20/04/2017 House of Commons

Welcome to BBC Parliament's live coverage of the House of Commons. In

an hour, the Labour MP Stephen Doughty has tabled an urgent

question on gay and lesbian people in the Chechen Republic of Russia,

author won after reports of people being tortured and at least three

killed. In David -- David Livingstone will set out forthcoming

business. Then there will be two select committee statements, about

the public administration and Constitutional affairs committee,

and lessons to be learned in the EU referendum. The second in the

Justice committee's report on prison reform. Then we will discuss the

Gorton by-election, after the death of Sir Gerald Kaufman, which will

allow a by-election on the 8th of June. Then there will be questions

on the impact of changes to state pensions on UK expats and the second

on infectious diseases. Join me for a round-up of the day in the House

of Commons at 11pm tonight. First we have questions for the Environment,

Food and Rural Affairs secretary, Andrea Leadsome, and her team of

ministers. The UK has made significant progress in improving

your quality in the last decade, in all five areas. However there are

countries not meeting targets for emissions of carbon dioxide, so to

help address this, last year the government consulted on a framework

which will be consulted shortly. -- published shortly. Following three

defeats in the courts for failing to address the 50,000 deaths a year in

the country due to poor air quality, and we're the government defended

the indefensible, a judge ordered the government to produce and your

quality plan by this Monday. Labour believe we need to go further, with

any quality national framework as part of the clean air act. What are

the main parts of this plan, and how much has the Minister allocated to

addressing the UK's poor air quality in the plan? They think it is a

great shame that the honourable lady criticises this government, who

since 2011 have committed ?2 million to increase the uptake of ultralow

emissions vehicles, supported greener transport schemes and set

out how we will improve your quality through a new programme of clean air

zones. In the Autumn Statement we announced a further ?290 million to

support low emission buses and taxis, retrofitting alternative

fuels, and we will be consulting on our plans to improve nitrogen oxide

emissions very shortly. This is so much pie in the sky. Every time we

have DEFRA questions, it is coming soon, when is the report, when are

we going to stop people being poisoned in our cities, end Times,

in places like Huddersfield, and when will we see action? Now, not

next week or next year! This government is totally committed to

cutting harmful emissions. We have made great progress in the last

decade, which is more than the Labour government did. Emissions

went up under their watch. We recognise there is more to do, and

we will be publishing our proposals soon. People buying diesel cars

thinking they were the cheap way forward, will the Minister make sure

she discusses with this Transport Secretary and Secretary, so we do

not penalise them and work with the devolved governments as well? We

need to find a way forward to look after those people. We have to take

into account the impact on ordinary working families, and on businesses,

and as the Prime Minister has made very clear, we understand that

people bought diesel cars under incentives from the last Labour

government, they bought them in good faith and we need to ensure that

they are not penalised for those actions. Will the Minister consider

a targeted diesel scrappage scheme, which particularly supports

low-income families? The opportunity to do so was missed in the Autumn

Statement and in the budget. I can assure the honourable lady that the

government is looking at all possible

areas we need to have mitigation to support families. All types are on

the table. Leg we have a very low air pollution quality with all areas

in the low pollution band. It is essential that the national

framework is nationwide and encompasses Northern Ireland. Could

I ask the Minister what discussions she has had with her counterpart in

the northern island assembly to make sure it happens? I can assure him we

have had discussions with all administrations. -- the Northern

Ireland Assembly. We are working closely together and will be making

announcements in due course. The Great Repeal Bill will ensure that

the body of existing Euro environmental law will have an

effect in UK law, but Parliament will have the chance to make sure

the legislative framework is outcome driven, focusing on improving the

environment in a generation. The government will continue to uphold

obligations and international environmental treaties, and we will

continue to seek other countries to do so as well. Assuming regulations

come in as part of the bill, that is important but at least as important

is ensuring the regulations are permanent. The country decided to

leave the European Union last year. We're trying to give as much

certainty as possible to ensure regulations continue and will

continue as a consequence. I'm concerned that he thinks we will

simply rip up the rule book. We want a better environment for our future

generations, which is what this government will deliver. The

Minister knows very well that the EU environmental regulations have been

very helpful to people like me and you, Mr Speaker, when holding the

feet to the fire of HS2 when it comes to protecting our environment.

Could the Minister give me an undertaking that she will not alone

any diminution to areas of outstanding natural beauty, and that

exiting the European Union does not hand a blank cheque to HS2 to ride

roughshod over the countryside? My right honourable friend will be

aware that the government has already committed in developing HS2

and other infrastructure we will uphold the highest environmental

standards we cherish. While she is working on the EU air quality

regulations, can I echo the call in the last question for a national

framework, rather than ad hoc local decision-making, especially as

emissions are actually declining at the moment. Can the Minister looked

at all causes of air pollution to properly cost alternatives,

especially the cost to drivers on the taxpayer, and urge the

government to stop demonising diesel drivers. I think it is fair to say

that as we have said at the dispatch box before, when we are tackling

with the quality we have to work with local communities, because the

situation will vary. This government is not demonising diesel drivers at

all. It was the Labour government that introduced incentives for

people to start using diesel. It happens to be that the current Mayor

of London stood here in his last year of the Brown government saying

that Euro standards would solve the problem. We are now clearing up the

mess. One of those environmental standards we can improve on outside

the European Union as much as inside if the state of the oceans. As the

Minister will know, there is a massive amount of dumping of

plastics damaging sea life and choral well-being. That is a huge

conference in the United Nations tween the fifth on the 9th of June.

Ministers will be busy doing other things. What is she going to do to

ensure that the British voice is properly heard to ensure we're going

to do something to clean up our oceans? My honourable friend will be

aware that we launched a litter strategy recently. A lot of rubbish

that winds up in marine comes from the land. We need to continue to

work on that. Marine conservation is particularly important to this

government, we have continued to extend our blue belt around the

coastline of the country but also with overseas territories, and I can

assure him that the oceans conference between the fifth and 9th

of June, he points out there the general election in the middle, but

I can assure him the interest of the United Kingdom will be well

undertaken. While the Great Repeal Bill may bring short-term stability

and working statute book when the UK leads the EU, it remains to be seen

whether this government or indeed future governments will take any

action to road the UK's environmental policies as they exist

now. What assurances can the Minister give to my constituents who

have written to me expressing deep concerns over environmental and is

post-Brexit? I can continue to try and assure the House that this

government has been very clear in the manifesto on which we stood in

2015 that we want to be first to leave the environment in a better

state than we find it, which is what this government continue to do.

Minister Rory Stewart announced in Parliament on the 24th of November

2015 that the UK Government will ban lion and trophy imports by the end

of 2017. What progress has been made in this regard, and can she tell us

what reductions in Trophy hunting in international treaties, after the UK

has left the EU? I did not catch the opening of the honourable

gentleman's question, when he referred to something from 2015, but

I want to assure him that these imports are taken on a case-by-case

basis, and we continue to work with other countries to make sure we can

serve important species around the world. The UK is a global leader in

this. Question number four. With your

permission, I will group question for Andrew question seven. The

consultation closed on the 28th of February and were currently

examining the responses. We intend to introduce legislation this year

with a banner manufacturing expected to apply from the 1st of January

2018 and a band of sales from the 13th of June 2018 as outlined in our

proposals. I strongly support the Government's proposals to ban micro

beads in cosmetics and personal care products but they probably only

account for about 4% of those polluting our rivers. With the

Government say what they are doing to prevent the other types of

migrant plastics which are going to continue polluting our waters? The

Government wants to consult on the extent of the -- the Government

launched a consultation on the extent of the damage micro plastics

are causing and we are continuing to look into that. The use of plastic

bottles is also something we are looking at but I should remind my

right honourable friend that we need to be gathered as we take this

forward because a lot of micro beads and plastics are the outcome of

things like recycling bodies -- bottles into making fleeces and

suchlike. I was recently rummaging through my wife's election of

shampoos and to my horror I found a plastic container of anti-wrinkle,

anti-ageing lotion. Complete with exfoliating micro beads. Obviously

neither the Secretary of State or the Minister would have such need

for a abrupt but would she speak to the Chief Executive of Procter and

Gamble that telling this sort of product at the moment is complete

outrageous and he should withdraw them at once. Well, Mr Speaker, what

I find extraordinary is that lady Belling is a flawless picture and

wouldn't even need these products, so I am sure that my honourable

friend will be buying flowers later today to make up for this. It is

fair to say, Mr Speaker, that we are working with manufacturers now and a

lot of them are starting to remove these products already, practically,

but we want to make sure that this avoidable pollution is taken out of

our environment permanently. Number five. Mr Speaker, we regularly meet

EU counterparts at agriculture and figure it -- agriculture and

fisheries Council and food and drink issues are regularly discussed and

informed by bilaterals. The great and noble county of Lincolnshire is

the bread basket of England and much of the food we eat comes from our

county. Liza Fate has been proved to be harmless by scientists, it is

used in the same production of wheat and agreed that we eat. Once we

regain control of our destiny, can the minister assure me its use will

be reauthorised. As the honourable gentleman knows,

the EU are reviewing the use of Glyphosate and it having been proved

safe, we are backing its use again. My first question on Defra... This

minister has shown since my first question procrastination my children

would envy. The minister wants us to believe we can trust him with

correcting UK policy. Where is this money? How on earth can Scottish

farming trust this Government and the Tories? Well, the honourable

gentleman and I have discussed this number of times and he is aware the

reason the review we intended to do last year was delayed was because of

the referendum, which has changed the context dramatically. We

continue to have discussions with Scottish industry. Just yesterday, I

met NFU as to discuss feature agriculture policy. What can be done

to encourage the European Union to promote the processing of feedstuffs

in developing countries, thinking particularly of olive oil and copy

where the value added tends to be in the European Union? The UK and

indeed a number of other European countries have preferential trade

agreements in place to support developing countries, to give them

tariff free access to the European market. This is important to the

development of some of those countries and the issues he raises

are ones that are regularly discussed that the EU agriculture

Council. An important part of the food processing sector is the fish

area of my constituency and is part of those EU discussions, what

efforts will be made to ensure there was no border in the Irish Sea which

would stop permitting fishermen from fishing in both parts as they

currently can? As the honourable lady knows, there has been an issue

with a long-standing agreement between the Irish Parliament and the

UK and this was discussed at a couple of weeks ago by myself and

administer from the Irish Parliament about arrangements we may have after

Brexit? I have the honour of representing a constituency whose

farmers feed the country and I would be interested to know, will my

honourable friend work to ensure that farmers are not put at a

disadvantage with their EU competitors when these exciting new

trade deals are negotiated? Well, my honourable friend, she has a very

important farming constituency and I know that and what I can reassure

her is that I myself worked in the farming industry for ten years, it's

an industry I'm passionate about and I've been going up and down the

country in recent months, meeting farmers, discussing their concerns,

but we have a fantastic opportunity on leaving the European Union to

design a new agricultural policy that is fit for purpose. Press

reports earlier this week suggest the Danish Government may press for

restrictions on UK fish imports to the EU if the Danish fleet this

access to UK, mostly Scottish fishing waters when the UK leads the

EU. That would have severe impact on Scottish fishermen who export 50% of

their fish to the EU each year and can he tell us what discussions he

has had a mess? I have regular meetings with all EU counterparts

and I believe the Danish minister is planning a visit to the UK in the

next few weeks and I hope to meet in them. The honourable lady should not

worry about the opening positions people might take in a negotiation.

It doesn't matter what people ask for, it matters what the UK

Government is willing to grant. The Scottish fishing industry want to

leave the EU, they want to leave the CFP, they wanted to take control of

our waters. The fishing industry is vitally important to my

constituency. Would the Minister update fishes there and around the

industry -- around the UK when the Government intends to withdraw from

the London 1954 fisheries convention? The honourable lady

makes an important point. There is a 1964 London fisheries convention

which has access arrangements for a number of countries. As we've made

clear on numerous occasions, we are looking at this very closely and as

the prime ministers said two weeks ago, we had to say something on this

shortly. Number six. Mr Speaker, since 2015, Defra has opened or

improved terms for over 160 markets, increasing access to markets is a

priority set out in the food and drink international action plan and

we work with industry to identify and prioritise and increase export

value. In my role as the trade envoy to Nigeria, I have recently invited

the Nigerian agriculture Minister to come to the UK. Will he agree with

me that it's important to show him the whole of the value change --

value train in agriculture in which we do so well question mark I

commend the work that my honourable friend does building negotiations

with -- building relations with Nigeria, building relationships and

I am delighted to hear he has invited the minister here to see

some of the great work we do through the supply chain and what we do to

reduce waste within it. Does the minister recognise that it's

absolutely crucial that the needs of the agricultural sector are placed

at the heart of Brexit negotiations? Isn't it clear that if the

Government doesn't get its act together, a bad Brexit deal will

leave British farmers and food producers facing the double whammy

of cheap food imports and tariffs on their exports? I would simply say to

the honourable lady that access to the UK market is incredibly

important for European countries as well. Whilst we exported around ?11

billion worth of food and drink to the European Union, we import some

?28 billion worth from the EU. That is why farming unions across the EU

are telling their governments that they must have a free-trade

agreement with the UK. How does the Government intend to deliver on its

promises? The CLA are saying that the Government should admit it

cannot design a workable new agricultural policy in less than two

years because Debra simply does not have the capacity. The Government's

failure to reach an agreement could leave out farmers unable to compete

by at home and abroad. Very specifically, what guarantees for

the Minister provide here, today, to rural communities right across the

country that farming subsidies and tariffs free trade will be

guaranteed under a Tory Government? I would simply say festival to the

honourable lady that we have some tremendously talented policy

officials both in Defra and in our agencies and they have been working

very closely on some of the decal behind the design of each

agricultural policy on some of those issues. The Prime Minister has been

very clear that she will make an offer to other European countries

for a bold, ambitious free agricultural agreement. One of the

markets that farmers in northern Lincolnshire are hoping to expand on

is producing crops for eggs converged on to bio ethanol viewed.

They are concerned about the Government's commitment to this.

Could you reassure them that if a market for future expansion? We do

see a role for bio ethanol fuels but also we are keen to ensure that we

don't lose too much good agricultural land to biofuels. The

honourable gentleman, my honourable friend, will be aware that this is

predominantly an issue for the Department for Transport and I would

invite him to raise this issue with them in the next Parliament. Markets

are not necessarily just country based but also a product based. The

UK has a tremendous market for lactose free milk most of which is

imported. What can we do to encourage UK producers to develop

this product in the UK, manufactured in the UK? Well, we do have

obviously a very strong dairy industry in this country and there

are lots of opportunities like that. We have established things like the

food innovation networks and things like the aggregate fund and the

number of other funds as well to support innovative product

development of the sort he mentioned. Number nine, please, Mr

Speaker. Mr Speaker, energy prices and exchange rates are the key

drivers of price changes in the agriculture commodities market and

this affects all countries in the world independent of whether they

are in the EU or not. There was a sharp spike in food prices in 2008,

they levelled up in 2014 and fell by 7% over the next two years. We have

seen an increase of 1.3% over the last year. I thank the Minister for

his response but the facts are that the ONS are reporting a surge in

food process that is likely to continue to rise. Children are

reports -- in food prices that is likely to continue to rise. Children

are returning to school after the holidays and the elderly are going

into hospital hungry yet the Government still refuse to measure

food poverty. Isn't it true that they refuse to measure it because

then they would have to accept culpability? The honourable lady is

wrong because we do measure it and we include a measurement on

household spending among the poorest 20% of households and I can tell you

that household spending within those houses has remained steady at about

16% for the last decade. On the matter of food, Mr Marcus Fish.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Farmers across the south-west are very proud

of the high-quality food they produce whether its beef, lamb,

milk, etc. What are the opportunities the Minister sees bus

leaving the EU to ensure they get a fair price for that food on an

ongoing basis? As he knows, we have recently had a

call for evidence and a review of the grocery code adjudicator. There

have been representations we should consider extending the remit of that

further up the supply chain and we're giving consideration to those

representations. But grocery called adjudicator has made a good start

improving the relationship, particularly between producers and

supermarkets. It is common in food processing plants for 70% of the

employees to be EU migrants, and it is not clear where the staff are

going to come from in the future. Is the Minister committed to defending

this sector in the Brexit negotiations to come, and so

avoiding price rises from this as well? I can reassure him I have had

regular meetings with food processors, indeed just two days ago

I had a meeting with the new president of the food and drink

presentation, and this issue was raised. Around 30% of employees,

according to the ONS, in the food sector are from other European

countries, but I would simply see the Prime Minister has been clear

that she wants to protect the rights of EU citizens that are here, and

she would expect that to be reciprocated as well, which can be

agreed earlier in the negotiations. May I gently remind him again of the

paradox that we starve the poor by refusing to buy their food from

them? He makes a very good point. As I mentioned in relation to an

earlier discussion, we do give preferential trade access to some

developing countries. The ACP countries are particularly

important, in sectors such as sugar, and this is important for them to

develop those industries. My honourable friend is right to raise

this issue, but she will recognise we want to get the proposals right

and we will consult as soon as we can. With the Minister agree that

rigorous enforcement when this policy is in place is one of the

most vital elements Western Mark I entirely agree. Robust enforcement

is important to ensure the rules are effective. She will recognise police

and other agencies do an excellent job in this, and she will also

recognise our approach in tackling this is tackling demand, so we can

very much enjoyed my visit to her very much enjoyed my visit to her

constituency last week. There was a great -- it was a great pleasure to

meet some of her growers, including at a farm, to discuss seasonable

labour. I am aware of the horticultural sector's concerns. We

are consulting with businesses and the advisory committee later this

year. Can I thank my right honourable friend very much for

coming to Kent and visiting one of my local fruit farms and for

listening to the growers who assembled? Particularly during the

Easter recess. Could she please give me an update on the discussions she

has had with the Home Office about introducing the much-needed

agricultural permit scheme? Not only did I visit my honourable friend's

constituency, but the honourable member for Maidstone had a lovely K

bid day in the county I grew up in. She is right, this is an incredibly

important issue, the government has assessed the the need of a pilot

scheme for seasonal workers, and decided there is not the evidence

that such a thing as needed. The migration advisory committee later

this year will seek to get to the bottom of what is needed, and this

government is committed to making huge success for the food and

farming sector as we leave the EU. farming sector as we leave the EU.

Topical questions. As this is the last DEFRA oral questions before the

recess, I would like to remind the House of the government's twin

ambitions in the farming environment. They are to grow more,

sell more and export more British export food -- British food, and for

us to be the first generation to leave the environment in a better

state than when we found it. Last week we produced the first-ever

litter strategy for England and announced a ?10 million grant scheme

to distort peak winds. So we look forward to putting our case to the

country. What is she doing to support fishermen, and in particular

the under ten metres fleet, which is 33 feet in English money. I am glad

he can still do the maths. The government has taken a number of

measures to make the inshore fleet more economically sustainable. We

have taken an unused quota and permanently transferred this to the

under ten metres fleet. So we continue to top slice the quota

uplift, which is now more than 1000 tonnes, in order to help the under

ten metres fleet. Contrary to what the Minister said earlier, recent

inflation figures show that food prices are rising at the fastest

pace in three years, adding over 21p to be average household shopping

bill in the past three months alone. When will the Secretary of State get

a grip on the soaring costs of living affecting millions of

families? As I pointed out earlier to the question that was raised, we

saw the biggest spike in food prices in 2008. Food prices fell by around

7% between 2014 and 2016. It is true that they have seen a modest

increase over the last 12 months of 1.3%. Rising food prices simply

added to the burden on those with little money for food. The Food

Standards Agency reported that one in four low-income families struggle

to eat regularly and equality and human rights commission have shown

that disabled people are more than two times more likely to be living

in food property. -- poverty. How long can the Secretary of State

refused a -- to publish figures on this? We have always monitored

spending on food through the wedding cost survey, and on spending food

among the poor list has been stable for over a decade. This government

has put more people in employment than ever before, taken more people

off benefits and given them an income. That is how you tackle

poverty. It is not just the coastal areas of Lincolnshire that are prone

to flooding. Whilst the government has invested record amounts in

concrete defences, inland areas are also prone to flooding in places

like Lincolnshire. What role does the Minister think that flood

management control can play in detecting properties and people?

Here's right to raise the importance of natural flood management. I saw

that myself on a visit to Leicester without monster competition for

flood protection. In the right place it can absolutely help. We are

investing ?15 million to fund natural flood management schemes

across the country, and they will help support many communities from

flood risks, and we will continue to build the evidence. Surely the

Secretary of State... To prevent shortages in the food and drink

industry. We have already addressed the issue of seasonal workers in the

agricultural sector. As far as those workers who have already made their

lives and work in this country, as the Prime Minister has said, it is

her intention to ensure those rights are protected, and make sure the EU

reciprocates, so protecting the very valuable contribution that EU

citizens make in the UK, and vice versa. In the interest of customer

choice and transparency, isn't it time that all halal and kosher meat

products are properly labelled that the point of sale? This would

benefit those people who want to buy it as well as those who do not want

to. I know my honourable friend has been a long-standing campaigner on

this. The government is committed to giving consumers as much

transparency as possible and to improve labelling wherever we can. I

know he understands there are some difficulties and there is no single

definition of halal or kosher, which makes compulsory labelling complex.

He is aware of European Union -- the European Union has been looking at

this, and leaving the EU as an opportunity to look at these issues.

The 20 year food plan, the 20 year environment plan, the supposedly

environmentally enhancing strategies were supposed to be published before

the summer, that is summer 2016. The Secretary of State has failed, has

filled farmers, the food industry, and feel to keep our promise. People

are now losing their jobs and incomes on her watch. When will

these plans see the light of day? She might be aware there was a

significant decision taken by the people of the United Kingdom last

summer to leave the European Union. We have been very clear about our

ambitions to make a huge success of the food and farming sector and to

be the first generation that leads iron environment and a better place

than when we found it. In terms of our plans, it is essential we can

consult with stakeholders who have clear evidence to give us, clear

ideas to give us, for a future outside of the EU that is more

successful than ever. Further to the honourable member for Gainsborough's

question earlier, would she give my constituents that the assurance they

need that should the European Commission choose not to follow the

recommendation and decide to ban the use of it anyway... The evidence is

clear, they believe glyphosate is safe, it has also been in the UK

intention to follow them on pesticide decisions, so we support

this being authorised again. We will continue to have an evidence -based

approach when we leave the EU. We need good science, good technology,

good innovation, but what will she do about the fact that one of the

leading scientific research bases has been taken over by China? This

is another major company that the Chinese government have absorbed.

What is she going to do about it? When it comes to pesticide

protection, this is an integrated industry around the world, and it is

not unusual to have others working within the UK. We have the best in

the world, which is why companies choose to locate here. Fly-tipping

like the countryside, and often causes real problems for those

including farmers, such as in my constituency who have waste dumped

on my land. Can he update the House on the steps of government is taking

to tackle this? I was delighted we launched the letter strategy on the

10th of April for England, seeking to cut ?800 million bill annually

for tax players for cleaning up letter. So local councils will be

able to fine fly-tipper is. We have also given them the powers to seize

vehicles involved in fly-tipping. Integrated processing distribution

and packaging systems are used in food plants across the UK and the

Republic of Ireland. What assurances can begin to the companies there

will be no border restrictions inhabiting the operations after

Brexit? The Prime Minister has made clear she wants an ambitious and

comprehensive free trade agreement. We are looking closely at the issue

of border controls in respect of the border between Northern Ireland and

the Irish Republic particularly, but we're talking regularly to industry

on this, we have a meeting with some of the other devolved

administrations later today, where we will look at these issues. Lamb

prices are trading particularly less this year than last year existing.

New Zealand lamb comes in in the winter when we have no lambs. There

seems to be too much New Zealand lamb in the major retailers and not

enough British lamb. I would like the ministers to bring that to the

attention of the major retailers that British lamb should now be in

the shops, it should not be New Zealand lamb. The honourable

gentleman makes an important point. I know that at least, people really

want to buy high-quality West Country lamb and Welsh lamb and

Scottish lamb, and from every other part of the United Kingdom. I would

say, there was an issue this year I believe, in that prices were very

good during the winter, which meant a number of sheep producers decided

to sell their lamb early, meaning there has been less British lamb

available at this time. Will the Secretary of State to be

pushing for a total ban on ivory sales in the 2017 manifesto,

equivalent to the unrealised pledge in the 2015 manifesto? As I outlined

to my honourable friend earlier, we are working very closely on -- very

carefully on the proposals and hope to publish a consultation in due

course. In the West Midlands, we are seeing a terrible spate of

fly-tipping on a commercial scale, including hospital and household

waste. Could I ask the Minister seriously to help the farmers with

the costs of deterring the serious criminals from dumping these hazards

on their land? Mr Speaker, I thank my right honourable friend for that

question. We know this is a particular problem at the moment and

that's where the Environment Agency is working with councils and farmers

in order to try to stop this waste being dumped in the first place. We

will continue to pursue waste crime as an urgent issue and friendly

those people who to spoil our country side and display last rates

deserve a strong sentence but we need the legislation to do that and

this can take time. Does the Minister recognise that food

processors will need to continue to recruit employees coming to the UK

from other EU countries? Yes, absolutely. As I said earlier, the

Home Office are looking very closely at what the future needs will be for

businesses. We absolutely recognise that businesses in the UK, in order

to thrive, will of course need access to some of the brightest and

best from around the world and the migration advisory Council and a

consultation with businesses will be looking at the needs later this

year. Cleaning up the nation's bus fleet is an important point -- part

of tackling air quality, but will the Minister agree that smaller

companies will need time to adapt, particularly where the smallest

vehicles -- the cleanest vehicles are not yet available on the

second-hand market? My right honourable friend is correct to

point out that we need to work with the industry. The Department for

Transport has been working with manufacturers for some time to make

the improvements so that, again, as a nation, we can make those

technological changes that are important to improving our air

quality from vehicle emissions. Questions, Pauline Latham. Number

one, sir. I can inform the House that the National Audit Office

published an investigation into the Cancer Drugs Fund in 2015. This

investigation set up the facts related to the fund in what it had

achieved. This followed up on a number of concerns raised during

early work on improving cancer services. The investigation found

that all parties agreed that the fund was not sustainable in its

present format this time and that NHS England was proposing a new

arrangement for the fund. It also noted that NHS England did not have

enough data to evaluate the impact of the existing fund on patient

outcomes. I thank the honourable gentleman for that answer. Could he

tell the House whether the committee of Public accounts has actually

looked at this issue? I can indeed. This is a very serious matter and

everybody wants to improve matters so the committee of Public accounts

followed up on the National Audit Office investigation and recommended

that the Department of Health and NHS England make better use of their

buying power in order to pay a fair price for cancer drugs and to

improve data on patients outcomes. The NAL also followed up on a number

of related issues in a reported 2016. The National Audit Office

recommended that NHS England should collaborate with nice to ensure best

price for effective drugs. Does the honourable gentleman agree that 14

drugs were available from 2013 to 20 14 and from 2014 to 2015, and the

most used ten... In terms of what drugs are approved by nice, this is

not a matter for the auditor general, but in terms of what the

gentleman says, he makes his point very well and I am sure the House

has heard it. To ask the right honourable member for merit in what

the Church of England is doing to help my churches across

Northumberland to be protected from metal theft from their rubes? --

their rubes? Mr Speaker, do you want me to reply to this question? I'm

bound to say that the lady was posing a supplementary question to

question one which was the basis on which I called her. Is the right

honourable gentleman aware of the real challenge that has been brought

to my attention by my excellent team in Huddersfield that it is very rare

cancers that are the problem. They are expensive to develop drugs for

and they are a special case. Is he aware of that minority group? I am

aware of that and I think he makes a very important point. We all have

heart-rending cases in our own constituency surgeries of people who

are denied life-saving drugs. I can assure the honourable gentleman that

the Public Accounts Committee are fully aware of this and they will

continue to put pressure on the Government, on the whole Cancer

Drugs Fund to ensure full transparency so we are always aware

of these problems and we can ensure affordability for all our citizens.

Question two, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, the Church of England was

very concerned about the judgment of the European Court of Justice that

blanket bans on the wearing of philosophical or religious items

does not impact on human rights, as this is at odds with another

judgment. Would my right honourable friend agree with me that this is

another reason to be pleased that the British people took the decision

last year to lead the European Union because the ruling was deeply

offensive to people of all faiths and totally unnecessary? It was at

odds with the statutory purpose of the church of England, put far

better than I possibly could myself by the head of the church, Her

Majesty the Queen in 2012, the Church of England regards all

faiths, the church has a duty to protect the free practice of all

faiths in this country and that is what we should be able to do if we

resolve this inconsistency. Question number three. I can assure my

honourable friend that among the many opportunities Brexit provides,

there is a chance to provide the National Audit Office's Work

Programme. This is determined by the controller and is regularly revised.

Taking back control and leaving the EU will be a major task for

departments and some departments will be more affected than others.

The National Audit Office is keeping in touch with old apartment as they

make their Brexit preparations. It is likely to create extra work for

the National Audit Office, not least the Department for exiting Brexit.

-- exiting the European Union. Will a settlement to be ordered?

Eventually that will be the case for the National Audit Office. We are

simply ensuring at the moment that all departments, particularly that

focused on the EU, as they tackle this monumental task, and I am sure

they will do it efficiently. We ought to hear from this gentleman is

I believe he is a member of the Public Accounts Committee. I ought

to declare a pub -- a conflict of interest as I sit on the Public

Accounts Committee and on the committee itself.

He did say he needs to know the details of the deal on the table

with Brexit before he could properly ascertained the impact. I therefore

ask the right honourable gentleman, is he confident we will know the

detail of this Brexit deal in 18 months' time? I think the honourable

gentleman is leading me astray. I'm not sure as chairman of the Public

accounts commission, which is charged with a budget of the

National Audit Office and its Work Programme, I am really qualified to

comment on these negotiations, but I can give assurances that the control

believes this is now a fundamental part of his work. There is so much

that could go wrong in terms of efficiency in Government departments

in this task and we will be keeping a beady eye on it. With his talk on

the -- it help on the commission, we will ensure the controller has

control to ensure the public are unaffected. I must pay tribute to my

honourable friend the South West Bedfordshire for his long-standing

support the institution of marriage and since last asking this question

in 2011, I am very pleased to say that the Church of England has

launched a successful new initiative called your church wedding which is

designed to increase the profile of church weddings, highlight the

possibility for those seeking to be married, offers more consistent

marriage preparation and after-care. I am very grateful for that answer

but the fact is that marriage rates have unfortunately declined in

recent years. I know she'll agree with me there is nothing inevitable

about that give out for a decade between 1962 and 1972, they rose.

Given this is a real social justice issue with the decline in marriage

rates having an issue -- an impact on low income families, fully church

appointed Bishop with the aim of spreading best marriage practice in

every single parish across the UK? I genuinely believe this new

initiative will increase healthy marriage and I'm sure every Bishop

will see himself as part of that initiative, but there is no doubt

that we have seen a decline in church marriage. That is partially

because people can get married in many places now. Women over 65 are

getting married in increasing numbers. We should celebrate that

fact. It is always useful to have additional information. We are

grateful to the right honourable lady for that. The Mr Speaker, the

number of people selected for ordering meant within the Church of

England has been stable for some time. However, the age profile of

serving clergy are retiring, leading to a decrease in the number of

active clergy... That is an a star answer, Mr

Speaker, but how can we do even better? We quite simply need to make

it easier for people who feel the call to enter ministry to do this

more flexibly, so the church not only offers a three-year residential

course to become an ordained minister but part time provision. As

a result of the apprenticeship levy, resources will be available to the

church for people to actually learn on the job and this should make it a

whole lot easier for people to enter ministry. Does the right honourable

member believe that the number of applications would be improved if

the Church of England did more to protect their churches in

Northumberland from metal theft, thereby leaving them dealing with

logistics rather than focusing on their parishioners? I must

congratulate the lady on her ingenuity in bringing in this very

important and serious matter of metal theft, because you can't

practice as an ordained minister without a roof on your church. The

Church of England offers guidance, and I refer honourable members to

the church care website. There are in fact a range of metal substitute

products that can be used, even on listed buildings, and currently

there is a pilot system for marking lead which is designed to help scrap

metal dealers say that they can identify when stolen goods are being

presented to them. This is a serious matter, we are working closely with

Government departments to try to make it harder for the criminals to

impede the desire of those who wish to minister in the church and to

make sure the Rhys Davies. I welcome back news on the

initiatives on raising the number of clergy locations, and it is an

unfortunate location that some have two steel metal from the roofs of

churches. What can you tell me about what we're doing in my constituency

in particular to stop such theft? I do not have specific information

about bacteria, but his advice is available the church website to

every diocese, and every diocese is affected by this crime. In addition

to the deterrence I have outlined on a previous answer, a system for

fixing or locking medals. Perhaps I should not give it away what the

system is, because the criminals will know, but deterrence, so even

at the dead of night it is possible to catch evidence of the crime

taking place. Can I recommend the website. I suspect this is the last

question today. Please would you allow me to congratulate the

parliamentary unit of Church House for the splendid way in which they

have been with me for the last couple of days, as none of us can be

complacent that we may return to our existing posts. This is a serious

question, and the Church of England and the offices of the two

archbishops are in regular contact with the church in Egypt's, said --

South Sudan, but what they are most concerned about with the recent

attacks in Egypt on Palm Sunday, many people died. Persecution

increased for the fourth year in a row during 2015 and 2016, with

murders of Christians in places like Nigeria and Egypt, as she deferred

to. What practical measures the church offered to communities

countries like Egypt and Nigeria? I attended the open doors event here

in parliament where a Nigerian pastor spoke about violent

persecution of himself and his congregation, but in respect of

places like Egypt, I am pleased to say that the Bishop has secured

intensive security measures for the Christian church in Egypt, including

emptying the streets around churches and cathedrals of cars, and extra

police women put on duty to protect worshippers before services begin.

Order, urging questions to Stephen Dowty. Thank you. Will the Foreign

Secretary make a statement on the persecution of LB GT people

injection to. The arbitrary detention and ill-treatment of over

100 men in Chechnya because of their sexual orientation is of deep

concern to the UK. Credible reports suggesting that at least four people

have been killed and many have been tortured are particularly shocking.

Statements by the regional government in Chechnya, which

appeared to condone and incite violence against LGBT people, are

utterly despicable. We condemn any and all persecution and: They

authorities. My right honourable friend the Minister of the released

a statement in April outlining the government's concern of the report

and called upon the government to investigate and ensure perpetrators

of human rights abuses are brought to justice. Foreign Secretary has

also expressed his serious concerns also expressed his serious concerns

through social media. Officials from the British Embassy in Moscow

reiterated these concerns directly to the Russian government on the

13th of April, and we are working with international partners in

Russia as part of wider lobbying efforts. The EU made a statement on

the half of member states at the permanent Council of the OSCE on the

6th of April, and the UK permanent representative to the Council of

Europe delivered a statement on the UK in the committee of ministers on

the 19th of April. I praise the Minister for his sincerity on this

issue, I know he takes it clearly seriously. -- takes it seriously.

This campaign involves possibly several hundred men, and I want to

praise the journalists in Russia and the UK and elsewhere, who brought

this to public attention. We're talking about detention, beatings,

abuse, electric shock treatment is. They do not see this likely, but

some have described gay concentration camps, and we hear of

at least four killings. The LGBT community have spoken to me about

this. LGBT Labour spoke to the Prime Minister and this last week, sadly

not getting a reply. I know there have been representations from all

parties. President Putin already has a reputation of persecuting LGBT

communities, so is he taking a blind eye or is he complicit? The

Guardian's Shaun Walker expressed the horrors we are seeing, he

described it, attaching metal clamps and sending electric shocks through

his body. If he managed not to screen, others would join in beating

him with sticks or metal rods and demand to know names of other gay

men he knew in Chechnya. If we had any doubts about this brutal regime,

we need not. I do have to ask why it has taken so long for the Foreign

Secretary. Tweet is not enough to speak out about this, we have not

heard clear condemnation from the Prime Minister. Has the Prime

Minister or Foreign Secretary spoken directly to the Chechen governments,

have the called in the ambassador? Does he now regrets his cancelled

trip to Moscow, where he could have raised these atrocities in Chechnya

and Syria? Was the issue raised at the G7 discussion and could do Prime

-- the Minister explain what he's going to do on this issue? The

Foreign Secretary said it was outrageous, but the Foreign Office

has referred questions to the Home Office and as yet no clarity has

been given. Will be provide refuge from those fleeing this horrendous

persecution in Chechnya? May I say at the outset that I applaud the

honourable gentleman for raising this, and I hope it is a topic

around which this House can unite without any party politics because I

think a strong united voice in this country, which the honourable

gentleman is calling for, is the message we should be sending because

these reports are utterly barbaric. Indeed one of the most disgusting

things I have seen reported is a Chechen security source stating

these arrests are part of what he called a preventative clean-up. This

followed a request simply by an LGBT group to request licenses for gay

pride parades, and the group had not even applied for a permit in

Chechnya. Human rights groups report that these campaigns and killings

are orchestrated by the head of the Chechen Republic. He has carried out

other violent campaigns in the past, and this time he is directing his

efforts at the LGBT community. Sources have said he wants the

community eliminated by the start of Ramadan. Such comments and attitudes

and actions are absolutely beyond contemptible. Can I assure the

honourable gentleman under House but in the government, we fully condemn

this. We do use all engagement with Russia to make our voice clear. I

did so personally with the Minister of Russia when I met him a few weeks

ago, we spoke on general human rights matters, but also Chechnya,

and may I say that I hope this House would be fully united in giving the

strongest possible message to Russia and Chechnya in particular, that

this kind of activity is beyond contempt and not acceptable in the

world in which we live. Can I pay tribute to you in the support you

have given to the LGBT community send your occupied that chair, Mr

Speaker. It is right that it should be raised here because we have more

openly gay members of parliament here than anywhere else in the

world. When I was asked in 2010 why I came out, it was to partly send

the signal to other people who were troubled about their own sexuality,

to give them hope and confidence that if people like us can be open

about their own sexuality, hopefully they would also be able to take some

form of moral support that it may help them to do likewise. We have

made fundamental changes around the rest of the world when we have

looked at issues such as climate change. We have made massive

advances when we brought countries together on this issue. Can we not

do the same on LGBT issues, but we can have LGBT change throughout the

world? Can I ask of one area that might be worth a lot of attention is

the Commonwealth, where some countries part of our family of

nations have slid back as far as LGBT rights are concerned, could he

give some concentration on that and show that the British Government is

going to lead the way on LGBT change throughout the world? Indeed, and I

think one of the other strong messages as we approach a general

election, candidates in any party will be able to stand and be openly

gay without being in anyway ostracised by their own party or, we

hope, any part of the electorate. In itself, that sends a very strong

message to the world. I think it is a great tribute to this House and

our own democracy that over the last 15 years or so, we have seen all

parties have gay members on these green leather benches, and whatever

the outcome of the election, long may that continue. I also hope it

will be reflected in the Commonwealth in years to come, as my

honourable friend suggests, and we must campaign within Commonwealth

countries to make sure that they do not fail to reflect the standards

that we in the House reflect when it comes to the LGBT community. Can I

add my thanks to you for granting this question today. Also to my

honourable friend the Member for Cardiff South for bringing such an

important matter to the House today and speaking so eloquently. Can I

also thank him for his response and pay tribute to his long record for

standing up LGBT rights. A brave and much-needed pioneer in that regard.

I recall an article by Peter Hitchens in the Daily Mail in 2002,

entitled, I am sorry, Mr Duncan, if you are gay and not a Tory. And

goodness that has been resigned to the dustbin. We must do something

about some parts of Europe. In recent days and weeks we have heard

reports from organisations and human rights documenting the most terrible

abuse, causing great distress. It is nothing short of officially

sanctioned... But the Russian government who beers responsibility

ultimately for its citizens seems to be looking the other way. As has

already been put before the House, there was a letter written a week

ago by LGBT labour to the Prime Minister, in which they asked

particularly that she make the Russian ambassador -- meet the

Russian ambassador with some questions, and urge them to be those

who have been detained and close down those camps. We're speaking

today with a strong unified voice. But it seems to me that whilst I

applaud the right honourable gentleman raising this matter, I do

as a result of the urgent question as a result of the urgent question

today, I hope we will get an undertaking from the government that

it will be raised at a much higher political level. It seems to me that

this matter is something the Prime Minister should take initiative of,

and called in the Russian ambassador undermanned some answers. May I

thank the right honourable lady for her town. I had indeed forgotten

about the Peter Hitchens article. I am not sure I want to be reminded of

it! But at least I can take pleasure in the fact that no I am but one of

many on the Tory benches. I hope this statement can be seen as

reflecting the Prime Minister and the entire government's condemnation

of this, but I do note what she says about her wish to see the issue

raised to a higher level of political comment. I have to say,

another one of the most contemptible elements of this issue is noting

that a representative for Chechnya's Council on civil society and human

rights, supposedly someone who is charged with the task of upholding

human rights said she would not accept an application for help from

a gay person because the persecution of gay people should not be

condemned to an Chechen society, even if a person was killed by their

own family. The LGBT community in Chechnya is not just at risk of

persecution by the Chechen authorities, but also falling victim

to so-called honour killings by their own family members. They are

not safe inside Chechnya, and as I said earlier, what is happening in

that republic is beyond contemptible.

Mr Speaker, can I agree entirely with the Minister in his

condemnation of this terrible, terrible occurrence, but building on

the remarks of my oral ball friend from Ribble Valley, is he aware that

the Council of Europe is in plenary session next week and although many

members such as myself, because of the general election being called

are unable to attend, some of our colleagues will be at the Council of

Europe and would he have a word with the ambassador to see whether this

matter could be raised, for example, in the free debate during the

plenary session next week? I think it is important that this matter is

raise continually in an international environment, to put

more pressure on Russia and the Chechen authorities. Mr Speaker, I

think the Council of Europe is a very important voice for the

expression of wider Continental opinion and I certainly will convert

a two hour ambassador at the wishes of my right honourable friend, which

I sense will be all also the wishes of the entire house. The scenes and

stories emanating from Chechnya are beyond comprehension and utterly

sickening and we share the sentiments that others have

expressed. And while we may still have many challenges on the LGBT

equality in the UK, we are fortunate in we have come a very long way and

then having that greater freedom, we absolutely must use our voices,

whether we are members of the LGBT community or not and we must say it

loudly and clearly we condemn this horrific brutality. For the Chechen

authorities to not only denied these attacks but also, incredulously,

claimed that no gay people exist within their province is at best

extraordinary and at worst deceitful. We call for those in the

region to be protected and the UK Government is, but can do more, to

project athletes protect LGBT people around the world. The SNP manifesto:

the Government to establish the position of a special envoy to

promote the rights of LGBT people around the world as an integral part

of UK policy. Will the Minister look into this and consider this for

their forthcoming manifesto? And can I appeal to the Minister and his

colleagues to act on the proposals we brought forward, put all the

pressure he can on Chechnya and Russia to stop these abhorrent

abuses and persecution of gay men and the wider LGBT divinity. We

cannot stand idly by and let this happen. Those facing abuse must know

that we care and we are standing up for them. Well, Mr Speaker, I am

proud to say are broadly agree with the honourable lady and all that she

wishes to see us do is enshrined across the board in our Government

policy, through gifted, through the Home Office, through our foreign

policy, and so it will remain, so in that sense, I think we should all be

envoys in what we do internationally and, indeed, Mr Speaker, FCO

officials in Russia meet regularly with LGBT activists and attend LGBT

events so that we can provide visible support. We have also

provided support to organisations such as Stonewall and helped to

facilitate sar Ian McKellan's visit to Russia last year, during which he

met LGBT activists in Moscow and St Petersburg and Ekaterinburg and I

think his powerful messages about UK values resonated at least with

Russia's next generation. Is there an element of reversion to type

here, in that it was always a feature of a totalitarian regime to

vilify minorities and as a matter of routine political management and,

equally, of the former Soviet Union, it was difficult to to identify any

person that posed a political threat to brand them as gay and detain them

in a mental institution? Well, Mr Speaker, I think Chechnya does

indeed seem to be the worst of the lot, so in that sense, as part of

Russia, I would urge President Putin to make his views clear in

condemning what is going on in Chechnya. This reminds us that we

are phenomenally lucky in this country, those of us who are gay,

because I remember meeting in Russia in 2009, a lesbian activist who was

83 years old and I asked how she got away with it and she said "I think

President Putin things women don't have sex at the age of 80." How

wrong can you be, she said. The serious point is we should be paying

tribute to those people standing up and risking their own lives and I am

glad that the Government is acting to try and do that, but isn't this

all part of a peace? President Putin appointed Khedira as president in

Chechnya, he has then got elected with 90% of the vote, that doesn't

seem at all bazaar, does it? But he and Putin have repeatedly abused

human rights, they have used violence to excess and have always

resorted to violence when there is another opportunity providing a

peaceful means, so how do we, and will the Government make sure, that

people who are engaged in this kind of activity and those involved in

the murder of British people working in Russia, will not be entering this

country? I think an 80-year-old activist gives all of us a bit of

hope in this world. Not long now, Alan! Having just turned 60,

although I know I don't look it, I heard from behind the... Oh, yes, I

did! Much more seriously, what the honourable gentleman says is

absolutely right, this is part of a wider picture across Russia

although, I again say, I think Chechnya does appear to be the worst

example and I think that within the constraints of being able to

influence what happens in any other country, we have to speak loudly,

speak collectively, be brave and courageous and at a diplomatic

level, within the country, we will do our utmost to put pressure on the

regime to understand that in the modern world, this kind of activity

is barbaric and is no longer part of the world in which any country

should be allowed to live. If memory serves, the Right Honourable's

gentleman's birthday was 20 days ago. Can I start by thanking the

Minister for the various matter forceful statement he has made

today. I have written to the Russian ambassador and would like to echo

the calls made by other members here today that the UK Government to call

in the Russian ambassador and ask him in particular what they are

going to do to protect the journalists involved in leaking this

story, because clearly they are now at risk as well as the LGBT

immunity? The final question I wanted to ask the Minister was

weather since the G-7, where unfortunately our Government failed

to secure sanctions against Syria and Russia, have any lessons been

learned about how to improve cooperation so that at an

international level, action will be taken against Chechnya? I think the

right honourable gentleman has perhaps deviated slightly from the

collective tone of the House this morning. As I think he will

appreciate, what happened out of the G-7 was in response to fast-moving

events following the gassing of people in Syria. As I said the

moment ago and I say it again, on the issue of gay rights in Chechnya

or indeed anywhere else across the world, we need to speak not only as

one voice in this House but by working together with other

countries and with NGOs to make sure that the world collectively hones in

on the likes of Chechnya and Russia more generally to make them clear

that they are out of step with the rest of the world and overtime will

lose all credibility and become increasingly derided and it is high

time they just grew up and understand what the modern world is

all about. Can I congratulate my constituency neighbour for exposing

the latest manifestation of the barbaric treatment that the people

of Chechnya have had for a decade and pay tribute to Lord Frank Judd,

who acted as the wrapper two over many years for the Council of Europe

and reported fearlessly on the terrible things that were happening

there. I think one would reflect on this now and we entirely support the

opposition that should be worldwide to this terrible activity, and this

is spreading. And one of the reasons for it is the pressure on countries

to improve the human rights is now less because they don't have the

incentive of joining together in the European Union, that demanded these

high standards, and we are sadly going back into barbaric treatments,

not just in Chechnya, but many other countries, including Turkey. I will

join the honourable gentleman in paying tribute to the noble Lord

Paul Judd for all of his efforts over the years but I say again, it

is for all of us to work effectively across parties, across countries,

parties and all organisations to make sure that simple rides the

people -- writes for people that should not be denied to them are

upheld across the world. Considering how this may be misrepresented

abroad, particularly in Russia, is it not important to emphasise that

this is first and foremost a matter of human rights and is certainly not

a matter confined only to those who happen to be gay. And is it not

interested, Mr Speaker, that this is being discussed 50 years since the

House of Commons changed the law on homosexuality and if there is a

debate in July, near the actual date when the legislation was passed, I

would hope to be here, certainly I will do my utmost to be here, to

explain why I was pleased to vote for the change in law. I think I'm

the only one out in the House who has remained. Like I say, the way he

is going, he will be here and another 50 years vote time. -- here

in another 50 years' time. But he makes a very valid point about the

importance of promulgating the truth. When we stand up and hear

absolute blatant propaganda, we should not shy away from robustly

cantering lies of that sort and, for instance, Kadyrov's spokesman has

called reports about persecution and murder absolute lies themselves and

indeed, he added, as we heard earlier, there are no gay men in

Chechnya and you cannot arrest or repressed people who just don't

exist. And even worse, he went on to say that if they did exist, their

own relatives would have sent them away from, I quote, "Where they

could never return". And it is the use of language like that that

appears to condone the outright murder of someone simply because of

their sexual orientation, it is utterly unacceptable and condemns

them in the eyes of the decent world. Thank you, Mr Speaker, I am

delighted to speak in this debate and I also thank the deputy Foreign

Minister for her statement. I have a concern, though, that not just as a

member of the LGBT community, but also the broader sense of the

social, economic and political impoverishment of what is Chechnya

and its profound impact on all Chechen society, because whether we

like it or not, Kadyrov has fundamental support, in some terms,

of his nation, and the Russian Federation, so how we undermine that

is also about investment and also about foreign aid in tackling human

rights across the world. So will be debited Minister say here on the

floor, fighting for LGBTI rides in places like Chechnya and others,

that his foreign budget will not change after the general election?

Well, I think we should all committed to fighting prejudice

wherever we find it and I hope that when we stand in the election on

June the 8th, that will be part of all of the views we hold as we

present ourselves to the electorate. But the honourable gentleman

actually raises a deeper point as well, which is that we need, as this

has, to understand foreign affairs, to take an interest and to debate

countries such as Chechnya so I hope that early in the next Parliament,

that opportunity will present itself so the arguments we are hearing

today can be made more loudly at a junior eight. This has rightly

speaks with one voice in condemnation of these have borrowed

hacks -- abhorrent acts in Cheshire. It is not the first on the Russian

Government has been found wanting when it comes to human acts and it

needs reminding of its obligations. What can we do to make sure other

countries are similarly robust in explaining that to the Russian

Government, not least because of how insecure those members of the LGBTI

committee in Chechnya We work through every organisation

and of course the United Nations more widely. , but because we do

speak frankly, we have had a rather scratchy relationships with the

Russians recently. But we will not shy away from raising these issues

frankly and forcefully, and I can assure the honourable gentleman that

we will maintain a policy of robust engagement with the Russians, and it

will include matters of this sort when we do so. All of Glasgow weeps

at this news, and when I return later this afternoon we will have a

vigil in George Square with politicians, or 30 people,

expressing their horror at what is happening. Can I disagree with some

colleagues. I do not see the need for it to be escalated to the

Foreign Secretary. I think the Minister is very capable, deeply

thoughtful, but I would like to echo the comments made by my honourable

friend from Livingston. Is it not time for us to join countries like

Canada and having an envoy on LGBT rights, who reports directly to the

Prime Minister, and I would also echo the point made by my honourable

friend from Clydebank, does this not show, and also in terms of what the

honourable gentleman said about the Commonwealth, it is not the time to

cut it back -- cut back the foreign aid. I thank him for his kind words.

And usually I have to say at this political burden period! I am

contemplating putting it in quotation marks at my election

address! I wouldn't do that! -- politically fervent period. Our

policy on this is not for me to say. My personal observation are some a

dedicated envoy is not as effective as having all ministers and members

of Parliament doing it. Butterfat is in his manifesto, we will let the

people decide. Deeply, -- briefly, can I congratulate him for raising

this important point and human rights. But could I suggest a word

of caution about any complacency on this? We have a united voice in this

House of Commons, but we're travelling on an official visit --

when I was travelling towards the east on an official visit, I was

troubled by the attitudes of people beer, and I was in Austria. We saw

some propaganda, and we should be on our guard whenever this kind of

human rights abuse viewers at -- rears its ugly head. I think we

should take that as serious words of wisdom from a serious member -- a

senior member of this House. We need to make sure there are no dial

YouTube views, and he is right to point out that Europe needs to be

united if we're going to make our voice clear and resonant across the

wider world. Having tabled an early day motion myself on this very

subject earlier in the week, I am grateful to the honourable member

for Cardiff South and Penarth for securing this question, and to you,

Mr Speaker, for permitting it. Can we have assurances that members of

the LGBT community will be granted asylum in the United Kingdom should

be looked for refuge on our shores? I have to tell the honourable lady

that that is by merrily Home Office matter, and a matter for asylum

legislation. In February the Foreign Secretary announced a ?700 million

empowerment fund to project soft power and human rights. How was this

fund being used to promote equal rights campaigners and support civil

society in Chechnya and elsewhere? Can I echo the points of my

honourable friend as he has not yet voiced his commitment to the target,

as this is precisely why the target is so important. He makes reference

to the empowerment fund, and I understand bids are currently in

play. With the election I would imagine that will be stalled

slightly, but I'm confident that there will be programmes designed

for the promotion of human rights in many of the countries of which the

empowerment fund is directing its efforts. I wish to pay tribute to

the amazing work of an organisation and Leeds who brought this to my

attention. These abuses are are chilling. Can I as the Minister what

discussions he has had with EU partners but also with the United

Nations to look at an initiative to clearly seek to stamp out this sort

of appalling persecution, wherever it may happen. These discussions

take place on a regular basis in all the forums we are represented, and

it is usually the UK in the lead in designing initiatives and

statements, which I think would echo the opinions he has just stated. The

appalling treatment LGBT people face in some countries abroad makes it

all the more important that officials here making decisions on

asylum cases get them 100% correct. Will he make representations that no

asylum case should never be refused solely on the basis that a person

can return home and hide their sexuality away? I will convey entire

exchange to the Home Secretary. Order. Does it relate

specifically... He's such a patient fellow, we can hear from him later.

There will be some anticipation in the House over what he's planning to

raise! Business question. Thank you. Could the Leader of the House give

us the forthcoming business for next week? The business for next week

will be as follows. Monday 24th of April, consideration of a business

of the House motion followed by all stages of the Northern Ireland

ministerial appointments and regional rates bill, followed by, if

necessary, consideration of Lords amendments. Tuesday the 25th of

April, committee of the whole House and the finance number two bill,

followed by consideration of Lords amendments to the health service

medical supplies costs bill, followed by, if necessary,

consideration of Lords amendments. Wednesday 26th of April, a motion to

approve a ways and means resolution on the digital economy Bill,

followed by consideration of Lords amendments to this. Followed by,

consideration of Lords amendments to the criminal of finances Bill,

followed by, if necessary, consideration of Lords amendments.

Thursday 27 people, consideration of Lords amendments. A House may also

be asked to consider any Lords messages that may be received. The

House will not adjourn until Royal assent has been received to all

acts. Since this is probably going to be the last regular weekly

business statement in this parliament, could I simply take the

opportunity to thank first of all the staff of the House for the

service they provide every one of us throughout the course of Parliament,

and wish them a happy opportunity to put their feet up a little bit over

the forthcoming weeks, and secondly, to wish particular good fortune to

those honourable members on all sides who have decided that they

will not seek election. Each of them in their own way has striven to

represent the interests of their constituents during the years here.

Each of them has brought particular experiences, particular political

commitments, to the causes for which they have fought, and all of them

have contributed to the building of democracy in this country, and I

would like to place our banks on record. Can I thank the Leader of

the House for the business of the last week, and I will save my thanks

to the end of my response. It was an eventful parliament not least

because of the death of PC Keith Palmer, Lesley Rhodes, and now

cathedral said at the memorial injured. As

service, a clock that counts the service, a clock that counts the

minutes, hours and years of lives. And of course, our beloved colleague

Jo Cox, who should be fighting this election. We need to remember them

as we campaign for a country that is tolerant and just. The Prime

Minister wants stability and to strengthen her hand in negotiations,

but blames the opposition parties for calling a general election. But

it is her dithering and confusion and watching her back, firstly what

an arrogant statement she should presume to know the outcome of an

election. Secondly, what has her government been doing for the last

nine months, and thirdly can the Leader of the House confirmed that

if the government wins, we're entering into a rolling programme of

snap during rogue ... We live under the rule of law, and parliament

should have a say. This is democracy. Then there was silence

from the government since July 2016. Her Majesty's opposition called for

a report on Brexit, silence and a speech to Lancaster House. But not

to this House. I found you very personable, but I think others are

scared of making a statement in this House!

LAUGHTER Only when you say or do! Only then setting out 12 points of

principle. Finally, the White Paper in February. Her Majesty is

opposition insisted there should be a final thought on the deal, and

force the government to agree because we are representative

democracy. As the prime ministers sat in front of the great portrait

of Robert Walpole twos signed the letter to Donald Tusk, she forgot to

mention Gibraltar, 96 of whom voted to remain. No wonder she forgot to

mention them. The government seems to be speaking for the 52%, while

Her Majesty's opposition will balance the views of the 52% and to

speak for the country. The confusion lies within her party, not the

opposition. Of course the government wants a general election because it

needs a new manifesto. Everyday the government breaks the manifesto

pledge. Grammar schools, no mention of... In case of National Insurance

contribution for self-employed workers. Ruled out of the manifesto

then became government policy, then a U-turn. The manifesto said nothing

cannot make a decision for the good vulnerable, yet there are cars

looks like? Because we on this side of the country. So, could we have

looks like? Because we on this side of the House... For students, no

increase in tuition fees. For society, an investment in public

services or local government grants are based on needs for local

services, protecting police forces and libraries, not special deals for

special friends. Ensuring small businesses thrive, supporting those

who care for others by an increase in carers allowance, and protecting

pensions and compensating women affected by an increase in the state

pension. Policies for the seven stages of life, that is what the

country needs. No dithering or confusion, but vision and strong

leadership. Her Majesty is opposition and government will work

for a tolerant, fare and dynamic United Kingdom. Finally, to echo

what the Leader of the House said, can I thank all of the House staff

for the brilliant supported me, you, Mr Speaker and your office, the

Leader of the House, his erstwhile deputy and his office blogger help,

my office, and everyone who has made my job easier, including my Chief

Whip, who tells me to stop the jokes! If

enough can I also mention the fact that tomorrow with a Majesty her

Queen's 91st birthday, one that she also shares with the honourable

member for Gateshead. It's a significant day. If he doesn't mind

me saying... If he doesn't mind me saying it, it's his 60th. And can I

say that rights oh, the honourable member as well. I won't say what the

age is, if she doesn't mind. 21! As are we all. And finally, to echo

what the leader of the houses, to all those people who are standing

down, who have given their life to public service, thank them all. And

finally, it's been an absolute privilege to be the Shadow Leader of

the House. Can I associate myself both with the honourable lady's

the tribute she paid at the start of the tribute she paid at the start

colleague Jo Cox and I hope it is her remarks, both to those who lost

colleague Jo Cox and I hope it is not long in the life of the new

parliament before the permanent memorial to Jo Cox can take its

place in the House of Commons, I know that is something that will be

supported by and welcomed by every single member of his house and the

next House Commons as well. I join her, obviously, in wishing that many

happy returns to Her Majesty and also to the honourable member for

Gateshead and my right honourable friend, the Member for animation. I

can say as my right honourable friend's constituency neighbour that

whatever number may be pinned to the years, nothing diminishes her vigour

or commitment to working on behalf of her constituents. And I have

equally, like the honourable lady, always enjoyed and appreciated my

relationship with my other constituency neighbour, The Right

Honourable member for Buckingham and indeed, following the last boundary

change in the Buckingham constituency, I have a particular

interest in the outcome. The honourable lady... I think if the

honourable gentleman peruses Mr Speaker's previous election

material, he may find the answer he is seeking. The honourable lady

asked me a number of questions. I have two say to her that when it

comes to Gibraltar, the front bench really does have a very short

memory. People in Gibraltar have not forgotten how the last Labour

Government tried to sell that territory down the river, how they

sought a joint sovereignty agreement, something that was

rejected by the people of Gibraltar by a margin of well over 90% in a

subsequent referendum. She also made a number of assertions about

policies that will, I'm sure, be debated in the country in the weeks

to come. I would simply say to her this - that I think all of us in the

House, whatever political perspective we bring to these

matters, want to see public services of our kind in which we can all take

pride and which we think and work effectively for our constituents who

are vulnerable and in need of help. It is the belief of this Government

and this party that the foundation for effective public services has to

be a strong and growing economy, and the plans put forward by the right

honourable gentleman, the Leader of the Opposition, would render any

such chaotic Government incapable of funding public services because they

would have bankrupted the British economy, raised taxes on ordinary

working families and piled yet more public debt onto the next

generation, a betrayal of young people. I would say to her finally

this- she said she looked forward to the Leader of the Opposition being

in a position to form a Government and yet we know that three quarters

of her own Parliamentary colleagues had no confidence in his ability to

continue as the leader of the Labour Party. I think that very few Labour

members of this outgoing parliament will be able to stand up and with a

straight face say that they really have confidence that the Leader of

the Opposition should be entrusted with the Government and leadership

of this country. I should just advise the House, pursuant to what

the Leader of the House said about our late and esteemed colleague Jo

Cox, that the memorial to her had been scheduled to be installed in

the chamber next month. That date fell within what will now be the

election campaign and therefore a rescheduling is essential, but I

would want the House to know that this matter was discussed by

relevant colleagues, the Jo Cox foundation and me yesterday and it

is fully intended that the installation will take place very

soon. Mr Speaker, notwithstanding my advanced years, I have appeared to

have gained no more wisdom because I'm going to ask the Leader of the

House for a debate on my favourite subject, and your favourite subject

know that, and the Leader of the House's favourite subject, HS2, but

I do think we need to consider whether we can have an emergency

debate on hay jested next week because the boss of HS2 David

Higgins, in evidence to the transport select committee

yesterday, indicated that their failure to consider conflicts of

interest led to the fiasco of a key contract withdrawing from a ?170

million contract. I want to know who is going to take responsibility for

this, as it is a massive project, the largest infrastructure project

in this country and I also think we need to examine whether senior

management is fit for their role and should be in charge of such large

when we all going to be away from when we all going to be away from

this place and not able to scrutinise it. Could we have an

emergency debate next week, please? My honourable friend is quite right

to pursue this matter that is of great importance to her constituents

and mine and those in other constituency is along the proposed

line of route. Clearly the failures of juju religions that Sir David

Higgins acknowledged had taken place ought not to have happened. I'm

therefore glad that our honourable friend the Secretary of State for

Transport made it very clear in his evidence to the transport select

committee yesterday that he gave a very high priority to the issue of

fair and transparent procurement within HS2 and within all such

projects for which he has responsibility.

Can I... This will be the last business arts questions are very

parliament, it has been a pleasure working with the right honourable

gentleman and not extend that to the honourable leader and I will give my

thanks at the end of my contribution. Could we have a big

shout out for all of these members of Parliament that are competing in

the London Marathon on Saturday, particularly my honourable friend,

who has the distinction of being the first SNP member of Parliament to be

competing in the London Marathon. It is on Sunday, he is shouting. This

sometime over the weekend, Mr Speaker. Can I just say, high pity

her political opponents when she laps on the leaflet run during the

general election. We have to have an urgent statement on the status of

all of the Conservative members of Parliament currently under police

investigation for electoral fraud. It seems there may be up to two

dozen Conservative MPs facing the possibility of being prosecuted

while we are in the middle of an election campaign. The public

deserves to know what will happen under these circumstances that will

it be possible for them to continue as candidates in this general

election if that was to pass? A lot of people suspect with the first

charging decision to be made on the 20th of May, this is the real reason

for the snap election and we need to hear from the Government if this

played any feature in the deciding of determining this date of

election. I would like to hear from the Leader of the House on this

issue. And can we have a debate about debates, and particularly our

Prime Minister who seems fair to participate in the television

variety. She unilaterally called this election but will not debate

with other litter colour balance and it is absolutely right that

broadcasters are considering empty chairing the prime ministers a

maximum embarrassment is achieved. And finally, I wish members of

Parliament, nearly all members of parliament, a good election and can

I also pay my tributes to the members of Parliament who will be

standing down. And also to thank the staff who have served us diligently

during the course of these past two years, to you and your office Mr

Speaker and I echo the words of the honourable lady. I think as we leave

today, we all remember Jo Cox and wish she was out there on the stumps

fighting with us for the election and it is so tragic that it has been

taken away from this House. I join the honourable gentleman in wishing

every success both to his colleague, the honourable lady from Livingston,

and to all colleagues from all political parties in the House as

they make their final preparations for the London Marathon on Sunday. I

am sure the honourable gentleman is right in suggesting that the

Marathon training will serve them all in good stead for the seven

weeks that now beckon us all. It may give the rest of us the opportunity

to wear out some shoe leather as well, though not I suspect quite as

well as well have been done by those competing on Sunday. And I hope as

well all those members are successful in raising large sums of

money for the various charities for which they are supporting in the

marathon. The honourable gentleman made a serious point to me about the

police investigations. I want to reiterate, Mr Speaker, what the

Prime Minister said yesterday, that we stand behind all our candidates

at the forthcoming election, who will be out campaigning for a

strong, stable Government in the national interest. A number of

police forces have conducted investigations and many have been

dropped. It is right these matters are investigated properly but the

battle bus was directed by the National party, as was the case with

other political parties, and we are confident that individual colleagues

acted properly. First way I commend my right honourable friend for being

an exemplary Leader of the House. He is widely regarded as someone of

impeccable integrity and he has conducted the office impeccably

during this parliament and I hope nothing will change. May I also just

draw his attention and put down a marker about select committee

staffing. We have one double staff, they work incredibly hard, but the

committee specialists tend to change too often. This doesn't happen in

the library, where specialists sometimes remain in post for a

decade or more and this would strengthen the role of select

committees if we could look at changing the nature of this tapping,

rather than the turbulence we put up with at the moment -- of this

staffing. I appreciate this is for the next parliament but I wonder if

he could leave something on his file to remind him when he gets back. I'm

grateful to my honourable friend for his kind remarks. Clearly there is a

balance to be struck between the value of continuity that my

honourable friend described and also, on the other side of the

balance, the need to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to

develop their careers in service through a variety of different

experiences and occupations, but I will make a note and whether it is

high or somebody else who has these duties when the new parliament

assembles, I'm sure they will want to take a close look at this. I'm

very grateful, Mr Speaker. The backbench business committee in this

Parliament has concluded its business and I'm very grateful to

the Leader of the House as in this last Parliamentary session, we have

had our full allocation of backbench time and we are very grateful for