Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
Free prescriptions for those with a long term and/or chronic condition.
Gov Responded - 2 Mar 2022 Debated on - 11 Mar 2024 View Christina Rees's petition debate contributionsExtend the criteria for medical exemption certificates. The MedEx criteria should include chronic illnesses as acknowledged by the NHS. This includes but is not limited to MS, PCOS, endometriosis, IBD, POTS, depression, anxiety and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.
Stop the implementation of betting affordability/financial risk checks
We want the Government to abandon the planned implementation of affordability checks for some people who want to place a bet. We believe such checks – which could include assessing whether people are ‘at risk of harm' based on their postcode or job title – are inappropriate and discriminatory.
Reform the Grocery Supply Code of Practice to better protect farmers
Gov Responded - 27 Nov 2023 Debated on - 22 Jan 2024 View Christina Rees's petition debate contributionsWe want the Government to amend the Grocery Supply Code of Practice (GSCP) to require retailers, without exception, to:
- Buy what they agreed to buy
- Pay what they agreed to pay
- Pay on time
We believe the current GSCP is inadequate and doesn't protect farmers from unfair behaviour.
Repeal the current Dangerous Dogs Act and replace with new framework
Gov Responded - 24 Jan 2023 Debated on - 27 Nov 2023 View Christina Rees's petition debate contributionsWe want the Government to repeal the Dangerous Dogs Act and replace it with legislation that focuses on early intervention to prevent dog bites and tackle dog-related issues regardless of breed or type, based solely on their behaviour.
Bad owners are to blame not the breed - don't ban the XL bully
Gov Responded - 23 Nov 2023 Debated on - 27 Nov 2023 View Christina Rees's petition debate contributions
I believe that the XL bully is a kind, beautiful natured breed that loves children and people in general, and are very loyal and loving pets.
Find the time to take the Kept Animals Bill through Parliament and make it law
Gov Responded - 12 Aug 2022 Debated on - 5 Dec 2022 View Christina Rees's petition debate contributionsHundreds of thousands of people signed numerous petitions calling for actions that the Government has included in the Kept Animals Bill. The Government should urgently find time to allow the Bill to complete its journey through Parliament and become law.
Repeal Breed Specific Legislation
Gov Responded - 13 Jan 2022 Debated on - 6 Jun 2022 View Christina Rees's petition debate contributionsThe Government should repeal breed specific provisions in dangerous dogs legislation. We believe these provisions are a flawed approach to public safety and an ethical failing with regards to animal welfare.
Ban greyhound racing to end unnecessary deaths & suffering of racing dogs
Gov Responded - 26 Nov 2020 Debated on - 28 Mar 2022 View Christina Rees's petition debate contributionsThe Government must introduce legislation to abolish greyhound racing, via managed shutdown of activities, and ensure welfare of redundant dogs through a levy on the industry. In 2019 Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) data confirmed 4970 injuries & 710 deaths (14 per week).
Tom’s Law - Give police the power to suspend driving licences
Gov Responded - 11 Feb 2021 Debated on - 10 Jan 2022 View Christina Rees's petition debate contributionsWe want Police Officers to be able to provide a suspension notice from the moment an offender is caught drink, drug or dangerous driving until they appear in court. It would then be for the Judge to decide whether a ban continues or they are able to continue to drive again.
#Reggieslaw - Regulate online animal sales
Gov Responded - 1 Jul 2021 Debated on - 13 Dec 2021 View Christina Rees's petition debate contributionsGiven how many animals are sold online, we want Government to introduce regulation of all websites where animals are sold. Websites should be required to verify the identity of all sellers, and for young animals for sale pictures with their parents be posted with all listings.
Tougher sentences for hit and run drivers who cause death
Gov Responded - 28 Aug 2020 Debated on - 15 Nov 2021 View Christina Rees's petition debate contributionsThe maximum penalty for failure to stop after an incident is points and a 6-month custodial sentence. Causing death by careless/dangerous driving is between 5-14 yrs. The sentence for failing to stop after a fatal collision must be increased.
Ryan's Law: Widen definition of 'death by dangerous driving'
Gov Responded - 24 Mar 2021 Debated on - 15 Nov 2021 View Christina Rees's petition debate contributionsThe offence of causing 'death by dangerous driving' should be widened to include: failure to stop, call 999 and render aid on scene until further help arrives.
Enforce the “50+1” Rule for professional football club ownership in the UK
Gov Responded - 24 May 2021 Debated on - 14 Jun 2021 View Christina Rees's petition debate contributionsBring in a law which enforces professional football clubs to have at least 51% fan ownership similar to how the Bundesliga operates this rule.
Introduce an Independent Regulator for Football in England by December 2021
Gov Responded - 7 Jun 2021 Debated on - 14 Jun 2021 View Christina Rees's petition debate contributionsThe Government should use the recently established fan led review of football to introduce an Independent Football Regulator in England to put fans back at the heart of our national game. This should happen by December 2021.
These initiatives were driven by Christina Rees, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
Christina Rees has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Christina Rees has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
A Bill to prohibit the import and export of shark fins and to make provision relating to the removal of fins from sharks.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 29th June 2023 and was enacted into law.
A Bill to make provision about groups of employees at risk of redundancy buying their employing company as a co-operative; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for the creation of mutual guarantee societies, for their membership by small and medium size businesses for the purpose of lending to and by such business and for their operation; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about the recording of the names of the mother of each party to a marriage or civil partnership for registration purposes; to make provision for requiring such information to be displayed on marriage certificates and civil partnership certificates; and for connected purposes.
Social Housing (Emergency Protection of Tenancy Rights) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Helen Hayes (Lab)
Sexual Offences (Sports Coaches) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Tracey Crouch (Con)
Goods and Services of UK Origin Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Gareth Thomas (LAB)
Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017
Sponsor - Kevin Hollinrake (Con)
Mutualisation of the Royal Bank of Scotland Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Gareth Thomas (LAB)
Small and Medium Sized Co-operative Development Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Adrian Bailey (LAB)
The UK Presidency alongside our Operational Partners continue to work tirelessly to support the delivery of an in-person COP26 in Glasgow.
As the Prime Minister announced at the G7, the UK Government has begun work to provide COVID-19 vaccines to accredited COP26 delegates who would be unable to get them otherwise.
I urge all accredited delegates who do not have access to a vaccine to register their interest through the UNFCCC registration portal as soon as possible and no later than 23 July.
As set out in the Autumn Statement, the Government will develop a new approach to consumer protection in energy markets, which will apply from April 2024 onwards.
The Government is committed to work with consumer groups and industry to consider the best approach, including options such as social tariffs, as part of wider retail market reforms.
The Government wants as many homes and small businesses to be able to benefit from smart meters as possible. Therefore, it has taken steps to make smart meters the default metering offer in Great Britain.
This includes obligating energy suppliers, under licence conditions, to take all reasonable steps to install a smart meter where a meter is fitted for the first time or when an existing meter needs to be replaced.
Prepayment customers see particular benefits from smart meters, which enable consumers to top-up remotely and track their balance easily, so they do not unknowingly run out of credit.
Smart meters use radio waves in the home to allow remote readings to be taken from gas and electricity meters. There is no evidence that radio waves produced by smart meters pose a health risk. More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-meters-radio-waves-and-health/smart-meters-radio-waves-and-health.
In respect of 5G, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advice states that there should be no consequences for public health. More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/5g-technologies-radio-waves-and-health/5g-technologies-radio-waves-and-health.
Smart meters use radio waves in the home to allow remote readings to be taken from gas and electricity meters. There is no evidence that radio waves produced by smart meters pose a health risk. More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-meters-radio-waves-and-health/smart-meters-radio-waves-and-health.
In respect of 5G, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advice states that there should be no consequences for public health. More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/5g-technologies-radio-waves-and-health/5g-technologies-radio-waves-and-health.
Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) play a key role in the carbon accounting framework as well as the marketing of green energy products for consumers. Moving towards a net zero system by 2035, it is vital that these benefits can continue to be quantified and therefore any future reviews of net zero should include the role of REGOs as a consideration.
Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.
In England, the holiday activities and food programme provides heathy meals, enriching activities, and free childcare places to children from low-income families. This benefits their heath, wellbeing and learning, and contributes to recovery from COVID-19. This is supported by over £200 million funding each year.
To support people who need additional welfare help, the government is providing an extra £500 million of local support via the Household Support Fund, which is being extended to March 2023. This brings the total amount provided to £1.5 billion since October 2021.
Devolved administrations will receive £79 million through the Barnett formula up to October 2022, and a further £79 million from October 2022 to March 2023.
Schools are responsible for the provision of school meals and may enter individual contracts with suppliers and caterers to meet this duty.
Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.
In England, the holiday activities and food programme provides heathy meals, enriching activities, and free childcare places to children from low-income families. This benefits their heath, wellbeing and learning, and contributes to recovery from COVID-19. This is supported by over £200 million funding each year.
To support people who need additional welfare help, the government is providing an extra £500 million of local support via the Household Support Fund, which is being extended to March 2023. This brings the total amount provided to £1.5 billion since October 2021.
Devolved administrations will receive £79 million through the Barnett formula up to October 2022, and a further £79 million from October 2022 to March 2023.
Schools are responsible for the provision of school meals and may enter individual contracts with suppliers and caterers to meet this duty.
Defra is conducting analysis of its Retained EU Law stock to determine what should be preserved as part of domestic law, as well as REUL that should be removed, or amended. A list of regulations to be revoked or allowed to sunset, through the REUL Bill will be published in due course.
I refer the Hon and Rt Hon Members to the answer I gave on 13 December 2022 to Question UIN 106507.
The Department does not directly decide the locations from which specialised services are provided on the National Health Service. NHS England is responsible for commissioning services which are prescribed as specialised services in legislation to meet the health needs of people across England. Other medical services are commissioned by one of 42 integrated care boards, or if relevant, by local authorities, for their relevant populations across England.
The requirements for the information which must appear on medicines labelling is set out in Part 13 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. The primary purpose of the label is to unambiguously identify the medicine and to convey warnings in relation to safe and effective use of the product. There is no legal requirement for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to state whether a particular medicine contains animal-derived ingredients, as this does not convey warnings on the safety of the medicine.
However, the legislation allows for the inclusion of a statement such as ‘suitable for vegetarians/vegans’ where a company can provide evidence to demonstrate that no products of animal origin have been used in the manufacture of the ingredients or the medicine. Where a company proposes to include such a statement on the labelling or in the patient information leaflet, the Medicines and Healthcare products regulatory Agency will evaluate the evidence to determine the validity. Medicines are developed to treat or prevent particular medical conditions or symptoms and are licensed on the basis of quality, safety and efficacy. Although there are many medicines free from animal derived materials, no animal-free treatment options exist as the active ingredient cannot be made synthetically or animal derived materials are necessary for the formulation or manufacture of the product. As technology advances, we expect that more non-animal materials will become available.
The requirements for the information which must appear on medicines labelling is set out in Part 13 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. The primary purpose of the label is to unambiguously identify the medicine and to convey warnings in relation to safe and effective use of the product. There is no legal requirement for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to state whether a particular medicine contains animal-derived ingredients, as this does not convey warnings on the safety of the medicine.
However, the legislation allows for the inclusion of a statement such as ‘suitable for vegetarians/vegans’ where a company can provide evidence to demonstrate that no products of animal origin have been used in the manufacture of the ingredients or the medicine. Where a company proposes to include such a statement on the labelling or in the patient information leaflet, the Medicines and Healthcare products regulatory Agency will evaluate the evidence to determine the validity. Medicines are developed to treat or prevent particular medical conditions or symptoms and are licensed on the basis of quality, safety and efficacy. Although there are many medicines free from animal derived materials, no animal-free treatment options exist as the active ingredient cannot be made synthetically or animal derived materials are necessary for the formulation or manufacture of the product. As technology advances, we expect that more non-animal materials will become available.
The Department commissions research on non-ionising radiation through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the UK Health Security Agency. While the NIHR is not currently supporting specific research on electromagnetic hypersensitivity, it continues to fund research on the health effects of non-ionising radiation, including wireless networks. This includes COSMOS, the ongoing international study of mobile phone use and health in adults; and SCAMP, the study of behaviour and health effects of mobile phone use in adolescents at Imperial College London.
The NHS Business Services Authority is leading the work to digitise the Healthy Start scheme, on behalf of Department, to make it easier for families to apply for, receive and use Healthy Start benefits.
The NHS Business Services Authority is running a private pilot in Tower Hamlets. This group will be the first to transition to digital pre-paid cards.
The NHS Business Services Authority are leading the work to digitise the Healthy Start scheme on behalf of the Department to facilitate families to apply for, receive and use Healthy Start benefits. The NHS Business Service Authority will provide all new users applying to the digital scheme and all existing users every opportunity to transition to pre-paid cards by 31 October 2021.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) identified that the vaccination of frontline healthcare workers should be a priority for the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Frontline staff are at high risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection but also of transmitting that infection to multiple persons who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 as well as to other staff in a healthcare environment.
Funeral operatives have been prioritised for vaccination in cohort two and staff will be eligible for prioritisation if they carry out functions which require them to have contact with multiple vulnerable patients in a healthcare setting and at a high risk of exposure to COVID-19.
To support the delivery of objectives set out in the ‘UK’s 20-year vision for Antimicrobial Resistance’ and five-year national action plan, NHS England and NHS Improvement have specifically committed to development of and access to diagnostics in relation to infections. This commitment includes:
- supporting the establishment of the Accelerated Access Collaborative and Pathway and ensure its work can support antimicrobials and diagnostics;
- preparing a two to five-year urgent diagnostics priority list and use Target Product Profiles for research and development;
- introducing incentives to develop and evaluate rapid diagnostics;
- streamlining the regulation processes to help get new diagnostics through as quickly as possible, including developing evidence-based guidance for using tests, and;
- working with National Health Service partners and industry to tackle barriers to new innovations being adopted in the NHS, building on the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy and the response to the Accelerated Access Review.
Since 2014, the Government has invested over £360 million in antimicrobial resistance research and development, including funding to support the development of diagnostics for infection. In order to support the work in delivering upon objectives set out in both the ‘UK’s 20-year vision for Antimicrobial Resistance’ and five-year national action plan, NHS England and NHS Improvement has laid out human health-related commitments specifically regarding the development of and access to diagnostics in relation to infections.
Professor Sir Mike Richards was commissioned to undertake a review of diagnostics capacity (NHS Long Term Plan, 3.55). The report, ‘Diagnostics: recovery and renewal’, was discussed at the NHS England and NHS Improvement public Board meeting on 1 October 2020. The report was published with the Board papers and is available at the following link:
The United Kingdom’s five-year national action plan for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) takes a holistic and comprehensive approach across humans, animals, agriculture, the environment and food.
The national action plan includes a strengthened focus on infection prevention and control, with commitments to cut the number of resistant infections by 10% by 2025 and to halve levels of healthcare associated Gram-negative blood stream infections by 2023-2024.
It is critical that our work on sepsis and AMR is closely aligned. Sepsis forms an important part of NHS England and NHS Improvement’s AMR Programme, which continues to drive improvements in the prevention and management of infections and optimal antimicrobial use.
Lord Bethell of Romford is the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for health protection and antimicrobial resistance. Infection prevention and control measures, healthcare associated infections, and use of antimicrobials are covered within this remit.
The FCDO has regularly lobbied the Government of India (GoI) to improve visa services for British Citizens and will continue to update Travel Advice on GOV.UK with the latest information. Most recently, the Foreign Secretary raised the lack of e-visas for British Citizens with the Indian External Affairs Minister during his visit to India on 29 October. Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon also raised it with the Indian High Commissioner on 25 October. We will continue to press India to re-introduce e-visas for British Citizens.
Those who meet all eligibility and specified evidential requirements of the Family Immigration Rules, will be granted on a five-year route to settlement (granted in two periods of 30 months, with a third application for indefinite leave to remain). Those who cannot or do not meet these requirements, or seek to rely on their private life, will instead have a longer route to settlement: 10 years (granted in four periods of 30 months, with a fifth application for indefinite leave to remain). This reflects our obligations under Article 8 of the ECHR.
The 10 year route, provides additional time for those applicants to better integrate into British society by being able to achieve an appropriate knowledge of the English language which, in turn, will enable them to obtain employment and take a full and active part in their community.
We are in the process of simplifying the immigration system, including the ten-year routes to settlement. As part of this simplification the impact of existing policies will be taken into account
The right to stay indefinitely is one of the most valuable entitlements offered for those seeking to enter or remain in the UK, and it is right that the fee should be higher than most for migrants staying temporarily in the UK.
A grant of indefinite leave to remain is not necessary to enable people to remain in the UK on the basis of their Article 8 or other ECHR rights, as these can be met through a grant of limited leave to remain. The provision of an affordability-based waiver for limited leave on family and private life routes allows an individual or family to remain here lawfully, and to then apply for settlement and pay the fee when the funds become available. As such, there are no plans to waive the fee for indefinite leave to remain.
We do not currently hold any information regarding the proportion of these people who might have limited leave to remain in the UK and are consequently awaiting a decision on a visa extension application are on the ten-year route to settlement.
UK Visas and Immigration are currently operating within their global customer service standards across all of the main legal migration routes for customers who make an entry clearance application from overseas and for applications made inside the UK.
Details of current performance against these customer service standards are updated regularly and can be found at:
Visa decision waiting times: applications outside the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)(opens in a new tab).
Visa decision waiting times: applications inside the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
The Government is committed to continuously strengthening our approach to modern slavery and building on the world-leading legislation introduced in the Modern Slavery Act 2015. In 2018, the Home Office commissioned an Independent Review of the Modern Slavery Act to understand where the Act has worked well and where it could be more effective.
As part of its response, the Home Office conducted a public consultation on potential changes to the Modern Slavery Act’s transparency legislation which included a question on extending requirements to public sector organisations; 98% of respondents responded positively to this question, including 100% of public sector respondents.
The government response to the Transparency in Supply Chains consultation announced that we will introduce legislation to require public sector organisations with a budget of £36 million or more to report on how they prevent and address modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chain. As announced in the Queens Speech, we intend to bring this measure forward in the forthcoming Modern Slavery Bill.
Many public sector organisations are already publishing modern slavery statements voluntarily, but this new duty will ensure parity between private and public sector organisations.
Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 established the UK as the first country in the world to require businesses to report annually on steps taken to prevent modern slavery in their operations and supply chains.
Compliance with section 54 is high. In 2019, the Home Office contracted the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) to undertake an audit of compliance with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The audit was concluded in January 2020 with data accurate up to this point. The high-level findings of this audit were published on 17 September 2020 in the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s annual report (available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-anti-slavery-commissioners-annual-report-2019-to-2020).
To further drive compliance with section 54, the Government response to the Transparency in Supply Chains consultation, published on 22 September 2020, committed to taking forwards an ambitious package of measures to strengthen the Act’s transparency legislation, including:
The Government has also committed to introduce financial penalties for organisations who fail to meet their statutory obligations to publish annual modern slavery statements. These measures require primary legislation and, as announced in the Queen’s Speech, we intend to legislate in the forthcoming Modern Slavery Bill.
In addition, in March 2021, the Government launched the modern slavery statement registry to radically enhance transparency by bringing together modern slavery statements on a single platform. The registry will provide a key tool for Government and others to monitor and drive compliance with section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. We have been encouraged by use of the registry. Since launch, over 8,300 modern slavery statements covering over 27,800 organisations have been submitted on a voluntary basis.
The landmark transparency provisions contained in section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 made the UK the first country in the world to require businesses with a turnover of £36m or more to report annually on the steps they have taken to prevent modern slavery in their operations and supply chains.
To enhance the impact of transparency and accelerate action to prevent modern slavery, the Government committed to strengthening the reporting requirements contained in section 54 and introduce new measures including financial penalties for organisations that fail to meet their statutory obligation to publish modern slavery statements.
These measures require primary legislation and we intend to legislate in the forthcoming Modern Slavery Bill.
As announced at last year’s spending review, the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) will receive up to £30 million for a new, world-class rail technology and innovation centre.
Funding for GCRE will be released at the appropriate times between 2022-23 and 2023-24, as agreed between the UK Government, the Welsh Government and GCRE.