angela Thornberry, rh Emily Gwynne, Andrew Mahmood, Mr Khalid Reed, Steve Timms, rh Stephen Haigh, Louise Mahmood, Shabana Rees, Christina Trickett, Jon Hamilton, Fabian Malhotra, Seema Reeves, Ellie Turner, Karl Hanvey, Neale Maskell, Rachael Reeves, Rachel Twigg, Derek Hardy, Emma Matheson, Christian Reynolds, Jonathan Vaz, rh Valerie Harman, rh Ms Harriet McCabe, Steve Ribeiro-Addy, Bell Webbe, Claudia Harris, Carolyn McCarthy, Kerry Rimmer, Ms Marie West, Catherine Hayes, Helen McDonagh, Siobhain Rodda, Matt Western, Matt Healey, rh John McDonald, Andy Russell-Moyle, Lloyd Whitehead, Dr Alan Hendrick, Sir Mark McDonnell, rh John Shah, Naz Whitley, Mick Hillier, Meg McFadden, rh Mr Pat Sharma, Mr Virendra Whittome, Nadia Hobhouse, Wera McGinn, Conor Sheerman, Mr Barry Wilson, Munira Hodge, rh Dame Margaret McGovern, Alison Siddiq, Tulip Winter, Beth Hodgson, Mrs Sharon McKinnell, Catherine Slaughter, Andy Wragg, Mr William Hollern, Kate McMahon, Jim Smith, Cat Yasin, Mohammad Hopkins, Rachel McMorrin, Anna Smith, Jeff Zeichner, Daniel Howarth, rh Sir George Mearns, Ian Smith, Nick Huq, Dr Rupa Miliband, rh Edward Smyth, Karin Tellers for the Ayes: Hussain, Imran Mishra, Navendu Sobel, Alex Lilian Greenwood and Jardine, Christine Moran, Layla Spellar, rh John Sarah Owen Jarvis, Dan Morden, Jessica Johnson, rh Dame Diana Morgan, Stephen NOES Johnson, Kim Morris, Anne Marie Jones, Darren Morris, Grahame Tellers for the Noes: Liz Twist Jones, Gerald Murray, Ian Mark Tami and Jones, rh Mr Kevan Murray, James Jones, Ruth Nandy, Lisa Question accordingly agreed to. Jones, Sarah Nichols, Charlotte Kane, Mike Norris, Alex Resolved, Keeley, Barbara Olney, Sarah That this House believes planning works best when developers Kendall, Liz Onwurah, Chi and the local community work together to shape local areas and Khan, Afzal Oppong-Asare, Abena deliver necessary new homes; and therefore calls on the Government Kinnock, Stephen Osamor, Kate to protect the right of communities to object to individual planning Kyle, Peter Osborne, Kate applications. 667 21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 668

Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry I am going to use my opening remarks to look through each of the three issues I mentioned in turn—first, 7.40 pm the role of the Trade Remedies Authority; secondly, the powers of the Secretary of State; and, thirdly, the Emily Thornberry (Islington South and Finsbury) decisions she now has to take—and try to develop a (Lab): I beg to move, consensus in this House not just in support of this vital That this House believes the British steel industry, and the motion, but on how the Secretary of State should livelihoods and communities it supports, should not be undermined approach the crucial days ahead. by unfair competition from overseas; regrets that the Trade Let me start with the role of the Trade Remedies Remedies Authority has not accounted for the interconnectedness of the British steel industry, nor the impact of safeguard tariffs Authority and the reason for its flawed recommendations. being maintained in the US and EU, when recommending the There is nothing worse, in life or politics, than people abolition of nine of the 19 existing safeguards on steel products; being wise after the event, but in respect of the Trade accordingly requires the Government to take urgent action by Remedies Authority it is very much a case of predictions legislating to allow Ministers to reject the Trade Remedies Authority’s coming to pass. Four years ago, my hon. Friends the recommendation and temporarily extend the current safeguards; Members for Brent North (Barry Gardiner) and for and orders that, at the sitting on Monday 28 June, Standing Sefton Central (Bill Esterson) warned the Government Order No. 14(1) shall not apply, and that precedence at that sitting shall be given instead to any Business of the House motion consistently during the first attempted passage of the in the name of the Leader of the Opposition which may be moved Trade Bill that their vision for the new TRA was misguided. at the commencement of public business that day to make provision Exactly 13 months ago, when the Trade Bill returned for for urgent legislative action to protect the vital interests of the a second time, I stood at this Dispatch Box and followed British steel industry. their previous lead, describing the TRA as The motion before us disagrees with the “a vital body with a vital task” recommendations of the Trade Remedies Authority to but one that was not representative of the business and revoke half the current safeguards protecting our nation’s workers that it was being set up to defend. “No wonder”, steel industry against potential floods of cheap imports. I said 13 months ago, It requires the Government to bring forward emergency “there are such concerns and suspicions that the Government’s legislation, allowing them to reject those recommendations true agenda for the TRA is not to defend Britain against underpriced and extend all the current safeguards before they expire imports, but somehow to balance the damage they do to domestic on 30 June. Finally, it makes provision for the Leader of producers against the perceived benefits for domestic consumers.” the Opposition to enable the emergency legislation to be I said back then: considered next Monday if the Government fail to do so themselves. “That is not the job of the trade remedies authority.”—[Official Report, 20 May 2020; Vol. 676, c. 616.] It is a pleasure to open this debate. It is a testament to the urgency and importance of the issues before us that I stand by that statement, even more today now that we so many Members have registered to speak. For that have seen this new body in action. If we were in any doubt reason, I will not be taking many interventions. I believe about the misguided sense of mission that is driving the that there are 24 Labour Back Benchers alone who TRA, we had all the confirmation that we needed last want to contribute. week from the new chair and the new chief executive, who were personally selected by the Secretary of State We all recognise that the livelihoods and futures of from the senior ranks of the Department for International steel communities across our country will be directly Trade. In their joint interview with the Financial Times, affected by the decisions taken in Westminster this they explained that, under their leadership, the TRA week, but it is the motion before us tonight that creates would always seek to set the lowest safeguards possible, the possibility that those decisions will be the right ones. deliberately lower than any EU equivalent, and that this That is a heavy responsibility on our shoulders and it is approach would be quite distinct from countries therefore incumbent on us all to treat this debate with the seriousness that it deserves. That is why it is a source “which impose swingeing tariffs to protect particular industries.” of regret that the one person whose decisions will They boasted that the TRA had already scrapped more matter above all in Westminster this week—the Secretary than 50 of the safeguard tariffs carried over from the of State for International Trade—has chosen not to be European Union, and that they intended to consider here this evening. only around four cases per year where new safeguards After all, it is the Secretary of State’s Trade Remedies might be required, which is a quarter of the amount Authority—appointed, empowered and inspired by her— being pursued each year by Brussels. They concluded that has made the misguided recommendations that that the TRA was have led to this crisis. It is her powers in relation to those “suited to a buccaneering global Britain” recommendations and her freedom to take other issues that would favour free trade over the protection of into account which are the subject of the motion before domestic industries. If anyone were wondering how the us today. Most fundamentally of all, it is her general TRA can possibly have come to the conclusions that it approach to trade policy and her specific attitude towards has when it comes to maintaining Britain’ssteel safeguards, the future of the steel industry in Britain that is crucial the answer is that the men in charge are simply doing in determining the final decision that is taken on the what they were appointed to do by the Secretary of State. retention of these safeguards. If it were me standing in the Secretary of State’s Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) position, I would want to be here this evening to listen (Ind): I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for taking my to what the representatives of Britain’s steel communities intervention and for the point that she is making; I have to say, particularly as some of those representatives agree fully with what she is saying. Does she agree that are sitting on her own Back Benches. In her absence, it is the complete opposite of taking back control that 669 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 670

[Jonathan Edwards] China is heading towards the 1 billion tonne mark for annual production and still has more than 300 million the Secretary of State cannot even amend the tonnes in spare capacity. In that context, it would be recommendations of this authority and that, basically, utter madness to remove half our current safeguards it is faceless bureaucrats who are determining Government and expose our country to a flood of cheap imports policy? from China and elsewhere at exactly the time that those suppliers are desperately hunting for an unprotected Emily Thornberry: The hon. Gentleman is quite right, market. Yet the TRA has not given any consideration to and I will be developing that point in a few minutes. the international context, because it is apparently not in its remit to do so. Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con): Will the right hon. Secondly, it makes no sense whatsoever for the TRA Lady give way? to conduct an economic test on the need for these safeguards that does not take into account the impact Emily Thornberry: I will take one more intervention, of removing them on the 34,000 well-paid, good-quality especially from the hon. Gentleman whose constituents skilled jobs for steelmakers in Wales, Yorkshire and will want to know what he has to say this evening. Humberside, the midlands, the north-east and elsewhere, and the 42,000 more in supply chain roles. These are Jacob Young: I thank the right hon. Lady for giving exactly the kinds of jobs in exactly the kind of communities way. Can she be clear in the point that she is making? Is that the Government keep telling us are essential to she questioning the independence of the TRA and level up our country, and yet the direct threat to those would she rather have a politically affiliated body jobs and communities that dropping our safeguards determining trade policy? would create is not one of the factors considered by the TRA, because it is apparently not in its remit to do so. Emily Thornberry: I would rather that we had a body Thirdly, it makes no sense whatsoever for the TRA to that looked after the hon. Gentleman’s constituents and make recommendations affecting the British steel industry defended the steel industry. without considering the knock-on implications for our Even so, let us not forget a fundamental flaw at the defence procurement programmes, for the construction heart of the TRA’s recommendations: the failure to of critical national infrastructure, and for the delivery understand that the safeguards put in place by the EU of our net zero emission targets. All those major were deliberately intended to provide comprehensive considerations for the Government will be dramatically protection across the steel industry as a whole, recognising altered depending on whether we are producing the that if one product line is exposed to cut-price imports, majority of our steel we need here in Britain or importing the competitiveness of the whole industry is immediately it from abroad. Yet the potential impacts of its undermined. The TRA has either not understood that recommendations on those different areas were not basic concept or has deliberately chosen to ignore it. among the factors considered by the TRA, because Either way, I defy anyone in this House tonight to argue apparently it was not in its remit to do so. that the TRA’s recommendations must be considered That leaves us with a fundamental dilemma: either sacrosanct either because of its objectivity or because of the TRA’s remit needs to change so that it can consider its expertise. I am afraid that if Members read the the global context for its recommendations and take Financial Times interview or studied its conclusions on into account their impact on our jobs, communities and steel safeguards, it is clear that the TRA has been found regions, our national defence, our civil infrastructure sorely lacking on both fronts, as many of us predicted and our climate change objectives, or, alternatively, the that it would Secretary of State’s powers need to change to allow her That brings me to the second of the three major to weigh up all those factors against the TRA’s analysis issues before us this evening. If the TRA’srecommendations and make a decision, with Parliament’s approval, based are flawed, what can the Secretary of State do about it? on our overall national interest, on what is best for As the House will be aware, as the legislation stands, it Britain. Which of those two options would be better is a does not allow the Secretary of State to reject the TRA’s discussion for another day, but one thing that we should recommendations in order to retain the existing state be certain of now is that the Government cannot proceed safeguards. The motion before us proposes emergency with a decision on steel safeguards on the basis of legislation, allowing the Secretary of State to do exactly recommendations by the TRA that have not even taken that. The reason that we would argue that such an into account some of the most crucial factors at the unusual move is a necessity is not just because of the heart of that decision. On that basis alone, I hope that urgent need to stop those steel safeguards expiring at Members in all parts of this House will agree on the need the end of the month, but because this review process for emergency legislation to allow the Secretary of State has exposed three fundamental problems in the remit of to reject the TRA’s recommendations, extend the current the TRA’s investigation that cannot have been intended safeguards beyond 30 June, and allow time for discussion by Parliament. about the right course of action for the future. First, it makes no sense whatsoever for the TRA to I said at the outset that the third and most fundamental look at the UK’s safeguards on steel in isolation from issue affecting our debate today is the approach of the what the rest of the world is doing with theirs and from Secretary of State herself to the future of the British what is happening in global steel markets. Let us consider steel industry and whether she will accept our invitation the position that we are at present: eight of the world’s to move emergency legislation, if that is how we vote 10 largest steel markets have safeguards currently in tonight. If you had asked me that question seven years place, with the US and the EU recently confirming that ago, Madam Deputy Speaker, I would have said yes. they are certainly keeping theirs. At the same time, Back then, you may remember, the Secretary of State 671 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 672 burst on to the political scene with an impassioned cry a green future and a future that creates wealth for our for us to buy more pears, apples and cheese grown and country and well-paid, good-quality jobs in our regions made here in Britain, and scathing criticism of those if we have the will to make that future happen. who thought that our food production could be outsourced overseas instead. But now she reserves her fury for the Jacob Young: Will the right hon. Lady give way? British farming industry and all of us in this House who oppose the deal that she has signed to flood our market Emily Thornberry: No, I will not give way at this and undercut our farmers with cheap and cruelly produced stage. I am going to finish the speech. Australian meat. If we do wish to do so in Britain, we can wean In the past seven years, the Secretary of State has ourselves entirely away from the cheap imported steel seemingly been fully captured by the free trade dogma that causes 50% extra carbon emissions, and instead that insists on the right of the consumer to choose the have a British steel industry that leads the world in the cheapest product available from anywhere in the world development of hydrogen steel technology and decarbonised and rails against any interference with that right, whether steel production, and by doing so leads our country to it is the maintenance of tariff safeguards to protect the achievement of net zero. If we choose to do so in domestic producers, concerns about slave labour and Britain, we can put home-produced steel at the heart of human rights abuses, or the cruelty to animals and every defence contract and infrastructure project from carbon admissions that are so often the hidden cost of warships to wind farms, and use British steel to build cheap imports. Because the Secretary of State will have our way back to full economic recovery. If we choose to no truck with such concerns, she has become the hero of do so in Britain, we can make the jobs in our steel the right-wing free trade think-tanks—the ones that industry the foundation for creating thousands more hanker after the supposed improvements in productivity well-paid, good-quality, skilled jobs in other communities and efficiency if only our NHS was forced to compete, that need them, as we apply our skills and strengths in the ones that openly talk about the benefits of destroying steelmaking to the new opportunities created by the the British farming industry so as to end subsidies for green industrial revolution. wildlife conservation and free up more land for developers, However, to make all those things happen, there is and the ones that inevitably are equally scathing about something the Government must contribute. It is just as Government support for the British steel industry or precious as public funding, but so much easier to provide, the retention of our safeguard tariffs. and that is a simple injection of certainty and stability. When our steel companies go into the world and seek Listen to Mark Littlewood, director general of the investment in their future, they must be able to say with Institute of Economic Affairs, who said: total confidence that the British Government have their “It’s unsustainable for the government to prop up a steel back, will support them when necessary and will always industry which is no longer competitive internationally.” do whatever it takes to defend them against unfair trade Listen to Matthew Kilcoyne, deputy director of the or a surge in cheap imports. That type of certainty and Adam Smith Institute, who described Government funding confidence is the minimum that our steel industry has for the steel industry as the right to expect from their Government, and if it “throwing…cash into a burning furnace”. cannot get that from them, Parliament must seek to provide it instead. These are not some obscure figures on the fringes of public life or some right-wing rent-a-quotes trying to That is the fundamental choice before us all tonight, get their names into The Telegraph. These are hand-picked but especially Conservative Members who may be debating members of the Secretary of State’s own strategic trade with their conscience which way to vote. Will they side advisory group—her personal body of external advisers, with the communities of Scunthorpe, Cardiff and Sheffield, whose sole representative from manufacturing industry who see a bright future for their industry, or will they is not from British Steel or Make UK, but is the director side with the fanatics from the right-wing think tanks of JCB construction, and guess what? He is the biggest who see no future at all? Will they provide our steel Tory party donor. industry with the safeguards that it needs to build for the future with confidence, or will they leave it to sink or These are the voices the Secretary of State is listening swim in a flood of cheap imports from China? to when it comes to safeguarding tariffs, when it comes I have no idea where the Secretary of State stands on to protecting British farming and when it comes to that choice, because she has chosen not even to be here protecting British Steel. So no wonder the two acolytes this evening, and has so far refused to take the emergency she appointed to run the Trade Remedies Authority action that the Opposition have instead been forced to think their job is to promote free trade rather than to propose on her behalf. But if this House decides defend domestic producers, and have recommended overwhelmingly to back the Opposition motion tonight this wrong-headed decision on steel as a result, and no and require the Secretary of State to maintain the wonder the Secretary of State, who said last month that safeguards, I believe that by sheer weight of pressure we she would do “whatever is necessary” to protect the UK can force her hand to do so, inject confidence back into steel industry, will not even attend this debate to discuss our steel industry and forge a path for our steel communities how she might go about doing that. If she refuses to act to the brighter future that awaits them. to protect our safeguard tariffs, it will be an unconscionable betrayal of Britain’s steel communities—one that they will never forget and one they will never forgive. What 8 pm will make it all the worse is that she, her think-tank The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for allies and the Trade Remedies Authority are just plain International Trade (Mr Ranil Jayawardena): New roads, wrong when it comes to the British steel industry.Opposition track renewals, flood defences, Hinkley Point—the Members see a bright future for our steel communities, Government are unleashing the potential of our whole 673 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 674

[Mr Ranil Jayawardena] used our presidency of the G7 to rally an alliance of democracies in a battle for the soul of global trade. To country by backing British industry and boosting Britain’s win that battle, we want better and more modern rules infrastructure. Steel first came to the fore as Britain led at the World Trade Organisation, as well as new rules on the global industrial revolution, and it is today’s industrial subsidies. That is why we are working under infrastructure revolution, underpinned by 7 million tons the G7 trade track, an initiative pioneered by Britain to of steel in the next 10 years here alone, that will see set the agenda for WTO reform. This will be a tough Britain lead the world into the future. Steel remains one fight, but it is a fight we must win. People cannot believe of the pillars of British industry and one of the in free trade unless it is fair. That is why we need commanding heights of the economy to this people’s effective rules and tools. Government, and we are committed to championing Trade remedies are an important tool in our tool box, free and fair trade to the benefit of jobs in every corner and it is right that Britain stands up for her key industries. of our country. It is right to have a robust framework in place, and we The Conservatives are moving our great country on, do. We said that we would get Brexit done and then instead of going backwards with the Labour party. We move on to people’s priorities. We got Brexit done. We have secured trade agreements with 68 countries around got a trade deal with the EU, and now we have transitioned the world, plus the EU, covering trade worth £744 billion 19 measures from the EU, plus the steel safeguard. Now last year,and we are just getting started. Weare negotiating that we have full control of our trade policy, we can go an agreement with New Zealand, we are working to join further to defend British industry and jobs, and take the trans-Pacific partnership and we have announced further action where necessary. our intent to begin negotiations with India, too. This will put Britain at the heart of a new, dynamic, global Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP):The Minister is trading network, as a hub for investment and exports, painting a very positive picture. Has any consideration securing prosperity for British families and generations been given to ensuring that every Government contract to come. That is important because we know that our is carried out using only British-based steel? Not only job is to serve the British people, whether they drive a would that secure local jobs for local people, but I white van or a hatchback car, and whatever flag they fly believe it would send a message that has been lost in our from their home. search for a good deal. Wefully agree that our steel producers and the livelihoods that they support in every part of our kingdom should Mr Jayawardena: The hon. Gentleman is right to say be protected from unfair competition. More than that, that we must champion British steel at every turn. Indeed, we want them to be able to export to friends around the the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial world. Strategy has been creating a strong pipeline to ensure that advance notice has been given to industry about the Lee Anderson (Ashfield) (Con): Under the last Labour 7 million tonnes of steel that will be required, so that Government, steel production in this country fell by industry can seek the opportunities that lie ahead. The almost 50% to its lowest level since 1934. Does my hon. safeguard measures that Labour Members talk about Friend agree that the Labour party should look at its today are only part of the picture with trade remedies. own record in office rather than criticising this Government? Dare I say that it is not the first time the Labour party has not quite understood international trade? Mr Jayawardena: I completely agree. Indeed, not We must remember that safeguard measures are not only is my hon. Friend right, but the numbers get worse intended to address unfair practices, which are the for Labour: in Labour’s last five years in charge, industrial subject of the motion. They are emergency measures electricity prices rose by two thirds, hitting the steel intended to tackle unforeseen surges in imports, and industry hard. In contrast, we have provided £500 million they are governed by strict WTO rules. It has been the in relief to the steel industry since 2013 to help it to cope job of the independent Trade Remedies Authority to with high electricity costs. We have also fought hard to investigate whether the steel safeguard measures should make sure that the industry does not have to face duties be extended, amended or revoked. That independent of 25% when we export to the European Union. organisation has followed the evidence, and engaged We are alert to concerns that China is artificially widely with importers, domestic producers and overseas promoting state-subsidised steel. We can see the impact exporters. Although on Twitter the shadow Business of such trade-distorting practices today, with the steel Secretary seemingly does not know the difference between market 40% over capacity. The facts show that as we independence and being part of Government, the TRA have stepped up to take action, the Labour party has been is independent. This is not the Government’s proposal, shuffling its feet. Despite the rhetoric today, in her very and for each commodity covered by the safeguard measures, first appearance at the Dispatch Box in that role, the the TRA has considered whether there is domestic shadow Secretary of State for International Trade, the production, whether there is evidence that a surge in right hon. Member for Islington South and Finsbury imports has caused or threatens to cause serious harm, (Emily Thornberry), asked my right hon. Friend the and whether it is in British economic interests to maintain Secretary of State to make it clear to the United States the measure. that she would not agree a deal with our American friends that would constrain Britain’s ability to negotiate a deal Richard Fuller (North East Bedfordshire) (Con): The with China. The right hon. Lady was willing to put a shadow Secretary of State stated that she was shocked deal with China ahead of the deal with the United States. that the TRA had not considered what the impact would Whether the Labour party has changed its policy on be if the restrictions were removed. Under schedule 49(4)(a) China or not, this people’s Government have no plans of the Trade Remedies (Increase in Imports Causing Serious to do a trade deal with China. On the contrary, we have Injury to UK Producers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, 675 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 676 that is precisely what it must consider in its analysis. the Secretary of State takes these responsibilities very Does the Minister agree that the right hon. Lady does seriously and will reach a decision on the recommendation not know what she is talking about? and publish it before the measure is due to expire.

Mr Jayawardena: My hon. Friend makes an excellent Emily Thornberry: Will the Minister give way? point about the lack of attention to detail on the Labour Benches. The approach we have taken forward Mr Jayawardena: I will. is in line not only with WTO rules but with our domestic Emily Thornberry: I am very grateful to the hon. legislation. Gentleman. Is he in favour of these recommendations? I will tell you the truth, Madam Deputy Speaker: the Does he think they are a good idea or not? TRA has recommended to the Secretary of State that nine product categories of the existing safeguard measure Mr Jayawardena: I will come to the Secretary of be removed. It judged that seven of them did not meet State’s position and the process that will follow in a the requirement to show a significant increase in imports. moment, but I must be clear— Another failed to show any risk of serious injury or injury recurring, and the other did not pass the economic Emily Thornberry: That is not what I asked. interest test, with industry asking for it to be removed, as the shadow Secretary of State discovered this morning, Mr Jayawardena: The right hon. Lady did not answer courtesy of the “Today” programme on BBC Radio 4. the earlier question from my hon. Friend the Member The Labour party seems intent on throwing the baby for Redcar (Jacob Young) either. out with the bath water. The TRA recommended retaining Extending the deadline for a decision is not an option, the safeguard on 10 other product categories, and that and extension of the safeguard on product categories would be exposed to legal challenge if we were arbitrarily would expose Britain to challenge from other member to take the sort of decision that the Labour party countries of the WTO for non-compliance with the advocates. Does the Labour party want to leave the agreement on safeguards, which, as I warned a moment WTO and adopt an isolationist approach in the world? ago, may lead to a WTO decision requiring the United I don’t, and I won’t. Kingdom to revoke the measure in its entirety. I thought the Labour party understood these principles. Emily Thornberry: Will the Minister give way? After all, the hon. Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner), the then shadow Trade Minister, criticised Mr Jayawardena: No. President Trump for imposing In truth there is a choice between working hard, “protectionist tariffs that the rest of the world believes are illegal getting into the detail and defending British interests, under WTO rules.”—[Official Report, 4 June 2018; Vol. 642, which we are doing and will continue to do, and playing c. 39.] politics, as Labour Members and those on the left of Maybe that was Labour’s policy then and this is its our politics seem intent on doing. policy now. Perhaps the Opposition were against the It is worth remembering that the TRA was set up in policies of President Trump then and support the policies 2018 under the last Government and places strict limits of President Trump today. Either way, they do not have on the powers of the Secretary of State. Of course, the the British national interest at heart. The Labour party Labour party knows this, because Labour tried to curtail is showing once again that it is a protest party, lacking the Secretary of State’s powers even further. The hon. in competence and understanding of the issues. Labour Member for Bootle (Peter Dowd), as shadow Chief may have changed its leader, but it poses a clear risk to Secretary to the Treasury, spoke against our country. “the public interest...being used as a mechanism to widen the Turning to our friends in Europe and America, we powers of the Secretary of State.”––[Official Report, Taxation continue to have discussions with the steel sector to (Cross-border Trade) Public Bill Committee, 25 January 2018; understand its concerns about the outcome of the EU’s c. 103.] steel safeguard review. We recognise the harm caused by During the passage of the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) the unfair and unjustified US tariffs levied on our steel Act 2018, Labour stood against the Secretary of State industry under section 232. It is fake news to suggest being able to reject a recommendation of the TRA, but that our steel industry threatens the viability of American today Labour is asking us to legislate to do just that: to steel producers or that it contributes to global excess reject the TRA’s recommendation. capacity in the market. Trade barriers such as these are Under the legislation from the last Parliament—that what bring the rules-based international trading system dead Parliament—the Secretary of State does not have to its knees, yet that is the sort of approach that the the power to change the TRA’s recommendation— Labour party is advocating tonight. Weremain disappointed at the continued imposition of such tariffs and are Emily Thornberry: Will the Minister give way? pressing our American counterparts for an urgent and permanent resolution. After working to date to de-escalate Mr Jayawardena: No, the right hon. Lady has had the Boeing-Airbus dispute by agreeing to suspend retaliatory her say. tariffs for five years, we now want to shift their attention The Secretary of State does not have the power under to the unjustified section 232 tariffs and work with them the law to change the TRA’s recommendation on the to agree a fair, permanent resolution for British industry. safeguard measure to retain measures against its advice. We will continue to deliver for the British people, and She possesses only a downward ratchet, which means that is why we are reviewing the Secretary of State’s either accepting the TRA’s recommendation in its entirety powers already, exploring and consulting on how we or rejecting it and seeing every part of the safeguard might legitimately be able to strengthen them. That is measure expire on 30 June. I can assure the House that why we are working closely with the Department for 677 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 678

[Mr Jayawardena] The report, “Closing the Gap”, shows the huge structural barrier facing the UK steel sector as it faces the core Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to ensure that challenges of adapting to a trading environment outside trade remedies measures are up to date in the current the EU and trying to recover in the aftermath of the context, not least following the pandemic. In the event pandemic, and embarks on the major challenge of of there being increased imports of unfairly subsidised decarbonisation. The report makes a powerful argument products into the United Kingdom, we will not hesitate for the UK Government to put forward a bold programme to take action to defend the industry using anti-dumping of support for the sector, to level the playing field. and anti-subsidy tariffs. That shows our resolve to improve Consistently higher UK electricity prices increase our domestic toolkit and to use the tools at our disposal production costs, reduce available capital and deter to tackle market-distorting practices, but rushing through inward investment, severely reducing the sector’s ability changes to legislation, posing a risk to industry in the to invest. Gareth Stace, UK Steel’s director, said: process, as Labour would have us do, is not the answer. “Our new report plainly demonstrates UK steelmakers face systemic disadvantages in higher electricity prices than our Emily Thornberry: Will the Minister give way? competitors… Electricity is one of the biggest costs for the steel industry, it undermines our competitiveness and it damages our Mr Jayawardena: No. We should all greatly value ability to invest… And the issue is becoming even more urgent Britain’s reputation as a champion of global free and with the growing need to rapidly decarbonise”. fair trade. We should not want to take actions that risk UK Steel says the UK Government need to be “bold being found to be non-compliant at the WTO. The and decisive”. It would be hard to describe this Government Secretary of State takes her responsibilities very seriously as such in relation to steel. in considering the recommendation from the TRA, but Scotland did not vote for Brexit, yet the Tories are the truth is that the best way forward, the right way using it to remove vital protections from our steel forward, for our steel producers lies in free and fair industry. At the end of last year, the UK transitioned trade. Together, we can make sure that this vital British the EU’s steel safeguards, retaining vital protection industry enjoys a sustainable long-term future. The against trade diversion and import surges for 19 steel British people should be in no doubt: this people’s products produced in the UK. Over the course of the Government are backing our steel manufacturers; this past six months, as we have heard, the Trade Remedies people’s Government are backing the tens of thousands Investigations Directorate has been reviewing the measures of jobs in the industry; and this people’s Government to see whether they should be extended. Now, the will continue to do so. preliminary decision by the Department for International Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): Trade is to remove a large number of products from Before I call the Scottish National party spokesperson, so-called import safeguards designed to protect domestic I remind colleagues that there is a three-minute limit on producers from a flood of cheap imports. According to Back-Bench speeches. If colleagues take less than three UK steel, this needs to be urgently rethought. Under Tory minutes, more people will get in—at the moment, not plans, the Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate everyone will get in. I should also say that if colleagues —an arm’slength body of the Department for International choose to take interventions, I would be grateful if they Trade—recommended extending the measures on still stuck to three minutes. Thank you. I call Marion 10 categories of imports for three years from next month Fellows, for the SNP. and suggested that measures on nine categories be revoked. The British steel industry has hit out at these plans—these are the folk who make steel, Minister— 8.15 pm describing them as a “hammer blow”that risks damaging Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP): I the sector long term. It said: was eager to take part in this debate, as steel is a subject “The UK will become a magnet for huge volumes of steel close to my heart. I have a steel plant in my constituency: imports, it is beyond worrying to consider the damage this could Dalzell Steelworks in Motherwell, which was saved by do to the UK steel sector and its long-term viability”. the Scottish Government in 2016 when it was sold on by Alasdair McDiarmid, operations director of the Tata Steel. At that time, I was a member of two steel steelworkers’ union Community said: taskforces, one organised and led by the UK Conservative “This is the first test of the government’s commitment to our Government, and the second by the SNP Scottish steel industry post-Brexit and they’re failing it”. Government. The UK steel taskforce talked a lot about the importance of steel and what it would like to do to UK Steel said that the removal of protections will have help the industry. Despite that, Redcar steelworks and an adverse impact on the manufacture of steel sections other locations closed, and approximately 20,000 steel across the country. It added that the measures were jobs have been lost over the years. designed to protect the We were told it was the fault of the EU, and there was “viability of an entire industry, not individual production lines”. nothing we could do about the high cost of energy or to stop the imports of cheap steel that were so dangerous Jonathan Edwards: Once again, the hon. Lady is to our industry in the UK. Well, here we are in 2021, making a fantastic speech in defence of the steel industry. and what has happened? A recent report from UK Steel The key point seems to be that the US and the EU are shows the significant electricity price disparity the UK maintaining their safeguards. We know that there is a steel sector still faces compared with its European massive oversupply of steel being produced around the counterparts, paying an extra £54 million in energy world; I think the figure in 2019 was 514 million tonnes. costs compared with German steelmakers. Over the If the British state removes our safeguards, it does not past five years, the price disparity has cost the sector take a brain surgeon to work out where some of that £254 million, or 130% of annual capital investment. steel is going to be arriving. 679 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 680

Marion Fellows: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his that could supply steel for the green energy industry intervention. He actually did the next part of my speech, and infrastructure for recovery after this coronavirus so I can move on and let more Back Benchers in. pandemic. It is quite hard to talk about global Britain when a Finally, will the Minister be added to the list of his UK foundation industry, such as steel, is being put to predecessors who talked a good game, but refused to the wall by a Government who seem not only not to actually help the steel sector? Minister, we are waiting. understand manufacturing but to think that it is okay to allow a foundation industry to try to compete with 8.25 pm both hands tied behind its back. The UK Government Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con): I will take the few said that they wanted to “take back control” from short minutes available to me to highlight the need to bureaucrats, but they are allowing the TRA, an unelected promote the production of clean steel, which can play a body, to make shattering decisions on the steel sector. key role in the covid recovery, levelling up and This is a Government just like Thatcher’s Government, decarbonisation. With COP26 rapidly coming into view who closed Ravenscraig in my constituency. The UK on the horizon, there is an opportunity for the UK to be Government have the power to protect steel jobs, but a global leader in this sector. they are actively undermining steelworkers and the steel In the next few years, there will be an enormous sector and risking jobs. Boris Johnson is finishing off increase in the demand for steel, and that is already Thatcher’s mission to destroy Scotland and the rest— manifesting itself in significant price increases. In East Anglia and off our coast, steel will be required for the Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): largest array of offshore wind farms in the world, for The hon. Lady should not really refer to the Prime the building of the Sizewell C nuclear power station and Minister by name; she should say “Prime Minister”. the cabling required for renewing and extending our grid. However,we must not ignore the environmental impact Marion Fellows: I am sorry—the Prime Minister is of steel production, as the industry contributes up to finishing off Thatcher’s mission to destroy Scotland 7% of the world’s CO2 emissions. The rapid emergence and the rest of the UK’s industrial base. of hydrogen, which has quickly evolved from the new Contrast that with what the Scottish National party kid on the block to the energy sector’s Swiss army Scottish Government have done for steel in Scotland. penknife, provides the UK with the USP for promoting The Scottish steel taskforce was set up at the same time clean steel, whether from carbon capture, offshore wind as the UK taskforce, or a few months later, to save the or nuclear power. The volume of hydrogen needed for Dalzell works and the Clydebridge plant. From day steel production is of reasonable proportions to match one, the focus was on making these plants productive either blue hydrogen or green hydrogen. again. The Lanarkshire steelworks had closed in 2015 East Anglia, as you are well aware, Madam Deputy and the Fort William smelter was poised to close before Speaker, is not an established centre for the steel industry, the Scottish Government interventions in 2016. The but we are uniquely placed to play a major role in the Scottish Government helped Liberty Steel to reopen changing face of domestic steel production due to ready Dalzell, and direct job numbers have recovered. In access to low-carbon energy sources, whether offshore Lochaber, 165 direct jobs have been saved—not many, wind through carbon capture for the existing gas but in Lochaber, that is a huge number of jobs—and infrastructure focused on Bacton, or Sizewell C. It is 44 new jobs were created by the GFG Alliance. also important that in the supply chain we promote and The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise develop fabrication hubs in places such as Lowestoft, supported Liberty’sacquisition of Dalzell and Clydebridge where skills and expertise have been built up in shipbuilding steelworks. Scottish Enterprise provided support through and the oil and gas industry for well over a century. a £7 million commercial loan to Liberty Steel and the The Government are laying the foundations for a business has successfully re-entered the heavy steel plate world-leading clean steel industry with the 10-point market. Scottish Enterprise recognises the challenging plan, the industrial decarbonisation strategy and the environment for businesses in Scotland right now and industrial fuel switching competition. It is vital that the significant economic benefit that Liberty Steel brings they now build on that work, announce the findings of in terms of jobs, the supply chain and the future the call for evidence for the clean steel fund and bring safeguarding of Scotland’ssteel industry.Scottish Enterprise forward the following policy initiatives: first, a border is in discussion with Liberty Steel on repayment of the carbon adjustment on imported goods based on their loan funding, and, of course, debt forbearance is not carbon content; secondly, the setting of clear targets for uncommon in the current market. the use of clean steel by specific dates in infrastructure The GFG Alliance has said that its Scottish businesses projects; and, finally, the promotion of a clean steel are performing strongly and have access to sufficient demonstrator project. It is also important that the resources for their current needs. There has been no call forthcoming hydrogen strategy provides the framework on the Government guarantee and the Government for the industry to develop in East Anglia. receive a fee from the business for providing the guarantee, and the guarantee is backed by security over its assets. 8.28 pm In Scotland, there is political will to support the steel Darren Jones (Bristol North West) (Lab): The heart industry. Where is that will in the UK Government? It of the issue that we are debating today is the Government’s appears that this UK Government are happy to give a power, or willingness, to intervene in the national interest. hand to their cronies, but are willing to allow steel, a The Conservative party told the public that voting for foundation industry, to founder under unfair competition Brexit would mean that we took back control. Instead, and high energy prices. There is a reluctance to help since Brexit, the Conservatives have scrapped the industrial an industry that provides decent, well-paid jobs and strategy, failed to secure a slot in the Queen’s Speech to 681 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 682

[Darren Jones] Bromwich, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Dudley were home to the families that drove the furnaces day and reform state aid, failed to improve public procurement night—″Black by day, red by night”, as the saying goes. rules and boxed themselves into a corner by failing to We are proud of our industrial heritage in my part of reform the rules of the Trade Remedies Authority, as we the Black Country. Indeed, steel, iron and industry are have heard this evening. These issues are now putting what our regional flag is all about, and I know that the jobs in the steel industry at risk, as the steel industry people of the Black Country are incredibly proud of tells us, at a time when the sector is once again in peril as that. it swings from steel crisis to steel crisis. As we know, this debate is about not just the economic The long-running pressures on UK steel are well benefits of producing steel, but the future of the industry known—high energy prices, high business rates and and the many thousands of people whose livelihoods global competition from countries that undercut the depend on its success. That is why I was in many ways price of British steel—but the importance of the steel surprised to see this as a subject of an Opposition day sector to the UK is also well known, from protecting debate, given the strong commitments this Government highly-skilled, well-paid jobs in communities that rely have made to the steel industry.Interestingly, employment on the industry, to being able to buy domestic sources in the UK steel industry was cut by more than a of steel, which need to be low-carbon. half under Labour. The Office for National Statistics The Government, however, have failed to do anything says that jobs in the steel industry fell by more than half helpful on these issues. In fact, they have made things between 1997 and 2010. By stark contrast, the proportion worse by publishing an industrial decarbonisation strategy of steel procured within the UK nearly doubled in 2020 that once again does not have sufficient buy-in from the compared with the year before, with 77% of steel used Chancellor to help businesses to make the changes they in public projects now being procured from the UK. I need. Now, to make things even worse, the Minister tells would be interested to hear from the Minister about the us that the Government cannot do anything to stop the plans to ensure that our domestic steel industry is at the Trade Remedies Authority scrapping tariff safeguards, heart of the Government’s plans to build back better at a time when we all know that huge gluts of cheap after the pandemic. steel are waiting to be exported from countries such as I am also impressed by the launching of the steel China. procurement taskforce, helping the industry to compete I am going to be unusually generous to the Government, for public contracts. Meeting regularly over the coming because I believe the Minister knows he is in trouble, year, the taskforce aims to explore what the Government which is why he barely touched on this motion in his and industry can do to address challenges that the speech. I think the Business Secretary knows all of this sector is facing in competing for and securing public and he wants to do something about it, but, much like contracts. That is a common-sense approach. It would when Downing Street mounted a coup and took industrial however, be remiss of me not to mention the situation policy from the Department for Business, Energy and with Liberty Steel, which has been an incredibly worrying Industrial Strategy,the Business Secretary and the Ministers episode for many of my constituents and their families. here seem not to have the authority or power to act. I have already spoken about this situation, but I really That is why repeatedly the Business Secretary has said hope for a positive resolution to it soon and call again that it is the International Trade Secretary’s responsibility for the protection of jobs in West Bromwich. I have to sort this out. I note that neither of them is here this spoken to the Business Secretary about this directly on evening. many occasions and want once again to place on record In a letter to me, the International Trade Secretary my personal thanks to him for his regular engagement said, “We will not hesitate to defend UK industry and and his commitment to the industry. Re-establishing the we will be working across government to ensure the UK UK Steel Council and creating the £250 million clean can defend its vital interests.” It is the Government’s steel fund to help the sector adapt to new challenges, lucky day,because our motion gives them that opportunity such as decarbonisation, is absolutely the right way to bring forward the emergency legislation they need to forward. Later this year, the Prime Minister will be reject the TRA’s recommendations and to temporarily looking to secure firmer climate target agreements when extend the tariff safeguards until fuller reforms can be he hosts the COP26 summit in Glasgow, so I implore brought before the House. So this is a real test for the the Government to engage with industry leaders and Government, given everything the Conservative party stakeholders ahead of the summit to bring the entire has told us about Brexit, levelling up and protecting steel industry with us on this decarbonisation drive. British industry. The Government have the power to intervene—the question is whether the Conservative party will do so. 8.34 pm Christina Rees (Neath) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: I support 8.31 pm the motion to bring forward emergency legislation to Nicola Richards (West Bromwich East) (Con): It is a give Ministers powers to reject the TRA’srecommendations pleasure to have the opportunity to speak up for our and temporarily extend all 19 steel safeguards so that fantastic steel industry in West Bromwich East and the they do not expire at the end of June, and allow time to wider country. Steel has always been very important to find a long-term solution to protect the British steel the Black Country. The industrial revolution brought industry. with it huge technological changes that the Black Country The steel industry is vital to our economy and the capitalised on, allowing cast-iron and steel to be produced idea that it does not have a future is unthinkable. Our at a cheaper price than wrought iron. Steel is part of our steelworkers are as robust as the steel they produce. identity, and the communities that grew around West They have bounced back from every adversity they have 683 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 684 encountered, but the situation is about to get much other members. Not only is that counterintuitive, but it worse as the industry faces a potentially catastrophic is quite the opposite of championing our British industries existential threat. Under current legislation, the Secretary and reviving the UK steel industry. of State can accept the TRA recommendations and we There is a need to revolutionise the steel industry lose nine safeguards, or reject them and we lose all 19. in the UK towards the economy of the future. That is so wrong. Dropping nine safeguards will open Decarbonisation is clearly key to that. Through the up our market to thousands of tonnes of cheap steel clean steel fund, provided by the UK Government, the imports with no defences to stop it. That will have dire industry will adapt to the challenges of decarbonisation consequences for every steelworks because of the while continuing to manufacture world-renowned steel. interconnectedness of the industry. However, adapting to the future green economy brings Steel is at the centre of everything we build. Railways, with it new challenges as well. For example, electric arc schools and hospitals all need high-quality British steel, furnaces reduce carbon emissions, but there is a huge as do the aerospace, agriculture, automotive, defence concern locally in my constituency about the impact on and construction supply chains, too. The British steel local jobs of moving to that technology. Although we industry produces 7 million tonnes of crude steel every must work to forge a greener industry, we must also year, 70% of the UK’s annual requirement of which continue to support the steelworkers. 96% is recycled again and again, and it makes a £2.1 billion The ways to support the British steel industry are direct contribution to UK GDP.Some 33,700 people are multifarious and there is clearly no one solution to directly employed, with an average annual salary of restoring the industry to its former glory, but I strongly £34,299, and 42,000 people work in the supply chain. feel that one important way of building back better is to Steel is vital for building green technologies of the champion our industries, especially British steel, when future, such as wind turbines, and steel is helping the it comes to procurement. The £640 billion levelling-up UK to achieve net zero by going through its own infrastructure campaign will require millions of tonnes decarbonisation process. of top-quality steel. We simply must procure that right The global oversupply of steel, plus unfair trading here in the UK, so that investment in British infrastructure practices from China, have added to problems facing also means investment in British jobs. UK steel producers. The UK Government have not supported the industry during the pandemic, despite 8.40 pm demand for steel dropping by 16% in 2020: no emergency Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab) [V]: One of the support, no support in the last Budget, not mentioned reasons that I spent so many hours in Committee opposing in the plan for growth, not procuring British steel, and the Trade Bill in the previous Parliament was to avoid holding back funds from the clean steel fund until 2023. precisely the sort of nonsense that we are discussing It is astounding that the UK Government would provide today. The recommendation by the TRA to remove open access to our steel market. The UK Government safeguards on nine out of 19 product categories takes need to stop pretending that there is nothing they can us back five years to the crisis that we experienced in do, and support our motion to legislate to keep all 19 2016. It will leave half of steel products exposed to a safeguards and stand up for steel. flood of imports. We know this because prior to the introduction of the current steel safeguards, UK imports 8.37 pm of steel increased by 25% between 2013 and 2017, severely undermining our own industry. Dr Jamie Wallis (Bridgend) (Con) [V]: This debate is The Government failed to ensure that the TRA would very important to my constituents. It is also a pleasure protect and defend British producers. They engineered to follow the hon. Member for Neath (Christina Rees), the membership of the body such that not only does the as both her constituency and mine border Aberavon, Secretary of State maintain full control of who is appointed where the Port Talbot steelworks are located. There is a and what its remit will be, but no voice can even be huge amount of employment in Bridgend dependent on raised to temper the Government’s dogmatic fixation those steelworks, either directly or indirectly. on what their own warped vision of free trade happens I agree with those who say that the Government to be. should do all they can to support the steel industry. It is Labour tabled a series of amendments to ensure a also true that the industry has faced a multitude of level playing field for British industry. The Government challenges that predate covid. In fact, some are more voted down every single one of those amendments—and historical than that. I encourage Opposition Members now where are we? We are left with a whole industry to look at what happened to the industry between 1997 that is rightly angry and confused: confused as to why and 2010, when the production of steel in this country trade unions and employers were not consulted at any halved and we went from approximately 70,000 people stage in respect of the TRA recommendations; confused working in the industry in 1997 to just over 30,000 in as to why the TRA has shown such a lack of understanding 2010, a fall of 56%. about the interconnectedness of the industry,as assessment The Opposition are correct that overseas steel has of product categories separately cannot provide an had a negative impact on the British steel industry and accurate picture of the threat of an increase in imports, that our British industries should not be undermined by nor the damage that it would cause; confused as to why unfair competition from overseas, especially by the out-of-date data was used that does not include volumes dumping of steel often reported to have come from of smaller imports, where there was an increase in 17 of China, but their proposals to simply reject the TRA’s the 19 product categories that the TRA has simply not recommendations would result in all the current safeguards accounted for; and confused as to why, at a time when being revoked. It would breach World Trade Organisation the EU and US are maintaining their safeguards, we are rules and open the UK up to legal retaliation from stripping ours away. 685 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 686

[Barry Gardiner] a position to make decisions about the trade-offs and who are accountable for their decision making. I thank This decision will leave our market open to import my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister for his commitment surges just as the sector recovers from covid-19, and at a to this issue and for agreeing to meet me. That will be a time when our exports to the EU and US will still be welcome discussion, and I urge the Government to subject to tariffs and quotas. It is reported that the EU explore how we can make World Trade Organisation- and the US are in bilateral negotiations to end tariffs on compliant changes in legislation to allow the Trade steel products with a deadline of the end of the year. So, Secretary the option to take back control and consider well done to the Secretary of State—it looks as if she whether it is legally possible to extend our existing has engineered a situation where our steel exporters will safeguards. Speaking plainly, it is clear to me that when not only be undermined in their own domestic market the EU is set to keep all 19 of its steel safeguards and we by cheap subsidised steel from China and the far east; are set to keep only 10, that risks putting us at a they will also face a 25% tariff to enter the US, just as disadvantage. their EU competitors will face no barriers at all. The I was born in Scunthorpe, and I was there in 2018 and incompetence is staggering. 2019 when the steelworks were at huge risk. I saw at first The sector employs 33,000 people. It is a sector that hand how much effort and funding the Conservative communities and towns are built around. It is a sector Government put in place to support jobs, and my words that is highly innovative and has continually bounced tonight are not a comment on the Government’s previous back from crisis after crisis— support for steel; they are a comment on the TRA’s recommendations and on how we react to them. They Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): are a plain ask of the Government to help the steel Order. I thank the hon. Gentleman for his speech. We industry again, because I believe that their instinct is to must move on because I need to get as many people in support the steel industry. No one in this country can as possible. go a single day without steel. It is a special case: it is a foundation industry and it affects my constituents, and I will work with right hon. and hon. Members from 8.43 pm across the House to fight for the interests of steelworkers Holly Mumby-Croft (Scunthorpe) (Con) [V]: I am in Scunthorpe. aware that many learned colleagues wish to speak this evening, so I will get straight to the point and will keep 8.46 pm my remarks specific to the TRA safeguards issue. Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/ As colleagues will know, my right hon. Friend the Co-op): It is refreshing to follow the speech by the hon. International Trade Secretary will decide whether to Member for Scunthorpe (Holly Mumby-Croft). She has accept the Trade Remedies Authority’s recommendations a choice tonight. She can vote for this motion, which on steel safeguards. Its recommendations are to remove would provide the ability to take action to introduce safeguard protections for almost half of UK steel product emergency legislation, and stand up for her constituents categories. As it stands, if she does not accept that in Scunthorpe. It has been sad to hear some other Members recommendation, all safeguard protections will expire who seemed to be falling in line with their Whips. by the end of this month, and I accept that her hands The House will be aware of the Celsa steelworks in are somewhat tied in that regard. my constituency, and I pay tribute to the management I have put on record my opposition to the TRA’s and all the workers there and to the trade union Community preliminary recommendations in pretty frank terms, across south Wales. GMB and Unite do so much to and many colleagues have spoken about the issue in stand up for steelworkers, and I declare my interest in Parliament, fed their views back to the TRA and raised relation to the GMB. I also pay tribute to UK Steel. I the issue with the Department for International Trade. must also acknowledge the sensible co-operation between Despite this extensive feedback, a week later the TRA’s the UK Government and the Welsh Government in final recommendations still overlooked many of the support of the steelworks in my constituency during arguments that were made on both sides of the House— this past difficult year,and that is whyit was so disappointing namely, that it did not make a sufficiently industry-led to hear such a weak, vacuous and petty speech from the assessment, that it did not use International Steel Statistics Minister, whom I like personally. His speech will have Bureau data but used data from Her Majesty’s Revenue disappointed steelworkers and steel communities up and Customs instead, and that it did not sufficiently and down the country, because it simply failed to engage consider the impact of recent events on the UK steel with the issues that they and their industry are facing, industry. Reading the final recommendations, it is clear or with the challenges to the thousands of jobs not only that the TRA is to some degree a hostage of the rigid in those plants but downstream in critical manufacturing terms set out in the trade remedies regulations. It is not and infrastructure projects that depend on British steel. forward-looking in its assessments and, regrettably, some The steel that is produced in my constituency’s plant decisions were made despite the data being insufficient. is crucial to British national infrastructure, to defence I am sure that many across the House will agree that projects, to infrastructure projects such as Crossrail and decisions that affect the lives and livelihoods of our Hinkley, and to our rail infrastructure. If it is put at constituents cannot be made in that way, and that we risk, as it has been so many times in the past, by cheap now need further proactive solutions to support the imports flooding in from places such as China, Iran and steel industry. We must look at whether reform of the Turkey, that will be an absolute absurdity, not least Trade Secretary’s powers is required to allow safeguard because our steel is produced in an electric arc furnace assessments to be conducted in part by Ministers, who from recycled steel in one of the most clean and efficient have an understanding of the bigger picture, who are in processes. Why on earth would we want that to be 687 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 688 substituted, to see our carbon emissions offshored to But there is mutiny in the air and I feel that Captain China, to see our high-quality steel replaced at the heart Hindsight will have to walk the plank, because below of British national infrastructure projects by lower-quality deck the Mayor of Greater Manchester is plotting to steel from China? What an absurdity that would be, both take back control of the Labour party and, as usual, for jobs in this country and for our national security. poor old Captain Hindsight will not even see it coming. The TRA’s decisions simply do not make sense. Let me give one brief example. Rebar, which is produced in 8.52 pm the plant on my patch, is produced in straight lengths Lloyd Russell-Moyle (Brighton, Kemptown) (Lab/Co-op) and in coils. Straight lengths would be covered by the [V]: What a ridiculous speech we just heard; let us get proposed safeguards, but coils would not be, and would back to reality. be substituted, yet they are both produced in exactly the same way. All that would happen is that the quota On 19 May, only 19 days after the passing of the would be used up on the straight lengths and then loads Trade Act 2021, which updated the Taxation (Cross-border of coil would flood in. That is an absolute absurdity. It Trade) Act 2018, the Secretary of State, who failed to is dangerous for our national infrastructure, for our amend the Trade Bill, said: sovereignty and for our national defence, and I cannot “The rules of the TRA were set in legislation in 2018, and I understand why the Government are not willing to take think we are in very different times now. We have had a global pandemic. We are much clearer about the issues of supply chains. action on that. They are letting down workers up and I have briefed the Committee”— down the country: in Ashfield, in Scunthorpe, in Corby, in West Brom and in south Wales in places such as the International Trade Committee, on which I serve— Bridgend, instead of taking action at this critical time. “on…the way we are analysing critical goods.” We do not want to go back to that crisis of the past She went on to say that she would review the case of the when there is an opportunity for steel to be at the heart TRA and see whether additional safeguards were needed. of our future. That was in May. A month and more later, what has the I finish by saying this: the Minister proudly has the Secretary of State done? Did she review the safeguards Union Jack on his mask, but I want to see the Union that she acknowledged were weak? Did she change the Jack stamped on the steel being used at the heart of our system that she acknowledged was flawed, under which national infrastructure, made by British workers for she can only ratchet down? No, she did not. British infrastructure. That is the choice that the Last year,the Under-Secretary of State for International Government have tonight. Trade, the hon. Member for North East Hampshire (Mr Jayawardena), who opened the debate on behalf of 8.49 pm the Government, said blatantly that the “system works…It is already delivering in a number of sectors, Lee Anderson (Ashfield) (Con): Now then, surely including steel”. even the Labour party will realise that as we embark on He must be on a different planet if he thinks it is our £640 billion infrastructure campaign we are going working! He said that we have the ability “to act very to need lots of British steel. We are going to need about quickly”. If we have the ability to act quickly, Ministers 7.6 million tonnes over the next 10 years to build new should do something rather than sitting on their hands! wind farms, power stations, schools, hospitals, railways and flood defences. We have a record to be proud of: we Let us be clear what is happening: the US, the EU have provided more than £500 million in relief to the and our other major allies are taking action to stop steel industry since 2013, to help it to cope with high their domestic markets being undermined; we are doing electricity costs; we are launching a £350 million industrial nothing. Just like when the EU took action and we were energy transformation fund to help businesses with the ones dragging our heels when we were in the club, high energy use, including in the steel industry; and we now that we are out of the club we are failing to stand have doubled the proportion of steel procured from up for our own businesses all over again. within the UK over the past year. I come to a fundamental point of the TRA. This is Under Labour, steel production fell by almost 50% what the chairman of the TRA said: he has “sympathy” and employment in the UK steel industry was cut in with the points raised around the environment, workers’ half. Industrial electricity prices rose by 66% in the last rights and extra protections, but he does not believe that five years under the Labour Government, crippling the the TRA should take any action on those things. He steel industry.Labour MPs complained when we announced said that the TRA’s guidelines do not allow him to do new freeports, but they will use a massive amount of so. That is the fundamental problem. The Government British steel and be a welcome boost to large engineering have dropped the ball—or maybe they are so wedded to companies such as Abacus Lighting and Caunton the ideology of “free market against protection”that they Engineering in Ashfield and Eastwood. And they were are willing to sell our steel and other industries down whingeing about the new royal yacht, which will be the river. We will not stand for it. We will vote against it. made from British steel by British shipbuilders, and will then sail around the world promoting our great country. 8.55 pm Perhaps the Minister will support my idea of building Richard Fuller (North East Bedfordshire) (Con): Changes a brand-new yacht for the Labour party. We could call it by politicians to the recommendations of the Trade the HMS Clueless and the skipper would be Labour’s Remedies Authority is the sort of meddling that the Captain Hindsight, who would lead a motley crew of regulations were designed to discourage, because political out-of-touch Labour MPs on a cruise around the world, involvement is too often influenced by lobbying pressure stopping off at countries that subscribe to their brand and special interests rather than by the wider benefits to of socialism. The first stop would be Cuba, and it society. The TRA is clear that trade protections should would then be off to Venezuela and then North Korea. continue where there is evidence of an import surge 689 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 690

[Richard Fuller] saw our European partners use their steel in infrastructure projects time and again—in the UK, we had project over the period of investigation and injury to producers. after project using imported steel, despite alternatives Protection will continue on 82% by volume of currently being available. protected products. Protection is recommended to end UK steel makes up only about 10% of UK public only where there has been no import surge at all or sector demand. That is pathetic, but it will not change where any increase in imports has resulted in no injury unless the Government work with UK steel well in to producers. We should not continue protection when advance of major procurements to maximise UK input. no injury has been incurred. Too often, it is an afterthought, or left to the companies The motion says that, on Monday 28 June, Labour delivering the projects, with Government turning a blind will be prepared to take all the steps necessary for eye. The Government are right that the industry needs “urgent legislative action to protect the vital interests of the to modernise and invest in new technologies to meet the British steel industry.” challenges of the future, but that is not simply going to However, that is false for two reasons. First, as analysis happen by some sort of magic. It is no good just saying by the authority demonstrates, the changes are designed to an industry that relies on coal and high-energy usage not to affect steel industry participants. The UK steel that it needs to change and decarbonise overnight. This industry is at risk from dumping arising from chronic industry pays 86% more for its electricity than in Germany global over-supply, but it also suffers from relatively and 62% more than in France, and that imbalance is set high labour costs, burdensome energy costs, a large to get worse rather than better. It is no good saying that green footprint for accessing rawmaterials and an expensive, hydrogen is the solution to every problem going when unproven and unfunded pathway to a green steel future, we do not have a single facility in the UK, unlike in none of which is addressed in the motion but all of other countries. The industry will need help and support which is vital for the industry’s future. to meet these challenges and not just warm words and Secondly, the Labour motion seeks to align completely no action, which is what we have seen up until now. the largely private interests of the owners of businesses As with energy prices, where the Government refuse in the steel industry—some of them are good; some of to help and just say that it is an issue for Ofgem rather them are a bit more dodgy—with the interests of UK than for them, we now face the major challenge of the taxpayers as a whole. Those interests may overlap, but TRA judgment making it open season to dump products they are not identical. The motion is an incoherent on the UK. We have seen the results of that dumping gesture, not a viable strategy for the UK steel industry, for many years. How is our domestic industry expected to demonstrating the superficiality of Labour’s approach survive, let alone compete, in these circumstances? Again to the steel industry, just as Labour’s call to put taxpayers’ we hear from the Minister tonight, “There’s nothing we money into a firm that is now under investigation by the can do.” Well, that is not good enough. We need to Serious Fraud Office was a few weeks ago. legislate now if we are going to make sure that we can If the UK wishes to have a vibrant steel industry, it maintain these safeguards and save our industry. Time needs the sort of thorough review that my right hon. is not with us and failure to act would be disastrous. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Shotton steelworks celebrates 125 years of production Industrial Strategy is undertaking. Should the industry this year. Let us hope and trust that there are many require additional investment by the UK taxpayer, the more years to come. case for that will have to stand up well to Treasury scrutiny. The context for the Treasury includes: that the 9.1 pm UK economy is already being taxed at its highest rate Miriam Cates (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Con) since the 1960s; that Government debt is already at [V]: I am very much in favour of free trade, which nearly 100% of GDP; that last year the UK ran its contributes to prosperity, innovation and fairness across largest ever peacetime deficit of £303 billion; that, the world. However, free trade requires a level playing worryingly, £303 billion means that we are borrowing field, and right now the pitch on which our UK steel one third of all public expenditure; and that, in 2020, industry is trying to compete is uphill and full of holes. the Bank of England bought approximately 80% of Our British steelmakers cannot compete on price with that borrowing. Quantitative easing to finance Government foreign manufacturers many of whom have far cheaper expenditure rather than to meet an inflation target is an energy prices and receive massive state subsidies. Other emergency tactic, not a regular tool of fiscal policy, and countries also employ market-distorting practices such the benign period of its availability is coming to an end. as steel dumping, with the deliberate intention of putting This Parliament needs to start making tough decisions British steel manufacturers out of business. That is why if we are to make space to support our UK steel we, and the US and the EU, have rightly implemented industry’s green transition. If we can address bigger steel safeguards over recent years to protect domestic issues along the lines of infrastructure projects, we can industries from unfair and malicious practices that are the support the green change in the steel industry. very antithesis of free trade.It is therefore incomprehensible that the Trade Remedies Authority is recommending 8.58 pm that we allow over half our safeguards on steel products Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): In recent to lapse, at a time when the EU and the US will be years, the UK steel industry has lurched from one crisis maintaining their safeguards in response to the continuing to another, with a Government who have used every threats to steel producers around the world. excuse in the book not to step in. For years, we were Steel is a critical national industry producing essential told that European rules and regulation prevented us materials for our infrastructure and our nuclear and defence from supporting our domestic industry and procuring capabilities. Steel is therefore crucial to our security. It is UK steel. Despite the fact that that was not true—we also an industry that is vital to our economy.Steel supports 691 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 692 over 33,000 jobs, including many hundreds in the when factories closed and jobs were sent overseas were real…It is Stocksbridge steelworks in my constituency. I know that the result of a long pursuit of tax, trade, labour and other policies the Government fully understand this. I am grateful for that encouraged a race to the bottom.” the frequent engagement of my right hon. Friend the The Biden Administration intend to improve workers’ Business Secretary with me on this issue and the welcome representation in trade policy in the US and in the commitment of the Minister today to use anti-dumping World Trade Organisation. Furthermore, the recently measures where necessary.I also look forward to meeting signed United States, Mexico, Canada agreements include my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister later this week the strongest labour and environmental standards in to discuss this issue further. The recommendations of any agreement. If workers in the US are worried that the TRA could be devastating for UK steel and I am workers in Mexico are being denied the right to organise, concerned that they are based on the wrong data and a rapid response on traded goods can follow. fail to take into account the international situation. Let me finish by quoting President Biden: We need to take action to retain our steel safeguards. “As we emerge from this pandemic that has exacerbated inequity I accept that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and put an even greater strain on workers’ families, we have to for International Trade does not currently have the prove that democracy can deliver. We do that by empowering power that she needs to ensure that that happens. However, workers, raising wages, standing up for union rights and holding the necessary changes are legally complex, and the bad actors accountable when they subject their citizens to forced Opposition’sproposal will breach World Trade Organisation labour and child labour.” rules and could result in retaliatory tariffs from other Why is it that our Government want to sell our steelworkers nations. Although we must act quickly, we must also be out to China and preside over a race to the bottom? certain to act legally, and a quick Bill thrown together on the back of an Opposition debate is not the proper 9.8 pm way to give our steel industry the protection it needs. Peter Gibson (Darlington) (Con): Steel has played an We cannot afford to get this wrong. Although I cannot important role in Darlington’s past and is set, thanks to support the motion, I do urge the Government to take this Conservative Government, to play an important role rapid action to reform the TRA and give new powers to in our clean, green future. Indeed, Darlington is home the Secretary of State. In 2016, people in my constituency to a British steel site, and on its outskirts is the world voted to take back control. That means our democratically renowned Cleveland Bridge, which my hon. Friend the elected Government having the final say over our trade Member for Sedgefield (Paul Howell) will say more about. policy. The Government must act to back UK steel. Weall know that steel has heavily influenced our national 9.4 pm story whether that be in our railways, our bridges or our ships. Sadly, the industry has been in decline for too Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab) long with lost jobs for thousands. Indeed, many of these [V]: I am a great believer in trade. I am currently jobs were lost under the last Labour Government. holding a series of DIT-sponsored trade roundtables in my constituency, and as chair of the all-party group for I am proud that the Tees Valley has been at the Africa championing the positive power of fair trade. forefront of British steel manufacturing for 170 years Trade can help lift countries out of poverty, drive and while the old Redcar Steelworks closed in 2015, we innovation and promote sustainable economic development. have a bright future as the home of the innovation and There is no such thing as free trade in the sense of trade design sector,on which I am quite sure that my hon. Friend free from political and regulatory choices. What this the Member for Redcar (Jacob Young) will expand. Government mean by free trade is choosing to pursue This Conservative Government are delivering where the lowest common denominator—low wages, bad the last Labour Government failed. We are supporting processes, environmental destruction, and human rights this key industry by directly investing in our national abuses. There are two important consequences of that. infrastructure, using British steel to help revolutionise First, our national interest demands a sovereign steel our transport and energy sectors. This Government are capability, as do other countries’ interests. That is why doubling the amount of steel procured within the UK there is a current glut of steel production, as our and using British steel in the £640 billion infrastructure competitors, in particular China, ensure that their steel spending. Steel made in Britain will help us to build capabilities survive the pandemic and technological change. back Britain as we look beyond the pandemic. HS2, That is why ideologically puritanical free trade does not Dogger Bank, Hinkley Point C as well as new schools, work for a sector such as steel, and is at the heart of the hospitals and flood defences across the UK are being Government’s betrayal of the steel industry. built with British steel. I am delighted that Cleveland Secondly, because there are always political and policy Bridge, staffed by many of my constituents, will be decisions to be made, it is essential to have workers’ providing its expertise for many of these projects. representatives in the room when these decisions are In addition, this Government are helping to decarbonise taken, which this Government refuse to do. Without the sector. That has been achieved by creating a new workers’involvement, global Britain will not be politically £250 million clean steel fund, and launching a £315 million sustainable. Last month, I chaired an international TUC- industrial energy transformation fund to help businesses Labour discussion on building a workers’ trade agenda. with high energy use, helping the industry to cut its bills Trade unions in other countries have considerably more and emissions. While the Labour party does nothing but access to trade negotiations. Katherine Tai, President talk down the steel sector, failing to support production Biden’s new trade commissioner, is an example to follow. and jobs, this Conservative Government are supporting She says: the industry, so that British steel is best placed to benefit “We know that trade is essential to a functioning global from the opportunities presented by our new trade deals economy. It is clear, however, that the past promises made to around the world, and our massive infrastructure workers on trade were not met…The consequences for families investment. 693 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 694

9.10 pm The steel industry’s supply chain plays a huge role in Stephen Kinnock (Aberavon) (Lab) [V]: My Aberavon the local Sedgefield economy and it is therefore essential constituency is home to the UK’s largest steelworks, that the industry is resilient, increasing job security and employing around 4,000 men and women, and sustaining creating high skilled apprenticeships and jobs for young thousands more jobs through its supply chains. The people. I note the hypocrisy of the Opposition, who steelworks are the beating heart of our local economy wish to debate and comment on what this Government and community, yet for 10 years, successive Conservative should be doing to support the steel industry, while Governments have failed to recognise that the steel sitting on a track record of 13 years of Government industry not only delivers prosperity, but also makes a with no proactive policies to help the steel sector move vital contribution to our country’s security and resilience. forward. The Labour party has historically failed to offer Every military vehicle, major infrastructure project support to such an essential industry. Indeed, when the and power station requires steel. Steel enables us to right hon. Member for Doncaster North (Edward Miliband) stand on our own two feet as a nation. Homegrown was Labour leader,not once did he mention such a pivotal steel is the only route to tackling climate change, and it sector to our economy in this place. Industry experts will play a critical role in greening our economy, from even accused a predecessor of mine, the then Prime electric cars to solar, wind and tidal power. British Minister, of a deliberate slight against the UK steel production processes have half the carbon footprint of industry when in 2002 he put party donors before UK China’s far less decarbonised steel industry, and shipping steel manufacturers. The purpose of Government is to steel from the other side of the world is obviously more act. When Labour was in government it chose not to, carbon intensive. but now, when Labour Members do not have to take That is why Labour Members are clear about our responsibility for delivery, they are full of instructions. determination to keep all 19 UK steel safeguards. This The Conservative party is different, and I know that this is not in any way an argument against free and fair trade; Government are committed to ensuring that UK steel it is an argument for free and fair trade, because the prospers into the future. There is, however, always more “free” without the “fair” is meaningless, and we cannot that we can do to listen to the needs of the industry and have one without the other. Global overcapacity in 2019 engage with sector leaders to ensure that the Government was estimated to be 514 million tonnes, dwarfing the know exactly what they need to do not only to survive 10 million tonne UK market. That was largely driven by but to build resilience and prosper. I recently held China, whose steel industry is 80% state owned, and discussions with international steel products manufacturer deliberately over-produces and illegally dumps steel to Gestamp, which employs more 1,000 people at its Newton damage western economies. Indeed, only two out of the Aycliffe plant. It has some innovative and progressive top 10 steel markets in the world currently have no ideas about how the Government can help to build tariffs or quotas in place. When a tidal wave is about to industry resilience.I encourage Ministers to visit companies hit, it makes no sense to remove our flood defences. such as Gestamp, which can be really valuable contributors This entire process has been a shambles from start to to future policy discussions. finish. First, too many powers were handed to the Trade The recommendations of the Trade Remedies Authority Remedies Authority.Secondly,the TRA failed to undertake are on the desk of our excellent Secretary of State for a responsible process. It failed to use accurate industry International Trade, who has been to Sedgefield several figures, to engage properly with industry and trade unions, times to see at first hand the excellent work of all our or to consider the interconnectedness of the industry, local manufacturers. I would encourage her to return and and the impact that the removal of those nine safeguards visit those in the steel industry supply chain. I am sure will have on wider business models. That points to a she will give the recommendations the full consideration wider fear that the Conservatives’ independent trade they deserve, and I look forward to her update to the policy has nothing to do with supporting UK business House. to flourish, and is in fact all about removing safeguards and lowering standards, so that the UK can more easily Building resilient UK supply chains will be vital to negotiate minor trade deals. our economy in the coming years and decades. The steel industry is one of the most critical and currently contributes Last week the Government sold out our farmers in £2 billion to the economy. I am sure the Government desperation to get the UK-Australia deal across the will take the necessary actions by building upon progressive line. Now they are looking to sell out our steelworkers, procurement policies and supporting all of our fantastic with the removal of steel import safeguards. Tonight’s steel supply chain, up and down the country. vote is a big moment for the Government. Indeed, it is a litmus test of their much-heralded independent trade 9.16 pm policy. Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab): Steel, as we have heard from so many speakers, is absolutely vital to the UK, 9.13 pm and it is good to see that British steel provides 70% of Paul Howell (Sedgefield) (Con): I welcome the the UK’sannual requirements and is particularly important opportunity to contribute to this important debate. In in a whole range of things. Like other hon. Members, I post-Brexit Britain it is important not to underestimate have manufacturers in my constituency that rely on the importance of the British steel industry to the UK steel and on the supply of steel, but today I want to economy. In Sedgefield alone, an array of companies touch on the issue of the Trade Remedies Authority. form part of the steel industry’s supply chain, from As we have heard, back in 2017 Labour pointed out large international manufacturers such as Cleveland the need for a body to regulate trade. However, the Bridge and Gestamp, to vital local small and medium-sized current body is not the most suitable one for our steel businesses such as Ebac and Finley Structures. industry. We warned against the Government creating a 695 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 696

Trade Remedies Authority that was unfit for purpose. The third obstacle is energy pricing. I am really pleased They did not listen to those warnings, and we are now to see the Minister for Business, Energy and Clean sadly seeing the consequences of that failure to listen Growth in her place, because we have spoken about the unfold. A Trade Remedies Authority made up of matter many times before. In the steel and chemical economists and backed by incomplete HMRC data will industries,energy costs remain uncompetitive in comparison never be enough to reflect the true complexities and with the continent. These are energy-intensive industries: nuances of the steel industry.A Trade Remedies Authority whether they are producing steel through blast or electric devoid of union input will never be able to truly reflect arc technology, or breaking chemical bonds to drive workers’ voices, with their practical experience of the chemical reactions, they need a lot of energy. The sector and understanding of British steel. A Trade problem will only increase as we switch to lower-carbon Remedies Authority without actual industry representatives, fuels, so I urge the Government to come forward with a such as those working with steel in the UK, will never strategy to level the playing field in this area, too. truly understand the consequences of its decisions or I commend the Government for their commitment to the impact on local communities such as mine. UK steel so far. The Labour party pretends that the The TRA as it stands lacks the ideas and experience Government do not care about our industry, but if it necessary to tackle the issues that the steel industry faces. were not for this Prime Minister—and this Chancellor, That means that it is making skewed recommendations when he was Chief Secretary to the Treasury—we would that will drive a race to the bottom, with dangerous have barely any steel left in Redcar and Cleveland. It consequences for our industry.Its powers of investigation was their commitment to seeing through the sale of are too narrowly focused. Recommendations on sectors British Steel in Lackenby, Skinningrove and Scunthorpe such as steel need to consider the impact on employment, that protected the thousands of jobs that depended communities, critical national infrastructure and defence on it. procurement. Crucially, they need to understand that On his visit to Redcar and Cleveland, the Prime what we do in one part of the industry affects the whole. Minister said: Instead, we have a narrow and blinkered assessment of “I think British steel is a very important national asset. I think pricing, supply and demand in individual product categories, the fact that we make steel in this country is of strategic long-term with no sense of the wider picture. importance”. This kind of outcome was entirely predictable and I wholeheartedly agree. I want us to be stronger. We avoidable, but fortunately it is not too late. The motion have to be strategic. We need to continue to back our before us allows for emergency action to reject these flawed, steel industry. narrow recommendations and save our steel industry from the consequences. But even more than that, I hope it will allow the Government to reflect on their approach 9.22 pm to the TRA. They must listen to British steel makers Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): I thank my and work with Labour to establish a revised trade right hon. Friend the Member for Islington South and remedies process, accepting that its remit needs to change. Finsbury (Emily Thornberry) for initiating this crucial debate in Opposition time, which shows that she is 9.19 pm giving it the importance that it deserves, and for making Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con): I will confine my remarks such a strong case for the need for emergency legislation to the three obstacles that the UK steel industry faces. to allow Ministers to reject the TRA’s recommendations The first, the subject at the heart of today’sdebate, is global and temporarily extend the steel safeguards so that they competition and the impact of tariffs. I wholeheartedly do not expire at the end of the month and we can allow agree with my hon. Friend the Member for Penistone for a longer-term solution. It was a pity that we had and Stocksbridge (Miriam Cates): we support free global such a woeful response from the Minister tonight. trade, but when it comes to steel making, there is currently Let us remember that UK Steel called the TRA’s no free market. Almost every nation that makes steel recommendations does so with some form of subsidy or trade barrier, so “a hammer blow to the UK steel sector” we need to consider a sensible response. and to steel communities. I echo what other hon. Members This is a complex issue, and the conclusions of the have said about the TRA recommendations.The safeguards independent TRA do not seem to reflect the reality of are vital if we are to provide a stable environment for the interdependence of our industry.The current situation the sector and protect against unprecedented import is to the detriment of the UK, so we need to consider surges from better-protected markets. Slashing those how we combat that unfairness. I wholeheartedly welcome safeguards after Brexit would see the UK become one the Minister’s comments about reviewing the powers of of the least protected of the major steel markets, the Secretary of State. undermining our own industry. The EU is maintaining The second obstacle is UK procurement. It was said its old steel safeguards, as is the USA. Why, at a time in our previous debate that we must build back better, when the global steel market is dealing with overcapacity but why not build back British? More than 2 million and looking to recover from the economic shock of the tonnes of steel are estimated to be used in HS2—let us pandemic, are our Government even considering allowing use UK-sourced steel and make HS2 a project that the withdrawal of vital protections for our steel sector? benefits every corner of the UK, not just London to Steel should be at the heart of our economic recovery. Birmingham. The Prime Minister’s 10-point plan requires It employs 33,000 people directly and is a strategic steel for increasing our offshore wind capacity and for industry that is vital to our regional economies. Removing building electric cars, carbon capture, utilisation and key steel safeguards would simply compound the prevailing storage plants and nuclear power plants—let us build challenges that the industry already faces.Our steelworkers, them with British steel. including those at Tata Llanwern, Liberty and Celsa in 697 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 698

[Jessica Morden] greener, reward lower carbon, tax higher carbon in COP26 and remember that, as the US says, we want to my constituency, are some of the most experienced and make trade a force for good that encourages a race to best-skilled in the world, but they already have to compete the top—not just for workers’ rights, but for our with one hand behind their back in so many ways, with environment. Let us build back British steel, let us have sky-high industrial energy costs and frankly inadequate a safer planet and let us protect jobs in Wales, in UK Government procurement policies. Then there is England and beyond. the whole issue of bonded warehouses, which effectively undercut producers by waiving duties on cheap foreign 9.28 pm imports. We need action on that for the Liberty plant in my constituency, currently being undercut by the storage Jerome Mayhew (Broadland) (Con): The TRA’s sole of massive imports of Turkish steel products in bonded function is to look at data and decide whether to warehouses. impose trade restrictions to protect the UK steel market When Britain left the EU, this Tory Government made from unforeseen surges of imports to ensure fair trade. a promise that we would be able to support British It is not there to put up protectionist barriers to international industry more than we had done previously and that trade. Its recommendations are based on detailed research foundation sectors such as steel would be at the forefront into the UK steel market. So it is not so much the data of the Government’s thinking. Unfortunately, here is that Labour challenges—as was made clear earlier this one of the major tests of our new trading priorities, and evening, it is the terms of reference given to the TRA. the Government are sitting on their hands and pretending Let us be clear: Labour wants to move to outright there is nothing they can do. How can our steel sites protectionism. supposedly make a business case to investors for long-term Extending tariffs that are not justified by the data projects such as decarbonising when the Government shifts the debate from ensuring fair competition, which speak positively about the industry one day, only to drives long-term economic growth and prosperity, to strip away protections the next? It is a nonsense. I urge outright protectionism, which corrodes markets and the Government to get their act together and secure a makes us all poorer. That is particularly the case with a long-term solution on safeguards, which are so important foundation product such as steel. Labour wants to put to the industry. There is a motion here today that they up the price of steel for all the manufacturers of the could choose to adopt, and in doing so they could help United Kingdom, making their products more expensive the industry. It is a massive test for the Government, and then less competitive. What does Labour suggest when and one our industry cannot afford for them to fail. they struggle against cheaper imports—more protectionism? Even its current proposal is so extreme that it would require us to leave the World Trade Organisation. What 9.25 pm next? These are the economics of the Soviet Union. Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: We The Government are right to focus on defending fair cannot allow cheap carbon-intensive steel from China competition while supporting our steel industry to adopt to destroy our steel industry and our planet. Over half low-carbon energy sources as we move toward renewable the steel in the world is now produced by China—the supplies, supporting our producers to the tune of amount has doubled in the last 20 years—and we face a £500 million since 2013 so that our cleaner energy does climate catastrophe. British steel uses 50% less carbon, not disadvantage them. In the long run though, we need and we have a situation in which, since Kyoto, global to move away from clumsy and expensive state support. emissions have gone up 60% since 1990. The Paris limit Rather than costing our Treasury money to compensate of 1.5° C will be breached by 2025, and 8,500 tonnes of industry, a carbon border adjustment mechanism would ice is melting every second of this debate in Greenland. raise income from high-carbon imports, providing funds China is emitting 28% of global emissions, which is to invest in our own decarbonisation plans. Those are more than the US and the EU combined: 7 tonnes of supports that can work within WTO rules, not in flagrant carbon per person, compared with 5.8 tonnes in Britain. breach of them, as Labour wants. On a consumption basis we do 8 tonnes, because we No longer will our exports be penalised by relatively have subcontracted our coal-fired power stations and high energy costs or be undercut in our domestic market manufacturing to China. China now has over half the by dirty imports. Such a mechanism will allow us to price capacity for coal-fired power stations—1,037 coal-fired carbon realistically,unleashing the power of the free market power stations—and it plans another 300. Its emissions to nose out lower-carbon alternatives as part of the will not peak until 2030, and we do not know what that unending price war that real competition brings. That is peak will be. It will only be carbon neutral by 2060, and the kind of policy framework that a serious Opposition that is not even net zero. would be proposing. If the right hon. and learned Wemust act. Weneed to have the same tariff safeguards Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Keir Starmer) as the EU and the US against the dirty steel the Chinese wants to modernise the Labour party, he should start are dumping. We need to switch to the border adjustment with the Soviet dinosaurs in his BEIS team. carbon tax being considered by the EU, which factors the carbon price into those taxes, for COP26. We have 9.30 pm talked a lot today about the balance between strategic industrial interests and consumer prices,but those consumer Sarah Champion (Rotherham) (Lab): The decision prices need to factor in the environmental cost of carbon. whether to extend safeguards in steel production is the It must be in the guidelines for the TRA to make these first real test of the UK’s independent trade policy. As recommendations, which it is not. Buying more carbon- of today, it is a test that the Government have woefully intensive products—whether steel, manufacturing or failed. The recommendation of TRID, now confirmed agriculture—is destroying our planet. Let us build back by the TRA, is a crushing blow to the UK steel industry, 699 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 700 coming at a time when it faces myriad challenges, both enable our steel industry to lead the way towards achieving long and short term. The recommendation will leave the UK’s net zero target and safeguard good, well-paid almost half of all UK-produced steel production categories green jobs in the process. and a third of UK-produced steel by volume at the We need a trade policy that empowers workers. Labour mercy of import surges, with devastating consequences. warned that the lack of representation for both industry The interconnected nature of the industry means that and unions on the Trade Remedies Authority would be those consequences will be felt across the sector. detrimental and lead to the kind of recommendations Both the US and the EU are almost certain to extend that this motion seeks to reject today. My union, Unite, their own safeguards. In contrast, Britain stands ready which represents thousands of members in all areas of to open up our own markets, leaving import challenges the steel industry, is urging the Government to take inevitable; at the same time, our exports will face substantial immediate action to stabilise the industry. I share the tariff barriers, placing UK-produced steel at a huge concerns of Unite assistant general secretary, Steve disadvantage in the global markets. For years, the Turner, who said that Government have blamed EU rules for their own failure “there is a real danger that a combination of ideology and the to provide the UK steel industry with the backing it wrong political choices will open the gates to cheap imports, deserves. Now, free from those rules, rather than fighting which will costs thousands of skilled jobs and devastate local to protect our industries, the Government are using communities.” steel as the canary in the coalmine. The Government may be willing to abandon steelworkers This decision could not come at a worse time for the and their communities, but my party—the Labour party— industry. In Rotherham, my constituents face profound will do whatever it takes to defend and protect them uncertainty. The crisis that has engulfed Liberty Steel and build a stronger, greener, more prosperous British has placed steel production in the town in jeopardy. steel industry for the future. Steel is central to our local economy. With more than 900 Liberty staff based in Rotherham and many more 9.36 pm workers in the steel supply chains, its loss would be a Mr Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): We have heard colossal blow, but more is at stake than the economic impassioned speeches on both side of the House from impact. Steel is integral to our town’s identity, its pride, Members who represent steelmaking constituencies. I its heritage. Although there has been some good news am really pleased that the motion from my hon. Friends recently, with Liberty reiterating its commitment to the also recognises the importance of those in the supply Aldwarke plant, the decision to seek a buyer for its chain, because in Chesterfield, with our close proximity specialist steels arms, which include the Brinsworth to Sheffield, we have a long-standing history of supply narrow strip mill, is a cause of real concern. to the steel industry, and that is incredibly important. To date, the Government have done little more than What is slightly missing from this debate is how keep a watching brief. We cannot allow this to continue. crucial the steel industry is not just to those people The Government must play an active role to make sure employed directly in it or those supplying it, but to that our industry is secure. manufacturing in the UK more broadly. In terms of the role of global Britain and supporting global manufacturing, Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): We having a competitive steel industry here in the UK is now go via videolink to Grahame Morris. To reiterate, absolutely crucial and we must give that support. I feel if he speaks for less than three minutes, we will get more that the Government do not think through the consequences people in. of us being entirely dependent on China, in terms of our global independence. When I heard the contribution 9.33 pm from the Minister at the start of the debate, it made me Grahame Morris (Easington) (Lab) [V]: Steel is a vital wonder if that was really the party that, just a few industry—vital to our economy, our national security, months ago, was claiming that they would enable us to and the prosperity of communities outside London and “take back control”, because he simply stood at the the south-east. If the Government implement the Trade Dispatch Box, threw his arms in the air and said that Remedies Authority’s recommendations to scrap nine there is nothing that we can do. I am glad that there are of the 19 safeguard tariffs on steel, it will pave the way some Government Members—in Stocksbridge, in for cheap imports that will undermine our domestic Scunthorpe—who do recognise how dangerous this will steel industry at the worst possible time. be. Let us see how they vote later today and whether they do so based on the sentiments that they laid out. Current trade policy is failing the UK’s regions. Despite the protestations of Government Members, time and Manufacturers in Chesterfield have been coming to again the Conservatives have failed to back British steel, me saying that the steel prices that have rocketed up opting instead to rely on imported steel in Government recently and a Government who are washing their hands procurement contracts. Ministers and the TRA are of any responsibility are making UK manufacturers undermining an industry that, as we have heard, directly outside the steel industry desperately concerned that employs nearly 34,000 people in relatively well paid and they will no longer be competitive in future. highly skilled jobs and supports a further 42,000 jobs in Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): I the supply chain. Labour has pledged to build in Britain call Beth Winter, who has two minutes. to create UK manufacturing jobs in the low-carbon infrastructure of the future. We cannot allow the Government to offshore this vital industry. British steel 9.38 pm should be at the heart of every major UK defence and Beth Winter (Cynon Valley) (Lab): I come from a family infrastructure project. We need to see investment in of Welsh industrial workers. My father and grandfather decarbonisation and in hydrogen technology that will were coalminers and my other grandfather worked for 701 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 702

[Beth Winter] because a strong domestic steel industry is essential to our national manufacturing success and because steel is the steel industry. The steel industry is a vital part of the vital for our national security. We should be using every Welsh economy. Along with the coal industry, it is part tool at our disposal to support the industry. That means of our industrial heritage, and I want steel to be part of Government putting their money where their mouth is our future, too. I have seen at first hand the devastation in enabling steel to navigate the green transition, it caused to communities by the closure of the mining means doing whatever it takes to support employment industry and I do not want the same to happen to the and it means making the right decisions on trade. steel industry. It employs thousands in jobs in Wales, Let me come to the heart of our motion. The Under- and many through the supply chain, and the median Secretary of State for International Trade, the hon. salary in the steel sector is around £34,000 a year. While Member for North East Hampshire (Mr Jayawardena), this may seem humble to the average Tory, it is 45% above drew the short straw at the International Trade team the median salary in Wales. It provides stable, well-paid meeting by being sent out to bat when the Government jobs—gold dust in parts of the country such as mine have no position, or at least no position that I could that have been neglected by successive Tory Governments. comprehend from his speech, but this is an incredibly The Government talk of levelling up, but we judge serious situation. We are nine days away from these them by their actions, not their words. Their failure to protections lapsing. protect and modernise the industry adequately belies Let us just be clear for the Minister and the House the levelling-up rhetoric. Levelling up for the steel industry about what UK Steel is saying would be the impact of in Wales will be sacrificed on the altar of the Government’s the measures lapsing: uncaring pursuit of free trade agreements. If Wales is to … … meet its carbon emissions target, the steel industry “a hammer blow to the UK steel sector utter madness the UK’s new system has failed our domestic steel sector.” needs considerable investment, and the UK will not achieve its target for emissions unless the steel industry The decision reflects a fundamental misunderstanding in Wales is adequately financed to enable this to happen. of the realities of steel production. That is the reality. There are measures that this Government can take to What UK Steel is saying is not based on ideology, but protect the British steel industry, particularly in this on a practical assessment of the international steel post-Brexit world. Not to take those steps would be an market. Indeed, it has been well described by a former abrogation of the Government’s responsibility to the steel analyst, who said that British people. Not to invest in the necessary infrastructure “something like 2 billion tonnes are produced every year, and for the future green industry would be a denial of their there is a global glut. Lots of steel is being produced, and the real obligations to future generations. That is why I fully danger is that, somehow, we are exposed to dumping and to people support this motion. overproducing and, essentially, undercutting our own producers.” That former steel analyst is none other than the Business Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): I Secretary,appearing at the Business, Energy and Industrial apologise to those who have not been able to get in, but Strategy Committee less than a month ago on 25 May. I need to start the wind-ups now. The Business Secretary went on to say: “This is a problem that is faced by all steel producers. The US 9.40 pm has Section 232 tariffs. The EU, of which we were a member…had Edward Miliband (Doncaster North) (Lab): We have its own safeguards and tariff protections…We have to try to work had an excellent debate with noteworthy contributions out how we navigate this global glut of steel.” from all parts of the House. I congratulate the shadow Here we have a Government Minister who correctly Secretary of State for International Trade, my right identifies the problem—the risks of global oversupply—yet hon. Friend the Member for Islington South and Finsbury his own Government are deciding actively to remove the (Emily Thornberry), on securing this debate, and I very safeguards against it, to ignore the warnings of the particularly thank my hon. Friends the Members for steel industry and steelworkers, to undermine the promises Bristol North West (Darren Jones), for Neath (Christina that the Government are making to the sector and to Rees), for Brent North (Barry Gardiner), for Cardiff weaken our domestic steel manufacturers. We should be South and Penarth (Stephen Doughty) and for Brighton, very clear about that because Members, particularly on Kemptown (Lloyd Russell-Moyle), my right hon. Friend the the Government Benches, were concerned about it. Member for Alyn and Deeside (Mark Tami), and my This is an insurance policy. These tariffs kick in once hon. Friends the Members for Newcastle upon Tyne North imports get above a certain quota, set at 111% of (Catherine McKinnell), for Aberavon (Stephen Kinnock), historic imports. It is a balanced insurance policy to for Blaydon (Liz Twist), for Newport East (Jessica Morden), prevent the oversupply that the Secretary of State identifies. for Swansea West (Geraint Davies), for Rotherham The TRA is proposing to remove the insurance policy (Sarah Champion), for Easington (Grahame Morris), in half the product categories. I have read the TRA for Chesterfield (Mr Perkins) and for Cynon Valley document and I have listened to the debate, and the case (Beth Winter). As I said, there were great speeches from is simply not made out for that. We cannot argue that all parts of the House. these are nine areas where we do not have domestic At the heart of the debate is a question. We can all production, because we do, and we cannot say that talk the rhetoric of building back better, but the question there is no risk of serious injury to domestic producers, facing us is: when hard decisions have to be made, is because the industry itself says there is. It simply leaves rhetoric matched by reality? There is no greater test us with this argument: that we should have the cheap than how we treat the steel industry, because steel imports at the expense of our domestic industry. In supports tens of thousands of high-skilled, high-wage other words, we are failing to learn all the lessons of the jobs that are the pride of communities across our country, past, and here we are. What is the EU doing? Well, the 703 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 704

EU is retaining its existing protections. I have to say trade policy that supports an active industrial strategy that it does seem extraordinary that here we are, six months that will help grow our foundational industries. I actually after the end of the transition period—when we were think that that view is mostly shared on both sides of told that Brexit would provide stronger domestic protections the House, but that is why the position we have reached for our industry—having to argue with the Government is so incomprehensible. We are not debating how we to keep the domestic protections that were in place strengthen the protections for our domestic industry; when we were in the European Union. It makes no we are desperately trying to cling on to the protections sense. No wonder our steel manufacturers are reacting that we used to have. with anger and disbelief, uncomprehending, and asking, Good rhetoric is not enough to help our steel industry; “How are we even in this position?” we need action. We need action in the next nine days. It is easy in these circumstances to blame the TRA, The Government must act to keep these protections in and, indeed, I think it has made the wrong decision. But place. As we have heard on both sides of the Chamber, this is also about the remit that it has been given. As you they must also give this House the ability to put our know,Madam Deputy Speaker,I am a bit of a nerd—much national economic interests first in trade decisions. We of a nerd. Paragraph 30 of the TRA’s document says also need a comprehensive plan to support our steel that it has had representations about the interconnectedness industry, and deliver the manufacturing and industrial of the industry—that we cannot simply separate out future that we need. We owe it to the communities of products—but it says pretty clearly that that is not our country and to their future to deliver it. really the way it can think about these issues. It cannot look at the interconnectedness of the industry, nor, 9.50 pm indeed, a whole set of issues raised by my right hon. The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth Friend the Member for Islington South and Finsbury. It (Anne-Marie Trevelyan): I thank everyone who has spoken cannot be right that the Government implement these on this important topic this evening. We have heard flawed recommendations. some passionate speeches, not least just now from the There is also a wider issue, which is that the legislation right hon. Member for Doncaster North (Edward around the TRA is clearly not fit for purpose. That is Miliband), and I recognise the significant concern being why we have tabled this motion. It is hardly as though expressed by all colleagues on behalf of UK steel producers. we are jumping the gun. We are nine days from the end Hon. Members heard the Under-Secretary of State of this protection. I mean, come on! What is the answer for International Trade, my hon. Friend the Member here? Our steelworkers and steel manufacturers want to for North East Hampshire (Mr Jayawardena), clearly know what the answer is from a Government who say they set out the role of the Trade Remedies Authority, which are standing up for steel. We have made our suggestion is sponsored by the Department for International Trade, about how to deal with this, through emergency legislation. and how its recommendation process works. The world If there is a better suggestion, I look forward to hearing has changed since 2018 when these powers were put in it from the Minister. The Government know in their heart place, so my Department is very supportive of the of hearts that they are there in a ridiculous position, but Trade Secretary’s desire to review the domestic toolkit, it is time that they did something about it; they owe it to given the challenges of global trade. At the same time, the steel industry to do something about it. my ministerial colleagues in BEIS and I will continue to There is a wider context that I want briefly to mention, devote our focus to the future of this important sector. because it is symptomatic of a failure to have the kind Although the global economic context is challenging, of industrial policy for steel that we need. Steel faces a hon. Members will recall that the Secretary of State huge green transition—the hon. Member for Waveney said when giving oral evidence to the BEIS Committee’s (Peter Aldous) talked about it—but let us be clear about inquiry into the future of steel that the UK industry will the scale of the task that we all face in this House. The continue to need high-quality steel and British steel is industry says that we need billions for the green steel among the best in the world. Making sure our steel transition. A £250 million clean steel fund in 2023 is not industry has the right conditions to thrive is a key part going to cut the mustard. It is not going to give us the of our efforts to reach net zero and level up across our steel industry that we need in the future. There is a big country. choice for us as a country: do we invest to retain There should be no doubt that this Government are steelmaking capacity, with all the jobs and security it committed to UK steel making, as the Secretary of brings; or do we have some kind of neglect of the State has affirmed, both at that session and on a number industry, with devastating consequences? of recent occasions. We are already working to protect It is true of hydrogen as well. A £240 million hydrogen jobs and we are straining every sinew to ensure that the fund is better than nothing, but the Germans are offering industry succeeds at securing a sustainable future. Our ¤9 billion to invest in hydrogen. We face uniquely high unprecedented package of covid-19 support over the energy prices, the whole issue of public procurement, past year is still available to the sector, to protect jobs whereby we still spend 25% on foreign steel, and an and to ensure that producers have the right support industry that is too often lurching from crisis to crisis, during what has been and continues to be a challenging stuck in a long cycle of foreign acquisitions, insolvencies time. and bail-outs. To secure a long-term future, we must My hon. Friends the Members for Scunthorpe break this cycle. That is why we need a comprehensive (Holly Mumby-Croft), for Penistone and Stocksbridge industrial strategy for our UK steel sector, but we still (Miriam Cates) and for Redcar (Jacob Young), whom I do not see it from this Government. know have all met the Business Secretary today to For the first time in nearly 50 years, the UK has sole discuss the best way forward for the industry, will, I autonomy and responsibility for our external trade hope, be reassured about our commitment to our UK policy. We have to use this opportunity to develop a steel sector. As many hon. Members with close links to 705 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 706

[Anne-Marie Trevelyan] famous colour. We have established a BEIS industry-led steel procurement taskforce co-chaired by the Minister steel will know, the Government are working closely for investment to explore what Government and industry with industry and trade unions to understand how we can do to address the challenges the sector has reported can, together, create a sustainable future for the steel when competing for public contracts. sector in the UK. We recognise absolutely that industrial More broadly, we recently consulted on an ambitious users in the UK pay higher electricity costs than European package of procurement reform with the aim of creating competitors, which is why since 2013 we have provided a simpler and more flexible regime that works much more than £500 million in relief to help steel producers better for British businesses. The Cabinet Office has with electricity costs, and we are currently consulting now published both the national procurement policy steel companies on the future of such schemes. statement and a new procurement policy note on taking As my hon. Friend the Member for Darlington account of carbon reduction plans in major projects. BEIS (Peter Gibson) highlighted, the Government’s£350 million continues to publish our annual steel pipeline, along industrial energy transformation fund will support with data from the previous financial year on levels of businesses with high energy use to cut their bills and steel procured by Departments, origin where known, reduce carbon emissions. It is a fact that to reach our and compliance with the guidance on procuring steel. ambitious net zero target the UK steel sector does need This House should be in no doubt that the Government to decarbonise, as my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney are working closely with the steel industry and have put (Peter Aldous) set out so eloquently. Our new industrial our optimism for the future of our steel industry into decarbonisation strategy,which is the first net zero-aligned action. strategy from a major economy, sets out, for the first time, the Government’s comprehensive assessment of Mr Perkins: The Minister is saying that this Government how industry, including the steel sector, can decarbonise have the industry’s back, but the letter by UK Steel read in line with net zero in a way that supports competitiveness out by my right hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster and clean growth. As my hon. Friend the Member for North (Edward Miliband) made it absolutely clear that West Bromwich East (Nicola Richards) highlighted, it believes that if the Government vote against the this is an important journey for the industry. motion and do not put in place alternatives, it will be catastrophic for our industry. Why should we believe The strategy includes a commitment to work with the that the Minister knows better than the very people UK Steel Council, which the Business Secretary re-formed running the UK steel industry? on 5 March and provides a forum to work in partnership with industry and the unions to develop a plan to Anne-Marie Trevelyan: I thank the hon. Gentleman, support the sector’stransition to a competitive, sustainable but I refer back to the comments made by the Under- and low-carbon future. In particular, we are working Secretary of State for International Trade, my hon. with the UK Steel Council to examine the implications Friend the Member for North East Hampshire. The of the recommendations of the Committee on Climate tools available to us relating to anti-dumping measures Change to set targets for steelmaking to reach net zero continue to be ones that remain at the forefront of the emissions by 2035. In 2019, we announced the £250 million Secretary of State’s toolkit, as I mentioned. I know she clean steel fund to support the sector to transition to will be focusing on that very closely in the days and low-carbon iron and steel production through new weeks ahead. There should be no doubt that we absolutely technologies and processes, so I can reassure the right have the future of our steel industry at the centre. It is a hon. Member for Islington South and Finsbury strategic industry and remains so, as so many colleagues (Emily Thornberry) that we have indeed got the steel have mentioned this evening. Speaking as the Minister industry’s back. This fund is currently in development challenged with delivering net zero, I can say that the and we need to take the time to design this policy. offshore wind industry and the nuclear industry, and so Complex decarbonisation projects have long lead-in many other critical parts of our infrastructure within times and the steel sector has indicated that its preference the net zero part of this Government’s and this country’s is for the fund to be launched in 2023. commitment over the next 30 years, will require high All that strong steel action is aligned with our quality and hopefully very much British-made steel. We prioritisation of science and innovation. We recognise are fully cognisant of the international situation that the equally strong economic benefits of public investment the industry and all its communities face, so we continue in science and innovation, and in its capacity to leverage to work to protect jobs and to ensure that the industry private investment. Because of that, we will increase succeeds in securing its sustainable future. I firmly public research and development investment to £22 billion believe that we will and know that the Secretary of State per year from 2024-25. Wealso plan to establish a net zero will continue to update the House in the days ahead. hydrogen fund, with £240 million of capital co-investment Question put. out to 2024-25. This will support at-scale hydrogen The House divided: Ayes 271, Noes 355. production projects, allowing steel producers the potential to access supplies of low-cost hydrogen. Division No. 31] [9.58 pm Decarbonisation is one top priority. Another one is AYES resolving procurement challenges that the industry faces, Abbott, rh Ms Diane Antoniazzi, Tonia as my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend (Dr Wallis) Abrahams, Debbie Ashworth, rh Jonathan highlighted. We are working hard to ensure that UK Ali, Rushanara Bardell, Hannah steel producers have the best possible chance of competing Ali, Tahir Barker, Paula for and winning contracts for all Government projects, Allin-Khan, Dr Rosena Beckett, rh Margaret including those like ships identified by my hon. Friend Amesbury, Mike Begum, Apsana the Member for Ashfield (Lee Anderson), with his now Anderson, Fleur Benn, rh Hilary 707 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 708

Betts, Mr Clive Farry, Stephen Mahmood, Mr Khalid Ribeiro-Addy, Bell Black, Mhairi Fellows, Marion Mahmood, Shabana Rimmer, Ms Marie Blackford, rh Ian Ferrier, Margaret Malhotra, Seema Robinson, Gavin Blackman, Kirsty Fletcher, Colleen Maskell, Rachael Rodda, Matt Blake, Olivia Flynn, Stephen Matheson, Christian Russell-Moyle, Lloyd Blomfield, Paul Fovargue, Yvonne Mc Nally, John Saville Roberts, rh Liz Bonnar, Steven Foxcroft, Vicky McCabe, Steve Shah, Naz Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Foy, Mary Kelly McCarthy, Kerry Shannon, Jim Brennan, Kevin Furniss, Gill McDonagh, Siobhain Sharma, Mr Virendra Brock, Deidre Gardiner, Barry McDonald, Andy Sheerman, Mr Barry Brown, Alan Gibson, Patricia McDonald, Stewart Malcolm Sheppard, Tommy Brown, Ms Lyn Gill, Preet Kaur McDonald, Stuart C. Siddiq, Tulip Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Girvan, Paul McDonnell, rh John Slaughter, Andy Bryant, Chris Glindon, Mary McFadden, rh Mr Pat Smith, Alyn Buck, Ms Karen Grady, Patrick McGinn, Conor Smith, Cat Burgon, Richard Grant, Peter McGovern, Alison Smith, Jeff Butler, Dawn Green, Kate McKinnell, Catherine Smith, Nick Byrne, Ian Green, Sarah McLaughlin, Anne Smyth, Karin Byrne, rh Liam Greenwood, Lilian McMahon, Jim Sobel, Alex Cadbury, Ruth Greenwood, Margaret McMorrin, Anna Spellar, rh John Callaghan, Amy Griffith, Nia Mearns, Ian Starmer, rh Keir Cameron, Dr Lisa Gwynne, Andrew Miliband, rh Edward Stephens, Chris Campbell, rh Sir Alan Haigh, Louise Mishra, Navendu Stevens, Jo Campbell, Mr Gregory Hamilton, Fabian Monaghan, Carol Stone, Jamie Carden, Dan Hanvey, Neale Moran, Layla Streeting, Wes Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hardy, Emma Morden, Jessica Stringer, Graham Chamberlain, Wendy Harman, rh Ms Harriet Morgan, Stephen Sultana, Zarah Champion, Sarah Harris, Carolyn Morris, Grahame Tami, rh Mark Chapman, Douglas Hayes, Helen Murray, Ian Tarry, Sam Charalambous, Bambos Healey, rh John Murray, James Thewliss, Alison Cherry, Joanna Hendrick, Sir Mark Nandy, Lisa Thomas, Gareth Clark, Feryal Hendry, Drew Newlands, Gavin Thomas-Symonds, rh Nick Cooper, Daisy Hillier, Meg Nichols, Charlotte Thompson, Owen Cooper, Rosie Hobhouse, Wera Nicolson, John Thomson, Richard Cooper, rh Yvette Hodge, rh Dame Margaret Norris, Alex Thornberry, rh Emily Corbyn, rh Jeremy Hodgson, Mrs Sharon O’Hara, Brendan Cowan, Ronnie Hollern, Kate Olney, Sarah Timms, rh Stephen Coyle, Neil Hopkins, Rachel Onwurah, Chi Trickett, Jon Crawley, Angela Hosie, rh Stewart Oppong-Asare, Abena Turner, Karl Creasy, Stella Howarth, rh Sir George Osamor, Kate Twigg, Derek Cruddas, Jon Huq, Dr Rupa Osborne, Kate Vaz, rh Valerie Cryer, John Hussain, Imran Oswald, Kirsten Webbe, Claudia Cummins, Judith Jardine, Christine Owen, Sarah West, Catherine Cunningham, Alex Jarvis, Dan Paisley, Ian Western, Matt Daby, Janet Johnson, rh Dame Diana Peacock, Stephanie Whitehead, Dr Alan Davey, rh Ed Johnson, Kim Pennycook, Matthew Whitford, Dr Philippa David, Wayne Jones, Darren Perkins, Mr Toby Whitley, Mick Davies, Geraint Jones, Gerald Phillips, Jess Whittome, Nadia Davies-Jones, Alex Jones, rh Mr Kevan Phillipson, Bridget Williams, Hywel Day, Martyn Jones, Ruth Pollard, Luke Wilson, Munira De Cordova, Marsha Jones, Sarah Powell, Lucy Wilson, rh Sammy Debbonaire, Thangam Kane, Mike Qaisar-Javed, Anum Winter, Beth Dhesi, Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Keeley, Barbara Qureshi, Yasmin Wishart, Pete Docherty-Hughes, Martin Kendall, Liz Rayner, rh Angela Yasin, Mohammad Dodds, Anneliese Khan, Afzal Reed, Steve Zeichner, Daniel Donaldson, rh Sir Jeffrey M. Kinnock, Stephen Rees, Christina Doogan, Dave Kyle, Peter Reeves, Ellie Tellers for the Ayes: Dorans, Allan Lake, Ben Reeves, Rachel Taiwo Owatemi and Doughty, Stephen Lammy, rh Mr David Reynolds, Jonathan Liz Twist Dowd, Peter Lavery, Ian Dromey, Jack Law, Chris NOES Duffield, Rosie Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Eagle, Dame Angela Lewis, Clive Adams, Nigel Andrew, rh Stuart Eagle, Maria Linden, David Afolami, Bim Ansell, Caroline Edwards, Jonathan Lloyd, Tony Afriyie, Adam Argar, Edward Efford, Clive Lockhart, Carla Ahmad Khan, Imran Atherton, Sarah Elliott, Julie Long Bailey, Rebecca Aiken, Nickie Atkins, Victoria Elmore, Chris Lucas, Caroline Aldous, Peter Bacon, Gareth Eshalomi, Florence Lynch, Holly Allan, Lucy Bacon, Mr Richard Esterson, Bill MacAskill, Kenny Amess, Sir David Badenoch, Kemi Evans, Chris MacNeil, Angus Brendan Anderson, Lee Bailey, Shaun Farron, Tim Madders, Justin Anderson, Stuart Baillie, Siobhan 709 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry21 JUNE 2021 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 710

Baker, Duncan Double, Steve Hollinrake, Kevin Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Baker, Mr Steve Dowden, rh Oliver Hollobone, Mr Philip Mohindra, Mr Gagan Baldwin, Harriett Doyle-Price, Jackie Holloway, Adam Moore, Damien Barclay, rh Steve Drax, Richard Holmes, Paul Moore, Robbie Baron, Mr John Drummond, Mrs Flick Howell, John Mordaunt, rh Penny Baynes, Simon Duddridge, James Howell, Paul Morris, Anne Marie Bell, Aaron Duguid, David Huddleston, Nigel Morris, David Benton, Scott Duncan Smith, rh Sir Iain Hudson, Dr Neil Morris, James Beresford, Sir Paul Dunne, rh Philip Hughes, Eddie Morrissey, Joy Berry, rh Jake Eastwood, Mark Hunt, Jane Mortimer, Jill Bhatti, Saqib Edwards, Ruth Hunt, rh Jeremy Morton, Wendy Blackman, Bob Ellis, rh Michael Hunt, Tom Mullan, Dr Kieran Blunt, Crispin Ellwood, rh Mr Tobias Jack, rh Mr Alister Mundell, rh David Bone, Mr Peter Elphicke, Mrs Natalie Javid, rh Sajid Murray, Mrs Sheryll Bottomley, Sir Peter Eustice, rh George Jayawardena, Mr Ranil Murrison, rh Dr Andrew Bowie, Andrew Evans, Dr Luke Jenkin, Sir Bernard Neill, Sir Robert Bradley, Ben Evennett, rh Sir David Jenkinson, Mark Nici, Lia Bradley, rh Karen Everitt, Ben Jenkyns, Andrea Nokes, rh Caroline Braverman, rh Suella Fabricant, Michael Jenrick, rh Robert Norman, rh Jesse Brereton, Jack Farris, Laura Johnson, rh Boris O’Brien, Neil Bridgen, Andrew Fell, Simon Johnson, Dr Caroline Offord, Dr Matthew Brine, Steve Fletcher, Katherine Johnson, Gareth Opperman, Guy Bristow, Paul Fletcher, Mark Johnston, David Parish, Neil Britcliffe, Sara Fletcher, Nick Jones, Andrew Patel, rh Priti Brokenshire, rh James Ford, Vicky Jones, rh Mr David Paterson, rh Mr Owen Browne, Anthony Foster, Kevin Jones, Fay Pawsey, Mark Bruce, Fiona Fox, rh Dr Liam Jones, Mr Marcus Penning, rh Sir Mike Buchan, Felicity Francois, rh Mr Mark Jupp, Simon Penrose, John Buckland, rh Robert Frazer, rh Lucy Kawczynski, Daniel Percy, Andrew Burghart, Alex Freeman, George Kearns, Alicia Philp, Chris Burns, rh Conor Freer, Mike Keegan, Gillian Pincher, rh Christopher Butler, Rob Fuller, Richard Knight, rh Sir Greg Poulter, Dr Dan Cairns, rh Alun Fysh, Mr Marcus Knight, Julian Pow, Rebecca Carter, Andy Gale, rh Sir Roger Kruger, Danny Prentis, Victoria Cartlidge, James Garnier, Mark Kwarteng, rh Kwasi Pritchard, rh Mark Cash, Sir William Ghani, Ms Nusrat Lamont, John Pursglove, Tom Caulfield, Maria Gibb, rh Nick Largan, Robert Quin, Jeremy Chalk, Alex Gibson, Peter Latham, Mrs Pauline Quince, Will Chishti, Rehman Gideon, Jo Leadsom, rh Dame Andrea Raab, rh Dominic Chope, Sir Christopher Glen, John Leigh, rh Sir Edward Randall, Tom Churchill, Jo Goodwill, rh Mr Robert Levy, Ian Redwood, rh John Clark, rh Greg Gove, rh Michael Lewer, Andrew Rees-Mogg, rh Mr Jacob Clarke, Mr Simon Graham, Richard Lewis, rh Brandon Richards, Nicola Clarke, Theo Grant, Mrs Helen Lewis, rh Dr Julian Richardson, Angela Clarke-Smith, Brendan Gray, James Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Robertson, Mr Laurence Clarkson, Chris Grayling, rh Chris Loder, Chris Robinson, Mary Cleverly, rh James Green, Chris Logan, Mark Rosindell, Andrew Clifton-Brown, Sir Geoffrey Green, rh Damian Longhi, Marco Ross, Douglas Coffey, rh Dr Thérèse Griffith, Andrew Lopez, Julia Rowley, Lee Colburn, Elliot Griffiths, Kate Lopresti, Jack Russell, Dean Collins, Damian Grundy, James Lord, Mr Jonathan Rutley, David Costa, Alberto Gullis, Jonathan Loughton, Tim Sambrook, Gary Courts, Robert Halfon, rh Robert Mackinlay, Craig Saxby, Selaine Coutinho, Claire Hall, Luke Mackrory, Cherilyn Scully, Paul Cox, rh Sir Geoffrey Hammond, Stephen Maclean, Rachel Seely, Bob Crabb, rh Stephen Hancock, rh Matt Malthouse, Kit Selous, Andrew Crosbie, Virginia Hands, rh Greg Mann, Scott Shapps, rh Grant Crouch, Tracey Harper, rh Mr Mark Marson, Julie Sharma, rh Alok Daly, James Harris, Rebecca May, rh Mrs Theresa Shelbrooke, rh Alec Davies, David T. C. Harrison, Trudy Mayhew, Jerome Simmonds, David Davies, Gareth Hart, Sally-Ann Maynard, Paul Skidmore, rh Chris Davies, Dr James Hart, rh Simon McCartney, Jason Smith, Chloe Davies, Mims Hayes, rh Sir John McCartney, Karl Smith, Greg Davies, Philip Heald, rh Sir Oliver McPartland, Stephen Smith, Henry Davis, rh Mr David Heappey, James McVey, rh Esther Smith, rh Julian Davison, Dehenna Heaton-Harris, Chris Menzies, Mark Smith, Royston Dinenage, Caroline Henderson, Gordon Merriman, Huw Solloway, Amanda Dines, Miss Sarah Henry, Darren Metcalfe, Stephen Spencer, Dr Ben Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Higginbotham, Antony Millar, Robin Spencer, rh Mark Docherty, Leo Hinds, rh Damian Miller, rh Mrs Maria Stafford, Alexander Donelan, Michelle Hoare, Simon Milling, rh Amanda Stephenson, Andrew Dorries, Ms Nadine Holden, Mr Richard Mills, Nigel Stevenson, Jane 711 Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry 21 JUNE 2021 712

Stevenson, John Wakeford, Christian UK’s Financial Services Industry Stewart, rh Bob Walker, Mr Robin Stewart, Iain Wallace, rh Mr Ben Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House Streeter, Sir Gary Wallis, Dr Jamie do now adjourn.—(David Rutley.) Stride, rh Mel Warburton, David Stuart, Graham Warman, Matt Sturdy, Julian Watling, Giles 10.9 pm Sunak, rh Rishi Webb, Suzanne Sunderland, James Whately, Helen Bim Afolami (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con): It is a Swayne, rh Sir Desmond Wheeler, Mrs Heather pleasure to speak with you in the Chair, Madam Deputy Syms, Sir Robert Whittaker, Craig Speaker, as always. Thomas, Derek Whittingdale, rh Mr John I am delighted to speak about the UK’s greatest Timpson, Edward Wiggin, Bill success story and one of our most vibrant and innovative Tolhurst, Kelly Wild, James Tomlinson, Justin sectors, financial services. I am proud to champion it in Williams, Craig Parliament through my role as chair of the all-party Tomlinson, Michael Williamson, rh Gavin Tracey, Craig parliamentary group on financial markets and services. Wood, Mike I speak as a former corporate lawyer at Freshfields Trevelyan, rh Anne-Marie Wragg, Mr William Trott, Laura Bruckhaus Deringer, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett. Wright, rh Jeremy Truss, rh Elizabeth I have also worked in strategy and restructuring at Young, Jacob Tugendhat, Tom HSBC, so I have experience in the sector. I would like to Zahawi, Nadhim Vara, Shailesh use this debate to set out my vision for the future path Vickers, Martin Tellers for the Noes: of our financial services sector at a very critical time, to Vickers, Matt Maggie Throup and ensure that it delivers benefits to constituents and businesses Villiers, rh Theresa Alan Mak across our great country. As the Minister I know appreciates, it is difficult to Question accordingly negatived. overstate the importance of financial services to the The list of Members currently certified as eligible for a UK economy. It accounts for almost 7% of the UK’s proxy vote, and of the Members nominated as their total economic output. The sector employs over 1 million proxy, is published at the end of today’s debates. people, two thirds of whom work outside of London, contrary to what many believe, providing benefits that Business without Debate extend well beyond the historic walls of the City square mile, to bustling financial hubs such as Edinburgh, ADJOURNMENT (CONFERENCE, NOVEMBER Belfast, Cardiff and Leeds. Financial services are also a AND CHRISTMAS) major contributor to the Exchequer, accounting for Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing more than £1 in every £20 of total UK tax receipts, Order No. 25), which go to support our public finances and important That this House at its rising on Thursday 23 September 2021, services such as the NHS. At the same time as having do adjourn until Monday 18 October 2021; at its rising on that domestic focus, the UK leads the world as an Tuesday 9 November 2021, do adjourn until Monday 15 November internationally competitive financial centre. Financial 2021; and at its rising on Thursday 16 December 2021, do services are an advert for global Britain, attracting adjourn until Tuesday 4 January 2022.—(David Rutley.) international investment. The Deputy Speaker’s opinion as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the Division was deferred until Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Does the hon. Wednesday 23 June (Standing Order No. 41A). Member agree that the potential of Brexit to allow for the regulation of our financial services has not yet been ESTIMATES (LIAISON COMMITTEE realised and that there is more to do in legislating RECOMMENDATION) appropriately to ensure a balance, so that growth and Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing the regulation of practice and outcome go hand in Order No. 145(3)), hand? We can do better; the potential is there. That this House agrees with the Report of the Liaison Committee of 17 June: Bim Afolami: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his (1) That a day not later than 5 August be allotted for the intervention. Indeed, he is right, and I will comment consideration of the following Estimates for financial year 2021-22: Department for Education, in so far as it relates to the spending later on ways in which we can use our new freedoms to of the Department for Education on measures to support education improve the output of the financial services sector. recovery; and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Some say that we should not speak too much about Government, insofar as it relates to the spending of the Ministry financial services, lest it upset certain people in the of Housing, Communities and Local Government on building country or is alienating in some way. I suppose that is a safety; hangover from the financial crisis, but I completely and reject that view. We are at a new moment now. We have (2) That a further day not later than 5 August be allotted for the consideration of the following Estimate for financial year a fantastic financial services industry; it is world leading, 2021-22: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, insofar and we need to be proud of it. Indeed, in the face of the as it relates to the spending of the Foreign, Commonwealth and unprecedented economic uncertainty created by the Development Office on Official Development Assistance and the pandemic, our financial services industry stood up to British Council.—(David Rutley.) Question agreed to. the challenge. The financial system remained resilient and responded to customers’ needs, demonstrating the central role that it plays in facilitating and protecting our economy. 713 UK’s Financial Services Industry21 JUNE 2021 UK’s Financial Services Industry 714

[Bim Afolami] Government are actually doing, it is clear that they are more than exceeding expectations in really looking at When corporates were strapped for cash, there was these reviews to see what can be done as quickly as no liquidity failure in the banking system. Instead, possible. bank lending surged. Working in partnership with the In the longer term, the Treasury is undertaking a Government, the Treasury and the Bank of England, wide-ranging review of the future regulatory framework the sector was able to provide a comprehensive package for financial services. It is important to be clear that this of support, which included facilitating over £75 billion is not—I repeat, not—a regulatory race to the bottom, in emergency finance to 1.6 million businesses.I am pleased as many would suggest. The Chancellor rightly stated, to announce to the House that more than £100 million when setting out his vision for the sector in this House, of that support went to my constituency of Hitchin and that the UK will maintain the highest, most effective Harpenden to support more than 2,400 fantastic local global standards as we look to shape the future of the businesses through covid and the lockdown. That was industry. Indeed, there is no future of the industry with on top of an array of forbearance measures for personal poor-quality, bargain-basement regulation; the future customers, including 2.75 million mortgage payment of the industry is high-quality, high global standards. deferrals, 1.8 million credit card and loan payment However, we should take the opportunity to fine-tune holidays,and27millioninterest-freeoverdraftstocustomers. this regulation, where it benefits the UK, to make it In short, our financial system did its job. When there simpler and more responsive to the industry. The future was a crisis, it provided a safety net for the constituents framework should also be more proportionate, particularly and businesses of Members on both sides of the House. to mid-tier providers—I have them in my own constituency However, now we need to look forward and build in certain areas—that are currently saddled with back better from coronavirus. Our financial services disproportionate regulatory costs compared with many industry is at a crossroads. Brexit and the return of larger financial institutions that have armies of lawyers rule-making powers to the UK for the first time in and accountants and various other people to help to decades has created a unique chance, as the hon. Member deal with that regulation. Frankly, Brexit makes sense if for Strangford (Jim Shannon) remarked, to refit our we can take the opportunities available to us to do financial services sector in a way that is better suited to things better and more flexibly in areas where we have a our domestic needs and even more internationally real advantage. Financial services is one of the key competitive. Parliament, Government, regulators and areas in which we can do this. the industry now have the opportunity to ask fresh As our powers are returned from the European Union, questions about what the future of financial services in we must strengthen the political accountability to the UK should look like and how we should fine-tune which regulators will be subject given their enhanced the rules that govern the sector to provide the right responsibilities. We have given them enormous power to conditions for it to thrive. make rules that have a huge impact on the livelihoods of At the same time, the UK faces huge international literally millions of people. That power needs to be competition. Across the Atlantic, New York is cementing properly scrutinised and checked by Parliament and itself as a leading international financial centre. In Asia, indeed this House. However, this House is not currently financial hubs are catching up with us fast, whether it best equipped to carry out this role in terms of our be Hong Kong, Singapore or other cities. The ambitions structures. Scrutiny of the sector currently lies with the of our European friends and neighbours to create onshore Treasury Committee, but its remit is incredibly broad in financial centres within the European Union bloc at the dealing with everything that the Treasury deals with. expense of London—let us not kid ourselves about Therefore, having sustained and detailed oversight of that—is becoming increasingly apparent. If we are to technical regulations and aspects of financial services is continue to reap the benefits from this world-leading going to be difficult. I encourage the Minister to consider sector based here in the UK, it is crucial that we get our the conclusions of the recent report by the all-party regulatory changes right in the next period, ensuring parliamentary group on financial markets and services. that the UK remains an attractive location for both Ah, there it is—he has it in his hand; he has read it, domestic and international firms in the years to come. which is good. It calls for a new specialist Joint Committee of both Houses to be established with a specific remit Let me now turn to the steps on how we can achieve for overseeing not the Treasury, which already has the this. I am glad to say that the Government are wasting Treasury Committee, but our regulators and the financial no time in realising their ambition to strengthen the services sector in particular. That would ensure that UK’s position as a global financial hub. The Prime Parliament could take a central role in helping guide Minister met financial services leaders on this precise and scrutinise regulators while balancing the needs of issue only a few weeks ago. Central to the Government’s the sector with the wider public policy aims that we all ambition is the landmark Financial Services Act 2021, know. on which I spoke in this House and served in the Committee, as the Minister will remember. I once again Looking abroad, we need to promote international commend him and his team for their hard work in trade in financial services. As we review our framework, achieving this vital piece of legislation, which already we need to understand that the Government’s work on puts down much of the groundwork on which we can trade agreements is vital but, frankly, whether it be build. Alongside that, I commend the findings from the within this House, outside this House or in the press or Government-commissioned reviews from Lord Hill and the media, too rarely do people think of trade as Ron Kalifa on, respectively, listings and FinTech. I including services. I urge the Government to ensure that appreciate the work the Government are doing to implement we apply the same level of focus in our trade agreements their recommendations without hesitation. I have been on services as we do on any goods. The Government checking on this. When one engages with what the must prioritise financial services in their trade deals and 715 UK’s Financial Services Industry21 JUNE 2021 UK’s Financial Services Industry 716 their emerging trade agenda more broadly and be explicit vastly easier to spend online today than it is to save and about their key importance to our country. In economic invest for tomorrow. We need to help harness technology terms, the opportunities for financial services with our to drive investment. international trade are huge. Turning this picture round will require thinking about Promoting international trade is also about ensuring financial services regulation, and it is good to see a that we attract the best international talent to the UK. number of regulatory barriers to financial services customer The new global talent visa and the new Office for Talent journeys under scrutiny.The Financial Conduct Authority’s will be very important steps in helping achieve that ambition. support for an open finance agenda is a key example of I commend the Government on bringing them into that, and more opportunities will become available to force. It is also worth saying that, on the international UK policy makers as we build our regulatory framework. agenda, our emerging partnership with Switzerland is In turn, that will enable us to bring the UK’s regulatory very promising. I ask the Minister for his reflections on agenda closer to the saving and investment needs of UK how that partnership could help really strengthen our citizens. For that to work, trust will be key.Existing brands financial services sector and, indeed, our industry. such as Fidelity are already working hard in that space. One key area in which the UK risks falling behind its I have considered a number of topics in this speech, international competition is getting the right levels of but I will draw my remarks to a close. To echo the taxation for the banking sector. At present, the UK’s Chancellor’s words, financial services are a jewel in banking industry is burdened with a number of sector- the crown of the UK economy. The sector is one of the specific taxes such as the bank levy and irrevocable VAT engines of Britain’s economic prosperity, and it should that are not dependent on profits and represent a fixed be put front and centre of any future trade deals, and in cost to firms each year. Indeed, almost half of total tax our regulatory changes. My specific questions to the receipts are made up of such sector-specific payments, Minister are these. First, will he update the House on taking the UK’staxation rate for banks well above financial the Treasury’s plans for the 8% surcharge and whether it centres such as New York and Frankfurt. I therefore can be scrapped? Secondly, will he provide an update on agree with the Government’s view that the planned implementing the recommendations from the Hill and increase in the main corporation tax rate to 25% would Kalifa reviews? Thirdly,what is the Government’semerging make the UK’s bank taxation system uncompetitive. To view on how Parliament should scrutinise the regulators help address that, I support the Chancellor in his Budget that implement so many financial services rules? Finally, announcement of a review to the bank surcharge, which what opportunities does the Minister see with our trade is an additional 8% charge that banks pay on their agenda, and in particular our deepening relationship profits that dates from the aftermath of the financial with Switzerland? crisis. It is my view that the time has come to get rid of As we look to build back better from the pandemic that surcharge. This is not about giving tax cuts to and level up every corner of the UK, we have a once-in- bankers: it is about the UK remaining a competitive a-generation opportunity to restructure the way our place for firms to do business so that the public can financial services sector works. We must take that continue to benefit from the success of the sector in this opportunity and help to set Britain’s financial services country. sector up for a new global future. I have already mentioned Ron Kalifa’s FinTech review. Without repeating all its requirements or recommendations, 10.26 pm I bring the Minister’s attention to four key things about The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (John Glen): how we navigate the new world in which we find ourselves, I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Hitchin the world of FinTech and how the Government should and Harpenden (Bim Afolami) on securing this debate, address them. First, in relation to policy and regulation, and I thank him for the many insightful and constructive we need dynamic leadership that protects consumers contributions he has made on financial services-related yet nurtures FinTech activity and encourages competition. matters in this House. I welcome the opportunity to Secondly, on skills, we need to ensure that FinTech has discuss the sector’s future. As he rightly noted, the a sufficient supply of domestic and international talent financial services industry is incredibly important to the and the means to train and upskill our current and UK, and the huge support it has provided to the economy future workforce. My personal view is that we need to over the past 16 months is testimony to that. Its work retrain and upskill adults in support of UK FinTech by with the Government has meant that businesses across ensuring access to short courses from high-quality providers the UK could borrow more than £75 billion to help at low cost. We should support the establishment of them through the pandemic. new coding schools all over the country, with two-year There is no doubt that the sector has an equally courses and admission on aptitude, raw ability and important role to play in our economic recovery and potential only. Such a measure could be a real benefit. long-term future, by boosting our competitiveness and Indeed, we need investment in FinTech. We need to help spreading opportunity and prosperity throughout the complete the funding ladder from start-ups right the United Kingdom. As Members will recall, in November way through to the initial public offering. Indeed, we the Chancellor set out the Government’s vision for the also need national connectivity. We should not just future of financial services in a post-pandemic, post-Brexit accept where FinTechs are in the UK, whether it be in world. The goal is simple: we want to help ensure that London or anywhere else. We need to strengthen their the sector is even more open, technologically advanced, connections across all four nations. and greener than ever before. For domestic customers, saving and investing should How will we do that? On openness, we are building be simplified. At a time when the complexities and new and deeper relationships with countries around choices facing consumers are ever more complex, we the world. As my hon. Friend acknowledged, we have a need to make it all much easier for people. It is currently clear opportunity to strengthen ties with markets beyond 717 UK’s Financial Services Industry21 JUNE 2021 UK’s Financial Services Industry 718

[John Glen] I turn to FinTech. When it comes to our vision for a more technologically advanced financial services sector, Europe, from the US to Japan, and ensure that we build we are focused on helping our FinTech industry to stay new links with fast-growing markets in the east, including at the cutting edge of global innovation. My hon. India and China. In particular, he mentioned the exciting Friend asked about the implementation of the Kalifa possibilities from the ambitious mutual recognition review’s recommendations. As I outlined in my written agreement that we are pursuing with Switzerland. That ministerial statement in April, the Government and the will facilitate a broad range of wholesale financial services regulators have confirmed a number of actions in response, between the UK and Switzerland, on the basis of including help for FinTech firms to recruit the best co-operation and high standards of regulation. It will talent through our new scale-up visa scheme to attract also recognise that jurisdictions can achieve similarly global talent and boost the FinTech workforce; a regulatory high standards of regulation in different ways. scalebox that will enhance support for early-stage FinTech Our objective for the mutual recognition agreement is firms and allow them to grow as quickly as possible; the to improve cross-border financial services provision Treasury and the Bank of England’s new central bank between the UK and Switzerland across insurance, digital currency taskforce to co-ordinate the exploration banking, asset management, capital markets and market of a potential UK CBDC; Government support for an infrastructure. We now have the freedom to build new, industry-led centre for finance, innovation and technology; deeper financial services relationships with like-minded and an initiative from the Department for International global financial centres. The share trading obligation Trade to support UK FinTech firms to expand decision, which came into force earlier this year and internationally and encourage overseas firms to establish allows UK shares to be traded on Swiss exchanges, is a a presence in the UK. good example of that freedom. I fully recognise my hon. Friend’s interest in capital On the broader topic of international competitiveness, and wholesale markets. We want to help businesses to my hon. Friend asks for an update on the review of the list and grow on stock markets in the UK when they are level of the bank surcharge announced in the Budget ready. We have therefore announced how we will take earlier this year. It is critical that the UK’s bank taxes forward each of the recommendations addressed to the are set at a level that does not compromise our objective Treasury in Lord Hill’s recent listings review. I thank for a strong and competitive banking sector. That is Jonathan Hill, my constituent, for the enormous amount precisely why, in the light of the changes to the headline of work that he put into that review. rate of corporation tax, the Government will review the We expect to consult on detailed policy proposals in appropriate level of the bank surcharge with a view to the summer, including proposals to delete the share making an announcement in the autumn on how we will trading obligation and double volume cap, but rest ensure that the combined rate of taxes on banks’ profits assured, we will aim to deliver a rulebook that is fair, does not increase substantially from its current level. outcomes-based and supports competitiveness, while Let me stress that the Government recognise the value ensuring that the UK maintains the highest regulatory of certainty to financial services. The changes resulting standards. Undoubtedly, the future of the UK financial from the review will therefore be legislated for in the services sector is linked to the future of our planet, and Finance Bill 2021-22 and will have effect from the same that connection is clearer than ever as we prepare to time as the increase to the main rate of corporation tax. host COP26 in November. At no point will the banks be subject to a tax rate on their profits at or near 33%. I mentioned earlier that building a greener industry is a key element of our vision for financial services, and As well as working to ensure international that is why a central focus of the COP26 finance campaign competitiveness, we also have an extremely busy domestic will be to ensure that every professional financial decision agenda. Among our main areas of focus is getting the takes climate change into account. Furthermore, we right regulation in place to take advantage of our new believe that financial services have an important part to position outside the institutional frameworks of the play in helping us to level up the country by generating EU. We are committed to upholding the UK’s high jobs and growth, and we are focused on unlocking the regulatory standards while ensuring that we maintain hundreds of billions of pounds sitting with UK institutional our position as a global financial hub, but we have an investors to drive our country forward. opportunity to do things differently. My hon. Friend rightly highlighted the importance of our future regulatory I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Hitchin and framework review; I welcome the important contribution Harpenden and the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim of his all-party group and its recent report to this important Shannon) for contributing to a wide-ranging discussion debate. Let me remind the House of the details of the of the issues facing this country’s financial services Government’s review: it explores the reforms needed to sector. Clearly, engagement will be crucial to help the tailor our regulations to life outside the EU, and aims to UK financial services sector fulfil its full potential. I establish an approach to financial services regulation have been meeting industry actors very regularly and that meets the specific needs of UK firms, markets and will continue to do so, so that I can understand how this consumers. Government can support them to achieve their goals, I stress that Parliament will continue to have a vital and I look forward to pursuing that work further. I am role in shaping the financial services regulatory landscape. very grateful to my hon. Friend for raising the points We believe that appropriate democratic accountability that he has this evening. and scrutiny of the regulators is vital for an effective Question put and agreed to. and legitimate regulatory framework. We agree that greater responsibility for regulators should be balanced with appropriate democratic policy input and oversight 10.36 pm from Government and Parliament. House adjourned. 719 21 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 720

Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy

The following is the list of Members currently certified Sir Paul Beresford (Mole Valley) (Con) Stuart Andrew as eligible for a proxy vote, and of the Members nominated Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) Stuart Andrew as their proxy: (Con) Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab) Chris Elmore Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy Saqib Bhatti (Meriden) (Con) Stuart Andrew Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Zarah Sultana Mhairi Black (Paisley and Renfrewshire Owen Thompson Stoke Newington) (Lab) South) (SNP) Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Chris Elmore Ian Blackford (Ross, Skye and Owen Thompson Saddleworth) (Lab) Lochaber) (SNP) Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con) Stuart Andrew Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con) Stuart Andrew Bim Afolami (Hitchin and Harpenden) Stuart Andrew Kirsty Blackman (Aberdeen North) Owen Thompson (Con) (SNP) Adam Afriyie (Windsor) (Con) Stuart Andrew Olivia Blake (Sheffield, Hallam) (Lab) Chris Elmore Imran Ahmad Khan (Wakefield) (Con) Stuart Andrew Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) Chris Elmore (Lab) Nickie Aiken (Cities of London and Stuart Andrew Westminster) (Con) Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con) Stuart Andrew Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Chris Elmore Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con) Stuart Andrew Bow) (Lab) Steven Bonnar (Coatbridge, Chryston Owen Thompson Tahir Ali (Birmingham, Hall Green) Chris Elmore 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) Chris Elmore Ben Bradley (Mansfield) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) (Lab) Chris Elmore Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Stuart Andrew Moorlands) (Con) Sir David Amess (Southend West) Stuart Andrew (Con) Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab) Chris Elmore Fleur Anderson (Putney) (Lab) Chris Elmore Suella Braverman (Fareham) (Con) Stuart Andrew Lee Anderson (Ashfield) (Con) Stuart Andrew Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab) Chris Elmore Stuart Anderson (Wolverhampton Stuart Andrew Jack Brereton (Stoke-on-Trent South) Stuart Andrew South West) (Con) (Con) Caroline Ansell (Eastbourne) (Con) Stuart Andrew Andrew Bridgen (North West Stuart Andrew Leicestershire) (Con) Tonia Antoniazzi (Gower) (Lab) Chris Elmore Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con) Stuart Andrew Edward Argar (Charnwood) (Con) Stuart Andrew Paul Bristow (Peterborough) (Con) Stuart Andrew Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) Chris Elmore (Lab) Sara Britcliffe (Hyndburn) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sarah Atherton (Wrexham) (Con) Stuart Andrew Deidre Brock (Edinburgh North and Owen Thompson Leith) (SNP) Victoria Atkins (Louth and Stuart Andrew Horncastle) (Con) James Brokenshire (Old Bexley and Stuart Andrew Sidcup) (Con) Gareth Bacon (Orpington) (Con) Stuart Andrew Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudon) Owen Thompson Mr Richard Bacon (South Norfolk) Stuart Andrew (SNP) (Con) Ms Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab) Chris Elmore Kemi Badenoch (Saffron Walden) Stuart Andrew (Con) Mr Nicholas Brown (Newcastle upon Chris Elmore Tyne East) (Lab) Shaun Bailey (West Bromwich West) Stuart Andrew (Con) Anthony Browne (South Stuart Andrew Cambridgeshire) (Con) Siobhan Baillie (Stroud) (Con) Stuart Andrew Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con) Stuart Andrew Duncan Baker (North Norfolk) (Con) Stuart Andrew Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab) Chris Elmore Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) Stuart Andrew (Con) Felicity Buchan (Kensington) (Con) Stuart Andrew Steve Barclay (North East Stuart Andrew Ms Karen Buck (Westminster North) Chris Elmore Cambridgeshire) (Con) (Lab) Hannah Bardell (Livingston) (SNP) Owen Thompson Robert Buckland (South Swindon) Stuart Andrew Paula Barker (Liverpool, Wavertree) Chris Elmore (Con) (Lab) Alex Burghart (Brentwood and Ongar) Stuart Andrew Mr John Baron (Basildon and Stuart Andrew (Con) Billericay) (Con) Richard Burgon (Leeds East) (Lab) Zarah Sultana Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) (Con) Stuart Andrew Conor Burns (Bournemouth West) Stuart Andrew Margaret Beckett (Derby South) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Con) Apsana Begum (Poplar and Zarah Sultana Dawn Butler (Brent Central) (Lab) Zarah Sultana Limehouse) (Lab) Rob Butler (Aylesbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under-Lyme) Stuart Andrew Ian Byrne (Liverpool, West Derby) Zarah Sultana (Con) (Lab) Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab) Chris Elmore Liam Byrne (Birmingham, Hodge Hill) Chris Elmore Scott Benton (Blackpool South) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab) 721 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote21 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 722

Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy

Ruth Cadbury (Brentford and Chris Elmore Angela Crawley (Lanark and Hamilton Owen Thompson Isleworth) (Lab) East) (SNP) Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) Stuart Andrew Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Con) Virginia Crosbie (Ynys Môn) (Con) Stuart Andrew Amy Callaghan (East Dunbartonshire) Owen Thompson Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Stuart Andrew (SNP) Aylesford) (Con) Dr Lisa Cameron (East Kilbride, Owen Thompson Jon Cruddas (Dagenham and Chris Elmore Strathaven and Lesmahagow) (SNP) Rainham) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell (Tynemouth) (Con) Chris Elmore John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) Chris Elmore Mr Gregory Campbell (East Jim Shannon (Lab) Londonderry) (DUP) Judith Cummins (Bradford South) Chris Elmore Dan Carden (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Lab) Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Wendy Chamberlain Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) Chris Elmore Shetland) (LD) (Lab) Andy Carter (Warrington South) (Con) Stuart Andrew Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab) Chris Elmore James Cartlidge (South Suffolk) (Con) Stuart Andrew James Daly (Bury North) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sir William Cash (Stone) (Con) Stuart Andrew Ed Davey (Kingston and Surbiton) Wendy Chamberlain Miriam Cates (Penistone and Stuart Andrew (LD) Stocksbridge) (Con) Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab) Chris Elmore Alex Chalk (Cheltenham) (Con) Stuart Andrew David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sarah Champion (Rotherham) (Lab) Chris Elmore Gareth Davies (Grantham and Stuart Andrew Douglas Chapman (Dunfermline and Owen Thompson Stamford) (Con) West Fife) (SNP) Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/ Chris Elmore Bambos Charalambous (Enfield, Chris Elmore Co-op) Southgate) (Lab) Dr James Davies (Vale of Clwyd) (Con) Stuart Andrew Joanna Cherry (Edinburgh South West) Owen Thompson Mims Davies (Mid Sussex) (Con) Stuart Andrew (SNP) Alex Davies-Jones (Pontypridd) (Lab) Chris Elmore Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Stuart Andrew Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con) Stuart Andrew Rainham) (Con) Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Stuart Andrew Sir Christopher Chope (Christchurch) Mr William Wragg Howden) (Con) (Con) Dehenna Davison (Bishop Auckland) Ben Everitt Jo Churchill (Bury St Edmunds) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Feryal Clark (Enfield North) (Lab) Chris Elmore Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Owen Thompson Mr Simon Clarke (Middlesbrough Stuart Andrew Falkirk) (SNP) South and East Cleveland) (Con) Thangam Debbonaire (Bristol West) Chris Elmore Theo Clarke (Stafford) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab) Brendan Clarke-Smith (Bassetlaw) Stuart Andrew Marsha De Cordova (Battersea) Zarah Sultana (Con) Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough) Chris Elmore Chris Clarkson (Heywood and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Middleton) (Con) Caroline Dinenage (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) Leo Docherty (Aldershot) (Con) Stuart Andrew Damian Collins (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/ Chris Elmore Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab) Chris Elmore Co-op) Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract Chris Elmore Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson (Lagan Jim Shannon and Castleford) (Lab) Valley) (DUP) Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Ind) Zarah Sultana Michelle Donelan (Chippenham) (Con) Stuart Andrew Alberto Costa (South Leicestershire) Stuart Andrew Dave Doogan (Angus) (SNP) Owen Thompson (Con) Allan Dorans (Ayr, Carrick and Owen Thompson Robert Courts (Witney) (Con) Stuart Andrew Cumnock) (SNP) Claire Coutinho (East Surrey) (Con) Stuart Andrew Ms Nadine Dorries (Mid Bedfordshire) Stuart Andrew Ronnie Cowan (Inverclyde) (SNP) Owen Thompson (Con) Sir Geoffrey Cox (Torridge and West Stuart Andrew Steve Double (St Austell and Newquay) Stuart Andrew Devon) (Con) (Con) Neil Coyle (Bermondsey and Old Chris Elmore Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Chris Elmore Southwark) (Lab) Penarth) (Lab) Stephen Crabb (Preseli Pembrokeshire) Stuart Andrew Peter Dowd (Bootle) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Con) Oliver Dowden (Hertsmere) (Con) Stuart Andrew 723 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote21 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 724

Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy

Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con) Stuart Andrew Lucy Frazer (South East Stuart Andrew Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) Chris Elmore Cambridgeshire) (Con) (Lab) George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mrs Flick Drummond (Meon Valley) Stuart Andrew Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Stuart Andrew (Con) Green) (Con) James Duddridge (Rochford and Stuart Andrew Richard Fuller (North East Stuart Andrew Southend East) (Con) Bedfordshire) (Con) Rosie Duffield (Canterbury) (Lab) Chris Elmore Gill Furniss (Sheffield, Brightside and Chris Elmore David Duguid (Banff and Buchan) Stuart Andrew Hillsborough) (Lab) (Con) Marcus Fysh (Yeovil) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sir Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Stuart Andrew Sir Roger Gale (North Thanet) (Con) Stuart Andrew Woodford Green) (Con) Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab) Chris Elmore Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mark Garnier (Wyre Forest) (Con) Stuart Andrew Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab) Chris Elmore Ms Nusrat Ghani (Wealden) (Con) Stuart Andrew Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) Chris Elmore Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Littlehampton) (Con) Colum Eastwood (Foyle) (SDLP) Liz Saville Roberts Patricia Gibson (North Ayrshire and Owen Thompson Mark Eastwood (Dewsbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew Arran) (SNP) Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East Stuart Andrew Peter Gibson (Darlington) (Con) Stuart Andrew and Dinefwr) (Ind) Jo Gideon (Stoke-on-Trent Central) Stuart Andrew Ruth Edwards (Rushcliffe) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab) Chris Elmore Preet Kaur Gill (Birmingham, Chris Elmore Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) (Lab) Chris Elmore Edgbaston) (Lab/Co-op) Michael Ellis (Northampton North) Stuart Andrew Paul Girvan (South Antrim) (DUP) Jim Shannon (Con) John Glen (Salisbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth Stuart Andrew Mary Glindon ( North Tyneside) (Lab) Chris Elmore East) (Con) Mr Robert Goodwill (Scarborough and Stuart Andrew Mrs Natalie Elphicke (Dover) (Con) Stuart Andrew Whitby) (Con) Florence Eshalomi (Vauxhall) (Lab/Co- Chris Elmore Michael Gove (Surrey Heath) (Con) Stuart Andrew op) Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP) Owen Thompson Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab) Chris Elmore Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con) Stuart Andrew George Eustice (Camborne and Stuart Andrew Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Stuart Andrew Redruth) (Con) Weald) (Con) Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op) Chris Elmore Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP) Owen Thompson Dr Luke Evans (Bosworth) (Con) Stuart Andrew James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Stuart Andrew Chris Grayling (Epsom and Ewell) Stuart Andrew Crayford) (Con) (Con) Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con) Stuart Andrew Damian Green (Ashford) (Con) Stuart Andrew Laura Farris (Newbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) Chris Elmore Tim Farron (Westmorland and Wendy Chamberlain (Lab) Lonsdale) (LD) Sarah Green (Chesham and Wendy Chamberlain Stephen Farry (North Down) (Alliance) Wendy Chamberlain Amersham) (LD) Simon Fell (Barrow and Furness) (Con) Stuart Andrew Margaret Greenwood (Wirral West) Chris Elmore Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Hamilton West) (Ind) Andrew Griffith (Arundel and South Stuart Andrew Colleen Fletcher (Coventry North East) Chris Elmore Downs) (Con) (Lab) Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab) Chris Elmore Katherine Fletcher (South Ribble) Stuart Andrew Kate Griffiths (Burton) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) James Grundy (Leigh) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mark Fletcher (Bolsover) (Con) Stuart Andrew Jonathan Gullis (Stoke-on-Trent Stuart Andrew Nick Fletcher (Don Valley) (Con) Stuart Andrew North) (Con) Stephen Flynn (Aberdeen South) Owen Thompson Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Chris Elmore (SNP) Reddish) (Lab) Vicky Ford (Chelmsford) (Con) Stuart Andrew Louise Haigh (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab) Chris Elmore Kevin Foster (Torbay) (Con) Stuart Andrew Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con) Stuart Andrew Yvonne Fovargue (Makerfield) (Lab) Chris Elmore Luke Hall (Thornbury and Yate) (Con) Stuart Andrew Dr Liam Fox (North Somerset) (Con) Stuart Andrew Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East) Chris Elmore Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham, Deptford) Chris Elmore (Lab) (Lab) Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) Stuart Andrew Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham) Zarah Sultana (Con) (Lab) Matt Hancock (West Suffolk) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Stuart Andrew Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) Stuart Andrew Wickford) (Con) (Con) 725 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote21 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 726

Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy

Claire Hanna (Belfast South) (SDLP) Liz Saville Roberts Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) Wendy Chamberlain Emma Hardy (Kingston upon Hull Chris Elmore (LD) West and Hessle) (Lab) Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) (Lab) Chris Elmore Ms Harriet Harman (Camberwell and Chris Elmore Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con) Stuart Andrew Peckham) (Lab) Mr Ranil Jayawardena (North East Stuart Andrew Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) Stuart Andrew Hampshire) (Con) (Con) Sir Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and Stuart Andrew Carolyn Harris (Swansea East) (Lab) Chris Elmore North Essex) (Con) Trudy Harrison (Copeland) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mark Jenkinson (Workington) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sally-Ann Hart (Hastings and Rye) Stuart Andrew Andrea Jenkyns (Morley and Stuart Andrew (Con) Outwood) (Con) Simon Hart (Carmarthen West and Stuart Andrew Robert Jenrick (Newark) (Con) Stuart Andrew South Pembrokeshire) (Con) Boris Johnson (Uxbridge and South Stuart Andrew Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Chris Elmore Ruislip) (Con) Norwood) (Lab) Dr Caroline Johnson (Sleaford and Stuart Andrew Sir John Hayes (South Holland and Stuart Andrew North Hykeham) (Con) The Deepings) (Con) Dame Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Chris Elmore Sir Oliver Heald (North East Stuart Andrew Hull North) (Lab) Hertfordshire) (Con) Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con) Stuart Andrew John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne) Chris Elmore Kim Johnson (Liverpool, Riverside) Chris Elmore (Lab) (Lab) James Heappey (Wells) (Con) Stuart Andrew David Johnston (Wantage) (Con) Stuart Andrew Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con) Stuart Andrew Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Stuart Andrew Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Stuart Andrew Knaresborough) (Con) Sheppey) (Con) Darren Jones (Bristol North West) Chris Elmore Sir Mark Hendrick (Preston) (Lab/Co- Chris Elmore (Lab) op) Mr David Jones (Clwyd West) (Con) Stuart Andrew Drew Hendry (Inverness, Nairn, Owen Thompson Fay Jones (Brecon and Radnorshire) Stuart Andrew Badenoch and Strathspey) (SNP) (Con) Darren Henry (Broxtowe) (Con) Stuart Andrew Gerald Jones (Merthyr Tydfil and Chris Elmore Antony Higginbotham (Burnley) (Con) Stuart Andrew Rhymney) (Lab) Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) Chris Elmore Simon Hoare (North Dorset) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab) Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD) Wendy Chamberlain Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con) Stuart Andrew Dame Margaret Hodge (Barking) (Lab) Chris Elmore Ruth Jones (Newport West) (Lab) Chris Elmore Mrs Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Chris Elmore Sarah Jones (Croydon Central) (Lab) Chris Elmore Sunderland West) (Lab) Simon Jupp (East Devon) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mr Richard Holden (North West Stuart Andrew Mike Kane (Wythenshawe and Sale Chris Elmore Durham) (Con) East) (Lab) Kate Hollern (Blackburn) (Lab) Chris Elmore Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Stuart Andrew Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Malton) Stuart Andrew Atcham) (Con) (Con) Alicia Kearns (Rutland and Melton) Stuart Andrew Adam Holloway (Gravesham) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Paul Holmes (Eastleigh) (Con) Stuart Andrew Gillian Keegan (Chichester) (Con) Stuart Andrew Rachel Hopkins (Luton South) (Lab) Chris Elmore Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles Chris Elmore South) (Lab) Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP) Owen Thompson Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab) Chris Elmore Sir George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab) Chris Elmore Afzal Khan (Manchester, Gorton) Chris Elmore John Howell (Henley) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab) Paul Howell (Sedgefield) (Con) Stuart Andrew Stephen Kinnock (Aberavon) (Lab) Chris Elmore Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) Stuart Andrew Sir Greg Knight (East Yorkshire) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Julian Knight (Solihull) (Con) Stuart Andrew Dr Neil Hudson (Penrith and The Stuart Andrew Border) (Con) Danny Kruger (Devizes) (Con) Stuart Andrew Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con) Stuart Andrew Kwasi Kwarteng (Spelthorne) (Con) Stuart Andrew Jane Hunt (Loughborough) (Con) Stuart Andrew Peter Kyle (Hove) (Lab) Chris Elmore Jeremy Hunt (South West Surrey) Stuart Andrew Ben Lake (Ceredigion) (PC) Liz Saville Roberts (Con) Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab) Chris Elmore Tom Hunt (Ipswich) (Con) Stuart Andrew John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh Stuart Andrew Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton) Chris Elmore and Selkirk) (Con) (Lab) Robert Largan (High Peak) (Con) Stuart Andrew Imran Hussain (Bradford East) (Lab) Zarah Sultana Mrs Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) Stuart Andrew Mr Alister Jack (Dumfries and Stuart Andrew (Con) Galloway) (Con) Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab) Zarah Sultana 727 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote21 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 728

Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy

Chris Law (Dundee West) (SNP) Owen Thompson Anne McLaughlin (Glasgow North Owen Thompson Andrea Leadsom (South Stuart Andrew East) (SNP) Northamptonshire) (Con) Rachel Maclean (Redditch) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) Stuart Andrew Jim McMahon (Oldham West and Chris Elmore (Con) Royton) (Lab) Ian Levy (Blyth Valley) (Con) Stuart Andrew Anna McMorrin (Cardiff North) (Lab) Chris Elmore Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Chris Elmore John Mc Nally (Falkirk) (SNP) Owen Thompson Shields) (Lab) Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na Owen Thompson Andrew Lewer (Northampton South) Stuart Andrew h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) (Con) Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con) Stuart Andrew Brandon Lewis (Great Yarmouth) Stuart Andrew Esther McVey (Tatton) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Clive Lewis (Norwich South) (Lab) Chris Elmore Justin Madders (Ellesmere Port and Chris Elmore Neston) (Lab) Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) Stuart Andrew (Con) Khalid Mahmood (Birmingham, Perry Chris Elmore Barr) (Lab) Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger (Bridgwater Stuart Andrew and West Somerset) (Con) Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham, Chris Elmore Ladywood) (Lab) David Linden (Glasgow East) (SNP) Owen Thompson Alan Mak (Havant) (Con) Stuart Andrew Tony Lloyd (Rochdale) (Lab) Chris Elmore Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) Chris Elmore Carla Lockhart (Upper Bann) (DUP) Jim Shannon (Lab) Chris Loder (West Dorset) (Con) Stuart Andrew Kit Malthouse (North West Stuart Andrew Mark Logan (Bolton North East) Stuart Andrew Hampshire) (Con) (Con) Julie Marson (Hertford and Stortford) Stuart Andrew Rebecca Long Bailey (Salford and Zarah Sultana (Con) Eccles) (Lab) Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab) Chris Elmore Marco Longhi (Dudley North) (Con) Stuart Andrew Christian Matheson (City of Chester) Chris Elmore Julia Lopez (Hornchurch and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Upminster) (Con) Mrs Theresa May (Maidenhead) (Con) Stuart Andrew Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stuart Andrew Stoke) (Con) Jerome Mayhew (Broadland) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mr Jonathan Lord (Woking) (Con) Stuart Andrew Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Stuart Andrew Cleveleys) (Con) Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Stuart Andrew Shoreham) (Con) Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab) Zarah Sultana Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) Zarah Sultana Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Green) Huw Merriman (Bexhill and Battle) Stuart Andrew Holly Lynch (Halifax) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Con) Kenny MacAskill (East Lothian) Neale Hanvey Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and Stuart Andrew (Alba) East Thurrock) (Con) Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Chris Elmore Edward Miliband (Doncaster North) Chris Elmore Oak) (Lab) (Lab) Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab) Chris Elmore Robin Millar (Aberconwy) (Con) Stuart Andrew Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mrs Maria Miller (Basingstoke) (Con) Stuart Andrew Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con) Stuart Andrew Amanda Milling (Cannock Chase) Stuart Andrew (Con) Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Chris Elmore Morden) (Lab) Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con) Stuart Andrew Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) Chris Elmore Navendu Mishra (Stockport) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Lab) Andrew Mitchell (Sutton Coldfield) Stuart Andrew Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow Owen Thompson (Con) South) (SNP) Gagan Mohindra (South West Stuart Andrew Stuart C. McDonald (Cumbernauld, Owen Thompson Hertfordshire) (Con) Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) (SNP) Carol Monaghan (Glasgow North Owen Thompson John McDonnell (Hayes and Zarah Sultana West) Harlington) (Lab) Damien Moore (Southport) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mr Pat McFadden (Wolverhampton Chris Elmore Robbie Moore (Keighley) (Con) Stuart Andrew South East) (Lab) Layla Moran (Oxford West and Wendy Chamberlain Conor McGinn (St Helens North) Chris Elmore Abingdon) (LD) (Lab) Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) Stuart Andrew Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Con) Craig Mackinlay (South Thanet) (Con) Stuart Andrew Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab) Chris Elmore Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Chris Elmore Stephen Morgan (Portsmouth South) Chris Elmore Tyne North) (Lab) (Lab) Cherilyn Mackrory (Truro and Stuart Andrew Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) Stuart Andrew Falmouth) (Con) (Con) 729 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote21 JUNE 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 730

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Nadia Whittome (Nottingham East) Chris Elmore Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) (DUP) Jim Shannon (Lab) Beth Winter (Cynon Valley) (Lab) Zarah Sultana Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire) Stuart Andrew Pete Wishart (Perth and North Owen Thompson (Con) Perthshire) (SNP) James Wild (North West Norfolk) Stuart Andrew Mike Wood (Dudley South) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Jeremy Wright (Kenilworth and Stuart Andrew Craig Williams (Montgomeryshire) Stuart Andrew Southam) (Con) (Con) Mohammad Yasin (Bedford) (Lab) Chris Elmore Hywel Williams (Arfon) PC) Liz Saville Roberts Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con) Stuart Andrew Gavin Williamson (Montgomeryshire) Stuart Andrew Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Daniel Zeichner (Cambridge) (Lab) Chris Elmore Munira Wilson (Twickenham) (LD) Wendy Chamberlain 213WH 21 JUNE 2021 Grouse Shooting 214WH

Chris Packham, Ruth Tingay and Mark Avery from Westminster Hall Wild Justice “believe that intensive grouse shooting is bad for people, the Monday 21 June 2021 environment and wildlife. People; grouse shooting is economically insignificant when contrasted with other real and potential uses of the UK’s uplands. Environment; muirburn impacts negatively [SIOBHAIN MCDONAGH in the Chair] upon climate change and drainage leads to flooding and erosion. Wildlife; the wholesale culling of all predators and Mountain Hares has a disastrous effect on the ecology of these areas and the Grouse Shooting industry is underpinned by a criminal tradition of raptor persecution [Relevant Document: Written Evidence: Transcript of a which shows no signs of abating. It’s time to provide an opportunity conversation between a member of the Petitions Committee to implement immediate, legislative and meaningful measures to and Chris Packham, on driven grouse shooting, reported address this abhorrently destructive practice. to the House on 23 June 2020, HC 546.] That is what the petition calls for. For those different Virtual participation in proceedings commenced (Order, reasons, they want grouse shooting to be banned. 25 February). There was a debate on this issue in October 2016—I [NB: [V] denotes a Member participating virtually.] have read the debate in Hansard. To be honest, I do not think the issues seem to have changed much. Probably 4.30 pm today we will hear the same arguments put forward from those who want to ban it and probably the same Siobhain McDonagh (in the Chair): I remind hon. arguments from those who wish it to continue. I appreciate Members that there have been some changes to normal that many colleagues here feel strongly about this issue, practice in order to support the new hybrid arrangements. which is much more live in their constituencies. I will Timings of debates have been amended to allow technical open the debate and facilitate what I hope will be a arrangements to be made for the next debate. There will scintillating discussion about the issue, but I feel less be suspensions between each debate. I remind Members able to inject personal experience and understanding participating physically and virtually that they must into it because I have never been grouse shooting and it arrive for the start of a debate in Westminster Hall, and does not happen in my constituency. they are expected to remain for the entire debate. I thought it was only fair to read out the call from I must also remind Members participating virtually Chris Packham and the others who set up the petition, that they must leave their camera on for the duration of but many people put forward different arguments. Many the debate and that they will be visible at all times, both make economic arguments about the benefits that grouse to each other and to us in the Boothroyd Room. If shooting brings and about the moorland management, Members attending virtually have any technical problems, effort and expertise that go into preserving these complex they should email [email protected]. habitats. Of course, many of the landscapes are very Members attending physically should clean their spaces pleasing to the eye and generate significant amounts of before using them and before leaving the room. I also tourism. My understanding is that the North York moors remind Members that Mr Speaker has stated that masks alone often have more than 8 million visitors a year. That should be worn in Westminster Hall. does not seem to be an insignificant economic benefit. Members attending physically who are in the later My understanding is that grouse moor owners spend stages of the call list should use the seats in the Public more than £50 million a year on preserving these complex Gallery and move on to the horseshoe when seats become environments. Some 42,500 work days every year are available. Members can speak only from the horseshoe, generated through this activity, and 1,500 full-time jobs where there are microphones. I call Tom Hunt to move are tied to it—about 700 directly and about 800 indirectly. the motion. It is also worth bearing in mind that these are isolated upland communities, so one has to wonder what else 4.31 pm would generate that number of jobs. There is that Tom Hunt (Ipswich) (Con): I beg to move, economic benefit, and from my research it also seems That this House has considered e-petition 266770, relating to that grouse moors often bring people together, so there grouse shooting. is a social impact to the economy. Levels of loneliness in It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, isolated rural areas where grouse shooting happens are Ms McDonagh. My role on the Petitions Committee, lower than in other areas. which I take very seriously, as does every other member I did not come across any evidence that said that an of the Committee, is to ensure that petitions with more alternative use would promote better natural capital than 100,000 signatures get debated, and that the arguments than the unique environment that we are dealing with put forward by the petitioners are heard and the issue here. I do not really hear what the alternatives would be thoroughly debated. That is what I am charged with in those areas, apart from grouse shooting. If rewilding doing today. As a Member of Parliament for an urban were suggested, we could have pumas, lynxes and honey constituency, grouse shooting is not an issue that I know badgers running wild in these areas. That would be a huge amount about. Not only is it not an activity in quite an interesting spectacle, so perhaps tourism would Ipswich; it is not an activity in Suffolk, because there continue to be popular, because people would like to see are no grouse in Suffolk. However, I am here today. how that happens. I thank the 111,965 people who signed the petition. It has taken a while to get it debated, but we are here. The Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): My hon. petition calls for a ban on driven grouse shooting, Friend is making a very good point. Lots of people stating that think that woodland is a habitat for lots of wildlife, but “Wilful blindness is no longer an option”. that is not always the case. Coniferous woodland is almost 215WH Grouse Shooting 21 JUNE 2021 Grouse Shooting 216WH

[Kevin Hollinrake] speak about shooting issues, I get abuse on social media. There was a guy who sent me pictures of bacon sandwiches devoid of wildlife. People point to the reforestation or and spare ribs every day for 11 days—he got bored forestation of these areas, but that actually increases the because I was not paying any attention to him. It does amount of carbon dioxide emitted by four to six times get quite nasty, and Chris has been on the receiving end per hectare, compared with moorland. of a lot of that, which I think is very unfortunate. He has done brilliant work with young naturalists, particularly Tom Hunt: That is as very good point from somebody those from neurodivergent backgrounds, and I pay tribute who clearly has as level of understanding of this topic to him for that. that I could only wish to have. Looking at the issue from In the interview—as I said, the transcript is available— my perspective, it seems that there are environmental Chris started by talking about the fact that we are now arguments for and against, but the economic argument facing dual climate and ecological emergencies. People is unchallengeable, in terms of the tangible benefits that are increasingly worried about what he describes as the activity brings to the lives of thousands of people in catastrophic biodiversity loss, and driven grouse shooting those areas. produces a very unhealthy landscape. That is the I look forward to this debate. I understand that many background context to the concerns. I asked him what people feel strongly about the issue. I do not know he thought of the Government response—when the whether the debate will really advance things much. I petition gets to 10,000 signatures, there is a brief written predict—I might be wrong—that it will go in much the Government response—and he said he would be polite, same direction as the one five years ago. I am pretty sure but then he described it as “pathetic and derisory” and that we will be back here again in two or three years’ said it time, because it seems as though there are some individuals “showed a depth of ignorance and wilful blindness that we didn’t who are incredibly motivated to stop this practice. I fear want or expect.” that, for some, this is more about a dislike of perceived posh people having fun more than about any logical If that is him being polite, I would love to see what he arguments about the pros and cons, and we would not really thinks. want that kind of class warfare. I open this up to the In the written response,he said, “At least the Government Floor, and I look forward to the debate. acknowledges the importance of the peatlands and moorlands habitat. Our uplands have 75% of the world’s 4.39 pm remaining moorland and about 13% of the world’s Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): It is always a blanket bog.” People do not actually realise how unusual pleasure to see you in the Chair, Ms McDonagh. I took the UK is in having that as a natural resource, and we part in the 2016 debate, which I think it is fair to say was should be managing this precious habitat not for the not the best-natured debate that we have had in this dubious benefits of grouse shooting, but in the interests place—it is an issue that arouses strong feelings. I thank of biodiversity and ecosystem services—as valuable the hon. Member for Ipswich (Tom Hunt) for at least carbon sinks, offering flood protection and so on. trying to do justice to both sides of the argument. I wrote to both Mr Speaker and the then Chair of the Mr Robert Goodwill (Scarborough and Whitby) (Con): Petitions Committee after the last debate, because I felt Does the hon. Lady agree that those two are not mutually that the person supposedly speaking on behalf of the exclusive? petitioners sneered at them and spent the whole time rubbishing their arguments. To be respectful to the Kerry McCarthy: I might go on to say why it is petitioners, a Member who takes on the role of speaking problematic in the way they are managed. One of the ought to do a neutral job in outlining what a petition is problems that the campaigners supporting the petition about. The hon. Member for Ipswich did that. He have had is that they have got to the point where they slightly spoilt it at the end with the argument about are saying that the only answer is a ban on driven grouse posh people, because that is something that was wrongly shooting, because the people who manage the moorlands levelled at opponents of foxhunting. I do not think that have not been prepared to meet them halfway and to is the case, and certainly the people involved in Wild address some of the issues—for example, the hen harrier Justice are absolutely passionate about conservation persecution, the burning of the heather and so on. and are genuine in their concerns about the impact of driven grouse shooting. Kevin Hollinrake: On hen harriers, is the hon. Lady The petition was interrupted by the 2019 general aware that there were 50 hen harrier chicks in 2006, zero election. Just after that election, I joined the Petitions in 2013 and 60 last year? It is really important that we Committee for a few months. We were trying to get the look at the evidence and do not move to emotive petition debated—I think we even had a date in the arguments, and it is really important that we look at the diary—but covid put paid to any possibility of that. It facts. Does she not accept that there is work going on to was a good move by the Chair of the Petitions Committee improve hen harrier breeding? to ask me to interview Chris Packham instead, and there is a transcript of my putting questions to him that Kerry McCarthy: There is work going on, but the we perhaps could have debated back then, which people hen harrier population declined across the UK and the can read on the House of Commons Petitions Committee Isle of Man by 24% between 2004 and 2016, with just website. I will refer to quite a bit of what Chris says in 575 pairs remaining. Estimates suggest that there is that interview during the course of my speech. sufficient habitat and food availability to support a Chris has had a huge amount of abuse for speaking population of over 2,650 pairs. We know that in England out on these issues—from dead animals tied to the door there is available habitat for more than 300 pairs, yet we of his house, to death threats and so on. Whenever I are down to a very small number. 217WH Grouse Shooting 21 JUNE 2021 Grouse Shooting 218WH

Kevin Hollinrake: That is the point: the numbers did worthwhile than the equivalent of a small banjo, in decline from 2006 to 2013, but now they are on the rise terms of economic benefits from that area, could be again. It is really important that we look at the positive produced. work that is going on in these areas rather than just thinking that it is all about the way that moors are Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon) (Con): Will the managed. hon. Lady give way?

Kerry McCarthy: The figures are nowhere near where Kerry McCarthy: I hope the hon. Gentleman is going they should be, in terms of what we could support, and to explain why the banjo comes into it. it is not just— Mr Djanogly: I am not sure about banjos, but the premise that the hon. Lady gave before was that grouse Kevin Hollinrake: They are going up. management is there for shooting birds. I would say that that is not the case. Shooting is part of the environmental Kerry McCarthy: The hon. Member says that the process that is going on. People who engage in grouse numbers are going up, but they are going up from a very shooting involve themselves in environmental management. small base. As I say, the figures are nowhere near where Just to kill all the grouse would mean, very simply, that they should be. there would be no grouse next year. The process has to However, the fact is that raptor persecution is illegal be managed for the environment. and should not be happening, but it is happening on the grouse moors. Regardless of what the numbers are, the Kerry McCarthy: I do not accept that. If we look at the death of even one hen harrier is illegal and it should not way the moors are managed, we see that it is to create the be part of grouse moor management. That is the point largest possible number of grouse, it is to avoid anything that we should not lose sight of. It is not just a conservation that might be a threat to the grouse, including natural measure to protect these birds; it is illegal to kill them. predators, and it is destroying a lot of other wildlife at Protecting this habitat could allow it to act as a the same time. All that is not so that people can stalk valuable carbon sinks, offer flood protection and so on. through the undergrowth with their gun, in the way that I suspect that my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, we might think of the country sport of shooting. It is so Hallam (Olivia Blake) might have something more to that busloads of people can come in, stand there and say about its role in flood protection. When I went to just shoot, shoot, shoot—it is very much a numbers those areas after the floods of 2015-16, and when I have game. I would not say that has anything to do with spoken to people after the more recent floods in those conservation. areas, I found real concern about the impact that the The birds would not be there in those numbers if they management of the moorlands is having. were not being artificially managed, in the same way As Chris Packham says, a healthy upland habitat that we get the imported pheasants and partridges when should be covered with trees, blanket bog and deep it comes to that form of shooting; they are there to be layers of sphagnum moss that act like a great sponge, shot. As I have said, the way that is managed is related with deep peat storing all the water. However, the to that intensity and the sheer number of birds that management of grouse moors directly militates against people want to produce, rather than it being about any this, with the burning of the heather, the illegal raptor concern for conserving the natural habitat. As I said, we persecution that I have mentioned and the extermination just do not have the numbers. I do not know whether of mountain hares. Chris Packham also spoke about the Minister will come up with numbers to tell us who is weasels and stoats being caught up in spring traps, benefiting from this and what contribution it makes. crows caught in cage traps, foxes caught in snares and Mr Richard Holden (North West Durham) (Con): endangered protected species also accidentally being The hon. Lady asks who is benefiting, but that is quite caught up, and about the use of medicated grit and the clear. There are gamekeepers in my constituency and leeching of toxins from lead shot into the groundwater. hundreds of people are employed in the broader hospitality The bottom line is that all these measures to protect the sector supported by shooting. Those people are benefiting. grouse are not in the interests of conservation; it is just If the hon. Lady would like to meet some of the people so that the grouse can then be shot. who benefit economically from this activity, I would be Just as I do not accept the conservation argument, I delighted to host her in my constituency, where she do not accept the economic argument either. As Chris could actually meet some of the people involved in the Packham says, the Government have never quantified industry. this matter. The lack of data and the lack of transparency mean that we cannot say with any degree of accuracy Kerry McCarthy: I suspect they are not benefiting to how much money is going where, who is benefiting and anything like the same extent as the people who own the who is not benefiting. land, many of whom are extremely wealthy. They are Chris Packham says that in Scotland a bit more raking in money from this: I have seen the amount information has been released. Nevertheless, if Scotland charged for some of the packages for people to come to was thought to be the size of Ben Nevis, the economic these areas and take part in shooting days, and I suspect benefit from grouse shooting there would be the size of that not an awful lot of that trickles down to the local a small banjo. That seems to be the official interpretation. economy. I do not know why banjos have been brought into it; I We need to see more action from this Government. It do not know the difference between a small banjo and a is very disappointing that they refused to accept Labour’s large banjo. He is saying that, given that the area of amendment to the Environment Bill on the burning of land given over to grouse shooting in Scotland is between heather and peatlands—again, I think we will hear 12% and 18% of the total land, something far more more about that from the shadow Minister, my hon. 219WH Grouse Shooting 21 JUNE 2021 Grouse Shooting 220WH

[Kerry McCarthy] there were 360 pairs of peregrines, but there are now 1,750; 20 years ago, there were 160 pairs of red kites, Friend the Member for Sheffield, Hallam. I do not but there are now 4,400; and there are 75,250 pairs of believe the measures introduced by the Government on buzzards—a sixfold increase. Recently in my own area, 1 May go far enough. I note the comments of the there were 13 buzzards circling in the sky because of the Climate Change Committee in its latest report, which way in which the countryside has been managed and was released last Wednesday: that there is an increasingly because of the legislation that has outlawed the persecution urgent need to restore degraded upland peatland and of raptors. manage it more sustainably. I would be interested to Why are so many species affected? The Minister and I hear what the Minister thinks can be done, because spoke about lapwings and she remarked that she did not obviously, that comment from the Climate Change see many in August. The lapwings come and breed in Committee came after any action that has been taken the spring and then go back to their coastal areas, so it by the Government to date. I hope that in light of what is important that we have these areas for birds to breed. the Committee has said, the Minister will consider Why is that so important? We need to control predators talking to her colleagues in the Lords and strengthening such as foxes, but we also need to ensure that the way the Environment Bill to address that concern. the moorland is managed through rotational burning prevents the outbreak of wildfires. Indeed, on Saddleworth Siobhain McDonagh (in the Chair): Order. A great moor, there were 10 days of fires. A parliamentary deal of Members wish to speak in this debate. If you question asked by my noble Friend Lord Botham in the make and take interventions, some of those people are other place received the answer that 72 times more CO2 going to be excluded—and we hope to get everybody in. was emitted over the past five years than previously, We also hope to keep a good atmosphere in this debate, with 294,000 tonnes of CO resulting from wildfires. and not to replicate what I understand happened during 2 As my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Tom Hunt) the last debate on this issue. said at the start, grouse shooting is very important for the rural economy—not just for the gamekeepers and 4.51 pm those involved in it, but for the hospitality that supports Mr Robert Goodwill (Scarborough and Whitby) (Con): people when they come and the money that they put May I say at the outset that to ban grouse shooting into the rural economy. Furthermore, were it not for the would be an act of environmental, ecological and economic mixture of tall and short heather and succulent young vandalism—not to mention a gastronomic disaster for heather,sheep farming would become increasingly difficult many people in this country? Two thirds of the North on the uplands. York Moors national park is in my constituency—my Finally, game is a sustainable food. In fact, the other hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Kevin day we found a grouse at the bottom of our freezer, which Hollinrake) has the bulk of the rest—and 79% of the we very much enjoyed. One problem during lockdown North Yorkshire moors and the Pennine special protection has been that the demand for game has plummeted, areas are grouse moors, so these habitats are recognised which has meant that, for example, the requisite number officially as needing protection. of deer have not been culled this year. There are 3 million When the North York Moors national park was deer in the country, and that is causing a real threat to delineated in 1952, why was it chosen? Not because it the forestry industry in Scotland. It is important that we was some environmentally devastated area that needed have this low-fat, healthy, natural food produced in an changing, but precisely because it was the way it is now; outdoor environment, which is certainly better for the the management of that national park over the years environment and people’s health than a chicken reared has been to preserve it in that way. Part of that has been in a very intensive broiler house. the way in which the uplands are managed for grouse In conclusion, the only way that we can protect the and the other species that benefit. environment, the ecosystem and the rural economy is to The habitat on heather moorland—dry heathland support grouse shooting and the benefits that it brings. moorland, which much of the North Yorkshire moors are—is very fragile. It is rarer than rainforest, and 4.57 pm 75% of Europe’s heather moorland is in the UK. Grouse cannot be reared in the same way as we might rear Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): First, may I apologise, pheasants and partridges and release them: the only Ms McDonagh? I was presenting a Bill in the Chamber way we can get grouse to breed is by creating the so I could not be here beforehand. I ran the whole way environment for them to breed, and that fragile ecosystem over. Forgive me—I am a wee bit short of breath. I am needs management to ensure that not only the grouse, not as young as I was, so running is difficult. but other red-listed species such as the black grouse, the It is a privilege to speak on this issue. The last time we lapwing, the skylark, the curlew and the UK’s smallest had a debate on this in Westminster Hall, the right hon. bird of prey, the merlin, can breed and survive. Merlin Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr Goodwill) numbers have doubled on grouse moors over the past and I spoke, and it is a real pleasure to be back again. 20 years; elsewhere in the country, they have halved. I should declare an interest: I am a member of the The hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the mentioned hen harriers and other raptors. One hundred Countryside Alliance Ireland and Country Sports Ireland. years ago, there were no hen harriers in the UK at all, I am a country sports enthusiast and also a conservationist. but the latest survey—in 2016, I think—showed that Indeed, I believe that one cannot be a country sports there were 545 territorial pairs. Indeed, my hon. Friend enthusiast without being a conservationist because they the Member for Thirsk and Malton has said that last both march hand in hand to deliver what we want. That year, 60 had fledged. I turn to other raptors. In 1963, is why this matter is an important one to speak about. 221WH Grouse Shooting 21 JUNE 2021 Grouse Shooting 222WH

There is no doubt that degraded peatlands emit carbon. burning to reduce the fuel load and protect peatlands However,it is estimated that 94% of UK peatland emissions from wildfire is an essential tool used across the globe. come from lowland peatlands, not grouse moors. There Recent research from the USA shows that controlled is a distinct balance between what happens on grouse burns can reduce wildfire risks on peatland across the moors and what happens on our peatland. In fact, drainage globe. The evidential base supports the controlled burning and agricultural practices cause most peatland emissions. of parts of the moor, so that the moor can regenerate Grouse moors are estimated to store up to 35% of the and provide necessary food for wildlife in that area. UK’s peatland carbon, meaning that their emissions are The BASC and the Moorland Association are part of well below other land uses. We see a far greater biodiverse the England and Wales Wildfire Forum. Gamekeepers habitat of species on a managed grouse moor than on play a key role in preventing and tackling wildfires, with other areas of moorland that are not actively managed. their local knowledge and specialist equipment. When I have never been on a grouse moor in Scotland. I fires happened a few years ago in parts of England, it have never shot a grouse, although I have often wished was the local gamekeepers and those involved in the that I had the opportunity; perhaps some time that will management of the moors who came to the fore to give come my way. However, one way or the other I am here the support needed. Some of them worked 24-hour to support those involved in grouse shooting. I feel very shifts and should be commended for what they did. strongly about it, which is why I wanted to be here to We all have a part to play in making the most of our support our shooting comrades. grouse moorlands and it is right that questions are There are 2,592 full-time jobs in England, Scotland asked, but it is also right that we heed the research work and Wales on the moorlands, with 1,772 actively managing that has been done, to ensure that we are doing our best the moors. The economic value per year is worth to conserve and make the most of the phenomenal £67 million. Then there are those who come for tourism— natural habitat that we have been granted. We are those from the EU and America who come to shoot on holding the habitat and the wildlife in trust for those the moors and take advantage of that. There are very who come after. successful grouse shooting moors across England, Wales It is my reasoned belief that controlled moorland and Scotland. management is an intricate part of this. I support those who shoot on the moors, as well as those who manage I was interested to learn that the University of York’s them and those who ensure that the potential £67 million peatland study,funded by the Department for Environment, per year of tourism income is harnessed and delivered Food and Rural Affairs for five years, is now funded by safely. Almost 3,000 jobs are involved, and they are very over 20 organisations, including the British Association important, as is that potential money from tourism. I for Shooting and Conservation, Yorkshire Water, United support those who ensure that the grouse moors will Utilities and the Moorland Association. I am pleased to live on long after this auld boy is away, and maybe after see the Minister in her place, as I always look forward to my children and grandchildren. what she says. I know her response today will be well worth listening to and taking on board, and will answer many 5.4 pm issues and address the concerns that some people have. David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) On the pros and cons of different types of management, (Con) [V]: For the record, I declare my membership of there is a strongly presented argument against a burning the all-party parliamentary group on shooting and ban on blanket bog. It outlines that burning should conservation, although, like my hon. Friend the Member remain part of the overall toolkit, and is concerned for Ipswich (Tom Hunt) and the hon. Member for about the negative impacts that mowing may cause, Strangford (Jim Shannon), I have never personally been including increased methane emissions. Over a 20-year grouse shooting. time frame, 1 kg of methane warms the planet as much as 96 times more than 1 kg of carbon dioxide. Those The constituency of Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner facts have to be considered in relation to this petition. It has no grouse moors, but it is home to many people is important to get the balance. who have an interest in animal welfare and to a business that supports residents who enjoy shooting as a recreation, I understand concerns about upland fires, but in my albeit with no live animals involved locally. As a opinion we need more research on the data. Controlled consequence, I have had the opportunity hear from burning causes 68% of upland wildfires, yet only 10% of constituents on both sides of the debate today. upland fires have precise data on the cause of fire. Again, that poses a question. A Natural England report Humans have shaped our environment enormously specifically states: over many centuries. As a consequence, all of us living today have a responsibility to protect and enhance our “Care is needed in interpreting these findings given the small environment whether or not we approve of what previous proportion of overall fires where a specific cause was assigned generations did or of what future generations might and potential bias and subjectivity in these assessments”. have planned for it. Whether our moorlands or many of According to the same report, only 8% of all upland our fishing rivers, our natural environment has been wildfires occur in the autumn months, when the bulk of shaped by human activity over generations.The biodiversity controlled burns are undertaken. I commend all of around us today is a result of those actions. those who are involved in the management of moors for One of the issues cited most often is that of heather the controlled and cautious way in which they work. burning. That habitat management is required if we want Some 92% of wildfires occur during the spring and the habitat to continue to prosper. There are clearly two summer months. major benefits from the burning. First, it promotes the The study calls for a universal categorisation method new growth of heather and grass, which supports a wide and better recording, and I support that because it is range of wildlife in addition to grouse, including curlew, important that we get this right. Controlled vegetation lapwing and golden plover, as well as deer and hares. 223WH Grouse Shooting 21 JUNE 2021 Grouse Shooting 224WH

[David Simmonds] introduced to the wonderful taste of grouse, I heartily encourage everybody who has not tried that tasty,wonderful Even more important from a human perspective is meat to do so. the prevention of wildfires, as a number of Members Those who understand grouse moor management have mentioned. Back in 2003, for example, a wildfire and the benefits that it brings know full well that the on the National Trust’s Bleaklow destroyed more than real evidence shows that a ban on driven grouse shooting 2,000 acres of rare habitat and all the heather on the would make life worse, not better, for the wildlife that neighbouring 2,500-acre moor. The sad reality is that the opponents of shooting purport to want to protect. the CO2 levels—a climate change issue—being released This issue needs to be debated on the facts, not on from wildfires has increased dramatically in the last five accusations motivated by a wider anti-shooting agenda. years. If we want to prevent and reduce those emissions, As Members have said, shooting is an integral part of controlled firebreaks are a necessary part of our toolkit. environmental management and conservation. It is the The practice has many different names depending on gamekeepers employed by shooting estates who make where we are in the country,but the idea behind prescribed that happen. It is gamekeepers who maintain the habitat burning is that it is a quick burn that removes the and control predators, which benefits threatened species canopy and does not affect the underlying peat or soil of ground-nesting birds. layer that is so important to the biodiversity of our Grouse moor management has played a key role in environment. maintaining our upland landscape and sustaining some The other theme running through the debate is our of our rarest plants and wildlife. Far from being the feelings about animal welfare-related issues and the baron landscapes that I have heard described by some, distaste that many people feel about the idea of killing grouse moors are incredibly important wildlife havens. live creatures for fun. Although I share that sentiment, I Moors managed by gamekeepers support up to five also recognise that in the UK and throughout the times more threatened wading birds such as the curlew. world, different forms of hunting are not just an essential Merlin numbers have doubled on grouse moors over the part of good husbandry of nature; they also underpin last 20 years, and 2020 was the best year for hen harrier the funding that enables conservation and biodiversity breeding in England for two decades, with 60% of their efforts to proceed, both in the United Kingdom and nests on land managed for grouse shooting. I could go across the world. Where we humans have created an on with many more conservation success stories as a ecosystem, we have a responsibility to manage it. Those result of grouse moors that are well managed by who are proposing bans on the actions that they personally gamekeepers, but time is tight. dislike need also to consider who will undertake and It is not as if grouse shooting is not already heavily pay for the husbandry of those animal populations, so regulated and controlled. There is extensive legislation that familiar problems such as parasite infections and in place that has an impact on almost every aspect of out-of-control predation do not simply replace one grouse shooting and grouse moor management. Licensing unpleasant fate with another. requirements are in place across the board. Any additional Put bluntly, the ecosystem that we have created requires legislation would add to the cost and bureaucracy of the management of animal numbers. In my view, it is grouse moor management, leaving our moors in a worse much better to do that in a way that supports the condition. economy of that ecosystem so that animals killed with a It is important to recognise the economic benefits purpose are being eaten, contributing to the conservation that shooting sports bring to rural communities. Grouse and welfare of that animal population, rather than shooting in the United Kingdom has a direct estimated abdicating our responsibilities to the detriment of value of £100 million, creating the equivalent of over biodiversity and animal welfare at home and aboard. 2,500 full-time jobs. Between 60% and 80% of direct To conclude, we need to consider the net effect of our spending from grouse moors is within the local area of decisions on our environment. It seems clear to me that that moor. It is of greater significance to the local the proposed ban is likely to produce a net disadvantage economy and community retention than any other form to our environment and our biodiversity, and must of activity. Because grouse moors are managed largely therefore be opposed. through private investment by their owners, they offer the most cost-effective model of upland management to the taxpayer. I genuinely wonder how those who want 5.8 pm driven grouse shooting to end would fund and manage Greg Smith (Buckingham) (Con) [V]: It is a pleasure those vast moors, staff their management and pay for it. to serve under your chairmanship, Ms McDonagh, and Grouse shooting brings the rural community together to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip, in areas that can struggle with social isolation and lack Northwood and Pinner (David Simmonds), who made of employment, as my hon. Friend the Member for an argument that I entirely agree with far more eloquently Ipswich (Tom Hunt) said. In addition to those who are than I could. I am also a member of the all-party shooting, a day’s driven grouse shooting involves a large parliamentary group on shooting and conservation, of number of other participants, bringing together up to the British Association for Shooting and Conservation 50 or so members of a local community of all ages and and of the Countryside Alliance. backgrounds. It underpins the social life of many Before I get into my main points, I associate myself communities and helps tackle rural isolation. with the comments made by my right hon. Friend the Let us be really clear: grouse shooting is good for Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr Goodwill) jobs, the environment, species conservation and attracting about the value of game meat as a healthy food choice. high-quality tourism to remote rural areas—all without Although a grouse that has been lingering at the bottom being a drain on the taxpayer. Those who are pushing of his freezer for some years is not the best way to be for it to be banned have made no assessment of the 225WH Grouse Shooting 21 JUNE 2021 Grouse Shooting 226WH ecological, social or economic costs. The evidence shows of the facts when, clearly, so many communities are that the real conservationists are not those who call for involved and so many gamekeepers work on these estates. grouse shooting to be criminalised; they are the hard- One of the secondary things that states are increasingly working gamekeepers who manage our moorlands day looking to do is to support birding—people doing in, day out. Those calling for a ban on driven grouse birdwatching and that sort of thing. That is a major shooting need to set out a viable alternative—an alternative driver locally for a lot of people to come to the north vision for our uplands. Our heather moorland is Pennine moors. internationally important, and it is widely recognised I will pick up on something that a couple of my hon. that grouse shooting has helped preserve it. Friends mentioned, which is the game itself. Obviously, we need to make more positive moves—steel shot is part 5.14 pm of that—to increase the reusable meat. However, we Mr Richard Holden (North West Durham) (Con): It also need to sell it properly, and that is something that is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, we as parliamentarians could definitely be involved in, Ms McDonagh. I will try to be a little briefer than I including here in Parliament. planned, because lots of Members have made great From Muggleswick to Wearhead in my constituency, contributions already, and I do not want to reiterate I support those in my villages who work on the moors, what they have said. whether full time or during the season, and I support I am very concerned about the petition and the circle my local hospitality sector in North West Durham, of destruction it would cause for the rural communities which benefits from that. I ask the petitioners and those in my constituency, both economic and environmental. who support them to think again about the actual I am afraid I could not disagree more with the petitioners, economic and environmental impacts of what they mainly because of the huge economic value that grouse propose on communities such as those I represent in the shooting has to my constituency. It is not just about the north of England. shooting itself and the gamekeepers; it is the huge amount of part-time jobs in the season and the huge amount of trade that comes with the industry,particularly 5.18 pm for my hospitality sector. That sector has been absolutely Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): It is a hammered by covid over the past couple of years, and pleasure to speak in this debate with you in the Chair, we are trying to push domestic tourism, especially in Ms McDonagh. places such as the north Pennines and County Durham. We are not quite as well known as where my right hon. I do not accept that we should ban driven grouse Friend the Member for Scarborough and Whitby shooting, and nor do I accept that there is a wilful (Mr Goodwill) is, down on the North Yorkshire moors, blindness to the issues. I point out to the petitioners but we should be. This is a real area of growth for us, that, although I am sure their concerns are earnestly and something we want to capitalise on, so it is important expressed, there is a blindness in some quarters to the that we do not start to cut the legs off from under the positive impact on the people, economy, environment sector, just as we are recovering from covid. and wildlife of these areas from our management of grouse moors. Another point to make is that almost all our landscapes in the UK are managed to a greater or lesser degree. As To take matters in turn, I think the petition says grouse hon. Members have said, the danger of non-management shooting is “bad for people”. My right hon. Friend the is that huge increase we have seen in wildfires. That is Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr Goodwill) the real danger, which comes from the release of carbon referred to our constituencies jointly covering the beautiful into our atmosphere. Heather burning is an issue. When North York Moors, and I fail to see how it is bad for a wildfire catches in deep peat, that really is an issue, people that tens of thousands of them enjoy the beautiful and something with which proper management by purple and green-carpeted North York Moors, which gamekeepers and the communities in my upland areas for their wellbeing alone must have huge value. The is really helpful. landscape would simply not look like that if it was not Another issue that is a major concern is over- managed in that way. management, as we have seen in the past. The hon. I have been up to the moors with the gamekeepers on Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) wondered a number of occasions, looking at different parts of the whether there might be more productive things we moors in my constituency.The parts that are being managed could do with the uplands. Well, we tried that back in are green and purple; the areas that are left unmanaged the 1950s, when we put grips into the peat moorland to as trials have increased canopy, and they are very grey and drain it for sheep grazing. Wesawan ecological catastrophe, very poor in terms of wildlife—it is completely different. with millions of tonnes of peat washed down the rivers Left unmanaged, the moors just would not look like and off the moors over the succeeding decades. Peat is they do today, and visitors would be far less likely to one of the biggest carbon capturers and stores in the come. country. In January last year, I was lucky enough to Of course, that would affect the farming communities, have the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and which are deeply embedded in the world of conservation. Rural Affairs up in my constituency, seeing some of In my view, the people who understand conservation those grips being filled in, so now we have peat returning more than anybody else are the people who have lived in as a massive natural carbon capture and storage facility. these areas all their lives, not necessarily the people who Recently, I visited the constituency of my hon. Friend are opining on this stuff from further afield. The point the Member for Bishop Auckland (Dehenna Davison) has been made that leaving the moors unmanaged would to see some well managed moorlands, and the lapwings be tremendously bad for the people who work in the and the oystercatchers there. It shows a degree of ignorance supply chain and all the businesses. 227WH Grouse Shooting 21 JUNE 2021 Grouse Shooting 228WH

[Kevin Hollinrake] 16 short-eared owls, 163 barn owls, 84 peregrines, 14 marsh harriers, one osprey, 50 red kites, 57 tawny owls and The hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) 726 buzzards—I could go on. Extrapolated across the made a fair point: perhaps those people would find other whole moor, that would be 25,000 sightings of those jobs. I really do not see where they would find other very rare birds. As I mentioned, the number of hen jobs in North Yorkshire to the level that they have. A harriers is on the rise. huge number of people are employed in the hotels and The hon. Member for Bristol East is absolutely right restaurants and as caterers, beaters or gamekeepers. People that we should work together to clamp down on wildlife from all different social strata are involved in the whole crime against birds of prey and any kind of crime economy around the grouse moors and grouse shooting. against wildlife, but the incidence is very low.No incidents As pointed out by my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich at all were reported in 2018-19. (Tom Hunt), the sector provides £2 billion to the UK economy and 1,500 full-time equivalent jobs. There are Siobhain McDonagh (in the Chair): Order. I apologise huge benefits to people in constituencies such as mine for interrupting, but I must highlight to the hon. Gentleman in terms of the wider economy and their wellbeing, so I that there are two more Members who wish to speak, do not accept that grouse shooting is bad for people. and we are attempting to get to the winding-up speeches I also not do accept that grouse shooting is bad for at 5.30 pm. the environment. The point has been made that the Kevin Hollinrake: I will conclude on this point. It is moorlands are rarer than rainforest, and they host a absolutely right that we should clamp down on any huge amount of flora and fauna, but also wildlife. wildlife crime, including against birds of prey.Wild Justice Again, I saw two patches when I went up to the North was responsible for some changes to general licences York Moors. In the patches that have been managed, that make it much more difficult to control other types there is a proliferation of curlews, golden plovers and of birds, such as gulls, which have a devastating impact lapwings literally teeming round the moors. In the areas on chicks—grouse chicks, lapwing chicks and curlew that are deliberately not being managed as a trial, chicks. We have to ensure that we take steps carefully, however, there is very little wildlife. The moors are very and they must be evidence-based. conducive to wildlife, and I think the statistic is that there are five times as many rare birds in the managed 5.26 pm areas as in the unmanaged ones. Robbie Moore (Keighley) (Con): It is a pleasure to The estates in my constituency are Snilesworth, Bransdale serve under your chairmanship, Ms McDonagh. Thank and Spaunton. As has been mentioned, they have an you for giving me permission to be excused at the start important role to play in preventing wildfires, which of the debate—I was in the main Chamber speaking on can be hugely damaging. The Climate Change Committee a private Member’s Bill. commented on this issue only this month in a report on The petition states: climate risk. It highlighted the prospect of increased “grouse shooting is bad for people, the environment and wildlife”, frequency and intensity of wildfires, stating: while arguing that it is “economically insignificant”. I “we can manage habitats actively to improve their resilience, for … … am afraid I must dispute that in the strongest terms, and example through the removal of fuel loads that risk wildfire.” I will outline my reasons. Just last year, Professor Simon That is what happens when a canopy gets too big. The Denny and Tracey Latham-Green of the Institute of canopy then burns and burns the peat. What the people Social Innovation and Impact at the University of who manage the moorlands do is called cool burning, Northampton concluded an economic study looking at which takes away the canopy without burning the peat. the social effects of integrated moorland management, That is absolutely critical. It is carbon-neutral, because including grouse shooting, on moorland communities, the new growth absorbs the carbon that has been emitted, and I want to share some of their findings. but there is no release of carbon from the peat layer, First, on the positive impact of grouse shooting on which is hugely important. the rural economy, the direct economic benefit of grouse The other point about CO2, which we are all obviously shooting to rural communities is estimated to be increasingly concerned about, comes from a report by £67.7 million per annum. The direct impact is thought the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust on alternative to be as high as £2 billion to the country. In England, uses for the moors, which states: grouse moor management is responsible for more than “Peatlands managed for cropland, grassland, forestry (for example 1,500 full-time jobs, of which 700 are directly involved afforestation of moorland) or fuel harvesting emit many times in grouse moor management, and a further 820 are in more at around eight to 39 tonnes CO2 per hectare per year” related services and industries. That has a huge impact versus 2 to 5 tonnes on moorlands, so it is clear that on remote rural communities, which would otherwise there are climate change benefits here as well. have limited economic opportunity. On wildlife, my right hon. Friend the Member for Research has shown that the associated spin-offs of Scarborough and Whitby is absolutely right. When I grouse shooting in the north of England are worth an was child, we never saw buzzards. I do not remember estimated £15 million a year and benefit a raft of rural ever seeing a buzzard as a child, even though we spent businesses, including game dealers, the hospitality industry, most of our time outdoors. Now, there are a huge equipment suppliers and transport operators, many of number always circling in the sky.Some relevant statistics whom are based in the most remote areas. As one of the come from Spaunton Moor and George Winn-Darley, joint authors of the report concluded, who is the representative of the North York Moors to “grouse moor management is part of an integrated system of the Moorland Association. In a single year, there have activities”, been 1,552 sightings of birds of prey, including 10 hen including a whole range of things benefiting health, harriers,three white-tailed sea eagles,70 merlins,193 kestrels, wellbeing and the economic prosperity of local communities. 229WH Grouse Shooting 21 JUNE 2021 Grouse Shooting 230WH

That brings me to my second point, on the positive about managing the environment. It is about peat, other impact on moorland management of grouse shooting, species, local jobs and preparing the ground for walkers and on wider conservation measures, which include and tourists. It is simply untrue to say that this is just peatland restoration, carbon sequestration and improving about shooting game. It is about preserving for future habitats for many other ground-nesting birds. More generations some of the finest environments in the UK carbon is stored in peat in UK moorlands than in the by effectively managing them. combined forests of Britain and France. Therefore, careful management of moorland as part of grouse Siobhain McDonagh (in the Chair): Thank you for moorland management is essential to preserve the carbon making this a bit easier to chair, Mr Djanogly. I think I that is locked up in the underlying peat. Grouse moorland am right in suggesting that the next speakers can have managers have been actively working on a number of nine minutes each, leaving one minute for the summing projects, including revegetating bare peat and blocking up. I call Dave Doogan of the Scottish National party. up moorland drains to raise water tables to encourage the growth of sphagnum moss, which helps the flow of 5.33 pm surface water and filters out any discolouration. In the Dave Doogan (Angus) (SNP): Thank you, north Pennines alone, I know from my own experience Ms McDonagh. It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair. I that grouse moor managers have blocked more than am happy that this debate has received a substantive 2,500 miles of drain ditches, and 300 acres of bare peat airing and am grateful to the hon. Member for Ipswich have been revegetated, with plenty more still planned. (Tom Hunt) for advancing it in his role on the Petitions Research has shown that where moors are managed Committee. I understand and respect the fact that he by groundkeepers, ground-nesting birds, such as curlew had no control over the title of the petition, which and lapwings, are three and a half times as likely to raise personally I find a little troublesome, because it gives a chick to fledgling. A survey of upland breeding birds the sense that if I do not see things in exactly the same in parts of England and Scotland has found that the way as others see them, I am somehow wilfully blind. densities of golden plover, curlew, redshank and lapwing That is not a very appropriate start to such an important are five times greater on managed grouse moorlands and nuanced debate. than on unmanaged moor. As my hon. Friend the Turning to legislation, in a whole host of ways the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Kevin Hollinrake) UK’s bureaucracy and Executive trail in the wake of said, the mosaic of species of flora and fauna is widely Scotland’sdynamism under 14 years of SNP Government. known on managed grouse moorland. All of that is Members can take their pick from policy areas, including possible only where moorland is carefully managed, net zero targets, social care reform, tuition fees, rate with the income gained from grouse shooting put back relief, tree planting—the list goes on, and it includes the into helping to cover the costs associated with managing ambition for grouse moor management. By contrast, the land, protecting that carbon storage. the dead slow and stop approach by the Department for To conclude, it is vital to take a wide-lens approach to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to the challenge grouse shooting, rather than look at it from a headline is unacceptable and does not benefit anybody on either political point of view. It creates jobs and is good for side of this challenging debate. the rural economy, the environment, conservation and In Scotland, the independent grouse moor management carbon storage. report, which is also known as the Werritty report, was published at the end of 2019. It took a comprehensive Siobhain McDonagh (in the Chair): I would like to and consultative evidence-based approach to key offer Mr Djanogly two minutes. issues surrounding the management of grouse moors in 21st-century Scotland. After careful consideration of 5.31 pm the report’s recommendations, the Scottish Government Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon) (Con): Thank will look at implementing a licensing regime for grouse you, Ms McDonagh. I declare my interests as they appear shooting, providing a framework to the sector that will in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests, as a assist it in combating illegal persecution of raptors and game shooter and as a member of the British Association related wildlife crimes. Grass moor estates found to be for Shooting and Conservation. non-compliant—those that practise the types of behaviours This has been a good-tempered and interesting debate, that nobody wants to see—would face the prospect of but it is unfortunate that the premise of the petition not having a licence, whereas those that uphold the very lacks the understanding—or perhaps the willingness to best practices would be endorsed and licensed as acknowledge—that grouse shooting is all about working undertaking a legal and productive activity.Those changes with the environment. Specifically and directly on the are designed to apply an achievable balance; the hon. moors, where the game birds live and breed, grouse are Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) talked at length not imported. They are natural to their moors, and about the importance of a balance, and other hon. great respect must be given to maintaining that environment. Members have discussed the need for evidence. That is why they are magnificent parts of the country to This approach is designed to apply that achievable visit. The environmental care of grouse shooting is very balance on protecting wildlife and natural habitats, while strong, and it seems that to argue otherwise is more ensuring that business adheres to the agreed standards about being anti-shooting than pro-environment. on grouse shooting. Importantly, the report did not The problem with the premise of the argument of the recommend that grouse shooting be banned, consistent hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) is that with the remit to ensure that grouse moor management I think she said something about rich people maximising continues to contribute to the rural economy of Scotland, the number of birds to be killed for profit. Actually, but it did recommend that heather burning be subject to very few grouse shoots are run at a profit. They are run increased legal regulation applicable to all moor burning, by people who are passionate about their sport and not just grouse moors. 231WH Grouse Shooting 21 JUNE 2021 Grouse Shooting 232WH

[Dave Doogan] normative behaviours. An honest assessment would identify the fact that the industry has made improvements As with all good debates, there are pros and cons; to its operating model, as has been set out. That must positives and negatives. Scottish Land and Estates will continue, especially in the light of the challenges around maintain that raptor persecution on Scottish grouse muirburn, lead shot and losses to natural predation, moors has been addressed in recent years. Police-recorded particularly aviation predation. Any demand for outright crimes are at their lowest level ever. It will cite evidence bans on established economic models, with the jobs and that predators such as foxes and crows are managed on livelihoods of my constituents at risk, leaves me very grouse moors to maintain a favourable balance with concerned. Reforms, if required, need to be evidence-based their prey, and that is scientifically proven to save rare and founded on consensus. and declining birds such as the curlew, lapwing, golden plover and black grouse, as well as mountain hares. 5.40 pm Many hon. Members, especially the right hon. Member Olivia Blake (Sheffield, Hallam) (Lab) [V]: It is a for Scarborough and Whitby (Robert Goodwill), cited pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms McDonagh. the recovery of some of those important breeds. I thank hon. Members for their excellent contributions The British Association for Shooting and Conservation to a good-natured debate on a hot topic. I thank the will definitely share the views of a Scottish Land and petitioners for signing the petition and the Committee Estates. It will share its view that muirburn supports for arranging time for us to discuss this important issue. other species and prevents larger fires from occurring. I have lived near the moors all my life and I recognise Both would contend that in moorland areas, grouse that they are special places, particularly given my Yorkshire shooting is one of the most economically significant heritage. They have inspired great works of literature, land uses, bringing in full-time permanent jobs and songs, and so much more. We have heard many Members supporting local communities. I know that to be true. speak passionately about how the moors matter to As cons, the League Against Cruel Sports would them, including the right hon. Member for Scarborough claim that driven grouse shooting depends on creating and Whitby (Mr Goodwill) and the hon. Member for artificially high numbers of grouse in order to make it Strangford (Jim Shannon). It is really clear that they are commercially viable. That is achieved by large-scale rich environments that people are keen to see protected. elimination of natural predation and the engineering of It is perhaps obvious to say as a starting point to any environments in their favour. The petitioners will highlight sensible policy on grouse shooting that grouse moors what they suggest would be significant public support are not natural landscapes. They are a form of managed for an end to shooting of game birds such as grouse for land, and how they are managed has consequences for sport. I have seen a figure of 69% of the British public how we deal with the twin emergencies of nature and in favour of a ban. Those questions need to be nuanced climate. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted and contextualised for the consequences, not just the countries in the world. Protecting biodiversity, halting broad and bare ambition and aspiration. Finally, on the the decline of nature and restoring habitats and wildlife cons, the annual “Birdcrime” report by the Royal Society are a priority, not just because they are key to tackling for the Protection of Birds said that in 2009, four of the the climate emergency, which I will talk about shortly, five worst areas in the UK for raptor persecution over but also because it is intrinsically important to protect the previous 10 years in Scotland were the highlands, species and ensure that wildlife can be enjoyed by the Scottish Borders, Aberdeenshire and, I am afraid, everyone. Angus. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of DEFRA on The hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) crime, the persecution of birds is still a huge issue. As a highlighted the lack of a UK Government economic hen harrier champion, I feel obliged to highlight the impact assessment. That same absence is not evident in fact that the hen harrier is one example of a species Scotland. The economic impact of the sector in Scotland under threat in the UK. As we have heard from many was set out by research commissioned by the Scottish Members, between 2004 and 2016, the hen harrier Government and published in autumn 2020, “Asummary population dropped by nearly a quarter—I thank my report of findings from research into socioeconomic hon. Friend the Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) and biodiversity impacts of driven grouse moors and for highlighting that. Natural England has shown that the employment rights of gamekeepers”. The case study hen harriers are 10 times more likely to die or disappear used in that published research showed that grouse on grouse moors—that needs to change—and found shooting can generate a significant economic impact for that 72% of birds that were tagged were either confirmed communities, with impacts being generally localised. or extremely likely to have been killed illegally. Reflecting on my own constituency, I know very Although chick numbers have been increasing, keenly how important employment on the estates is for unfortunately, moorlands are still described as black communities in the Angus Glens—for the schools, hotels, holes for certain species. Since the 2018 launch of the shops and the petrol station. The total absence in those controversial brood management scheme, which involves communities of alternative employment means that the removing chicks from their nests, a further 56 hen number of potential job losses is not as important as harriers have been killed, or their satellite tags have the effect of those job losses on those communities. stopped working with no evidence of malfunction, mostly We must not let anyone kid themselves that this is an on or next to driven grouse moors. The illegal killing of issue of just one job here or another job there; it is protected wildlife, especially birds of prey and other about the living viability of very fragile, very rural predators, seems to be routinely linked to areas where communities and economies. No sector can operate in there are grouse moors. We need to ensure that we take isolation, indifferent to the public opinion or the evolving more action to prevent those crimes, which I think is a nature of society and the division of standards of sentiment that has been shared throughout the debate. 233WH Grouse Shooting 21 JUNE 2021 Grouse Shooting 234WH

This is not just about hen harriers. A Scottish ask her what the plans are to phase out the use of lead Government study found that a third of golden eagles shot in grouse-moor shooting. What plans are there to fitted with satellite tags disappeared in suspicious protect valuable non-bird species as well as bird species, circumstances. Those are just a few examples of lost such as mountain hares, and if there is to be no licensing, biodiversity because the land seems to be managed to what steps will the Government take to ensure that eliminate predators to provide more fertile grounds for those who illegally kill protected species and other birds grouse.That is illustrative of how illegal habitat management of prey and predators are brought to justice? One issue can damage the abundance of a species. that has not been mentioned is the steps that the relevant As I said, the nature and climate emergencies go hand regulatory authorities will take to ensure that residues in hand. Last week, the CCC report was clear that of other medications used for the rearing of grouse do protecting our peatlands is a precondition for meeting not get into the wider upland environment, particularly our net zero obligations and mitigating the effects of as much of it is in drinking-water catchment areas. the global heating that we already see. There is a huge Finally, I make a plea to the Minister. When she amount of work to be done, and there is therefore a responds to the debate, rather than rattling off a list of huge opportunity for jobs in conservation in our uplands. initiatives that are loosely connected to peat—we have The majority of our peatlands are in poor condition, read the peatlands action plan—I would specifically even in sites of special scientific interest, and as the like to hear what the Government will do about the CCC says, the effort required to restore them all will be 60% of peatlands that remain unprotected from burning huge. under the so-called ban that was recently brought into Post-war draining and burning over the years have law. I thank Members for the way in which they have also had a huge impact on flooding. It is rare to observe conducted this debate today; I know that it is a very healthy peatlands that store water effectively. Rewetting emotive topic. our peatlands would not only be good for other species, such as curlews, but would help with flood prevention. Siobhain McDonagh (in the Chair): I call the Minister, That is why we must see an end to heather burning Victoria Prentis, to respond to the debate. being used to create a suitable habitat for grouse. I must say that a number of colleagues who have spoken today 5.48 pm seem to be a bit behind their own Government on this The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for issue, as the Government have introduced a ban, although Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Rebecca Pow): it has limitations that I will come on to later. Thank you, Ms McDonagh; it is actually Rebecca Pow. We have seen huge amounts of carbon being leaked into the atmosphere over the years, with increased burning Siobhain McDonagh (in the Chair): Sorry—I am just year on year. Burning releases roughly 260,000 tonnes reading from my list. of carbon per year, but that is compounded by the damage to the peatland that follows. Our degraded Rebecca Pow: This matter comes under my portfolio. peatlands release 10 million tonnes of carbon per year. There seems to be a little bit of confusion, but I am Not only does heather burning make the climate emergency Rebecca—just in case there is any confusion about that. worse but it makes the effects of the climate emergency I see that Minister Prentis’s name was written on the more dramatic. details for the debate. Anyway,that is the least controversial We have seen that the damage to sphagnum mosses of the issues that we are discussing today. Having said on peatlands causes water to run off the uplands, taking that, I thank all hon. Friends and hon. Members who peat with it and affecting the quality of our water, have contributed to this debate, particularly my hon. which we have to spend a lot of money on to clean up. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Tom Hunt), who made Species loss, peatland degradation and higher flood a very clear and balanced opening speech. risks are just three costs of managing the landscape Clearly, there is a great deal of strong feeling about artificially. Despite that, however, the shoots remain this issue and people approach it from different perspectives. almost completely deregulated. There are few mechanisms However, I think that everyone agrees that we want to to encourage good behaviour and there is very little to protect our uplands, the wildlife that thrives there and discourage bad behaviour, and the criminal activity indeed the people who live there. Grouse shooting, does not seem to be ending. which is what we are talking about today, takes place in Although Labour has pushed in the Environment Bill one of our most iconic landscapes—the uplands. The for a fuller ban on burning, alternatives such as rewetting uplands are composed of multiple habitats: dry heath; and cutting must be supported more fully to reach their wet heath; and blanket bog. full potential, economically and environmentally. In Blanket bog is rarer than the tropical rainforest and addition, I think the idea that the grouse are ending up we have a very large proportion of it in the UK, with on our plates is quite misleading. Only a very small 13% of the world’s total. The uplands are very precious number ever end up entering hospitality settings, and accommodate a wide range of activities, which we unfortunately, and the use of lead is questionable, with have heard about today: hiking, all forms of tourism, even low levels of exposure to lead being linked to shooting grouse, grazing sheep, and many more. Blanket health problems. Indeed, even those just using lead shot bog provides a rich habitat for many species and sequesters can develop health conditions. carbon, as my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley That is why today I ask the Minister whether she will (Robbie Moore) mentioned, filters out drinking water introduce licensing for grouse shoots in England, as is and helps us with our flood control. The grouse shooting Labour party policy. Licensing would provide another that many people inevitably get involved in attracts method to ensure that these habitats are managed people to these treasured habitats. They are engaging responsibly and that the system is more regulated. I also with nature, which I see as a good thing. 235WH Grouse Shooting 21 JUNE 2021 Grouse Shooting 236WH

[Rebecca Pow] on moorlands. Some of the clearest evidence points to the fact that improving the resilience of our peatlands The activity of grouse shooting does indeed bring to wildfire, by ensuring that they are wetter and in their jobs to the area, and we have heard different numbers—from natural state, is one of the ways to control wildfires. Our 1,500 to over 2,000—from different colleagues. It also recently released peat action plan encourages all landowners brings investment to some of the remotest areas of the and land managers to have good-quality wildfire country, particularly in the north of England. That management plans in order to look out for that risk. was mentioned by many Members, including my right Under the regulations, the Secretary of State may grant hon. Friend the Member for Scarborough and Whitby licences where he is satisfied that it is absolutely necessary (Mr Goodwill), who has a great deal of experience, and or expedient for the purpose of preventing wildfires, the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon). The with the very careful management required should that matter is devolved, but it is the same issue. It was also take place. mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for North I want to talk a bit more about the peat action plan, West Durham (Mr Holden), particularly with respect to which was published in May and sets out our long-term the wider tourism element, and my hon. Friend the Member vision for the protection, management and restoration for Huntingdon (Mr Djanogly), who summed it up so of our peatlands. That is there for all to see, and it is well. It is about close working between land managers very clear about what our ambitions are. That action and stakeholders to ensure that the landscapes in those plan also contains strong measures on delivering nature- areas are protected both for conservation and for shooting, based solutions so that lots of the activities we do on and that they can work together for a sustainable outcome. peat will work towards this whole nature restoration One of the ways in which moorlands have been move. Obviously, there will be an important emphasis managed for grouse shooting is by burning vegetation, on rewetting and working with hydrology so that we get which has been touched on by many Members. The our moorlands back to their natural state. Government have always been clear about the need to By managing those moorlands to create the optimum phase out rotational burning on protected blanket bog habitats for grouse, land managers can play a really and to move to a regime of cutting. There has been a lot important role in conservation, particularly for ground of debate and discussion about that with stakeholders, nesting birds, as has been referred to by many Members. and they are clear about that now. It is about conserving Heather moorlands are important habitats for some of habitats on the protected sites of blanket bog. There is our most iconic birds of prey, such as hen harriers, and established scientific consensus that burning of vegetation there has been an increase in hen harrier numbers. That on such sites damages the environment in a variety of has been clearly highlighted by my hon. Friends the ways—hence the move to cutting. The Heather and Members for Thirsk and Malton (Kevin Hollinrake) Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021 came and for Buckingham (Greg Smith), and by a number of into force on 1 May and represents a crucial step in other Members. We have also seen an increase in the meeting the Government’s nature and climate change numbers of a whole range of other bird species, including mitigation and adaptation targets, including the legally buzzards and peregrines. binding commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. That is not to say that there are not issues of persecution. We are aware that those issues exist, and the Government We are of course aware of the Climate Change take wildlife crime extremely seriously.Since 2016, DEFRA Committee’s views, as flagged by the hon. Member for and the Home Office have contributed £300,000 annually Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy). I want to give assurances to the National Wildlife Crime Unit. I campaigned for that we are taking extremely seriously peatland restoration, that as a Back Bencher, and the Government have as flagged by the Committee. We had already allocated listened. We are still funding that work, and it is really £10 million between 2018 and 2021, which will lead to important. Under the regime, the police are working the restoration of 6,500 hectares of peatland, but we very hard to protect our birds and prevent the illegal have also committed to a further 35,000 hectares of killing of birds of prey. I hope that the hon. Member for peatland restoration under the new Nature for Climate Bristol East welcomes that funding. The five species Fund. We have just allocated the first tranche of that identified as of particular concern are the golden eagle, £50 million to be spent over the next four years on the goshawk, the hen harrier, the peregrine, and the peatland restoration, and it will happen in lots of the white-tailed eagle. areas that we are all talking about. That will be by 2025, so we have made a very serious and clear commitment. Turning to the issue of wider biodiversity, our aim is It will also have benefits for carbon sequestration, as to address the overall decline of species in England. We mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley. will therefore amend the Environment Bill to include an As has been alluded to, there are a few specific and additional legally binding target that aims to halt the narrowly defined areas where burning may be permitted decline of species by 2030. Wewill also introduce, through on protected sites. We have published guidance and are the Bill, a new species conservation strategy to help with still working on it closely with everybody involved because that, as well as a Green Paper setting out our framework we need to get this right for a sustainable future. so that we might better deliver species protection in the round. I am sure that all hon. Friends and Members The issue of wildfires was rightly raised by many will welcome that. The Joint Nature Conservation Members on both sides of the House, particularly my Committee is working on that issue right now and will right hon. Friend the Member for Scarborough and make recommendations towards the end of this year. Whitby, the hon. Member for Strangford and my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner Totouch on the Werritty review, mentioned by the hon. (David Simmonds). The Government are of course acutely Member for Angus (Dave Doogan), we do not have aware of the wildfire risk presented by the dry conditions plans to introduce similar measures, but we are watching 237WH Grouse Shooting 21 JUNE 2021 238WH

Scotland closely. We can all learn lessons all round in Government Contracts: Covid-19 whatever we do, and we will be watching to see how that proceeds.

There are strong views on either side of this debate, [YVONNE FOVARGUE in the Chair] and I welcome the fact that it did not get really heated today. We need to have understanding on either side, and I hope that, as the Minister, I do have that understanding. 6.15 pm We need to look after and protect the environment, Yvonne Fovargue (in the Chair): I remind hon. Members while looking after our rural communities and enabling that there have been some changes to normal practice, them to survive and thrive. That is so important. For to support the new hybrid arrangements. The timings of me, the key word in all of this and, indeed, almost debates have been amended to allow technical arrangements everything I do in DEFRA is sustainability. I will to be made for the next debate. There will also be conclude there, and thank everyone who has taken part. suspensions between each debate. I remind Members participating physically and virtually Siobhain McDonagh (in the Chair): I thank the Minister that they must arrive for the start of debates in Westminster and apologise once again for getting her name wrong. Hall and that they are expected to remain for the entire debate. I remind Members participating virtually that 5.58 pm they must leave their camera on for the duration of the Tom Hunt: I thank the Minister and everyone who debate and that they will be visible at all times, both to has contributed to this debate. Well, there we have it: each other and to us in the Boothroyd Room. with respect to the petitioners, there is clearly not support If Members attending virtually have any technical in this House for the petition. In fact, there is probably problems, they should email the Westminster Hall Clerks less support than there was four years ago. What is not on [email protected]. Members clear is that banning driven grouse shooting would be attending physically should clean their spaces before good for the environment: in fact, I think that, on they use them and before they leave the room. I also balance, it would be harmful. What is very clear is that remind Members that Mr Speaker has stated that masks banning it would seem to provide very little gain for a should be worn in Westminster Hall. great deal of pain, and from what I can see the pain would be in those isolated rural communities. The people paying the greatest cost would not be the richest; they 6.16 pm would be the very people who, right now, we should be Tonia Antoniazzi (Gower) (Lab): I beg to move, thinking about helping. After quite a balanced opening, That this House has considered e-petition 328408, relating to and having listened to everything, I would like to say Government contracts during the covid-19 outbreak. that as an individual Member of Parliament, I oppose It is an honour to serve under your chairship, this petition. Ms Fovargue. Some £31.2 billion has been spent on contracts in response to the outbreak of covid-19. It Siobhain McDonagh (in the Chair): I thank all Members might be more now, but that was the figure I found last who have contributed to this debate for helping me week. Anyway, what is a couple of million quid between ensure that everybody could speak. mates? I say “between mates”, as a huge amount of Question put and agreed to. money has been channelled into lining the pockets of Resolved, the pals of the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the That this House has considered e-petition 266770, relating to Duchy of Lancaster, the former Secretary of State for grouse shooting. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs—the right hon. Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson)—the 5.59 pm Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Prime Minister’s former adviser Dominic Cummings and others. Sitting suspended. I have been an MP for slightly more than four years now, and I am slightly disappointed that I have had nothing offered to me. I do not move in those circles, unfortunately—or, fortunately. When researching for this debate, I uncovered some great investigative work. I am grateful to all the journalists, lawyers and campaigners who have shed some light on the deals that have been struck over the past 17 months or so. I encourage people who want to know more about what is going on to look at the Good Law Project website or Sophie Hill’s My Little Crony project. Transparency International has produced a scathing report about the state of procurement during the pandemic response. I quote its findings when I say that the evidence shows that the UK’sprocurement response to the pandemic was beset by “opaque and uncompetitive contracting…a suspiciously high number of awards to those with political connections…the system designed to triage offers of PPE supplies appears partisan and riven with systemic bias.” 239WH Government Contracts: Covid-1921 JUNE 2021 Government Contracts: Covid-19 240WH

[Tonia Antoniazzi] far cost £37 billion. That is enough for five Mars Rover missions, which is incredible. Where has the money gone? I thank the petition creators and its signatories, who Well, we have been paying thousands of private sector have enabled this debate to be held in Parliament. Those consultants, most on well over £1,000 a day and some campaigners have shed some light on the contracts that even over £6,000 a day. The Public Accounts Committee have been awarded by the Government, and I would like was pretty scathing in its assessment of the whole thing to give a short taste of what has been happening behind and found that the system does not seem to have made closed doors while our frontline workers have battled to much of a difference to the spread of covid-19. keep us safe from the disease. Some people might want to raise the issue of apparently First, there is the £560,000 to Public First, a cosy contracts, the lack of a tendering process and the communications agency run by old mates of the Chancellor inability to declare contracts, but who would they turn of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet to? Perhaps they could approach the Government’s own Office and Dominic Cummings. The High Court ruled anti-corruption champion, the hon. Member for Weston- that the contract was unlawful and tainted by “apparent super-Mare (John Penrose), although he might not be bias”. Samir Jassal, former No. 10 adviser to David open to receiving complaints as he is married to Baroness Cameron and twice a parliamentary candidate for the Harding. Conservatives, was handed a £102.6 million contract for We all know that the Minister who has come to personal protective equipment. To be fair, at least the defend the Government against such claims is part of company in this case, Pharmaceuticals Direct, seems to the Cabinet Office scene, and we know that her boss, the have a history in providing medical equipment, given its Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is at the centre appropriate name. However, the contract was again of many of these dodgy, questionable deals. I expect we awarded without tender. What is more, even after the will hear the same old lines trotted out: “We were in a Prime Minister insisted in the main Chamber that all crisis and we needed things delivered quickly. The covid contracts were on the record, no details of that Government will do whatever it takes. The Government one were revealed until after the Good Law Project have nothing to hide,” and so on. We all know that we wrote to the Government about it. They were nine were in the middle of a crisis. We were there, too, and no months late in providing those details. one would ever say that we did not need to respond A contract for nearly half a billion pounds was given quickly to plug the gaps left by the Government’s woeful to Randox with no tendering process. In fact, the right underfunding of the NHS and social care sector, but hon. Member for North Shropshire, who was paid the public have a right to question the validity of giving £100,000 a year by Randox, was party to a call to the hundreds of millions of pounds of public money to Health Minister in the other place, Lord Bethell, when shipping companies with no ships, PPE manufacturers the contract was extended. That extension came after who do not make anything, and a pub landlord who 750,000 tests had to be recalled because they were not happens to know the Health and Social Care Secretary. sterile. People deserve to know whether they have got value for There was also a contract with a jeweller. One part of money. They need to know whether we can recoup the reported £250 million-worth of contracts is most some of the money we have spent on useless PPE. interesting—namely, the £70.5 million contract to buy These are serious matters that just cannot be brushed sterile gowns, almost all of which could not be used aside by the Minister. She needs to ask herself some because the contract did not request the double packaging very serious questions before parroting the lines given used in sterile settings. The jeweller, Michael Saiger, to her by her boss. Is she happy with the way in which based in Florida, used a middleman to arrange logistics, the Government have spent the money of her constituents and he earned over $16 million from the deal. Again, in Hornchurch and Upminster? Are they happy with it? the contract was published unlawfully late. Emergency demands urgency, but emergency is not an A £425 million contract was handed to Edenred to excuse for cronyism. supply free school meals, again without a tendering process. This is a company that the National Audit Office 6.23 pm said showed “limited evidence” of its capacity to deliver Adam Holloway (Gravesham) (Con): It is a pleasure meals to children in need. In fact, the families who to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Fovargue. waited nearly a week to receive vouchers would probably I congratulate the hon. Member for Gower (Tonia say that there was absolutely no evidence that it could Antoniazzi) on securing this important debate. I wish to deliver meals. make a declaration that family members, friends and Sticking with school meals, will the Minister confirm constituents are employed by or have an interest in whether any due diligence was carried out before a companies that carry out work for Government contracts. contract was signed with Chartwells to provide those On this occasion, I wish to speak about my constituent meals? A quick search might have raised some questions Samir Jassal, who is also a local councillor in Gravesham. even before a food parcel of a few pieces of fruit, a tin The hon. Lady referred to the company, whose name I of beans, two carrots, a malt loaf, a block of cheese and cannot remember—pharma something—but there is an a loaf of bread were delivered. I know it is difficult for absurd narrative that he got more than £100 million-worth some people to imagine having to survive on such of business because of links to the Conservative party. I meagre rations, but when some are able to secure contracts know him quite well, and it is utterly preposterous to and cushy jobs, I cannot imagine they will want for saythat because he stood twice in unwinnable parliamentary much at all. seats,because he twice managed to get himself a photograph The head of Test and Trace for the UK, with David Cameron, because he twice managed to get Baroness Harding, a chum of David Cameron, has himself a picture with Boris, because he once gave overseen much of the maligned scheme, which has so four thousand quid to the Gravesham Conservative 241WH Government Contracts: Covid-1921 JUNE 2021 Government Contracts: Covid-19 242WH

Association, and because he is the councillor for Westcourt urgent action now to ramp up transparency rapidly and ward, that somehow buys him calls from the Health stop the huge waste to the public purse. They must publish Secretary, whose honour is also impugned in this. The the outstanding contracts and the companies in the VIP idea that the Health Secretary rang him up because he fast lane now. It is not good enough that people are able had given four thousand quid and had a few photographs to write to a Minister in the House of Lords they happen taken, with an, “Oi, mate—want to make a few hundred to know in order to fast-track their company for a contract. grand next week on PPE?” is utterly preposterous. The emergency procurement powers should be wound According to Trump, the CIA was scouring China down immediately, and money should be clawed back at a time when this equipment was in globally short on contracts that have not delivered. If there is money supply. There was global competition for this stuff. We to be clawed back, given that there appears to be all remember the hospitals and care homes in our largesse in Government, who are spraying money around constituencies screaming for this stuff. I remember getting on some of those contracts, instead of hiding the available a video from one of my friends, who is a nurse in the money, why not make it available for staff who do not local hospital, showing a store cupboard and the sell-by get sick pay and therefore cannot self-isolate, thereby dates of some of the PPE in there, which was a couple spreading the virus? That would be a very good use of of years old—it did not actually matter, apparently. that money. There was this awful tension. It was a ghastly situation. Recently, explosive emails were revealed about Public This was a national emergency and a time of huge First, which had a strong connection with Mr Cummings global competition for the very same boxes of equipment and another member of staff from No. 10 Downing sitting in Chinese warehouses or waiting to come off Street called Lee Cain. It appeared to be getting work to their production lines. do focus groups. To the mind of my constituents, that is If we had just relied on the state sector or our existing an utter waste of money at a crucial time when we suppliers, that equipment would have been shipped should focus resources on our NHS. The High Court elsewhere in the world. Entrepreneurs such as Samir ruled that the Health Secretary acted unlawfully on Jassal and the civil servants who worked with them are transparency and publishing contracts on time. Those actually heroes, and the BBC, some hon. Members and are damning revelations. I wonder whether the Minister the so-called Good Law Project should have the humility will tell us what the medical regulator has said about the to accept that. Health Secretary’s pub landlord, who won a lucrative contract after a WhatsApp message exchange but appeared 6.26 pm to lack the relevant experience. Catherine West (Hornsey and Wood Green) (Lab) We need to do things differently. In the next minute I [V]: It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, will conclude my remarks with what I think needs to be Ms Fovargue, in this important debate, brought to us by done. First, we need to re-examine whether the instinct my hon. Friend the Member for Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi) to immediately contract out is, in fact, the best way to from the Petitions Committee. run public services. Surely we should have a properly Our constituents expect two things from Government funded health service to directly provide public services procurement: first, for the Government to be careful for our health service. Secondly, are our freedom of with public funds; and secondly,for Ministers to undertake information requirements and practices sufficient to their duties honestly and with integrity. Sadly, those two cope with the requirements on them? Are the private requirements appear to be severely lacking in our current companies that are successfully awarded contracts subject arrangements. The Government’sapproach to contracting to freedom of information requests? I do not believe has been marred by waste, cronyism and a deep disrespect that they are. We, as MPs, want to know the information. for our NHS heroes. They spent more than £22 billion—I We want to know whether the money is being spend in a believe my hon. Friend said it is £37 billion—on the transparent way. Test and Trace system, which appears to make only a As a Parliament we need to demand that the Government marginal difference, but only £3.50 a week extra on our make the UK a world leader in transparency again, nurses.They spent £7,000 a day on management consultants which we used to be,by introducing a genuinely independent while withholding a much-needed pay increase for our anti-corruption commissioner, which the hon. Member NHS heroes. The values are all wrong. for Gower mentioned. An independent anti-corruption The Government approach has lacked transparency Minister should not be married to an individual who is from the start and, as the High Court ruled, they acted in charge of an operational contract. That does not unlawfully on transparency and publishing contracts in look right; it does not appear to be transparent, and a timely manner. The Prime Minister brushed off that that must be changed as soon as possible, regardless of suggestion, saying that the Government had published who the individuals are. It is simply inappropriate for a a few PPE contracts a fortnight late. Many contracts spouse to purvey the corrupt or not corrupt practices of were not for personal protective equipment, but for a Government. management consultants and other services, and many Finally, we need to establish an integrity and ethics remain unpublished. Some were published as late as commission that will cover a number of different 97 days after the recommended deadline. Government functions ranging from the Electoral The Prime Minister also said that the outstanding Commission. I believe from reading the papers over the contracts were weekend that the Prime Minister wants to water down “there on the record for everybody to see.”—[Official Report, any provision to punish MPs who may be doing the 22 February 2021; Vol. 689, c. 638.] wrong thing. That goes against what our constituents But it recently emerged in a court order that 100 contracts actually want. An integrity and ethics commission could were still waiting to be published, one of which dated as lay out the Nolan principles, which appear to be being far back as March 2020. The Government must take ignored, with individual MPs, Ministers or companies 243WH Government Contracts: Covid-1921 JUNE 2021 Government Contracts: Covid-19 244WH

[Catherine West] The National Audit Office investigation into Government procurement also found specific examples of insufficient taking our contracts. We must have the highest standards documentation being produced on key decisions or on in public service and public life. I thank you, Ms Fovargue, how risks, such as perceived or actual conflicts of interest, the Petitions Committee and every single petitioner were identified or managed. In addition, several contracts who is watching this debate, for bringing this issue to were awarded retrospectively or have not been published our attention. in a timely manner. The lack of adequate documentation meant that the National Audit Office was unable to give 6.33 pm assurances that the Government had adequately mitigated the increased risks arising from emergency procurement Kate Osborne (Jarrow) (Lab): It is a pleasure to serve or applied appropriate commercial practices in all cases. with you in the Chair, Ms Fovargue. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi) for There is no doubt that that has severely diminished leading this debate and, of course, everyone who took public transparency and public confidence. We can see the time to sign the petition. The Government’s approach the public feelings from the number of people who have to procurement during the pandemic has been marred signed the petition. Does the Minister agree that the use by rampant cronyism and huge wasting of taxpayers’ of emergency procurement powers needs to be wound money. They have shown a consistent track record of down, and that all contracts awarded using such powers handing out contracts to their mates and even breaking must be published, with an assumption against redactions the law along the way. Although it was apparent that and in favour of uploading all contract documents? Let the Government had to procure large volumes of goods us be clear: none of this has happened in isolation. It is and services quickly to meet demand, that is no excuse a case of the wealthy elite being given priority, to for the serious levels of cronyism and corruption that become wealthier from the pandemic. That is wrong on are now becoming apparent. so many levels. The National Audit Office investigation into Government We know that an independent public inquiry will be procurement showed that the Government awarded held in spring 2022, with the exact scope of the review £18 billion of contracts, using emergency procurement yet to be determined. Does the Minister agree that the regulations, to buy goods, services and works to support Government’s approach to public procurement during their response to the pandemic. Some £10.5 billion was the covid-19 pandemic must be explicitly examined as awarded directly without any competition, and £6.7 billion part of the public inquiry into the handling of the was awarded directly to pre-approved suppliers, even crisis? As the 127,000-strong petition states, there must though they were not necessarily pre-approved for the be a public inquiry products that they were selling. Only £0.2 billion was “to ascertain whether contracts had been procured fairly and awarded using a competitive process. represent value for money for tax payers.” That approach to procurement naturally led to issues The public have a right to know if their money was spent of quality. The 50 million face masks bought in April wisely and properly, and they have a right to wider last year, for example, could not be used in the NHS scrutiny of the Government’s response to the pandemic. because they did not meet its specifications. More than £2 billion-worth of those contracts were awarded to 6.39 pm firms with links to the Tories, and Cabinet members personally intervened to help their associates win lucrative Neale Hanvey (Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath) (Alba): contracts. I want to talk not just about contracts that have been Just under two weeks ago, the High Court ruled that awarded, but about contracts that have not—particularly the Minister for the Cabinet Office broke the law by contracts to UK manufacturers and the UK diagnostics acting with “apparent bias” when a £560,000 contract sector. The Prime Minister repeatedly tells us he wants was awarded to Public First without the tender going to build back better, to level up, to invest in global out for competition. Public First was found by the High Britain and so on. However, with regard to lateral flow Court to be a company with close links to the Minister devices, the Government have signed an undisclosed for the Cabinet Office and former No. 10 aide Dominic contract, for an undisclosed sum of money, which I Cummings. have been trying to get to the bottom of for some time, In February of this year, the Government’s legal for Innova lateral flow test devices. department stated that the cost of defending that case Back in November 2020, I was passed a copy of the reached £600,000. That was more than the original test’s data sheet, of the type that comes with any medical contract was worth in the first place. It is shocking that device or product. It clearly states that these tests are the Government used taxpayers’ money to cover up their unsuitable for asymptomatic subjects. In other words, own lawbreaking, while frontline workers were not we would be using them for a purpose for which they adequately protected with the high-quality PPE that they are neither designed nor licensed. I raised this with the needed, our NHS staff could not be afforded a decent deputy chief medical officer in a briefing on 17 November pay rise, and the Government are managing to invest 2020, and I was assured that they had gone through only 20p per child per day in their so-called catch-up validation. I was also promised a copy of the information plan. that supported that validation, but it never arrived. I hope that the Minister will tell us the total amount Later that month, in front of the Select Committee, I of taxpayers’money that has been spent by this Government asked the Secretary of State about his media appearances to cover up the fact that they acted unlawfully in in the weekend prior to that where he announced the awarding that contract to Public First. Will she tell us use of lateral flow devices as being almost 100%— what the Government are doing to recover the taxpayers’ “99.6%”—accurate. I asked him about that because money that was handed out to Public First? there were growing bodies of evidence and opinions in 245WH Government Contracts: Covid-1921 JUNE 2021 Government Contracts: Covid-19 246WH

The British Medical Journal—not some rag that was truly want to level up the country and expand global subject to speculation—that these tests were unsuitable Britain, how can it be that Chinese providers of tests for the purposes for which they were about to be employed. that the FDA says are deadly are continuing to be I was seriously concerned because there was a possibility offered contracts, while UK providers are going empty- that not only would a false positive be incorrect, but a handed? There are a series of serious questions that false negative would be incorrect. In-field data suggested need to be answered, and they need to be answered by that this could be as low as 50%. In other words, the test the Government soon. result was effectively the flip of a coin. It was no more Why have the public been led to believe that the tests or no less certain than that. are reliable, when there have been serious doubts about Over time, I have continued to explore this and have their usefulness since at least November 2020? Why are tried to hold the Secretary of State to account on this the tests repackaged in the NHS branding, and what are matter. I would reflect on one comment that was made the legal implications? Is the NHS taking ownership in The BMJ at that time, which was that the Government’s as the manufacturer? Why has the UK continued for a approach to covid testing was an further two months to use tests that are deemed dangerous “unevaluated, under designed and costly mess”. by the FDA? Why has there been an extension to the The Secretary of State’s response to that was that his exceptional usage agreement, when we know they are deadly? It is absolutely crazy.Why are UK manufacturers “assessment of that description is that it is wrong.” of perfectly useful tests being sidelined for worthless Fast forward to June this year, and the Food and tests? Drug Administration of the United States—again, not I would also like to know when the contracts for the some fly-by-night outfit—said that the covid test kits tests were signed. Were they signed before the Government used in Britain fall under knew that they were not licensed for the purpose for “Class 1: A situation in which there is a reasonable probability which they were going to be used? Who was the Minister that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause who authorised that? These are very serious questions, serious adverse health consequences or death.” and I would underline a point that was made by an earlier The example I used with my staff to try and explain to speaker: an anti-corruption tsar needs to be appointed. them why I was so interested in this was quite simple. Someone needs to come in and have a very hard look at Using these tests as a gatekeeper for someone who then the Government’s action on contracting throughout has a false negative to be allowed into a care home to visit this pandemic—not just at what has been awarded, but a relative, allows that person, who may be asymptomatic at what has not been awarded. and whose viral shedding it would be difficult to know about, to be among the most vulnerable people. 6.48 pm Accompanying that decision was footage, shown on Deidre Brock (Edinburgh North and Leith) (SNP): It the BBC, of a relative hugging and kissing their elderly is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms Fovargue. parent in the day room of a care home full of other I thank the petitioners for signing this very important vulnerable people. I know the Government have tried to petition, which has led to this extremely important be as optimistic as possible throughout this pandemic, debate. and in some respects I congratulate them on that, because it is important to lift the mood of the population I will begin by mentioning a few of the Members who at a difficult time. However, it is simply unacceptable to have spoken so far, particularly the hon. Member for say that something provides reassurance when that is Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi). I commend her for a truly simply not the case. shocking start—shocking, in that she laid out for us a litany of what was, at very best, an overly relaxed approach I could go on to give various other examples, but this from the UK Government to normal procurement was no surprise to the Secretary of State or the chief processes. On behalf of the public, she asked where the medical officer. These points were raised repeatedly in money has gone, which is really key to the debate. She the Select Committee. I raised them directly with the also asked whether the anti-corruption champion of chief medical officer. I asked about the concerns, and he the UK Government will take up this issue, but perhaps admitted that he was an expert in the use of lateral flow not. Perhaps it will be the Chancellor of the Duchy of devices, but—this relates back to the point that I have Lancaster, but perhaps not. Perhaps it will be the Health just made—he also said: Secretary or the Prime Minister. Trust in these politicians, “If what they are used for is to reduce risk, lateral flow tests I am afraid, is severely lacking. I loved the line that the have a very substantial benefit. If, on the other hand, they are hon. Member for Gower finished with: “Urgency is not used to increase risk, so that people start doing in a very risky way an excuse for cronyism,” which is a statement I heartily things they otherwise would not have done”— endorse. such as going to a care home to visit a relative— I note the contribution from the hon. Member for “it becomes a lot more complicated.” Gravesham (Adam Holloway). I gently say to him that In other words, the tests become quite deadly. national emergency does not disqualify the Government I could give lots of examples, but I have hit as many from proper examination of what look to the public like of the targets as I really want to. However, there are questionable decisions over very large amounts of public serious issues here, because there are UK providers that money. have been touted—not by the markets, but by Lord Bethell The hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green himself—as being in line for contracts and that are now, (Catherine West) asked some excellent questions, in again, waiting for those contracts to be honoured. The particular about the accountability of some of the Minister has announced today that those contracts private businesses that the Government have so will now be given to another Chinese provider, Orient hastily entered into contracts with. She mentioned Gene. There is something wrong. If the Government the inappropriate connections between key players, as 247WH Government Contracts: Covid-1921 JUNE 2021 Government Contracts: Covid-19 248WH

[Deidre Brock] what they already had, while contracts were being handed out to all and sundry, including chocolate makers and did the hon. Member for Gower, and called for an companies that never existed before securing a contract. integrity and accountability executive, in particular in We heard of the VIP line for people recommended by light of the UK Government’s apparent intention to Ministers. We read the stories of WhatsApp messages have prosecution powers removed from the Electoral with pub landlords. We heard about equipment arriving Commission. that was not fit for use, and we heard plenty about Everyone recognises that governing in a pandemic is shortages causing problems. not the same as governing in calmer times. In such times, We do not need ministerial excuses. We do not need decisions need to be made that are well out of the lame explanations or finger-pointing. We just need to ordinary.No one would argue that a normal procurement know what went on and whether it was all above board, process would be appropriate or timely enough. Perhaps and we need an independent and unbiased review of it. a case could be made that stocks of disposable items That is why the Government should agree to this very should have been higher or contracts should have been specific inquiry, so that we can see what went on. in place to secure additional stocks at short notice and Furthermore, the Government should be opening up at standard cost—those are likely to be issues that the the filing cabinets. Let us see the Cabinet minutes on inquiries after the pandemic will look at and make covid and how decisions were made about securing recommendations on—but we can still look at what adequate supplies of PPE, sanitiser, ventilators, drugs, happened, how the emergency aspects were handled and beds for the pop-up hospitals and so on. Let us see the where the money went, because it is important. We memos and the notes of phone calls made, the emails should also be certain that the awarding of contracts sent and the directions given to civil servants. Let us see was fair. all of that and compare it with what Ministers were told The terms of this petition are important, the action was needed and with what needed to be done to keep that the petitioners ask of us is equally important, and people safe and alive. the responsibility of any elected politician to answer A disgruntled former employee has recently been properly to the electorate is paramount. My own queries dribbling out selected bits of conversations with the of the Government have been less than enlightening. Prime Minister and other little snippets. I am sure that Back in early September last year, I asked the Leader of reporters have enjoyed covering that, but it is no way to the House for a debate in Government time on contracts do things. The bitter revenge of a man who proved awarded without tendering. I received no such commitment inadequate does no one any good, so the Government —perhaps you are not surprised to learn that, should just do us all a favour: a commitment now to an Ms McDonagh—but I did receive an assurance that did inquiry into the covid contracts would be good. It not reassure me: that it was through our “free press” should be a full inquiry by an outside source. The and an “outspoken House of Commons” that we had Government can make that a judge or an ex-judge, if “such an honest and un-corrupt country”.—[Official Report, they want—Lady Hale may well be available. Give her a 3 September 2020; Vol. 679, c. 317.] wide remit and a support team of experts. Ask her to In March this year, I asked how much was paid out report as early as she can. Give her full access to all under the contracts in advance of delivery, how much documentation and all the resources that she needs to had been clawed back for services or products not do the job. delivered and how much the Government were still to When this pandemic passes, it will be important that pursue in repayments. The Minister replying said that people can have confidence in their Government again. the Government were Scotland will be independent soon and it will not matter “undertaking a stocktake and an audit.”—[Official Report, 9 March so much to us, but for the people of England it will 2021; Vol. 690, c. 670.] matter a great deal. For once, this Government can do I will be pleased if the Minister updates us on the the right thing. progress of that stocktake and audit. Back in April, however, a written question of mine 6.56 pm asked how many contracts were issued without tendering, what the total value of those contracts was, how many Fleur Anderson (Putney) (Lab): It is a pleasure to of those contracts required advance payments and how serve under your chairship, Ms Fovargue. many times the supplier failed to fulfil the contract. I I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Gower was told that 1,151 contracts,worth an estimated £19 billion, (Tonia Antoniazzi) for leading this debate on behalf of were published by 1 April, the majority of which were the Petitions Committee. Above all, I am thankful to all let using a direct award. I was told that a number—an the people who signed the petition and to those who unspecified number, but a number—of PPE contracts created it, because it means that, whether it is welcome had advance payments, but that, since different teams or not, we must have this debate in the House, albeit on within one Department handled different contracts, the a Monday evening and in a small room. It should be information about performance and reclaiming money happening on the Floor of the House of Commons, but already laid out was not available and could be gathered the Government do not seem too keen to have it there, only at disproportionate cost. It is interesting to see so we are having it here instead. Nevertheless, I thank how costs become disproportionate sometimes, isn’t it? all those who took the time to sign the petition, because I also got a “disproportionate cost” answer when I this debate is not going away. asked for the diary of the executive chair of Test and As my hon. Friend said, over 125,000 people have Trace. Perhaps that diary uses a very complicated system. signed this e-petition, which shows the strength of feeling We have all seen the documentary reportage, in which across the country about this issue. And those people suppliers of PPE and other equipment spoke about signed it last year; if the petition had stayed open, we being unable to get through to the Government to offer would have had a lot more signatures. That is because 249WH Government Contracts: Covid-1921 JUNE 2021 Government Contracts: Covid-19 250WH this situation did not stop when people were signing the should be better than normal, with higher standards than petition; it has carried on and is carrying or now. There normal and more reliable than normal, not with more are questions to be answered. questions and more concerning, “given out to my mates” Quite rightly, the British public do not like a cover-up. contracting. However, even the first response to this petition by the The questions that I, many colleagues here and the Government had to be sent back by the Petitions Committee public need answers to today are these. How did the —I thank the Committee for that—as the Government urgent scramble to procure resources we needed to get tried to dodge the question and did not really answer it. us through the pandemic descend into corruption, waste, They had to resend in their homework; eventually, it cronyism and secrecy? Why is this emergency contracting was a bit better, but it is still not good enough. still going on? What has changed? Is anything better? It Labour has been calling for months for this independent did not have to be this way; it should not have to be this public inquiry into the Government’s handling of the way; and it cannot be this way when the next pandemic covid pandemic, and the Government’s contracts must hits. form a part of such an inquiry. That is what the public In the past 12 months, the Government have ordered are asking for in this petition, and that is what we need £280 million of masks that did not meet the required to see. My hon. Friend eloquently outlined all the many standards. They have spent over £100 million on gowns different contracts about which there are questions to without carrying out technical checks, and they could answer: contracts for PPE, contracts for free school not be used. These were purchased by PestFix, a company meals and contracts for other things. We need to have that specialises in pest control products and that, by an inquiry into all of them. the Government’s own admission, was dormant in 2018 before being referred by the VIP channel. As the My hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Good Law Project uncovered last month, officials at the Green (Catherine West) was right to say that the public Department of Health and Social Care were aware that want the Government to be careful with money, they PestFix’s agent may have been bribing officials in China. want to know how that money is being spent and they Most concerning of all, the Government have awarded want to see the details published. There are key questions almost £2 billion in covid contracts to friends and about Government appointments and standards of ethics donors of the Conservative party. that we want answered. I am sure these questions would be key recommendations of any inquiry. The hon. Member for Gravesham (Adam Holloway) raised those points, and he said that there is nothing to My hon. Friend the Member for Jarrow (Kate Osborne) see here, but I think he made a good argument for an rightly went through the shocking costs of some of the inquiry. contracts. They are not shocking in terms of their costs; this money needed to be spent urgently, to save lives. Adam Holloway: I have no objection at all to an However,there was potential waste behind those contracts. inquiry. I was just trying to point out how absolutely There are also concerns that public confidence has been preposterous it is that one of the key pillars of this eroded because of the way that the contracting was whole argument that there has somehow been corruption carried out. is that a bloke in Gravesend gives four grand to the Tory It is important to have an inquiry, because there are party, as well as the other things I listed, and suddenly clearly questions to be answered, and lessons need to be has the Government giving multi-million-pound contracts. learned rapidly. To be honest, I am concerned about leaving all those questions to the public inquiry. The Fleur Anderson: I say in response to the hon. Member questions about the contracting that is happening now that there is too much here to be answered. It is not just need to be answered now. So a rapid-fire inquiry, which the odd small company here and there; there has been a would also be part of the public inquiry, would be the real pattern of corruption. best response to the questions being asked. This is so important. Today could have been the day Adam Holloway: But this is one of the main planks, that has been termed “freedom day”. Who knows? With and it just does not stack up. Do you really think a correct track and trace contract, properly administered Matt Hancock is going to give a £103 million contract so that we could have confidence in it, we might not to somebody because they were once a parliamentary have had to rely only on the vaccine roll-out, which is candidate and they edged in in a picture with Boris? It is impressive. Good test and trace could even have enabled absurd, and it is one of your main planks. us to have completed the opening-up today. That is how Yvonne Fovargue (in the Chair): Order. I remind hon. important this issue is. Members to refer to other hon. Members not as “you”, The Government’s reply to the petition referred to but by constituency. the Boardman review, but that is not an independent and unbiased review, and just adds to the lack of Fleur Anderson: The hon. Member has made my case transparency.It looks more and more as if the Conservatives for me. If there is nothing to see here, let us have an are set on glossing over the cronyism in their ranks so inquiry. Members of the public have signed this petition that they can carry on as if nothing has happened. The in their thousands because they do not have confidence Government have promised a covid inquiry “at the in these contracts, and they want there to be an inquiry. appropriate time”, but the appropriate time to look into If everything is above board and all was fine, we will these contracts is now. The next pandemic could arrive find that out through the inquiry, but it is public concern tomorrow: it is an ever-present threat, and the next one that has brought us here today. There are questions to could be bigger and more deadly than covid. The be answered, there is a pattern of cronyism that the Government cannot kick this inquiry down the road, public are seeing, and that is why an inquiry would be because a moment of crisis is when our contracting the right response. 251WH Government Contracts: Covid-1921 JUNE 2021 Government Contracts: Covid-19 252WH

[Fleur Anderson] does not wash anymore, which is why the public wanted this debate. The months preceding the first lockdown It is not good enough for Ministers to say, “We are a sorry tale of complacency and missed opportunities, needed these items urgently back in March”—no question leading to the scramble for PPE. There should never there—“so stop complaining about how we did it.” Of have been a shortage in the first place. course we needed them. Of course systems had to be We need an inquiry to answer questions about what used to get our NHS staff all the safety equipment they happened and to make strong recommendations about needed then and there, but all checks and balances did what to put in place in the future. It should assess the not need to go out of the window. Ministers should still performance of companies that went through the emergency check their family connections, and they should still contracting procedures, such as Ayanda, Randox and register interests. The best companies should not be PestFix, which other Members mentioned. It should overlooked in favour of Tory party donors.These emergency speak to the companies affected and to the CEO of the systems should not still be in place so long after they UK Fashion and Textile Association, which represents were needed. 2,500 companies and first engaged with the Government Last year, 126,000 people signed this petition, and yet on 18 March 2020. He said that the domestic procurement we are still uncovering more issues like those they were operation had been slow to grind into gear and failed to concerned about. They are right to feel ignored, and a tap into industry expertise. Companies waiting to deliver public inquiry would listen to their concerns. Only a few the much-needed PPE were overlooked. weeks ago, it emerged that the Home Secretary lobbied An inquiry must look into why the Government the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on behalf of sidelined companies such as Arco, which had extensive a healthcare firm trying to get a Government contract. experience of providing health-grade PPE prior to the She wrote to him expressing disappointment that the pandemic. It provided PPE during Ebola, swine flu, Government had not bought face masks from a company avian flu and foot and mouth, but it secured only that had links to someone she knew. That glaring and £14 million-worth of contracts over the past year during flagrant breach of the ministerial code needs to be the pandemic. It could have fulfilled far more, and it is investigated. at a loss as to why it did not get into the VIP lane. Then, of course, there are the hundreds of millions of It will no doubt be argued in a moment that the VIP pounds handed to Serco to run the national Test and lane was a perfectly reasonable, rational solution to the Trace system. Some £37 billion was earmarked, and it is mass of offers to supply equipment at the start of the reported that £277 million has been signed by now. Why pandemic. However, the opposite was true. We have is there the discrepancy here? What were those contracts seen evidence presented in recent High Court hearings for? Where did they go to? Will we get money back for showing emails in which civil servants raised the alarm the contracts that were not delivered? that they were drowning in VIP requests from political The Local Government Association found last year connections that did not have the correct certification that local contact tracing systems have a 97.1% success or did not pass due diligence. For us as outsiders, it does rate at finding close contacts and advising them to not seem that the VIP lane worked. It should not be self-isolate. That is considerably better than a centralised used in any future emergency contracting and should system, so although rushing to go to the private sector not be used in a future crisis, but an inquiry would tell would in many cases have been the right thing to do, us more and give us those recommendations. was it always the right thing to do? Incidentally, only last week, Serco upgraded its profit forecast by £15 million As the Good Law Project puts it: thanks to its Test and Trace work. “This is the cost of cronyism—good administration suffers, efficient buying of PPE suffers.” It is not just Opposition MPs making these points. Transparency International has identified 73 contracts I, Members here, the British public and the petitioners worth more than £3.7 billion—equivalent to 20% of the want answers from the Minister on four key questions. covid-19 contracts signed between February and November Will there be a rapid-fire inquiry and will the covid 2020—that raised one or more flags for possible corruption. contracts be part of the major covid inquiry? Secondly, It concluded that there was a systematic bias towards what is her Department doing to claw back the cash those with connections to the party of Government in from companies that provided the Government with Westminster. It found that 72% of the covid-related millions of items of unsafe, unusable PPE at a time of contracts awarded in the sample period unprecedented national crisis? What options do the “were reported after the 30 day legal deadline, £7.4 billion of Government have in the contracts—we cannot see them—in which was reported over 100 days after the contract award.” terms of clawback? It is important that we know. In comparison, it took the Ukrainian Government on Thirdly, will the Government finally, as the Opposition average less than a day to publish information on 103,000 have been demanding for months, deliver full transparency covid-19 contracts after they were awarded during the on the VIP lane, including publishing the names of the same period. companies awarded the contracts via the channel and On that point, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who made referrals to it? Were there any conflicts of at least owes us a statement to Parliament setting out interest to be identified and addressed? It is important where the UK has not complied with its legal transparency to know, otherwise the information will just keep dripping obligations, how they are being rectified and how these out bit by bit and we will find out partially what is going issues will be prevented in the future. When the Minister on. If there is nothing to see here, open up the light and comes to respond, she will no doubt tell us that the let us know. Government and markets faced unprecedented global Finally, will the Minister commit her Department demand for PPE, and that in a short space of time the to auditing in detail all the contracts that have raised Government procured billions of items of PPE. That just red flags and to publishing the outcomes of the audit? 253WH Government Contracts: Covid-1921 JUNE 2021 Government Contracts: Covid-19 254WH

Given that her Department is formally responsible for have not personally investigated those, but, as I described improving transparency and ensuring better procurement at that time, from conversations with officials, the across Government, we expect the Cabinet Office to Government had to work at pace in a very competitive take responsibility for what happened, to learn the international market to secure unprecedented volumes lessons so that this never happens again, and to ensure of essential supplies in order to protect frontline workers. that, if there is a future crisis, we have the best contracting That required a colossal upscaling effort. facilities for the best companies to deliver what we need Some 450 people from across Government were moved immediately. That is what the British public want to into the Department of Health and Social Care to know. become a stand-up virtual team to assist with securing PPE. That team is normally only 21 people strong. In 7.11 pm many ways, this was a really impressive feat, with a hell of a lot of people who did not know each other working The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Julia remotely on a range of different IT systems. Weall assume Lopez): It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, that the Government are one entity, but Departments Ms Fovargue. I thank all hon. Members who have taken work in very different ways, often with different IT part in this evening’s e-petition debate for their valuable systems. It can be difficult to move people around the contributions. I also thank the petitioners for initiating system and to make those systems compatible with each it. The public are absolutely right to demand that we other. They were dealing with a product they were not spend money with care when we procure vital goods, familiar with in a very highly pressured market. That services and works; I agree with the hon. Member for led to lags in contract publication, as paperwork has Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi) and others on that. I have been very tricky to join up across systems. That issue always set out to be open about the challenges that the was raised by the hon. Member for Edinburgh North Government had to navigate at the height of the pandemic and Leith (Deidre Brock). in procuring goods and services in the most urgent of situations. We were required to move at great speed and Facing exceptional levels of global demand, the usual in an incredibly complex operating environment. vendors in China who service the NHS’s central procurement function very quickly ran out of supply, I was on maternity leave in the first half of 2020 as and the world descended on a few factories in that covid took hold, so I began my ministerial role only this country to bid for available items. In that market context, time last year. My time in office in relation to procurement, the Government needed to procure with extreme urgency, therefore, has been spent not only going back to understand often through direct award of contracts, or risk missing what happened during the early stages of the pandemic, out on vital supplies. I pay tribute to officials for what particularly in relation to PPE, but on how we can improve they achieved, because it was quite remarkable in the our future response to urgent challenges. I want to assure circumstances. The Government never ripped up hon. Members that a huge amount of work is either procurement rules. Regulation 32(2)(c) of the Public under way or already completed, which should reassure Contracts Regulations 2015, which predates the pandemic, members of the public who would like an inquiry. I explicitly allows for emergency procedures, including agree with the hon. Member for Putney (Fleur Anderson) direct award. In a situation of genuine crisis and extreme that we do not want to wait to learn lessons. urgency where offers had to be accepted or rejected in a The work includes an external, independent and unbiased matter of hours or days, it simply was not viable to run review by the National Audit Office, two internal the usual procurement timescales, even by taking advantage Cabinet Office reviews that have now been published, of accelerated processes. the commitment to a public inquiry into covid that There was concern about the level of PPE that might starts next spring, and—of particular interest—a new be required to deal with covid. The Prime Minister put procurement Bill that my ministerial colleague Lord out a call to action, as many Members will recall. With Agnew and I are drafting, which will provide commercial huge commitment and energy, the British public and teams with many more extensive options in a crisis business responded. But that also meant that, in very between direct award, which raises understandable short order, commercial teams were dealing with more transparency concerns, and full-fat procurement, which than 15,000 offers of help. Frankly, leads were coming takes far too long to turn around. The fastest turnaround in much faster than they could be processed. When they under the dynamic purchasing system is six to eight were rejected, or if they were delayed, people started weeks to contract award, and on an accelerated basis chasing through their MPs. To manage that influx of the very quickest possible process would be two weeks. offers, a separate mailbox was set up to handle this area But that would assume that all bid documentation was of work, and to sift credible offers. in place at the start, so it can be seen that in urgent The most important thing to note is that all PPE situations this presents a real challenge. offers, no matter from where they came, went through On that first aspect of my work, I stood in Westminster the same eight-stage checks. The PPE team compared Hall last year and shared a candid account of my prices to those obtained in the previous two weeks, to findings for the House, particularly in relation to the benchmark the competitiveness of those offers. Separate procurement of PPE, a subject raised this evening by approval and additional justification were required for the hon. Members for Gower, for Hornsey and Wood any offers that were not within 25% of an average Green (Catherine West) and for Jarrow (Kate Osborne). considered for possible approval. It is also important to Those matters have been scrutinised by this House in note that of the 493 offers that came through that many other forums. I will go over some of that context priority mailbox, I understand that only 47 were taken again because it is incredibly important to understand forward—in other words, 90% were rejected. My hon. the actual challenges that were faced. I am afraid I Friend the Member for Gravesham (Adam Holloway) cannot address all of the other items raised, particularly highlighted the absurdity of some of the claims of in relation to some of the education contracts, because I impropriety being made. 255WH Government Contracts: Covid-1921 JUNE 2021 Government Contracts: Covid-19 256WH

Adam Holloway: On Samir Jassal, the supposedly from the DHSC and an eye-watering £572m deal to provide important pillar of corruption, I remember running freight services for the supply of PPE. The company shares the into him and him telling me that he had offered some same address as Cabinet Minister Julia Lopez MP and is based in PPE, when we were screaming for it. I think he had her constituency.” spent over a month being triaged to see whether it was Does that not give you a sense that there might be suitable stuff. This is really preposterous. something in this? The whole issue around conflict of interest is not whether it is real, but whether a member Julia Lopez: It is interesting to know that. The hon. of the public might assume that there is a concern. Member for Gower mentioned the company Arco, and I appreciate her for raising that. It was raised by the MP Yvonne Fovargue (in the Chair): Order. I remind the for Arco’s constituency, the hon. Member for Kingston hon. Gentleman that interventions should be shorter upon Hull West and Hessle (Emma Hardy), in a and that “you” refers to the Chair. Westminster Hall debate to which I referred earlier. If the hon. Member for Gower and I swapped seats, I Julia Lopez: I appreciate the hon. Gentleman’s raising wonder whether I would be suggesting that it was that contract, because it has been a challenge to me as a improper to put that forward. People were in very Minister. As I said earlier, I began this role only in June difficult circumstances; if she had been told that there 2020. I had not been allocated a private office, and I had was a company that could support the national effort, not been given a portfolio. Then I found myself in a would she not have put it forward for review? We have procurement role, and questions are being asked about to ask ourselves that question. the company from which I rent a constituency office. As The focus on those early procurement challenges I say, I was not actually in post at the time that that was secured some tremendous successes under pressure. We being decided. The challenge is that questions have been have established one of the largest and most diversified raised that I cannot fully address, because I do not have vaccine portfolios in the world. Wehave ordered 32 billion all the information. I was not party to the contract, so it items of PPE and provided more than 15,000 ventilators is a considerable challenge. It is something that my hon. to the NHS. It is important that we do not obscure Friend the Member for Gravesham also raised. those achievements with some of the understandable Neale Hanvey: It is all about perception. concerns that have been raised about transparency. None of us wants to sit here answering questions about Julia Lopez: I appreciate the hon. Gentleman’s concern cronyism. The challenges I cited about the recording-keeping about perception, but it should actually be about fact. I across Departments are real ones that we are trying very am happy to address any concerns that he has. I find it hard to address. I understand why people ask questions; extremely challenging to have people raising questions I have asked many of them myself, and I have been about my integrity in this space, when I do not feel that reassured by the answers that I have received from I have done anything improper. I am happy to get back officials. to him on any questions that he might have, which I Deidre Brock: The Minister at the time did not answer have also tried to address in other forums. my questions about record-keeping between Departments We have made it clear that there are opportunities to and trying to establish costs that were being clawed come back, analyse the situation and conduct reviews. back from contracts that had not worked out. Is the Government procurement during the pandemic has already Minister suggesting that that is being worked on and been extensively looked into by the National Audit that we will be able to ask those questions in future and Office. The report recognises that the Government needed get some understanding of where the Government have to act with extreme urgency. The NAO found no pursued costs that have been inappropriately awarded irregularities and potential conflicts of interest involving to companies that have not come up with the goods? Ministers in the awarding of contracts. The report underlined the importance of transparency in the Julia Lopez: I believe there are cases where that is Government’s procurement activity. happening. I would have to go away and double-check, The Government take such matters extremely seriously, but I am happy to write to the hon. Lady. and we remain committed to continually improve our We have always made it clear that there would be processes. To that end, as I mentioned earlier, we have opportunities to look back and analyse, and to address had two independent expert reviews carried out by some of the shortcomings that I have listed on all Nigel Boardman. They were initially internal reviews, aspects of the pandemic. As hon. Members will know, but we have published them fully. In the first, he focused the Prime Minister has confirmed that an inquiry will on a small number of contracts in the Government be established on a statutory basis, with full formal Communication Service and made 28 recommendations, powers. That will begin work in spring 2021. As I said 24 of which have already been implemented. The remaining earlier, however, procurement during the pandemic has four will be met by the end of the calendar year. already been extensively reviewed, and Members will be I have been tracking progress on this issue, including familiar with the NAO report published in November, the publication of contracts, very closely. Better training which I spoke about previously. of contract managers and commercial and communications Neale Hanvey: I would like to ask for the Minister’s staff has begun and there is now a requirement, at the view on whether there is a perceived or actual impropriety point when a contract recommendation is made, that in the way some of the contracts have been handled. I senior civil servants, special advisers and Ministers declare will read you the information that has just come out any interest that is either real or apparent. In his second, from the Good Law Project: wider review, Mr Boardman has identified 28 further “Uniserve Limited is a logistics firm controlled by Iain Liddell. recommendations for improvements to procurement Prior to the pandemic, the firm had no experience in supplying processes across Government. Progress is under way to PPE, yet the firm landed a staggering £300m+ in PPE contracts begin the implementation of those, and a full update of 257WH Government Contracts: Covid-1921 JUNE 2021 Government Contracts: Covid-19 258WH progress will be provided to the Public Accounts Committee messages would have the greatest impact. We needed to by July 2021. We are very grateful to Mr Boardman for turn campaigns around in lightning-quick time, and his ongoing work. That review sits alongside a wider teams had to be surged to deal with the unprecedented programme of work to reform public procurement, demand for effective comms material. In dealing with which I am leading. such an unforeseen set of circumstances, few officials In December, the Cabinet Office published our Green knew which messages would be sufficiently hard hitting Paper on this issue, which sets out radical reform to our to influence and, most importantly, to change public procurement regulations that will drive much better value behaviour. for money for the taxpayer. The proposals, which have It was in that context that rapid decisions were made long been in development, address several areas highlighted on comms contracts, including the one that was challenged in the NAO report, especially mandatory transparency in court. That was for Public First, a research and requirements that would ensure that processes and decisions policy company.It was taken on, alongside BritainThinks, can be monitored by anybody who wishes to do so. The as one of two companies in the market deemed to have proposals aim to simplify complicated processes, reduce the scale, expertise and experience to provide focus-group bureaucracy and create a fair, open and competitive testing in March. They were both rapidly diverted from system. They will strengthen transparency through the existing work to take a snapshot of public reaction. commercial life cycle, from planning and procurement That allowed us in government to test things such as the to contract award, performance and completion. We contain strategy, the early “Stop The Spread” campaign also intend to clarify the rules on procuring in times of and the “Stay Home” message, which was deemed by extreme urgency or crisis, learning from the difficult the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green in experience of this pandemic. The Green Paper consultations earlier comments to be a waste of money. resulted in more than 600 responses, which are now A legal challenge was brought against that contract, being analysed in detail. on three grounds: urgent procurement without competition; It is already Government policy to adopt and encourage the proportionality of its award for six months; and greater transparency in commercial activity. Central inclusion of non-urgent work. We did not use money, as Government buyers must publish all qualifying tender was suggested by other hon. Members, to cover up, but documents and contracts with a contract value of more actually to find out what had happened, so that we than £10,000 on Contracts Finder, but we recognise and could respond to that legal challenge. The judgment regret, as I have expressed already, that there have been found in favour of the Government on two grounds: delays to publishing some contracts, as raised by the first, we were entitled to rely on the emergency procurement hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green. Teams regulations because of extreme urgency; and, secondly, continue to work on publishing all contracts as soon as the terms of the contract, including length, were possible. proportionate in the circumstances. The court ruled Since the High Court’s judgment in relation to the that the Government were entitled to award the contract DHSC’s failure to publish some contracts, it has made on grounds of extreme urgency, in response to an significant progress. It has now published all known unprecedented global pandemic. It recognised the very contract award notices and the contract documents for complex circumstances that we were operating in. It all historical covid-related contracts. As the permanent also recognised that a failure to provide effective comms secretary for the Cabinet Office confirmed to the Public would have put public health at risk. Accounts Committee earlier this month, all Cabinet On the one remaining ground of “apparent bias”, the Office contracts that related to the regulation 32 procedure judgment makes it clear that the decision to award the on direct awards have been published. contract was not due to any personal or professional The hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath connections, although consideration should have been (Neale Hanvey) raised very important points about the given to other research agencies, and the process followed onshoring of critical manufacturing capability. Project should have been more adequately demonstrated when Defend in the Department for International Trade has it came to the objective criteria used to select the done a lot of work in that area. Some of the testing supplier. The judgment none the less makes it clear that specifics I will need to take away and raise with my there was no suggestion of actual bias. ministerial colleagues. We have done a lot of work to address some of the I would like to address some of the points raised by procedural issues that were raised by this case and the hon. Member for Jarrow, who discussed the recent which I have mentioned, because I had my own concerns High Court judgment in relation to the public contract about it. Our implementation of the Boardman awarded by the Cabinet Office to Public First. I looked recommendations, which I have already discussed, has back in my role, to better understand the context in addressed several areas raised in the judgment. I agree which that was contracted, because I received some with the hon. Member for Jarrow about winding down early questions, when I was first in my ministerial role, the use of regulation 32 in comms, and I have done a lot that I personally wanted to investigate as well, and I of work in this area. think it might be helpful if I set out a little more of the Ms Fovargue, I apologise for the length at which I context. have responded to some of the issues raised. These are Back in March, there was no vaccine, no test and important issues and ones that I personally want to trace, and very little knowledge of how best to manage ensure that the Government are addressing proactively. this novel disease. Strong messaging of the kind that I am very keen that we also provide greater context for could alter behaviours was, at the outset of the pandemic, some of the criticisms and challenges brought. It is one of the few tools that we had in our arsenal in the absolutely fair that the public would have questions on battle against transmission. It followed that the Government this, and I want to try to address some of those. I am Communication Service needed rapidly to assess which very grateful for the valuable points raised by hon. 259WH Government Contracts: Covid-1921 JUNE 2021 Government Contracts: Covid-19 260WH

[Julia Lopez] in England. We know why that is: the Welsh Labour Government did not divvy up contracts with their mates; Members in the course of this debate, but I want to they gave them to local authorities and those with public assure people that the Government are taking decisive health expertise who were responsible for the test-and-trace action to improve transparency around procurement, system. What happened in Wales was transparent, and I alongside a full inquiry into the covid pandemic next am proud that a Welsh Labour Government delivered year. that. They did not have call handlers sitting around with nothing to do despite the contracts for them costing 7.29 pm hundreds of millions of pounds. Tonia Antoniazzi: I thank all my colleagues for their A failing track-and-trace system, unusable PPE, and contributions and the Minister for her response. The sheer the millions spent on communications will undoubtedly number of examples of deals that have been raised go come out in an inquiry. The SNP spokesperson, the some way to explaining the depth— Member for Edinburgh North and Leith (Deidre Brock) uttered one of my favourite phrases that the Government 7.30 pm use when they do not want us to find out the true scale of an issue: “the disproportionate cost”. What is Sitting suspended for a Division in the House. disproportionate is spending huge amounts of money on equipment that cannot be used. What is also 7.41 pm disproportionate are the deaths of 130,000 people who On resuming— have left behind loved ones and who will never see the answers that they truly deserve. Tonia Antoniazzi: I will take it from the top. I thank My hon. Friend the Member for Jarrow (Kate Osborne) all my colleagues for their contributions and the Minister raised an important question that the Minister should for her response. The sheer number of examples of have addressed: how much money have the Government deals that have been raised go some way to explaining spent on defending themselves in court on the unlawful the depth of the issues that worry many of my constituents decisions that have been made? How much, Minister? It and, obviously, the constituents of many colleagues. is important that we know. Transparency is important, The hon. Member for Gravesham (Adam Holloway) and we have not seen it with this Government. Nurses made a doughty defence of his constituent, who I am are offered very little in pay rises, but entrepreneurs who sure is very grateful for it. Unfortunately, if someone have made a lot of money are seen as heroes. That is not benefits from public contracts that are granted without right—it does not sit well with us—and many other a robust tendering process, and they have a photo people believe that, too. gallery containing pictures of the Prime Minister and former Prime Minister, they have to expect people to Adam Holloway: I absolutely think that nurses and examine their contract. everybody are heroes, but at a time of global emergency, entrepreneurs were heroes because the public sector and Adam Holloway: By that narrative, civil servants must the usual suppliers were not getting that equipment, but have been leant on by Ministers to give contracts to the entrepreneurs were. Samir Jassal. Does the hon. Lady think that those civil servants have also been caught up in this web of corruption, Tonia Antoniazzi: I believe that if we had planned for all for £4,000 and a few photographs? this better, we might not have had to been in this situation. Tonia Antoniazzi: The hon. Gentleman makes his I will finish with the fact that 128,000 people have lost point, and we might think to ourselves, yes, perhaps. their lives. This has been mishandled and there must be However, it happens once, twice, then three times—it is an inquiry. I send my love to all those who have lost not just the odd case. He talks about £4,000 not being a someone during covid-19. It has been a terrible and large sum of money compared with what he made. The horrific time. We need that transparency—it has got to Government have to be transparent and say, “Okay. be done—and we will continue to fight for the truth for We’ll take it on the chin. Let’s have an inquiry and look everyone. at it properly.” That is what the people who signed the petition want. Question put and agreed to. As predicted, we heard from the Minister a lot of Resolved, excuses that we were expecting about the emergency. We That this House has considered e-petition 328408, relating to know that it did not have to be that way, and I want to Government contracts during the covid-19 outbreak. shine a light on it. According to the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University, the costs of PPE and Test 7.46 pm and Trace in Wales were around half of that spent Sitting adjourned. 21WS Written Statements 21 JUNE 2021 Written Statements 22WS

Through this review we have determined that no Written Statements sector can be classified as completely free from military associations and that some, such as the extractive industries, Monday 21 June 2021 have a particularly high level of association. Sectors in which DIT has historically offered trade support do not fall into this category of high-level exposure. FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND Equally, we recognise that the complete withdrawal DEVELOPMENT OFFICE of all international businesses from Myanmar would deepen the collapse of the economy, risk increasing Myanmar regional instability, and above all negatively impact the most vulnerable in society. The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth The overseas business risk guidance, published today, and Development Affairs and First Secretary of State provides further clarity on issues raised by businesses (Dominic Raab): The UK condemns the coup in Myanmar throughout the trade review process, recognising the in the strongest possible terms and we continue to stand complex and unique challenges organisations face in with the people of Myanmar as they face increased these circumstances. In particular, we have made it clear levels of intimidation, violence, suppression, and arbitrary that UK businesses procuring natural resources from detention from the military regime. Myanmar must do enhanced due diligence on their supply chain. DIT and embassy staff in Yangon remain The UK has been at the forefront of the international available to assist UK businesses in remaining compliant response, most recently securing a statement on Myanmar with their obligations. in the G7 Leader’s communiqué on 13 June. We also secured a G7 commitment to prevent flow of arms to [HCWS106] Myanmar, a commitment which was echoed in the UN General Assembly resolution of 18 June. Today we are announcing further measures to target INTERNATIONAL TRADE the military and its financial interests. Sanctions Progress on Large Civil Aircraft Disputes The UK has worked in close collaboration with partners to implement effective and targeted sanctions. On 29 April we laid new Myanmar (Sanctions) Regulations 2021, to The Secretary of State for International Trade (Elizabeth give us broader powers to target the Myanmar military Truss): On Thursday 17 June I struck a historic deal and its business interests. with the US on the Airbus-Boeing disputes in a major Today, the UK is announcing its sixth tranche of win for both the aerospace sector and for industries sanctions since the coup and the second under our new such as Scotch whisky. regulations.New designations will target Myanmar Timber After talks with US Trade Representative Katherine Enterprise (MTE) and Myanmar Pearl Enterprise (MPE), Tai, both sides have agreed to suspend retaliatory tariffs two state-owned entities in Myanmar’s extractive sector, for five years and co-operate more closely on tackling which generate millions of pounds in revenue for the unfair trade practices by non-market economies. junta. We are also designating the State Administration These 17-year disputes, the longest-running in the Council (SAC), the junta’s governing body, to send a history of the World Trade Organisation, have seen clear message to the regime that we oppose the coup damaging retaliatory tariffs levied on products on both and associated human rights violations. sides of the Atlantic due to disagreements over support These designations build on the UK’s continued efforts for large civil aircraft. to target the military’s economic infrastructure and The disagreement has hit industries such as cashmere, revenue streams used to finance brutal human rights machinery and single malt Scotch whisky that employ violations and repression of the civilian population. On tens of thousands of people across the UK. The Scotch 17 May we announced the designation of Myanmar Whisky Association estimates the tariffs have cost the Gems Enterprise under our new regulations. We have also sector hundreds of millions of pounds in lost revenue. listed Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited and Myanmar The UK, which was involved as a member of the EU, Economic Corporation, two military conglomerates under took the decision to deescalate these disputes by unilaterally our Global Human Rights regime. suspending retaliatory tariffs on the US at the start of Trade review this year,which encouraged the US to agree to a four-month Since February we have conducted an extensive series suspension of tariffs while both sides negotiated a longer- of engagements with UK businesses and trade bodies term arrangement. conducting business within Myanmar,and have undertaken The UK and US will now work together to put the due diligence on the operations of the Department for agreement into practice and strengthen co-operation in International Trade (DIT) and our partners in the the large civil aircraft sector. country. This deal marks our joint intention for the UK and We will retain our suspension on trade promotion US to: and are reiterating that UK businesses should not enter Not impose countermeasures for five years. into relationships that benefit the military and must Establish a working group on large civil aircraft that is led remain compliant with the UK sanctions regime. Further, by the respective Minister responsible for trade. we expect British businesses to adhere to and work with Provide financing to a large civil aircraft producer for the suppliers who comply with standards of responsible production or development of large civil aircraft on market business conduct, including respecting human rights. terms. 23WS Written Statements 21 JUNE 2021 Written Statements 24WS

Provide research and development funding for large civil Agreement institutions were restored. Full implementation aircraft: through an open and transparent process; making of New Decade, New Approach remains important to the results widely available; and not providing research and the ongoing stability of those institutions. Recognising development funding, or other support, to producers of Northern Ireland’srich diversity of identities and languages, large civil aircraft in a way that would cause negative effects to the other side. it is essential that the balanced cultural package the Collaborate on tackling non-market practices of third parties agreed to is implemented in full. countries that may impact on their large civil aircraft industries. If the Executive have not progressed the legislation [HCWS104] for the identity, language and culture package in the New Decade, New Approach agreement by the end of September, the UK Government will take the legislation NORTHERN IRELAND through the UK Parliament. The New Decade, New Approach agreement was endorsed by the UK Parliament, Northern Ireland: New Decade, and we will introduce the legislation that delivers on New Approach Agreement these commitments in October 2021, if necessary. This will provide for the creation of an Office for Identity and Cultural Expression, an Ulster Scots Commissioner, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Brandon and an Irish language Commissioner. Lewis): The Government are committed to the delivery of the New Decade, New Approach agreement in full. [HCWS105] It was the basis upon which the Belfast (Good Friday) 3P Petitions 21 JUNE 2021 Petitions 4P

Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary Petition ofStateforDigital,Culture,MediaandSport(MattWarman):

Monday 21 June 2021 I regret any loss of jobs in the UK as a result of redundancy, and I very much appreciate the efforts of OBSERVATIONS BT staff to keep communication lines open during a period where many people have relied on them to work or learn from home. DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT The Government regularly engage with BT about British Telecom Group staff redundancies a range of topics, including its UK workforce, at both The petition of the residents of the constituency of the official and ministerial levels. Ultimately, however, Glasgow East, BT is a private company, therefore decisions about its structure and employment are a matter for its board. I Declares that, during the coronavirus pandemic, people am encouraged that BT’s approach is to minimise have undoubtedly spent more time at home with more redundancies through natural attrition and to provide people using their Wi-Fi for home working and home opportunities to re-skill and redeploy workers whenever schooling; further that, throughout the pandemic, BT, possible, and I will continue to engage with BT to Openreach and EE employees have worked tirelessly to encourage it to, where possible, minimise its compulsory keep us all connected and online; further that MPs from redundancies. I welcome the discussion between both across this House will have received countless emails sides and hope that they are able to reach an agreement. from BT staff and customers who are concerned with the plans set out to make thousands of BT employees This Government are committed to boosting job redundant, close hundreds of workplaces and give no creation. The “Plan for Jobs” announced during the pay offer; further that the Communications Workers summer economic update makes up to £30 billion available Union is standing by and is ready to hold negotiations with a clear goal to create, protect, and support jobs, with the BT Group on behalf of workers, hoping to and to spur the UK’s recovery following covid-19. The find a solution; and further that the UK Government plan includes three main points: supporting people to should engage with the BT Group in order to prevent find the jobs that are out there, creating new jobs the thousands of redundancies about to hit hardworking through investing in our infrastructure and housing, individuals whilst we are in the midst of the coronavirus and protecting jobs by revitalising the hard-hit sectors pandemic. upon which many jobs depend. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to engage with the BT More generally, the Government are committed to Group to avoid the compulsory redundancies of thousands delivering nationwide gigabit connectivity as soon as of hardworking and dedicated staff members. possible, and is investing £5 billion to deliver gigabit-capable services to the hardest to reach parts of the UK. In the And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by David last year alone, 22,000 jobs were created by the UK’s Linden, Official Report, 20 April 2021; Vol. 692, c. 952.] largest telecoms companies as we look to build back [P002660] better from the covid-19 pandemic.

7MC Ministerial Corrections21 JUNE 2021 Ministerial Corrections 8MC

George Eustice: The hon. Gentleman makes an important Ministerial Correction point. The Government are clear that we will consult on a ban on horticultural peat, and we will shortly bring Monday 21 June 2021 forward the legislation that will implement a new ban ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS on the burning of heather on blanket bog. It is our intention to treble the rate of peatland restoration, for Topical Questions all the reasons he said. The following is an extract from Topical Questions on [Official Report, 17 June 2021, Vol. 697, c. 440.] 17 June 2021. Letter of correction from the Secretary of State for Mr Betts [V]: In 2007 there were major floods in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the right hon. Sheffield, which not only affected homes but destroyed Member for Camborne and Redruth (George Eustice). large parts of industrial areas, including Meadowhall An error has been identified in my response to the shopping centre, Forgemasters and other industries. A hon. Member for Sheffield South East (Mr Betts). great deal of work has been done on flood defences, with the council and the private sector working together, The correct response should have been: with some Government support. However, one thing that would really help is the preservation of the peat George Eustice: The hon. Gentleman makes an important bogs in the moorlands above Sheffield, which act as a point. The Government are clear that we will consult massive sponge to stop the run-off and the cascading of on a ban on horticultural peat, and we recently brought water down into Sheffield. Will the Minister take action forward legislation that implements a new ban on the now to stop heather burning on the peat bogs and to burning of heather on blanket bog. It is our intention to make sure that peat does not end up in unnecessary treble the rate of peatland restoration, for all the reasons products, such as compost for gardens? he said.

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 21 June 2021

Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 567 EDUCATION—continued Apprenticeships ...... 580 School Quality and Outcomes: Disadvantaged Autistic or Neurodiverse Pupils...... 579 Areas ...... 572 Climate Change Education ...... 576 School Rebuilding Programme...... 574 Closing the Digital Divide...... 574 School Transport Costs...... 576 Delayed Speech: Disadvantaged Children...... 577 Sexual Abuse in Schools: LGBT+ Pupils ...... 576 Disadvantaged Students: Tutoring Support ...... 567 Summer-born and Premature Children ...... 575 Financial Education...... 570 Topical Questions ...... 581 Funding for Academic Research ...... 578 UK-EU Co-operation and Tutoring Agreement .... 578 Maintained Nursery Schools...... 573 Performing and Creative Arts, Media Studies and Archaeology...... 571 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Monday 21 June 2021

Col. No. Col. No. FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND NORTHERN IRELAND...... 23WS DEVELOPMENT OFFICE...... 21WS Northern Ireland: New Decade, Myanmar ...... 21WS New Approach Agreement...... 23WS INTERNATIONAL TRADE ...... 22WS Progress on Large Civil Aircraft Disputes...... 22WS PETITION

Monday 21 June 2021

Col. No. Col. No. DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 3P British Telecom Group staff redundancies...... 3P MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Monday 21 June 2021

Col. No. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 7MC Topical Questions ...... 7MC No proofs can be supplied. Corrections that Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked on a copy of the daily Hansard - not telephoned - and must be received in the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Monday 28 June 2021

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

Members may obtain excerpts of their speeches from the Official Report (within one month from the date of publication), by applying to the Editor of the Official Report, House of Commons. Volume 697 Monday No. 20 21 June 2021

CONTENTS

Monday 21 June 2021

New Member [Col. 567]

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 567] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Education

End-to-end Rape Review [Col. 589] Statement—(Robert Buckland)

Bills Presented [Col. 604] Private Members Bills presented, and read the First time

Opposition Day [3rd allotted day] Planning Decisions: Local Involvement [Col. 620] Motion—(Steve Reed)—on a Division, negatived Protecting Britain’s Steel Industry [Col. 667] Motion—(Emily Thornberry)—on a Division, negatived

Adjournment (Conference, November and Christmas) [Col. 711] Motion—(David Rutley); Division deferred till Wednesday 23 June

UK’s Financial Services Industry [Col. 712] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Grouse Shooting [Col. 213WH] Government Contracts: Covid-19 [Col. 238WH] E-petition Debates

Written Statements [Col. 21WS]

Petition [Col. 3P] Observations

Ministerial Correction [Col. 7MC]

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