0:00:00 > 0:00:00the House has not been met in this case. I do not judge that points of
0:00:00 > 0:00:09order can arise from these rulings. Business question, Valerie Vaz 's
0:00:09 > 0:00:13topic at the Leader of the House please update the House on the
0:00:13 > 0:00:20forthcoming business. Leader of the House Andrea Leadsom.Thank you Mr
0:00:20 > 0:00:24Speaker. The business for the week commencing the 18th of December will
0:00:24 > 0:00:29be Monday the 18th of December consideration in committee of the
0:00:29 > 0:00:34Finance Bill Day one. Tuesday the 19th of December, continuation of
0:00:34 > 0:00:39consideration in committee of the Finance Bill Day two, followed by a
0:00:39 > 0:00:42motion to approve a statutory instrument relating to terrorism,
0:00:42 > 0:00:49followed by a motion to approve European documents relating to the
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Schengen information system. Wednesday the 20th of December,
0:00:52 > 0:00:55conclusion of continuation of committee of the European Withdrawal
0:00:55 > 0:01:00Bill Day eight. Thursday the 21st of December, General debate on Russian
0:01:00 > 0:01:03interference in UK politics and society followed by a general debate
0:01:03 > 0:01:07on matters to be raised before the forthcoming adjournment. The
0:01:07 > 0:01:10subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business
0:01:10 > 0:01:14Committee. Friday the 22nd of December the House will not be
0:01:14 > 0:01:18setting. The business of the week commencing the 8th of January will
0:01:18 > 0:01:22include on Monday the 8th of January the second reading of the taxation
0:01:22 > 0:01:26cross-border trade Bill. Colleagues will also wish to know that
0:01:26 > 0:01:30remaining stages of the European Union Withdrawal Bill will take
0:01:30 > 0:01:38place on Tuesday the 16th and Wednesday the 17th of January 2018.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43Mr Speaker, six months have passed since the awful tragedy at Grenfell
0:01:43 > 0:01:47Tower. Our hearts go out to those who suffered such trauma and have
0:01:47 > 0:01:52had to rebuild their lives after such terrible loss. This was a truly
0:01:52 > 0:01:57unimaginable tragedy and it should never have happened. Today's
0:01:57 > 0:02:03memorial service will remember those we lost and will thank the emergency
0:02:03 > 0:02:06services, the recovery team, the community, public support workers
0:02:06 > 0:02:13and volunteers who did everything they could on that terrible night.
0:02:13 > 0:02:18Valerie Vaz.Thank you. Can I thank the Leader of the House for the
0:02:18 > 0:02:22future business. I note cheese only gone as far as the 8th of January so
0:02:22 > 0:02:25I'm not sure with a date for the restoration renewal has also been
0:02:25 > 0:02:29fixed for the 11 or if it's going to be moved. Mr Speaker, they say good
0:02:29 > 0:02:38things come in threes. Firstly tomorrow it is Save the Children
0:02:38 > 0:02:42Christmas Jumper Day. Secondly, we congratulate the new member of the
0:02:42 > 0:02:46Alabama the Democrat Doug Jones on his victory that politics is about
0:02:46 > 0:02:54hope and not division. Thirdly, the matter of yesterday. We are very
0:02:54 > 0:02:59pleased that finally Parliament has been recognised as being sovereign.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04It brings back to Parliament the final vote on the deal so Parliament
0:03:04 > 0:03:10can have a say, just as every Parliament in the EU will have a say
0:03:10 > 0:03:17on the deal. It enables us to do our job. Mr Speaker, you thought three
0:03:17 > 0:03:21was the magic number, actually four is the magic number. Before anything
0:03:21 > 0:03:25happens to those MPs who voted to bring sovereignty back to
0:03:25 > 0:03:29Parliament, let's remember there are many rebels still sitting in this
0:03:29 > 0:03:33House. One of the things that are going to flow from the EU Withdrawal
0:03:33 > 0:03:40Bill are the many SIs which will be coming out. The government has
0:03:40 > 0:03:42conceded the amendment from the procedure committee so can I ask
0:03:42 > 0:03:47when will the new committee be set up, the sifting committee? Can she
0:03:47 > 0:03:52ensured the cheque comes from the opposition? Mr Speaker I've heard
0:03:52 > 0:03:55what you said about the content and the sexual analysis of the
0:03:55 > 0:04:03assessments. I have seen the documents. We have to almost sign a
0:04:03 > 0:04:07note to say we cannot reveal what's in it. We are democratically elected
0:04:07 > 0:04:11members of Parliament, we cannot share that information with our
0:04:11 > 0:04:18constituents, I don't think that is acceptable. If there is any
0:04:18 > 0:04:23commercial information in there that may or may not be excluded, and if
0:04:23 > 0:04:28it's just a matter of fact, I can see no reason why members can't see
0:04:28 > 0:04:31the documents in the reference library and why it can't be
0:04:31 > 0:04:35published. I'm not sure if I can reveal this bit but in the
0:04:35 > 0:04:39footnotes, many of the footnotes, from the office of National is to do
0:04:39 > 0:04:46so it is in the public domain in any event. -- Office of National
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Statistics. Having undertaken the biggest reorganisation in the NHS
0:04:49 > 0:04:51the government has embarked on another one with transformational
0:04:51 > 0:04:59plans. They now intend to bring forward regulations to support the
0:04:59 > 0:05:04setting up of accountable care organisations, an idea imported from
0:05:04 > 0:05:09the United States. It's not clear how the ACOs will be accountable to
0:05:09 > 0:05:12the public and what level of private sector involvement there will be and
0:05:12 > 0:05:21what implications that will be for NHS staff. We've had CCG 's, STP 's,
0:05:21 > 0:05:23ACOs, it's becoming an anachronism of incompetence from this
0:05:23 > 0:05:29government. The Shadow Secretary of State for help has written to the
0:05:29 > 0:05:34leader to ask whether the regulations will be published in the
0:05:34 > 0:05:40New Year. Can I ask is that the government's intention to do so and
0:05:40 > 0:05:43if so when? Can the leader reassure the House there will be adequate
0:05:43 > 0:05:47time for a debate and vote? Again we've got a government that cannot
0:05:47 > 0:05:51make a decision. We've got a new industrial strategy but made a
0:05:51 > 0:05:56decision on the Swansea tidal lagoon. There was a letter on the
0:05:56 > 0:06:0020th of November signed by 100 businesses. We've had adjournment
0:06:00 > 0:06:04debates from members on our side, we've had oral questions, written
0:06:04 > 0:06:08questions on the latest one says a decision will be made in due course.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12Could the Leader of the House please say what that means, or is it the
0:06:12 > 0:06:17case the government don't want to make an investment in Labour Wales?
0:06:17 > 0:06:23Turning to the motion of the opposition day and how the
0:06:23 > 0:06:28information has been dealt with, it's crucial for us, the opposition
0:06:28 > 0:06:31and members of Parliament to hold the government to account. We've got
0:06:31 > 0:06:36a situation where the Leader of the House said on the 26th of October
0:06:36 > 0:06:39that the relevant Minister will respond to opposition Day motion is
0:06:39 > 0:06:44no later than 12 weeks. There was a point of order last week by my
0:06:44 > 0:06:50honourable friend the shadows negative state of education. She
0:06:50 > 0:06:55said she received a response on the tuition fee motion that had no
0:06:55 > 0:06:58bearing on the motion. It was done in a written statement on the last
0:06:58 > 0:07:02day so it didn't give us an opportunity to question the Minister
0:07:02 > 0:07:06on that. Could the Leader of the House meet with me and perhaps
0:07:06 > 0:07:10discuss with the House authorities how we can take this forward and
0:07:10 > 0:07:12have proper information so that we can hold the government to account
0:07:12 > 0:07:17which is what our job is. Mr Speaker, I fail to mention
0:07:17 > 0:07:25previously the passing away of Jimmy Hurd MP. He was a good servant of
0:07:25 > 0:07:29this House, he was chairman of the European scrutiny select committee
0:07:29 > 0:07:34and the panel of chairs for 14 years. He served this House well. I
0:07:34 > 0:07:40want to honour his memory just as I've joined the Leader of the House
0:07:40 > 0:07:44in honouring the memory of those who died at Grenfell Tower. There was a
0:07:44 > 0:07:50memorial yesterday which you attended and there will be a
0:07:50 > 0:07:52memorial in St Paul's Cathedral today attended by the Prime Minister
0:07:52 > 0:07:59and the Leader of the Opposition. The shadow Housing Minister has
0:07:59 > 0:08:03asked the Prime Minister why, when she said I have fixed deadline of
0:08:03 > 0:08:07three weeks everyone affected to be found a home nearby, but that hasn't
0:08:07 > 0:08:12taken place. Mr Speaker, as you let the hammock candle yesterday in
0:08:12 > 0:08:17Speaker 's house, candles will be lit to remember the innocent dead at
0:08:17 > 0:08:22St Paul's which will take place any minute now -- Hannukah candle.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25One-minute people watching TV or doing their homework, the next
0:08:25 > 0:08:29minute they are dead. The light has gone out of their lives but the
0:08:29 > 0:08:32flame of remembrance will continue to burn as we remember them today
0:08:32 > 0:08:41and always.
0:08:41 > 0:08:47Thank you Mr Speaker and certainly I share in the great tribute from the
0:08:47 > 0:08:56lady opposite to those who suffered in the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Our
0:08:56 > 0:09:00thoughts with them today and all the time. The government has been
0:09:00 > 0:09:04committed in the last six months, all the way through, that the
0:09:04 > 0:09:11families and survivors will have needs taken care of. Something the
0:09:11 > 0:09:18government remains committed to. I also want to pay tribute to Jamie
0:09:18 > 0:09:23Hood, a great servant to the house. The honourable lady asks about the
0:09:23 > 0:09:28scheduling of the debate on restoration, she will be were a
0:09:28 > 0:09:33number of representations have been made from members across both sides
0:09:33 > 0:09:38of the house. Looking into options other than those before the debate
0:09:38 > 0:09:42to take place. A number of priorities to consider. We are
0:09:42 > 0:09:47listening to representation being made on the debate. Future of
0:09:47 > 0:09:50business will continue to be announced in the usual way. The
0:09:50 > 0:09:59honourable lady asks about the issue of the shifting committee. I want to
0:09:59 > 0:10:03pay tribute to my honourable friend, proposing amendments that I have
0:10:03 > 0:10:11been happy to confirm I will propose changes to standing orders once the
0:10:11 > 0:10:20bill has received Royal assent. The honourable lady asks about viewing
0:10:20 > 0:10:29the analysis and you yourself have just confirmed that after taking
0:10:29 > 0:10:31advice from the Brexit select committee you are satisfied that
0:10:31 > 0:10:46they are satisfied, this is a very important point. Addressing the
0:10:46 > 0:10:58major challenges facing the hills give challenge system. Improving
0:10:58 > 0:11:10integration. I think we can all agree, it is vital that we focus on
0:11:10 > 0:11:17making the most productive use, out of the resources available. On the
0:11:17 > 0:11:28subject of opposition day debates, when a motion has been approved by
0:11:28 > 0:11:31the house, the relevant Minister will respond to the resolution by
0:11:31 > 0:11:44making a statement no more than 12 weeks after the debate.
0:11:46 > 0:12:02We will be able to open any actions that have been taken. It is a very
0:12:02 > 0:12:07complex and the track record is excellent, 26% of electricity
0:12:07 > 0:12:22derived from renewables, improving low carbon and electricity resources
0:12:22 > 0:12:34should not be ignored. I just want to reiterate that we are working
0:12:34 > 0:12:42closely with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to provide
0:12:42 > 0:12:56that we can provide social housing. It may be sensible to have another
0:12:56 > 0:13:01Grenfell Tower United meeting in six months. We will not forget what we
0:13:01 > 0:13:08heard this week, so we can learn more from those who have life after
0:13:08 > 0:13:14death. Remembering the Foreign Secretary's visit to Iran, it could
0:13:14 > 0:13:20be a good idea that the relevant ministers look back into deportation
0:13:20 > 0:13:25from this country and ask if it is seriously sensible to try to expel
0:13:25 > 0:13:29somebody who has been living here for most of their life, after
0:13:29 > 0:13:36criminal attack has lost hands and feet. And also to review the case,
0:13:36 > 0:13:44when someone who has not lived in Ghana for more than a year since he
0:13:44 > 0:14:01was four. Up for deportation.The only thing missing in that
0:14:01 > 0:14:12fascinating essay, request for a statement or debate.Next week.
0:14:12 > 0:14:19Referred to the first week back. Zero statement or debate. It is not
0:14:19 > 0:14:22beyond the competence. Can I gently say to other members, if they wish
0:14:22 > 0:14:31to imitate the right honourable member, this should not seek to
0:14:31 > 0:14:38imitate him in length today.Thank you Mr Speaker. I absolutely share
0:14:38 > 0:14:42my right honourable friend's for the review of the experience of
0:14:42 > 0:14:50survivors six months on from today. With regards to his point on
0:14:50 > 0:14:53deportation I am not aware of the specific keys but Foreign Office
0:14:53 > 0:14:59ministers will discuss those with. Can I thank the leader of the house
0:14:59 > 0:15:04for announcing next week, and thank you for the helpful statement and I
0:15:04 > 0:15:12fully appreciate but in the wider context something has to change. We
0:15:12 > 0:15:20have to get back onto an even keel, these difficulties are down to the
0:15:20 > 0:15:23fact that these governments are not prepared to participate fully in the
0:15:23 > 0:15:30Democratic stature is of this house. We have satisfactory, contrary to
0:15:30 > 0:15:32all democratic instincts, badly letting down constituents that we
0:15:32 > 0:15:41represent and serve. When government diminish, bad start happens and bad
0:15:41 > 0:15:47stuff happens in the context of this. It has to stop. Return the
0:15:47 > 0:15:51house to the conditions prior to the last election, diminish democracy we
0:15:51 > 0:16:03can proud of. I know it is party season, but today few site the
0:16:03 > 0:16:10morning after the night before. You can almost feel the groggy heads,
0:16:10 > 0:16:14defeat for Brexit plans. Hopefully this is going to be the first steps
0:16:14 > 0:16:20of the brakes on sanity. I think one of the lessons from last night has
0:16:20 > 0:16:24to be that it is conclusive that you have cross-party talks across the
0:16:24 > 0:16:29house about the Brexit process and that must involve the democratic
0:16:29 > 0:16:34assemblies across the United Kingdom. Mr Speaker, can we have a
0:16:34 > 0:16:37debate on trading standards. I think the feeling in Scotland is that we
0:16:37 > 0:16:43have been sold a Tory pup. Scottish Conservative MPs said they would
0:16:43 > 0:16:52come down here, proudly and defiantly, taking on the Scottish
0:16:52 > 0:17:03Government. Nothing other than the conservative lobby for this. Down to
0:17:03 > 0:17:10the whip. Scotland is demanding the money back. If we cannot get the
0:17:10 > 0:17:13money back, can we at least have these honourable gentleman replaced
0:17:13 > 0:17:22by champions for Scotland who will act for the entries in this house.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Thank you Mr Speaker. The honourable gentleman is obviously on good form
0:17:25 > 0:17:37this morning. He made a slip up, calling my friends, gentlemen. A
0:17:37 > 0:17:44lady or two among them. I take that seriously. They make an enormous
0:17:44 > 0:17:49contribution to the constituencies in Scotland. Regularly attending
0:17:49 > 0:17:53this, so that they can't raise particular issues. I encourage them
0:17:53 > 0:18:00to do that. The honourable gentleman does not mention the two billion
0:18:00 > 0:18:03additional funding for Scotland that was announced by the Chancellor in
0:18:03 > 0:18:08the recent budget that should be a very good boost to Scottish
0:18:08 > 0:18:11finances. That should actually enable the Scottish Government not
0:18:11 > 0:18:18to take the step of making Scotland the most highly taxed part of the
0:18:18 > 0:18:22United Kingdom. Also raising the question of democracy and listening.
0:18:22 > 0:18:29He will be aware... In this place we have had countless opportunities to
0:18:29 > 0:18:33discuss Briggs, the government has been listening and I myself have
0:18:33 > 0:18:36taken part in a number of discussions about how we can more
0:18:36 > 0:18:42carefully accommodate the views of this house, we have been listening
0:18:42 > 0:18:46carefully and I have been delighted to accommodate the effort and
0:18:46 > 0:18:48procedures of the committee, something that the house was keen to
0:18:48 > 0:18:58see. We have had eight hours of protected debate every day, eight
0:18:58 > 0:19:02days of the committee. Exhaustively looking at every aspect. This is
0:19:02 > 0:19:06certainly not evidence of a failure to communicate or engage. The
0:19:06 > 0:19:09government is listening and we are keen to engage across the house.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14That is good to continue to be the case as we seek to leave the
0:19:14 > 0:19:19European Union with a good deal for all parts of the native kingdom. --
0:19:19 > 0:19:21United.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Before the debate announced, will she reflect on the fact that many of
0:19:28 > 0:19:34Winston Churchill's greatest war time speeches, were made from Church
0:19:34 > 0:19:44House. Would she consider that would be an appropriate location?Well...
0:19:44 > 0:19:50My honourable friend will no doubt want to take part in the debate on
0:19:50 > 0:19:56the question of restoration but it is vital that we focus on the key
0:19:56 > 0:20:04issues. Protecting the Paris for future generations. It is a heritage
0:20:04 > 0:20:10site, 1 million visitors every year. The future is paramount. So to,
0:20:10 > 0:20:15costs to taxpayers. We absolutely have to focus on the best value for
0:20:15 > 0:20:21money that we can.Can I thank the leader of the house for the business
0:20:21 > 0:20:25statement, and also for the meeting that she had with me last week to
0:20:25 > 0:20:33discuss a range of issues. Can I as again for early notice of any time
0:20:33 > 0:20:36allocation for the backbench business committee for January so
0:20:36 > 0:20:41that members can have ample notice for times. How the chamber and
0:20:41 > 0:20:48Westminster Hall. A little gripe... The backbench business committee has
0:20:48 > 0:21:00a membership of eight. Usually, four. Can I ask that we actually
0:21:00 > 0:21:12looked at that in standing orders. Possibly a similar forum, could she
0:21:12 > 0:21:16possibly have a word with her colleague, with the committee of
0:21:16 > 0:21:23selection and ask him not to pick members of the backbench business
0:21:23 > 0:21:25committee for the statutory instrument committee at the same
0:21:25 > 0:21:32time.I am always very happy to address representations from the
0:21:32 > 0:21:34honourable gentleman. I will look into the point that he has
0:21:34 > 0:21:45mentioned.Last week, the general electorate announced the loss of
0:21:45 > 0:21:521000 jobs in my constituency and could we have a statement from the
0:21:52 > 0:22:00government both on the support that will be provided to those trained
0:22:00 > 0:22:04and excellent workers to find other work but also to show how the United
0:22:04 > 0:22:08Kingdom government will support power engineering saw that it can
0:22:08 > 0:22:15maintain and grow the position in research, manufacturing and export?
0:22:15 > 0:22:21I am very sorry to hear of these potential losses. My honourable
0:22:21 > 0:22:25friend is absolutely correct to support constituents. The government
0:22:25 > 0:22:28meets with the general electorate to discuss business and November
0:22:28 > 0:22:32announced plans for the global restructuring. Consultation under
0:22:32 > 0:22:36way on the redundancies and the timescale is yet to be announced.
0:22:36 > 0:22:42The government stands ready to support anyone who loses their job
0:22:42 > 0:22:49through the DWP rapid response service.I want to raise the issue
0:22:49 > 0:22:54of rough sleeping. My constituents are contacting me, very concerned
0:22:54 > 0:23:01especially in this weather weather rapid rise of people sleeping on the
0:23:01 > 0:23:07streets. Hull council have done good work to prevent 500 cases of
0:23:07 > 0:23:12homelessness but a 75% increase and I wanted to know if we can get the
0:23:12 > 0:23:18government debate on why it has since 2010 rough sleeping has
0:23:18 > 0:23:23doubled in this country, particularly the last year.
0:23:23 > 0:23:29The honourable lady is right to raise the subject. It is extremely
0:23:29 > 0:23:33disturbing to see anyone sleeping rough in our country. The government
0:23:33 > 0:23:40is investing a significant sum to eliminate rough sleeping altogether
0:23:40 > 0:23:49by 2027 but the Harvard by 2022. Certainly in my own area, the Hope
0:23:49 > 0:23:52centre in Northampton is doing excellent work as are so many
0:23:52 > 0:23:56homeless charities around the country to ensure that during this
0:23:56 > 0:24:00cold patch nobody is having to sleep rough. I shared the honourable
0:24:00 > 0:24:05lady's concern and she may wish to seek a backbench debate to discuss
0:24:05 > 0:24:15this concerning issue.Following on from my colleague, this week to bury
0:24:15 > 0:24:19vulnerable people were driven from Taunton Deane and left in Bridgwater
0:24:19 > 0:24:23on an excuse which I find unacceptable in the 21st century.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26They unfortunately were left to tonight 's fending for themselves
0:24:26 > 0:24:31and a tragedy could have occurred. If it wasn't very kind people we
0:24:31 > 0:24:34would have had a nightmare on our hands. Can I follow my Labour
0:24:34 > 0:24:38colleagues to say can we please have a debate in this House and homeless
0:24:38 > 0:24:43people and people who are vulnerable in our society. Can we please have a
0:24:43 > 0:24:50debate in government time to talk about this.Just before the Leader
0:24:50 > 0:24:52of the House responds I listened most attentively to what the
0:24:52 > 0:24:58honourable gentleman said, but can I just very politely say to him that
0:24:58 > 0:25:04if he is going to refer to another honourable member's constituency it
0:25:04 > 0:25:09would be a courtesy to notify that member in advance. That's all I want
0:25:09 > 0:25:13to say. Matters should be sorted out between colleagues but I think that
0:25:13 > 0:25:16that is what I would call a point of courtesy rather than a point of
0:25:16 > 0:25:27order.I completely share the concern about homelessness and rough
0:25:27 > 0:25:32sleeping. It is something that is a huge worry across the House and died
0:25:32 > 0:25:38in courage all members to consider combining to have a backbench debate
0:25:38 > 0:25:43on the subject. We have implemented the Homelessness Reduction Act.
0:25:43 > 0:25:48We've allocated £550 million to tackle homelessness and Rob sleeping
0:25:48 > 0:25:54through to 2020 and also 10 million of funding to support eight new
0:25:54 > 0:25:57social impact project so we can give targeted support of the most
0:25:57 > 0:26:03difficult issues around rough sleeping.I'm grateful to the Leader
0:26:03 > 0:26:06of the House that she is thinking about moving the date of the debate
0:26:06 > 0:26:10because it is better not to have it on a Thursday. Can I ask whether we
0:26:10 > 0:26:16can have a debate on Ipsa, specifically because of the way I
0:26:16 > 0:26:23will stop treated. Most employers bring forward the December staff and
0:26:23 > 0:26:29salary payment before Christmas. Why can't Ipsa do that?The honourable
0:26:29 > 0:26:33gentleman raises a very interesting point which I am happy to look into
0:26:33 > 0:26:43and his behalf.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48Mr Speaker, East Worthing will be briefer than West Worthing. When we
0:26:48 > 0:26:54going to have a debate on the parlous state of children's social
0:26:54 > 0:27:07care?My honourable friend and I share a deep interest in the plight
0:27:07 > 0:27:11of the earliest years and the importance of secure early
0:27:11 > 0:27:15attachment for the future mental and emotional well-being of children,
0:27:15 > 0:27:21right the way through their lives. I certainly and always happy to
0:27:21 > 0:27:23support in his efforts to achieve debates in this House on that
0:27:23 > 0:27:33subject.I have details here from Norfolk police of regular occasions
0:27:33 > 0:27:39when people are held unlawfully by the police while they are waiting
0:27:39 > 0:27:43for mental health services to respond. In one case someone was
0:27:43 > 0:27:46detained for 68 hours in police custody. We know this is now
0:27:46 > 0:27:53happening around the country quite readily. Will the Leader of the
0:27:53 > 0:27:56House arrange for the Health Secretary to make a statement to
0:27:56 > 0:28:00this House? It is surely intolerable that the police are put into a
0:28:00 > 0:28:04position where they are having to detain people unlawfully because of
0:28:04 > 0:28:15failures of mental health services. Well, what I can say to the
0:28:15 > 0:28:19gentleman is the government has shown a huge commitment to mental
0:28:19 > 0:28:24health services. I share his concern about the specific point he raises
0:28:24 > 0:28:28and I do encourage him to try and attend health questions next Tuesday
0:28:28 > 0:28:35where he will get the opportunity to ask ministers directly.Thank you Mr
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Speaker for your words about the courtesies of this House and the way
0:28:38 > 0:28:42we should conduct ourselves. I wanted to say that last week I met
0:28:42 > 0:28:46with the Taunton Chamber of Commerce and most of the members of that
0:28:46 > 0:28:49chamber are small and medium-sized businesses and are the backbone of
0:28:49 > 0:28:54our thriving economy in Taunton and Wellington. Enabling them to grow is
0:28:54 > 0:28:58really important as we move forward, especially with Brexit. Could we
0:28:58 > 0:29:05have a debate on how to benefit this sector in the south-west with
0:29:05 > 0:29:09specific reference on how to unlock opportunities through the government
0:29:09 > 0:29:15is commendable industrial strategy? I totally agree with my honourable
0:29:15 > 0:29:21friend. SME's are the lifeblood of our economy and they deserve our
0:29:21 > 0:29:24praise and support. Taunton Chamber of Commerce are putting some
0:29:24 > 0:29:28incredibly smart measures in place to support local businesses and I
0:29:28 > 0:29:31congratulate them for that. Our industrial strategy will support
0:29:31 > 0:29:36businesses. The retail sector will benefit from business rate relief,
0:29:36 > 0:29:42cutting £10 billion of red tape and improving access to finance.
0:29:42 > 0:29:58LAUGHTERThank you Mr Speaker. Let me tell the House about my
0:29:58 > 0:30:09constituent. He wasn't allowed to take breaks. He was then refused
0:30:09 > 0:30:14annual leave and was prevented from carrying annual leave over. Due to
0:30:14 > 0:30:20the tribunal fees he wasn't able to take them to court. I've managed to
0:30:20 > 0:30:25get him some money back but they haven't engaged in any meaningful
0:30:25 > 0:30:30way with myself to get him full compensation. Can I get a statement
0:30:30 > 0:30:33confirming the Leader of the House will review how they treat employees
0:30:33 > 0:30:40and advise how I can get that settlement back?As he often does
0:30:40 > 0:30:44the honourable gentleman raises a very serious constituency issue and
0:30:44 > 0:30:48I recommend to him that he seeks an adjournment debate so he can address
0:30:48 > 0:30:55this directly with ministers.This evening I'll be joining the upfield
0:30:55 > 0:30:58Chamber of Commerce that their Christmas dinner celebrating small
0:30:58 > 0:31:03businesses across my constituency providing opportunity and security.
0:31:03 > 0:31:10In fact, since 2010 1000 jobs have been created every day. Will the
0:31:10 > 0:31:14Leader of the House provide time for debate on the government's success
0:31:14 > 0:31:20in employment?Well, I'm very pleased to join my honourable friend
0:31:20 > 0:31:25in welcoming the latest employment figures and in congratulating
0:31:25 > 0:31:30upfield Chamber of Commerce that the work they do to support businesses.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35There are 325,000 more people in work than this time last year. Youth
0:31:35 > 0:31:40unemployment is down 416,000 since 2010. Figures I'm sure the whole
0:31:40 > 0:31:48house will welcome.Last night we had the unedifying sight of a
0:31:48 > 0:31:51government Minister frantically coming to the dispatch box to give
0:31:51 > 0:31:54concessions to his own backbenchers to push through government policy.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58Last week we had clause 11 of the EU Withdrawal Bill where many of the
0:31:58 > 0:32:01backbenches on the government side said it was deficient but amendments
0:32:01 > 0:32:05were brought forward. Can we have a statement or debate when the
0:32:05 > 0:32:08government will bring forward amendments to crawl seven which her
0:32:08 > 0:32:13side says is deficient in the Bill? -- clause seven.The honourable
0:32:13 > 0:32:20gentleman will be aware that they ate as I've just announced of the EU
0:32:20 > 0:32:22Withdrawal Bill will be debated next week so he may wish to raise his
0:32:22 > 0:32:29point Ben -- day eight will be debated next week the whole house
0:32:29 > 0:32:33will agree constituency thought to be equalised but the departure.--
0:32:33 > 0:32:37we will be cutting the cost of governance. Can she make sure any
0:32:37 > 0:32:42private members Bill coming along that my correct this debate gets the
0:32:42 > 0:32:51money billet needs? -- Bill that it needs.I will look closely at what
0:32:51 > 0:33:02might honourable friend suggests. Can if I may declare an interest. I
0:33:02 > 0:33:07travel to Bangladesh to see the Rohingya refugee camps. Can I ask
0:33:07 > 0:33:11the Leader of the House, can we have a debate on the situation of the
0:33:11 > 0:33:15Rohingya? I know there have been a number of debates focusing on the
0:33:15 > 0:33:21crisis as people fled Myanmar. The situation of 800,000 people living
0:33:21 > 0:33:26in camps and 36,000 unaccompanied children, 30,000 women who have been
0:33:26 > 0:33:30raped and are now pregnant, the need for clean water, the need for
0:33:30 > 0:33:34refugees, we need to know what the ongoing commitment about our
0:33:34 > 0:33:40government and ministers will be to help the plight of the Rohingya.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43Festival I commend the honourable gentleman who are going to see fit
0:33:43 > 0:33:47himself, I know a number of honourable members from all sides of
0:33:47 > 0:33:51the House have been to lend their own personal support and I commend
0:33:51 > 0:33:56all of them for that. It is a harrowing case. We've had three
0:33:56 > 0:33:59debates and questions on this subject in September and I know the
0:33:59 > 0:34:04government is watching it incredibly closely. My right honourable friend
0:34:04 > 0:34:06the International Development Secretary has announced further UK
0:34:06 > 0:34:11aid of £12 million to try and help support the Rohingya people,
0:34:11 > 0:34:16bringing the UK's total support of £59 million. I also want to commend
0:34:16 > 0:34:21the generosity of the British people who have personally contributed
0:34:21 > 0:34:24millions of pounds to helping support the plight of the Rohingya
0:34:24 > 0:34:36people.According to the latest Office of National Statistics
0:34:36 > 0:34:41figures, unemployment in Crawley has reduced by 59% since 2010. Can we
0:34:41 > 0:34:45have a debate early in the New Year and continuing economic policies
0:34:45 > 0:34:49that increase employment and therefore more revenue for our
0:34:49 > 0:34:55important public services?I'm delighted to hear about the
0:34:55 > 0:34:59employment statistics in my honourable friend's constituency. I
0:34:59 > 0:35:05know he shares my enthusiasm for the fact employment is up more than 3
0:35:05 > 0:35:08million since 2010. That's more people than ever before with these
0:35:08 > 0:35:16security of a pay packet to support themselves and their families.The
0:35:16 > 0:35:19government's draft ombudsman Bill is of great interest to many of my
0:35:19 > 0:35:23constituents who are victims to the attacks of the technology pension
0:35:23 > 0:35:26scheme which cannot be investigated due to a loophole in the law. Will
0:35:26 > 0:35:30the leader find the time for this important Bill to come to the House
0:35:30 > 0:35:37in the New Year?The honourable lady will be aware that the government
0:35:37 > 0:35:41considers carefully all of the potential different bills and tries
0:35:41 > 0:35:46to accommodate as far as possible those important bills that improve
0:35:46 > 0:35:49the lives of all of our constituents. She raises an
0:35:49 > 0:35:55important issue and I will look at it.Can we have a debate in this
0:35:55 > 0:36:00House and very damaging policies being pursued by the SNP with regard
0:36:00 > 0:36:06to taxation which will have a huge impact on my constituents and across
0:36:06 > 0:36:11Scotland? Does my right honourable friend agree with me that the SNP
0:36:11 > 0:36:14should stick with their manifesto commitment of not raising the basic
0:36:14 > 0:36:20rate of income tax which they went to the Scottish public with, to stop
0:36:20 > 0:36:27Scotland being the highest taxed part of the UK?My honourable friend
0:36:27 > 0:36:32continues to be a champion for his constituents and he's absolutely
0:36:32 > 0:36:36right to raise his concerns. Income tax powers were an important part of
0:36:36 > 0:36:40the Smith commission recommendations and we have devolved them through
0:36:40 > 0:36:44the Scotland Act of 2016. It does say a lot about the priorities of
0:36:44 > 0:36:49the Scottish Government that within just a year of having these powers
0:36:49 > 0:36:52they are threatening to renege on a manifesto commitment. As I said
0:36:52 > 0:36:57earlier, it would be a great shame that if Scotland were to become the
0:36:57 > 0:37:06highest taxed part of the UK.Mr Speaker, does the Leader of the
0:37:06 > 0:37:11House understand that 1,300,000 people will be killed this year by
0:37:11 > 0:37:18road death? Does she understand also that this week we have had global
0:37:18 > 0:37:22legislators from all over the world in this Parliament including the
0:37:22 > 0:37:27Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament here debating the auspices of the
0:37:27 > 0:37:32zero foundation that we will actually tackle this? It's the
0:37:32 > 0:37:36greatest epidemic of our time, can we have a debate on it in the New
0:37:36 > 0:37:47Year?I'm certainly aware that the government have tried hard to insert
0:37:47 > 0:37:50year -- ensure that we reduce incidence of road traffic accidents
0:37:50 > 0:37:54and tried to provide all drivers with the right know-how to be able
0:37:54 > 0:37:59to drive safely and carefully. He will be aware of legislation coming
0:37:59 > 0:38:03forward for driverless vehicles and that is an opportunity to improve
0:38:03 > 0:38:08road safety. But nevertheless he may well wish to seek an adjournment
0:38:08 > 0:38:11debate so you can discuss the specific and good work of the
0:38:11 > 0:38:17organisation he mentions.Thank you. The government is committed to
0:38:17 > 0:38:20helping at least another 11 million children in the poorest countries
0:38:20 > 0:38:26get a decent education by 2020. Will the leader find the time to hold a
0:38:26 > 0:38:30debate on the importance of investing in education as a means to
0:38:30 > 0:38:37helping children out of poverty?
0:38:37 > 0:38:40My honourable friend raises something the Government is
0:38:40 > 0:38:44extremely proud of and that is our efforts at international aid support
0:38:44 > 0:38:49all young people everywhere to get a decent education and I do encourage
0:38:49 > 0:38:54him to seek an adjournment debate or perhaps a backbench debate so all
0:38:54 > 0:38:57colleagues can celebrate the contribution of the UK people
0:38:57 > 0:39:06towards ensuring education for all. With an estimated 1400 people with
0:39:06 > 0:39:10dementia stuck in hospital on Christmas Day, dementia patients
0:39:10 > 0:39:14will make up a quarter of people who will spend this Christmas Day in
0:39:14 > 0:39:19hospital because of delays in finding them care. The Alzheimer
0:39:19 > 0:39:30Society described hospital wards as being turned into waiting rooms...I
0:39:30 > 0:39:36think we all share in the desire to see, particularly at Christmas, as
0:39:36 > 0:39:40many people as possible receiving the right sort of care and
0:39:40 > 0:39:45protection and also some company. I think the issue of loneliness is
0:39:45 > 0:39:49also something that's been raised in this chamber a great deal. We all
0:39:49 > 0:39:53know that the NHS faces increased pressures at wintertime and that's
0:39:53 > 0:39:59why we have put in place an extra £335 million on top of the
0:39:59 > 0:40:07previously announced 100 million for A&E departments. Beds have been
0:40:07 > 0:40:13freed up since February and areas continue to work to increase that
0:40:13 > 0:40:17number to 3000 extra beds over the winter period. Really important for
0:40:17 > 0:40:19those who find themselves in hospital during the Christmas
0:40:19 > 0:40:31period.Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the Cancer
0:40:31 > 0:40:39Research UK committee for launching Cancer Research UK hat and scarf.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43Some colleagues are in the gallery today showing off the wonderful
0:40:43 > 0:40:50staff. Will the leader consider calling a debate on the excellent
0:40:50 > 0:40:53work of charities in fighting cancer and will the right honourable friend
0:40:53 > 0:41:00agree with me it is a fetching item that will no doubt raise lots of
0:41:00 > 0:41:05money for Cancer Research UK?By sheer coincidence, this morning I
0:41:05 > 0:41:09decided to wear a pink jacket, and when my honourable friend presented
0:41:09 > 0:41:15me with one of these wonderful scarves that Elaine and her
0:41:15 > 0:41:18colleagues have produced for Cancer Research UK I was absolutely
0:41:18 > 0:41:24delighted to find the chill in this chamber could be offset by something
0:41:24 > 0:41:27warm from Scotland. I'm absolutely delighted with the contribution of
0:41:27 > 0:41:33all of those volunteers to come Syriza, having had family members
0:41:33 > 0:41:37suffer from this terrible disease myself. We should all celebrate the
0:41:37 > 0:41:43excellent work of volunteers.If I had known of the intention of the
0:41:43 > 0:41:47honourable gentleman in advance and of the sartorial plans of the Leader
0:41:47 > 0:41:51of the House, I would myself have worn a pink tie of which I'm proud
0:41:51 > 0:41:57to say I have several. Nevertheless the important point is the great
0:41:57 > 0:41:59cause has been eloquently highlighted and that is what this
0:41:59 > 0:42:10place exists to do.Could she asked the Department for Work and Pensions
0:42:10 > 0:42:19to come before the House to talk about personal independence
0:42:19 > 0:42:24payments. I had a case of a lady recently who had cancer which has
0:42:24 > 0:42:28had life changing effects on Earth. When I challenged the case, they
0:42:28 > 0:42:35said it had been below standard. Can she ask them to come urgently and
0:42:35 > 0:42:42make a statement?The honourable gentleman raises concerning case and
0:42:42 > 0:42:47I'm sure ministers would be happy to talk to him about this. In fact if
0:42:47 > 0:42:50he wants to e-mail me I can take it up on his behalf but I would say
0:42:50 > 0:42:54this Government has been committed to helping those with disabilities
0:42:54 > 0:42:59to take control of their own care and to be able to be funded to meet
0:42:59 > 0:43:03their own needs and also to help them get into work, which for many
0:43:03 > 0:43:08people gives them the opportunity to contribute and have the
0:43:08 > 0:43:11self-confidence that arises from being able to work within their
0:43:11 > 0:43:18capability to do so.On one of the and busiest Saturdays in the run-up
0:43:18 > 0:43:25to Christmas in Totnes, local activists decided to parade with a
0:43:25 > 0:43:31real coffin and leave a large carefully constructed model of a
0:43:31 > 0:43:36coffin at my constituency office. Does the Leader of the House feel,
0:43:36 > 0:43:41particularly in light of the report on intimidation in public life, this
0:43:41 > 0:43:45overstepped the line of decency and there are real dangers in using the
0:43:45 > 0:43:48imagery of death directed against individuals to whip up hatred and
0:43:48 > 0:43:53most importantly of all this kind of thing deters good candidates from
0:43:53 > 0:44:02applying for public life.Yes, I was disgusted, as I'm sure all
0:44:02 > 0:44:05honourable and right honourable members work to hear about the awful
0:44:05 > 0:44:10experience of my honourable friend, and really high at the time texted
0:44:10 > 0:44:16heard to say I hope she was OK. That must have been terrifying, truly
0:44:16 > 0:44:20horrible. We should all condemn it and call it out wherever we see this
0:44:20 > 0:44:26kind of behaviour. I think the report into the abuse and
0:44:26 > 0:44:29intimidation of candidates highlights that this is not a simple
0:44:29 > 0:44:36matter of holding politicians to account. This goes far beyond that
0:44:36 > 0:44:44and it will be a deterrent to seeing the calibre of candidates we want so
0:44:44 > 0:44:54we all combine in condemning that action against my friend.Can the
0:44:54 > 0:45:00Minister arrange for a debate in Government time, and don't refer me
0:45:00 > 0:45:04for an adjournment debate, on the impact of Brexit on the national
0:45:04 > 0:45:16health service and the threat of privatisation?Since this September,
0:45:16 > 0:45:20the Department for exiting the EU has answered departmental questions
0:45:20 > 0:45:23on three occasions including just before now. They have made several
0:45:23 > 0:45:28oral statements. Deputy ministers have appeared before the select
0:45:28 > 0:45:35committee on three occasions and that's in addition to the many hours
0:45:35 > 0:45:38we have already spent discussing legislation and we will of course be
0:45:38 > 0:45:43discussing further legislation in great detail over the next 18 months
0:45:43 > 0:45:46so I'm sure the honourable gentleman will have ample opportunity to raise
0:45:46 > 0:45:54his specific interests.Can we have a debate on government time with
0:45:54 > 0:45:58relation to dementia? Many members in this House have family members
0:45:58 > 0:46:02who suffer from this wicked and cruel disease. Can we have a debate
0:46:02 > 0:46:06where we look at not just the disease itself, but the social care
0:46:06 > 0:46:11system, the health service and all other aspects of society that
0:46:11 > 0:46:16touches on dementia and hopefully let's take this action forward.My
0:46:16 > 0:46:20honourable friend raises an issue that is of concern to all of us in
0:46:20 > 0:46:24our constituencies and often also in our families and it's certainly
0:46:24 > 0:46:28something that is an increasing problem in the UK and across the
0:46:28 > 0:46:32world and something we should regularly discuss so I do encourage
0:46:32 > 0:46:36him to seek perhaps a backbench debate on that subject so we can
0:46:36 > 0:46:39look at exactly what further measures can be taken to ensure we
0:46:39 > 0:46:43do the best we can for those suffering from dementia and their
0:46:43 > 0:46:50families and friends.As part of the work of the cross-party commission,
0:46:50 > 0:46:54looking into the root causes of youth violence, this week we heard
0:46:54 > 0:46:59from a panel of experts about the public health approach to reducing
0:46:59 > 0:47:03violence and the evidence -based results they have achieved. Can we
0:47:03 > 0:47:10have a debate on this extremely important issue?The honourable lady
0:47:10 > 0:47:14has worked hard on this issue and I commend her for that and I do
0:47:14 > 0:47:19encourage her to seek an adjournment debate on the subject. I'm sure it
0:47:19 > 0:47:23would be of interest to a great number of members.On Tuesday night
0:47:23 > 0:47:27members from across the House attended the Grenfell United meeting
0:47:27 > 0:47:37on which you made a deeply emotional and moving introduction. But the
0:47:37 > 0:47:41reality is that most survivors gave stories that are truly harrowing.
0:47:41 > 0:47:46The reality is that this Christmas most of those survivors will still
0:47:46 > 0:47:54be in hotels or bed and breakfast accommodation. Equally, the people
0:47:54 > 0:48:00of this country have very willingly parted with huge amounts of money in
0:48:00 > 0:48:04compensation for those victims. The money can't bring their relatives
0:48:04 > 0:48:09back but that money does not appear to be going and reaching the victims
0:48:09 > 0:48:14and those people last ill in temporary housing. So could we have
0:48:14 > 0:48:18two statements, Mr Speaker, one from the Secretary of State on the
0:48:18 > 0:48:27progress of rehousing the survivors, but also from the Secretary of State
0:48:27 > 0:48:29for Culture, Media and Sport who are responsible I understand for the
0:48:29 > 0:48:32money being distributed to the victims on where the money is going
0:48:32 > 0:48:36and how it will reach the victims so they can live their lives at least
0:48:36 > 0:48:45in some degree of comfort.My honourable friend raises some very
0:48:45 > 0:48:49important points and I will very happily go away and discuss that
0:48:49 > 0:49:01with our honourable friends in the DCLG. Latest figures I have are that
0:49:01 > 0:49:06142 of the 151 households of accepted an offer of either
0:49:06 > 0:49:10temporary or permanent accommodation, 99 of these have
0:49:10 > 0:49:15moved in and of which 54 households have moved into temporary
0:49:15 > 0:49:19accommodation and 45 into permanent accommodation. But I think is all
0:49:19 > 0:49:24honourable members will know and appreciate, we can move only at the
0:49:24 > 0:49:30pace that those survivors wish to go out and it's a very difficult area
0:49:30 > 0:49:35and nobody wants to force anybody to move at a pace they are
0:49:35 > 0:49:39uncomfortable with. I hope all honourable members will rest assured
0:49:39 > 0:49:43the Government is utterly determined to provide the right level of
0:49:43 > 0:49:48support and care for all those who are still very much suffering at the
0:49:48 > 0:49:55present time.Is it possible, given the ongoing problems with the
0:49:55 > 0:50:01roll-out, that we can have a statement or an urgent debate on
0:50:01 > 0:50:05Universal Credit? There's a family in my constituency who were told to
0:50:05 > 0:50:11claim Universal Credit and shut down their child tax credit claim. That
0:50:11 > 0:50:16was the wrong advice as they had more than two children. They are now
0:50:16 > 0:50:22being told to claim job-seeker's allowance which HMRC won't backdate
0:50:22 > 0:50:27or reinstate their tax credits. So they are living on less than £1 60
0:50:27 > 0:50:33per day. Given the UN's target of nobody should be below two dollars
0:50:33 > 0:50:39per day, how does that sit with the Government's anti-poverty strategy?
0:50:39 > 0:50:46The honourable gentleman raises a very concerning constituency matter.
0:50:46 > 0:50:52He may well wish to raise that specific point on Monday. On
0:50:52 > 0:50:56Universal Credit more generally, the Government really has listened, this
0:50:56 > 0:51:01is an attempt to ensure that Universal Credit provides a good
0:51:01 > 0:51:06solution for people that combines six PVS benefits into one, that
0:51:06 > 0:51:13improves access to childcare -- six previous benefits into one, it
0:51:13 > 0:51:17enables them to keep more of what they earn as they move into work.
0:51:17 > 0:51:22They can get 100% of their first payment up front if they need to and
0:51:22 > 0:51:26return it over 12 months. We have introduced an overlap for those
0:51:26 > 0:51:31already receiving housing benefit to ensure a smooth transition onto the
0:51:31 > 0:51:34new system, and really importantly Universal Credit is expected to
0:51:34 > 0:51:41boost employment by 250,000. Because it is a simpler system that makes
0:51:41 > 0:51:53sure work always pays.A family run high street shop in my constituency
0:51:53 > 0:51:58recently received national and international notoriety by taking on
0:51:58 > 0:52:01the big hitting supermarkets and produced the ultimate heart-warming
0:52:01 > 0:52:07Christmas advert for the production cost of just £7. I strongly
0:52:07 > 0:52:11recommend all members of this House to go online and look at it. But can
0:52:11 > 0:52:16I ask my right honourable friend if we can have a debate on how we
0:52:16 > 0:52:21promote our independent high-street shops, showing that through sheer
0:52:21 > 0:52:27imagination and ingenuity, David really can't take on Goliath.I
0:52:27 > 0:52:30congratulate Harford hardware on their Christmas advert. It just goes
0:52:30 > 0:52:38to show the kind of entrepreneurial spirit in our businesses. We aim to
0:52:38 > 0:52:41support businesses like this to prosper and grow so they can compete
0:52:41 > 0:52:50with the likes of Moz the monster with their own successful Christmas
0:52:50 > 0:52:53campaigns.My constituent Matthew pounder was served an eviction
0:52:53 > 0:52:58notice when he chose to switch to a month by month contract rather than
0:52:58 > 0:53:03sign up to a 12 month tenancy. He later discovered letting agents.
0:53:03 > 0:53:07Told his landlords Matthew wanted to leave the property. The agents try
0:53:07 > 0:53:11to force him out of the home in order to profit from the fees of a
0:53:11 > 0:53:17new tenancy. Can we look at how we can strengthen regulations on how to
0:53:17 > 0:53:20protect renters.
0:53:20 > 0:53:25Again, the honourable gentleman raises an important and concerning
0:53:25 > 0:53:31case. As I've mentioned there are DWP questions on Monday. It may be
0:53:31 > 0:53:35tricky but he may find a way to be able to raise the question there.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38More generally what I would say to the honourable gentleman is the
0:53:38 > 0:53:43government is looking at measures to protect rental tenants better. The
0:53:43 > 0:53:47draft measures coming forward and consultations and wait to try and
0:53:47 > 0:53:50ensure that people in rented accommodation have protected
0:53:50 > 0:53:54tenancies and more security in the longevity of their ability to remain
0:53:54 > 0:54:04in their home.Good news, more people are getting on their bike. In
0:54:04 > 0:54:09my constituency for work or leisure. That's a good thing because it's
0:54:09 > 0:54:14very polluted in my constituency. But a number of my constituents have
0:54:14 > 0:54:19contacted me about shared spaces and the danger of pedestrians mixing
0:54:19 > 0:54:22with cyclists and the impact on people with impaired vision. Could
0:54:22 > 0:54:29the Leader of the House find time for a debate on this safety issue?I
0:54:29 > 0:54:33know my honourable friend always speaks up for her constituents and
0:54:33 > 0:54:36particularly she is concerned about congestion and a big fan of cycling
0:54:36 > 0:54:42so I commend her for that. She's right to raise the issue of sharing
0:54:42 > 0:54:45pavements between cyclists and pedestrians and I encourage her to
0:54:45 > 0:54:49seek an adjournment debate so she can talk about the specific concerns
0:54:49 > 0:54:55she has.I've recently been contacted by five constituents who
0:54:55 > 0:55:00have told me that the pain infusions they need are being stopped because
0:55:00 > 0:55:05of government cuts to East Riding CCG. Please can we have an urgent
0:55:05 > 0:55:10debate on the levels of funding for the CCGs to provide therapeutic care
0:55:10 > 0:55:16so these people can continue to have some quality of life?What I can say
0:55:16 > 0:55:25is that NHS funding will be over half £1 trillion from 2015 to 2020.
0:55:25 > 0:55:31We have record funding for the NHS. Record numbers of doctors, nurses
0:55:31 > 0:55:34and midwives. Last year the NHS treated more people than ever
0:55:34 > 0:55:39before. The Commonwealth fund has rated the NHS the number one health
0:55:39 > 0:55:43system in the world for the second time in a row. There is record
0:55:43 > 0:55:47funding available to the NHS. Where she has specific concerns she should
0:55:47 > 0:55:51absolutely raise them with ministers, but be in no doubt this
0:55:51 > 0:55:56government is absolutely committed to a successful NHS that protects
0:55:56 > 0:56:00our people and the people of this country benefit from the amazing
0:56:00 > 0:56:04work done by all our NHS staff
0:56:04 > 0:56:07country benefit from the amazing work done by all our NHS staff.
0:56:07 > 0:56:13Would the Leader of the House join me in welcoming ID cards for
0:56:13 > 0:56:17Britain's 2.5 million military veterans and will she provide time
0:56:17 > 0:56:24for a debate for our veterans and the Armed Forces Covenant?I do
0:56:24 > 0:56:27commend the honourable friend to the work he does as the treasurer of the
0:56:27 > 0:56:32APPG on the Armed Forces Covenant. As the Prime Minister has already
0:56:32 > 0:56:36said, those who have served deserve recognition for their sacrifice and
0:56:36 > 0:56:41we will continue to make sure they get it. As part of the government's
0:56:41 > 0:56:45continued commitment to the veterans card will ensure the public can
0:56:45 > 0:56:49recognise our heroes when they are accessing specific support such as
0:56:49 > 0:56:57for health care, housing and the charitable sector.Tonight Cardiff
0:56:57 > 0:56:59has been designated officially as a music city and can I congratulate
0:56:59 > 0:57:06the campaign and colleagues in Cardiff for that achievement. In the
0:57:06 > 0:57:10New Year when my honourable friend brings in his ten minute rule Bill
0:57:10 > 0:57:14on January the tent, will she take a look at it and consider giving it
0:57:14 > 0:57:18government time in order to make sure that other parts of the country
0:57:18 > 0:57:25can benefit from having great music venues into the future?I think
0:57:25 > 0:57:30music brings enormous pressure right across the UK and I congratulate
0:57:30 > 0:57:33Cardiff for the opportunity to celebrate musical achievements. I'm
0:57:33 > 0:57:37not completely familiar with the event that he is raising but I
0:57:37 > 0:57:41congratulate them and wish them every success with it. I will of
0:57:41 > 0:57:49course look closely at the ten minute rule Bill.Enfield is very
0:57:49 > 0:57:52fortunate to benefit from three local theatres, the Millfield
0:57:52 > 0:57:59chicken shed and the Birkdale. I'll be taking my grandchildren to the
0:57:59 > 0:58:09Millfield to enjoy Dick Whittington over the Christmas period. These
0:58:09 > 0:58:14kind of local facilities are very important. Can we have a early
0:58:14 > 0:58:18debating government time about how the government's very deep cuts to
0:58:18 > 0:58:23local authorities has affected the ability of the arts venues to
0:58:23 > 0:58:29provide these kind of events and programmes for local people?
0:58:29 > 0:58:36Certainly can I congratulate all those taking part in those plays at
0:58:36 > 0:58:40Christmas time. The pantomime is such good fun, my family continues
0:58:40 > 0:58:48to enjoy it. It is important we continue to enjoy and support those
0:58:48 > 0:58:52local venues and the arts are a vital part of a thriving UK economy.
0:58:52 > 0:58:56She will be pleased to know there are these CMS questions next week,
0:58:56 > 0:59:03she can raise how this government supports the arts and she will have
0:59:03 > 0:59:13the chance before Christmas to put her questions to ministers.May we
0:59:13 > 0:59:18have a debate on the needful easylaw lords etched by the all-party
0:59:18 > 0:59:28Parliamentary Group -- Lucy's law. Lucy was a black spaniel who was
0:59:28 > 0:59:36puppy farms and sadly died.I think the honourable lady is absolutely
0:59:36 > 0:59:41right to raise this issue. We are a nation of animal lovers. I myself as
0:59:41 > 0:59:47Defra Secretary was pleased to change the rules on puppy licensing
0:59:47 > 0:59:51and it's important we continue to do everything we can to enhance our
0:59:51 > 0:59:57already very high standards of animal welfare.Like many across
0:59:57 > 1:00:02this House I'm becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of
1:00:02 > 1:00:06government policies on the mental help of my constituents, especially
1:00:06 > 1:00:10those moving onto Universal Credit over Christmas. Can we have a debate
1:00:10 > 1:00:19in government time on the impact of government policy on mental health?
1:00:19 > 1:00:23The honourable gentleman is right that mental health is a very key and
1:00:23 > 1:00:28important issue across the UK. He will be pleased to know that around
1:00:28 > 1:00:321400 more people are accessing mental health services every day
1:00:32 > 1:00:37compared to 2010, that is up 40%. There is a fivefold increase in the
1:00:37 > 1:00:41number of people accessing talking therapies since 2010 and spending on
1:00:41 > 1:00:46mental health has increased to a record 11.6 billion. There is a long
1:00:46 > 1:00:48way to go and I certainly was delighted to see the government's
1:00:48 > 1:00:53launch of the green paper on mental health last week. I'm sure the
1:00:53 > 1:00:57honourable gentleman will want to take part in that discussion and
1:00:57 > 1:01:07provide his input to it.Mr Speaker, this week the humanitarian
1:01:07 > 1:01:10organisation the Enough Project published a report which outlines
1:01:10 > 1:01:14the government of Sudan's continued oppression of religious minorities
1:01:14 > 1:01:18and support for extremist groups. Despite the Sudanese government
1:01:18 > 1:01:22claims of improving human rights, there is an ongoing campaign of
1:01:22 > 1:01:28violence against Christians, Muslims and other groups. The Leader of the
1:01:28 > 1:01:34House agreed to a statement on this matter?The honourable gentleman
1:01:34 > 1:01:37raises a very serious issue about human rights and particularly the
1:01:37 > 1:01:41rights of different religious groups. As ever I encourage him to
1:01:41 > 1:01:50seek an adjournment debate on the very important points he raises.
1:01:50 > 1:01:55There is her tanned the world are meant amongst many disabled people
1:01:55 > 1:01:59about the extraordinary statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer that
1:01:59 > 1:02:04one of the reasons for Britain's low productivity figures is the
1:02:04 > 1:02:07excessive number of disabled people in the workforce. This is the
1:02:07 > 1:02:15reverse of the truth, because every disabled person who comes from
1:02:15 > 1:02:19benefits to full-time work improve productivity figures. When can we
1:02:19 > 1:02:25have a debate to celebrate the great work of all governments and the
1:02:25 > 1:02:29European Union in increasing opportunities for disabled people to
1:02:29 > 1:02:33get into the workplace, and to thank them for their heroic contributions
1:02:33 > 1:02:41to our economy?The honourable gentleman is raising a really
1:02:41 > 1:02:45important point about the contribution of disabled people to
1:02:45 > 1:02:48our economy, and I'm absolutely delighted to thank and praise them
1:02:48 > 1:02:52from the dispatch box for the contribution they make. There are
1:02:52 > 1:02:58now more than 600,000 more disabled people in work over the last three
1:02:58 > 1:03:03years, 3.5 million people now in work who have disabilities. This
1:03:03 > 1:03:06government has a proud record of supporting them and encouraging
1:03:06 > 1:03:16them.Following yesterday's victory in Parliament over the meaningful
1:03:16 > 1:03:26vote, will the Leader of the House make time available for a DeXEU
1:03:26 > 1:03:35ministered to set out the assessment they have conducted over the impact
1:03:35 > 1:03:41of Brexit?As ever the honourable gentleman uses terms that I would
1:03:41 > 1:03:45not personally use. There will be ample opportunities for him to raise
1:03:45 > 1:03:51any questions that he has about the arrangements of the UK as we seek to
1:03:51 > 1:03:56leave the EU with the best possible deal for all of the United Kingdom
1:03:56 > 1:04:00and for our EU friends and neighbours. That is what the
1:04:00 > 1:04:04government is determined to do to fulfil the referendum that took
1:04:04 > 1:04:09place last year that took the very clear decision that the UK will be
1:04:09 > 1:04:16leaving the European Union.Last week I chaired an event has chaired
1:04:16 > 1:04:20of the social enterprise all-party group on Chris White a former Member
1:04:20 > 1:04:24for Leamington and I mentioned this to the current member earlier.
1:04:24 > 1:04:32Chris's report reviewed the public services value Act and recommended
1:04:32 > 1:04:43to strengthen, extend social value including to this praise. --
1:04:43 > 1:04:47displays.It sounds like a very interesting report. Not one I'd seen
1:04:47 > 1:04:51myself but I think the honourable gentleman is right to raise it. We
1:04:51 > 1:04:55need to look at ways to ensure we get the best value for the public
1:04:55 > 1:05:02purse than para gym to seek an adjournment debate -- and I
1:05:02 > 1:05:06encourage him.I received notification from the post office
1:05:06 > 1:05:10that their branch in my constituency was closing. I understand they were
1:05:10 > 1:05:14aware for almost a year but they just gave myself and constituents
1:05:14 > 1:05:19three weeks notice. To rub salt in, they also asked me if I had any idea
1:05:19 > 1:05:24who might be interested in taking over the branch. This is no way to
1:05:24 > 1:05:29run a business let alone a public servers. Can we have a debate on the
1:05:29 > 1:05:33competence and accountability of those running the post office?I'm
1:05:33 > 1:05:38genuinely sorry to hear that, I think that is unusual. Normally with
1:05:38 > 1:05:41post office closures all members receive good prior notice in
1:05:41 > 1:05:45colluding specific requests for suggestions on who might be
1:05:45 > 1:05:48interested in taking over, and obviously quite often we as MPs are
1:05:48 > 1:05:52in a position to suggest individuals. I'm generally sorry to
1:05:52 > 1:05:55hear about that. He may be interested to know that next
1:05:55 > 1:05:59Wednesday there is a debate on post office closures in Westminster Hall
1:05:59 > 1:06:09and he may wish to take part in that.One in ten fathers suffer with
1:06:09 > 1:06:13postnatal depression and the suicide rate rapidly increases in men
1:06:13 > 1:06:18between the age of 30 and 43 after having a child. My constituents Mark
1:06:18 > 1:06:23Williams has been campaigning on these subjects. Can I ask the Leader
1:06:23 > 1:06:26of the House to find some time for a government debate to bring new light
1:06:26 > 1:06:30onto this part of mental health that has a real impact on fathers across
1:06:30 > 1:06:37the UK?I'm absolutely sympathetic to the honourable gentleman's point
1:06:37 > 1:06:44and in fact I may even have heard a speech by the gentleman he mentions.
1:06:44 > 1:06:49This is a subject that I care passionately about, the perinatal
1:06:49 > 1:06:55period. Not least of which because of pre-, Perry and postnatal
1:06:55 > 1:06:59depression of both mothers and fathers but of course the extremely
1:06:59 > 1:07:03profound impact that can have on the future long-term mental health of
1:07:03 > 1:07:09their child. I am very sympathetic to the honourable gentleman's point
1:07:09 > 1:07:12and I positively encourage him to seek a backbench debate on this
1:07:12 > 1:07:15subject because I know there are members who take a big interest in
1:07:15 > 1:07:22early years.The Leader of the House will be aware of industrial action
1:07:22 > 1:07:28by driving examiners this week and the concerns of many bad management
1:07:28 > 1:07:37of the DVLA are refusing to negotiate. Can we have a debate and
1:07:37 > 1:07:42ask the Department for Transport to intervene in this matter?I think
1:07:42 > 1:07:46the honourable gentleman may wish to take this up directly with the
1:07:46 > 1:07:50Department for Transport ministers. I think he will recognise that a
1:07:50 > 1:07:53debate on this subject would be very helpful to try and move things
1:07:53 > 1:07:57forward. If there are good ideas suggested by members of Parliament.
1:07:57 > 1:08:00Nevertheless it would be the ministers to intervene if there is
1:08:00 > 1:08:11intervention necessary.The people in Syria were subject to a horrific
1:08:11 > 1:08:16attack which killed 1700 people and since then 400,000 civilians have
1:08:16 > 1:08:21suffered constant artillery bombardment and the blocking of
1:08:21 > 1:08:26medical evacuations. May I ask for a statement on the representations he
1:08:26 > 1:08:33is making to help the people of eastern Ghouta and what further
1:08:33 > 1:08:40efforts can be taken to secure peace?This government has shown our
1:08:40 > 1:08:44very strong commitment to bed sharing in finding a solution to the
1:08:44 > 1:08:50problems of Syria but also in providing aid to alleviate the
1:08:50 > 1:08:54suffering of so many who have been displaced or driven away altogether
1:08:54 > 1:08:57into neighbouring countries. I think we can be proud of our contribution
1:08:57 > 1:09:02but the honourable gentleman may well wish to raise that adds