0:00:00 > 0:00:03urgently as possible. We need as many measures as possible to make it
0:00:03 > 0:00:09as difficult as possible for youngsters to carry lethal weapons.
0:00:09 > 0:00:14THE SPEAKER: Business questions. Thank you, can the leader of the
0:00:14 > 0:00:18House update the House on the forthcoming business.
0:00:18 > 0:00:24Thank you Mr Speaker. The business for the week commencing 8th January
0:00:24 > 0:00:282018 will include, Monday 8th January, second reading of the
0:00:28 > 0:00:32taxation cross border trade bill. Tuesday, 9th January, second reading
0:00:32 > 0:00:37of the trade bill. Wednesday, 10th January, opposition day, 7th
0:00:37 > 0:00:41allotted day. There'll be a debate on an opposition motion. Subject to
0:00:41 > 0:00:46be announced. Thursday 11th January, debate on a motion relating to
0:00:46 > 0:00:50defence. The subject of this debate was determined by the Backbench
0:00:50 > 0:00:55Business Committee. Friday 12th January t House will not be sitting.
0:00:55 > 0:01:01The provisional business for the week commencing 15th January, 2018,
0:01:01 > 0:01:05will include, Monday #159 January, second reading of the space industry
0:01:05 > 0:01:10bill at Lord's. Tuesday 16th January, remaining stages of the
0:01:10 > 0:01:14European Union Withdrawal Bill day one. Wednesday 17th January,
0:01:14 > 0:01:19conclusion of remaining stages of the European Union Withdrawal Bill.
0:01:19 > 0:01:25Thursday 18th January, debate on a motion on treatment of SMEs by RBS
0:01:25 > 0:01:33Global restructuring group. A debate on Holocaust Memorial Day 2018. The
0:01:33 > 0:01:37subjects were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. Friday
0:01:37 > 0:01:4319th, Private Member's Bills. Mr Speaker, this morning our thoughts
0:01:43 > 0:01:47and prayers are the people of mole borne as the troubling situation
0:01:47 > 0:01:51there -- Melbourne as the troubling situation there continues to
0:01:51 > 0:01:56develop. May I congratulate the people of the
0:01:56 > 0:01:59West Midlands and we wish them every success. Finally, at the end of a
0:01:59 > 0:02:02business term, can I take this opportunity to wish you and all
0:02:02 > 0:02:06colleagues on all sides of the House, all our staff and staff of
0:02:06 > 0:02:10the House a very relaxing Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15And Mr Speaker, I am sure we are all looking forward to hearing Big Ben's
0:02:15 > 0:02:21chimes once again, as it rings in 2018.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27THE SPEAKER: Thank you.Can I thank the leader of the House for the
0:02:27 > 0:02:30future business. I am pleased too about Birmingham getting the
0:02:30 > 0:02:36Commonwealth Games. I've got my running shoes on already. Mr
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Speaker, I note there's no date for the restoration and renewal debate.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44I know the leader of the House has listened to members across the House
0:02:44 > 0:02:48that Thursday is not an appropriate day because maybe people have
0:02:48 > 0:02:52different things to do. As the EU bill goes through to the other
0:02:52 > 0:02:56place, could she say whether it's likely that the debate will take
0:02:56 > 0:03:01place we need to act sooner rather than later. There are already people
0:03:01 > 0:03:05on the Select Committee who have been on the report, worked on the
0:03:05 > 0:03:10report, it's taken a long time to get that debate going. Mr Speaker,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12Prime Minister questions are becoming more like Prime Minister's
0:03:12 > 0:03:17slogans. We have heard fit for the future and, if this is a way of
0:03:17 > 0:03:21stopping her, the Prime Minister, we say, fit for the future with Labour.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26But someone needs to update the Prime Minister. She mentioned
0:03:26 > 0:03:30sustainable and transformational partnerships in relation to an
0:03:30 > 0:03:32integrated health and social care. She said Labour was supposed to. Of
0:03:32 > 0:03:38course we are. It is another reorganise liegs the disastrous
0:03:38 > 0:03:42social care act which cost the country £3 billion. What she didn't
0:03:42 > 0:03:47mention was the atable care organisation. Accountable to who? I
0:03:47 > 0:03:50asked the leader last week when the Government was intended to lay the
0:03:50 > 0:03:55regulations before the House. She didn't give me an answer. Will there
0:03:55 > 0:04:01be adequate time to lay those and if there'll be time for a vote? Another
0:04:01 > 0:04:06week, another U-turn or two. On Tuesday, we found out that plans to
0:04:06 > 0:04:09end the revenue support grant and allow councils to keep all of the
0:04:09 > 0:04:14business rates would be put on hold. Not everyone has Oxford Street in
0:04:14 > 0:04:20their constituency! It will hopefully end the bizarre policy of
0:04:20 > 0:04:26councils buying shopping malls and I don't know what the whip is doing
0:04:26 > 0:04:31there sitting chuntering. You say none of that - if he could listen
0:04:31 > 0:04:37that would be very, very helpful. The Government is consulting on a
0:04:37 > 0:04:42fair funding review and the consultation closes on 12th March.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46Could the lead erase with the Community Secretary the extension of
0:04:46 > 0:04:50that consultation until the end of March to give people time to
0:04:50 > 0:04:55respond? The other U-turn on Wednesday, the member for Wigan led
0:04:55 > 0:05:00a Westminster Hall debate on the extension for foster carers being
0:05:00 > 0:05:07able to claim free childcare for their foster children. The minister
0:05:07 > 0:05:12ended that exclusion. The minister should be congratulated on that,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15closing that gap in policy. That is what we would like to see in
0:05:15 > 0:05:19opposition days. We want to work constructively with the Government
0:05:19 > 0:05:24where there are gaps in policy. I ask the leader of the House about
0:05:24 > 0:05:32the committee - and she indicated when the EU bill has received Royal
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Assent she will proceeding orders. Given there are many statutory
0:05:36 > 0:05:39powers that the Government are reserving to themselves, could she
0:05:39 > 0:05:42confirm through the usual channels, perhaps, fairly quickly, that the
0:05:42 > 0:05:46chair of the committee will be from the opposition? And could we have a
0:05:46 > 0:05:51statement on why the Equalities and Human Rights Commission is not
0:05:51 > 0:05:53appointing people, because ministers are vetoing appointments on
0:05:53 > 0:05:57political grounds. The board at the moment cannot function. The former
0:05:57 > 0:06:01head of equalities and employment rights of the TUC, despite being
0:06:01 > 0:06:05supported by the chair, was not reappointed. And she was told that
0:06:05 > 0:06:09the decision not to reappoint was because a political adviser at
0:06:09 > 0:06:12number ten noticed a tweet disapproving of some Government
0:06:12 > 0:06:16policy. Can the leader of the House confirm the Government is not
0:06:16 > 0:06:21vetoing appointments on grounds of dissent with the Government? Can the
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Government look again at reappoints her? She is a highly-qualified
0:06:25 > 0:06:28person and supported be I the chair.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44It's putting at risk fundamental values expected of a democratic
0:06:44 > 0:06:47state including judicial independence, could the Leader of
0:06:47 > 0:06:51the House confirm the Prime Minister will be raising a rule of law with
0:06:51 > 0:06:55the Polish government? Is this the kind of government our government is
0:06:55 > 0:07:00doing trade deals with? Our country played a vital role in drafting the
0:07:00 > 0:07:03European Convention on human rights with the UK being the first country
0:07:03 > 0:07:10to sign up to this. We promote the rule of law throughout the world.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13And finally, looking back on the year, the Leader of the House
0:07:13 > 0:07:17mentioned the events in Melbourne from Westminster to Manchester, from
0:07:17 > 0:07:21London Bridge to Finsbury Park. Families will spend their first
0:07:21 > 0:07:26Christmas grieving for their lost loved ones including our own deputy
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Speaker. Our prayers are with him and his family at this difficult
0:07:29 > 0:07:33time and I'm pleased that following a statement by Mayor Burnham that
0:07:33 > 0:07:37the Government were initially only going to pay 12 million to public
0:07:37 > 0:07:49services that the Government will now pay the full 28
0:07:51 > 0:07:53million as asked for. Yesterday was human solidarity day, we always see
0:07:53 > 0:07:56the country come together in difficult times, we should strive to
0:07:56 > 0:07:59do that when there are no disasters. Finally I want to say thank you to
0:07:59 > 0:08:01my opposition Chief Whip for the support and help is given and my
0:08:01 > 0:08:08staff and his staff and the Chief Whip for his support last week. The
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Leader of the House, the deputy leader who has been so loyal
0:08:11 > 0:08:16throughout the years with different leaders, Mr Speaker your family and
0:08:16 > 0:08:23office in particular, the House of Commons library, official reporters,
0:08:23 > 0:08:27catering, cleaning, security workers and all right honourable members on
0:08:27 > 0:08:31their family. I have to do this, it's a joke from a Christmas
0:08:31 > 0:08:39cracker, what do reindeer hang on their Christmas trees? Hornaments.
0:08:39 > 0:08:47May I wish everybody happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.I'm sure
0:08:47 > 0:08:56the joke will resound around many Christmas table this year and may I
0:08:56 > 0:09:00particularly join with her in sending all of our sympathies to the
0:09:00 > 0:09:05Deputy Speaker and his family. What a terrible tragedy, we are all so
0:09:05 > 0:09:10sorry about that. I also want to share her remarks about human
0:09:10 > 0:09:15solidarity. We've seen so many examples of amazing solidarity and
0:09:15 > 0:09:19yet very sadly also too many examples of people allowing their
0:09:19 > 0:09:25disagreements to splash into violence, vitriol, hatred and so on,
0:09:25 > 0:09:29and really we do want in this Parliament to be able to share our
0:09:29 > 0:09:33disagreements and then go out of here and have a cup of tea together.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37Any time, I'm always delighted to share a cup of tea with the
0:09:37 > 0:09:41honourable lady opposite and I wish her and her family are very happy
0:09:41 > 0:09:46Christmas. Mr Speaker, she asks about when they are and our debate
0:09:46 > 0:09:59will be scheduled and I can say to her as I did last week -- the R&R
0:09:59 > 0:10:03debate, I'm working to find a suitable date for that. She asks
0:10:03 > 0:10:06about accountable care organisations, these are intended to
0:10:06 > 0:10:12provide more joined up care, more efficient care, greater
0:10:12 > 0:10:17productivity, and they are something that the NHS would value having us
0:10:17 > 0:10:21on tool that their disposal and that is the purpose of them. There's
0:10:21 > 0:10:25nothing else but the intention to make the NHS more effective and
0:10:25 > 0:10:30productive. She asks about the consultation on fair funding,
0:10:30 > 0:10:35whether it could be ended at the end of March rather than the 12th of
0:10:35 > 0:10:41March. I will happily take that up with DCLG. If there is no good
0:10:41 > 0:10:46reason why it can't be, I'm sure DCLG would be sympathetic. On the
0:10:46 > 0:10:49childcare for foster children, I think it is something the whole
0:10:49 > 0:10:53House is delighted with progress in this area and we should celebrate
0:10:53 > 0:10:57that access being provided by the Government. She asks about the
0:10:57 > 0:11:02sifting committee, there are drafts changes on the order paper for her
0:11:02 > 0:11:05and colleagues to look up. The decision about who will make up that
0:11:05 > 0:11:11committee will be made in due course through the usual channels. She also
0:11:11 > 0:11:14asks about appointments to human rights commission. These decisions
0:11:14 > 0:11:21are taken in possession of all the facts about who was the right
0:11:21 > 0:11:25balance of experience, background and so on. I can't comment on the
0:11:25 > 0:11:28specifics of what she mentions but I can ensure there is scrupulous
0:11:28 > 0:11:32fairness in terms of the appointments to commissions. She
0:11:32 > 0:11:39asks about Poland, I can say to her all and remain very strong allies of
0:11:39 > 0:11:44the United Kingdom. Polish fighters in world wars have been enormously
0:11:44 > 0:11:50supportive to the interests of the UK, we should never forget that.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54However she rightly points out the UK upholds international law, we
0:11:54 > 0:11:58have a commitment to the importance of the rule of law and the Prime
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Minister will be making her views on that very clear when she is in
0:12:01 > 0:12:10Poland. I would also like to share her all-encompassing good wishes to
0:12:10 > 0:12:16all of those who work for and in this place, thank you.As per usual
0:12:16 > 0:12:20there is extensive interest in the business question but I simply
0:12:20 > 0:12:26advise the House there are two statements to follow and that over
0:12:26 > 0:12:3030 people are seeking to contribute to the two debate to take place
0:12:30 > 0:12:36under the auspices of the backbench business committee so there is a
0:12:36 > 0:12:42premium on brevity, now to be inevitably demonstrated by Sir Peter
0:12:42 > 0:12:50Bottomley.The House will welcome the statement by DCLG today on the
0:12:50 > 0:12:53crackdown of unfair leasehold practices. Would it be possible for
0:12:53 > 0:12:56the Government to announce when there will be a government debate on
0:12:56 > 0:13:02the timetable so we can stamp out the exploitation, the crockery and
0:13:02 > 0:13:04heartlessness by some of the freeholders who have been operating
0:13:04 > 0:13:18on touched in this field for so long? -- untouched.I share the
0:13:18 > 0:13:22concern about practices in this area and I'm sure updates will be
0:13:22 > 0:13:26provided as soon as possible.I thank the House for the answer, and
0:13:26 > 0:13:32I wish all the members of the House are very Merry Christmas and I won't
0:13:32 > 0:13:44repeat the list, and it's panto season and I'm sure every day is
0:13:44 > 0:13:49like a pantomime in this House. But this year we have our own version of
0:13:49 > 0:14:04motherly to -- mother totally goosed. No longer assisted by the
0:14:04 > 0:14:09pantomime dame from Aladdin, our hero climbs bravely into the Brexit
0:14:09 > 0:14:19unknown. I'm sure we are all hoping for a very peaceful election in the
0:14:19 > 0:14:23New Year. Last time people were assaulted by the state for simply
0:14:23 > 0:14:27voting, it's almost impossible to believe that in a modern European
0:14:27 > 0:14:31democracy political leaders are contesting this election from prison
0:14:31 > 0:14:37for simply desiring a particular political outcome for their country.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42Can we have a debate about tax, to try to better understand why England
0:14:42 > 0:14:47is quickly becoming the highest taxed part of the UK. Where in
0:14:47 > 0:14:53Scotland 70% of taxpayers have had their tax reduced, and in England
0:14:53 > 0:14:59once their council tax is factored in, taxpayers in a band E property
0:14:59 > 0:15:04face a tax increase of over £100. Perhaps the Scottish Government can
0:15:04 > 0:15:09give them some advice and assistance about how to try and design a fair
0:15:09 > 0:15:14tax system based on the best principles of redistribution.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18Lastly, at this time of goodwill and cheer, remember the Scottish Tory
0:15:18 > 0:15:23members of Parliament are not just for Christmas. You are stuck with
0:15:23 > 0:15:28them, as they plummet in Scottish Westminster opinion polls, those
0:15:28 > 0:15:33cute doe eyed stoppers of a second independence referendum could grow
0:15:33 > 0:15:37up to be the unloved forgotten waste of space with nothing better to do
0:15:37 > 0:15:44than bark about our government, so remember people of Scotland, if you
0:15:44 > 0:15:47think about voting Tory in Scotland look at what they grow up to when
0:15:47 > 0:15:56they get down here.I'm not entirely sure what to make of that, Mr
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Speaker, but taking his points in the Christmas spirit which I think
0:16:00 > 0:16:06is very important, he clearly feels under threat by my honourable friend
0:16:06 > 0:16:10's because of the excellent work they do in holding the Scottish
0:16:10 > 0:16:16Government to account also the excellent work they do in
0:16:16 > 0:16:22representing their own constituents in Scotland. It's great for us on
0:16:22 > 0:16:26this side of the House to see the Conservatives at work supporting
0:16:26 > 0:16:30Scottish constituents. He asks about taxes and he will be aware we will
0:16:30 > 0:16:35be very disappointed on this side of the House and my honourable friend
0:16:35 > 0:16:40the member is from Conservative Scotland to seek taxes going up in
0:16:40 > 0:16:45Scotland, particularly at a time when the Chancellor in his budget
0:16:45 > 0:16:50announced an extra £2 billion for Scotland. He asks about Catalonia
0:16:50 > 0:16:54and I certainly think the whole House will join in hoping that
0:16:54 > 0:16:59today's election in Catalonia will be peaceful, respectful, and of
0:16:59 > 0:17:04course Spain is a very key ally to the UK. But as I've just said in
0:17:04 > 0:17:08answer to the honourable lady opposite, we absolutely uphold the
0:17:08 > 0:17:14rule of law at all times. Finally he asks about Brexit trade deals, the
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Prime Minister has said on any number of occasions as has the
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Brexit Secretary that we are determined to get the best possible
0:17:21 > 0:17:25deal for the UK and for our European Union friends and neighbours as we
0:17:25 > 0:17:35leave the European Union and that will be on March 29, 2019.Will my
0:17:35 > 0:17:42right honourable friend to find time for general debate on new types of
0:17:42 > 0:17:46crimes such as mopeds gangs and acid attacks, with this depressing trend
0:17:46 > 0:17:53it seems the law and sentencing guidelines are not fit for purpose.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57My honourable friend raises a very concerning issue. We are determined
0:17:57 > 0:18:02to put a stop to this type of new kind. The Home Office has been
0:18:02 > 0:18:05working closely with a number of partners including the motorcycle
0:18:05 > 0:18:10and insurance industry, and the police, to develop an action plan
0:18:10 > 0:18:14and will be reviewing progress early in the New Year. On acid attacks,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17the Government is consulting on nukes legislation that would inhibit
0:18:17 > 0:18:25the sale of corrosive substances to under 18s and sulphuric acid will be
0:18:25 > 0:18:30placed on the list. It is a big challenge. I'm sure my honourable
0:18:30 > 0:18:34friend, as I am, is pleased traditional crimes are decreasing
0:18:34 > 0:18:39thanks to the excellent efforts of our law enforcers but we must and
0:18:39 > 0:18:46will react to modern times quickly and effectively.Can I thank the
0:18:46 > 0:18:52Leader of the House for the business statement advertising their wares of
0:18:52 > 0:18:55the backbench business community in the New Year, particularly the
0:18:55 > 0:19:00six-hour intended debate on defence which is sponsored by my right
0:19:00 > 0:19:04honourable friend the Member for Gedling. It is Christmas and I think
0:19:04 > 0:19:11we should add to the extended list we had from the shadow leader. A
0:19:11 > 0:19:16time for forgiveness I think really at Christmas so let's extend a warm
0:19:16 > 0:19:37and Merry Christmas to ipsa.Study on! -- Steady on!They are the
0:19:37 > 0:19:42founders of our feast so let's extend a Merry Christmas to them and
0:19:42 > 0:19:47could I extend an invitation to you, Mr Speaker, and the Leader of the
0:19:47 > 0:19:51House between June and September, Gateshead and Newcastle will be
0:19:51 > 0:19:54hosting the great exhibition of the north and I would be delighted to
0:19:54 > 0:20:05invite you both to visit during that period.Thank you. Mr Speaker, I'm
0:20:05 > 0:20:09sure you and I would be delighted to do that. I've really enjoyed
0:20:09 > 0:20:13previous trips in particular to Gateshead, it's a fabulous vibrant
0:20:13 > 0:20:19place with fabulous views, tall buildings and enormous roof state
0:20:19 > 0:20:23views, fabulous, so I will certainly take the honourable gentleman up on
0:20:23 > 0:20:27that. His right to raise an important debate on the 11th of
0:20:27 > 0:20:32January on defence, which will give many members the chance to air their
0:20:32 > 0:20:37views. I would also like to share in his merry wishes to ipsa and may
0:20:37 > 0:20:46they have a successful and happy 2018.It's increasingly clear that
0:20:46 > 0:20:50the health and social Claire needs of rural communities diverged very
0:20:50 > 0:20:56significantly from those in urban communities -- social care,
0:20:56 > 0:20:58therefore I wondered if the Leader of the House would welcome the
0:20:58 > 0:21:01creation of the National Centre for global health and care and the
0:21:01 > 0:21:06appointment of Richard Parish who has vast international and local
0:21:06 > 0:21:12experience. Could we therefore perhaps have a debate in Government
0:21:12 > 0:21:15time on the unique pressures that rural health and social care
0:21:15 > 0:21:19provided in recognition of the changes we need in funding and
0:21:19 > 0:21:26structure?My honourable friend is right to raise this important issue.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31Rural areas face unique pressures. Challenges raised aloft and around
0:21:31 > 0:21:35barriers to access including rural transport and urgent and emergency
0:21:35 > 0:21:40care. She will be aware dwellers in rural areas often enjoy better
0:21:40 > 0:21:44health than urban areas and she may wish to apply for an adjournment
0:21:44 > 0:21:50debate to debate this very important matter further.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54Members across the House would have been horrified to have seen the
0:21:54 > 0:21:58extent of the amount of plastic in our seas after watching Blue Planet
0:21:58 > 0:22:02this year. Will the leader of the House and you Mr Speaker make it
0:22:02 > 0:22:07your New Years resolutions to make Parliament plastic-free in 2018?
0:22:10 > 0:22:15Well I agree with the honourable lady. I was glued to blue planet and
0:22:15 > 0:22:18the issues it raised. I was delighted as Environment Secretary
0:22:18 > 0:22:22myself to have been able to announce the latest strategy looking at how
0:22:22 > 0:22:27we can reduce the plastics in our seas. The current Environment
0:22:27 > 0:22:32Secretary has just now signed the commitment to banning microbeads
0:22:32 > 0:22:36from face washes and other products. This Government has done more than
0:22:36 > 0:22:41any other to try and clamp down on waste plastics getting into our
0:22:41 > 0:22:47marine areas and we will continue to do everything possible.
0:22:51 > 0:22:57One of the farcical stories of new mark 2017 has been Network Rail's
0:22:57 > 0:23:02failure to man the barriers at the station. It is a good job that Santa
0:23:02 > 0:23:05will arrive through the air on a slay because otherwise he may not be
0:23:05 > 0:23:10able to get into the town. The latest instalment was the operatives
0:23:10 > 0:23:14failed to recognise the barriers should be closed from 10pm,
0:23:14 > 0:23:19overnight and misread it as 10am, closing the entire town off for
0:23:19 > 0:23:23Saturday shopping at Christmas. Could the Leader of the House pick
0:23:23 > 0:23:27up the phone to the chief executive of Network Rail and give him a good
0:23:27 > 0:23:35telling off?As ever, my friend represents his constituents
0:23:35 > 0:23:39extremely well. He may want to have an adjournment debate to raise this
0:23:39 > 0:23:45issue.Happy St Thomas' day, Mr Speaker, to be precise. I just want
0:23:45 > 0:23:49to ask, I am delighted that the leader of the House has said we are
0:23:49 > 0:23:52moving the day for an R and R because it is better the whole House
0:23:52 > 0:23:56should come to a proper decision. Can I just suggest to Hertha when we
0:23:56 > 0:24:02have on the 15th January, I found time... I am helping her. The second
0:24:02 > 0:24:06read of the space industry bill took less than two hours in the House of
0:24:06 > 0:24:09Lords. I don't see why it should take any more time here and we could
0:24:09 > 0:24:15use the rest of the day then to do R and R and come to a proper decision.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19Ipsa have said if all members next year want staff to be paid before
0:24:19 > 0:24:24Christmas, if we all say aye today, then they will all do it properly
0:24:24 > 0:24:27next year. Well, I am very grateful, as I am
0:24:27 > 0:24:32sure is the Chief Whip and the opposition Chief Whip on his advice
0:24:32 > 0:24:37to how to schedule the business. He'll appreciate that the space bill
0:24:37 > 0:24:40is an important piece of legislation that is going to create jobs for the
0:24:40 > 0:24:44future. Highly skilled, huge opportunity for the United Kingdom
0:24:44 > 0:24:50and it needs to be given a proper hearing in this place.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55Could we have a debate on made in Britain? Does the leader of the
0:24:55 > 0:25:00House share my concern that the new British passport from 2019, a black
0:25:00 > 0:25:06passport, not purple, could be design and printed in Germany, made
0:25:06 > 0:25:13in Berlin, rather than made in Britain?What I can say to my
0:25:13 > 0:25:19honourable friend is that I think we all support the UK's stance as a
0:25:19 > 0:25:22global free trading nation. At the same time we recognise that Britain
0:25:22 > 0:25:27has a huge amount to offer in terms of our manufacturing, our food,
0:25:27 > 0:25:32drink - all manner of services we provide to the world. We can compete
0:25:32 > 0:25:38on a level playing field.Thank you, Mr Speaker. As we come to the end of
0:25:38 > 0:25:45Hull's first year as City of Culture, can I just pay tribute to
0:25:45 > 0:25:50rosy Millard and rosy Green who have led the City of Culture and put on
0:25:50 > 0:25:55wonderful events this year. We've had three-and-a-half million
0:25:55 > 0:25:59visitors to Hull. Can we have a debate about the legacy coming out
0:25:59 > 0:26:04of City of Culture for Hull and particularly now Coventry are going
0:26:04 > 0:26:11to be City of Culture 20211, making sure -- 2021 and make sure we get
0:26:11 > 0:26:15the funding and not have it concentrated in London?I
0:26:15 > 0:26:21congratulate the honourable lady on her support for Hull's superb time
0:26:21 > 0:26:26as City of Culture and also for her enthusiasm for Coventry. I recommend
0:26:26 > 0:26:30she seeks a Westminster Hall debate to focus on these important debates.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35I am sure ministers will be very interested to hear her views.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39There's growing concern about residents and business owners in
0:26:39 > 0:26:43particularly in the St Peter's avenue and high street areas of
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Cleethorpes about the number of vagrants in the area and that has
0:26:46 > 0:26:52spilled over at a public meeting last week. Could the leader find
0:26:52 > 0:26:56timer a debate in Government time when we could look at the response
0:26:56 > 0:26:58of the various agencies, how they can deal with the problem and
0:26:58 > 0:27:05actually deal with those who are genuinely homeless?My honourable
0:27:05 > 0:27:11friend raises an issue which is a great concern to all of us. The
0:27:11 > 0:27:15Government is committed to eliminating rough sleeping and
0:27:15 > 0:27:19investing over £1 billion to 2020 to tackling homelessness and rough
0:27:19 > 0:27:24sleeping. For example, we have a homelessness reduction task force
0:27:24 > 0:27:28and a rough sleeping advisory panel to focus minds across Government on
0:27:28 > 0:27:33what more we can do. We have £20 million on schemes supporting people
0:27:33 > 0:27:39who homeless or at risk in order to get them secure tenancies and £28
0:27:39 > 0:27:42million for backing first pilots. It is vital local authorities do take
0:27:42 > 0:27:47advantage of the funding that is available to them and that we all
0:27:47 > 0:27:50focus on tackling homelessness and rough sleeping.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54Thank you Mr Speaker. I spend my best Christmas wishes to all. But
0:27:54 > 0:27:59Christmas can be a very tough time of year for some people. At the
0:27:59 > 0:28:13sister marry tan's reception held here -- at the Samaristans. If
0:28:13 > 0:28:16anybody did contact them in an emotional crisis then that number
0:28:16 > 0:28:22would be available. I wonder if you would join me in asking MPs present
0:28:22 > 0:28:26if they could do it? I have already done it. Thank you.Well, Mr
0:28:26 > 0:28:32Speaker, I think that is a lovely idea from the honourable lady I. I
0:28:32 > 0:28:37certainly whether be delight to do that myself and in fact have done a
0:28:37 > 0:28:41short YouTube clip explaining to people how to get hold of me if
0:28:41 > 0:28:47there is no answer from the office. Loneliness must be addressed and
0:28:47 > 0:28:51never more so than at this time of year when it can matter a great deal
0:28:51 > 0:28:52to people. I commend her for her suggestion.
0:28:52 > 0:28:58. Thank you, Mr Speaker. This week, the London Assembly has announced a
0:28:58 > 0:29:04report which shows that in London alone there are 9,000 sheds which
0:29:04 > 0:29:08are accommodating people in people's back gardens and other unsavoury
0:29:08 > 0:29:15areas. That is council tax not collected and landlords exploiting
0:29:15 > 0:29:20people who have no-one to live. Could we debate this nation-wide
0:29:20 > 0:29:26problem, so we can crack down on this disgraceful type of activity? I
0:29:26 > 0:29:30think my honourable friend is absolutely right to raise what is a
0:29:30 > 0:29:38pretty shocking statistic. He'll be aware that number of
0:29:38 > 0:29:44statutory homeless people is lower at any time than it was in 2010. But
0:29:44 > 0:29:50nevertheless, there is a lot more to be done and certainly clamping down
0:29:50 > 0:29:56on rogue landlords and those who seek to abuse people who don't have
0:29:56 > 0:29:59access to safe rented accommodation must be done. I would share in his
0:29:59 > 0:30:05view that the Mayor of London should be seeking to put a stop to this.
0:30:05 > 0:30:11Thank you Mr Speaker. Will the leader of the House please press for
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Government time for us to debate this the process of renovation
0:30:14 > 0:30:19debate for how to make this House and all Houses of Parliament truly
0:30:19 > 0:30:25accessible to people with dacted? Particularly for those one in 100 on
0:30:25 > 0:30:28the autistic spectrum?Well, I thank the honourable lady for her
0:30:28 > 0:30:31question. I would like to pay tribute to you Mr Speaker for all
0:30:31 > 0:30:36you have done for those with disabilitied and -- disabilities and
0:30:36 > 0:30:40to make Parliament more accessible. The honourable lady is right to
0:30:40 > 0:30:44raise the possibility that the House will be able to get easier access
0:30:44 > 0:30:51once we get into the R and R debate. Last week in the Times and other
0:30:51 > 0:30:55papers there was a good article by a special adviser to David Cameron and
0:30:55 > 0:30:58to George Osborne about corruption in local Government. I asked for a
0:30:58 > 0:31:01debate last week. I am asking again. We have firm evidence there are
0:31:01 > 0:31:08problems and I would like a general debate in this place if possible.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11Well, my honourable friend raises an issue which is of great concern to
0:31:11 > 0:31:17him. I do encourage him to seek an adjournment debate so he can raise
0:31:17 > 0:31:23it specifically with ministers.Two young girls from my constituency are
0:31:23 > 0:31:27coming to Parliament today to meet the chair of the environment sub
0:31:27 > 0:31:32committee. They are kids against plastic. They are fantastic
0:31:32 > 0:31:37campaigners, as young girls. I just wonder whether, given the urgency of
0:31:37 > 0:31:42this, and as my honourable friend from Sheffield was saying, we have
0:31:42 > 0:31:46all been moved by Blue Planet. They want us to do even more. I wonder if
0:31:46 > 0:31:48the leader could arrange for the Environment Secretary to come to
0:31:48 > 0:31:53Parliament and make a statement so we can all contribute to do
0:31:53 > 0:32:06something about this?Can I congratulate his constituents.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Importantly for young people to take such an interest in their
0:32:08 > 0:32:13environment. I can tell them that through for example they are cutting
0:32:13 > 0:32:19the use of plastic bags by 83%, means there are nine billion fewer
0:32:19 > 0:32:25plastic bags now being used. We've doubled the maximum litter fines to
0:32:25 > 0:32:29try and discourage litter on land which so often ends up in our seas.
0:32:29 > 0:32:35And we have just finished consulting on proposals to reduce metal,
0:32:35 > 0:32:40plastic and glass litter and reward and return schemes for drinks
0:32:40 > 0:32:43containers. All these things are important. I encourage his
0:32:43 > 0:32:46constituents to keep up their campaigning work.
0:32:46 > 0:32:54Can we have a statement to this House on the recent HMCIS report
0:32:54 > 0:33:01into the plans for the transport police into Police Scotland. That
0:33:01 > 0:33:07highlighted issues required to be discussed sooner rather than later.
0:33:07 > 0:33:12We 16 months away from full integration. Does this show how
0:33:12 > 0:33:17poorly the SNP have handle in this and we may be better if they abandon
0:33:17 > 0:33:20their plans all together?My honourable friend raises a very
0:33:20 > 0:33:24important matter. He's right to be holding the Scottish Government to
0:33:24 > 0:33:28account. I do encourage him to seek a Westminster Hall or an adjournment
0:33:28 > 0:33:35debate so he can raise this with ministers soond' what can be -- with
0:33:35 > 0:33:44ministers and see what can be done. My Easterhouse constituent submitted
0:33:44 > 0:33:49an asylum claim and has not been given a decision on that. May we
0:33:49 > 0:33:57have a discussion on asylum claims? The honourable gentleman raises a
0:33:57 > 0:34:01very sig nificant constituency issue. He's right to raise it. I
0:34:01 > 0:34:05encourage him to take it up with Home Office ministers who I am sure
0:34:05 > 0:34:11will be keen to look at the specific case.
0:34:11 > 0:34:16Never forget that in the fight for freedom and justice Poland lost a
0:34:16 > 0:34:20quarter of their population in the war. Closer to home, can we please
0:34:20 > 0:34:25have this debate on restoration and renewal on a substantive motion as
0:34:25 > 0:34:32soon as possible? We do think we should get on with this now. In a
0:34:32 > 0:34:35building like this, fire is an ever-present risk. The House needs
0:34:35 > 0:34:41to come to a conclusion quickly and get on with work, particularly with
0:34:41 > 0:34:46fire doors.Well, as I have explained to members, we have taken
0:34:46 > 0:34:50representations that the debate shouldn't be on a Thursday and we
0:34:50 > 0:34:56are seeking an alternative dated as soon as possible.
0:34:56 > 0:35:01Will the leader of the House make time available for a Cabinet Office
0:35:01 > 0:35:06debate on the selective application of the Ministerial Code, so the
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Cabinet Office can explain why the Deputy Prime Minister had to go,
0:35:09 > 0:35:15whereas the Foreign Secretary, who according to my estimation has
0:35:15 > 0:35:21breached 1.2, 7.1 and # 8.6, of the ministerial code is still with us.
0:35:21 > 0:35:26Can I wish her and others member answered the speaker and everyone
0:35:26 > 0:35:30who helps us in this House a merry New Year and in the knew year an
0:35:30 > 0:35:36exit from Brexit. Well, I thank him for his good apart
0:35:36 > 0:35:42from the last bit, which I don't share that sentiment at all. He
0:35:42 > 0:35:45makes some specific allegations which he should raise with the
0:35:45 > 0:35:51Cabinet Office directly.
0:35:51 > 0:35:57Could we have an urgent debate on net neutrality in the light of the
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Federal Communications commission 's recent decision in the United
0:35:59 > 0:36:06States?I'm pleased to say to my honourable friend that I did manage
0:36:06 > 0:36:10to catch the relevant minister on this point just before coming into
0:36:10 > 0:36:15the chamber, who confirmed that the UK remains committed to the existing
0:36:15 > 0:36:20laws around net neutrality and will be upholding those laws, but he may
0:36:20 > 0:36:24well wish to write a Parliamentary question to have that confirmed to
0:36:24 > 0:36:31him directly.Merry Christmas to you, Mr Speaker, and all who serve
0:36:31 > 0:36:35in this House. Can I ask for an urgent debate on the Government's
0:36:35 > 0:36:40red lines with Brexit. We heard two days ago that passporting financial
0:36:40 > 0:36:46services is not possible. Tens of thousands of jobs in Edinburgh rely
0:36:46 > 0:36:51on it, can we have an urgent debate? I think the honourable gentleman
0:36:51 > 0:36:58will appreciate this is a negotiation, he will be delighted
0:36:58 > 0:37:01that we have made progress on discussing the free-trade
0:37:01 > 0:37:05arrangements that we want to have between ourselves and the European
0:37:05 > 0:37:10Union. These negotiations are under way and the Government will update
0:37:10 > 0:37:14Parliament and take in Parliament's views at every opportunity.If each
0:37:14 > 0:37:19member could ask a short question of one sentence, we could move on in
0:37:19 > 0:37:23about ten minutes and that would be helpful to subsequent debates.
0:37:23 > 0:37:29Whether that will have any effect, who knows, we will see.This
0:37:29 > 0:37:43morning, the Staffordshire Regiment or association mascot... Is a
0:37:43 > 0:37:48Staffordshire bull terrier so will my right honourable friend join me
0:37:48 > 0:37:56in congratulating him.I'm delighted to join in her enthusiasm, I gather
0:37:56 > 0:38:01he also won the Westminster dog of the year competition last year.I
0:38:01 > 0:38:05asked the Leader of the House on November 16 for a statement on when
0:38:05 > 0:38:08the results of the consultation on penalties for causing death by
0:38:08 > 0:38:13dangerous driving would come before Parliament and be enshrined in law.
0:38:13 > 0:38:23I wrote to her as she asked me to do but since then I have heard nothing.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27I will absolutely look into, if I have missed something I am assiduous
0:38:27 > 0:38:32on following up all pledges made in this House so if it's the case I
0:38:32 > 0:38:36have not followed up I sincerely apologise and will do straight after
0:38:36 > 0:38:46this.In the recent experience of my constituency, fracking has been
0:38:46 > 0:38:50declared. Could we consider having a debate in Government about whether
0:38:50 > 0:38:54the planning system is working for these kind of large applications.My
0:38:54 > 0:38:59honourable friend is a strong voice for his constituents and is right to
0:38:59 > 0:39:03raise this matter. An applicant for planning permission can exercise
0:39:03 > 0:39:07powers for the right of appeal to the Secretary of State against a
0:39:07 > 0:39:11decision to refuse consent or non-determination and whether an
0:39:11 > 0:39:17applicant wishes to exercise that right of appeal is for them. He will
0:39:17 > 0:39:19appreciate major shale planning decisions will be the responsibility
0:39:19 > 0:39:24of the National planning regime so he could raise this with DCLG
0:39:24 > 0:39:38ministers on the 22nd of January. Three governments have failed to
0:39:38 > 0:39:43reform the committee that is supposed to prevent past ministers
0:39:43 > 0:39:47from profiting financially from their time in office. Isn't there a
0:39:47 > 0:39:53danger that the country will look at recent affairs and ask, as Chaucer
0:39:53 > 0:40:07did, if gold does rust, what will iron do?If the honourable gentleman
0:40:07 > 0:40:12has an EDM, that will be dealt with in the usual manner.Cut the lead a
0:40:12 > 0:40:18fine time for a debate around the apprenticeship levy? In my
0:40:18 > 0:40:21constituency, blaze construction are working hard to support this process
0:40:21 > 0:40:26but have concerns about how it affects their industry and efforts.
0:40:26 > 0:40:31I know my honourable friend shares the enthusiasm of the Government for
0:40:31 > 0:40:35apprenticeships. There are more than 3 million of them now since 2010,
0:40:35 > 0:40:45fantastic news for young people's careers. I asked that she should
0:40:45 > 0:40:50seek an adjournment debate so she can raise that directly.The
0:40:50 > 0:40:57Christmas wish to the police that keep us safe in this place. They get
0:40:57 > 0:41:00overlooked sometimes. With the Leader of the House, once you join
0:41:00 > 0:41:05me, the heart-rending thing you read after last Christmas when the little
0:41:05 > 0:41:08girl can say Father Christmas forgot to come to my house, that is a
0:41:08 > 0:41:13terrible thing. The children's commission said half a million
0:41:13 > 0:41:17vulnerable children exist in our country. Can we have a debate about
0:41:17 > 0:41:23their reports on vulnerable children?I fully share his concern
0:41:23 > 0:41:27about vulnerable children and we would all like, particularly at
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Christmas, to see everything done possible to ensure children have the
0:41:30 > 0:41:36chance to be with their families and enjoy their Christmas. I encourage
0:41:36 > 0:41:39the honourable gentleman to seek debate on this so all members can
0:41:39 > 0:41:45participate.Would she join me in thanking postal service workers over
0:41:45 > 0:41:50this busy Christmas period, can we have a statement on support post
0:41:50 > 0:41:54offices can receive in the future, especially rural ones?I'm delighted
0:41:54 > 0:41:59to share with her in thanking all post office workers, they do a
0:41:59 > 0:42:04fabulous job at this time of year. It's an important issue, especially
0:42:04 > 0:42:09to rural communities, so I'm pleased the Government announced it is
0:42:09 > 0:42:12committing new money in investment in the new post office network for
0:42:12 > 0:42:17the three years from April 2000 18. What the Leader of the House agreed
0:42:17 > 0:42:41to have a debate on a national Sikh war memorial. More than 83,000 to --
0:42:41 > 0:42:54Sikh soldiers laid down their lives in the world was...Far too long.By
0:42:54 > 0:42:59sharing his interest in a memorial and he may well wish to seek an
0:42:59 > 0:43:03adjournment debate so he can raise it directly with ministers.Will the
0:43:03 > 0:43:09Leader of the House join me in congratulating Martin Gladstone who
0:43:09 > 0:43:19received a
0:43:19 > 0:43:27reward, and whose son was killed in a bus bomb.His right to seek the
0:43:27 > 0:43:30want of this House for his constituents and I'm happy to give
0:43:30 > 0:43:37it.I hope Parliament will join me in congratulating the UN and WFP in
0:43:37 > 0:43:42declaring an international day of sign language, and may we have a
0:43:42 > 0:43:49debate on its recognition in UK homes?Congratulations to the
0:43:49 > 0:43:53honourable lady for what I'm sure was very accurate signing and I'm
0:43:53 > 0:43:56sure honourable members would be delighted if she were to seek a
0:43:56 > 0:44:03backbench debate on this subject.As we approach Christmas, our thoughts
0:44:03 > 0:44:07are often with those who we have lost during the course of the year.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11I'm sure the thoughts of many in the House will therefore be with the
0:44:11 > 0:44:16family of PC Keith Palmer who gave up his life while protecting hours.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19Seven months ago my honourable friend the Member for Braintree
0:44:19 > 0:44:26suggested a memorable plaque existed. Can the Leader of the House
0:44:26 > 0:44:31give an update on progress?Pete Palmer showed huge bravery and
0:44:31 > 0:44:39courage when he sought to curb -- protect our community from a
0:44:39 > 0:44:42terrorist attack. His now the posthumous recipient of the George
0:44:42 > 0:44:47Medal. The police Memorial trust are working with Westminster City
0:44:47 > 0:44:51Council to direct a memorial stone outside carriage Gates which we will
0:44:51 > 0:44:58all be pleased to see.In terms of the hard work of Scottish Tories,
0:44:58 > 0:45:06I've submitted a question asking how many meetings in terms of police
0:45:06 > 0:45:13fire and police in Fire Services VAT. I then asked when debate last
0:45:13 > 0:45:17meet each one and got referred back to the same answer. Will she make a
0:45:17 > 0:45:21statement explaining how I can hold the Government to account and how
0:45:21 > 0:45:26she can get ministers to give straight answers?I think the
0:45:26 > 0:45:30honourable gentleman will appreciate that in the last few weeks the
0:45:30 > 0:45:33Chancellor has seen many honourable friends every night in the lobbies
0:45:33 > 0:45:37and so it is really not a matter for holding government to account asked
0:45:37 > 0:45:42how often the Chancellor comes across his colleagues.But the
0:45:42 > 0:45:46leader commit to an earlier statement on the rather astonishing
0:45:46 > 0:45:49threats by the United States ambassador to the United Nations
0:45:49 > 0:45:56that those countries like our own which oppose the move of the Israeli
0:45:56 > 0:46:02capital to Jerusalem, notes would be taken and consequences...
0:46:02 > 0:46:07Unacceptable. We are aware of Donald Trump's comments. The UK s
0:46:07 > 0:46:11long-standing position on Jerusalem has not changed. The state of
0:46:11 > 0:46:16Jerusalem should be determined between a negotiated settlement
0:46:16 > 0:46:20between Israelis and Palestinians and ultimately should be the shared
0:46:20 > 0:46:24capital of Israeli and Palestinian states and that is the UK's
0:46:24 > 0:46:30position.Would the Leader of the House join with me in celebrating
0:46:30 > 0:46:38the volunteers
0:46:38 > 0:46:39House join with me in celebrating the volunteers.The honourable
0:46:39 > 0:46:42gentleman follows a line of members who have sought further discussion
0:46:42 > 0:46:46on the excellent work of volunteers and I encourage him to seek a
0:46:46 > 0:46:50backbench debate so all members can pay tribute to those who work so
0:46:50 > 0:46:57hard.The great northern powerhouse project is of course the central
0:46:57 > 0:47:00Pennine corridor. When is the Government going to facilitate a
0:47:00 > 0:47:04debate on what it considers a flagship project in Government time
0:47:04 > 0:47:07in this place, then members of Parliament can have a discussion
0:47:07 > 0:47:12about the Northern powerhouse.He will appreciate the Government is
0:47:12 > 0:47:17fully committed to the Northern powerhouse. There is half £1
0:47:17 > 0:47:23trillion of investment gone into infrastructure since 2010. There is
0:47:23 > 0:47:26a national productivity investment funds which looks to improve
0:47:26 > 0:47:31infrastructure across the UK but the Northern powerhouse has been a big
0:47:31 > 0:47:34recipient. I do encourage the honourable gentleman to seek a
0:47:34 > 0:47:42Westminster Hall debate so he can put forward further ideas.Can we
0:47:42 > 0:47:47have a debate on the recruitment policy of the Civil Aviation
0:47:47 > 0:47:51Authority. Constituent approached me who was prohibited from accessing
0:47:51 > 0:48:00medical certificate simply on the grounds he was HIV positive, for a
0:48:00 > 0:48:05pilot 's licence. I have written to the Transport Secretary, I have not
0:48:05 > 0:48:11yet had an answer. Coming of a debate on this issue?I agree we are
0:48:11 > 0:48:20against in this Government and I encourage him to seek that so we can
0:48:20 > 0:48:28get an answer to this point.A written statement on the remaining
0:48:28 > 0:48:31months of Universal Credit, after an incorrect written answer was given
0:48:31 > 0:48:36to me on Monday and I've still not had a response to my oral question
0:48:36 > 0:48:40for DWP questions on Monday afternoon.What I can say to the
0:48:40 > 0:48:43honourable gentleman is if he wants to write to me on this point I can
0:48:43 > 0:48:50take it up with the Department for him.The Bank of Scotland are
0:48:50 > 0:48:58closing one third of branches in Scotland, so can we have a statement
0:48:58 > 0:49:03on their responsibility to the taxpayers of Scotland?That matter
0:49:03 > 0:49:09has already been announced unless my memory is incorrect.Thank you,
0:49:09 > 0:49:15there is a debate on RBS on the restructuring group. His point about
0:49:15 > 0:49:20closures, however, is a commercial matter. We are very keen to promote
0:49:20 > 0:49:23the excellent work of the post office network to provide basic bank
0:49:23 > 0:49:28account services but he certainly will be aware there are protocols
0:49:28 > 0:49:32around bank closures that every bank must beat. You may wish to take that
0:49:32 > 0:49:39up directly.Similar note, 62 branches closing in Scotland
0:49:39 > 0:49:46including my constituency. The Government has refused to get
0:49:46 > 0:49:51involved saying it's a commercial decision, and unacceptable answer.
0:49:51 > 0:49:54Can we have an urgent statement on the bank closure programme in
0:49:54 > 0:50:00Scotland and how it can be stopped? The key point, as I just said to his
0:50:00 > 0:50:04honourable friend, is decisions around bank closures is a commercial
0:50:04 > 0:50:09decision. Many people are turning to mobile banking and away from branch
0:50:09 > 0:50:13banking. There are protocols in terms of consultation, looking at
0:50:13 > 0:50:17footfall and so on that must be undertaken by any bank before it
0:50:17 > 0:50:22decides to close its doors but these are ultimately commercial decisions.
0:50:22 > 0:50:29Earlier this week, militants killed nine people wounding dozens of
0:50:29 > 0:50:39others, and suicide bombers tried to get into the church. What the Leader
0:50:39 > 0:50:42of the House agreed to a statement or a debate on the escalating level
0:50:42 > 0:50:48of violence in Pakistan and the Middle East?Mr Speaker, I think all
0:50:48 > 0:50:51members would condemn the sort of violence the honourable gentleman