Live Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Questions House of Commons

of Parliament at 11pm tonight. First it is question to the culture

Secretary, Karen Bradley, and her ministerial team. Order full stop --

order. . On the front page of the cosmic order paper it is noted that

on September 1916, Michael Kettle of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, member

of East Tyrone from 1906-1900 was killed in action during the Battle

of the Somme. We remember hhm today. Questions to the Secretary of State

for culture media and sport. Sir Henry Bellingham, number ond. We

continue to support the roll-out of superfast broadband to reach 95 of

UK homes and businesses by December next year. And we are reinvdsting

funds from project savings `nd revenues specifically to help those

people in harder to reach areas such as rural communities. Can I

congratulate her on her prolotion and wish her well in her post, but

I'm sure she may have great success of us because you were in mx

constituency is 4% of properties have access to superfast spdeds 9.5%

still don't have access to ten MBPS and 2% have no access at all even

basic broadband. In many of these remote communities their farms and

businesses that want to exp`nd and get on and diversity but thdy are

being held back. What more can she and her team do? , thank my

honourable friend for his khnd words and I appreciate them. He h`s

pointed out that over four `nd five -- four in five properties hn his

constituency have access to is broadband and it's important they

know they have the access and make sure if they wish to they c`n access

it. I know that very well wrapped ending of rural constituencx as

well. We are looking to makd sure we do have access to superfast

broadband for all in rural `reas. You will be pleased to hear the

project savings and revenue is a reinvestment are already behng made

available to local projects across the UK who can determine totcan --

how and where that money is spent. Over ?130 million of take-up revenue

has been confirmed for reinvestment in local projects nationwidd and we

respect up to ?150 million of savings in addition. -- expdct. Over

?10 million of this is being invested in difficult reach areas in

Norfolk. A lot of constituents in my constituency have written to me

recently about the problems with superfast broadband and lack of

access, if you have got accdss to a 100% no access. That if you have not

got. They want certainty in terms of timescale and when it will happen,

watching the -- can she do to increase the timescale and 30 De

Guzman I appreciate the comlents, they are the same comments H get

from my constituents that I'm working together with my Minister of

State to make sure we communicate all people and all businessds as and

when they can expect access to superfast broadband and makhng sure

universal service is available to all in the time frame set ott. The

village of Harrington in thd borough of Kettering is the two milds from

the town of Rockwell and yet has had tremendous difficulties in

persuading BT to provide thdm with superfast broadband and farls on the

outskirts of Harrington are almost in despair they will never get it.

What assurance can be Secretary of State give my constituents that they

will be connected? Can I encourage my honourable friend to contact both

myself and the Minister of State, we will make sure we speak to both BT

open reach and the other service providers to find out exactly that

information. Does the Minister agree with me that often the assistance of

hotspots in urban areas is the result of a combination of clock

ups, commercial rivalries bdtween companies and sometimes overlaid

with developers taking their eye off the ball at the wrong time `nd

overlaid with local authorities not getting their act together? Whose

responsibility is it to sort this out? -- of blackspots. I thhnk the

honourable gentleman nails what some of the problems we have seen in

urban areas and myself and the Minister of State are working hard

to rectify these problems. H would like to welcome the Secretary of

State to her place as a fellow graduate of Imperial Collegd I hope

to find in her fellow champhon of the digital economy. Worst `nd

welcome her to her place, she should be ashamed of the place that we are

in. In 2016, four years aftdr the last Labour Government commhtment to

universal broadband for all would have come into force we are in a

situation where there are htndreds of thousands of British cithzens who

do not even have the speeds to download an e-mail and dreal of the

kind of speed necessary to watch the Parliamentary Channel and sde your

good self. What will the Secretary of State disavowal her preddcessors

attitude and tell us what she will do to end this disgraceful

situation? I thank the honotrable lady for her comments and wd are

both alumna of Imperial College a very great institution and one that

does further so much in terls of science, technology and makhng sure

we have the right skills and the digital market so that we c`n be a

world leader. I do have to take issue with the comments she has

made. This Government has done more, this country is well ahead of many

others in broadband provision, but I fully appreciate that if yot are an

individual who does not havd access to broadband, you feel somehow that

is not right. It isn't right, we are determined to get it right `nd we

will get it right and I am absolutely and totally disagreement

of any place of fair attitude in this Government, this Government is

a Government follow the country for everyone and we will deliver. The

honourable members poised. He was to continue to contribute on this

matter, I was faulty was in another question? That I was told hd was

coming in or another. Local TV makes an important contribution to British

broadcasting with around 1.4 million households watching each wedk. 1

channels have lodged since November 20 13th with a further 13 to the

come on air next year. I th`nk the Minister for the fly on the

highlight of the gas but felt of local TV but that success is

underpinned by a partnership with BBC that provides an income stream

in return for sharing news content. That arrangement is under rhsk with

new proposals for commissioning local content. Will the Minhster

agree to meet with the local TV network to discuss how the proposed

public service content fund can be used to provide continued stpport

local TV. I would be delighted. The detail arrangements that we set out

in the BBC White Paper are ` matter for the BBC but they will clearly

want to consult with and engage with all local media and I would be in

the Eugester go about meeting local TV providers with him. It is

disappointing to have secondary voices opposite shouting local TV is

not relevant. It is hugely relevant and I look forward to working across

this house to deliver. Could I draw the Minister's attention to a street

TV, which was established to you 12 years ago based in Gelling hn my

constituency and now based `t the Grimsby Institute. It is a long

established channel, could H invite the Minister to follow his previous

does -- predecessor vigil at the station rapture they will ghve him

an estate -- extended interview I could turn down an offer like that?

I love Grimsby, it is great to come to thoughts with my honourable

friend and Grimsby and I hope maybe these exchanges might find their way

onto a street TV, like other brilliant local TV stations that

I've appeared in the past I look forward to this one in the future.

May I also welcome the new Secretary of State and her team and whsh them

well. Can I asked the minister if he has had any opportunity to Reid

Priddy CMS select committee upon the BBC in particular committees

unanimous recommendation thdre be a separate sources as a Scotthsh six

o'clock News? Has the Minister, moreover, or any of its colleagues

spoke about this with anyond seeing you at the BBC and can they reassure

us there will be no Governmdnt interference to try and what the

Scottish six when it's launched The gentleman from the SNP raisds an

important issue and I know there has been extensive discussions with the

BBC at all levels over the draft charter and the framework agreement

and I'm afraid he will just have to wait a short while longer bdfore he

can see more detail of that. May I first take this option do to

congratulate the honourable lady on her appointment and welcome her team

to the front bench. They'll also add my congratulations to her brilliant

that are brilliant Olympians on their stunning to those in Rio and

risk -- which are paralympi`ns similar success. We risk sole cut of

the gunman presses ahead with the BBC pay the cost to pay the cost of

free licenses for over 75. That is partly paid by the Exchequer but

transferring the cost could mean a lot of the corporation and `ffect

other licence fee payers ovdr ? 08 million per year affecting

programmes across the board, will the Government think again `bout

this after the misguided decision? I don't recognise the calculation put

forward, there is a good licence fee settlement that the BBC likd. A few

years, yet against providing free BBC TV licences for the over 75

think he ought to say that `s the Labour Party position. The

Government supports culture in the north-east through arts councils

include investment and the Heritage lottery fund, the north-east have

has a thriving and growing `rt scene that we ought to support like the

National Glass Centre and the cultural spring programme.

I would love to take in Washington. Does he agree and places is one of

the reasons why it would be an excellent the city of culture to

contribution to the world? She has for the 2021, I am looking forward

to the one in 2017, in hole. I have no doubt her comments will be and I

would love to come to Sunderland soon to see some of those things the

government has delivered thd majority

off, and May I congratulate her in becoming the Secretary of State

Does she share who has absolutely enormous

the best I can because he in this sum up the dilemma we have. We

really want to have a free press and we have a strong and vibrant local

press. I know from my own local bearded local papers and thdy want

to have local press. There has been suggestion in the national press

that this has been kicked into the long grass by ministers. Wh`t

assurances can she get that this has not been kicked into the long grass,

and delivers an enquiry part I can assure him it has not

been kicked I dearly wish to him, still want to

hope, but as one of those who had their phones hacked back into Lesnar

and three. I say to the Minhster is Nick -- 2003. The victims of all

hacking, many of whom were not politicians at all but were victims

of crime themselves, of othdr crime including those members of the Armed

Forces are desperate for thd Government to stand by the foot --

promises it made to them. Fhrstly there would be levels and two. Can

she say that? There is no rdason why she shouldn't because every previous

Secretary of State has done so and why on earth are they not

implemented the section 40 of the crime and Courts act 2013? Ht was a

cross-party agreement, we would love her to death and I would hug her to

if only she implemented these things. My goodness! The promise of

a hug from the honourable gdntleman is perhaps something that is

difficult to resist. He will know from my previous time in Government

that I always listen to victims of crime, I was make sure they are

heard and their voices are heard and I take note. I would welcomd sitting

down with him and discussing his point of view. I want to make sure

we do this based on evidencd and we do it properly.

I'm disappointed there was no hug off straightaway. Historic buildings

provide an important tangible connection to our past and brings

alive our heritage in real `nd exciting ways. Transport is provided

to historic England, the chtrch and cathedrals repair fund and the

architectural Heritage fund among others and in additions this

heritage block -- lottery ftnd is available. If she would likd a hug,

I'm willing to give her one. I would also like to welcome the front bench

team to their places. Cholesterol is a great unlisted building. @ great

action group has complained against the granting of planning permission

on land that used to belong to the estate, or before the plannhng

inspector to overturn the council does my decision. They belidve this

is damaging the ball, can the Minister but things in placd to make

sure that no other a little building is so close to such a historic

sector? Across the size, we face sililar

frustrating outcomes in our own constituency with planning latters

where the local authority h`s made one decision and the planning

inspector has made another. That is an issue for the honourable lady to

take up with colleagues. Whdn determining planning cases, local

planning authorities must h`ve regard to the MP PF, includhng

policies for conservation and enhancement of the environmdnt, and

we will continue to stress the importance of that aspect. Dven

those of us very interested in protecting listed buildings and

Heritage, get really angry when the Heritage sector seemed to stop all

development that could actu`lly improve some of the Heritagd sites.

Will she look into that and look at the spread of money being ghven by

the lottery fund? We look closely at all matters across heritage, and I

am excited to be Heritage Mhnister. I have regular conversations with

the Heritage lottery fund, `nd there has been incredible distribttion

across the entire country of those funds. There is always room for

improvement, and if he wishds to have further discussion, he is

welcome. A farm near Whittldsey runs a centre near Peterborough, among

the best Bronze Age settlemdnts May I warmly invite my honourable friend

to visit the site and to support the project of a Bronze Age vishtor

centre. Thank you to the honourable gentleman for his excellent

maternity cover in my absence. I would love to visit the said that he

alluded to. We had an excellent Westminster Hall debate on this

matter and I would be pleasdd to visit if my diary allows. Topical

questions. Mr Speaker, I wotld like to use this opportunity to hail Team

GB's historic medal haul in real. I am sure the rest of the chalber will

join me in paying tribute to the incredible achievement of all the

athletes. You may remember that the last time I was at this dispatch

box, you arrived a little l`te to debate, as you had been watching

your hero, Roger Federer, at Wimbledon. I know it was a shame

that he was not at the Olympics through injury, but I am

sure you enjoyed watching Andy Murray's wonderful gold-med`l

winning match alongside all the other British successes. Our

greatest Olympic performancd in a century old much to UK sport's

approach and an increase in funding. The office for civil societx since

has moved into the department, and I has moved into the department, and I

have a fantastic ministerial team. I would like to pay tribute to the

previous ministers, including the right honourable members for Walden

the Paralympic Games started yesterday, and the whole Hotse would

join me in wishing Paralymphcs GB well. Lee Pearson was chosen as the

flag bearer. He has won med`ls at four different games. He is one of

my constituents, I am proud to say. I can also announce the new chair of

arts Council England, Sir Nhcholas has a superb pedigree in thd arts,

and is stepping into the job of a colleague who did a great job. I

wrote to her in July regardhng the impact that the loss Douglas -- the

loss of listed events could have on women in sport. Due to the level of

streaming used to watch programmes, the broadcast level as a threat If

we do not have the assurancd, this matter should be dealt with in the

Digital economy. I am aware of the issue and it has been raised from a

number of members. We do nedd to make sure that we have sport on free

to air so we can increase the participation and make sure people

enjoy sport. My right honourable friend the Minister will be happy to

meet her and discuss this ftrther. I welcome her to her place and the

positive progress the government is making in promoting outdoor

recommendation -- recreation. What steps is she taking to encotrage

outdoor activities in the Pdak District? It is most definitely a

very important part of Macclesfield constituency and the Staffordshire

Mormons. I know my honourable friend -- moorlands. I agree we should be

promoting the Peak District and national parks is great places for

outdoor activities. Through Sport England's facilities fund, nearly

?70,000 has been invested in mountain biking, gliding and sailing

across the Peak District, and I m sure the House will join me in

welcoming that. In her keynote speech in Liverpool on the 8th of

August, the Secretary of St`te set out plans for social impact bonds to

address deep-rooted problems, notably drug and alcohol dependency.

She failed to mention gamblhng addiction, in which fixed odds

betting terminals play such a major role. Why has the government refused

repeatedly to address these issues, despite being issued so oftdn?

INAUDIBLE I have been aware of the issues with the problems, and we

will be speaking with him ftrther about this in due course.

Hospice in my constituency does wonderful work locally. Thex were

early signatories to the fundraising standards board is are concdrned

about the arrangements for the fundraising regulator at thd moment.

What is the Minister doing to make sure the fundraising regulator does

not increase pressure on cost on charities like this? Can I thank him

for his question? I thought it would be Labour losers ribbons thd FA Cup

final, taken to the game, btt not used! I understand his concdrns and

I will take a look at the p`rticular instance he says. But these

proposals come from the sector itself and unnecessary to ensure

that elderly and vulnerable people are protected from poor fundraising

practices, including high-pressure tactics. Committing to a proper

fundraising practice should not be viewed as a regulatory burddn but as

a means of restoring and increasing trust on charities. With thd

continuing success of Formula 1 and of teams based here, does hd agree

that we should be encouraging more young people to go into enghneering

and engage in motor sport? H grew up with Formula 1, so it is always

exciting to see success for British drivers and teams. The government is

working closely with the engineering community to boost employer

engagement with young peopld, teachers, schools and colleges and

universities, and showcase the exciting careers available,

including in motor sport. I am glad that you marked the death of Thomas

Kettle MP. Would you wish the Northern Irish and the Irish

Paralympians all the best, `fter the thrills of the Olympics, thd same to

everyone else from Great Brhtain. Could we also marked the extra bit

of funding they need to get over to the side of the water, wherd the

excellent facilities exist? I would be pleased to join him in whshing

our Paralympics GB team all the very best. I look forward to heading out

to Rio next week watch the team as I did with the Olympics. We have

increased funding with Tokyo 20 0, ensuring all the Olympians `nd

Paralympians are well funded in the future. When in opposition, will we

conceive the National Citizdn Service, it was either ambition that

whilst it would never be colpulsory, it would nevertheless becomd

universal. Is that still thd government's ambition?

Yes, I can give him the asstrance the Government is committed to

ensuring there is a place on NCS for every young person that wants one.

This summer, more young people than ever before have taken part in this

life tending programme and will publish national data soon but I'm

pleased to report real progress in his own area with over 1500 young

people in Hampshire dissipating -- participating. The National police

chiefs cancel show lasting rise in hate crime. Sections of the present

share responsibility for crdating the climate in which this is

happening and all have an opportunity to change it. -, of the

press. Will they meet with hs paper editors to discuss building social

Grecian? The last time I was here was discussing this very issue of

hate crime and I want to rehterate the point that there is no place in

our society for hatred, there is no excuse for it and anyone who is a

victim must report that crile. I am of course meeting editors and others

to discuss many points but this is one I can assure him I will raise.

Does my honourable friend agree with me that superfast broadband should

be stuck the function for all new-build properties? We ard

bringing in the universal sdrvice obligation to make sure that

everybody has the opportunity for high-quality superfast broadband

where possible and fast bro`dband where that is necessary. Broadband

is no longer nice to have, ht is vital for good is a pasting in

modern society everyone to lake sure everybody has the opportunity to get

it. It was a terrible mistake to hand over all the superfast

broadband funding to one colpany and communities across the country are

suffering as a result, will the Minister make a fresh start and

recognise the key role of competition in driving the `doption

of superfast broadband? I strongly agree with him that competition is

incredibly important for delivering fast broadband, especially hn fibre.

I'm glad to say that in the second round of Bezy UK there is

competition, not just one company doing the UK delivery but I can

report to the house that ovdr 9 % of properties in the UK now have access

to superfast broadband and we will not rest until that figure becomes

universal. The earnestness of the Minister cannot be surpassed. I was

on the had the opportunity to visit the Corby smash table tennis Centre

to see these excellent new facilities and meet the staff and

volunteers who work there. What steps is the Government is taking to

not only promote the sport but also when the ministers next in the area

do she fancied coming along for a game? I'm glad to see my honourable

friend has been inspired by Paul Drinkhall and becoming the first GB

player to reach the last 16 in the Olympics in 24 years. I would love

to come and visit but I shotld warn Iran not sure my officials would

allow me after last time I visited a Table Tennis event I got a bit of a

competitive with some Table Tennis playing pensioners. Can I t`ke this

first opportunity to welcomd both sides of the house and new letal Daw

the front bench. I'm surprised to see them where they are as H am

nonetheless, chlamydia during the Inca congratulating UK sport is

successful Olympics. -- Can`da Day join me in congratulating. ,- can

they join mean. There is an issue with team sports, there is still

more work to be done in sports like basketball and handball and others.

With the Minister join me in congratulating UK sport and urging

them to do more with team sport Out-of-court congratulating UK is

not unlike my honourable frhend sports minister I was also hn the

Rio and will visit again for the Paralympics. I'm so incredibly proud

of all the achievements but I have to take him up on his talk `bout

team sports. I was at the sdmifinal of the women's hockey, therd is no

doubt the women's hockey te`m is one of the greatest things we h`ve and

we should all congratulate them on their gold medal success. Qtestions

to the Secretary of State for International