DOCSLIB.ORG

Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Parliamentary Debates (Hansard) Wednesday Volume 700 8 September 2021 No. 43 HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) Wednesday 8 September 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/. 285 8 SEPTEMBER 2021 286 Mr Jack: I think the hon. Gentleman is requesting a House of Commons meeting, and I would be happy to meet him. As he knows, the ferry service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge Wednesday 8 September 2021 ran from 2002 to 2018, but from 2010 was not a passenger service. We would want any service that comes forward to be economically viable. The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock Misuse of Drugs Act and Health Outcomes PRAYERS 2. Martin Docherty-Hughes (West Dunbartonshire) [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] (SNP): What recent assessment his Department has made of the effect of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 on health outcomes in Scotland. [903221] Oral Answers to Questions 9. Joanna Cherry (Edinburgh South West) (SNP): What recent assessment his Department has made of the effect of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 on health SCOTLAND outcomes in Scotland. [903228] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland The Secretary of State was asked— (Iain Stewart): The recent drug deaths in Scotland are Ferry Services: Scotland to Europe an absolute tragedy. The majority of the levers to tackle drug misuse are devolved to the Scottish Government, 1. Douglas Chapman (Dunfermline and West Fife) including health, education, housing and the criminal (SNP): What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet justice system. We are keen to work with the Scottish colleagues on the potential merits of creating direct Government to tackle this tragic issue and to share ferry services from Scotland to mainland Europe. [R] lessons throughout the United Kingdom. [903220] Martin Docherty-Hughes: I wonder why the Minister The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Alister Jack): and the Government refuse to base their policy on Let me start by saying that the Scottish athletes of evidence such as that from Portugal, Canada and Team GB have returned triumphant from the Tokyo Switzerland, where drug consumption rooms save lives. 2020 Olympic games with a record total of 14 medals, We cannot help people when they are dead; DCRs save surpassing the 13 medals won by Scottish athletes at lives. both the London and Rio Olympics. At the Paralympic games, the Scots of ParalympicsGB won an impressive Iain Stewart: There is not a unanimous view on the 21 medals. I congratulate every athlete who competed. I efficacy of drug consumption rooms. The Minister for also congratulate the Scottish football team on their Crime and Policing, my hon. Friend the Member for victory in Vienna last night. North West Hampshire (Kit Malthouse), recently had I regularly discuss a wide range of topics with Cabinet discussions with his counterpart in the Scottish Government colleagues, including transport and the Union connectivity and it was made clear that we are open to any new review. There are of course merits to any direct ferry evidence about drug consumption rooms, but they are services from Scotland. I understand that discussions not the single solution to the problem. This requires a for a new service to mainland Europe have been taking holistic approach. We are very happy to work with the place for some time. Scottish Government to explore all the different options. Douglas Chapman: I endorse the comments of the Joanna Cherry: There is plenty of evidence on the Secretary of State on the Olympic and Paralympic efficacy of drug consumption rooms. I am sure that my teams, and the tartan army result last night; I am colleagues who have worked on the issue would be absolutely delighted with second place in the group at happy to discuss it with the Minister. Portugal faced the moment, but let us go on to be first and get some of the highest rates of drug deaths in Europe at qualification. the turn of the century, but it radically reversed the The Secretary of State will be aware of recent dismal situation through decriminalisation and a public health export figures in the wake of Brexit, the need to reduce approach. The Scottish Government have used their lorry miles to help us get to net zero and the current powers to commit to the public health approach. The HGV driver crisis that make up the hat-trick of events question for the Minister is whether his Government that would seem to make the need for a ferry service will use their reserved powers to amend the Misuse of from Scotland to mainland Europe almost self-evident. Drugs Act and enable the measures that worked in However, there are barriers, including the commitment Portugal, such as drug consumption rooms, to happen. of Border Force to provide the resources and personnel The Scottish Government have done their bit. Will his to support that new route. Next week, we celebrate Government do theirs? London International Shipping Week— Iain Stewart: I have discussed the specific matter of Mr Speaker: Order. I am sorry, but we have to get drug consumption rooms at some length with the hon. through the list of questions. The Secretary of State is and learned Lady’s colleague, the hon. Member for going to have to answer the hon. Gentleman as best he Glasgow Central (Alison Thewliss), so I am well aware can. [Interruption.] of the arguments for them, but there are arguments 287 Oral Answers 8 SEPTEMBER 2021 Oral Answers 288 against them. As I said in response to the hon. Member has a positive story to tell about them. The other thing for West Dunbartonshire (Martin Docherty-Hughes), that he failed to mention is that the legislation that we are happy to look at new evidence. In England and makes drug use a crime often traps vulnerable people in Wales, we have Project ADDER, which is showing a vicious cycle of poverty and crime. With that in mind, some promising early signs of being effective in combating will this Government finally commit to reviewing the drug misuse. I strongly urge the hon. and learned Lady’s 50-year-old legislation that is the Misuse of Drugs colleagues in the Scottish Government to take up our Act 1971? offer to extend that to Scotland. Iain Stewart: As I said to the hon. Lady’s colleagues, Douglas Ross (Moray) (Con): In the last year for we constantly discuss these matters with our counterparts which figures are available, 1,339 lives were lost in in Scotland. We have made very serious offers, as I say, Scotland as a result of drug misuse, the worst number to extend Project ADDER, which looks at drugs misuse since records began in 1996, yet we got no solutions in a holistic way. There is evidence to show that that is from the SNP or from Nicola Sturgeon in her programme working. I strongly urge the Scottish Government to for government yesterday. Scottish Conservatives have take up that offer. Particularly on drug consumption put forward plans for a right to recovery Bill. Does the rooms, as I say, if there is new evidence there, we will Minister agree that the Scottish Government should consider it. engage with us to bring forward these proposals? Mhairi Black: In what world do you get to claim to be Iain Stewart: I absolutely agree. My hon. Friend and taking an issue seriously while in the same breath commit his colleagues have come up with an excellent policy in to change absolutely nothing? If the logical arguments this area, and it would be to the great advantage of will not convince, then maybe the financial ones will. people in Scotland that the Scottish Government take Crimes linked to drugs in Scotland cost £750 million a up the proposals that it contains. year to investigate and prosecute. Experts tell us that that money could be better spent. If the experts, the Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): Scottish Government and even the Scottish Conservatives The Scottish Affairs Committee conducted the most can now agree that health needs to be the main approach, extensive inquiry ever undertaken into drug use in Scotland, why not the Minister? taking evidence from practically everybody with an interest and a stake in this issue. We concluded that we need every tool in the kitbag to address the scale of this Iain Stewart: I think the hon. Lady takes a very problem, from an increased resources position to adopting partisan view on this. We have put forward some very evidence-based solutions with best practice from concrete suggestions. I remind her that the vast majority international examples that have worked, such as drug of powers in this area lie with the Scottish Government, consumption facilities and decriminalisation. Why did and her Government have been in power for 14 years, so the UK Government reject nearly all of our conclusions perhaps they should spend a little bit more effort focusing and recommendations? on tackling some of these social issues rather than obsessing about independence, which no one wants. Iain Stewart: I understand that the report from that Committee, which I think was done in 2018, was not a Strength of the Union unanimous one and the Committee divided on it, which illustrates the fact that there is not the unanimity of 3. Stephen Flynn (Aberdeen South) (SNP): What view on the proposals to which the hon. Gentleman recent assessment his Department has made of the refers.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 23 April 2020 Update
    20 April – 23 April 2020 Contents I. Summary .............................................................................................................................1 II. European Union .................................................................................................................5 III. France ...............................................................................................................................6 IV. Italy ...................................................................................................................................7 V. Germany ............................................................................................................................8 VI. Spain ...............................................................................................................................10 VII. United Kingdom .............................................................................................................10 I. SUMMARY Number of cases: 1,009,762 (including the UK) Number of deaths: 108,223 • The EU Executive Steering Group on Shortages of Medicines Caused by Major Events held a meeting on 15 April to discuss the progress of the measures regarding availability of medicines for European patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also updated the Q&A document on regulatory expectations for medicinal products for human use during the COVID-19 pandemic on 20 April. On 21 April, they set-up the fast-track system to support essential medicines for COVID-19 treatment,
    [Show full text]
  • Written Evidence from Spotlight on Corruption1 (PGG18) the Public
    Written evidence from Spotlight on Corruption1 (PGG18) The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee Propriety of governance in light of Greensill inquiry Introduction The revelations arising from the Greensill affair and its fallout, coming alongside other recent and ongoing scandals, have exposed significant weaknesses in the UK system for managing conflicts of interest, lobbying, and business appointments. This is a vital opportunity to bring the UK’s standards landscape up to date, and to ensure that integrity and ethics in government are regulated in a way that befits a modern democracy. Taking action to strengthen the UK’s integrity and ethics framework would benefit the UK by helping to: build trust in politicians and government; strengthen the stability, predictability and attractiveness of the UK as a place to do business; give the UK greater credibility on the international stage in promoting democracy and good governance; and implement outstanding recommendations made by international bodies such as the UN and Council of Europe about how the UK can improve its integrity and ethics framework to prevent and tackle corruption. Key Recommendations 1. Integrity and Ethics legislation. The government should consult on the introduction of an Integrity and Ethics Bill, by the spring of 2022, which gives legislative effect to: the Law Commission’s recommendations on the introduction of a corruption in public office offence; recommendations made by international bodies to put ACOBA and the Independent Advisor on Ministerial Interests on a statutory footing; recommendations that are likely to be made by the Committee on Standards in Public Life’s Standards Matters 2.0 review in the Autumn of 2021; and recommendations likely to be made from both the Boardman review and parliamentary committees such as PACAC, including legislative reform to the Lobbying Act.
    [Show full text]
  • UK COVID-19 Vaccines Delivery Plan
    UK COVID-19 vaccines delivery plan Published 11 January 2021 Contents 1. Ministerial foreword ....................................................................................................... 3 2. Executive summary and scope ..................................................................................... 4 Supply .............................................................................................................................. 5 Prioritisation ...................................................................................................................... 6 Places ............................................................................................................................... 7 People .............................................................................................................................. 8 Tracking our progress ....................................................................................................... 9 3. Supply ......................................................................................................................... 10 Developing new vaccines ............................................................................................... 10 Ensuring vaccines meet strict safety standards for deployment ..................................... 17 Building UK manufacturing capability ............................................................................. 21 4. Prioritisation ...............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan V.5 Pennsylvania
    COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan V.5 Pennsylvania PA COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force/PA Department of Health JANUARY 19, 2021 |VERSION 5.0 PENNSYLVANIA COVID-19 INTERIM VACCINATION PLAN Table of Contents Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….2 Section 1: COVID-19 Vaccination Preparedness Planning ......................................................................... 3 Section 2: COVID-19 Organizational Structure and Partner Involvement ................................................. 4 Section 3: Phased Approach to COVID-19 Vaccination ........................................................................... 11 Section 4: Critical Populations ................................................................................................................. 17 Section 5: COVID-19 Provider Recruitment and Enrollment ................................................................... 21 Section 6: COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Capacity ........................................................................... 25 1. Health and Medical Infrastructure .......................................................................................... 25 2. Occupational Health Clinics and Closed Points of Dispensing (PODs) ..................................... 26 3. Expanded Outreach to Ensure Vaccine Access ........................................................................ 27 4. Staffing ....................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Mid Kent Improvement Partnership Joint Scrutiny Task and Finish Group Report on Governance and Communication
    Mid Kent Improvement Partnership Joint Scrutiny Task and Finish Group report on governance and communication [revised at Special Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 12 January 2015] Report date: 22 December 2014 [revised 12 January 2015] Task and Finish Group Councillor Andy Booth (Swale BC) Chairman: Task and Finish Group Councillors Fay Gooch and Paulina Stockell (Maidstone BC) Members: Councillor Mike Henderson (Swale BC) Councillors Bill Hills and Chris Woodward (Tunbridge Wells BC) O&S support officers: Poppy Brewer, Democratic Services Officer (Maidstone BC) Bob Pullen, Policy and Performance Officer (Swale BC) Holly Goring, Policy and Performance Manager (Tunbridge Wells BC) Service liaison Paul Taylor, Director (Mid Kent Services) officers: Jane Clarke, Programme Manager (Mid Kent Improvement Partnership) 1 Report summary 1.1 This report outlines the findings of the Joint Task and Finish Group (JTFG) which was established to review the governance and communication arrangements of the Mid Kent Improvement Partnership. 1 2 List of recommendations 2.1 The Task and Finish Group recommends: That the Overview and Scrutiny Committees for Maidstone Borough Council, Swale Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council each request that their individual Cabinets should jointly consider and respond to the following recommendations that have arisen from the joint scrutiny of governance and communications: MKIP Governance a) that opportunities for pre-scrutiny should be provided within existing governance arrangements
    [Show full text]
  • Role and Responsibilities of the Chair of the Vaccine Taskforce
    Chair of the Vaccine Taskforce Information pack for applicants Closing date: Midday on Friday 14 May 2021 Reference no: VAC-1775 Follow us on Twitter @appointmentsdh Table of Contents Section 1: Role, responsibilities and person specification.................................................... 2 Section 2: How to apply ....................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Making an application ............................................................................................. 4 2.2 The selection process ............................................................................................. 7 2.3 Eligibility criteria ...................................................................................................... 9 2.4 How we will manage your personal information .................................................... 10 Chair of the Vaccine Taskforce - Information pack for applicants Section 1: Role and responsibilities of the Chair of the Vaccine Taskforce The Chair must enable the Vaccine Taskforce to achieve their three core objectives during the pandemic period: a. To secure access to promising vaccine/s for the UK population. b. To make provision for international distribution of vaccines. c. To strengthen the UK’s onshore capacity and capability in vaccine development, manufacturing, and supply chain to provide resilience for this and future pandemics. In recognising that the Taskforce has now been in existence for over a year, delivering these objectives
    [Show full text]
  • Archaeological Evaluation at Castle Street, Queenborough, Isle of Sheppey, Kent April 2007
    .- . '.- • L ., lOw.rowd : Archaeological Evaluation at Castle Street, Queenborough, Isle of Sheppey, Kent April 2007 SWAT. Archaeology Swale and Thames Archaeological Survey Company School Farm Oast, Graveney Road Faversham, Kent ME13 8UP Tel: 01795 532548 or 07885700112. E·mail [email protected] Castle Street, Queenborough Isle of Sheppey Kent Archaeological Evaluation NGR: 591230 172260 Site Code: CSQ06 Report for Mr Killick By David Britchfield April 2007 On behalf of; SWAT. ARCHAEOLOGY Swale and Thames Archaeological Survey Company School Farm Oasl, Graveney Road Faversham, Kent ME138UP Tel; 01975 532548 or 07885700112 Archaeological Evaluation at Castle Street, Queenborough , Isle of Sheppey, Kent Contents List of Figures .................................................... .. .. .......................... .................... .. ... ....................... ..ii List of Plates ............................................... ......... .•....................................... .. ..... ..... ..................... .. .. ii SUMMARy.................................................................................................. ..................................... 1 INTRODUCTION................ .............................................................................................................. 1 SITE DESCRIPTION AND TOPOGRAPHy.... ............................................................................... 1 PLANNING BACKGROUND .........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Never Again Lessons from Labour's Key Seats
    Never Again Edited by Sally Keeble and Will Straw Again Edited by Sally Keeble and Will Never Fabian Special LESSONS FROM LABOUR’S KEY SEATS Edited by Sally Keeble and Will Straw Fabian Special The Fabian Society is Britain’s oldest political think tank. Since 1884 the Society has played a central role in developing political ideas and public policy on the left. Through a wide range of publications and events the Society influences political and public thinking, but also provides a space for broad and open-minded debate, drawing on an unrivalled external network and its own expert research and analysis. The Society is alone among think tanks in being a democratically-constituted membership organisation, with almost 7,000 members. During its history the membership has included many of the key thinkers on the British left and every Labour Prime Minister. Today it counts over 200 parliamentarians in its number. Member-led activity includes 70 local Fabian societies, the Scottish and Welsh Fabians, the Fabian Women’s Network and the Young Fabians, which is itself the leading organisation on the left for young people to debate and influence political ideas. The Society was one of the original founders of the Labour Party and is constitutionally affiliated to the party. It is however editorially, organisationally and financially independent and works with a wide range of partners of all political persuasions and none. Fabian Society 61 Petty France London SW1H 9EU www.fabians.org.uk Fabian Special First published 2015 ISBN 978-0-7163-4124-6 Editorial Director: Ed Wallis This pamphlet, like all publications of the Fabian Society, represents not the collective views of the Society but only the views of the author.
    [Show full text]
  • Scotland's Economic Future
    SCOTLAND’S ECONOMIC FUTURE EDITED BY PROFESSOR SIR DONALD MACKAY 2011 First published October 2011 © Reform Scotland 2011 7-9 North St David Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1AW All rights reserved SCOTLAND’S ECONOMIC FUTURE EDITED BY PROFESSOR SIR DONALD MACKAY Published by Reform Scotland Reform Scotland is an independent, non-party think tank that aims to set out a better way to deliver increased economic prosperity and more effective public services based on the traditional Scottish principles of limited government, diversity and personal responsibility. The views expressed in this publication are those of the contributors and not those of Reform Scotland, its managing Trustees, Advisory Board or staff. October 2011 Reform Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland (No SCO39624) and is also a company limited by guarantee (No SC336414) with its Registered Office at 7-9 North St David Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1AW. Cover design and typesetting by Cake Graphic & Digital Printed in Scotland by Allander CONTENTS BIOGRAPHIES V PREFACE by PROFESSOR SIR DONALD MACKay IX CHAPTER 1 by PROFESSOR SIR DONALD MACKay 1 The framework, the authors and Home Rule. CHAPTER 2 by PROFESSOR JOHN Kay 11 Is recent economic history a help? CHAPTER 3 by PROFESSOR DAVID SIMPSON 23 An environment for economic growth: is small still beautiful? CHAPTER 4 by JIM & MARGARET CUTHBERT 35 GERS: where now? CHAPTER 5 by PROFESSOR DREW Scott 45 The Scotland Bill: way forward or cul de sac? CHAPTER 6 by PROFESSOR DAVID BELL 65 The Scottish economy: seeking an advantage? CHAPTER 7 by
    [Show full text]
  • Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel
    KENT COUNTY COUNCIL KENT AND MEDWAY POLICE AND CRIME PANEL MINUTES of a meeting of the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel held in the Darent Room, Sessions House, County Hall, Maidstone on Thursday, 29 November 2012. PRESENT: Cllr Mrs A Blackmore (Maidstone Borough Council), Mr A H T Bowles (Swale Borough Council), Cllr J Burden (Gravesham Borough Council), Cllr Mrs S Chandler (Dover District Council), Mr I S Chittenden (Maidstone Borough Council), Cllr G Clarkson (Ashford Borough Council), Mr G Cowan (Dover District Council), Mr P M Hill, OBE (Chairman) (Kent County Council), Mr D Jukes (Tunbridge Wells Borough Council), Cllr T Martin (Dartford Borough Council), Mr Dan McDonald, Cllr D Monk (Shepway District Council), Cllr M O'Brien (Vice- Chairman) (Medway Council), Mr Gurvinder Sandher, Cllr P Todd (Canterbury City Council and Cllr R Turpin (Medway Council) ALSO PRESENT: Mr G Hooper (Chief Executive), Ms K Nicholson (Policy and Research Officer) and Ms L Steward (Policy and Research Officer) Kent Police and Crime Commissioner's Office. IN ATTENDANCE: Mr P Sass (Head of Democratic Services) and Mrs A Taylor (Research Officer to Scrutiny Committee) UNRESTRICTED ITEMS 1. Apologies and Substitutes (Item ) (1) The Head of Democratic Services reported apologies from the following Members: Councillor Alex Perkins (Canterbury City Council) Councillor Peter Fleming (Sevenoaks District Council) Councillor Mark Rhodes (Tunbridge and Malling Borough Council) 2. Election of Chairman (Item 1) (1) The Head of Democratic Services (KCC) asked for nominations for Chairman of the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel. (2) Councillor M O’Brien proposed and Councillor G Clarkson seconded that Mr M Hill be elected Chairman.
    [Show full text]
  • Of the Swale Local Plan
    Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of the Swale Local Plan SA Report February 2021 SA of the Swale Local Plan Review SA Report Quality information Prepared by Checked by Verified by Approved by Chris McNulty, Mark Fessey, Steve Smith, Steve Smith, Senior consultant Associate Director Technical Director Technical Director Mark Fessey, Associate Director Prepared for: Swale Borough Council Prepared by: AECOM Limited Aldgate Tower 2 Leman Street London E1 8FA United Kingdom aecom.com © 2021 AECOM Limited. All Rights Reserved. This document has been prepared by AECOM Limited (“AECOM”) in accordance with its contract Swale Borough Council (the “Client”) and in accordance with generally accepted consultancy principles and the established budget. Any information provided by third parties and referred to herein has not been checked or verified by AECOM, unless otherwise expressly stated in the document. AECOM shall have no liability to any third party that makes use of or relies upon this document. AECOM SA of the Swale Local Plan Review SA Report Table of Contents 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1 2 What’s the plan seeking to achieve? ............................................................... 2 3 What is the scope of the SA? .......................................................................... 4 Part 1: What has plan-making / SA involved up to this stage? ................................... 6 4 Introduction to Part 1 ......................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • House of Commons Official Report
    Wednesday Volume 691 17 March 2021 No. 192 HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) Wednesday 17 March 2021 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2021 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 303 17 MARCH 2021 304 Simon Hart: The best way of avoiding that outcome House of Commons is for the Welsh Government to get behind the scheme and support a project that is endorsed by local authorities and port authorities in Wales, and to encourage jobs Wednesday 17 March 2021 and livelihoods in that way. Every single day that they leave it—on the basis of the “not invented here” The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock syndrome—will cost jobs and livelihoods. My message to the hon. Gentleman is get hold of the Welsh Government and encourage them to come to the party. PRAYERS The Union [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] Virtual participation in proceedings commenced (Orders, Anne McLaughlin (Glasgow North East) (SNP): What 4 June and 30 December 2020). recent assessment his Department has made of the [NB: [V] denotes a Member participating virtually.] strength of the Union between Wales and the rest of the UK. [913410] Oral Answers to Questions Andrew Bowie (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) (Con): What steps his Department is taking to strengthen the Union. [913417] WALES The Secretary of State for Wales (Simon Hart): As the vaccine roll-out has shown, our four nations are The Secretary of State was asked— safer, stronger and more prosperous together, and I Liverpool City Region Freeport look forward to the people of Wales giving a resounding endorsement of the Union at the Senedd elections in Mr David Jones (Clwyd West) (Con): What discussions May.
    [Show full text]