Women and Equalities Questions House of Commons

the Scottish people and they will have to live with it. Questions to

the Minister for women and equality is. Number one. There are 306 to

5000 more disabled people in work than two years ago. Our ambition to

halve the disability employment gap is a key priority for the

government. People currently in the work-related activity group will not

see their payments reduced, however all new claimants from April 2017

well and that includes many people who have learning disabilities and

need the same support as people... Will further cuts in the incomes of

the table people helped to work? Those that would be in the support

group will see no changes at all. On the specific area of those with

learning disabilities, we set up a task force jointly with XXX chaired

by the bishops for Blackpool, Cleethorpes and the best ways to

access the apprenticeship scheme for those with learning disabilities

have a greater chance of opportunities of work. Can the

Minister confirm strong conversations are occurring

regarding the value of the access to work scheme the, the government 's

continued commitment to it? It was race this weekend by two disabled

working people in my constituency in Eastleigh who are concerned the

government 's commitment isn't there for it and could be let down.

Accessed the work is an incredibly important part of our levers towards

commitment to halve the disappointing point gap. We have

seen and additional funding to build and record numbers of 30 7000. What

Russia now was therefore the Secretary of State for Work and

Pensions gap in the White Paper on health and work programme and

punting it back to a Green paper for indiscriminate time? Surely by

punting that into the long grass we will be harming the chances of

people returning to work from health or disability perspective. My

discussions with stakeholders gives a very different view because a

green paper gives an opportunity. Cold as with genuine first-hand

real-life experiences to help shape our future policies and make sure

that we do the very best for those vulnerable people in society. The

job centres disability employment service has a ratio of one adviser

providing support to 600 disabled people. This they key cause for

concern and is highlighted by the work and pensions select committee

inquiry in December 20 14. Does the miniature believe that this

inadequate ratio is part of the reason is set to fell its employment

targets for people with disabilities?

We have seen 365,000 more disabled people coming to work in the past

two years. There will be further work as we work towards our

ambitious claim to half the gap. All job coaches have extensive training,

the multi-skilled, but we will also increase those numbers, recognising

the feedback from the report. Women returners often have a lot of skills

that offer great value to the workforce. We will be extending the

personal support to parents of children aged three or four from

April 2017. Three forms include the National minimum wage, flexible

working, which will help women make the transition back to work. We know

the majority of single parents are women, so they will be hit hard by

the cuts to allowances. Does the Minister agree that these will

damage incentives for low-income women, acting as a barrier to

returning to work? The national living wage will impact women more

than anyone, which will make such a massive difference to women,

particularly single mothers. A lot of what the government is doing has

women and men than women getting back into work, which is why we see

more women in the workplace than ever before. Will the Minister

consider that for women returning to work after having a child, flexible

working from the outset as a default, rather than having to wait

six months before they can ask for it? We have a package of measures

for women returning to work, affordable childcare, flexible

childcare, flexible working, which up to 20 million people in the UK

can now apply for. The measures really do support women who want to

return to work. Many women wish to go back to work but find that they

are essentially earning wages to pay for childcare. Can I ask, what is

the government doing to address the issue of part-time flexible hours

for those women who want to go back, and for the women who are being

discriminated because of the need for more flexible working? I was one

of those women under the former Labour government, literally working

to pay for my childcare. I am so proud that this government has done

more than any other to make childcare are affordable and

flexible, so parents with children aged three to four will be able to

access up to 30 hours of childcare. We will get to the honourable

gentleman in due course. Fear not. This government has cut workers

rights, attack the trade unions ability to organise and legislated

to block women's access to justice, the EU has protected maternity

rights, strength and paternity rights and upheld our fundamental

rights. Does the Minister agree that EU membership will protect these

rights for women returning to employment? I do not agree that this

government has undermined women's rates, but I agree that the EU has

done an enormous amount to protect them. -- there rights. Child neglect

and abuse are part. Those who are guilty must be brought to justice.

This is a matter for the independent judiciary, taking in a number of

factors, including the seriousness of offence, mitigating factors and a

guilty plea, but the framework is gender free. According to the

Ministry of Justice, 33% of men can dig of cruelty and neglect of

children have been sent to prison for the last available period, and

only 15% of women, which does not sound gender neutral. -- men

convicted. Can she explain why there is such a huge discrepancy between

those figures? Surely she cannot give her normal answer that women

are not being sent to prison to spend more time with their children,

given the nature of the crimes. Of course, every case is different, and

sentencing is gender neutral. The same guidelines and principles of

sentencing apply to every case. But you can use data to prove anything.

In 2014 the average cost or deals sentence for child cruelty or

neglect was the same for men and women, at in 2015, on average women

received longer sentences than men for child cruelty or neglect. Has

she seen disturbing evidence recently of women can fit to DOS

nonviolent crime, often fraud, given horrendously long sentences, when

they should be serving in their community? -- women convict did of

nonviolent crimes. The Secretary of State and the Ministry of Justice is

keen on looking at alternatives to custody, particularly when an

individual has child caring responsibilities, so we're putting

an effort into things like electronic tagging. Does the

Minister agree that universal access to family planning and maternity

services is paramount to the health and equality of women and girls, and

how will she ensure that migrant women access maternity services in

the UK when they have no means for paying? In relation to those in

prison, having been found guilty of child neglect and abuse...

LAUGHTER They think it is fair to say that it is a testing question.

-- I think it is fair to say. I am not aware that birth control is a

massive issue within women's prisons. I hope it isn't! That I

will take a look at it. Yes... LAUGHTER

My department has set an ambition for 20% increase for A-level in

maths and science. Those working in science and

technology careers pay on average 19% more than other professions,

some or debating girls to study the subject is important if we are to

eliminate the gender pay gap. Given that nursing is now a graduate entry

profession, and STEM subjects form part of student nurses course, and

given that junior doctors take on the role of many junior doctors,

does the Minister agree that nursing is a STEM career, and women and men

should aspire to that? -- students nurses take on the role of many

junior doctors. I agree that nursing is a arguable courier for young

women and men. We are strengthening careers provision for young people

across England, and projects funded will do just that. She may be aware

of a project in East Sussex aiming to increase apprenticeships that are

taken up. Due to ongoing cultural stereotypes and a lack of visible

role models, many women do not realise the fantastic opportunities

that engineering and STEM offer, until they have left formal

education. So what is the Minister doing to ensure they are routes

available for retraining older women, particularly through adult

education? Can I agree that it is very important that we tackle gender

stereotyping in careers. In schools we have mentioned things like the

STEM Ambassador network, but afterwards, and the skills Minister

Banks -- hangs his stomach every opportunity, apprenticeships, the

opportunity to learn why -- while you earn. 40% of all those gaining

degrees in maths in Scotland, a female. Which you look to Scotland

as an example? I spoke to the Cabinet Minister responsible for

education in Scotland earlier this week. There are always ways that we

can learn from each other, but I would also mention my own university

that I represent, Loughborough, which has the highest number of

women engineering undergraduates in the country. Recently visited a site

in Crawley and witnessed high quality engineering jobs, but

unfortunately not enough are held by women. Will the government listen to

the recent findings of the CBI that over 90% and not getting the careers

advice they need, and support face-to-face careers advice from the

age of 11? I have been very clear since taking up this role that it is

something we need to look at, so we announced in December are backing

for the careers and enterprise company which is setup to bridge the

gap between schools and colleges on the world of work. I agree that

starting early as important, and I hope that he and all members have

spoken to their local enterprise coordinator through the local

enterprise partnership, and they are taking part in supporting their

work. I would like to answer five, seven and 12 together. Clearly older

women have a range of skills that are valuable to employers. We are

publishing a new employer led strategy later this year which sets

out how we can help people have full working lives, and will continue to

challenge outdated perceptions about older workers and promote the

business benefit of employing them. Does she agree that the key issue

for older women in employment is flexibility as they can often face

caring duties. Of all carers in this country, author half are aged over

50, and are disproportionately female. I would agree, that is why

we have invested ?1.7 million to look at the best way to support

carers to stay in employment, including exploring how businesses

can give employees more help, through flexible working, setting up

surgeries, and we have ... Age discrimination remains a problem. I

am delighted to hear the government is taking this seriously, but what

steps can be taken to ensure that older women get the same

opportunities they deserve? He is right, it is vital women are

supported on returning to work, maybe following a break in their

career. This is a fantastic example with Barclays, of innovative

practices and a case study such as they are apprentice, Lucille

Galloway, who spoke passionately about how return to the work ways

has transformed her legs and those of the people around her. --

transformed her life. Does she agree that there is a greater agree of

discrimination in the workplace? And which you also agree that changes to

the state pension age compound difficulties and that women face?

She is right to point out we have made great strides in gender

equality. In 2015 the average women who teaches pension age will get a

higher state pension over her lifetime than any woman that reached

it before her. We have launched a review to ensure that any future

changes are fair, affordable, sustainable and that no one is

penalised. Given that women are having children older in life, what

sort has the Minister given to extending maternity leave to six

weeks to enable women to get back to employment more quickly? We do want

men to take the shared parental leave that is already available. The

signs are that men are beginning to do that, but we need a cultural

change, which encourages men to take their share. While it is perfectly

right that someone in his late 70s is a regular presenter on BBC

television, indeed he is younger than I am! Can the Minister imagine

someone of that age, a female being in the same position, a regular

presenter at the same age as a person I mentioned. Isn't that a

form of age discrimination by a public body? I have to say I am very

much in favour of older male television presenters, particularly

of news programmes. LAUGHTER But absolutely we need to

see many more female counterparts. It's vital that the civil service

achieved parity. Since the Prime Minister is given to the power to

choose the top jobs he is painstakingly reassembled the glass

ceiling and our only 18% of permanent secretaries are women.

Will the ministers commit to polishing the gender breakdown of

all applicants are not those short listed for top jobs in the civil

service? It is a really important issue. Four of the permanent

secondary is appointed last year have been winning, we want to see

more and that will continue. Question six. The UK is proud of its

record on LGBT writes, that is why we hosted a reception at number ten

with the common foreign wealth office announced money for human

rights and democracy working for LGBT communities around the world,

said other government departments are good in my own also flew the

rainbow flag in a show of support. A lovely reception it was. This year,

the international Day against homophobia, translated and by phobia

drew everyone's attention to the importance of institutions to

further LGBT right up to mark the day I joined members across the

South and the other place to highlight the benefits of membership

of the European Union to furthering LGBT writes. Does the Minister agree

that the European Union has an awful lot to protect the rights of

minority communities across the UK and EU? I agree with my friend. It

was extremely good and enjoyable. I agree with him, the EU plays a key

role in improving the lives of LGBT people in Britain, the EU and

internationally. We work closely with the commission, council,

Parliament and member states to improve the lives of LGBT people

across Europe and from ownership of an EU national focal point network

we can share our approach to improve the lives of LGBT people across

Europe and from ownership of an EU national focal point network we can

share our approach the LGBT a quality law across Europe. Further

to what the Minister has just said, recent figures published by

transgender Europe organisation, say there have been 170 murders of trams

and gender diverse people in Europe since 2008 so will the Minister

commit to working with our European partners to end trans phobia across

our continent? She raises an important point. I think that's why

our membership of international networks and the European Union is

so important, we are able and I'm proud to say the UK can lead the way

and tackling homophobia, by phobia, trans phobia. We are investing money

in on schools to make sure the next generation are shown tolerance to

everybody. Notwithstanding the benefits... Wouldn't my friend agree

with me that one of the best ways of marking that international day is

better forms of screening for diseases that affect LGBT people?

One of which, of course, is the human papilloma virus. Can I thank

my honourable friend. The differences aside and the question

of the European Union, I'm delighted to say that the Minister for Public

health as the day later ministerial statement on the house that from

June Public Health England. The pilots to see if it's possible to

offer the HPV vaccination to men who have sex with men, attending sexual

health services. They will reach 40,000 men at high risk of having

the virus. Transgender constituent of mine who is being held in custody

is having a difficult time in a men's prison and the Minister will

recall that two transgender women died in men's prisons back in last

year. We're post a review. Can she tell others what discussions use had

with the does Justice Secretary and how close we are to having an

outcome? Can I thank the honourable gentleman and of course he was the

rate a case with ministers we will be pleased to look at it but I can

tell him that we are firmly committed to ensuring the needs of

transgender prisoners are met, the MNJ has carried out a the review and

it will be published shortly. The global focus of this year 's

international day against homophobia, trans phobia and by

phobia was mental health and well-being. Does the Minister share

my concerns at the impact which local government cuts are having on

LGBT mental health organisations in the UK? Will she take steps to

protect LGBT mental health services? I would agree with the lady that

mental health services for all people are incredibly important.

It's an issue that has been raised with me by members of the trans

community and more broadly. I don't think I can agree with her about the

issue about the changes to local government financing being the cause

of this, it's a broader issue about making sure that services are

available to those as and when they most need them. Number eight. We're

committed to supporting women in business and I'm delighted that

Britain has been named the best place in Europe for female

entrepreneurs. We've invested ?2.2 million in women broadband programme

enabling them to take a vantage of technology to start or grow their

business and we've also run 19 nationwide meat and mental sessions

to provide help and support and encouragement for female

entrepreneurs. I'm grateful for the cancer. Women in business fearless

in promoting businesses likely -- grateful for the answer. Broadband

speeds in Dorset slow. What can the Minister do to engage in the subject

and ensure women in business in mid-Dorset have access to adequate

broadband speeds? We are working hard to ensure that 95% of UK homes

and businesses get access to superfast broadband and coverage in

Dorset will continue to improve Jerry 2017 through a government and

local enterprise partnership funded ultrafast programme which I'm hoping

the Wimborne women in business will appreciate through the Dorset go

digital women broadband programme we have supported almost 100 women in

the past six months alone to take advantage of this and develop the

digital skills they need to start or grow business. Does the Minister

agree with me that if more women were at senior levels in business we

might have fewer advertising campaigns such as that by Calvin

Klein featuring over the sexualised images of young women including what

are known as up skirt shots? Will she join me in urging Calvin Klein

and other similar organisations not only to be more responsible in their

advertising but perhaps donate some of the profits they are major

charities you are solving rather than worsening the problems women

face in society? She is right to point out this kind of irresponsible

advertising. I've met with the advertising industry recently to

discuss this and actually she's right also to say that we do need

more women on boards, there are 26% of the women and FTSE 100 boards

which is more than ever before and that is something we will continue

to work at including boards and pipeline as well. Number ten. Then

declare, revenge pawn is an up orange crime. The revenge pawn

helpline has received 4000 calls related to 785 cases is 2015, sadly

indicated clear need for the important practical and emotional

support it provides. The helpline has removed 1000 illegal images

online. That demand for the revenge pawn helpline reflects that there

will more than 1000 police reports of online revenge pawn last year.

Yet two thirds of those cases saw no action taken because of problems

with evidence or victims withdrawing. When will the helpline

and this new law be matched with police training and also the option

of anonymity for victims? I think the chairman of the select committee

raised an important issue, we criminalise a revenge pawn in early

2015, last year there were 82 prosecutions and 84 cautions.

Thousands of officers are trained in digital crime and it is used in the

training programmes. We must ensure victims report the crime and I will

raise it with my honourable friend the Home Secretary when I see her.

Order, tropical questions. -- topical questions. I hope that all

members will join me in welcoming the introduction of topical

questions to women and equality is all. Along with the introduction of

the women equality select committee and the cross coming from French

presence here today we are standing a powerful message to the public

about equality. I am delighted that at the recent ministers meeting in

Japan I was able to persuade all ministers to recognise the need to

address discrimination of the children might suffer include in

because their sexual orientation or gender and that was captured in a

communique. I'm delighted to be asking the first topical question in

this area. Thank you. There is a group of victims of domestic

violence who are not entitled to access to protection and that is

those women whose immigration status is dependent on their partners, the

perpetrator. In recent weeks I've raises issue to Westminster Hall

debate, two government ministers agreed to make representations to

the Home Secretary about that. Will the Minister the most relevant one,

will add her voice calls to equality for all women in these circumstances

crushing Mark I thank the lady. Can I threw her welcome the appointment

of Angela Constance as the Minister with responsibility. I enjoyed

working with her in education in the last judgment in Scotland. I will

look at this issue and will meet the Home Secretary soon and add this to

our agenda. And the recent visit to Crossrail, I was delighted to learn

of the major contribution that women have made at every level to what is

Europe's largest in the structure project. With both a just two and

Crossrail two on the horizon, will the Minister outline what is being

done to retain these women and the skills that are important these

projects. With this government 's unprecedented investment in

transport infrastructure, opportunities in construction for

women will continue to grow. We must build and Crossrail 's excellent

example. The industry already has great role models including a remit

had who led the team that delivered the Channel Tunnel rail Link, the

construction of St Pancras international and was a delivery

director for cross well. I hope women will follow in her footsteps.

The SNP are permitted to review and reform gender recognition and

Scotland so it is in line with best practice for people who are

transgender. Will the Minister join in applauding this approach and will

she press for such legislative change here through her own

department? As I made clear, discrimination on any grounds is

something that is up orange and the government wants to see ended. We

can see there is more discussion about issues facing the

trans-community and I would pay tribute to the work of the women in

and equality select committee. They made recommendations for government

departments across Whitehall which we are looking at responding to due

course. With the Minister join me in congratulating the R and a and their

decision to bar near field from hosting the Open Championship in

light of their decision to not admit women members? Does she think that

the club should put this right and admit the man members? -- female

members crushing Mark yes I do. What conversations as the Minister had

with the Home Office about the equalities implications of the

prevent strategy which terror watchdog David Anderson QC stated in

his written submission to the home affairs select committee would

benefit from an independent review, raising concerns that aspect of the

programme are ineffective or being applied in an insensitive or

discriminatory manner? I think that the honourable lady can see by the

fact that there is Home Office representation at this questions

that on the sessions are happening and I take note of the point she has

made. By the aged six young girls have begun to decide which rolls are

for them and which rolls are for boys. Often to the detriment of stem

Khmers. Certain toys are marketed to girls and the majority of science

toys marketed to boys. What plans have the government to show them on

girls don't have to limit their career aspirations? I thank him for

is question. Is passionate about this area. Ivorian said, the note --

no career should be off-limits for anyone. Careers education in primary

schools are important to broaden horizons, bring learning to live,

I'd mention the careers of enterprise company before and I hope

members of all sides in a house will support the local enterprise

coordinators. Given the importance of the health department programme

supporting disabled people who are unable to work or axis work, will

she make representations to publish the Green paper urgently so that the

disabled people don't have to wait longer to access support? The Green

paper is a fantastic opportunity for stakeholders with their first-hand

experience and knowledge to help shape that Italy whether a case of

local best practice and scaling them up. Can the Minister in form the

house what's that she's taken to increase the number of female

headteachers? I thank for the question. The White Paper published

in March about education reinforces our commitment to develop a diverse

supply of school leaders, over 450 women are benefiting from our fund,

recently I announced a fund for helping career progression and

coaching. 300 have signed up to do so. Will the Minister support the

introduction of X our support? This was raised by the select

committee in the report, and evidence was taken on it. We are

considering this along with the rest of the report. The Secretary of

State referred to the select committee earlier. We have produced

two reports in our short existence, one on the gender pay gap and one on

transgender people. One of the reports is five months old and we

have yet to receive a response to either of them. I'm delighted to see

they have been busy. She mentions two reports. They make

recommendations for cross government co-operation, and I want to make

sure I get the best possible response, but I hope to print them

shortly. I hope that shortly means before the summer recess. This is

not satisfactory. Can the Minister explained by the

government is reluctant to reveal this information? The detention of

pregnant women under the immigration act powers occurs only in very

limited situations. Either way there is a clear prospect of early removal

or in very exceptional circumstances. Heady few pregnant

women are detained. Recording the number of detained women who have

disclosed the pregnancy started in August 2014. Options and wider data

regarding pregnant women is under the act that has just gone to this

House. I am sure she will be aware that 11 states in the United States

have decided that it who uses a bathroom is the key issue concerning

public safety. Which he reassured me that our government will not go down

this path and focus on real priorities in terms of public

safety, not the ones being imagined in the United States. I am more than

happy to have a conversation with him about his concerns. It is not

something that has been raised with me previously. Before I call the

honourable gentleman for his urgent question. I would emphasise that

this is an extremely important matter, and by definition urgent,

but exchanges should be completed by 11 o'clock. There is a business

question to follow, a ministerial statement updating the steel

industry, and are very heavily subscribed main debate today. So the

time limits will need to be strict late enforced. Mr Ian Blackford. --

strictly. To ask the Secretary of State for the home Department if she

will make a statement on the impending deportation of the family