0:00:26 > 0:00:31a rare standing ovation in the Lords.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33Hello and Welcome to the Week In Parliament.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Coming up, there's a rare standing ovation in the House of Lords
0:00:36 > 0:00:38as a Labour former minister talks of her battle with brain cancer,
0:00:38 > 0:00:41and explains why she's campaigning for more innovative treatment.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44So that we can live well together with cancer. Not just tying off of
0:00:44 > 0:00:45it.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48At prime ministers questions Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May go
0:00:48 > 0:00:54into battle over just how much money should go to England's NHS.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59Labour government would not be underfunding the NHS, it would not
0:00:59 > 0:01:06be privatizing the NHS. It would not be underfunding social care.
0:01:06 > 0:01:13Recognises the priorities of the British people. But it remains a
0:01:13 > 0:01:16world-class health care system. Indeed, the best health care system
0:01:16 > 0:01:17in the world!
0:01:17 > 0:01:19Also on this programme: David Davis makes his first appearance
0:01:19 > 0:01:22of the year in front of the Brexit committee, and rejects
0:01:22 > 0:01:24the accusation that Britain is to become a Vassal
0:01:24 > 0:01:25state in Europe.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28And there's fury in the Commons over the allegations
0:01:28 > 0:01:29of harassment and groping at the Presidents
0:01:29 > 0:01:36Club Charity dinner.
0:01:36 > 0:01:42Organisers chose to make this a men only event. They chose to make them
0:01:42 > 0:01:47a haven this way. To make them wear Black, skimpy, outfits.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50But first: There was a rare standing ovation in the House of Lords
0:01:50 > 0:01:53on Thursday when the Labour former minister, Tessa, now Lady,
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Jowell called for greater global cooperation and the use of more
0:01:55 > 0:01:59innovative treatments to help beat cancer.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Lady Jowell was diagnosed with a rare form of
0:02:01 > 0:02:03brain cancer last year.
0:02:03 > 0:02:11She told peers what had happened:
0:02:11 > 0:02:16On the 24th of May last year, I was on my way to talk, not for the first
0:02:16 > 0:02:24time, about projects. In East London. I got into a taxi, but I
0:02:24 > 0:02:30could not speak. I have to powerful see visions, I was taken to the
0:02:30 > 0:02:41hospital. Two days later, I was told that I had a brain tumour. Or GMB.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43She'd called the debate to argue for more international
0:02:43 > 0:02:46co-operation to pool knowledge about the illness and said patients
0:02:46 > 0:02:54should be able to try several new treatments at the same time:
0:02:54 > 0:03:00So many cancer patients collaborate and support each other every day.
0:03:00 > 0:03:05They create that community of love, and determination, that they find
0:03:05 > 0:03:13each other every day. Although we now ask is that doctors and health
0:03:13 > 0:03:19systems learn to do the same, and for us to work together to learn
0:03:19 > 0:03:29from each other. In the and, what gives a life meaning is not only how
0:03:29 > 0:03:38it is lived but how it is drawn to a close. I hope that this debate will
0:03:38 > 0:03:47give hope to other cancer patients, like me. So that we can live well
0:03:47 > 0:03:57together with cancer. Not just dying of it. All of us for longer. Thank
0:03:57 > 0:04:02you.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13To a packed public gallery and with MPs
0:04:13 > 0:04:17crowding at the bar, and with the Health Secretary
0:04:17 > 0:04:23Jeremy Hunt looking on, the minster praised her speech
0:04:23 > 0:04:30I would also like to praise the noble lady for the course of her own
0:04:30 > 0:04:34illness. And I think it is fair to say that she inspired us all into
0:04:34 > 0:04:43many cancer sufferers as well. I think we should expect nothing less,
0:04:43 > 0:04:49from... But the lady has done today is offer hope, in reading this
0:04:49 > 0:04:55debate and with her ever for tile mind, making suggestions on how we
0:04:55 > 0:05:00can improve cancer care. We work harder to offer hope to people
0:05:00 > 0:05:03affected by the terrible disease that she suffers from. It is the
0:05:03 > 0:05:14white challenge -- right challenge. And our efforts will not waiver
0:05:14 > 0:05:16until cancer no longer robs us of the ones we love.
0:05:16 > 0:05:17Lord O'Shaughnessy.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Well it was funding for England's health service that dominated
0:05:20 > 0:05:22the exchanges between Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn at Prime
0:05:22 > 0:05:23Minister's Questions on Wednesday.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27The previous day it had been briefed that the Foreign Secretary,
0:05:27 > 0:05:32Boris Johnson, was to use a cabinet meeting to call for a one
0:05:32 > 0:05:34hundred million pounds a week "Brexit dividend"
0:05:34 > 0:05:36for the NHS in England.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38He was reportedly slapped down by Mrs May for calling
0:05:38 > 0:05:41publicly for more money, but the whole affair provided plenty
0:05:41 > 0:05:47of ammunition for Jeremy Corbyn.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51Does the PM
0:05:51 > 0:05:56Agree with the Foreign Secretary had it needs another £5 billion? Prime
0:05:56 > 0:06:06Minister.The right honourable gentleman, here in this chamber for
0:06:06 > 0:06:10the budget that was given by my right honourable friend the
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Chancellor, where he announced that he will be putting £6 billion into
0:06:13 > 0:06:29the health service.The only problem with that Mr Speaker is that it was.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33The labour government would be privatizing the NHS, it would not be
0:06:33 > 0:06:39underfunding social care! A labour government would be committed to an
0:06:39 > 0:06:48NHS as a human right!Our support for the NHS is providing for the
0:06:48 > 0:06:52doctors, the nurses, the treatment capabilities, so it is able to
0:06:52 > 0:06:56deliver for patients! That is why we are backing the NHS of more funding,
0:06:56 > 0:07:01that is why we ensure that they have the best cheese meds, survival rates
0:07:01 > 0:07:05for cancer - before! That we have better joined up services across the
0:07:05 > 0:07:09NHS and social care, so those people who don't need to go to the hospital
0:07:09 > 0:07:15are able to be cared for at home, and that's why we are reducing waste
0:07:15 > 0:07:22in the NHS, so taxpayer money is used as efficient as possible.It is
0:07:22 > 0:07:27possible that a man froze to death waiting 16 hours for an ambulance. A
0:07:27 > 0:07:39gentleman named Chris told me, my friend is 93 -year-old father. These
0:07:39 > 0:07:43are not isolated cases, these are all over the country. It needs
0:07:43 > 0:07:48money, it needs support, and it needs it now! When is she going to
0:07:48 > 0:08:01face up to the reality and take action!There is only one part of
0:08:01 > 0:08:06the NHS that is being cut. Seeing a cut in its funding. It is the NHS in
0:08:06 > 0:08:17Wales! This, this is a government, this is a government that is backing
0:08:17 > 0:08:22the NHS! That is putting more money into the NHS! That is recruiting
0:08:22 > 0:08:25more doctors and nurses, which is seeing more come on board to make
0:08:25 > 0:08:29sure that people are getting the best treatment that they need! This
0:08:29 > 0:08:34is a government that recognises the realities of the British people!
0:08:34 > 0:08:41Priorities to ensure that the NHS remains a class health care system!
0:08:41 > 0:08:48The best in the world! To make sure that our kids are in good schools!
0:08:48 > 0:08:51This is a government that is building a country that works for
0:08:51 > 0:08:58everyone! A country in which... A country in which people can look to
0:08:58 > 0:09:02the future with optimism and hope!
0:09:02 > 0:09:03Theresa May.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Meanwhile in the Lords on Friday, an independent or cross bench peer
0:09:06 > 0:09:08put forward a bill to allow medical staff NOT to withdraw
0:09:08 > 0:09:10life-sustaining treatment or perform IVF or an abortion
0:09:10 > 0:09:11if they have moral objections.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14She said having to carry out these procedures had led some midwives
0:09:14 > 0:09:18to leave the health service.
0:09:18 > 0:09:24My lords
0:09:24 > 0:09:28It simply can't be consistent with conscience to say that I cannot do
0:09:28 > 0:09:33this. But I order you to do it. If one allocates and supervises an
0:09:33 > 0:09:37activity, and one is not unreasonable that it compromises
0:09:37 > 0:09:43world was possibility -- moral responsibility.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48But the bill faced determined opposition.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53That they feel that their rights are an sufficiently represented. The
0:09:53 > 0:10:00existing provision, in certain well-defined circumstances is
0:10:00 > 0:10:06currently sensible and balanced. And this bill brings unnecessary and
0:10:06 > 0:10:07potentially dangerous...
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Replying for the government Lady Chisholm said she'd
0:10:09 > 0:10:11reflect on the debate, but without firm ministerial backing
0:10:11 > 0:10:14it stands no chance of becoming law.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Now let's take a look at some other news from around
0:10:17 > 0:10:18Westminster in brief.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21The Work and Pensions Secretary has confirmed that up to 220 thousand
0:10:21 > 0:10:24people could have their benefits restored to a higher level,
0:10:24 > 0:10:27following a High Court ruling.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30The row is over those with mental health conditions and whether or not
0:10:30 > 0:10:33they should qualify for higher rates of Personal Independence
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Payments, known as PIPS.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41To say
0:10:41 > 0:10:50We are not appealing the outcome of the judgement to provides certainty,
0:10:50 > 0:10:54positive, that this government is undertaking, including spending on
0:10:54 > 0:11:02main disability that affects, it has risen to four billion since 2010.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06And real terms spending on disability benefits will be higher
0:11:06 > 0:11:13every year by two dozen 20 than 2010.To say that there is a
0:11:13 > 0:11:17commitment, when the UN committee on them, on the rights of disabled
0:11:17 > 0:11:23people, it is a catastrophe that cuts that have been wrought on
0:11:23 > 0:11:30disabled people. It is an absolute disgrace!As for the UN, how did the
0:11:30 > 0:11:31figures compare internationally?
0:11:31 > 0:11:34The Minister said the UK spent 50 billion pounds
0:11:34 > 0:11:35the Uk
0:11:35 > 0:11:39the Uk
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Is one of the most generous countries and the world when it
0:11:42 > 0:11:50comes to supporting its disabled people. Only Germany spends more.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55There could be more defence cuts on the horizon, the potential loss of
0:11:55 > 0:12:01amphibious assault ships, and all time Army members could decrease.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Stories have been circulating for weeks that there could be more
0:12:04 > 0:12:06defence cuts on the horizon, specifically the potential loss
0:12:06 > 0:12:08of amphibious assault ships and reports that full-time army
0:12:08 > 0:12:09numbers could fall.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11Senior army chiefs and members of the Lords spoke out
0:12:11 > 0:12:12against any further reductions.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Making a statement on Thursday Gavin Williamson suggested he would resist
0:12:15 > 0:12:16pressure to make more cuts.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19We want to have the very best Armed Forces that we can have. This is not
0:12:19 > 0:12:24aimed as some operation did take away from the Armed Forces. This is
0:12:24 > 0:12:27to make sure that we have the Armed Forces that they have the support
0:12:27 > 0:12:31that we need, and the recognition that they do the most amazing job
0:12:31 > 0:12:36for our country. And that is what we hope to achieve as part of this
0:12:36 > 0:12:36review.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38The prisons watchdog has condemned the squalid
0:12:38 > 0:12:40state of Liverpool jail, describing conditions as the worst
0:12:40 > 0:12:41inspectors could remember.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44When the head of the Prisons Service and the Justice minister appeared
0:12:44 > 0:12:46before the justice committee, MPs wanted to know how
0:12:46 > 0:12:49things had been allowed to get so bad that rats,
0:12:49 > 0:12:59cockroaches and blocked toilets were a frequent feature.
0:12:59 > 0:13:04We had, from the autumn of 2016, significant difficulty, leading up
0:13:04 > 0:13:14to Christmas. Liverpool had issues that we believe due to does a 17,
0:13:14 > 0:13:18getting better with the population increase to get back on
0:13:18 > 0:13:23establishments. The impact of substances, a big issue of
0:13:23 > 0:13:32Liverpool, was actually a challenge for a lot of prisons were, governors
0:13:32 > 0:13:39you're making the same repeated excuses. The fact that in Liverpool,
0:13:39 > 0:13:45there are 549 staffed against the benchmark of 466 staff. This is not
0:13:45 > 0:13:50an issue of staffing, it is an issue of leadership. Is it just the
0:13:50 > 0:13:55government? Who was responsible?I think there is a responsibility at
0:13:55 > 0:14:06multiple levels. Yes, we should have recognised and dealt with them
0:14:06 > 0:14:10earlier, and yes, there were responsibilities without any local
0:14:10 > 0:14:14level, after the organisation, including at my level. I am not
0:14:14 > 0:14:16talking that.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19One third of all the alcohol sold in England is consumed by just four
0:14:19 > 0:14:20per cent of the population.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23That figure emerged as ministers were urged to bring in a policy
0:14:23 > 0:14:26of minimum unit pricing in England in an effort to combat the effects
0:14:26 > 0:14:27of excessive drinking.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30From May the 1st this year a minimum 50 pence-per-unit alcohol price
0:14:30 > 0:14:31is being introduced in Scotland.
0:14:31 > 0:14:41The health committee heard calls for a similar scheme in England.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49My patients with cirrhosis, the average consumption is 120 L, or
0:14:49 > 0:14:59units a week. And that is the median. The mean is higher. They'll
0:14:59 > 0:15:03be drinking 16 metres of that, and paying £20 for it, and I will grow
0:15:03 > 0:15:12up threefold.On the other side, they would still spend £20.What
0:15:12 > 0:15:18they are likely to do is rather than drinking 7.5%, they'll be drinking
0:15:18 > 0:15:23three or 4%. The code down to 3%, they can drink 13 L. They'll have to
0:15:23 > 0:15:30completely
0:15:30 > 0:15:32The Culture Secretary has come under pressure from opposition MPs
0:15:32 > 0:15:34to prohibit Rupert Murdoch's 11 billion pound bid to take full
0:15:34 > 0:15:36control of the broadcaster, Sky.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38The demands came after the Competition
0:15:38 > 0:15:41and Markets Authority, the CMA said the takeover was not
0:15:41 > 0:15:44in the public interest as it would give the Murdoch Family Trust
0:15:44 > 0:15:50too much influence over public opinion and the political agenda.
0:15:50 > 0:15:57But Sky could end up owned by Disney if Mr Murdoch's
0:15:57 > 0:16:04proposed sale of Fox which owns 39% of Sky goes ahead.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09The simple way to stop this from going ahead is to prohibit it. Not
0:16:09 > 0:16:14to have some cognitive process. This is personal. This is basically
0:16:14 > 0:16:21lefties who do not like Murdoch.I will follow process, taking into
0:16:21 > 0:16:24consideration the final report, once it is published, I will consider
0:16:24 > 0:16:28what it says. I will consider all the relevant evidence and
0:16:28 > 0:16:34information and then make a decision.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36A Conservative called for people using cycle rickshaws,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39or pedicabs to be protected from huge rip-off fares.
0:16:39 > 0:16:44He said because pedicabs weren't regulated there was no requirement
0:16:44 > 0:16:47for the estimated 1400 drivers to have insurance, or for vehicle
0:16:47 > 0:16:52condition or driver quality to be assessed.
0:16:52 > 0:17:00An undercover film-maker with rickshaw drivers boasting about
0:17:00 > 0:17:07charging tourists £350 each, and others talking about charging to or
0:17:07 > 0:17:14£300 to go the half-mile from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus.
0:17:14 > 0:17:20Pedicabs brutally blocked streets, while objecting businesses. Many
0:17:20 > 0:17:27played loud music, the drivers shout. Clearly, not all, but after
0:17:27 > 0:17:30many occasions, there are enough to ruin the reputation of those simply
0:17:30 > 0:17:35trying to earn a living in a reasonable conscientious way.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37There was fury in the Commons after allegations of sexual harassment
0:17:37 > 0:17:38at a charity fundraising dinner.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41An undercover reporter from the Financial Times says
0:17:41 > 0:17:44she and other hostesses were groped and propositioned by guests
0:17:44 > 0:17:48at the Presidents Club gala, a men-only event.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50A businessman who helped organise the dinner, David Meller,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53stepped down as a non executive board member for the
0:17:53 > 0:18:01Department of Education.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06There were allegations of inappropriate and lewd behaviour. It
0:18:06 > 0:18:10is extraordinary to me, Mr Speaker, in the 21st century, allegations of
0:18:10 > 0:18:16this kind are still emerging. Women have the right to feel safe wherever
0:18:16 > 0:18:20they work. And allegations of this type of behaviour are completely
0:18:20 > 0:18:28unacceptable.What happened was women were bought as bait for men
0:18:28 > 0:18:33who were rich man, not a mile from where we stand, as if that is an
0:18:33 > 0:18:38acceptable behaviour. It is totally unacceptable.One of the prizes at
0:18:38 > 0:18:44that dinner, was plastic surgery to spice up your wife. It is appalling
0:18:44 > 0:18:51that that continues. We all have our duty to make sure those dinners do
0:18:51 > 0:18:56not happen again.One of the comments you made, we do not know
0:18:56 > 0:19:00where the line should be. This event was billed as the most
0:19:00 > 0:19:08un-politically event of the year, so clearly, they do know where the line
0:19:08 > 0:19:12is, should be. They decided to go past. When we have reports of toll
0:19:12 > 0:19:18it's being monitored and women who are going to it being called out and
0:19:18 > 0:19:23lead back to the ballroom. This is not sexism, this is slavery.
0:19:23 > 0:19:31Organisers choseto make this event. They chose to make them operate
0:19:31 > 0:19:35across the stage. To make them wear black skimpy outfits and specify the
0:19:35 > 0:19:39colour of their underwear. They chose to ask them to drink before
0:19:39 > 0:19:43the event. Does she agree all of the organisers, including the presidents
0:19:43 > 0:19:46club, and all of the private companies, should be investigated
0:19:46 > 0:19:57for breach of the law and breach of the charity.I am in my, the right
0:19:57 > 0:20:06honourable Lady is angry about this, and her reports... Mr Speaker, do I
0:20:06 > 0:20:10look like somebody who is not angry?
0:20:10 > 0:20:12Several MPs asked about the attendance at the event
0:20:12 > 0:20:18of the Children's Minister, Nadhim Zahawi.
0:20:18 > 0:20:24While she has been very loyal to her colleague, who did not stay, or any
0:20:24 > 0:20:29long period of time, it is also reported that the same gentleman
0:20:29 > 0:20:35attended the presidents club on a previous occasion. I have no idea if
0:20:35 > 0:20:38that is true or not. That has been reported. If that is the case,
0:20:38 > 0:20:48should that Minister consider his position?I have no idea whether he
0:20:48 > 0:20:53attended event before, but I do know a senior people have attended it. I
0:20:53 > 0:20:57know that senior politicians from around the House have attended this
0:20:57 > 0:21:03event. Let's hope, let's hope that this debates today draws a line in
0:21:03 > 0:21:13the sand, demonstrates to honourable members to think twice about
0:21:13 > 0:21:20attending any event like this ever again.
0:21:20 > 0:21:21Well.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23number ten said that Nadhim Zahawi had 'attended briefly
0:21:23 > 0:21:25and felt uncomfortable' and left.
0:21:25 > 0:21:26The Mps himself later tweeted: I do unequivocally
0:21:27 > 0:21:28condemn this behaviour.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33I will never attend a men only function ever.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35What's been happening in the wider world of politics this week?
0:21:35 > 0:21:45Here's Duncan Smith with our countdown.
0:21:50 > 0:21:57Yum at all smiles. She says his shoulder to shoulder. Either way, it
0:21:57 > 0:22:01sounds like Donald Trump putt plan to the UK is back on. Meanwhile, in
0:22:01 > 0:22:10a chamber far far away.I am sure is a film we have all watched, be
0:22:10 > 0:22:15careful not to choke on your aspirations.Does he agree, that the
0:22:15 > 0:22:25views of membership of the industry, not excuses.The point he makes is a
0:22:25 > 0:22:38good one.They protest a speech by the US vice president Mike pence. He
0:22:38 > 0:22:41said the embassy will move to Jerusalem by the end of next year.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46Awkward exchanges in the warehouses, conservative peers by for the be
0:22:46 > 0:23:03next to speak.Lord Tebbit Wednesday. And no, no, no.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Counsellors reject the plans for this Margaret Thatcher statue in
0:23:06 > 0:23:11Parliament Square. They say her Lord robes do not reflect her times as
0:23:11 > 0:23:22PM, and they worry about vandalism.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31David Davis has made his first Commons Committee
0:23:31 > 0:23:34appearance of the year, coming before the MPs who are trying
0:23:34 > 0:23:35to keep tabs on Brexit.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37There was much discussion of the proposed transition phase,
0:23:37 > 0:23:39the period immediately following our withdrawal
0:23:39 > 0:23:40in March next year.
0:23:40 > 0:23:41A Conservative eurosceptic, Jacob Rees-Mogg, raised
0:23:41 > 0:23:44the issue of the ECJ, the European Court of Justice:
0:23:44 > 0:23:51David Davis.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55The UK is subject to the European hollow justice, to its new rules
0:23:55 > 0:23:58relating to the single market. And is paying into the European budget.
0:23:58 > 0:24:12Are we not vassal state?Know we are not. Not today.We have a
0:24:12 > 0:24:21representative on the board of justice.As I said earlier, my
0:24:21 > 0:24:24colleagues, I take the view that the transition is a little different. If
0:24:24 > 0:24:29that were going to be the case, in perpetuity, my answer would probably
0:24:29 > 0:24:36be yes, but the answer for sure time is no.Isn't this a very serious. It
0:24:36 > 0:24:40is hard to think of any president in the world where an independent
0:24:40 > 0:24:44nation has taken the judgements of a foreign court as its superior law
0:24:44 > 0:24:49without having any judge on that? You are right. You are talking about
0:24:49 > 0:24:55something which we are currently negotiating. We have not decided how
0:24:55 > 0:24:59we are going to manage those elements. Or indeed the agencies and
0:24:59 > 0:25:06so on.In your earlier answers, the European Court of Justice. What you
0:25:06 > 0:25:16by except jurisdiction with Mac exactly that. Young we are vassal
0:25:16 > 0:25:23state for the two-year period. I did not say that at all. We are
0:25:23 > 0:25:27transitioning from one state to another. From one state to another.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30I do not think vassal state.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33And that's it from us for now, but do join Keith Macdougall on BBC
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Parliament on Monday night at 11 for a full round up
0:25:36 > 0:25:38of the day at Westminster, as the Lords gear up
0:25:38 > 0:25:40to begin their first big debate on the EU
0:25:40 > 0:25:46Withdrawal bill on Tuesday.
0:25:46 > 0:25:56But for now, from me, goodbye.