0:00:00 > 0:00:00Business question, Valerie Vaz. Could the Leader of the House give
0:00:00 > 0:00:08us the forthcoming business?The Leader of the House.Thank you,
0:00:08 > 0:00:16business for the week commencing 30th October will be Monday 30th
0:00:16 > 0:00:20October, second reading of armed forces flexible working bill.
0:00:20 > 0:00:27Tuesday, remaining stages of finance bill. Wednesday, the 1st November,
0:00:27 > 0:00:33opposition day. Thursday 2nd November, debate on a motion on
0:00:33 > 0:00:38Calais and uncompanied child refugees in Europe and a debate on
0:00:38 > 0:00:45sexual harassment in schools. The subjects for these debates were
0:00:45 > 0:00:49determined by the business committee. The provisional business
0:00:49 > 0:00:56for the week commencing 6th November will be Monday 6th, business to be
0:00:56 > 0:01:01nominated. Tuesday business to be nominated by the committee. The
0:01:01 > 0:01:06provisional business for the week commenting 13th November, will
0:01:06 > 0:01:12include on Monday 13th November second reading of the bill. Tuesday
0:01:12 > 0:01:1714th November the committee of House of the European Union withdrawal
0:01:17 > 0:01:24bill day one.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29Wednesday 15th, committee of the whole House of the European Union
0:01:29 > 0:01:33Withdrawal Bill day to. Thursday 16th, business to be nominated by
0:01:33 > 0:01:37the backbench business committee, and Freddie 17th, the House will not
0:01:37 > 0:01:41be sitting. I should like to inform the House that the business in
0:01:41 > 0:01:47Westminster Hall for the 2nd of November is a general debate on HMRC
0:01:47 > 0:01:53closures, and on Monday the sixth, a petition relating to mental health
0:01:53 > 0:01:56education in schools. I am pleased to inform the House that there are a
0:01:56 > 0:02:02further rate committees on the order paper for the establishment today or
0:02:02 > 0:02:05Monday, including the committees on standards and privileges and the
0:02:05 > 0:02:08joint committee on statutory instruments. All remaining
0:02:08 > 0:02:13committees will be set up as soon as possible. I would also like to
0:02:13 > 0:02:16direct the attention of members to the written ministerial statement I
0:02:16 > 0:02:21have laid this morning on opposition Day debates. Following the
0:02:21 > 0:02:26suggestions of many members including my honourable friend the
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Member for Wellingborough, where an opposition day motion is passed, the
0:02:29 > 0:02:33relevant minister will respond to the vote by making a statement to
0:02:33 > 0:02:43the House. This will be within a maximum time period of 12 weeks. I
0:02:43 > 0:02:47have updated members of both houses on the restoration and renewal of
0:02:47 > 0:02:52the Palace of Westminster. This is an urgent manager for Parliament, so
0:02:52 > 0:02:56the government is facilitating a debate in both houses to ensure
0:02:56 > 0:03:00swift progress can be made. It is key that the work to repair the
0:03:00 > 0:03:04Palace offers the best value for taxpayers money as well as ensuring
0:03:04 > 0:03:09the safety of the many visitors and staff who work in and visit the
0:03:09 > 0:03:19Palace of the year. Thank you.Thank you Mr Speaker. I am delighted to
0:03:19 > 0:03:23see that the Leader of the House has given us until November the 17th,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27even though one week is two days of backbench committees and the other
0:03:27 > 0:03:33best days of recess. We have the two days of the EU bill and those will
0:03:33 > 0:03:38take place on the 14th and 15th. Could she confirmed we will have all
0:03:38 > 0:03:43eight days of committee stage of the House before the Christmas recess? I
0:03:43 > 0:03:47am pleased that the Leader of the House has raised this, but sadly I
0:03:47 > 0:03:55only received this note this morning, and it was embargoed until
0:03:55 > 0:03:5810:30am on opposition day debates. I checked with the library before
0:03:58 > 0:04:03coming in, but they do not appear to have it, so I'm not sure it has been
0:04:03 > 0:04:08published. I'm not even sure if you have seen a copy of it. I have
0:04:08 > 0:04:13concerns because, as the reader said, it will be a resolution of the
0:04:13 > 0:04:18House on opposition days, and the Minister will make a statement no
0:04:18 > 0:04:24more than 12 -- with no more than 12 weeks after the debate. So could the
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Leader of the House please say whether the Minister will be
0:04:27 > 0:04:32attending in the chamber, because I understood that was the purpose of
0:04:32 > 0:04:36windups. Secondly, the Leader of the House seems to have two tiers of
0:04:36 > 0:04:41resolutions of the House, it is the resolution of the House for
0:04:41 > 0:04:44opposition days, then the normal resolutions of the House. Could she
0:04:44 > 0:04:49say what discussions she has had with the clerics and the Speaker
0:04:49 > 0:04:56about these tears, and whether it should be amended. She says in the
0:04:56 > 0:05:00last paragraph that this is in line with suggestions made by members
0:05:00 > 0:05:03across the House, could I say there has been no discussions with
0:05:03 > 0:05:09business managers on our side? And I do not think this is acceptable, and
0:05:09 > 0:05:14no way to treat the House. This is rapidly becoming like the House of
0:05:14 > 0:05:18games, a combination of the House of cards on the game of thrones, and
0:05:18 > 0:05:24the government should get their House in order and deal with the
0:05:24 > 0:05:30democracy of why we're here, are elected representatives to speak on
0:05:30 > 0:05:33the half of our constituents. The reader may also want to correct what
0:05:33 > 0:05:37she said to the House last week, but there were discussions about
0:05:37 > 0:05:42sanctions and anti-money-laundering bills in place. There were no
0:05:42 > 0:05:45discussions. My friends on the other place have said they were told the
0:05:45 > 0:05:50bill would start there. There was a first reading member Bill was
0:05:50 > 0:05:54published. That cannot possibly be right. That must be profoundly
0:05:54 > 0:05:58against the democracy of the country that there is a first reading then
0:05:58 > 0:06:02no one has sight of the bill until the next day. So, could the Leader
0:06:02 > 0:06:08of the House confirm this will not be used again? We have all received
0:06:08 > 0:06:15a letter on the debate in September, but there will be a delay of 18
0:06:15 > 0:06:21months just to get to a position where the report that was published
0:06:21 > 0:06:26in 2016 of a final option. This actually takes the opposition --
0:06:26 > 0:06:33option away from members because it says the House members will be able
0:06:33 > 0:06:37to vote yes or no macro. This cannot be acceptable. I see no reason why
0:06:37 > 0:06:44these options cannot be set up without the delivery authority. Can
0:06:44 > 0:06:52she let me know how many consultants there have been on the costs of
0:06:52 > 0:07:02people who have been appointed. Issue really asking our gracious
0:07:02 > 0:07:05sovereign to attend the building site, and will hard hats be
0:07:05 > 0:07:14available? In a week we're, through his actions, a government whip
0:07:14 > 0:07:25raises the
0:07:33 > 0:07:38spectre of... His inspiration was Lennon and McCartney, because he
0:07:38 > 0:07:41wanted to be a paperback writer. If he was writing a book, should he
0:07:41 > 0:07:46have written on whip headed paper? You should have been clear what the
0:07:46 > 0:07:51information was. He could have found all the information out if he had
0:07:51 > 0:07:57looked at the University because four years ago these apparent
0:07:57 > 0:08:01students -- the students who are being brainwashed by the
0:08:01 > 0:08:09universities, economic undergraduates formed the postgrad
0:08:09 > 0:08:12society, they criticise university courses are doing little to explain
0:08:12 > 0:08:17why economists failed to warn about the global financial crisis, and for
0:08:17 > 0:08:26having too heavy a focus on jobs, and not focusing on theories. I'm
0:08:26 > 0:08:32afraid the reader is on her own. It is not an isolated because all those
0:08:32 > 0:08:45who received it sounded menacing unthreatening. That is including the
0:08:45 > 0:08:49Prime Minister. She has also distance herself from this. There
0:08:49 > 0:09:01seems to be a return to the nasty party.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Nearly three months after the employment Tribunal is policy was
0:09:03 > 0:09:07struck down by the Supreme Court, the government has only now revealed
0:09:07 > 0:09:11plans for the refunds, and they will be made when officials are starting
0:09:11 > 0:09:17to rate to 1000 people. That was also hidden in a written statement.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21With the leaders say when the former Justice Secretary will apologise for
0:09:21 > 0:09:26acting unlawfully, and when will claimants receive their refunds
0:09:26 > 0:09:29including interest? Why is the government to press ahead with the
0:09:29 > 0:09:41legal aid fees in criminal cases, despite 97% of submissions and
0:09:41 > 0:09:46against these plans. It may be hoping to challenge the decision is
0:09:46 > 0:09:52made against the evidence, with no valid reasons. To Brexit. The
0:09:52 > 0:09:59farmers say that no deal will have severe effects on them. This week UK
0:09:59 > 0:10:12business leaders from Britain have asked the EU to establish that the
0:10:12 > 0:10:20situation mirrors the existing situation. In March 29, if there is
0:10:20 > 0:10:26no deal, what will the government be implemented? Yesterday, before 12pm,
0:10:26 > 0:10:30the Secretary of State said to select committee, there will a vote
0:10:30 > 0:10:39on a deal after March 2019. After then he intends the will be a vote
0:10:39 > 0:10:45before. No wonder we are stuck. Remember the urban negotiating with
0:10:45 > 0:10:49friends, not enemies. We worked with them on Common causes of growth
0:10:49 > 0:10:52strategies, climate change, tax avoidance, health and well-being,
0:10:52 > 0:10:58and the peace and security of our nations. Finally, we say goodbye to
0:10:58 > 0:11:03fats Domino and thank him for all those wonderful songs and
0:11:03 > 0:11:10congratulations to the new Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand. It
0:11:10 > 0:11:14was the Leader of the Opposition who said at the time of the election, do
0:11:14 > 0:11:27it for us, and she did.I would like to start joining in wishing New
0:11:27 > 0:11:36Zealand well with a new New Zealand leader. I'm not sure the opposition
0:11:36 > 0:11:39of welcomed the achievements of women on this side of the House, but
0:11:39 > 0:11:42nevertheless I am very happy to welcome the achievement of the
0:11:42 > 0:11:48people of New Zealand. In response to her specific questions, she will
0:11:48 > 0:11:57be aware that my office rang her as to give advance notice of the laying
0:11:57 > 0:12:05of the WMS, which was published at 10:30am, which is appropriate. It
0:12:05 > 0:12:11has been published, that is confirmed, so she is not wrong, and
0:12:11 > 0:12:16is incorrect to suggest it was not published. She asks whether a
0:12:16 > 0:12:20minister will attend the House, and I can tell her that it is intended
0:12:20 > 0:12:25that ministers will attend in person wherever possible, but it is
0:12:25 > 0:12:30possible that a written ministerial statement will be provided from time
0:12:30 > 0:12:36to time. It is also intended that 12 weeks is the maximum time before a
0:12:36 > 0:12:40ministerial responses provided. She asks if standing orders need to be
0:12:40 > 0:12:45amended, no they do not. There was no discussion on this, she says. Can
0:12:45 > 0:12:48I say to her, as the representative of the government in parliament and
0:12:48 > 0:12:52as Parliament's representative in government, it is for the Leader of
0:12:52 > 0:12:56the House to listen to all members, and it is members across the House
0:12:56 > 0:13:00who have been urging a response from government, and that is what we have
0:13:00 > 0:13:14responded to. She talks about the R&R options that have been put in
0:13:14 > 0:13:19front of the House. It is right that we have the best value for taxpayers
0:13:19 > 0:13:24money. It has been clear that the party opposite do not care about
0:13:24 > 0:13:28taxpayers money, and honourable members opposite constantly talk
0:13:28 > 0:13:31about just going with three options in front of this House, but the
0:13:31 > 0:13:37reality is that the full cost of each option have not yet been
0:13:37 > 0:13:42bottomed out, and that is the reason it is important to set up an
0:13:42 > 0:13:45independent delivery authority that can assess the costs in a short
0:13:45 > 0:13:55space of time so they can... The honourable members shouting 18
0:13:55 > 0:14:03months, we need to bottom out the costs. We need to get the best
0:14:03 > 0:14:09possible value for future generations, and the members of the
0:14:09 > 0:14:12House should support that. It is rightly take the decision across
0:14:12 > 0:14:24both houses that will look at the full cost and then make a
0:14:24 > 0:14:32recommendation across both houses. It is right that whoever oversees
0:14:32 > 0:14:37this has parliamentary representation. She asks about the
0:14:37 > 0:14:40universities and what the response should be to a question on their
0:14:40 > 0:14:44courses, and I can say to her that across this House we support free
0:14:44 > 0:14:50speech. Our universities are total bastions of free speech and they
0:14:50 > 0:14:55should absolutely welcome exploration of all sides of an
0:14:55 > 0:15:02argument. I will leave it there on that point. She asks about the issue
0:15:02 > 0:15:06of refunds to claimants following a judiciary review. As I understand
0:15:06 > 0:15:11it, that was discussed in the select committee for Justice this week, and
0:15:11 > 0:15:18I urge her to look at that. I can write separately with information on
0:15:18 > 0:15:21that discussion. She then comes onto the subject of Brexit, and what I
0:15:21 > 0:15:27can say to members is that the Prime Minister set out in her Florence
0:15:27 > 0:15:31speech a very generous and collegiate offer to the European
0:15:31 > 0:15:36Union. I am delighted that following the European Council there have been
0:15:36 > 0:15:42warm and improving tones coming from European leaders about the prospects
0:15:42 > 0:15:47for moving on to discuss trade and cooperation across all areas. The
0:15:47 > 0:15:51government remains committed to getting an excellent deal for the
0:15:51 > 0:15:57United Kingdom and our EU friends and neighbours, and we believe that
0:15:57 > 0:16:04will be possible to do before March 2019. Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:16:05 > 0:16:11Can we have a debate on making better use of natural resources. In
0:16:11 > 0:16:18a few days we will go through that ritual of putting our clocks back an
0:16:18 > 0:16:26hour and plunging the nation into darknessed by mrch. By mid
0:16:26 > 0:16:34afternoon. Can we look at putting our clocks forward an our. It would
0:16:34 > 0:16:40reduce accidents.I'm aware this has been a long-standing issue with
0:16:40 > 0:16:45strong views on all sides. At this time of year it is something my
0:16:45 > 0:16:50honourable friend might want to raise in an adjournment debate.
0:16:50 > 0:16:58There are views on accidents and agriculture and it is important all
0:16:58 > 0:17:03those views are taken into account. Can I thank the Leader of the House
0:17:03 > 0:17:08for the business of next week. Another week, another no play. This
0:17:08 > 0:17:12is a Government that couldn't even organise a vote in a Parliament. We
0:17:12 > 0:17:17have had a woeful statement of opposition days which says a
0:17:17 > 0:17:22minister will respond within a 12 week period if the House approved a
0:17:22 > 0:17:28motion. Instead of a statement months later why not get the
0:17:28 > 0:17:32Government to agree to what the House has agreed in the votes.
0:17:32 > 0:17:38Scotland has to be the hardest impacted part of UK with this Tory
0:17:38 > 0:17:41hard Brexit. We didn't vote for it and we have been taken out against
0:17:41 > 0:17:45our national will. Now the Government says that they won't let
0:17:45 > 0:17:49the Scottish people see the cost of this disaster that is coming. Sure
0:17:49 > 0:17:55think Scottish people have every right to see what the cost of this
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Brexit will be and they then have an opportunity to assess all the
0:17:58 > 0:18:04options that will be available to them. And finally, I wonder if
0:18:04 > 0:18:08myself and the Leader of the House could get together with the speak
0:18:08 > 0:18:13tore assist our new Conservatives colleagues from Scotland. They seem
0:18:13 > 0:18:16to have a difficulty in distinguishing what is a reserve
0:18:16 > 0:18:20responsibility and what is devolved responsibility and if the occupants
0:18:20 > 0:18:24of your chair are getting tired of constantly having to correct them on
0:18:24 > 0:18:33this. Maybe we could do a Father Ted to Father Dougall. These are the
0:18:33 > 0:18:37powers for this Parliament, these are the powers for a Parliament far
0:18:37 > 0:18:43away. Maybe it is not good news for them, because they will have nothing
0:18:43 > 0:18:50else to talk about in this House. Well, Mr Speaker, I'm sorry to say
0:18:50 > 0:18:55that I'm concerned that the honourable gentleman is showing is
0:18:55 > 0:18:58an inability to understand how Parliament works. As you said, Mr
0:18:58 > 0:19:03Speaker, it is not for Parliament to tell individual MPs that they have
0:19:03 > 0:19:08to vote or indeed how they should vote. It is a matter for parties and
0:19:08 > 0:19:13members of Parliament I'm sure that the honourable gentleman will recall
0:19:13 > 0:19:18days when his Scottish nationalists have abstained on a vaet. Vote. Its
0:19:18 > 0:19:25for them to be able to do so and it is for members on all side to decide
0:19:25 > 0:19:29whether they wish to vote. You have made clear when the House does
0:19:29 > 0:19:32express an opinion and a motion is passed that is a motion of this
0:19:32 > 0:19:38House. What I have set out is how the Government intends to respond to
0:19:38 > 0:19:42an opposition day motion that is passed. That is genuinely an effort
0:19:42 > 0:19:46on the part of Government to be listening to members across the
0:19:46 > 0:19:49House, to be responding to the concerns that they have raised and
0:19:49 > 0:19:56to be coming back to this chamber to make sure that the response of
0:19:56 > 0:20:00Government is seen and understood by all members. I think he should
0:20:00 > 0:20:03welcome that, rather than displaying a lack of understanding of
0:20:03 > 0:20:09Parliamentary process. He also insists on some plans for the cost
0:20:09 > 0:20:14of Brexit. I think again he is not understanding how this works. There
0:20:14 > 0:20:21is a negotiation going on at presents and once that negotiation
0:20:21 > 0:20:26has happened, we will be able to assess the implementation
0:20:26 > 0:20:31implication and what the costs are. That is how it works. He seems to
0:20:31 > 0:20:42suggest that my honourable friends the very excellent Scottish
0:20:42 > 0:20:46Conservative MPs are somehow representing their constituents in a
0:20:46 > 0:20:50way that he doesn't like. Well, I absolutely encourage my honourable
0:20:50 > 0:20:56friends to carry on with the excellent work they're doing to hold
0:20:56 > 0:21:01the Scottish Government to account and to make very clear those areas
0:21:01 > 0:21:04where in England people are being better looked after than they are in
0:21:04 > 0:21:09Scotland. It is absolutely right that they should be doing that and I
0:21:09 > 0:21:18encourage hem to continue.Will mmd v my honourable friend find time for
0:21:18 > 0:21:24a debate on support for children who suffer from diabetes in school.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Diabetes UK understand the challenges that our schools face,
0:21:27 > 0:21:31but they think there should be further training given to staff
0:21:31 > 0:21:38charged with this particular responsibility of giving support.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41I'm very sympathetic to my honourable friend's point. In fact I
0:21:41 > 0:21:49have a brother-in-law who was himself a child diabetic and I am
0:21:49 > 0:21:52aware things have improved in schools and there is a requirement
0:21:52 > 0:21:57since 2014 where, the Government has introduced a new duty on schools to
0:21:57 > 0:22:02arrange support for pupils with medical conditions such as this, I'm
0:22:02 > 0:22:07very aware of the constituency MP of challenges where parents have found
0:22:07 > 0:22:11schools have struggled to find that sup fort. I encourage him to
0:22:11 > 0:22:17continue to take up this issue, perhaps through an adjournment
0:22:17 > 0:22:29debate.Could I thank the minister for the notice of time that is very
0:22:29 > 0:22:34useful indeed. We have received 21 applications over the last three
0:22:34 > 0:22:39weeks and I have a number of debates which have not yet been allocated
0:22:39 > 0:22:43time. Could I ask one question about what she said about opposition days,
0:22:43 > 0:22:48and the 12 week response time. Would that also apply to backbench
0:22:48 > 0:22:53business debates if there was a division of the House on a backbench
0:22:53 > 0:22:58motion and would that be a response within 12 sitting weeks or 12
0:22:58 > 0:23:03calendar weeks. And you may remember I ventured a crack pot theory last
0:23:03 > 0:23:10week that the House was suffering a far day cage affect because of
0:23:10 > 0:23:18scaffolding, I had a call from technical services to confirm that
0:23:18 > 0:23:24my crack pot theory was right and telephone cables are being affected.
0:23:24 > 0:23:29The honourable gentleman is not only a good chair of backbench business
0:23:29 > 0:23:37committee, but he has other qualities to boot. Including a
0:23:37 > 0:23:43degree of technological or scientific or either
0:23:43 > 0:23:45physicist-orientated knowledge. But the honourable gentleman has
0:23:45 > 0:23:53recovered since then. The House re -- rejoices in his distinction.
0:23:53 > 0:23:59Thank you I can't to look into this issue. I'm glad he is ahead of me on
0:23:59 > 0:24:04that. The honourable gentleman will be aware that there are significant
0:24:04 > 0:24:08differences between opposition and backbench business days. Backbench
0:24:08 > 0:24:12business motions are selected by a cross party committee with cross
0:24:12 > 0:24:17party support and the majority of the time they have therefore
0:24:17 > 0:24:22nonpartisan motions which are designed very importantly to
0:24:22 > 0:24:27facilitate cross party debates, which I think they do effectively.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30My proposal for statements is specifically for opposition day
0:24:30 > 0:24:34motions. But I will indeed take on board his point and wherever
0:24:34 > 0:24:39possible of course ministers do come back to respond during the debate on
0:24:39 > 0:24:42matters that they can take forward following those cross party
0:24:42 > 0:24:54discussions.We know the power of language, especially you and we have
0:24:54 > 0:25:01a duty to respect that power outside the chamber. Can we have a debate on
0:25:01 > 0:25:10the use of misogynistic and homophobic language?Well, my
0:25:10 > 0:25:12honourable friend is absolutely right to raise this point. I think
0:25:12 > 0:25:18we have all right across the House been disgusted by some of the
0:25:18 > 0:25:23reports of some appalling language used. And it is right we should have
0:25:23 > 0:25:31a debate on this. We have had a debate on abuse and intimidation
0:25:31 > 0:25:35during the general election. It is right all members are careful and
0:25:35 > 0:25:38considered in how they refer to other people. But it is much broader
0:25:38 > 0:25:42than that, we have seen an enormous amount of abuse going on against
0:25:42 > 0:25:46people in public life. We want to encourage people to feel that they
0:25:46 > 0:25:52can come into public life and not receive that abuse. Any support that
0:25:52 > 0:25:55my honourable friend needs in bringing forward such a debate, I
0:25:55 > 0:26:02would be happy to provide.Can we have a debate on whether Government
0:26:02 > 0:26:07ministers understand the concept of urgent? Because the Leader of the
0:26:07 > 0:26:12House said earlier that it is an urgent problem that, the state of
0:26:12 > 0:26:17Palace of Westminster. Yet, the joint committee on which her
0:26:17 > 0:26:21predecessor but two, because we are getting through leaders of the House
0:26:21 > 0:26:28at a pace, the leader but two ago agreed there was an impending crisis
0:26:28 > 0:26:33and that was publish on 8th September last year with a guarantee
0:26:33 > 0:26:36of a vote by Christmas last year. Now she says we will have a debate
0:26:36 > 0:26:44by the end of this year and we are not going to make a decision, but
0:26:44 > 0:26:50delay it for 18 months. Just let the House make a decision if you
0:26:50 > 0:26:57understand the concept.Do you understand the continue September or
0:26:57 > 0:27:01perhaps the honourable gentleman misspoke? But essentially this is an
0:27:01 > 0:27:08urgent matter for Parliament to resolve. The honourable gentleman be
0:27:08 > 0:27:12aware since I became Leader of the House we have had a commission
0:27:12 > 0:27:17chaired by Mr Speaker actually lets and contracts to ensure that urgent
0:27:17 > 0:27:22repairs to this House are carried out to ensure that we do have a safe
0:27:22 > 0:27:28space to work, while this decision is taken. As I have made clear, we
0:27:28 > 0:27:33have to ensure value for taxpayers' money. The joint committee made a
0:27:33 > 0:27:38recommendation without having been able, having been in a position, to
0:27:38 > 0:27:42pin down the entire cost of the option they were proposing. It is
0:27:42 > 0:27:46essential that work is done and it will be done as quickly as possible.
0:27:46 > 0:27:53John Howell.Can we have a debate on the puma II helicopter which is an
0:27:53 > 0:28:00aircraft that can be deployed on contingent operations very quickly
0:28:00 > 0:28:10and is often providing assistance to those in desperate need?Well, my
0:28:10 > 0:28:14honourable friend raises a point about his constituency, RAF Benson,
0:28:14 > 0:28:21who do a huge amount of very supportive work in promotion of
0:28:21 > 0:28:25Government priorities, including support for those suffering from the
0:28:25 > 0:28:30hurricanes in recent months. And I encourage him to seek to find a way
0:28:30 > 0:28:41to have a debate on this important subject.I wonder if the Leader of
0:28:41 > 0:28:50the House would draw the attention of Chancellor to a debate led by the
0:28:50 > 0:28:55member for Mitch ham concentrating on local authority funeral fees and
0:28:55 > 0:28:59my campaign to establish a children's funeral fund. She way
0:28:59 > 0:29:02wish to draw to the Chancellor's attention the consensus across the
0:29:02 > 0:29:06House that if he was to make provision for such a fund in the
0:29:06 > 0:29:11budget it would not only be welcomed by colleagues, but by the public in
0:29:11 > 0:29:18general.I certainly commend the honourable lady for her
0:29:18 > 0:29:22long-standing commitment to this issue. And I do urge her to seek a
0:29:22 > 0:29:29way to raise that directly with the Chancellor. I would be very
0:29:29 > 0:29:36sympathetic to her concerns.Will my honourable friend find time for a
0:29:36 > 0:29:39debate for health outcomes across the regions and nations of United
0:29:39 > 0:29:43Kingdom in the light of the highly critical audit Scotland report on
0:29:43 > 0:29:51the state of the NHS in Scotland, which exposes how badly the SNP have
0:29:51 > 0:29:56mismanaged the NHS since they came to power more than ten years ago?
0:29:56 > 0:30:01Absolutely. My honourable friend raises a very important point. Which
0:30:01 > 0:30:06is the inequalities across the nations of the United Kingdom in
0:30:06 > 0:30:11certain areas and the members on the SNP benches there are shouting and
0:30:11 > 0:30:16yelling, because they don't want a spotlight on their activities in
0:30:16 > 0:30:27government in Scotland. BuI think on these benches my honourable friends
0:30:27 > 0:30:36will continue to raise their inned a Quaye sis. -- inadequacies.Can she
0:30:36 > 0:30:42answer a question the Prime Minister failed to, has the Government or its
0:30:42 > 0:30:49agencies received any requests from the congressional investigator in
0:30:49 > 0:30:55the United States for help in their ink inquiry into the Russian sub
0:30:55 > 0:31:02version of American election?If the honourable gentleman wants to write
0:31:02 > 0:31:09to me on this I will see if I can get him an answer.
0:31:09 > 0:31:14My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Kenya today as they go to
0:31:14 > 0:31:17the polls and we wish a peaceful outcome and dialogue between
0:31:17 > 0:31:21government and opposition for the future. Can we have a statement on
0:31:21 > 0:31:26the current situation with the overseas territories in the
0:31:26 > 0:31:40Caribbean after the terrible effects of hurricane -- Hurricane to. It is
0:31:40 > 0:31:48crucial that the assistance from the OECD should not stop making that
0:31:48 > 0:31:55available.He will be aware that every assistance possible has been
0:31:55 > 0:32:00given to those suffering from those awful hurricanes and continues to be
0:32:00 > 0:32:06provided. There have been statements made in this House and I suggest he
0:32:06 > 0:32:16raises this either with CF IDE or Foreign Office questions at the next
0:32:16 > 0:32:26opportunity. -- DFID.We have proof that Russian millionaire is at
0:32:26 > 0:32:33interfering with elections. Can we have an urgent debate about having
0:32:33 > 0:32:45no integrity over elections, regarding a second Brexit vote?I
0:32:45 > 0:32:52think he is as concerned as members are across the House about potential
0:32:52 > 0:32:55intervention in democratic systems, and he will be aware that a lot of
0:32:55 > 0:33:00investigatory work has been going on, and he will know very well of
0:33:00 > 0:33:07appropriate ways to raise the matter through a debate in this House.The
0:33:07 > 0:33:14government has helpfully published a number of plans post-Brexit. Could I
0:33:14 > 0:33:20ask the Leader of the House to ask for a plan on financial services. It
0:33:20 > 0:33:30is the largest export sector and affects many of my constituents.I
0:33:30 > 0:33:35share his enthusiasm, and I am sure he is as delighted as I was when he
0:33:35 > 0:33:40saw the UK's financial services sector has extended its lead over
0:33:40 > 0:33:42all financial services sectors around the world, and that
0:33:42 > 0:33:46announcement has been made only in recent months. I will pass on his
0:33:46 > 0:33:55request.Could she clarify the position from yesterday about the
0:33:55 > 0:33:59statement on supported housing, and would it be beneficial to have a
0:33:59 > 0:34:12general debate in government time on fear rent -- fair. Tenants of mine
0:34:12 > 0:34:17is part of a group, new tenants are being charged lower rent than
0:34:17 > 0:34:21existing tenants. And I have taken it up with them, they refused to
0:34:21 > 0:34:24lower the rents for the existing tenants, which is taking money away
0:34:24 > 0:34:30from vulnerable parents and those struggling to make ends meet. Could
0:34:30 > 0:34:42we have a debate managed by the local authority? Nel as ever, I
0:34:42 > 0:34:48encourage him to take up specific cases directly with DC LG. It is
0:34:48 > 0:34:54vital that we all represent the individual problems that crop up.
0:34:54 > 0:35:01The last Spending Review we committed 400 million to deliver a
0:35:01 > 0:35:06further 8000 units, and we're working towards a model that is
0:35:06 > 0:35:09responsive to the needs of this diverse sector and delivers
0:35:09 > 0:35:15long-term sustainability. So, I think we are on the same side in
0:35:15 > 0:35:22solving this argument, and individual issues he should take up.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Last week the Scottish Government give itself a pat on the back for
0:35:25 > 0:35:29being on track with its commitments over access to superfast broadband.
0:35:29 > 0:35:35However the reality is that as of 2016, 2000 premises in Scotland were
0:35:35 > 0:35:42still without -- 20% of premises in Scotland were still without
0:35:42 > 0:35:50superfast broadband, compared with 11% in the rest of the UK. Will my
0:35:50 > 0:35:56honourable friend find time to debate this issue of improving
0:35:56 > 0:36:08broadband connections?She hasn't answered yet!
0:36:08 > 0:36:14LAUGHTERIt is very important to hear from my honourable friend, but
0:36:14 > 0:36:19it is also important that I reply to him because he is absolutely right
0:36:19 > 0:36:23that the SNP do like to take credit for things going well and to try to
0:36:23 > 0:36:27blame this Westminster Parliament when things do not go so well.
0:36:27 > 0:36:33The UK Government has provided £100 million for phase one broadband
0:36:33 > 0:36:36roll-out in Scotland, and has committed nearly £21 million for
0:36:36 > 0:36:47phase two. Superfast broadband in Scotland now reaches 91.8% of homes,
0:36:47 > 0:36:51but only 78% in the Scottish Borders, so the plans for Scotland
0:36:51 > 0:36:55is to get superfast broadband by 2021, whereas the UK Government plan
0:36:55 > 0:37:14to achieve it by 2017.The UK Government's own deadline is the 1st
0:37:14 > 0:37:19of November the ratification of the convention, so can the Leader of the
0:37:19 > 0:37:28House confirmed that the government will issue an oral statement on
0:37:28 > 0:37:42this, and does she agree that this is an important convention?I cannot
0:37:42 > 0:37:49answer his question because I did not get sight of it, but I will
0:37:49 > 0:37:54answer that if he hates to me. I agree that the Istanbul convention
0:37:54 > 0:38:00is very important.Opposition Day motions will be responded to by an
0:38:00 > 0:38:08oral statement within 12 weeks, that was committed. That convention is a
0:38:08 > 0:38:17slight movement back to the House from the executive could we have a
0:38:17 > 0:38:20statement next week perhaps by the shadow do it a leader on the House
0:38:20 > 0:38:25-- of the House on this issue so we can press this and get it extended
0:38:25 > 0:38:29to any motions in this House and perhaps also backed up by a written
0:38:29 > 0:38:35statement, and also have a progress debate on how government is dealing
0:38:35 > 0:38:42with this on each session.I think I have already given a lot considering
0:38:42 > 0:38:45my honourable friend did not buy me that glass of wine when we discussed
0:38:45 > 0:38:53this. But I am always keen to hear thoughts from members across the
0:38:53 > 0:39:01House.I'm sure the Leader of the House knows that I was not trying to
0:39:01 > 0:39:10jump the queue, but I was eager to ask if she had seen the comments of
0:39:10 > 0:39:14Sir David Attenborough about marine pollution this week, and the growing
0:39:14 > 0:39:18evidence that we are poisoning the oceans of this world, and could we
0:39:18 > 0:39:23have an early debate on this, and a series of debates and statements? It
0:39:23 > 0:39:31is too important to leave.There is absolutely cross-party consensus
0:39:31 > 0:39:36that David Attenborough is a national treasure, but second ball,
0:39:36 > 0:39:39vital that we do everything we can to stop and reverse marine
0:39:39 > 0:39:46pollution. This government has done an enormous amount to create a blue
0:39:46 > 0:39:49belt around overseas territories, to ensure the protection of those
0:39:49 > 0:39:54areas. We're looking at what further we can do to reduce litter on land
0:39:54 > 0:40:00which often ends up in seas, and also the ban on Micro plastics, I
0:40:00 > 0:40:08was pleased to put forward. The Secretary of State is fully
0:40:08 > 0:40:12committed to this, and there will be many more initiatives from this --
0:40:12 > 0:40:19to address this very issue.The Secretary of State for the
0:40:19 > 0:40:24environment has rightly highlighted the danger of intensive farming on
0:40:24 > 0:40:28soil nutrient levels. The Woodland Trust have rightly highlighted the
0:40:28 > 0:40:34grave danger that ancient woodland is in in terms of soils and
0:40:34 > 0:40:37environment, and indeed ancient pastures. Can the leader considered
0:40:37 > 0:40:41a debate to look at the profile around these ancient and important
0:40:41 > 0:40:49issues and these very precious sites.I think we all enormously
0:40:49 > 0:40:54value ancient woodland, and any members who have not been to one, I
0:40:54 > 0:41:00do encourage them to do so, because it is astonishing, some of the
0:41:00 > 0:41:06oldest woodlands we have in the United Kingdom at irreplaceable. She
0:41:06 > 0:41:13is right to raise the importance of protecting soil, and as DEFRA
0:41:13 > 0:41:17Secretary of State myself, I attended a conference sponsored by
0:41:17 > 0:41:21the Prince of Wales to discuss this issue and the importance of reducing
0:41:21 > 0:41:25the inventiveness of agricultural activity to reduce the damage being
0:41:25 > 0:41:29done. It is something my right honourable friend is determined to
0:41:29 > 0:41:35promote.Can we have a debate or statement on the application of the
0:41:35 > 0:41:451985 prosecution of offensive acts, because John Bryant, the campaigner,
0:41:45 > 0:42:02has set to take action about a racehorse owner,... Magistrates have
0:42:02 > 0:42:07repeatedly refused to issue a summons.We cannot interfere with
0:42:07 > 0:42:12the law, and we have got a case where a general answer will be all
0:42:12 > 0:42:19right. Who have got next?The weekend before last, I attended a
0:42:19 > 0:42:25brilliantly organised world Squash Day event, organised by my
0:42:25 > 0:42:27constituent James Roberts. Frustratingly we do not have any
0:42:27 > 0:42:33squash courts at the moment. Can we have a debate to discuss the
0:42:33 > 0:42:41benefits of squash, but also the pressing need for squash courts.I
0:42:41 > 0:42:44would like to invite his constituents to come and play squash
0:42:44 > 0:42:49down the road in my constituency, where we are doing rather well in
0:42:49 > 0:42:51some of the leagues. His constituents might like to come and
0:42:51 > 0:43:05get some training. He is right, we want to do more for this, I
0:43:05 > 0:43:14encourage him to have an adjournment debate on what more can be done.In
0:43:14 > 0:43:20light of unlawful calls made by blue telecoms under half of the
0:43:20 > 0:43:22Conservative Party during the general election, can the Leader of
0:43:22 > 0:43:27the House and your time is made available for a debate about the
0:43:27 > 0:43:29importance of all political parties fully complying with the electoral
0:43:29 > 0:43:38roll?All members agree that all political parties should abide by
0:43:38 > 0:43:45electoral law, and if there were any issues, we will be taken up by the
0:43:45 > 0:43:57Electoral Commission.Can we have a debate about emergency medication.
0:43:57 > 0:44:04Back in 2013, before I was elected, the emergency department was
0:44:04 > 0:44:07downgraded, can we have a debate to establish whether this explanation
0:44:07 > 0:44:18still holds water?Chillies is a vital constituency matter, and is
0:44:18 > 0:44:32right to do so. The decisions taken by... I do encourage him to seek an
0:44:32 > 0:44:36adjournment debate so he can hear from ministers what more he can do
0:44:36 > 0:44:45to protect his own medical facilities.I am sure the Leader of
0:44:45 > 0:44:48the House agrees that our armed services veterans deserve the best
0:44:48 > 0:44:52treatment when they are suffering from mental health problems,
0:44:52 > 0:44:59including PTSD. My constituent received treatment, but this
0:44:59 > 0:45:04facility is now under threat of closure. Can we have a debate in
0:45:04 > 0:45:12government time regarding facilities of brave veterans?She is right to
0:45:12 > 0:45:19raise the importance of looking after our veterans, but secondly the
0:45:19 > 0:45:24issue of mental health problems that arise from the trauma that they
0:45:24 > 0:45:28suffer. She will be aware that the Ministry of Defence and the Royal
0:45:28 > 0:45:31foundation have announced a partnership to deal with the issues
0:45:31 > 0:45:35around stigma and treatment for mental health across the defence
0:45:35 > 0:45:39community. The government is determined to do what it can to try
0:45:39 > 0:45:48to promote good strong mental health, and she can raise these
0:45:48 > 0:45:53points at defence questions.
0:45:53 > 0:46:00Before the election, the Government presented an excellent White Paper.
0:46:00 > 0:46:04At the weekend, the Secretary of State for communities and of the and
0:46:04 > 0:46:07suggested the Government should borrow £50 million to kick-start the
0:46:07 > 0:46:11housing policy in this country. The Chancellor, in his budget statement,
0:46:11 > 0:46:16will make housing in this country a keynote element, we are told. Could
0:46:16 > 0:46:19my right honourable friend find time in government time for a debate on
0:46:19 > 0:46:24housing policy so that members of this house can contribute ideas to
0:46:24 > 0:46:27this before my right honourable friend the Chancellor stands up to
0:46:27 > 0:46:33make his budget statement.My honourable friend is right to point
0:46:33 > 0:46:37out that sorting out our housing market is not just a priority for
0:46:37 > 0:46:42the Chancellor, it is a personal priority for the Prime Minister, who
0:46:42 > 0:46:45is determined to see us tackle the ever-increasing challenge for young
0:46:45 > 0:46:49people to get onto the housing ladder, either to buy or to rent. I
0:46:49 > 0:46:54am sure that my honourable friend, as he is always able to do, we'll
0:46:54 > 0:46:58find a way to raise this with the Chancellor before the budget.
0:46:58 > 0:47:05Yesterday I wrote to the CEO of RBS, Ross McEwan, about my call for a
0:47:05 > 0:47:08judge-led inquiry into the treatment of smaller businesses by the bank.
0:47:08 > 0:47:12His reply was I have no interest in supporting another investigation
0:47:12 > 0:47:16after four years of review. Many small-business will regard his
0:47:16 > 0:47:24comment that he has no interest in it as dismissive and disrespectful,
0:47:24 > 0:47:29given so many have seen our lives torn apart as a result of what the
0:47:29 > 0:47:32Financial Conduct Authority describes as the inappropriate
0:47:32 > 0:47:37treatment of SMEs. Can the leader of the house ask a minister to respond
0:47:37 > 0:47:40to my request for a judge-led inquiry and to comment on what Mr
0:47:40 > 0:47:50McEwan has said?I would say first of all that, as city minister, I
0:47:50 > 0:47:54always found Ross McEwan to be incredibly sympathetic to the issues
0:47:54 > 0:47:57facing small businesses. I just want to give an alternative view in that
0:47:57 > 0:48:04regard. He is right that there have been some appalling cases of banks
0:48:04 > 0:48:08failing to support small businesses. Certainly the Financial Conduct
0:48:08 > 0:48:10Authority has looked at many specific cases. They have carried
0:48:10 > 0:48:16out quite an in-depth review. If the honourable gentleman has further
0:48:16 > 0:48:19specific cases, I am sure he should raise them with ideally Financial
0:48:19 > 0:48:24Conduct Authority or with the city minister.Many thanks. My
0:48:24 > 0:48:29constituent attended my surgery last week to inform me that she was
0:48:29 > 0:48:33repeatedly raped and beaten by her ex-partner and currently has an
0:48:33 > 0:48:38injunction against his contacting her. However, much to her horror she
0:48:38 > 0:48:41has been told by her bank she can't remove herself from the joint
0:48:41 > 0:48:46account without attending with her ex-partner and his agreement to this
0:48:46 > 0:48:52change. So could we maybe have a debate statement on the way that
0:48:52 > 0:48:55banks are treating people under the regulations that have been abused
0:48:55 > 0:48:57domestic league and make sure these changes can take place to ensure
0:48:57 > 0:49:03their safety?The honourable lady raises an absolutely appalling
0:49:03 > 0:49:09sounding situation. I am absolutely sympathetic to her. I am quite sure
0:49:09 > 0:49:13that there must be a way through this. I do urge her to raise this
0:49:13 > 0:49:21with ministers and try to find a way forward for her constituent.I was
0:49:21 > 0:49:24delighted to attend the launch of the Scottish Poppy Appeal yesterday.
0:49:24 > 0:49:30What became apparent was that 2017 and 2018, there will be many
0:49:30 > 0:49:34centenary is, particularly about the role of women in The Great War. Can
0:49:34 > 0:49:40we set aside time to properly commemorate the centenary of these
0:49:40 > 0:49:45occasions and give proper notice to the country that we are remembering
0:49:45 > 0:49:48those that made the ultimate sacrifice?I think this is a
0:49:48 > 0:49:53cross-party supported issue and I am absolutely certain that his
0:49:53 > 0:49:57honourable friend the chairman of the backbench committee would be
0:49:57 > 0:50:01very interested in promoting such a debate in this chamber. I would like
0:50:01 > 0:50:04to share with the honourable gentleman in paying tribute to all
0:50:04 > 0:50:08of those that made the ultimate sacrifice and, of course, to remind
0:50:08 > 0:50:13honourable members that next year we also celebrate the centenary of
0:50:13 > 0:50:15women's suffrage. I think the particular contribution of women
0:50:15 > 0:50:23over the last 100 or so years is something that we can all celebrate.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26Mr Deputy Speaker, Government reforms in 2015 lead to the
0:50:26 > 0:50:32unlocking of pension pots for over 200,000 people. Today's financial
0:50:32 > 0:50:38Times reports high-pressure sales tactics, scaremongering and
0:50:38 > 0:50:43mis-selling. Can we have a government statement on this? It
0:50:43 > 0:50:50looks as if another pension scandal is brewing.Well, like the
0:50:50 > 0:50:57honourable gentleman I sort of April Xhaka report. I share his concern.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00It does look alarming and I am sure he will find a way to raise this
0:51:00 > 0:51:05with ministers.Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I am currently pursuing a
0:51:05 > 0:51:10meeting with a minister of the case of my constituent, an Iraqi born
0:51:10 > 0:51:16Kurd, granted citizenship in 2009. He is currently trying to get his
0:51:16 > 0:51:25one year daughter out of a war zone around a area where she was born.
0:51:25 > 0:51:30The issues he is facing, problems with paperwork and the impossibility
0:51:30 > 0:51:34of moving the case forward, it seems, prompt me to ask whether we
0:51:34 > 0:51:38can have a debate in this chamber about how we are helping those
0:51:38 > 0:51:43families torn apart by war coming here for century or having to leave
0:51:43 > 0:51:46family members at home. What we're doing, and how we are working to
0:51:46 > 0:51:53them.I am incredibly sympathetic to the honourable Lady's point. She is
0:51:53 > 0:51:58absolutely right standard for her constituent. We all, as constituency
0:51:58 > 0:52:02MPs, do have cases where the procedures seem to get in the way. I
0:52:02 > 0:52:05do encourage her, if she would like to like to write to me, I could take
0:52:05 > 0:52:08it up with the Home Office or she could take it up directly with
0:52:08 > 0:52:13ministers.On Sunday of last week, I attended a charity fundraiser in my
0:52:13 > 0:52:18constituency to help raise money to buy women and girls sanitary
0:52:18 > 0:52:21products, because they said we can't afford them. This is a growing issue
0:52:21 > 0:52:25in schools up and down the UK, regardless of which administration
0:52:25 > 0:52:28is in control. In the Leader of the House find some time in government
0:52:28 > 0:52:33time for a debate on the impact of government cuts, particularly those
0:52:33 > 0:52:39impacting on women and girls?Well, I would say to the honourable
0:52:39 > 0:52:46gentleman that this government has done more for women in the
0:52:46 > 0:52:50workplace, for women's incomes, for reducing inequality, for ensuring
0:52:50 > 0:52:55more families have the security of a pay packet and a wage to protect
0:52:55 > 0:52:59themselves and their families than in the 13 years of the Labour
0:52:59 > 0:53:03government. He raises a very specific point that he may wish to
0:53:03 > 0:53:07raise at an adjournment debate or, indeed, through oral questions.
0:53:11 > 0:53:15Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. A plumbing firm in my constituency is
0:53:15 > 0:53:18going to close before Christmas, having been sold as a going concern.
0:53:18 > 0:53:23The reason being is because of false debt accrued under the employer
0:53:23 > 0:53:28pension provisions of the 1995 pensions act. When is the leader of
0:53:28 > 0:53:31the house and this Government going to act and make changes to these
0:53:31 > 0:53:38regulations to stop more firms going to the wall?Well, the honourable
0:53:38 > 0:53:41gentleman is raising an important point about a business in his
0:53:41 > 0:53:45constituency. He may well want to look into that further through an
0:53:45 > 0:53:50adjournment debate. The general point about regulations, I do urge
0:53:50 > 0:53:53him to raise with the Treasury, Treasury questions, to see what more
0:53:53 > 0:54:00can be done.Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Given the Government's
0:54:00 > 0:54:06recent and welcome conversion on the road to Manchester regarding
0:54:06 > 0:54:08Council, social and affordable housing, could I ask for an urgent
0:54:08 > 0:54:12debate ahead of the budget on what support the Government is providing
0:54:12 > 0:54:16to ensure that all local authority owned land such as that in the
0:54:16 > 0:54:19ownership of my local Warwick District Council is used exclusively
0:54:19 > 0:54:24in its provision, as this would be the simplest, cheapest and most
0:54:24 > 0:54:32significant action if its delivery. I think the honourable gentleman is
0:54:32 > 0:54:35absolutely right to raise the importance of ensuring that local
0:54:35 > 0:54:39authorities do all they can to facilitate new house-building. He
0:54:39 > 0:54:44will be aware that the Government is exactly looking into how we can
0:54:44 > 0:54:47facilitate exactly that. I encourage him to raise that with ministers at
0:54:47 > 0:54:49every opportunity.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I was bitterly disappointed that the
0:54:55 > 0:55:01leader didn't announce a debate around the NHS. We have heard from
0:55:01 > 0:55:05across the house about the state of the NHS. In York, our health service
0:55:05 > 0:55:08is going to run out of money within a month. Can we have an urgent
0:55:08 > 0:55:12debate on NHS funding ahead of the budget, so we can make sure the
0:55:12 > 0:55:17money goes into the right place? We are having real Tim cuts in York. --
0:55:17 > 0:55:24real terms cuts.As I have said to a number of honourable members, it is
0:55:24 > 0:55:27absolutely right that we all focus on the specific health issues in our
0:55:27 > 0:55:32own constituencies. Where necessary, that we defend them, absolutely. But
0:55:32 > 0:55:38she will be aware that NHS funding will be over half £1 trillion from
0:55:38 > 0:55:422015 to 2020. And that the overwhelming majority of patients
0:55:42 > 0:55:46continue to be seen within four hours, that the Government is
0:55:46 > 0:55:51investing more money in doctors, in GP surgeries, in nursing training
0:55:51 > 0:55:55and so on. The specific point she raises, I think she should certainly
0:55:55 > 0:56:02seek an adjournment debate to talk about specific issues for York.The
0:56:02 > 0:56:05citizens advice bureau in Wrexham is doing an excellent job at the moment
0:56:05 > 0:56:10providing advice on the Universal Credit and debt pressures. But
0:56:10 > 0:56:16fortunately, the local authority is proposing to withdraw funding for
0:56:16 > 0:56:20the CAD in Wrexham at the end of this financial year. Can we have an
0:56:20 > 0:56:23urgent debate on advice and the importance of funding advice for
0:56:23 > 0:56:31people that are under financial pressure?Well, I will take this
0:56:31 > 0:56:33opportunity to absolutely thank citizens advice bureaus for all of
0:56:33 > 0:56:37the excellent work they do in all of our constituencies. The honourable
0:56:37 > 0:56:41gentleman raised an important point, that they are very often largely
0:56:41 > 0:56:44volunteer funded, although they do a lot of their own fundraising, and we
0:56:44 > 0:56:50should all defend the budgets for those citizens advice bureau is, as
0:56:50 > 0:56:54well as the budgets for other advisers who do provide a lot of
0:56:54 > 0:57:00volunteer work to help people to stay out of debt.When honourable
0:57:00 > 0:57:06members and right honourable members e-mail the DWP Hotline, it would be
0:57:06 > 0:57:08reasonable to expect an acknowledgement of correspondence,
0:57:08 > 0:57:13details of who is dealing with the case and a rough time scale. Sadly,
0:57:13 > 0:57:18this is not the case, as it simply acts as a hub for passing on
0:57:18 > 0:57:24inquiries. Can we therefore have a statement from ministers as to how
0:57:24 > 0:57:32it could be made fit for purpose?It is in fact a very good service and
0:57:32 > 0:57:35Universal Credit from DWP. As the honourable gentleman will be aware,
0:57:35 > 0:57:41ministers are committed to incremental improvements every time
0:57:41 > 0:57:45they hear of some problem, they are determined to resolve it. We have
0:57:45 > 0:57:48seen that in recent weeks, that ministers are responding. The
0:57:48 > 0:57:53roll-out of Universal Credit is slow and assured. 8% of benefits
0:57:53 > 0:57:56recipients are now on Universal Credit. That is expected to be only
0:57:56 > 0:58:02up to about 10% by January, when the next pause is due to look at what
0:58:02 > 0:58:04more needs to be done. I am sure the honourable gentleman has put his
0:58:04 > 0:58:10concerns on the record and ministers will be listening to that.Mr Deputy
0:58:10 > 0:58:13Speaker, ministers have said recently that the pay cap on public
0:58:13 > 0:58:18sector workers is now scrapped. It obviously the reality on the ground
0:58:18 > 0:58:25is that there will be no more money for the public services who have to
0:58:25 > 0:58:31find extra pay. Can we have a debate at the floor at the heart of this,
0:58:31 > 0:58:35to make sure that we do not see erosion in police and other public
0:58:35 > 0:58:40services.Our public servants do a fantastic job, for which we are all
0:58:40 > 0:58:43incredibly grateful. But the honourable gentleman will be aware
0:58:43 > 0:58:50that our economy is still struggling to recover from the state it was
0:58:50 > 0:58:55left in in 2010. We are still spending far more money than we take
0:58:55 > 0:59:00in in tax revenues every year. We have a choice. We can either tackle
0:59:00 > 0:59:04at ourselves in this generation, all we can leave it for our children and
0:59:04 > 0:59:08grandchildren to deal with the problems of this generation, left to
0:59:08 > 0:59:12us by a Labour government. So what is absolutely vital is that we
0:59:12 > 0:59:16listen carefully and take the advice of the independent pay review
0:59:16 > 0:59:21bodies, that is what we are committed to.
0:59:22 > 0:59:25Can the leader of the house find time next week to debate the
0:59:25 > 0:59:29decision taken yesterday behind closed doors of Airedale Hospital
0:59:29 > 0:59:35trust, as part of a VAT scam to set up a separate company, registered at
0:59:35 > 0:59:39companies house, to run a large part of its activities, with the power to
0:59:39 > 0:59:49reduce the terms and conditions of new stuff? -- staff.That sounds a
0:59:49 > 0:59:53concerning issue that he raises regarding his constituency. I urge
0:59:53 > 0:59:55him to take it up directly with ministers in the Department of
0:59:55 > 1:00:03Health.Can we have an urgent debate on the very worrying 13% increase in
1:00:03 > 1:00:07crime, and a very worrying concerns raised by Chief constables and the
1:00:07 > 1:00:11ONS that this represents a genuine increasing crime, not just changes
1:00:11 > 1:00:14in reporting, rises in knife crime, violent crime, homicides and the
1:00:14 > 1:00:17pressure it is putting on police resources question time the issues
1:00:17 > 1:00:24of the impact of Spice and drug use, and the police need extra resources
1:00:24 > 1:00:30to cope with this rise in crime. Firstly, I say to the honourable
1:00:30 > 1:00:33gentleman that we are absolutely committed to doing more. My right
1:00:33 > 1:00:36honourable friend the Home Secretary has announced her intention to bring
1:00:36 > 1:00:40forward draft legislation on what we can do to stamp out knife crime. We
1:00:40 > 1:00:44already have the psychoactive substances act, passed last year, to
1:00:44 > 1:00:48try to deal with the increasing use of psychoactive substances such as
1:00:48 > 1:00:54the ones he mentioned. Actually, the crime statistics, the figure this
1:00:54 > 1:00:59year cannot be compared with the previous year because the previous
1:00:59 > 1:01:04estimate did not include fraud and computer misuse offences. In fact,
1:01:04 > 1:01:07crime is traditionally measured by the independent crime survey by
1:01:07 > 1:01:12England and Wales show a 9% fall over the last year, which is a
1:01:12 > 1:01:20continuation of the overall downward trend.
1:01:20 > 1:01:24Can we have a debate about routine delays in the Home Office? Yesterday
1:01:24 > 1:01:29the Immigration Minister promised a Q&A session for 90 minutes, left
1:01:29 > 1:01:35after 12 minutes. An insult to those who turned up. My constituent
1:01:35 > 1:01:39entered further submissions in his asylum claim in 2014, but they have
1:01:39 > 1:01:43still not be considered by the Home Office's complex casework team. But
1:01:43 > 1:01:47she think a three-year delay is acceptable for someone who has fled
1:01:47 > 1:01:53persecution in Georgia?The honourable lady is absolutely right
1:01:53 > 1:01:57to raise a particular constituency case and I doing courage heard to
1:01:57 > 1:02:03speak to Home Office ministers and I am sure I will take it up -- I do
1:02:03 > 1:02:07encourage her. It does sound extremely concerning and I'm
1:02:07 > 1:02:13sympathetic.I would like to welcome the Leader of the House micro's
1:02:13 > 1:02:18comments about the difference between this government and the last
1:02:18 > 1:02:23about their commitment to women, and which you like comparative debate?
1:02:23 > 1:02:27Could we have a debate on the rape laws? The rise in maternity
1:02:27 > 1:02:32discrimination because of the charges now for going to court?
1:02:32 > 1:02:38Could we have a debate on the one in four women who cannot get refuge?
1:02:38 > 1:02:44The number of split payments in Universal Credit? Can we have a
1:02:44 > 1:02:49debate on the gender pay gap and how it is not closing? The women
1:02:49 > 1:02:55under-25 not entitled to the minimum wage? I could go on and on. I would
1:02:55 > 1:03:03like some debates.The honourable lady raises an absolute smorgasbord
1:03:03 > 1:03:09of issues which is a strong supporter of women, I heartily
1:03:09 > 1:03:14agree, we need to raise issues that affect women. We also need to raise
1:03:14 > 1:03:19issues that affect the entire population of this country and this
1:03:19 > 1:03:22government is determined to improve the lives for all people in the
1:03:22 > 1:03:26country. We have done a huge amount specifically focused on women,
1:03:26 > 1:03:32including having two female prime ministers. We have improved the
1:03:32 > 1:03:37numbers of women on boards, in public life, the employment rate for
1:03:37 > 1:03:43women, the wages of women, the childcare support the families, were
1:03:43 > 1:03:47both work, and it is absolutely vital we continue to do that, and on
1:03:47 > 1:03:53that, we can heartily agree.If we are going to have some debates, I
1:03:53 > 1:03:58have read the leader's written statement today, could we also add
1:03:58 > 1:04:02to that, this has been caused by the Government not turning up for
1:04:02 > 1:04:08divisions on opposition day motions? Could we issued to the government
1:04:08 > 1:04:13Whip's offers white flags to waive every time we have an opposition day
1:04:13 > 1:04:15debate to provide a visual representation of the reality of the
1:04:15 > 1:04:20craven attitude of the Government to opposition day debates?The
1:04:20 > 1:04:26honourable gentleman is plain wrong. The side of the House has turned up
1:04:26 > 1:04:32to all opposition day debates. We have had senior ministers speaking
1:04:32 > 1:04:35from the dispatch box, introducing the debates, answering and
1:04:35 > 1:04:42responding to all members' points. We have had fully equal numbers of
1:04:42 > 1:04:44government versus opposition speakers, we have fully participated
1:04:44 > 1:04:51in all of the debates. As Mr Speaker has reminded the House, it is up to
1:04:51 > 1:04:56individual members and parties on whether they vote. His party
1:04:56 > 1:05:01frequently abstains on votes. He would not appreciate the side of the
1:05:01 > 1:05:05House insisting he turns up and votes against every single policy.
1:05:05 > 1:05:12It is for individuals and parties to decide whether and how to vote.On
1:05:12 > 1:05:19the 16th of October, there was a bill which includes clauses are
1:05:19 > 1:05:28rising religious conversion. These types of clauses have been widely
1:05:28 > 1:05:31missed in neighbouring countries and used to persecute religious
1:05:31 > 1:05:36minorities and there are signs that these have begun to happen in the
1:05:36 > 1:05:40poll. Would she agree to a statement or debate on this very important
1:05:40 > 1:05:44issue
1:05:44 > 1:05:48or debate on this very important issue?-- in Nepal. It is the view
1:05:48 > 1:05:52of the side of the House that all religions should be protected, they
1:05:52 > 1:05:57have the right to express their views, free from fear and threat.
1:05:57 > 1:06:01And I know the honourable gentleman always finds a way to raise these
1:06:01 > 1:06:07individual matters and it is right he does so.Thank you, Mr Deputy
1:06:07 > 1:06:10Speaker. A doctor from the University of the West of Scotland
1:06:10 > 1:06:19has awarded... They will be collaborating to support learning
1:06:19 > 1:06:19has awarded... They will be collaborating to support learning,
1:06:19 > 1:06:26so as we approach the 13th of November, can we have a debate and
1:06:26 > 1:06:31nine members to discuss how innovative approaches like this can
1:06:31 > 1:06:38help?-- honourable members. Bullying is something that affects
1:06:38 > 1:06:42all children and young people right across our society and it is
1:06:42 > 1:06:47something we are fully committed to stamping out in every way we can. I
1:06:47 > 1:06:51absolutely commend him for looking at innovative ways to achieve this
1:06:51 > 1:06:56and I urge him to raise this as a suggestion for all members to take
1:06:56 > 1:07:01up in their constituencies.Last but certainly not least, the member for
1:07:01 > 1:07:09Scunthorpe.Thank you. I recently launched my small business Saturday
1:07:09 > 1:07:18awards. Celebrating the richness and diversity of small businesses. With
1:07:18 > 1:07:23it coming up on the 2nd of December, can we have a debate on the
1:07:23 > 1:07:26contribution small businesses make to our economy and communities
1:07:26 > 1:07:31before that date?I commend the honourable gentleman for raising
1:07:31 > 1:07:35this matter. Of course, small businesses are the lifeblood of our
1:07:35 > 1:07:39communities and we all share a concern that too often the town
1:07:39 > 1:07:43centre dies when small businesses leave and close down. We should do
1:07:43 > 1:07:46everything we can to support them. Small business Saturday is something
1:07:46 > 1:07:51the side of the House also welcomes and fully takes part in and I think
1:07:51 > 1:07:57we will all be visiting our local small businesses on that Saturday.
1:07:57 > 1:08:04Point of order. Could I raise a point of order with the Leader of
1:08:04 > 1:08:07the House? She may have inadvertently misled the House to
1:08:07 > 1:08:12say her statement, written ministerial statement, was available
1:08:12 > 1:08:17at 1030. We have had numerous times when it is available, some say they
1:08:17 > 1:08:22only receive the alerts at 1142, could she looked at one statement is
1:08:22 > 1:08:25produced that we all receive it at the same time, when she presses that
1:08:25 > 1:08:32button?Mr Deputy Speaker, I can only say again, it was published, I
1:08:32 > 1:08:37have absolute assurance it was published at 10:30am.Thank you.
1:08:37 > 1:08:42Further point of order.I do not mean... I'm not alleging anything
1:08:42 > 1:08:46about the Leader of the House, but the truth is, it was not available
1:08:46 > 1:08:50on the parliamentary website, nor in the vote office until 1130. The only
1:08:50 > 1:08:54reason this matters because none of us would want the Leader of the
1:08:54 > 1:08:58House to be ill advised by others and to be living in a state of
1:08:58 > 1:09:01ignorance about what is actually going on and the written ministerial
1:09:01 > 1:09:04statement was about the timeliness of responses so it would seem
1:09:04 > 1:09:11appropriate to get it right.I am sure it can be taken and I am sure
1:09:11 > 1:09:16the times can be put right and nobody wants to mislead the House.
1:09:16 > 1:09:20The Leader of the House seemed to suggest part of the responsibilities
1:09:20 > 1:09:24of a member of this post was to hold the Scottish Government to account.
1:09:24 > 1:09:28Short of getting Nicola Sturgeon in the dispatch box, could you advise
1:09:28 > 1:09:33us how we discharge these responsibilities?I do not think I
1:09:33 > 1:09:45need to! That is the good news. Point of order. I would like to... I
1:09:45 > 1:09:52have informed the member concerned. They hosted anti-Muslim extremists
1:09:52 > 1:09:59last Wednesday. He is on record for calling upon the UN to control the
1:09:59 > 1:10:05birth rate of Muslims. Praising the genocide of running the in Burma and
1:10:05 > 1:10:10also said Muslims should be forced to leave their religion if they come
1:10:10 > 1:10:17to a western country. Only this Monday, he was pictured with UK far
1:10:17 > 1:10:21right extremist leader Tommy Robinson. It seems incredible any
1:10:21 > 1:10:24member would think it would be acceptable to host a meeting with
1:10:24 > 1:10:28this individual let alone invite him to the House of Commons. Can you
1:10:28 > 1:10:32please advise us all on our responsibilities to protect
1:10:32 > 1:10:37everything that this house stands for and not allow it to be used as a
1:10:37 > 1:10:41platform to propagate and legitimise hate and extremist views?Do you
1:10:41 > 1:10:46want to come in?I thank the honourable member for notifying me
1:10:46 > 1:10:51she was going to raise this point of order. She has inadvertently misled
1:10:51 > 1:10:57the House. Let me be clear, I did not invite this person to this House
1:10:57 > 1:11:03of Commons. I hosted in my capacity as chairman of the all-party
1:11:03 > 1:11:06Parliamentary group for British Hindus to macro functions last
1:11:06 > 1:11:11Wednesday at which he attended. One was the annual celebration on House
1:11:11 > 1:11:16of Commons terrace where a number of honourable and right honourable
1:11:16 > 1:11:20members attended, for Diwali. In the evening, we had the launch by the
1:11:20 > 1:11:26national council of Hindu temples of a report into Hindu minority rights
1:11:26 > 1:11:32in Bangladesh and Pakistan. He was invited by the national council of
1:11:32 > 1:11:37Hindu temples to attend that meeting and present evidence of physical
1:11:37 > 1:11:43attacks, rates and forced marriages and forced conversions that have
1:11:43 > 1:11:47taken place in West Bengal and other places. I have made clear and the
1:11:47 > 1:11:52national council of Hindu temples has made clear it was only in that
1:11:52 > 1:11:55capacity as presenting that evidence that that individual was invited to
1:11:55 > 1:11:59the House. He made no abhorrent remarks at the meeting and I am
1:11:59 > 1:12:05quite clear that both myself and the national council of Hindu temples do
1:12:05 > 1:12:09not agree with his views that have previously been stated, do not
1:12:09 > 1:12:15accept them, we do not endorse them in any shape or form. But I think it
1:12:15 > 1:12:20is right this House has the opportunity to hear evidence from
1:12:20 > 1:12:28people of what is happening in other countries.Let me just give you some
1:12:28 > 1:12:32of the facts of where the House stands. I thank the honourable lady
1:12:32 > 1:12:36for notice of the point of order. I also thank the honourable member for
1:12:36 > 1:12:40clarifying parts of the position. The Speaker's principal
1:12:40 > 1:12:44responsibility for access to this state by members of the public
1:12:44 > 1:12:49relates to security in which I have a particular role. Subject to that,
1:12:49 > 1:12:55it is open to honourable members to save who they wish and we all -- to
1:12:55 > 1:13:00see who they wish and we all value the rights of free speech. We do not
1:13:00 > 1:13:05control the views of those who visit here. All honourable members will
1:13:05 > 1:13:11inadvertently hold meetings with individuals whose views they do not
1:13:11 > 1:13:15share. That said, I will place firmly on the record the abhorrence
1:13:15 > 1:13:19which I know is shared by all colleagues about racism, bigotry,
1:13:19 > 1:13:25such views have no place here. On the eve of international freedom of
1:13:25 > 1:13:29religion or belief day, I know all colleagues want to do everything
1:13:29 > 1:13:34possible to foster tolerance and respect. Is there a further point of
1:13:34 > 1:13:42order? Are we all right? OK.Thank you. In the social care debate
1:13:42 > 1:13:46yesterday, the minister claimed the number of people working in social
1:13:46 > 1:13:50care has increased yet the ONS workforce data says the number of
1:13:50 > 1:13:54people working in other health and social care had decreased every
1:13:54 > 1:13:57quarter consistently for the last five years. Is it in order to ask
1:13:57 > 1:14:00the Minister could have in writing the evidence that informed that
1:14:00 > 1:14:09comment?One thing is that I am sure you will find another avenue in
1:14:09 > 1:14:13which you may wish to put another named a question done to solve the
1:14:13 > 1:14:18problem. Point of order.Further to the point of order about the written
1:14:18 > 1:14:22statement, this does tend to be a perennial issue. Would it be
1:14:22 > 1:14:26possible for the Leader of the House to winch investigates what happened
1:14:26 > 1:14:29this morning around her written statement, to write an place that
1:14:29 > 1:14:33letter in the library of the House of Commons, to be clear as to
1:14:33 > 1:14:36exactly what was the sequence of events? There is a dispute about the
1:14:36 > 1:14:39facts as to when the written statement was released. She is
1:14:39 > 1:14:43convinced it was released at 1030 and I'm sure she has been given that
1:14:43 > 1:14:47information, but other honourable members have had other experiences.
1:14:47 > 1:14:59Would it be possible for that to happen?I am sure
1:15:04 > 1:15:07the Leader of the House will take on board the views of the House and
1:15:07 > 1:15:09will want to check what information was given and I am sure the House
1:15:09 > 1:15:12matters to all members and therefore I would like to think things will