House of Commons
Oral Answers to Questions
(1 day, 9 hours ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
The Government are highly committed to increasing physical activity for young people, which is why we are reforming the PE and school sports partnerships, strengthening links between schools, clubs and local communities, and investing in grassroots facilities. If I may say so, my hon. Friend is an outstanding advocate on this issue and an example of the amazing contribution that people can make throughout their lifetimes through sport. As an umpire for Wimbledon and someone who still plays tennis for her county, she is a shining example of what can be achieved through sport.
Rachel Taylor
I thank my right hon. Friend for her kind words. At the recent Warwickshire youth conference, young people spoke to me about the challenges they face in finding work, from poor mental health to lack of confidence. Grassroots sport can help to break that cycle by building resilience and giving young people the skills to succeed. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that sport plays a greater role in tackling the number of young people not in education, employment or training?
Lisa Nandy
My hon. Friend will know that this Government co-produced with young people the national youth strategy, which we published last year. In that strategy we set out a commitment that all young people in this country should have somewhere to go, something to do and someone who cares. We are setting about rebuilding youth work and youth services, and putting my Department in the service of young people and that strategy through sports, art and other opportunities for them to live richer, larger lives. Next week we will publish the Milburn review to tackle the 1 million young people who are not in education, employment or training. The Prime Minister believes firmly—and I support him—that that has to include enriching activities for young people from an early age and all the way through their teenage years, so that when they go out looking for work, they have the resilience, confidence and skills to be able to benefit.
Nigel Huddleston (Droitwich and Evesham) (Con)
Reflecting on my time as Sports Minister, one thing that struck me is how much time we spent on the latest drama created by sports or governing bodies, and how little time we spent on promoting physical activity, to the extent that when we had meetings with Sport Ministers from around the world, it was striking that they were often members of a Department of Health, rather than some other body. Does the right hon. Lady agree that there is real merit in much closer co-operation, and perhaps even joint ministerial roles, in promoting physical activity and sports roles, with the added benefit of potential access to greater budgets?
Lisa Nandy
I strongly support what the hon. Gentleman says. Less than half of children are getting the recommended 60 active minutes a day, and we as a Government are really concerned about that. I agree that this has to be a whole-of-Government endeavour. In particular, the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Education and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport need to work together much more closely. I have discussed this issue with the new Health Secretary and the new Education Secretary, but I am very keen to discuss it further with the hon. Gentleman and to get his advice as a former Sport Minister on how we might best achieve that.
Gregory Stafford (Farnham and Bordon) (Con)
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Online Safety (Ian Murray)
Lifting the full potential of our city regions and clusters across the UK is a core objective not just of our modern industrial strategy, but of our plan for growth in every postcode. Place-based funding is helping to ensure that our city regions and high-potential clusters are able to unlock more growth, create more good jobs and continue producing world-class creative content. London is a global creative industries super-cluster, and we are committed to supporting its continued success as one of the 12 priority super-clusters identified in the creative industries sector plan.
Gregory Stafford
My constituent Simon has built a media company in the heart of our creative sector in London, but at a recent surgery he told me that the Culture Secretary’s regional funding drive is destroying the creative industry in London and the south-east. Simon and his business partner employ 25 people, and they pay rent, business rates and service charges on top of their wage bill. We should be supporting this industry, not stripping it. What is the Minister doing to support the creative industries in the south of England?
Ian Murray
I congratulate Simon on setting up his business. It is true that 67% of all creative industries activity happens in London alone, and an extra 18% in the south-east. The region is a super-cluster, and this Government are doing all we can to ensure that we support the industry right across the United Kingdom. The BBC has built hubs across the country, including in Cardiff, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow, and they provide the ecosystem that allows companies to thrive. London will remain one of our super-clusters, and the funding that we are putting into the creative industries goes right across the country.
Dr Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton) (Lab)
To get growth in every postcode, surely we must junk the Tories’ crude anti-London formula that saw the whole of the capital disadvantaged, including Ealing Studios—the home of comedy—and Acton’s Versa Studios, where “Big Brother” is made. Can Ministers start the rebalancing by introducing an unscripted tax credit? It has worked wonders in Ireland, where it is at 20%.
Ian Murray
I do not know whether that was a question to me or a challenge to the hon. Member for Farnham and Bordon (Gregory Stafford), who asked the original question. The Government are fully committed to funding the creative industries wherever they are across the country. The Prime Minister has challenged all of us in the Government to create growth in every postcode, but in order to do so we need creativity in every postcode, because we know that there is talent everywhere, but not opportunity.
Aphra Brandreth (Chester South and Eddisbury) (Con)
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
This Government are more committed than ever to championing women’s sport and inspiring girls to get involved. One of the great pleasures I have had in recent years is being presented with the challenge of a whole generation of girls coming forward to play sports such as football and rugby, inspired by the stunning success of the Lionesses and the Red Roses. That is why we have removed many of the restrictions on what grassroots facilities we are prepared to fund. The one restriction we have put in place is that women and girls must have equal access to priority slots when we invest in grassroots sports facilities. I would be delighted to discuss with the hon. Member what more we can do.
Aphra Brandreth
At Westminster Park in my constituency, girls want to play football and cricket, but there is nowhere suitable for them to change. For the Leopards, Westminster Park’s girls football team, that becomes a real barrier as the girls get older and move up to the adult pitches. Councillor Razia Daniels and I have been campaigning with local residents to get better facilities, and the council has commissioned a feasibility study, but it has no capital budget for this, and without proper funding the girls risk another season without being able to play. I would like to take up the Secretary of State’s offer, so will she meet me to discuss how we can work with the Department to ensure that the council, the Football Foundation and Sport England secure the funding so that no more girls miss out?
Lisa Nandy
I would be very happy to ensure that officials follow up with the hon. Member to resolve that issue. She is right to point to changing facilities as one of the key reasons why girls do not stay involved in sport. We really have pushed hard to ensure that this is a priority for funding from the Football Foundation and others. A number of Members across the House have raised with me as Culture Secretary over the past couple of years the significant challenge of navigating these funding systems and the conditions attached to them. We are looking at how to make it much easier for councils and Members of Parliament to access that funding to solve the local problems that she describes, but I would be very happy to follow this up.
Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney) (Lab)
Will the Secretary of State please join me in thanking the volunteers at Junior Parkrun at Parc Bryn Bach in Tredegar. It has good facilities, but their hard work has doubled the number of girls and boys getting out to run on a Sunday morning. Having said that, research from Sky shows that girls in my constituency still do an hour and 16 minutes less sport each week than boys. Can she give us the wider picture of the steps that she is taking to close that gap and get more girls to be active?
Lisa Nandy
I thank my hon. Friend for his advocacy for Parkrun, which has been one of the real bright spots on the sport landscape in recent years—I am a keen participant in my local Parkrun at Haigh Hall and across the borough. I take this opportunity to congratulate all the volunteers at Junior Parkrun, because without them these amazing events would not happen. He is right to point to the challenges we still have with women and girls’ participation. There is no single solution, but I can assure him that I and my hon. Friend the Minister for Sport are treating this as one of the top priorities in the Department.
Will Stone (Swindon North) (Lab)
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Online Safety (Ian Murray)
I was delighted to see £20 million allocated for a new cultural venue in Swindon via the growth mission fund, thanks to the tenacity of my hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Member for Swindon South (Heidi Alexander). Officials will continue to work on plans for the theatre with the new Conservative council, which I believe is assessing whether it should take this forward. The investment remains subject to a final business case demonstrating the project’s viability and affordability. I welcome this investment in the arts and communities in Swindon, and I thank my hon. Friend for his question.
Will Stone
I thank the Minister for his response. I am actively encouraging the Conservative administration in Swindon to proceed with the plans for a new theatre, following the funding successfully secured by my right hon. Friend the Member for Swindon South (Heidi Alexander) and me. In the interim, we have to think about our beloved Wyvern theatre. Is there any additional support to retrofit existing theatres in the interim?
Ian Murray
There is. We are investing up to £425 million via the creative foundations fund for urgent capital works for not-for-profit cultural venues in England. The funding is already supporting older theatres, such as Scarborough Theatre Trust and Northampton Theatres Trust. I understand that Wyvern theatre’s activities involve Swindon borough council, a commercial operator and a charitable programme via Reach Inclusive Arts. I encourage local partners to discuss capital pressures with Arts Council England and my hon. Friend. I am sure that the Arts Minister would be delighted to meet him and his colleague, my right hon. Friend the Member for Swindon South (Heidi Alexander), to discuss that further.
Sarah Bool (South Northamptonshire) (Con)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
Our listed buildings stand at the heart of our communities, and we are investing in heritage across the country with £230 million by 2030 to support listed buildings across England. That includes £75 million through the heritage at risk capital fund to support the repair and conservation of buildings at risk, and £92 million through the places of worship renewal fund for urgent repairs that keep buildings in use.
Sarah Bool
Many churches relied on the listed places of worship grant scheme to reclaim VAT paid on essential repairs and maintenance. The Government say that the new places of worship renewal fund will be targeted at areas with the greatest disadvantage and need. Can the Minister clarify the metrics being used and reassure my constituents that rural churches in areas such as South Northamptonshire will not be overlooked?
Stephanie Peacock
I am grateful to the hon. Lady and I appreciate that she is a huge champion for her local community, which has a rich heritage. The reality is that, under the previous scheme, 80% of those who got funding said that they would have done it anyway, so it was hugely under-targeted. The reality was also that more deprived areas simply could not raise the capital needed in the first place to qualify for the VAT rebate. Our places of worship renewal fund targets those places with the greatest levels of both deprivation and need.
Tom Rutland (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Lab)
Listed places of worship, such as St Mary de Haura in Shoreham, are not just places to pray; they are at the beating heart of our community. Following the listed places of worship grant scheme closing and being replaced by the more competitive and VAT-included places of worship renewal fund, my constituents are concerned about their ability to repair and maintain their places of worship. Will the Minister tell the House how the Government intend to ensure that our places of worship can continue to serve our communities long into the future?
Stephanie Peacock
My hon. Friend is right to point out how important they are to local communities. We have the places of worship renewal fund, which I have just spoken about. In addition, the Government have made available £230 million for heritage. Further, we have the National Lottery Heritage Fund and I also encourage him to engage with the Church of England.
Dr Luke Evans (Hinckley and Bosworth) (Con)
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
The Independent Football Regulator is empowering fans and protecting clubs from unsuitable owners. In the 12 months since we appointed the football regulator, he has published the “State of the Game” report, which is an unprecedented assessment of football finances, and the biggest ever undertaken. He is involved in highly complex negotiations across the football pyramid. He has also been involved in meeting fans from a number of clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday and Morecambe, when problems have arisen.
Dr Evans
The Labour donor and chair of the Independent Football Regulator has said that if Manchester City were to sue the regulator, the regulator would need to come to the Government to get more money. Given the interest that the Prime Minister has specified about Man City and his opinion on that, how much money have the Government put aside just in case Man City sue the regulator?
Lisa Nandy
We have been clear from the outset that these are very serious allegations. Manchester City must have the right to a fair process, because it strongly refutes the allegations, but that is a matter for the Premier League. Its independent body will come to a determination about that—at which point, if the allegations are upheld, we will obviously all want to see action taken—but the process has to be allowed to run its course. I would just gently say to the hon. Gentleman that I am old enough to remember when he was putting out press releases welcoming the Independent Football Regulator, at a time when his Government were in power and intended to proceed with it, and when his Government had put the football regulator we later appointed on to the long list. If he thinks he is such a crony, he needs to ask why his Government decided to put him on the long list for the appointment in the first place.
Mr Bayo Alaba (Southend East and Rochford) (Ind)
Thanks to research by organisations such as the Black Footballers’ Partnership, we know that while roughly 43% of players in the English premier league are black, black people hold just 1.6% of executive and leadership positions in British football. Will the Minister agree to meet me and the Black Footballers’ Partnership to discuss how the Government can support football in closing this outdated gap?
Lisa Nandy
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue, which I think in the two years I have been Culture Secretary has not been raised directly with me in the House. He is absolutely right to say that that must change. The Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley South (Stephanie Peacock), and I have done a lot of work with football and other sports to ensure that women are in positions of responsibility within clubs and organisations. I would be more than happy to meet him to discuss what we can do to right this historical wrong.
Mr Louie French (Old Bexley and Sidcup) (Con)
I refer Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests and my ongoing engagement with the culture, media and sport sectors as a shadow Minister. In addition to this Labour Government’s tax increases on sport, we recently learnt that their new football regulator has already spent double what the Government promised it would cost clubs and fans. When challenged on that, the chief executive of the football regulator argued that he did not agree with the Government’s forecasts, with only £1 million set aside to repay £45 million of set-up costs. That leaves £44 million unaccounted for. When should taxpayers expect their money back, and does the Secretary of State believe that the football regulator is operating to the light-touch mandate it was given by Parliament?
Lisa Nandy
Yes, I do. I strongly welcome the work that the Independent Football Regulator is doing, but that is less important than the fact that fans across the country strongly welcome the work that it is doing. The “State of the Game” report was a stark wake-up call to the whole of football. As the former Sports Minister, Dame Tracey Crouch, said when she established the regulator from the fan-led review, if we do not look after the foundations of football, then we will lose one of the things that brings joy to millions of people and is one of the UK’s greatest exports. It is right that we ask football to fund the regulator, it is right that we take action to ensure that there is fair financial flow through the game, and it is right that we set it up on an independent basis with a light-touch approach to ensure that we preserve the joy of football for generations to come.
Mr French
The other part of my question was about the £44 million that is currently unaccounted for. If the football regulator was to charge clubs on a £1 million basis over 10 years, that would equate to £10 million, which still leaves £35 million unaccounted for. Is the Secretary of State saying that football clubs should expect bigger bills next year, and how does she believe that will help make them more financially resilient?
Lisa Nandy
The shadow Minister has consistently stood at the Dispatch Box and challenged me and the Minister for Sport on ensuring that the football regulator is independent. We believe in that independence. The football regulator has offered him many meetings to discuss the various issues that he has raised in this House, and I am sure that it would be happy to meet to discuss funding.
Jayne Kirkham (Truro and Falmouth) (Lab/Co-op)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
Through our Arts Everywhere programme, we are investing £1.5 billion into culture and heritage infrastructure in places with the greatest need. That includes funding the Art Centre Penryn in my hon. Friend’s constituency, which was awarded project development grants through the heritage revival fund.
Jayne Kirkham
Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery is essentially the national museum for Cornwall. While £7 out of £8 of DCMS’s museum funding goes to our 15 national museums, which are free to enter, the Cornwall museum charges a fee, does not get funding from the local authority any more and, as it is trustee run, is not eligible for many funding streams. What options are there for the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro to close that funding gap?
Stephanie Peacock
I thank my hon. Friend for her advocacy on that issue. As an Arts Council England accredited museum, Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery is eligible to apply for the museum estate and development fund, which provides capital funding for urgent repairs and infrastructure maintenance. For other funding opportunities, the museum could also explore Arts Council and national lottery project grants and support from philanthropic organisations.
Priti Patel (Witham) (Con)
Essex and the Witham constituency have a range of fantastic heritage houses, museums and venues for people to visit. It will come as no surprise to the Minister and the Front Bench team that those venues are struggling because of increases in employment taxes and some of the other burdens they are now facing. Has the Department done a cumulative impact assessment on what that means for the sustainability of some of those big cultural heritage sites, and what more can the Government do to assist them?
Stephanie Peacock
The right hon. Member is a strong advocate for her constituency. This Government are investing in heritage across the country, with £230 million committed by 2030. I am sure the Minister for Heritage would be delighted to discuss it with her further.
Josh Babarinde (Eastbourne) (LD)
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Online Safety (Ian Murray)
Before I answer the question, I say to the hon. Gentleman that we stand fully with him after recent incidents online, with him having received tens of thousands of disgusting messages and death threats. This Government and everyone else in this House—maybe with the exception of a few Members of Parliament —take a zero-tolerance approach to racism and those kinds of threats. We stand with the hon. Gentleman.
Local journalism is vital to society and democracy, including titles such as the Eastbourne Herald and the Eastbourne Reporter in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency. We published the local media action plan to help the sector adjust and thrive in the digital age. Our actions include a local news fund with up to £12 million, a campaign to inspire the next generation of journalists and readers, and an updated plan for journalists’ safety, both here and abroad.
Josh Babarinde
I thank the Minister for his comments. It should not be controversial to say that you do not have to be white to be English. [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear.”] Much of social media has become a cesspit of abuse and disinformation, but local journalism can be an antidote to such poison. Local journalism in Eastbourne is thriving, with the likes of Adam and Ivana recently joining the Eastbourne Herald and Paul Gibson’s Eastbourne News expanding, too. Will the Minister tell us a little more about what he can do to support local journalism in the fight against disinformation and misinformation?
Ian Murray
We have the local news fund and the local news strategy. This is an issue right across the country, and we need to ensure that we have a thriving local journalistic community so that we can get those stories to people and so that the news is trusted and trustworthy. The BBC obviously plays a key role in that, and the BBC charter process is investigating how it can support that infrastructure and ecosystem across the country. I would be very happy to work with the hon. Gentleman in sharing his experience to see what we can do to help his local area and areas across all regions across the country. I want to emphasise from the Dispatch Box, too, that you do not have to be white to be English—the hon. Gentleman is right to say that—although you do have to be tight to be Scottish. [Laughter.]
Chris Vince (Harlow) (Lab/Co-op)
From Scotland to Harlow, Mr Speaker. Online news sites like Your Harlow, which has provided thousands of news articles to Harlow residents across the years, rely on people visiting their site for advertising revenue, but there is a danger posed by AI summaries, particularly when some of those summaries are wrong. What thought has the Minister given to the impact of AI summaries on local news sources like Your Harlow?
Ian Murray
The Government are actively looking at this issue, because we know from experience—we always use the Southport example—that when there are incidents or crisis moments across the country, people turn to their local news outlets and the BBC to find the truth because they are sceptical of what they are reading. In the meantime, anyone who is reading these AI summaries online should double-check with their local newspapers and the sources they are given to ensure that that information is true. What happens, of course, is the old adage: a lie is halfway around the world before the truth has got its boots on. That happens much faster now with social media. I am delighted that my hon. Friend has broken his habit in the House by at least mentioning Harlow in his question.
James Wild (North West Norfolk) (Con)
Vibrant local news is essential to our democracy, but plans for the Government or a state quango to pick what is a source of trustworthy news content and is prioritised over other publishers risk undermining that sector. Does the Minister agree that the approach of picking winners, with the state deciding what can be trusted, is a dangerous course and should be abandoned?
Ian Murray
I disagree with the hon. Gentleman on this basis: the media Green Paper to which I think he is referring is trying to deal with the issue of misinformation and disinformation and to answer the exam question posed by the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Josh Babarinde) about how we promote the local trustworthy news that the public are crying out for and have a massive thirst for. It is an ecosystem that we have to try to support. The Green Paper is rightly posing these questions, and we will have the answers for the White Paper shortly.
James Wild
The Minister has not given an answer and has declined to rule out going ahead with the proposals in the Green Paper for the state or a quango to decide what is trustworthy news. Will he at least rule out that only news publishers that sign up to an approved regulator under the press recognition system could qualify?
Ian Murray
These are questions that have been asked in the Green Paper. The White Paper will be published soon, and I am not going to pre-empt it at this Dispatch Box. The hon. Gentleman will just have to contain himself until then. The big, fundamental issue here is how we deal with the misinformation and disinformation in this country that is undermining our democracy and society and doing the kinds of things that have been experienced by the hon. Member for Eastbourne. Those are the kinds of questions the Green Paper is trying to address. It is in all our interests—the interests of every Member in this House—to get misinformation and disinformation out of our ecosystem so that we can have a thriving democracy and thriving communities.
Liz Twist (Blaydon and Consett) (Lab)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Vicky Foxcroft)
I thank my hon. Friend for her support for volunteers who strengthen communities like Blaydon and Consett, and I pay tribute to her first-hand experience as a Samaritan. This year we provided £300,000 for the Big Help Out, promoting nearly 5 million volunteering opportunities across the country. We extended the know your neighbourhood fund, providing an additional £4.5 million to voluntary organisations. We also worked with the Open Data Institute and civil society partners to create a simpler system for advertising opportunities across a range of platforms.
Liz Twist
In two weeks’ time, I will hold my annual red kite awards, ensuring that volunteers in Blaydon and Consett know the value of their work—they go above and beyond to help save lives and support whole communities. But for many voluntary organisations rising costs and reduced funding are making that good work ever more difficult. What steps are the Government taking to support voluntary groups and ensure that they are able to continue that vital support?
Vicky Foxcroft
First, I congratulate my hon. Friend on all the work she does to ensure that the red kite awards take place. This Government are backing a strong and sustainable voluntary sector, as outlined in the civil society covenant, through VAT reliefs on donated goods, updating charity thresholds, which will save £47 million annually, and the £2 million better commissioning pathways programme. We are supporting voluntary organisations to build resilience and deliver vital support.
Tom Gordon (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (LD)
This year, Harrogate International Festivals is celebrating its 60th anniversary. It relies on a small army of volunteers to make it happen, with the fantastic leadership of Sharon Canavar as chief executive and Fiona Movley as chair of the board. Increasingly, arts festivals like Harrogate International Festivals are coming under strain, and we need to do more to make sure that we recruit the next generation of volunteers so that it is there for the future. Will the Minister meet me to discuss what more we can do to ensure that the festivals have another 60 years and beyond?
Vicky Foxcroft
I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on all the work he is doing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of his local festivals. I would be more than happy to meet with him to discuss it further.
Tom Collins (Worcester) (Lab)
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Online Safety (Ian Murray)
Keeping children safe online is a top priority for this Department and the Government. That is why we are taking urgent steps to clean up our online spaces, including by raising the age limit for social media to 16, dealing with the risks of children livestreaming themselves, stopping unknown adults from communicating with children through online services, including gaming, and switching off harmful features for 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds. We will also prevent under-18s from accessing chatbots that offer sexualised content. I look forward to working with my hon. Friend to continue these discussions.
Tom Collins
I am grateful to the Minister for his Department’s open initial response to the product approach, which would see digital products required to meet safety standards, just like every other product marketed in the UK. The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade has asked the Law Commission to look at this approach from a product liability perspective, and they are consulting on that now. Will the Minister and the Secretary of State work with their counterparts in that Department to explore treating digital products as products under the law?
Ian Murray
I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. He has recently launched a white paper on digital product safety, arguing that platforms, AI and social media should be subject to the same rigorous product safety frameworks as physical goods to protect the public without stifling innovation, and it looks at this from a hazards perspective rather than a harms perspective. It is an incredibly interesting piece of work. It is something that we are actively looking at, and platforms and social media companies should be looking at it to ensure that their products are safe by design for children.
Monica Harding (Esher and Walton) (LD)
Last week, analysis carried out by 17 expert organisations found that platforms are failing to protect women and girls online. This comes three years after the Online Safety Act and one year after Ofcom published its guidance. Does the Minister agree that this lack of action is unacceptable, and will the Government move quickly to strengthen the Act to better protect women and girls?
Ian Murray
I agree with the hon. Lady. Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority for the Government. We wish to halve violence against women and girls by the end of this Parliament. Platforms are not doing their duty in making sure that these harms are removed. We are talking about and majoring on tackling harms for children at the moment, but we are trying to create a better online experience for everyone in society, whether they are children or not.
Anna Sabine (Frome and East Somerset) (LD)
The Government are rightly trying to protect children’s safety online, but AI smart glasses risk undermining some of those protections. Children and adults, particularly women, are being filmed without their consent and the footage is being posted online and used to train AI. In the Westminster Hall debate I secured last week, the Minister for Safeguarding said that the Government are looking at options to restrict the use of smart glasses. Will the Minister for Online Safety confirm what measures are being explored and when they will be laid before this House?
Ian Murray
Through the course of the consultation with Members, society and the industry on the under-16 social media ban, a lot of issues have arisen across the age ranges regarding smart glasses and some of the harms of new technologies. We are actively looking at what needs to be done in that area, particularly with smart glasses. It is a security issue and a safety issue; indeed, it is a consent issue. Smart glasses should not be any different from any other issues regarding people’s consent for using their images online and what is being done with those images.
Rebecca Smith (South West Devon) (Con)
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
When I was appointed as Culture Secretary two and a half years ago, I was horrified to receive a letter from a Member of this House concerning the case of her constituent who had had his film pulled from a prominent arts venue simply because he was Jewish. In response to that, we set up a group convened jointly by Lord John Mann and Phil Rosenberg of the Board of Deputies to look at that issue. It is an ongoing problem. We have taken a number of steps, including asking Arts Council England to conduct an independent audit of how it handles antisemitism, and we have increased the amount of funding that we provide to Jewish organisations, including for security costs, because safety and security can never become an excuse for tolerating antisemitism and allowing Jewish people to be silenced.
Rebecca Smith
A growing number of Jewish employees at the BBC report that they face anti-Jewish racism at work, and revelations about the BBC’s appalling treatment of Jewish Oscar-winning producer Lucie Kon show that there has been a failure to deal with antisemitism at the heart of the corporation. Does the Secretary of State agree that an independent inquiry into antisemitism within the BBC is urgently needed?
Lisa Nandy
The hon. Lady mentions the case of Lucie Kon, which I have discussed directly with the director general of the BBC. I will also meet Lucie in the coming weeks to discuss the matter directly with her. The BBC has done an enormous amount of work on the issue with the Board of Deputies and other Jewish organisations, but I firmly recognise that there is more to be done. We want the BBC to be an exemplar of how the Jewish community is treated in this country. I say this too: this Government do not believe that antisemitism is just a problem for Jewish people to solve. It is a test of the society that we are seeking to build together and we all have to step up and be counted.
Caroline Voaden (South Devon) (LD)
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
We know that safe and accessible, high-quality community green spaces and local sports facilities are vital to helping more women and girls to get active. Through Sport England, we are helping local areas to target investment and supporting local authorities to create playing pitch strategies and opportunities for women and girls to take part in sport. Women and girls belong on every pitch that they choose to play on, and we are determined to ensure that we do more to support them.
Caroline Voaden
A school in Totnes in my constituency is planning to sell part of its grounds, including playing fields that are widely used by the community, including by many women, for sport and outdoor exercise. A campaign group is working on a proposal to buy the site, yet despite the site being registered as an asset of community value there is no guarantee that the bid would be accepted and that the playing fields would remain. A community right to buy fund was announced earlier this year, but there was no clarity about how it would work in practice. Does the Secretary of State agree that the right to buy scheme must be clarified to give groups such as the Friends of Lower Field a legal right to purchase playing fields such as these at market value to keep them in the community?
Lisa Nandy
I am aware that there are ongoing discussions between the school’s trust and community groups to explore options for preserving the facilities for community use, while recognising the importance of raising much-needed revenue for the school. Ultimately, this is a decision for the trust as the landowner, but we support ongoing efforts to find a workable solution for all concerned. The hon. Lady also raises a wider question about the way in which we approach cases such as these. I am happy to arrange for officials from my Department to reach out to her to discuss that further.
Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)
Dudley is home to outstanding female sporting talent, including boxer Kirstie Bavington and karate rising star Jess Wyman. Both have spoken to me about the lack of training facilities, financial support and a clear pathway to elite sport for young females. What action is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that female athletes receive the right support to fulfil their potential, and will she meet them?
Lisa Nandy
My hon. Friend has been a consistent champion of opportunities for women and girls and, in fact, for the whole community to be able to participate in sport in her constituency, and I thank her for that. We would of course be happy to follow up in the manner she suggests.
Sir Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)
Mobile notspots are still a big problem in parts—[Interruption.] Sorry, I have just arrived. I meant to say, “No. 13.”
Sir Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Online Safety (Ian Murray)
The right hon. Gentleman is really showing his experience in the Chamber there. [Laughter.] Mobile connectivity is not a “nice to have”; it is an everyday necessity which connects people and communities and drives growth in every postcode. Of course, we cannot have growth in every postcode without connectivity in every postcode. The Government’s ambition is for all populated areas to have access to high-quality stand-alone 5G by 2030.
Sir Julian Smith
I will try again. Mobile notspots are a big challenge in parts of North Yorkshire and other rural parts of the UK. The shared rural network has been effective at meeting its targets, but now that those targets have been met, what plans do Ministers have for the remaining notspots to be sorted out?
Ian Murray
The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to talk about the success of the shared rural network, but notspots still remain. Direct-to-device technology is one way of resolving those. It is a pragmatic solution for remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure is not viable. Lessons learned from the shared rural network programme demonstrate where this might offer a better solution, including for deployment costs, topography and local opposition to new infrastructure in some areas. We will continue to monitor this closely with the industry and ensure that all the tech is being made available to ensure these notspots disappear.
Perran Moon (Camborne and Redruth) (Ind)
Meur ras ha myttin da, Mr Speaker. With Cornish constituencies ranking on average 628th out of 650 for good-quality mobile coverage, the paucity of our digital connectivity affects businesses, residents and visitors alike. It is an exemplar of market failure. What are Ministers actually doing to correct this Cornish imbalance?
Ian Murray
The shared rural network programme has been a huge success, but as I said in answer to the initial question of the right hon. Member for Skipton and Ripon (Sir Julian Smith), there are still notspots and still some infrastructure problems across the country. We are working closely with the mobile networks to ensure that we can resolve those issues. New technology is coming forward all the time, including that direct-to-device satellite technology. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to go through the specific issues in his constituency and region to ensure that we have everything covered.
Dr Ellie Chowns (North Herefordshire) (Green)
A constituent of mine in her 80s living in a village with no mobile signal has contacted me to share her anxieties about the impending digital switchover. She has done everything asked of her to prepare and has a battery back-up, but she has been told that no fall alarm will work outside her house. She is worried that if there is a power cut that lasts longer than an hour, she will have no way of calling for help. As she put it to me, would it not be sensible to ensure that there was adequate mobile reception everywhere before the digital switchover? Does the Minister recognise these concerns and what will he do to address them?
Ian Murray
We have received correspondence on the kind of issues that the hon. Lady raises, and I am happy to meet her directly to go through her constituent’s particular concerns. We have to ensure that nobody is left behind when we are doing any kind of switchover from older to new technologies. We need to ensure in particular that vulnerable customers are looked after. We are working closely with the mobile networks to ensure that that happens and with the broadband providers to ensure that they can get to every part of the country as well.
Amanda Hack (North West Leicestershire) (Lab)
Mobile reception is patchy at best in my semi-rural constituency. However, what is clear is when industrial sheds are built close to residential areas, mobile reception deteriorates, like in Ellistown in my constituency. Would the Minister agree to meet me to discuss how we can manage situations like this and prevent them in the future?
Ian Murray
I can commit to meeting my hon. Friend to talk about these specific issues. We do a regular telecoms drop-in for MPs, and I encourage all MPs to ensure they come to that so they can meet the mobile network operators and Building Digital UK on the broadband side to ensure that we are covering all these issues. It is not an exact science, so when there are examples like that which my hon. Friend brings forward, I would like to hear about them, so I am happy to meet her.
Mrs Elsie Blundell (Heywood and Middleton North) (Lab)
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
This country’s creative industries are world-leading, but for far too many people, they are a closed shop and we are determined to change that. We are investing in the BFI Film Academy to expand opportunities for young people from different backgrounds and parts of the country to be able to work in the film industry. We are investing through our Every Child Can programme to increase disadvantaged young people’s access to enrichment opportunities. But I have to say to my hon. Friend that progress on this has been frustratingly slow, and we will convene the creative industries in the coming weeks to ask them to do more.
Mrs Blundell
From Caroline Aherne to Peter Kay to the Gallagher brothers, in the past in Greater Manchester we have shown that coming from a working-class background has absolutely no bearing on a person’s ability to make a cultural impact. What further steps have been taken to remove barriers to entry into the creative industries and ensure that talented people from all backgrounds are given the opportunity to shine?
Lisa Nandy
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to say that. Through the work we have done with the TV historian David Olusoga and others, we have identified that there is not just a challenge at entry level; young people from diverse backgrounds hit a glass ceiling at a certain level and simply cannot progress. I am very proud of the fact that Wigan is the home of Ian McKellen, one of the greatest actors this country has ever produced, but frankly it is hard to see how a working-class lad from Wigan nowadays could go on to become one of the greatest actors in this country.
I say to the creative industries: this is existential. Any country can make series about posh boys playing gangsters in the east end. Very few countries can meet the genius of “Derry Girls”. In order to continue to make those incredible moments and create the best output, we need a far more diverse workforce than we have at the moment.
Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
The Secretary of State took my words, so I will change my question. Historically, there has been a higher concentration of artists and creative organisations in urban areas. However, talent and creativity are widespread across rural areas in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. What steps will the Secretary of State take to address regional disparities in arts funding and ensure that individuals, regardless of where they are based, have fair and equal access to creative opportunities?
Lisa Nandy
I am fairly sure that is the first time the hon. Gentleman has been called a Derry Girl, but I think it might stick. I agree with him: there are significant challenges in different parts of the country, and some areas of the country have been hugely underfunded. We are correcting that. As he will have heard in the recent exchange with my right hon. Friend the Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Online Safety, that is not without controversy. I maintain that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not, and this Government have a responsibility to change that.
Anna Sabine (Frome and East Somerset) (LD)
The National Centre for Arts Education is trying to improve music education by improving access to continuing professional development for teachers, but CPD cannot reach schools that do not have a music teacher, and these days many schools tragically do not have one. School is a key pathway into the creative industries for children of all backgrounds, so will the Secretary of State work with the Department for Education to restore the music PGCE bursary and support the Liberal Democrat call for 1,000 new music teachers, so that the National Centre for Arts Education can succeed in its mission?
Lisa Nandy
My right hon. Friend the Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Online Safety and I strongly believe that all children in this country deserve the right to live a richer, larger life through access to art, music, sports and culture. Over the last couple of decades, we have shamefully seen those opportunities stripped out of both our classrooms and our communities. I am working with the Education Secretary on reforms to the curriculum that will put art, sport, music, dance and drama back at the heart of the curriculum, where they belong. We are complementing that with a programme of work in our communities, including building music studios in libraries and other initiatives, and I would be delighted to work with the hon. Lady on that agenda.
Alex McIntyre (Gloucester) (Lab)
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
May I start by wishing the men’s wheelchair rugby league world cup team the best in the final, which is being held tomorrow? I am sure the whole House wishes them all the best, and I hope they have considerably more success than your team often do, Mr Speaker.
On a much more serious note, I want to acknowledge the conviction of Russell Brand for rape and sexual assault. I pay tribute to the extraordinary women who bravely spoke out and to the persistent journalists who worked day in, day out to expose this abuse. This week we have seen other serious allegations being made. They are the latest in a long line of reported abuses of power in an industry where we have known for so long that power imbalances are huge, and that reputation and contacts are the foundations on which careers are built.
Next week, I will be meeting representatives from across media, entertainment and sport to discuss the action that we need to take, but I want to be clear with the House that if those protections are insufficient, the Government will not hesitate to take further action. For too long, too many people have had to choose between their career and their safety. People must be safe in their jobs, whistleblowers must be protected and those who abuse their position must no longer be able to hide.
Alex McIntyre
I was delighted by the recent Government announcement that more than £250,000 from the Heritage at Risk capital fund is being invested in the Fleece hotel in Gloucester. The hotel first opened in 1497, but it has sadly been closed to the public since 2002. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how we can secure the remaining funding that is needed to get that historic site in Gloucester city centre open again?
Lisa Nandy
I thank my hon. Friend for his sterling campaigning work to protect such an important heritage asset. We were really pleased that the Fleece hotel could benefit from the Department’s investment through the Heritage at Risk capital fund. Other funding opportunities are available through Historic England, as well as through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and I would be delighted to arrange for officials to work with my hon. Friend to see how we can best secure the future of that important site.
Rebecca Paul (Reigate) (Con)
Russell Brand has now been jailed for rape and sexual assault. I know that the thoughts of the whole House will be with his victims, and I welcome the strong and powerful words of the Secretary of State just now. The BBC’s review into how complaints about Russell Brand’s behaviour were handled found that of eight complaints, only one was formally made at the time, and it was not dealt with effectively. It concludes that individuals felt “unable” to raise issues, believing
“that Russell Brand would always get his way,”
and so they stayed silent. Oscar-winning producer Lucie Kon has also shared her experience with the BBC after reporting antisemitic behaviour, and has raised concerns about the complaints process. In light of those harrowing stories, what discussions is the Secretary of State having with the BBC as part of the charter renewal to ensure that we see more effective investigation of serious workplace complaints, and a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct going forward?
Lisa Nandy
I absolutely accept that there is an important leadership role for the BBC in relation to this issue, but I would hate for us to forget that there were also a number of entertainment, media and publishing organisations where concerns raised about Russell Brand’s behaviour were simply not acted on. That is why I am bringing together representatives from across those different industries, to ensure that we draw a line in the sand and take action that is long overdue.
The hon. Lady asked about the BBC in particular, and she is right to say that significant problems were uncovered at the BBC. I am deeply frustrated that we have had so many reviews: the Dame Janet Smith review into Jimmy Savile; the review into the conduct of Huw Edwards; and reviews into the conduct of Tim Westwood. If we put those reviews next to each other and look at the recommendations, we see that they are the same recommendations over and over again. I will not accept that we cannot get our act together and ensure that our public service broadcaster, of which this country is rightly very proud, upholds better standards and processes than we have seen to date.
Rebecca Paul
Next year marks 1,100 years since Æthelstan united England and began the glorious national story that we are still telling to this day. It is an occasion worthy of celebration and recognition, yet when the Government were asked how they intended to mark it, the answer was that there are no plans. This important anniversary should be a moment of national joy that brings communities together, and a milestone marked by commemorative coins and stamps, special lessons in schools, Æthelstan on Trafalgar Square’s fourth plinth, and perhaps even a visit by His Majesty to this Parliament. Will the Secretary of State reconsider celebrating the 1,100th anniversary of England’s birth, and share with the House any such plans in due course?
Lisa Nandy
I thank the hon. Lady for raising that issue, which had not previously been brought to my attention. The Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley South (Stephanie Peacock) who is responsible for ceremonials, has just said to me that this is right up her street, and she would be delighted to work with the hon. Lady to ensure a fitting commemoration.
Richard Quigley (Isle of Wight West) (Lab)
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Online Safety (Ian Murray)
I congratulate Neil and everyone in the team at Medina Studios on putting together a fantastic proposal. We are supportive of areas that want to grow their film industry and the work that has gone into Medina Studios is very impressive indeed. The Government are committed to maximising the potential of the film industry and ensuring that growth benefits the whole of the UK. The Department funds the British Film Commission to support UK infrastructure, including studio space. The BFC promotes the entire UK, including the Isle of Wight, working hand in glove with Creative England on production support, where appropriate. I am pleased to note that the BFC has assisted Medina Studios. Funding from the growth mission fund is a matter for the Treasury. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend and I thank him for the way in which he champions the Isle of Wight through that project.
Martin Vickers (Brigg and Immingham) (Con)
Lisa Nandy
It was a pleasure to be at the opening of that fantastic youth zone with the hon. Gentleman, and to see the queues of young people stretching far into the distance and the excitement it brought them. He is right that there is a particular challenge in rural communities. Through Youth Matters, our national youth strategy, we have taken restrictions off funding and our only stipulation is that young people must have meaningfully been able to drive those decisions. In order to address those concerns, we will fund transport and travel as well as facilities in places that have been overlooked.
Noah Law (St Austell and Newquay) (Lab)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
I was pleased to visit my hon. Friend’s constituency earlier this year. The best way to protect our heritage is to use it and I thank him for his work to secure a future for the General Wolfe building. I encourage developers and historic building owners to engage early with our arm’s length body Historic England, and I am sure that the Heritage Minister will be happy to meet him to discuss it further.
Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills) (Con)
Ian Murray
That is an issue for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and we have been working closely with that Department about its planning proposals. I am sure that the right hon. Lady will be not be disappointed when they come forward.
David Williams (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab)
Stephanie Peacock
My hon. Friend is right to talk about stronger co-ordination between heritage planning, regeneration and housing policy. I know how important heritage-led regeneration is for local growth, and I understand that the Heritage Minister is looking forward to holding a roundtable on that issue in my hon. Friend’s area.
Rebecca Smith (South West Devon) (Con)
Lisa Nandy
The hon. Lady raises an important issue. I was not previously aware of the issue, but I am happy to it take up. We believe in the importance of cricket and we also believe very much in the relationships that we have with our Indian counterparts. Cricket is one of the ties that binds us together, so I would be pleased to look into the issue she raises with a view to resolving it.
Tony Vaughan (Folkestone and Hythe) (Lab)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Vicky Foxcroft)
I thank my hon. and learned Friend for championing his constituency. Decisions on the reopening of Grace Hill and the use of the building are matters for the local council, but he has made his case well today, and I am sure that he will continue to do so. I will pass on his request for a visit to the Minister with responsibility for libraries, who I am sure will be keen to visit and to meet him.
Brian Mathew (Melksham and Devizes) (LD)
What will the Government do to ensure that councils have the funds to keep libraries open, especially when many people will be struggling to heat their homes this winter and thus have an even more vital need of this service?
Vicky Foxcroft
We are working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and colleagues across Government to ensure that we deliver on that.
Andrew Pakes (Peterborough) (Lab/Co-op)
The hottest ticket this summer, in many senses, was Peterborough lido, which, like many other historic pools, had its best season ever. However, we all know that many of our historic pools and lidos suffer from old infrastructure, and need tender love and care from our communities and Government. What more can my right hon. Friend do to ensure that this Government back our lidos and historic pools?
Lisa Nandy
I thank my hon. Friend for his sterling advocacy on behalf of Lidos everywhere and Peterborough lido in particular; he knows that I share his passion on the issue. I can tell the House that we are creating a public leisure facilities programme that will provide support for lidos and other swimming facilities, and that—thanks to the work that he and others have done to campaign for this—the programme will include the first dedicated fund for lidos that this country has produced.
Dame Caroline Dinenage (Gosport) (Con)
Russell Brand and David Walliams are just the latest examples of entertainment giants knowingly exploiting power imbalances, yet they have been at best shielded and at worst enabled by some of the organisations they worked with. We keep hearing reports that non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality agreements were part of these stars’ arsenal. What are the Government doing to ensure that those legal routes cannot be used to stop victims speaking out, so that revolting men are not shielded from facing the music for their abusive behaviour?
Lisa Nandy
The hon. Lady is absolutely right to point to the issue of NDAs as being central to this situation. I am working closely with colleagues at the Ministry of Justice, and have discussed this issue with them over recent days. This will be part of the conversation that we have with the creative industries when I convene the roundtable next week. As I said earlier, we will not hesitate to take action to protect women and ensure that these vile men are exposed and brought to justice.
Dame Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West) (Lab)
It has been 18 months since my Committee published its report on misinformation, with detailed recommendations on how to address the way in which digital advertising drives scandalous, sensationalist and addictive content, yet our inquiry into digital childhood is raising exactly the same issues. What has been done to address them? To be clear, neither Ofcom’s online information advisory committee nor the online advertising taskforce has taken any steps.
Ian Murray
I am delighted that my hon. Friend asked that question, which concerns a vital issue that the Government are trying to deal with. The online advertising taskforce has workstreams that have been looking at the issue very closely. I chair that taskforce, and am keen to push it further forward. The issue is not just the way in which advertising is delivered, but the monetisation of illegal and harmful content; if we want to deal with any of the issues relating to the online world, we must follow the money.
John Glen (Salisbury) (Con)
Salisbury Playhouse is one of three producing theatres in the south-west, and this week it launched a campaign to raise £22 million. The Arts Council, Wiltshire council and Salisbury city council have already made a £10 million contribution. Are the ministerial team having conversations with the Treasury to create incentives for private philanthropy and giving, so that we can maximise the opportunity to fill this gap and make Salisbury Playhouse the brilliant place it needs to be for the future?
Ian Murray
The right hon. Gentleman asks a great question. The Hodge review into Arts Council England examined what we need to do to bring more philanthropic funding into the sector so that it has more money, not less. I encourage him to engage with Arts Council England on taking those proposals forward. Of course, these questions are always a matter for His Majesty’s Treasury, but we are working very closely with Treasury colleagues on how we can implement the Hodge review in full.
Kim Johnson (Liverpool Riverside) (Lab)
I am proud to represent Liverpool, a city that has produced some very talented footballers, musicians and actors, including Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer and James Nelson-Joyce. However, far too many of our young working-class kids in Liverpool fail to get into the creative sector. Can the Secretary of State commit to doing everything she can to remove the barriers so that more working-class young people in Liverpool can break into the sector based on talent, not on privilege and class?
Lisa Nandy
My hon. Friend is right to point to Liverpool’s incredible contribution across sport, art, music—you name it. Mayor Steve Rotheram is doing an enormous amount to invest in order to open up those opportunities further. There is a fantastic organisation in Liverpool called MusicFutures, which we are working with, along with others, to make sure that we do exactly what she rightly presses us to do.
David Mundell (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale) (Con)
I was pleased to hear the Minister acknowledge that the Government will not achieve growth in every postcode unless we have adequate mobile connectivity. Unfortunately, in my constituency, many postcodes have inadequate mobile connectivity. Indeed, we have some of the worst connectivity in the whole United Kingdom. Will the Minister meet me to ensure that we can get some urgency into finally resolving this important issue for my constituents?
Ian Murray
The right hon. Gentleman is exactly right: we cannot have growth in every postcode without connectivity in every postcode. I would be happy to meet him, but I gently remind him that when we do, it is his turn to buy the wine.
Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)
In response to Blackpool being shortlisted to be city of culture, Lynn Williams, the leader of Blackpool council, rightly said:
“We have a proud working-class culture and a wonderful history of entertainment, music and performance.”
Our bid to become the next city of culture for the UK is the right and only choice for the panel. It will allow us to celebrate our iconic history and shape our future, because Blackpool never settles for anything small. Will the Secretary of State support our ambition by supporting our much-loved heritage venues and my campaign for a new arena to create a year-round resort, showing Blackpool in a new light?
Stephanie Peacock
My hon. Friend is a huge advocate for his constituency. I have to stay neutral, but I am absolutely delighted to be visiting his area tomorrow as part of the shortlist process for the city of culture.
Victoria Collins (Harpenden and Berkhamsted) (LD)
The AI teddy bear that said unprompted, “I can’t help with killing you”, shows that online harms are extending to software within toys. Will the Government consider the Lib Dem approach of having a framework of harm that can look online and at the software in products with these developing technologies?
Lisa Nandy
We are taking a far more comprehensive approach to this issue for the reasons that the hon. Member rightly describes. Safety by design is one of the key principles on which we are basing our approach.
Euan Stainbank (Falkirk) (Lab)
The fantastic Falkirk Foundation was back with £139,000 of UK Government support to lay a new all-weather pitch at Woodlands community sports centre this year. Councillor Jack Redmond and the Bonnybridge community are now bidding to renew the football facilities at Jenny’s Park, including through the UK Government-supported Pitching In fund. Will the Minister thank the Falkirk Foundation for its ongoing, incredible contribution to the Falkirk community and agree that any new funding should come to Bonnybridge?
Lisa Nandy
I am told by my right hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh South (Ian Murray) that Falkirk beat Hearts 5-2 on Sunday, and he does not look very happy about it. I take this opportunity to congratulate the Falkirk Foundation. The Government are investing £400 million in grassroots sports facilities for precisely the reasons that my hon. Friend the Member for Falkirk (Euan Stainbank) describes.
Rupert Lowe (Great Yarmouth) (Restore Britain)
As Southampton’s former long-serving and at times long-suffering chairman, I know the beautiful game better than most in this Chamber. Football fans have been taken for fools over the outdated Saturday 3 pm blackout for too long. Travel abroad, and we find bars showing every 3 pm premier league match live all at once, yet here in England fans cannot watch a single one—at least legally. Will the Minister press the Football Association to lift the blackout and push for an online monthly subscription service, thereby allowing affordable access to every single FA and PL match for working families and hospitality venues? Football belongs to the people.
Lisa Nandy
There is obviously a lively debate among football fans about this issue, and it has been raised with me and the Sports Minister a number of times. The hon. Member will know that there are consequences to taking the action that he describes, but I think we can agree on the final principle that he outlined: football belongs to its fans, and their voices must be heard.
Deirdre Costigan (Ealing Southall) (Lab)
Ealing Southall is home to Ealing Studios, the country’s longest continuously operating film studio. A recent report found that west London is a hub for media and creative industries, with up to 7,000 companies. Does the Minister agree that this Government’s commitment to increase investment in the media and creative sector from £17 billion to £31 billion will create more jobs in west London while ensuring growth in every postcode, from Southall to Stockport and from Hanwell to Hartlepool?
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
We need to go faster to get everybody in.
Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con)
In his Budget speech, the Chancellor pledged to protect seaside arcades, but the increase in the machine games duty from 20% to 25% threatens businesses in my constituency, such as Leisureland on Bridlington seafront, which I had the pleasure of visiting last week. Will the Minister make representations to the Treasury to ensure that we protect those brilliant local businesses?
Vicky Foxcroft
I thank the hon. Gentleman for advocating on behalf of his constituents. Slot games have a higher associated risk of harm than other in-person gambling activities, such as sports betting or bingo games. That is why the Government are increasing the rate of machine games duty from 20% to 25% on machines with stakes over £1 or prizes over £100 from 1 April 2027. There will be no change to the rate for lower-stakes machines, but I am happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss the issue further.
Ms Julie Minns (Carlisle) (Lab)
As historic pools and lidos enjoy a renaissance, will the Secretary of State work with me to reopen the doors of Carlisle’s Victorian baths? They are the last in the north-west and one of only 13 in the country.
Lisa Nandy
I was not aware of the incredible Turkish baths in Carlisle, but I am very happy to work with her on ensuring that we support the aims of her campaign and restore the baths to their former glory.
Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)
I welcome the statements that the Secretary of State has made about addressing the issues that we have seen raised again this week by the conviction of Russell Brand. Having worked in that industry, I know that the problem goes much wider than just the big figures. Bectu says that nine out of 10 workers in the creative sector have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or assault. Does the Secretary of State agree that, as this action now happens, we need to use the entertainment industry and the creative sector to call out this behaviour across society and to make it clear that it is not acceptable in any form?
Lisa Nandy
We work very closely with Bectu and the National Union of Journalists, and I pay tribute to their work on this issue. The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Online Safety and I recently appointed two freelance champions in recognition of the fact that, for freelancers in particular, there is a real problem in these industries. All of us in this House need to step up and use our voices as loudly as we possibly can; hand on my heart, as the Culture Secretary, I cannot say that this issue is not happening today—in fact, I would wager that it is. It is time that we all stand up, as the hon. Lady has done today, and ensure that we are heard and counted.
John Slinger (Rugby) (Lab)
As someone who played in rock bands and wrote songs, I was delighted to read in the Canadian budget about the Canada creative credit: 48,000 Canadian dollars-worth of tax credit to provide creative artists with income, tax-free, on the creative output that they engage in. Will the Minister update the House on the excellent work we are doing and on what more we can do to help creative artists across this land?
Ian Murray
I am delighted that the old rocker has asked that question. We have a 10-point plan for music, which is there to support the music industry from a grassroots level all the way through to our top talent and artists. The Arts Council England review, led by Baroness Hodge in the other place, looked at whether we should support individual artists, and the Arts Council is now looking at that to see how it can best support individual artists. We are backers of music, and we want to continue to be the best in the world.
Sir Ashley Fox (Bridgwater) (Con)
Highbridge Social Club is a not-for-profit club led entirely by volunteers, and it has served our community since it was founded in 1913. Club treasurer Rachel Marsh has written to me to say that the rise in machine games duty announced in the Budget will cost the club £1,500 a year. Coming on top of the employer national insurance charges, this Government’s tax increases threaten the viability of the club. What help and advice can the Minister offer to Rachel as she struggles to balance the club’s books?
Vicky Foxcroft
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising that really important point. I refer in part to what I said earlier, but let me also say that the measure will raise an additional £130 million a year, which will help to pay for the freeze in business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. If the hon. Gentleman writes to me, I will ensure that he gets a fuller response.
Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)
Hilsea lido is a real jewel in the crown of Portsmouth North; it first opened in 1935, and it holds a special place in our history. Following its fantastic regeneration, it has been wonderful to see hundreds flocking back this summer. Will the Minister join me in thanking Sea Lanes, the lido’s operators? Will she also join me in praising the dedicated trustees and volunteers of Hilsea Lido Pool for the People Trust, who kept the money going and kept the lido running through very dark times, and without whom it would not be open now?
Lisa Nandy
I absolutely do—I thank Sea Lanes, the trustees, and all the volunteers. There is a volunteer army in this country that ensures our fantastic lidos can continue to operate, and it is great to see my hon. Friend championing them. We will also champion them through the funding I recently announced to my hon. Friend.
Dr Ben Spencer (Runnymede and Weybridge) (Con)
What assessment has the Minister made of the cyber-security risks posed by DeepSeek in light of the US’s decision to block it from public procurement?
Ian Murray
We will bring forward additional legislation to this House shortly to protect our undersea cables and infrastructure from threats, whether they be state or non-state threats. I hope everyone will support those proposals, including the hon. Gentleman.
Sean Woodcock (Banbury) (Lab)
In 2002, Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles said on air that he wanted to help Charlotte Church lose her virginity. She was 15 at the time. He stayed in post for another decade. Does the Secretary of State agree that Brand and Walliams were not aberrations, but reflect a culture across entertainment that needs to be consigned to history?
Lisa Nandy
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to say that it reflects a culture that I hope we are now thankfully rid of. Sadly, though, what we are not rid of is instances of men in positions of power abusing that power. That is still happening today, and this Government are not neutral when it comes to the safety of people—women and young people—in those workplaces, which is why we are taking the action I have described.
Lincoln Jopp (Spelthorne) (Con)
Christmas is coming, and Boxing day will see the running of the world-famous King George at Kempton Park racecourse in my constituency. If any of the Front Benchers on either side of the House would like to come to the King George at Kempton Park, I am sure the Jockey Club would be delighted to see them there.
Vicky Foxcroft
I was delighted to go to Newbury races last week, and I would love the opportunity to come to Kempton Park. Please do write to me—I will try to ensure we get a date in the diary.
Perran Moon (Camborne and Redruth) (Ind)
With £7 out of every £8 of DCMS funding for museums and galleries going to just 15 national museums and galleries, and cultural investment per head in Cornwall being less than £10 compared with a national average of £15, may I ask for Ministers to meet Cornish MPs to discuss closing this cultural chasm, beyond suggestions of donations and lottery funding?
Lisa Nandy
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to say that parts of the country have historically been hugely underserved, and it was to correct that historical wrong that we established the Arts Everywhere fund. Arts and culture belong to all of us, and I would be delighted to set up a meeting with officials so that we can pursue this issue in Cornwall.
United Kingdom Military Installations
(1 day, 9 hours ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Urgent Questions are proposed each morning by backbench MPs, and up to two may be selected each day by the Speaker. Chosen Urgent Questions are announced 30 minutes before Parliament sits each day.
Each Urgent Question requires a Government Minister to give a response on the debate topic.
This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record
Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford) (Con)
(Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the protection of United Kingdom military installations.
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
The security of the United Kingdom’s military installations, the people who work on them and the communities around them is a core responsibility of this Government. Defence faces an evolving range of threats, including hostile reconnaissance, sabotage, espionage, terrorism, organised crime, unauthorised access and the malicious use of drones. We therefore keep the protection of our sites under constant review against the intelligence and threat picture. Our approach is layered and intelligence-led; it combines physical protection, access controls, surveillance, policing, guarding, aerial monitoring and counter-drone capabilities. We do not rely on any one single measure, and I hope the House will understand that it would be irresponsible to disclose details of vulnerabilities or protective arrangements at individual sites.
Following the recent incidents at RAF Fairford and RAF Molesworth, Defence strengthened protection across the estate, including sites hosting the United States visiting forces. Enhanced vigilance remains in place, sites have reviewed their security posture, and additional policing, guarding and specialist support have been deployed where required. We continue to work closely with civilian police, the United States and local partners. There have been no further reported breaches since those incidents, but we are not complacent and continue to keep our security posture under review.
We are also investing for the long term. The defence investment plan provides an additional £470 million over four years to improve security technology and infrastructure at military sites. More than £750 million is being invested in short-range counter-drone protection for the United Kingdom and deployed forces. We are expanding restricted airspace above Defence locations, and the Armed Forces Bill will strengthen Defence’s powers and ability to detect, identify and defeat uncrewed systems that threaten our sites and operations.
No security can remove all risk. We continue to prioritise our most critical assets, adapt our arrangements as the threat changes, and ensure that anyone seeking to compromise a Defence site can expect a robust security and police response.
You will appreciate, Madam Deputy Speaker, that there is much I will not be able to say in this urgent question, as we do not comment on intelligence matters or ongoing operations, but I do want to place on the record how proud I and the Defence Secretary are of our armed forces, security services and police, who are working so hard to keep our country safe.
Mr Francois
I thank Mr Speaker and you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for granting this important urgent question, and I thank the Minister for his reply. However, I would like to press him on three matters in return.
First, the withdrawal of key American air assets from RAF Mildenhall follows a similar decision to withdraw B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in the face of an alleged Iranian threat, an incident at RAF Molesworth and an assault on RAF Brize Norton by Palestine Action in June 2025. What discussions have Defence Ministers had with their American counterparts to reassure them that our airbases are still safe for their aircraft and, indeed, our own?
Secondly, what can the Minister tell us about the arrest of a US serviceman for alleged espionage at Imjin barracks, the headquarters of NATO’s British-led Allied Rapid Reaction Corps? The incident was described by FBI director Kash Patel as
“of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies.”
Well, it concerns this House too.
Thirdly, the Defence Secretary recently said, starkly, that we should prepare for war within a thousand days. He has even got us stockpiling baked beans. But when we ask about the whereabouts of the defence readiness Bill, which will be crucial in preparing for such a conflict, likely with Russia, we are simply told that it is not ready and that it will not be until the end of this Parliament, by which time the war could already have begun. This totally contradictory policy comes at the expense of our national security.
To recap, what have we told our American allies about our ability to protect our airbases and their air assets? What more information—there must be some—can the Minister share with the House about the arrest at Imjin barracks and its implications for our security and, indeed, NATO’s security. Lastly, when, if ever, will the Government publish the now clearly urgent defence readiness Bill?
Luke Pollard
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his questions. It is hard, as he and the House will appreciate, for me to comment on ongoing investigations. However, in relation to his question about the arrest, the police have confirmed that a member of the US army has been arrested under sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act 2023 for assisting a foreign intelligence service, specifically relating to Russia. This is a live investigation, and I want to allow the police the time and space to carry it out without additional commentary. I hope that he and the House will appreciate that.
On US assets, the movement and positioning of US military aircraft is an operational matter for the United States. It has said that aircraft routinely rotate between locations for training and operational requirements. I will not speculate further, for reasons of operational security, as I hope the House will understand.
Finally, the right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that this is a Government who are increasing defence spending, after his party cut defence spending when in power. We are legislating for more powers to defend our nation in the Armed Forces Bill, and we are engaging across Government and with stakeholders in preparation for the defence readiness Bill because we want to get it right. I appreciate that he wants to make partisan points about this, but we are trying our best to update legislation with the Armed Forces Bill and we will continue to do so with the defence readiness Bill later in this Parliament. We will continue to ensure that our nation is prepared to meet the threats we face in a more difficult time.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
I call the Chair of the Defence Committee.
Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough) (Lab)
At a time when we need our armed forces and defence industry even more, given the raised threat level, attacks on them are a cause for huge concern. That is why the Defence Committee raised this issue last year in our report on the UK’s contribution to European security. The trade associations all raised anxieties about the potential for attacks on defence industry employees when they appeared in front of the Committee last month. In the light of the withdrawal of US assets from both RAF Fairford and RAF Mildenhall, is the Minister concerned that the potential threat against defence bases and the defence industry seems to be increasing? What are the Government going to do to keep them safe?
Luke Pollard
I thank my hon. Friend for the work that he does on the Defence Committee. That work is an important part of helping build public awareness and asking the Department the right questions. He is right to say that we are seeing an increased threat, not just to the United Kingdom and our allies, but to our defence industrial base. It is for that reason that we have been engaging more, not just via the Defence Industry Joint Council—our main convening function between businesses large and small in the defence sector—but with trade bodies and individual firms. We need to be aware that the threats posed to the defence industry come in a variety of forms and guises. We are working with the intelligence services, the police and the industry to increase physical protection in locations where appropriate, which my hon. Friend will appreciate that I cannot comment on further, but also to create a culture in which threats are reduced by having greater involvement of the workforce and communities in identifying risks.
Monica Harding (Esher and Walton) (LD)
Ministers say that they are serious about bolstering Britain’s defences, that they recognise the once-in-a-generation threats facing our country, and that they are building a more resilient and ready nation. Despite the lofty rhetoric, it feels like our vital military bases are now under daily, immediate and grave threat. There is a gaping chasm between the Government’s language on defence and the action needed to make this country safe and deter our adversaries. That chasm is eroding the trust and confidence of both British citizens and our allies.
This House was promised a comprehensive review of the security of our military bases, but we are still waiting for its outcome. In the light of the recent multiple threats, that delay is unacceptable. Can the Minister confirm when the review will be completed? Will he commit the additional resources needed to accelerate its delivery, and will he outline what immediate steps he is taking to strengthen base security?
Luke Pollard
I recognise the seriousness of the situation, so I thank the hon. Lady for the tone of her question. We recognise that the threats to our country are increasing. We have published the strategic defence review, which sets that out very clearly. We have published the defence investment plan, which sets out how we will increase the defence budget and spend it not only on new capabilities, but on our people and bases. We have set out in the defence investment plan £470 million, over four years, to improve base security and base protection. It is difficult to go into the details on the Floor of the House, but I am happy to invite the hon. Lady’s party for a briefing, if that would be useful. We continue to commit resources to support the security of our personnel, both at home and, importantly, when deployed abroad. The work that we are doing to review our base security is ongoing, to ensure we have the right assets, the right people and the right systems in place at all UK bases and those used by our allies.
Dr Peter Prinsley (Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket) (Lab)
In East Anglia, we have long taken great pride in the presence of our US allies. In the light of heightened security concerns, especially at RAF Mildenhall, what more can we do to ensure the safety of the many United States personnel who live off the base, in Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket?
Luke Pollard
Not only has my hon. Friend asked me that question today; it is a matter that he and I have spoken about on a number of occasions since he entered the House, and he is right to talk about it. The United States remains our No. 1 defence and security partner. We take very seriously the threats not only to military installations, but to personnel living in our wider communities. Just as we have offered a briefing to the constituency MP for Mildenhall, the hon. Member for West Suffolk (Nick Timothy), I am happy to extend such an invitation to him, should he wish to see more granular detail of the approach at a local level, which it may be inappropriate to put in the public domain on the Floor of the House.
Lincoln Jopp (Spelthorne) (Con)
I am deeply concerned by the redeployment of the dozen aircraft from Mildenhall. I think it sends a shocking message about our ability to protect our allies. Without wishing to probe the “out of bounds” box of the security detail, I have one question for the Minister: were any Defence Ministers informed prior to the redeployment that it was taking place?
Luke Pollard
The Defence Secretary has already set out that we have been in discussions with the United States for some time. The movement of US aircraft is a matter for the United States.
Fred Thomas (Plymouth Moor View) (Lab)
I thank the Minister for his continued work to increase the readiness of this country to protect ourselves not just abroad, but at home. Can I ask about the enduring close relationship with the United States of America? We have seen a joint police and intelligence-led arrest this week, and we continue to work extremely closely together. In the Minister’s portfolio of readiness across the MOD, can he give us an example of how closely we are working and continue to work with our ally, the United States of America?
Luke Pollard
The work we are doing with the United States includes the operational security of our missions, especially joint missions that we undertake bilaterally with the United States and as part of NATO and further afield. On our base security at home, the work our security forces and armed forces do with the United States visiting forces and intelligence agencies is very close, very deep and ongoing, which means that we have a close partnership to meet the threats we are facing. We do know that the threats are increasing, so we are increasing our work accordingly. We continue to work with our US friends, and we will make sure that we do so with our European and NATO allies as well.
Priti Patel (Witham) (Con)
The Minister has spoken about the severity of the threats we face, and that affects our entire national security. The prospect of military espionage is severe and the type of tactics we have seen are very serious, and a major arrest has been made this week. Does the Minister think that he and his Department have all the resources, skills and experience they need to tackle what is an ever-changing and evolving threat to our national security and, in particular, to our military bases?
Luke Pollard
The right hon. Member is right that the threats we face are increasing, and they are increasingly complex as well. This is not just about human espionage by people, but about how espionage involving criminal gangs and cyber-attacks can be paired together. We in the Ministry of Defence work very closely with the intelligence agencies—both ours and those of our allies—and we continue to invest further in that. She will have heard me talk about the £470 million for base security, and there are additional budgets, both in the defence budget and the wider Home Office security budget, for our work with the intelligence services.
Graeme Downie (Dunfermline and Dollar) (Lab)
Through written answers, I was able to find out that the police costs for the 2024 drone incursions at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell were over £600,000, but there was no information on the total cost. We know that hostile states such as Russia and Iran will try to probe such bases, because it is cheap for them but potentially costly for us. Will the Minister make sure that he does everything he can to capture the full cost of these incursions for our bases and the wider economy?
Luke Pollard
My hon. Friend’s work on what he describes as the “Putin tax” is a really important contribution, because there is a deliberate attempt by adversaries to load costs and difficulties on to the United Kingdom and our allies by posing such dilemmas. The House will be familiar with some of those asymmetrical, grey zone activities, and we have disclosed that there has been Russian and adversary activity. Such activity results in a cost to the UK taxpayer and to the defence budget, and his work is helping to tell the public about the amazing work our security services and armed forces do in countering that risk, but also about the tactics of the Russian Government.
Ian Roome (North Devon) (LD)
A US official was quoted by NBC News saying that American armed forces personnel at RAF Mildenhall are under “enhanced force protection measures”, including much stricter ID and vehicle checks. Given that some aircraft have been moved via Prestwick airport in Scotland, can the Minister confirm that enhanced security is in place there, too?
Luke Pollard
I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his promotion in the Liberal Democrat reshuffle to shadow Minister for veterans—an important topic that I know he cares about deeply. As he will appreciate, I cannot comment on individual security arrangements for bases at specific locations, but I can confirm to the House that we keep all our base security arrangements under review and continue to invest in them.
Alison Hume (Scarborough and Whitby) (Lab)
Last year, a huge wildfire came within a mile of RAF Fylingdales, a ballistic missile early warning base that plays a critical role in UK and US security. In the light of growing environmental and security threats, can the Minister reassure my constituents by setting out what the Government are doing to ramp up security and resilience at critical installations such as RAF Fylingdales?
Luke Pollard
The threats facing our bases are not just from foreign actors. My hon. Friend is right to talk about the effects of a changing climate. She will know that the Prime Minister announced that the RAF will be taking on a new firefighting role, building on the firefighting expertise we have on our bases in Cyprus. That will involve additional equipment on some of the RAF assets so that they are able to tackle wildfires in the United Kingdom in future.
Sir Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)
The women and men in our security services are doing the most incredible work on this front and on multiple fronts at the current time. Will the Minister commit to fighting in Government and across Government to get whatever resource they need?
Luke Pollard
I am not neutral on this matter. I want more resource for defence, and I have made that case very strongly from the Dispatch Box. We have an increasing defence budget. The Chancellor set out that 3% of our GDP will be spent on defence in 2030 and 3.5% by 2035. My priority will be to spend it wisely and to make sure we learn the lessons from the broken procurement system we inherited so that we have more of that money on the frontline where it is needed.
Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow West) (Lab)
Will the Minister outline the impact the defence investment plan will have on improving the security technology and infrastructure at our bases?
Luke Pollard
Yes. The £470 million investment over the next four years in the DIP is for both upgrading the traditional security arrangements that the House will be familiar with—the physical security—and, increasingly, looking at the counter-drone threat and vulnerabilities that were previously not something that defence would worry about. When there are new technologies that we have a greater concern about, we will continue to invest, beyond the four-year period, in more base upgrades as the defence investment period continues.
Graham Leadbitter (Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey) (SNP)
I thank the Minister for his comments about wildfire tackling equipment, which will be of benefit to my constituents. In my Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituency, there are about 4,500 serving personnel and 1,000 MOD contractors. Add in families and the wider community, and the numbers invested in base security are vastly higher. Given that Scotland is already badly exposed by the UK’s defence doctrine, which has been compounded by two decades of underfunding, what assurances can the Minister give to my constituents, both serving and civilian, that we are not on the frontline of weak base security—just the latest iteration of MOD incompetence?
Luke Pollard
I thank the hon. Gentleman, because I think there was some praise in the question somewhere. The steps we have set out on wildfires are an important contribution to the wider resilience effort. I am pleased that the Scottish Government are finally engaging with defence in a way that they have not done previously. Their match funding for the defence technical excellence colleges is an important step in that, but I say to him politely that I do not want to see politicians of any party doing Putin’s dirty work for him by dividing us when we should be standing together.
John Slinger (Rugby) (Lab)
Given the increasingly clandestine, sophisticated and despicable behaviour of our adversaries in the cases the Minister has mentioned, will he commit to encouraging the Government to bring forth legislative changes should they be necessary to make sure that we can counter those threats? The entire House would, I am sure, back the Government in doing that.
Luke Pollard
My hon. Friend will be aware that the Armed Forces Bill, which is going through the other place, has a number of measures that seek to enhance airspace protection around our defence sites and to give us additional powers to protect some of those bases. I know that there is strong cross-party support for the Armed Forces Bill, and that will make a difference. We are also preparing, across Government, further measures in the defence readiness Bill to deal with this period of contest in which we find ourselves. I will continue to engage with parliamentarians across both Chambers on that Bill.
Sir Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con)
Will the Minister acknowledge that the Iranian campaign in the UK is as much a political campaign as a physical one? The Iranians are gaming the ludicrous image in the MAGA mind in the United States that somehow the United Kingdom is now a basket case when it comes to security and playing on the weakness of America’s commitment to our security. What will the Government do to combat that strong political messaging and to provide a reassurance campaign about security at our military bases?
Luke Pollard
I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question because it gives me the opportunity to clearly set out that the relationship we have with the United States is strong and enduring and will remain our No. 1 security partnership. Our armed forces work closely together, strengthening the UK-America relationship and the wider security of NATO. We are seeing an increase in misinformation, especially online. The hon. Gentleman will know that the Prime Minister has set out his intention to create a centre to address misinformation, which was a recommendation of the Foreign Affairs Committee. That is an important part of how we tackle misinformation, but another important part is ensuring that we do not inadvertently share misinformation or give greater emphasis to those people who wish to do us harm. Tackling misinformation online is as important as the base security arrangements—the physical netting around our bases.
Tom Gordon (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (LD)
My constituency is home to the Army Foundation College just outside Harrogate. It is an isolated site west of Harrogate, yet we have seen proposals for over 280 homes to be built immediately next to it. Given that the Minister has outlined concerns about the protection of sites and the threats posed to them, what steps is the MOD taking with other Departments and North Yorkshire council on the security and protection of places like the AFC?
Luke Pollard
Harrogate plays an important role for our armed forces, and the hon. Member will know what good work takes place there. I am happy to arrange a meeting with the Minister for Veterans and People to discuss Harrogate. We should be aware that right around our country, there are communities next to our bases that care passionately about the security of those bases and actively contribute to it.
John Glen (Salisbury) (Con)
It is really important in these uncertain times that we are positive about the contribution that military personnel and those who work in the defence sector bring to our local economies. In Wiltshire, the Royal International Air Tattoo will come to Boscombe Down from next year for the next 25 years. It is a massive opportunity for the people of Salisbury and south Wiltshire to welcome representatives from 30 nations and receive 170,000 visitors over three days. Will the Minister commend RIAT and what it will bring to the south Wiltshire economy?
Luke Pollard
The right hon. Gentleman is exactly right. RIAT is not just a showcase of the very best in aeronautical engineering from the United Kingdom and our allies but an opportunity to raise good money for RAF charitable funds. It is something that the communities around MOD Boscombe Down will be enormously proud of. We will work closely with RIAT to ensure that the event is a success, just as we worked with RIAT to ensure that the temporary event that took place earlier this year was a success. I am happy to be in touch with the right hon. Gentleman about that.
Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
There is critical defence and aerospace infrastructure in my constituency and across Northern Ireland that must also be protected. Given that the US felt compelled to disperse vital assets due to perceived vulnerabilities, can the Minister outline what immediate, tangible counter-drone and perimeter upgrades are being deployed across the UK and in Northern Ireland to reassure our allies that British soil is completely safe, especially when we consider the non-existent border that offers no protection from possible threats?
Luke Pollard
I was in Northern Ireland only last week, talking about the industrial opportunities of a growing defence budget that are creating good jobs there. The £750 million that we have set out in the DIP for counter-drone activity and the £470 million for base protection encompass the protection of our bases in every part of the United Kingdom, including in Northern Ireland.
David Mundell (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale) (Con)
I do not know if the Minister is aware that an emailed bomb hoax caused serious disruption to schools in my constituency yesterday, along with schools in Scotland, Ireland and Italy. Days earlier, there had been serious disruption to flights because of emailed bomb hoaxes. Can he reassure the Chamber that the Ministry of Defence is alive to such hoaxes and will minimise the disruption that they cause to the defence estate?
Luke Pollard
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for raising that really important topic. We must take all threats seriously. I know that was the case in the recent incidents involving the flights, and I am certain it will have been the case with the incidents he has spoken about. We work very closely with police forces right across the United Kingdom. I will ensure that he has an opportunity to sit down with the Security Minister to discuss the matter further, to give him the reassurance he needs.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst (Solihull West and Shirley) (Con)
The Minister will not want to go into detail, for obvious security reasons, and I will not press him on that, but can he reassure the House that not only has he had discussions about the security arrangements at RAF Croughton and RAF Lakenheath, but he is entirely satisfied with those arrangements?
Luke Pollard
I can confirm that Ministers have been discussing the security arrangements—that includes the Minister for the Armed Forces, who takes the lead on operational security, me as lead on industrial security, and the Minister in the House of Lords, who takes the policing role within the Ministry of Defence. We continue to discuss security arrangements with our US friends, and we continue to put new measures in place where the intelligence or threat picture requires us to do so.
John Cooper (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)
Driving past RAF Lossiemouth or the civilian Prestwick airport, one can see military aircraft lined up in serried ranks—transport aircraft, interceptors, maritime patrol aircraft. What consideration has been given to some cheap physical security, such as hardened aircraft shelters or revetments, rather than parking them out in the open air? At the moment, it looks like a Russian drone jockey’s dream.
Luke Pollard
I have seen in person the exceptional work that the aircrews do at RAF Lossiemouth. We have based a number of critical assets there, and I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that we take security there very seriously. If he has any particular concerns, I would welcome having a private conversation with him, and perhaps arranging a briefing so that he can be reassured that the Royal Air Force is taking the necessary measures. It is important to say, however, that we cannot remove all risk with these base protection measures, which is why we train our people and give them the tools and skills required to work with our partners to deter and respond to any risks that exist. That is the case across the United Kingdom, and I want to thank everyone involved in those efforts.
Mr Francois
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Very briefly, can you confirm for the record that while we have been discussing the extremely important matter of the security of our airfields across the United Kingdom, once again not a single Reform MP has been in the Chamber for any part of the debate?
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
The right hon. Gentleman is extremely experienced and knows that pointing out who is and is not in the Chamber is not a matter for the Chair, but he has put his point on the record.
Business of the House
(1 day, 9 hours ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) (Con)
Will the Leader of the House give us the forthcoming business?
The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir Alan Campbell)
The business for the week commencing 16 November will include:
Monday 16 November—Second Reading of the Visitor Levy (England) Bill.
Tuesday 17 November—Remaining stages of the Immigration and Asylum Bill.
Wednesday 18 November—Opposition day (sixth allotted day). Debate on a motion in the name of the official Opposition, subject to be announced.
Thursday 19 November—General debate on International Men’s Day, followed by a general debate on the emerging risks of advanced AI. The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee.
Friday 20 November—The House will not be sitting.
The provisional business for the week commencing 23 November includes:
Monday 23 November—Second Reading of the Finance Bill.
Tuesday 24 November—Consideration of Lords amendments to the Armed Forces Bill, followed by consideration of Lords amendments to the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill.
Wednesday 25 November—Opposition day (seventh allotted day). Debate on a motion in the name of the official Opposition, subject to be announced.
Thursday 26 November—General debate on inequalities in cancer care, followed by a general debate on lifelong sex education. The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee.
Friday 27 November—Private Members’ Bills.
Jesse Norman
In this week of remembrance, we as Members of Parliament, both individually and as a House, solemnly pledge to honour those who have served and sacrificed life and limb for their country, but that pledge carries obligations beyond remembrance itself. Soldiers sent into danger under lawful orders, in life-threatening circumstances, are owed a continuing duty of care by us as their representatives and by the British state. No one is above the law, but justice also requires fairness and protection against repeated oppressive investigations decades after the events concerned.
Some 503 British Army soldiers were killed during the troubles in Northern Ireland, alongside 509 other defence and security personnel. Now the Government’s Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will expose elderly Northern Ireland veterans to the threat of precisely these repeated oppressive investigations, even where their conduct has already been examined. The safeguards proposed in the Bill do not go remotely far enough to address these concerns, so I ask MPs across the House, as they reaffirm once again their Remembrance Day pledge this week, to consider whether the Bill genuinely honours the obligations that that pledge lays upon them.
To go briefly from the sublime to the ridiculous, on Tuesday the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority migrated my office in Hereford to a new broadband provider—Onecom. My brilliant constituency team of three have worked with me for a combined 47 years all told. They could run a small European country—in some cases at least as effectively as the present Governments. They were not consulted at all about this decision or its implementation. We were given no choice and no agency in the matter. Two days later, my team are still unable to connect to the internet. They have no idea when the internet connection will be in place, and some of them are having to take days off in lieu because they cannot work from the office. The chair and chief executive of IPSA can take these remarks as a formal complaint by me and put in place action this day to address the problem, but could the Leader of the House also ask why IPSA feels the need to control my office connectivity in Hereford from London, and will he ask it to do its job so that we can do ours?
Finally, the Government promised that rail nationalisation would transform our railways for the better. South Western Railway, c2c, Greater Anglia and West Midlands Railway trains are all now under public ownership, but what has actually happened since then? The share of passenger trains arriving at their final destination within five minutes of the scheduled time has fallen rapidly since nationalisation—Greater Anglia from 93% to 90%; c2c from 92% to 84%; West Midlands Railway from 83% to 81%; and South Western Railway from 86% to 80%. All that in less than two years. Rather than better railways, passengers have had more delays, cancellations and uncertainty, while the bill to taxpayers goes up with every delay repayment made.
In Hereford, my brilliant campaigning constituent Cameroon Wood, who uses a wheelchair, has been highlighting the unequal treatment of passengers with disabilities on the railways for years. He is full of praise for the efforts made by West Midlands Railways, but there has been nothing like the improvements to access, signage or enforcement needed—above all for him to get to his beloved Aston Villa matches, but more generally as well. Can the Leader of the House explain why these services are deteriorating, what nationalisation is actually achieving that is worthwhile, and when passengers—able-bodied and with disabilities—can expect the improvements that they have been promised? If not, will he arrange an urgent statement from the Transport Secretary so that she can do so?
Sir Alan Campbell
Let me first of all mention the recent shooting in Krakow. This was an horrific act, and I am sure that the thoughts of the whole House are with the families of those who lost their lives, the injured and everyone affected by this senseless violence.
Remembrance Sunday is our opportunity to remember and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of all those who defended our freedoms and protect our way of life. Can I thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, Mr Speaker and all the House staff for the events to mark remembrance across Parliament this year?
In that vein, I pay tribute to Matthew “Matt” MacKinnon-Pattison, who died on Thursday 5 November, aged 102. He was the last known surviving world war two veteran of the British Special Air Service and one of hundreds of thousands of allied soldiers who fought the Germans in Italy in the spring of 1944. I am sure that the whole House will join me in sending condolences to his friends and family.
Turning to the issue of veterans support, I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that we have a continuing obligation to servicemen and women. That is part of the reason the Prime Minister wrote to councils across England yesterday to urge them to draw up plans to offer accommodation for veterans sleeping rough ahead of this festive period. The Government are committed to tackling homelessness for good, and people who stepped forward and were prepared to put their lives on the line should never lack a roof over their head.
On other issues of public service, I pay tribute to the leader of Great Yarmouth’s Labour group, Trevor Wainwright, who has died aged 76. Trevor first became a borough councillor in 2002 and later led the council from 2012 to 2015. He gave a long and distinguished service, and I am sure that the whole House will join me in sending our deepest condolences.
Yesterday, the Modernisation Committee launched an inquiry into private Members’ Bills. They are an excellent opportunity for MPs to raise awareness of issues of importance to them and their constituents, and sometimes they change the law. I encourage all interested Members to engage with the inquiry. On wider matters, figures this morning show that the UK economy is growing at the fastest rate in almost 10 years outside the pandemic. Despite a year when events around the world have pushed up costs here at home, our economy is growing, bringing hope for the future. We keep a focus on the things that matter to people most: bringing down bills, creating good jobs and helping businesses to grow.
Let me turn to the comments of the shadow Leader of the House. Before I do so, may I congratulate him on the opening of his play “The Winding Stair”, which is playing to sold-out theatres? We look forward to it coming to the west end—
Sir Alan Campbell
Or, indeed, to the House of Commons. We wish the right hon. Gentleman every success. Of course, he is not the only author in the shadow Cabinet. The shadow Chancellor co-authored the Liz Truss Budget, which did so much damage to the economy. I know that the shadow Chancellor does not like me mentioning that, so I will not say any more.
I turn to the specific points raised by the right hon. Gentleman. He has every right to return to the Northern Ireland legacy, having made those points before with great sincerity. The reality is that the previous Government’s approach was rejected by British courts and left our veterans with no real protection. I agree that we owe a great debt to veterans who served and sacrificed to secure peace in Northern Ireland. We strengthened the Bill with a whole package of amendments to provide lasting protection for the armed forces, including protection from repeated investigations. The Royal British Legion has welcomed the amendments that we brought forward to address the concerns that he raises.
I am sure that IPSA will have heard the right hon. Gentleman’s remarks. We all owe a great debt to our constituency teams, who do a fantastic job, so I am sure IPSA will want to provide an answer to his questions.
On his final point about the reliability of railways, one of the most reliable in recent times has been London North Eastern Railway, which has been under Government control for quite some time. The hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (John Lamont) refers to other railways. Why do we need to bring them under public control? The answer is a botched privatisation. I am sure that many on the Conservative Benches will accept that it was a botched privatisation. As we bring more companies under Government control, it will take time. On reliability, I look forward to GWR coming under Government control in the near future, as I am sure the right hon. Gentleman does. The issues that he raises on behalf of his constituent, which he is perfectly entitled to do, are real concerns. By getting the railways on to a better footing, I am sure that we can begin to repair some of the damage that privatisation has caused.
Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney) (Lab)
This Labour Government have strongly supported miners’ pensions. Indeed, at the Budget, the Chancellor guaranteed that future miners’ pension scheme funds would go to them. I also welcome his commitment to finish the job by releasing their remaining funds in weeks not months. Can we please have an update from the Chancellor on his discussions with the pension trustees this week and on how that commitment can be delivered?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is a doughty champion for mineworkers both in his constituency and across the country, and I thank him for that. I am sure the Chancellor will want to ensure that the House remains updated on this issue, but I will ensure that my hon. Friend gets a response from the relevant Treasury Minister so that he can get an update for his constituents.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson—congratulations on your promotion.
Mr Lee Dillon (Newbury) (LD)
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I associate the Liberal Democrats with the Leader of the House’s remarks about the attack in Poland and about our remembrance events? I look forward to settling into this new role and working with colleagues across the House, especially as we look to modernise.
On Tuesday, my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne (Josh Babarinde) introduced a ten-minute rule Bill to update the census questions so that they better reflect how constituents see themselves. No one objected—no one—and the Bill has support from across the House, including from the right hon. Members for Tottenham (Mr Lammy) and for Braintree (Sir James Cleverly). Since then, however, the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Rupert Lowe), who was in the Chamber on Tuesday and who did not object, has tabled an early-day motion that would seek to undo this cross-party work if it was followed through.
The Liberal Democrats were pleased to hear at Prime Minister’s questions that the Prime Minister is open to a discussion and supportive of the principle, and I am grateful that his office is arranging a meeting with my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne. People should be able to describe their own Englishness in their own words, not have it defined to them by those who want to divide us. Will the Leader of the House join me in backing that principle, and will he tell us what Government time can be found so that the Bill can make progress?
While talking about Englishness, given that Harry Kane will become the record cap holder later today, does the Leader of the House agree that it is surely time for him to become Sir Harry Kane?
Sir Alan Campbell
I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his place. I look forward to working with him on a range of matters, not least modernisation of this place. I want to put on the record my thanks to his predecessor, the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Bobby Dean), and wish him well in his new role.
Let me deal with the last point first. If Harry Kane has reached that point and it is felt that he should be recognised in that way, I am sure the usual channels—not in this place but elsewhere—will consider that for the future.
I turn to the main point about the ten-minute rule Bill, which has been introduced. As the Prime Minister said yesterday,
“We must move on from a decade of division”
and
“bring people back together”.—[Official Report, 11 November 2026; Vol. 793, c. 165.]
We will work in a cross-party way with the hon. Member for Eastbourne. With regard to the early-day motion, of course, not everyone shares that ambition for our country. The hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Rupert Lowe) is perfectly entitled to put down an early-day motion and put his side of this issue, if that is what he seeks to do. I do not think there is anything disorderly about that in any way, shape or form, but I have to say that people outside will judge him for that.
As for what will happen with the Bill, it would not be fair for the Government to give priority to this Bill because that would be unfair to other Bills in the process. We will have to see how it goes in the future, but what I would point out to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr Dillon) is that this is an important beginning to a process. Sometimes these issues take quite a while to get there, but the Government are prepared, as he has said, to work as far as we can with the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Josh Babarinde) on these matters.
Adam Thompson (Erewash) (Lab)
Eddie Bisknell is our Derbyshire local democracy reporter, and while he always gives me my fair share of robust scrutiny, I deeply value his enormous contribution to our community. You can imagine our horror then, Madam Deputy Speaker, when the Reform Derbyshire county council recently announced a refusal to engage with Eddie. While I understand that its engagement ban has now lifted after a large national backlash, will the Leader of the House join me in condemning Reform’s press bans and make time for a debate on press freedom in the local democracy reporting service?
Sir Alan Campbell
I want to put on record our recognition of the important contribution that local democracy reporters make in holding councils to account. The reality is that Reform UK in Derbyshire was running scared of basic scrutiny, and that tells us everything we need to know about its fitness—or rather, lack of fitness—for public office. The Government take these matters seriously, and my hon. Friend may wish to raise his concerns in the debate on the Nolan principles later today.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
I call the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee.
Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)
I thank Mr Speaker for hosting a Diwali event in Speaker’s House last night.
In addition to the business that the Leader of the House has announced, on Thursday 19 November there will be a statement from the Education Committee on its report, and on Thursday 26 November there will be a statement from the Transport Committee on its report. Given that the second debate on 19 November is on the emerging risks of advanced AI and was squeezed out on a previous occasion, would the Leader of the House consider giving that debate some form of protected time, to ensure that the large number of Members who want to speak are able to do so?
In addition, the business in Westminster Hall is as follows. On 17 November, there will be a debate on the performance of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. On Thursday 19 November, there will be a debate on support in the NHS for patients with learning disabilities, followed by a debate on inequalities in access to therapy for disabled children. On Tuesday 24 November, there will be a debate on the role of an MP, and on Thursday 26 November there will be a debate on access to stroke services in remote areas, followed by a debate on Islamophobia Awareness Month. On Tuesday 1 December, there will be a debate on nursing staff.
I gently remind the Leader of the House that we are still one down on the Backbench Business Committee. That is very important, because a number of colleagues are away from the estate on parliamentary business next week, and the quorum for our meetings is very tight.
Madam Deputy Speaker, you will know that executions of political prisoners in Iran are frequent. Indeed, Iran is the centre of executions of people who just want to stand up for their human rights. Later this evening, I shall be presenting the Magnitsky award for outstanding human rights activist to Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani. He has been in prison in Iran for six years for his part in the protests of 2019. He is on death row for the simple reason that he is a political protester. Can we have a statement to this House from a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister on what the Government will do to call out not only this potential execution but all the other potential executions of prisoners in Iran?
Sir Alan Campbell
On the matter of the business for 19 November, I will certainly look at how best to protect the time. That includes whether we need statements at the start of the day, but as the hon. Gentleman knows, it is a balance between keeping the House informed of important matters and ensuring there is sufficient time. I will also think about protected time, but as I have said to him before, having protected time is not the panacea we sometimes think it is, because it can lead to false assumptions about what can be allowed at the beginning of the day, and it does not always help.
As for the Labour Member on the Backbench Business Committee, I put my hands up and apologise sincerely to the hon. Gentleman. He knows that I take these matters seriously, and I apologise that we have not been able to fill that space, but discussions are ongoing, and we hope to be able to appoint a member soon.
On human rights in Iran, I know the hon. Gentleman takes these matters extremely seriously. There is abhorrence at the surge in executions of political prisoners in Iran. The Government oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle. Iran’s consistently high rate of executions is a deliberate attempt to instil fear and stifle dissent. He is right to stand up against that, and the Government stand up against that. I will raise his specific concern with the FCDO and get him a response.
Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth) (Lab)
Does the Leader of the House agree that this House should find time to celebrate people who perform kind actions in the name of animal welfare? That includes people like Donna Dickie from Clackmannan, who found a neglected dog, Roxy, who was suffering with a tumour on her side, as well as being seriously underweight. Because of Donna’s intervention, Roxy is now in good health and living her best life. She is even the star of a 2027 calendar, with the proceeds going towards saving the lives of shelter dogs in Romania.
Sir Alan Campbell
Absolutely, and we should do that not only because Donna has done an important thing, and but because, as we all know from our postbags, there is a great deal of care and sympathy for matters of animal welfare among our constituents. I thank Donna for what she has done, and I am delighted that Roxy is making a recovery and raising funds for an important cause at the same time.
Rishi Sunak (Richmond and Northallerton) (Con)
I recently convened a meeting of North Yorkshire council, the mayor’s office and TransPennine Express, to discuss the shortage of car parking at Northallerton train station. I have written to relevant Ministers, because there is some confusion about the combined authority using the local transport grant to fund the proposed solution. Does the Leader of the House agree with me about the importance of parking at a key train station serving a large rural area? Will he join me in encouraging all parties to work constructively together to find a solution for our local community?
Sir Alan Campbell
Indeed I will, and I thank the right hon. Gentleman for all his work on this important matter, because it is important to his constituents. I am aware that he has written to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Transport, and my office will be willing and happy to follow that up and ensure a resolution about the funding. I encourage everyone to work together to bring about the solution that he seeks.
Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)
Dudley will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Dudley winter ales fayre. I thank the Campaign for Real Ale in Dudley and South Staffordshire, which is celebrating 50 years, and its chairman, John Corser, for all the fantastic work they do to celebrate real ale. Will my right hon. Friend join me in raising a glass to all the volunteers and breweries, and will he agree to a debate on that?
Sir Alan Campbell
I join my hon. Friend in commending the work of John Corser, and all members of Dudley and South Staffordshire CAMRA. It sounds like a fantastic event, and I thank all volunteers up and down the country who are involved—as I have said before, volunteers are the golden thread that runs through our communities. I encourage my hon. Friend to look to secure a Westminster Hall debate on these matters, so that she can hear from a Minister directly about what help we are giving to support local breweries.
Sarah Bool (South Northamptonshire) (Con)
Saturday 14 November is World Diabetes Day, and it is estimated that around 6 million people in the UK live with diabetes. The theme this year is early diagnosis and risk reduction, and I encourage Ministers to consider my ten-minute rule Bill, the Type 1 Diabetes Screening (Children) Bill, about an early screening programme for children. Will the Leader of the House join me in helping to raise awareness among our constituents about the signs of diabetes, particularly type-1 diabetes, which are the four Ts—thirst, tiredness, thin and toilet—so we can ensure that people get the lifesaving treatment they need when they are first diagnosed?
Sir Alan Campbell
I absolutely join the hon. Lady in giving attention to World Diabetes Day and the important work done by Diabetes UK. I have had a personal family interest in these matters for some years, and I know the importance of early diagnosis and the effect that diabetes can have if it is not diagnosed and treated properly. I will certainly look at the hon. Lady’s ten-minute rule Bill and draw it to the attention of the relevant Minister, and I thank her for raising that matter.
Neil Coyle (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) (Lab)
Our Government rightly abolished no-fault evictions, but the St James estate in Bermondsey is probably the last in the country to receive section 21 orders, and its rogue landlord, BMR St James, is trying to evict almost 30 families before Christmas. Those families have sadly been let down by Southwark council, which failed to deliver promised legal support, and a Green/Lib Dem coalition cabinet member has broken his commitment even to meet the people affected. Will the Government provide time to debate further penalties to tackle dodgy landlords such as BMR, and examine how councils are implementing, or failing to use, new powers to fine landlords who break rules and harass tenants?
Sir Alan Campbell
I hope that Southwark council will meet all the people affected by the concerning issues raised by my hon. Friend. As he points out, the Government have passed the Renters’ Rights Act 2025: it is now in force, banning no fault evictions and improving the system for millions of private renters in England, with tough penalties for landlords who breach their duties. I know my hon. Friend will not let go on these matters, as he is an assiduous campaigner in his constituency, but I encourage him to apply for a debate on these matters so that we can understand what further support tenants need to tackle rogue landlords.
Dr Danny Chambers (Winchester) (LD)
Last month, the Health Secretary assured the House that corridor care was being measured, but this week an ITV investigation revealed that the real levels of corridor care are likely to be much higher than official figures suggest. The report included the story of an elderly cancer patient who was treated in a cupboard for about 48 hours. The issue is not just about privacy and dignity, but about patient safety, because corridor care means it is possible to miss conditions, such as sepsis. We cannot end the scandal that is corridor care unless we accurately measure how many people are receiving it. Will the Leader of the House arrange for the Health Secretary to give a statement about how we will accurately measure corridor care, so we can take steps to tackle it?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Gentleman takes these matters seriously, but I assure him that the Health Secretary takes these matters seriously too. I will arrange for an update from her and her team to address the important issues that he has raised. There are often individual cases that are indefensible, but it is important that the Government are committed to improving the general direction of travel.
Several hon. Members rose—
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
Order. I urge Back Benchers to keep their questions short.
Warinder Juss (Wolverhampton West) (Lab)
A constituent of mine relies on Ramipril to tackle his high blood pressure, but because of national shortages he is having to run between his local GP surgery and pharmacies in order to get his medication, while working full time, which is having a detrimental effect on his mental health. Will the Leader of the House ask the Department of Health and Social Care what is being done to improve supply chain resilience against shortages of vital and common drugs such as Ramipril, and to ensure that our constituents are properly supported when there are drug shortages?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend raises an important matter. Our 10-year health plan sets out how to improve access to healthcare for everyone, putting patients first but ensuring there is sustainable access to medicines. I will ensure the Department of Health and Social Care looks into the specific issue he raises and gives him an update.
Robbie Moore (Keighley and Ilkley) (Con)
Some £12 million of taxpayers’ money was allocated to Keighley to help build a new health hub in the centre of our town. That money was given to Keighley through the Keighley town fund nearly six years ago, with a top up of additional funds from the levelling-up fund three years ago. However, because of the sheer incompetence of the last Labour-run administration, the project was not progressed, and under the new Reform administration, the same lethargic approach has continued. Last week, we heard that the project may not go ahead at all due to time running out. Will the Leader of the House assist me in getting an urgent meeting with the relevant Ministers from the Department of Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, as one has already been requested, so that we can get to the bottom of this and ensure the health hub is not cancelled as a result of Bradford council’s ineptitude?
Sir Alan Campbell
The short answer is yes, I will. However, I caution the hon. Gentleman when he talks about money that was committed five or six years ago by the previous Government, because there may have been a commitment but there was rarely any money. The difference is that this Government are making commitments and we are funding them, although he raises an important point.
David Williams (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab)
Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy in Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove, and we have so many that we can be proud of. That is why I am asking residents to nominate their favourite shops, cafés, pubs and, being a Stokie MP, our oatcake shops, for my small business awards. Will the Leader of the House join me in encouraging residents across Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove to nominate their favourite local businesses for the awards?
Sir Alan Campbell
I welcome my hon. Friend’s initiative to celebrate local enterprise. Independent shops, cafés and pubs are the backbone of our local economies, and I am pleased to join him in encouraging people across Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove to nominate the local businesses that make a real difference to their neighbourhood.
Seamus Logan (Aberdeenshire North and Moray East) (SNP)
Earlier this week, The Guardian reported on extensive communications over several months between the former Health Minister, the hon. Member for Glasgow South West (Dr Ahmed), and the UK head of Palantir—I must advise you, Madam Deputy Speaker, that I informed the Member’s office that I would mention him. Information obtained from freedom of information requests reveals the extent of covert political lobbying conducted by Palantir and its bedfellows, some of whom are senior figures in the Labour party. The lobbying is designed to extend the reach of the federated data platform into primary care and to ensure that the brake clause available next year is not employed. Will the Leader of the House advise me on how we—I say “we” because I mean Members on both sides of the House—can obtain a debate on this subject, so that the full nature of the contract and this disreputable provider can be exposed?
Sir Alan Campbell
The contract for the NHS federated data platform was awarded through a competitive procurement process; the supplier contract will be reviewed in line with standard contract management processes, and the outcome will be announced in the normal way in due course. The hon. Gentleman has every right to raise these matters. If he wishes to hear from a Health Minister directly, I encourage him to seek an Adjournment debate.
Samantha Niblett (South Derbyshire) (Lab)
Plans for Drakelow 1 and 2 AI data centres, which are part of the midlands supercluster, far exceed the original proposals on the current site of Drakelow power station. They would encroach into countryside and— alongside solar, farm and battery storage—encircle the village of Walton-on-Trent. However, just up the road is the old Willington power station site, which has been redundant for decades and is crying out for its 227 acres to be redeveloped. My understanding is that the application will go in as a nationally significant infrastructure project, and so inevitably directly to the Secretary of State, effectively disabling any input from local people. Will the Leader of the House therefore help me to secure a meeting with the relevant Minister so I can raise my concerns?
Sir Alan Campbell
As I understand it, applications have not been submitted for Drakelow 1 and 2, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the merits or otherwise of the prospective applications. The NSIP process does provide opportunities for local communities to make their views known, but as my hon. Friend asks, I will ask the relevant Minister to meet her.
John Glen (Salisbury) (Con)
The Leader of the House will be aware of the controversy around sodium valproate and the lack of clarity over what is going to happen following the Hughes report of February 2024. In an Adjournment debate just two weeks ago, the Minister for Public Health and Patient Safety, the right hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham (Dame Diana Johnson), said that a decision on financial redress has not been made. Will the Leader of the House urgently make time for a statement from a Health Minister on this important matter? I know from my experience of working on the infected blood compensation scheme that the longer these matters are delayed, the worse the cost and the distress caused will be.
Sir Alan Campbell
The right hon. Gentleman is right to warn of how these situations can progress and become worse over time, but he also knows that it is important that we get things right. I will take up the matter with the relevant Minister and see whether we can get not just the decision, but the update that the right hon. Gentleman seeks.
Leigh Ingham (Stafford) (Lab)
I was proud to nominate the frailty service at County hospital in Stafford for a national parliamentary award after seeing the outstanding work it is doing in helping older patients to get the right care at the right time and avoid unnecessary stays in hospital. The service has now been shortlisted as one of four nationally. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the team and—I am sure—recommending that it should win the award? Can we also have a debate on how the NHS could better recognise and replicate successful local innovation in the NHS?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is rightly proud of the achievements of County hospital, and I pay tribute to all the staff who contribute to the exemplary service in Stafford and to staff across our NHS. I wish the service well for the parliamentary pathfinder NHS innovation adoption awards, as I do the other services that are shortlisted. This would be a good topic for an Adjournment debate, which could demonstrate the unique successes of local NHS services.
Rupert Lowe (Great Yarmouth) (Restore Britain)
Earlier this week, a Reform politician in the Senedd, Joe Martin, was barred from speaking after raising fair concerns about projections showing that the white British population will become a minority by 2063. As the saying goes, in a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. Mass immigration, both legal and illegal, is fundamentally changing the demographic make-up of our country. Does the Leader of the House agree that the demographic change forced upon our population must be subject to genuine democratic debate and scrutiny, and will he make time in this House for a full debate?
Sir Alan Campbell
I have never seen the hon. Gentleman as a revolutionary, I have to say, but the points he makes about representation by elected officials are a matter for the Senedd. As he will know, there is a debate later on the Nolan principles, and he may wish to raise some points during that debate, if he catches your eye, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Jas Athwal (Ilford South) (Lab)
If booking a medical appointment requires the help of a son or granddaughter —assuming there is one—the system has failed. A 92-year-old constituent who is hard of hearing and speaks perfect English struggles to book GP appointments by phone, and he is sent away when he attempts to book at the surgery in person. That is not innovation, but digital exclusion. Technology should serve people, not determine who is entitled to dignity. Reasonable adjustments must always be an option. Will the Leader of the House help to ensure that the older generation, or those with disabilities, are not being left behind as healthcare access becomes increasingly digitalised?
Sir Alan Campbell
Digital healthcare should improve access to care, not create new barriers, but unfortunately, that is what we have in the example that my hon. Friend gives. I am sure there will be examples in other constituencies, too. The digital exclusion risk atlas helps to identify digital exclusion risks, while the inclusive digital healthcare framework supports services to address barriers such as accessibility, skills and confidence. I will draw his concerns specifically to the attention of Ministers.
Several hon. Members rose—
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
Order. Questions are far too long. I ask Members to cross out most of what they have written, and will the Leader of the House please be as sharp as he can?
Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills) (Con)
Ahead of Road Safety Week and this Sunday’s service of remembrance for road traffic victims, will the Leader of the House set aside time for a debate on road safety, including how technologies such as intervening intelligent speed assistance could help reduce repeat speeding offences and prevent more families from suffering the devastating loss of a loved one?
Sir Alan Campbell
The right hon. Lady will know that the Government introduced the road safety strategy and that we take these matters seriously. An Adjournment debate, should she seek one, would perhaps be a way to explore the important matters that she raises.
Dave Robertson (Lichfield) (Lab)
Tatenhill is a tiny village in the north of my constituency, but it has a big problem with road safety. Staffordshire county council has promised to install traffic-calming measures and even secured a developer payment in April 2022 under the Conservatives. The council committed to undertaking works within 12 months of that, but failed to do so. Since 2025, when Reform took over the council, it has continued to fail to do the works. There have been serious crashes in the village over the past year, including a car crashing into a house and another hitting multiple vehicles parked by the primary school. Does the Leader of the House agree that Staffordshire county council must stop dragging its heels, get its thumb out and get it done? Will he make time for a debate on the consequences for councils that fail to undertake work that they are legally committed to doing?
Sir Alan Campbell
I hope that the council has not just heard what my hon. Friend has said today, but takes the action that he seeks. I can assure the council that he is a doughty campaigner for his constituents and will not give up until it takes action.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
Reading the question super-fast does not make the question any shorter. Victoria Collins is no longer here, so I call Ben Maguire.
Ben Maguire (North Cornwall) (LD)
Cornwall continues to face a housing crisis, and my Airbnb Bill, which I am presenting later today, would require planning permission before a family home can be turned into a holiday let, in much the same way as planning is required to turn a house into a shop or another commercial business. Will the Leader of the House commit to a debate in Government time on reforming the change of use rules, so that councils in areas that have acute housing shortages, such as Cornwall, can finally regulate the housing sector to ensure that everyone has a safe place to live?
Sir Alan Campbell
No, I cannot commit to that, but I am sure the hon. Gentleman can follow up his Bill with a request for a debate where he can continue to campaign on those matters, because they are important for his area and elsewhere. I am sure the Government will want to do everything we can to help.
Michelle Scrogham (Barrow and Furness) (Lab)
The Leader of the House will know how proud I am of the Lionesses, particularly Georgia Stanway, who was born and raised in Barrow and Furness. This Government’s £220 million transformation fund has given us the opportunity to unlock Football Foundation match funding that could bring forward additional all-weather pitches, with one named for Georgia. Unfortunately, delays in Westmorland and Furness council could lead to us losing that match funding, with the deadline expiring on Sunday. Does the Leader of the House agree that the Lib Dem-run council should pull its finger out and get this delivered?
Sir Alan Campbell
I absolutely agree that we should take pride in the success of the Lionesses. The Government are committed to supporting access to grassroots sport, so I encourage my hon. Friend’s local authority to provide the funding that she refers to, ensuring that the pitches are built in Barrow so that the Lionesses of the future will have every opportunity to succeed.
Sir Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)
There was a good commitment in the Budget for the guest beer agreement to be placed in the pub code. That would be a massive boost for pubs in Skipton and Ripon, and across Britain, and for independent brewers. Will the Leader of the House use his massive authority within Government to push that through in the code as quickly as possible? Publicans across the country would welcome him with open arms at any time.
Sir Alan Campbell
I follow the right hon. Gentleman on his social media, which looks as if he is on a pub crawl from time to time, but I am sure that is for all the right reasons. I will do everything that I can to get the outcome that he seeks, despite my limited influence in these matters.
Mary Glindon (Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend) (Lab)
The global debt crisis is trapping low-income countries in a cycle of poverty. According to the World Bank, since 2022, private lenders have received over $141 billion more in debt servicing costs from developing economies than they have lent. As we look ahead to the UK’s presidency of the G20, will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the global debt crisis?
Sir Alan Campbell
The Foreign Secretary has called for a new deal on debt to support countries to repay over longer time horizons, and for refinancing with better rates to give developing countries precious fiscal space. I will ensure that the Foreign Secretary hears my hon. Friend’s words, and I am sure that this issue would make for a popular Westminster Hall debate.
Tom Gordon (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (LD)
In the Budget, the Chancellor announced a £100 energy rebate to help people with their winter fuel. One of my concerns comes off the back of a response to a written parliamentary question, in which a Minister said that the rebate would apply only to people who pay council tax. That means that people such as students, people who live in houses in multiple occupation or people getting a waiver on their council tax because they are terminally ill might have to go without the £100 energy support. Will the Leader of the House use his good offices to make sure that is not the case?
Sir Alan Campbell
I am grateful that the hon. Gentleman draws attention to one of the very popular measures in a very popular Budget, and I will take away what he has said. It is important that, when this money lands, the maximum number of people get the maximum amount of benefit.
Anna Gelderd (South East Cornwall) (Lab)
A historic American shipwreck off Tregonhawke beach in my constituency, the SS James Eagan Layne, has become a popular diving site and an important part of our local heritage. However, it continues to leak oil during severe storms, affecting a local surf school—a favourite of mine—and other maritime users. Temporary repairs have been carried out, but they have not provided a lasting solution. With responsibility for the wreck unclear, we risk being left in a cycle of pollution. Will the Leader of the House support me in working with the Department for Transport to establish responsibility, secure a permanent solution and explore whether our allies could contribute towards the cost? That would help to protect the seas and to safeguard local businesses and the local Ministry of Defence training facility without the UK taxpayer shouldering the full cost.
Sir Alan Campbell
As a coastal MP, I know how important local maritime heritage and the state of our seas are to our residents and to residents further afield. The Government take maritime pollution and the protection of local marine systems very seriously. I will ensure that Ministers in the Department for Transport are aware of my hon. Friend’s concerns; if she wants to have a meeting with them, I will help to arrange one.
John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con)
Over the last few years, dozens of people have tragically been killed on the A1 between Dunbar and Morpeth. More than 15,000 people have signed a petition, which has been presented to Downing Street, calling on the Government to take urgent safety measures on the road. Will the Leader of the House help to set up a meeting between a Transport Minister, myself and the action group to ensure that we can have a discussion about how we can make the road as safe as possible and save lives?
Chris Murray (Edinburgh East and Musselburgh) (Lab)
Last week, over 100 of my constituents received a letter saying that the building they were living in was going to be sold and that they would have to move in the new year—this being in winter in Scotland and during Edinburgh’s housing crisis. I understand that, following meetings with me and a big backlash from local residents, that move has been postponed, but people do not know for how long, or what their situation is. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate about protecting people and giving them assurance in their homes, and will he work with the Scottish Government, because, of course, housing policy is devolved in Scotland?
Sir Alan Campbell
We have legislated through the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 to protect renters in England, but as my hon. Friend says, housing is a devolved matter. I hope the Scottish Government will take action on his concerns; if not, I am sure he will continue to find ways to keep raising this issue until a resolution is found.
Clive Jones (Wokingham) (LD)
Schools across Wokingham are struggling to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities because funding is not keeping pace with rising demand. As budgets come under pressure, teaching assistants are often the first to go. I know the Leader of the House has been asked this many times before, but will he make time for a debate on properly funding SEND reform and support in schools?
Sir Alan Campbell
As the hon. Gentleman knows, the current system is widely regarded as having been broken, and the Government are committed to bringing forward legislation on these matters. When we do so, there will be ample opportunity for the hon. Gentleman to raise his specific concerns. On the wider issue, more money is going into schools, but I appreciate that in some cases, the budgets are pretty tight.
Euan Stainbank (Falkirk) (Lab)
My constituent Heather has been harassed for years, often by men shouting from passing cars, and grabbed three times while out running in her community. Heather is determined to see this disgusting and criminal behaviour ended through the adoption in Scotland of the Jog On campaign, which has enabled police, councils and communities in parts of England to tackle this issue. Will the Leader of the House arrange a meeting between the relevant Minister and Heather and the Jog On campaign, to discuss how we can end the harassment of women and girls in all public spaces?
Sir Alan Campbell
These are issues that the Government take very seriously, and I will do everything I can to arrange the meeting that my hon. Friend seeks.
Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con)
I am sure the Leader of the House shared my delight as Bridlington Town defeated Curzon Ashton on penalties in the first round of the FA trophy. This Saturday at 3 o’clock, they will welcome the mighty Macclesfield in the second round—a truly David versus Goliath clash. The good news, Madam Deputy Speaker, is that I have two tickets in my pocket, and I wonder whether the Leader of the House would like to make time on Saturday afternoon to join me at Brid Town and give himself a brief respite from watching Sunderland.
Sir Alan Campbell
I am looking around the Chamber to see whether my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Tim Roca) is present before I answer. I was delighted to see the hon. Gentleman’s team progress; unfortunately, my diary for the weekend is already somewhat full, but I will give thought to whether we can join forces at a future game—hopefully one in which his team continue to progress.
Kim Johnson (Liverpool Riverside) (Lab)
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in my constituency is one of only two tropical medicine institutions in the UK and the longest established, dating back to 1898. It now faces £24 million of cuts over the next three years and significant redundancies, due in part to the reduction of research funding. At a time when infectious diseases continue to have a global impact, those cuts risk lifesaving research and the loss of highly skilled jobs. Will the Leader of the House grant time to debate the impact that cuts to research funding have on world-class institutions such as LSTM?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is right to champion Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the valuable research it does. We will shortly be commissioning an independent review to provide advice on how specialist research providers should be recognised within the Research England funding framework in order to make sure those providers’ contributions are reflected in future funding decisions, but I will ask Ministers to write to my hon. Friend with further details about the issues she raises.
Martin Vickers (Brigg and Immingham) (Con)
Earlier this week, I attended a drop-in session organised by Cardiac Risk in the Young to show my support for the introduction of a screening programme that could save the lives of the 12 young people who die each week with undiagnosed heart issues. Whenever we go to these sessions, for whichever illness, we are told that early diagnosis and screening would not only save lives but save money for the NHS in the future. What assessments are carried out by the Department to determine whether those savings actually exist? It would be helpful if a Minister could come to the Chamber to explain.
Sir Alan Campbell
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising awareness of this serious issue. The Government are committed to shifting resources in the NHS from sickness to prevention, as is set out in our 10-year health plan and the new cardiovascular disease modern service framework. I am happy to raise those specific questions about funding assessments with the Department. As he will know—indeed, as any Minister or ex-Minister will know—it is difficult to shift resources from dealing with a particular problem that shows itself now towards prevention, but that is exactly what the Government want to do.
Ms Julie Minns (Carlisle) (Lab)
During Storm Boelo, the new natural flood defence scheme at Brampton Fell farm protected homes in the town of Brampton by holding back half a million litres of floodwater every single hour. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking Phil Furneaux from Brampton 2 Zero, farmer Alan Bowman and all the partners involved in delivering that brilliant community scheme?
Sir Alan Campbell
I absolutely join my hon. Friend in congratulating all those involved in the Brampton flood defence project, protecting their local community from flooding. I want to pay particular attention to the work of farmers in this regard. We have announced the largest programme tackling flooding in history, with £10.5 billion up to 2036 protecting 890,000 homes and businesses. I will ask the relevant Minister to give my hon. Friend an update and, if necessary, to update the House.
Monica Harding (Esher and Walton) (LD)
Despite wide agreement across the House in the debate on assisted dying that end-of-life care should be prioritised and resourced sufficiently, Princess Alice hospice in my constituency—one of the leading names in hospice care—has just announced that it must find £3.5 million of savings a year, which will see some of its services stopped completely or made smaller. Princess Alice provides care across Kingston, Richmond and much of Surrey, but NHS funding covers just 23% of its costs. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the long-term sustainability of hospices given their importance to the House and, seemingly, to the Prime Minister?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Lady is right to raise not only the importance of hospices—we are grateful for the important work they do—but the challenges they face. The Government have provided support for hospices, but I accept that many still find it difficult. The answer in the longer term is to reform social care, and the Prime Minister is committed to doing that.
Phil Brickell (Bolton West) (Lab)
The Westhoughton Assist Service, based at the John Holt community centre in my constituency, provides vital support to vulnerable people, with food packages, clothing and referrals. As we approach the festive season, it is collecting toys for its Christmas appeal so that every child across Westhoughton can have a truly magical Christmas day. Will the Leader of the House join me in recognising the hard work of Lesley Monks and the whole team at Westhoughton Assist who provide invaluable support to families all year round?
Sir Alan Campbell
I join my hon. Friend in recognising the hard work of Lesley Monks and everyone at Westhoughton Assist in supporting families throughout the year, but particularly as we approach Christmas.
Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
Will the Leader of the House please ask the Foreign Secretary to make a statement on the repeated attacks and destruction of property belonging to the Catholic diocese of Gboko, which led to the closure of a hospital, a care centre, and primary and secondary schools, in Benue state in Nigeria? What representations are the Government making to urge the Nigerian authorities to protect religious institutions, their staff and the communities they serve from further violence, and to hold those responsible to account for their actions?
Sir Alan Campbell
The UK Government condemn the attacks that took place on 6 November. We continually and regularly engage with the Nigerian Government, religious leaders and civil society to promote freedom of religion or belief. Through the UK-Nigeria security and defence partnership, we are working with Nigeria to tackle shared security challenges. We have the £38 million strengthening peace and resilience in Nigeria programme, which will allow local answers to the issues raised by the hon. Gentleman, but I will also draw his words to the attention of the Foreign Secretary.
Mr Bayo Alaba (Southend East and Rochford) (Ind)
Heritage buildings play a crucial role in shaping the character of the places where we live, which is why I am incredibly proud to have supported the revival of both Rochford’s Freight House and Southend’s Kursaal, recently securing a £540,000 grant to future-proof the latter’s iconic domed roof. Will the Leader of the House consider finding time for a debate on the role of heritage assets in regeneration so that hon. Members across the House can share examples from their communities?
Sir Alan Campbell
As my hon. Friend will know, through our £1.5 billion arts everywhere fund we are backing the protection of historic buildings and the revival of heritage assets for modern community use. I encourage him to apply for a Westminster Hall debate, because I am sure that examples from not just his constituency but others deserve to be heard.
Apsana Begum (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab)
Specialist organisations, including in the violence against women and girls sector, have warned that the Government’s earned settlement proposals will undermine even their own objectives on child poverty, modern slavery, domestic abuse and homelessness. Those organisations are asking for the proposals to be withdrawn. Since the Home Secretary’s statement last week, we are still yet to see an impact assessment. Will the Leader of the House ensure that Parliament is given sufficient time to debate these multifaceted harms and impacts well before the changes are due to take effect?
Sir Alan Campbell
These are important matters, and I understand that they do cause concern across constituencies, and indeed in particular communities, but, as I have just announced, we will have regular opportunities to discuss these matters. I hope that my hon. Friend will take part in those debates.
Andy MacNae (Rossendale and Darwen) (Lab)
Rossendale remains the only local authority area in a north without a commuter rail link, despite being only 15 miles from central Manchester. The line still exists and just needs reinstating as a commuter service. That would be a game changer for Rossendale and the economy of east Lancashire and is exactly the sort of scheme that would increase the economic impact of Northern Powerhouse Rail, yet its progress is agonisingly slow and faces multiple hurdles. Does the Leader of the House agree that if we are to deliver good growth in every postcode, we must prioritise connecting our towns as much as our cities?
Sir Alan Campbell
I congratulate my hon. Friend, because yesterday he got a commitment from the Prime Minister to meet the reindustrialisation research group on these matters. As we advance our reindustrialisation agenda, we need to ensure that there is reliable and joined-up transport infrastructure for everyone across England. I will ensure that the Transport Secretary has heard his representations.
Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow West) (Lab)
Before I ask my substantive question, I wonder if the Leader of the House will join me in wishing a speedy recovery to two adults and four pupils of Hyndland secondary school who are recovering from injuries received when a car mounted a pavement on Tuesday afternoon in my constituency, and in thanking the emergency services for their prompt action in responding to the incident.
Will the Leader of the House provide an update on the likely publication date for the findings of the review of access to banking services? Constituents in areas like Anniesland in Glasgow West, where there are no banks, eagerly await its findings.
Sir Alan Campbell
I am sure the whole House sends its best wishes for a full recovery to everyone injured in the incident in my hon. Friend’s constituency. I join her in thanking the emergency services for their swift response.
Turning to banking hubs, we have rolled out 230 banking hubs and are working with the industry to open 350 by the end of this Parliament. The Government commissioned the independent review on access to banking services in May and will publish the findings of that in due course.
Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)
Blackpool is ranked second nationally for abandoned buildings. I know that the Leader of the House, as a fellow coastal MP, sees and feels at first hand the impact of derelict and empty properties on towns like ours. The £1.35 million that the Government have given Blackpool from the derelict buildings fund will build on the work of the council’s empty properties taskforce, launched earlier this year by the council’s leader, Lynn Williams. I want residents and business to help us shape what we prioritise. Will my right hon. Friend join me in encouraging residents to complete my survey so that we can take their priorities directly to Blackpool council’s empty properties taskforce in two weeks?
Sir Alan Campbell
As a coastal MP, I absolutely understand what my hon. Friend is saying about empty properties, which are a concern everywhere but take on a particular significance in coastal towns. I am delighted about the funding that he has secured for Blackpool; he is a doughty campaigner for that fantastic town. I certainly encourage his constituents to complete the survey, which will help put power back in the hands of local people, who, after all, know best.
Tom Rutland (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Lab)
After many months of hard work, we finally have year-round citizen science water testing up and running in Worthing, to test water quality, identify sites of pollution and give sea swimmers confidence as they enjoy our fantastic coast. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking and congratulating Mark and Karl from East Worthing’s Muscle Beach Swimmers Club, Councillors Vicki Wells and Martin McCabe, South Downs Leisure and all those who have been instrumental in bringing forward this fantastic project?
Sir Alan Campbell
Absolutely. My hon. Friend has been an ardent campaigner on cleaning up our waterways, and I pay tribute to him for that. I join him in congratulating Mark, Karl and everyone involved in the community initiative to which he refers on giving their time in service to cleaning up their local community.
Alison Hume (Scarborough and Whitby) (Lab)
The TV drama “Heartbeat”, featuring a policeman based in 1960s “Aidensfield” delighted millions of viewers, so it is slightly ironic that, in 2026, residents in the real village, Goathland, cannot make emergency calls during power cuts, as their mobile phone mast has no battery. As EE has told me that it has no plans to install one, will the Leader of the House arrange a meeting between me, the relevant Minister and EE to help ensure that my citizens can make 999 calls that actually connect?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend raises a really important matter, because access to emergency services is a vital lifeline for our communities. There are statutory obligations on communications providers to ensure that their networks and services remain available. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport works with industry and Ofcom to ensure that learning from significant outages are captured and assessed. Ministers from DCMS will have heard her concerns today, but I will also point out that on Wednesday 18 November there is a Westminster Hall debate on connectivity in rural areas.
Paul Davies (Colne Valley) (Lab)
Research by Best for Britain shows strong support for a closer relationship with the EU, with many voters citing improving trade and the economy as motivating factors. The Prime Minister is due to meet EU leaders next week, when I am sure he will speak about opening new deals to support industry and growth. In the light of that, will the Leader of the House allow time for a debate on the merits of a closer relationship with the EU?
Sir Alan Campbell
I see that the Prime Minister at the time of the referendum was offering advice to our Prime Minister about the way forward on Europe, which I find somewhat ironic. Next week’s UK-EU summit is an opportunity to strike important deals, to boost the economy, to cut red tape, to help businesses grow and to provide opportunities for young people. We have announced that we will introduce a European partnership Bill, and I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be ample opportunity to discuss this important matter.
Dr Sam Rushworth (Bishop Auckland) (Lab)
It is my privilege and duty to speak on behalf of the people of Bishop Auckland. One way I can do that is by questioning Ministers in this place, but with more and more issues being devolved, there is no mechanism for Members of Parliament to hold regional mayors to account. Will the Leader of the House give some thought to creating regional committees, so that we can scrutinise the work of devolved authorities?
Sir Alan Campbell
The Government are absolutely committed to outlining our vision for devolution in England and delivering good growth in every part of the United Kingdom, but my hon. Friend raises a really important matter: how mayors are held to account and scrutinised. Parliament has a really important role in scrutinising both the operation of the devolution system and the stewardship of public money, and I can assure him that these matters are being discussed at the heart of Government.
Perran Moon (Camborne and Redruth) (Ind)
Meur ras, Madam Deputy Speaker. Trail hunting is a shameless cover for the barbaric practice of foxhunting, and the Government were elected on a manifesto commitment to ban it. Will the Leader of the House encourage the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to confirm when it will publish the response to the consultation that ended in June, so that the Government can make good on their pledge and bring forward an effective and enforceable ban?
Sir Alan Campbell
The Government are committed to introducing an effective ban on trail hunting and, as my hon. Friend says, we have consulted on how best to take the ban forward. The consultation received 184,000 responses, and DEFRA plans to publish a summary of responses as soon as possible.
John Slinger (Rugby) (Lab)
Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the staff and students at Avon Valley school and performing arts college on essentially winning an Oscar—the 2026 national school theatre award for best musical—for their amazing rendition of “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”? Does he agree that we need more time to debate the amazing work of our students and schools in ensuring that the creative arts are at the heart of what they do and what we do in our communities across the country?
Sir Alan Campbell
The Government are a proud champion of the arts, and I will certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating Elisa Wheatley and everyone involved at the Avon Valley school and performing arts college on their rendition of “Everyone’s Talking About Jamie”. It is a considerable achievement, and I congratulate each and every one of them.
Gaza: Humanitarian Situation
(1 day, 9 hours ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Stephen Doughty)
With permission, I would like to make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the wider region.
With Gaza entering its fourth winter of conflict, last weekend’s heavy rain and strong winds have made the intolerable humanitarian situation even worse for Palestinian civilians. Like so many others, I was horrified by the scenes. Flooding has damaged displacement sites, tents and buildings, including hospitals and schools. According to our humanitarian partners on the ground, more than 152,000 people have been affected, with over 6,000 shelters destroyed, 17,400 damaged and nearly 4,000 households left without shelter.
Three children and their mother were killed when a sand embankment collapsed on their tents. The cumulative impact, as well as the immediate impact, is appalling. For more than three years, families have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods, and many have had to move again and again in search of safety. Meanwhile, civilian deaths continue, with more than 1,600 killed since the so-called ceasefire alone, and Gazans have been kettled into around 30% of their territory.
The reality on the ground is heartbreaking, yet we knew this was coming. The UN and non-governmental organisations have raised the alarm for months. Donors, including ourselves, geared up for it and put in support for aid agencies ahead of time, but restrictions on access to vital supplies and machinery have hampered preparations for winter. According to the UN, over 150,000 tents and 300,000 tarpaulins that humanitarian partners and donors purchased are outside Gaza, ready to go in, yet the Israeli authorities have prevented these items from entering. They also continue to block timber from entering, leaving no emergency shelter kits available in Gaza. This is shameful. The problem is not simply whether the international community can provide help; it is whether that help can reach the people who need it. I have a very simple and direct message to the Israeli authorities: let the aid in.
This is only the first storm of winter, and there will be more. The UN has said that new tents alone will not protect people from flooding. Gaza urgently needs machinery and tools for drainage and rubble removal, and this is unilaterally in the Government of Israel’s control. As the occupying power, there are strict legal obligations that Israel must obey. We have repeatedly pressed it to prepare for winter and to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, in line with international law. At the UN General Assembly, the UK brought international partners together behind a call to action on humanitarian access and healthcare. Today, again in New York, we will bring together multiple international partners once again to reinforce that pressure.
Our immediate asks of the Government of Israel are clear: open crossing points, starting with Erez in northern Gaza; allow additional days for dual-use items to enter; and reduce the list of those items, so that vital medicines, medical equipment, and materials for tents and shelter can reach the people who need them. I saw with my own eyes items for which I could see no reasonable ground for refusing entry. The Israeli Government must also allow access for journalists, diplomats and Foreign Ministers, so that the world can see the scale of what is happening.
I am shocked by reports overnight that an Israeli airstrike on the Nasser hospital in southern Gaza has killed at least six people. So many healthcare workers and humanitarians have lost their lives and faced peril trying to alleviate suffering in Gaza. I am thinking in particular of those, including the brave British nationals, who lost their lives in the World Central Kitchen attack.
In recent months, officials at the British embassy in Tel Aviv have pressed the Israeli authorities to take the action needed to prepare Gaza for winter. On Monday, officials again met those at the Israeli embassy in London to reinforce the urgent need for action. We call on all parties to the conflict to allow aid to enter Gaza and get to the people who need it.
I am sorry to say that in recent weeks, the flow of aid and essential goods into Gaza has been repeatedly disrupted. Commercial deliveries were temporarily suspended in September following reports of Hamas taxation. On 3 November, the Israeli authorities closed the Egypt corridor for six days over allegations of smuggling, cutting off an essential lifeline to Gazans. I have been to the Egypt warehouses myself and seen the stockpiles of essential aid waiting to get in. The UN chief for humanitarian affairs, Tom Fletcher, and other international counterparts have said that there is no excuse for this. The law is clear that civilians should get the aid they need and should not be punished, and that that should not be subject to political negotiations. The UK Government will not stand by, but will keep working with our partners to press for the restrictions to be lifted.
I am proud that our Government and our support have already made a difference. We provided UNICEF with £14 million this year to support nutrition, child protection, health, water and sanitation, and preparation for winter, but we must do more. Today, I can announce that we are releasing a further £5 million from our bilateral budget to UNICEF, which will be focused on the winter response, including the impact of flooding over the weekend. Overall, UK support will make a tangible difference to the people of Gaza, aiming to provide winter clothing for 100,000 children, tarpaulins for 62,500 people, family tents for 1,250 households and blankets for 150,000 people.
Last month, the Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ pooled fund, to which the UK is a significant contributor, provided $45 million for winter supplies, and when the flooding hit, OCHA was able to respond quickly and help families in displacement sites. Through our £88 million of humanitarian funding this financial year, we expect to provide healthcare for up to 900,000 people, safe water for 150,000 people, and rehabilitation and prosthetic care for 1,000 children with blast injuries. At the G7 this week, the Foreign Secretary was clear that Israel must ensure humanitarian access, humane treatment and basic welfare for civilians in Gaza. So we are acting, and we will continue to act, to alleviate the suffering.
Let me repeat that we recognise Israel’s legitimate security concerns and of course condemn Hamas’s 7 October terrorist attack, the worst antisemitic massacre since the Holocaust. I stood in resolute solidarity with Israelis and Jews at the memorial event and exhibition organised with the Israeli embassy just a few weeks ago. Let me also be clear that the United Kingdom remains committed—fully committed—to resolution 2803 and the 20-point peace plan. We are resolute and clear that Hamas must decommission their weapons, dismantle their terrorist infrastructure and relinquish control of Gaza. Ultimately, we need a lasting answer to this conflict. Our north star remains the two-state solution as the only route to lasting peace, security and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians.
With your permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, let me add that while Gaza is rightly the immediate focus of my statement, it is not the only humanitarian crisis in the region that demands our attention. I want to say something about the appalling situation in Yemen, which is compounding the years of suffering, death and destruction faced by Yemenis. The Houthis’ decision to resume conflict has worsened an already desperate humanitarian situation. Since August, more than 330,000 people have fled their homes, there have been more than 1,000 civilian casualties and hundreds have been killed.
The situation is particularly acute in Taiz, where the continued Houthi siege restricts the movement of people, aid and essential goods. Women and children are particularly vulnerable as supplies run low, and healthcare services have been drastically reduced. The recruitment and use of children in the conflict, widespread displacement and food insecurity are causing further suffering. In recent weeks, I have met senior representatives of the Government of Yemen, and listened directly to humanitarians working on the frontline. We cannot turn away, and donors and the world cannot turn away, in the face of such appalling suffering. We need to do more.
I am also appalled by the continued detention of UN workers, and the deaths we have seen. I reiterate that international humanitarian law must be upheld by all. We are providing £104 million in humanitarian support to Yemen, including the recently announced £10 million to the UN’s emergency fund. We will continue to work with the Government of Yemen and other partners to protect and support civilians and return to a political process.
Finally, I want to update the House on sanctions, which I know are a matter of keen interest. In September, the Foreign Secretary announced further action in relation to Gaza and the west bank, including a new sanctions regime targeting illegal settlement activity. I can confirm that work is under way to prepare that regime, but in recent weeks we have also moved at pace to expand the global human rights sanctions regime to cover serious violations of international humanitarian law, including obstructing the delivery of or access to humanitarian aid. In recent weeks, we have also acted in other contexts. For example, in relation to the appalling situation in Sudan, we have sanctioned 15 senior commanders from the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese armed forces for suspected atrocities, including conflict-related sexual violence.
We do not comment on future designations under our sanctions regimes—the House knows why—but I want to be clear today that we are prepared to use these expanded powers against those who continue to block the entry of aid into Gaza and other conflict zones anywhere in the world. I commend this statement to the House.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
I call the shadow Foreign Secretary.
Tom Tugendhat (Tonbridge) (Con)
First, I thank the Minister for advance sight of his statement, and I welcome the statement he has made. Let me start by sharing with him the simple horror that, I think, the whole House shares at the suffering and cruelty inflicted on so many by so few. Time and again, we have seen how this happens: a small group of extremists dominates a society, murders the lawful authority and takes power for itself, leading to suffering falling on the heads of thousands. Tragically, that is exactly what we have seen in Gaza.
When the Palestinian Authority took control of the territory in 2005, Mahmoud Abbas began enforcing a prohibition against militants carrying weapons in public. As we know, that led to street battles, the murder of Palestinian police officers and the takeover by Hamas. Since then, we have seen the terrible price of that takeover. We have seen the murder of hundreds and the exile of more—perhaps even thousands—who simply wanted to live in peace. The cruelty of life under the Iranian-funded and armed terror group is simply horrific.
Just look at the record on aid. In the decade ending in 2023, which is the last I can get reliable figures for, the United Kingdom gave almost £1 billion—£800 million and more—in aid to the Palestinian Authority. It was more if we count what went through the UN agencies, particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, and even more if we count the aid given through the generosity of the British people by charities. What have we seen for it? We have seen the vile indoctrination of hatred, and the control of food and services to achieve dictatorial compliance. We have seen the biggest network of tunnels built to prepare for war. It is striking, is it not, that these air raid shelters were not built to protect the civilians, who were never allowed in. Palestinian women and children were never allowed in the tunnels. [Interruption.] I can see the hon. Lady shaking her head. If she wants to side with Hamas, she is welcome to—[Hon. Members: “Shame!”] But if she wishes to stand with the Palestinian people, she should recognise what Hamas have done. [Interruption.]
Madam Deputy Speaker
Order. We need to keep tempers down on both sides of the House, or time on the statement will run out.
Tom Tugendhat
Those who stand with the Palestinian people stand against Hamas.
Again and again, sadly, we have seen Hamas torturing and murdering so many. Does that leave others innocent? Of course it does not. Does it leave Israel innocent? No. The deaths of John Chapman, James Kirby, Jim Henderson and four others who were not British while working for the World Central Kitchen shows that civilian casualties have been too common, and the Australian inquiry into the events points to extremely clear problems that the Israel Defence Forces must resolve.
The Opposition also condemn the blockages of aid getting into the territory and Egypt’s closure of the southern border, just as we condemn the unnecessary Israeli restrictions. However, we recognise that aid has been weaponised by the Hamas leadership that has been in control for more than 20 years. Again and again, Hamas have chosen to hurt, murder and destroy their own people for the political benefit of their masters in Tehran and their vile ideology.
Britain now has a choice. Do we stand with those who see a different future? Do we want to support Palestinian voices who are rightly crying out for justice, and Israeli voices who have clearly said, “Enough”? Do we want to recognise that the abuses we have seen, which states such as Jordan and Egypt condemn, have continued for too long? That is the position we should be holding, working with Egypt which controls the southern border and with Jordan which rightly observes the abuses we have seen far too often by settlers in the west bank. Will the Minister please commit to engaging more closely with those countries supporting Palestinian and Israeli voices seeking peace?
Perhaps more importantly, given the extension the Minister made into areas such as Yemen, will he look at the root of so much of the violence and cruelty he listed today, which is of course in Iran? The regime in Tehran has brought murder, hatred, death and destruction to hundreds of thousands, including some people here in the United Kingdom. In Yemen, Gaza and sadly across the middle east, we have seen the price of the vile ayatollah’s regime. It is time for that to end and to relieve the suffering of so many in the Arab world and across the whole of the continent.
Stephen Doughty
I was disappointed by the tone of the shadow Foreign Secretary’s response. I urge him to think very, very carefully about the comments he made and consider withdrawing them. I thought they were entirely inappropriate and entirely inaccurate. Nobody on this side of the House has any sympathy whatsoever for the activities of Hamas. They are a proscribed organisation and they are appalling. Critically, I was clear that they must play no part in the future government of Gaza and, indeed, that they must disarm. We are committed to that and the whole Government are committed to that.
I was disappointed, too, that the right hon. Gentleman did not refer to the actions that need to take place to actually alleviate the suffering in Gaza. The fact is that aid is being denied entry. I have seen it with my own eyes, as have others on this side of the House, and Israel needs to take responsibility. [Interruption.] Israel needs to take responsibility. It has clear responsibilities as the occupying power, legally and morally, and it must act. That is the message we have been taking to it very, very clearly.
I am glad that the right hon. Gentleman mentioned the attack at World Central Kitchen. It was an appalling and utterly despicable attack. Brave British nationals, former service personnel, lost their lives, as did people from other countries. We need to see justice and accountability, and that is lacking—sadly and appallingly lacking—at present. We will continue to urge for that justice and accountability to be delivered.
I am also disappointed that the right hon. Gentleman made no mention of the fact that his colleagues in the other place voted the other day to regret the expansion of our global human rights and international humanitarian law sanctions regime. That was an extraordinary decision, not least because the powers in that new legislation will enable us to target the individuals responsible anywhere, not just in relation to Gaza and the west bank, but in Sudan, Yemen and many other conflicts that I know he cares about deeply. Perhaps he will explain at some point why his colleagues voted in that way.
Lastly, the right hon. Gentleman mentioned Iran. He knows the Government’s position on Iran. He also knows of the very serious actions that we have taken against Iran, which include the huge package of sanctions against Iran announced on 8 September, action against Lebanese Hezbollah, and our condemnation of the proxy and partner groups it is funding and supporting across the middle east, whether in Yemen, Lebanon or Iraq, and the militia groups aligned with it that are causing so much destabilisation and harm. He knows that we condemn Iran’s actions absolutely, and we will continue to take the appropriate action.
Kim Johnson (Liverpool Riverside) (Lab)
I thank the Minister for his statement and for all the work he is doing. I also support him in his condemnation of the shadow Foreign Secretary for his lack of condemnation of the barbaric Israeli Government who are blocking humanitarian aid. [Interruption.] It is a flagrant violation of humanitarian law. [Interruption.]
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
Order. Mr Tugendhat, when one person is speaking we do not need a running commentary from people who are seated. Kim Johnson, the floor is yours for your question.
Kim Johnson
Okay, I will carry on.
Will the Minister explain how the Government intend to use the extension of powers in the Global Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Sanctions Regulations 2026 to take action, and when that will that happen?
Stephen Doughty
My hon. Friend rightly points to the new regulations. She will know—she and other colleagues were part of the debates—that they have just been passed and introduced. We moved at pace to do that. The other regime we announced on 8 September will take longer. I will not tell her in the House today exactly who will be designated or exactly when under those regimes, but I can tell her that we do not take powers without intending to use them.
Monica Harding (Esher and Walton) (LD)
I thank the Minister for his statement, and I welcome his words and attention on Yemen. I regret the shadow Foreign Secretary’s appalling comments from his seat, and his inability to meet the moment and do what the public are asking us to do about Gaza.
I have continually noted in this Chamber that Israel’s current interpretation of dual-use restrictions means that Palestinians are routinely and systematically denied essential items. The floods could not have been prevented, but timely access to humanitarian aid could have reduced the ensuing devastation. As the Minister notes, 150,000 tents are waiting at Gaza’s borders but are not being allowed in. The crisis does not end with the floods. UNICEF reports that no waste water treatment plant is currently working in Gaza, while in Gaza City rainwater mixed with sewage is threatening to overflow from the Sheikh Radwan stormwater basin, where only two of six pumps still work. UNICEF has been waiting for approval from the Israeli authorities for more than a year to bring in the equipment needed to repair the facility. As temperatures drop, more than half a million children in Gaza are now facing their fourth winter in torn tents or makeshift shelters, and more than a million people are in need of winter clothing.
I share the Minister’s horror at the reports of the horrific attack on Nasser hospital, which has reportedly killed a surgeon, a child and patients. Enough was long ago enough. I welcome the Government’s condemnation of the illegal occupation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, but action must follow. Palestine must be able to function as a state without Hama and not permanently relying on an occupying force to decide whether it can access the basic necessities of life.
Will the Government apply the new international humanitarian law sanctions regulations to specifically sanction those responsible for blocking aid? Will he use every diplomatic lever possible to push the Israeli Government to permit immediate entry of humanitarian supplies into Gaza, including those materials needed to make urgent repairs to water and sanitation infrastructure? What steps are the Government taking with international partners to stop aid being diverted or stolen by Hamas?
Stephen Doughty
I thank the hon. Lady for her comments and for her support for what I said about Yemen. She was absolutely right to focus on dual-use items. I was staggered that even wheelchairs, medical scanners that should be in hospitals treating people who desperately need help, and even footballs for children, so that they should be able to enjoy some basic activity and sports, were being denied. It is just unfathomable why those things are being denied entry, let alone what I have said today about tents, timber and other crucial equipment to respond to what we saw at the weekend.
That has to change and it has to change urgently. I can assure her that we are using every lever at our disposal and every contact. Officials have been engaging this week—we have asked to meet the Co-ordinator of Government Activities in the Territories—and we will continue to raise this at every single level.
The hon. Lady will have heard what I said about the new global human rights and international humanitarian law regime. It has just come into place. I will not comment on future designations, but obviously we take powers because we intend to use them.
Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth) (Lab)
Bullets, bombs, drones and starvation—the methods by which Netanyahu and his apartheid regime kills Palestinian children, women and men are varied. When I look through history, I have to say that I have no faith that a different Israeli Prime Minister and a different Israeli Government would actually treat Palestinians like human beings.
I welcome much of the Minister’s statement, but yet again we have another statement in this place full of sorrow and condemnation—nothing really changes. The time to do something meaningful that will actually stop the genocide and the killing of Palestinians is long overdue. My question is very simple: when will the Government stop all arms sales to Israel?
Stephen Doughty
It is a statement full of genuine sorrow and a sense of being appalled at what is happening in Gaza. I say it with sincerity and the Government say it with sincerity. I take issue with my hon. Friend’s suggestion that nothing changes. He has seen in recent weeks that a number of things have changed. We announced our intention to ban the trade. We announced our intention to deal with those expanding illegal settlements. We announced, just today, additional funding to respond to the appalling events at the weekend. I am proud of what this Government are doing to respond, but we need to do more and we need to galvanise others to do more. That is exactly what we are doing in New York today. He knows the steps we have taken already on the suspension and the refusal of arms sales; we have set those out in detail. He also knows of the new double lock in relation to arms sales that the Foreign Secretary announced in relation to the unlawfulness of the occupation.
Brian Mathew (Melksham and Devizes) (LD)
The situation in Gaza is intolerable, as is the situation in the west bank. Will the Government consider extending sanctions to Avi Bluth, the IDF general in charge of operations in the west bank, who has been observed by peace activists directing illegal settler militant action against the resident civilian population in Jericho?
Stephen Doughty
The hon. Member knows that we do not comment on specific designations or on sanctions in advance. I have heard what he said and hear many other calls for sanctions on those involved in the expansion of settlements and the settler violence and terrorism that we have seen. We have already introduced a number of sanctions on individuals, we are considering other cases, and we will update the House in due course.
Joe Powell (Kensington and Bayswater) (Lab)
I welcome the Minister’s message of letting aid and journalists in, and I strongly condemn the approach and tone of the shadow Foreign Secretary in response to the statement. I welcome the expansion of the global human rights regime to include obstructing delivery or access to humanitarian aid and look forward to that being used soon, as the Minister said, as well as the new regime on illegal settlements. Will the Minister say what more is being done to prepare the legislation around the trade ban for activity in the illegal settlements?
Stephen Doughty
I certainly can say more, and I am pleased that my hon. Friend welcomes the regime. He rightly talks about some of the additional powers that we have taken in the GHR and IHL regimes. We are working at pace to bring in the wider settlement trade ban. The Foreign Secretary said it will take six to nine months, but I hope we can be at the earlier end of that spectrum. We need to ensure that the regime is effective, proportionate and that it has an impact on deterring and disrupting those who are expanding and facilitating the settlements. The Foreign Secretary has been very clear about the message to businesses and others involved in that. We are also ensuring that the regime has the appropriate religious considerations in place, and that it does not affect trade with green line Israel, which we of course continue to support.
Seamus Logan (Aberdeenshire North and Moray East) (SNP)
The scale of the humanitarian catastrophe is enormous. I note the Minister’s outrage, but I fear that some of his estimates are below the figures that I am receiving—1.4 million people are now living in tents. I welcome the aid that the UK Government are providing, but it is of no consequence if it is sitting on the border, unable to get in. That is the problem. Why has the Israeli ambassador not been summoned to the Foreign Office to account for those illegal actions? The aid is needed this weekend—not in a month or a week’s time. If entry is not opened over the weekend, what action will the Government take on Monday?
Stephen Doughty
As I said, we are raising those issues directly with the Israeli Government, both in Tel Aviv and with the Israeli embassy here, as well as with the other agencies involved, so I can assure him on that point. Obviously, we listen to partners on the ground as to the scale of the figures. A number of items of the aid that we provided have got in, and agencies are able to deliver some services, but the fact is, as the hon. Member rightly says, it is simply not enough. A staggering number of tents, tarpaulins and other things are being blocked, and the continued failure to open points such as Erez, and the closure at Kerem Shalom, are doing nothing to help the situation; they are making it worse. Open those points, remove the dual-use restrictions in the way that we have suggested, and get that assistance in. It is absolutely critical.
Alan Gemmell (Central Ayrshire) (Lab)
Before I ask my question, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will let you and the House know that James Thomas Campbell from my constituency was killed at the weekend in the terrible attacks in Krakow—the only British victim. I thank the Minister for the support his Department is giving the family. I am sure the whole House will want to pass on their condolences to Mr Campbell’s family.
Voters in Central Ayrshire are deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the recent deadly storms affecting many tens of thousands of people. What they do not want to hear is infantile comments from the shadow Foreign Secretary slurring members of this Government. I am delighted that my hon. Friend the Member for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy (Melanie Ward) is in government, bringing to bear all her experience of the situation. Will the Minister assure my constituents and the House that he is doing all he can, with her help, to get that vital aid into Gaza?
Stephen Doughty
First, I offer my condolences and those of the Government on the death of my hon. Friend’s constituent. It was an absolutely appalling attack. I know Krakow well as a city, and I have sat in that square myself. It was an appalling scene. We are working closely with the Polish authorities on the case, as well as providing the appropriate consular support to the family in what is a deeply distressing and appalling time. My thoughts are with them.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to praise my hon. Friend the Member for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy (Melanie Ward) for her past work and advocacy on those issues before joining the Government. It is crucial that we listen to the actual experiences of those who have seen the reality on the ground in Gaza, as well as organisations and others. That is exactly what the Foreign Secretary and I have been doing, and I will listen to what they have to say about the reality of what is happening and respond accordingly.
Layla Moran (Oxford West and Abingdon) (LD)
Would the Minister agree that the Palestinian-majority parties, which have scored a record number of seats in the most recent Israeli elections and have now said that, despite profound differences, they will give Eisenkot support in trying to find a new Government, so that there might be a change of policy in the Israeli Government, show us all what extraordinary grace is needed if we are to find a lasting and inclusive peace in the region? I have to say, it is a grace that seems to be totally missing from the Conservative Front Bench today. Will the Minister also give us an update on the latest with the so-called board of peace, which was meant to be brokering the aid into Gaza, but seems to be totally missing from the conversation?
Stephen Doughty
On the Israeli elections, obviously the formation of any future Government is a matter for the parties and people in Israel and for their system of government. We will of course work and engage with any Government formed, and our asks of that Government and demands in relation to the situation will be same: get the aid in; support the two-state solution; stop the illegal settlement expansion; and stop the violence and settler terrorism that we have seen. Our message will be very clear whoever is in power and we will engage accordingly.
The hon. Lady talked about the board of peace, which does important work. We are not a member of the board of peace, but when I was in Egypt a few weeks ago, I met with the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which is the body that has been set up to look at the administration of Gaza going forward. The House will note the comments of the board of peace in relation to the current situation in Gaza, and the condemnation and criticism that has come from all parts. That shows the scale of the challenge, and that the Israeli Government need to respond.
Apsana Begum (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab)
Last night, six Palestinians including a surgeon, Dr Rizk Abu Shaira, were slaughtered in an airstrike on Gaza’s Nasser medical complex. It is the sixth attack on the hospital in just three years, and part of the systemic healthcare destruction in Gaza that UN experts have called a “medicide”. Can the Minister confirm whether this Government are tracking Israel’s use of the F-35 parts that are still shamefully being exported to Israel from the UK, and whether they are being used to deliberately target Gaza’s last remaining hospitals?
Stephen Doughty
I share my hon. Friend’s horror at the reports coming in overnight, and we have been attempting to get clarity on the situation there. A hit on a medical facility, after so many doctors, humanitarian workers and others have lost their lives, been injured and been put at risk by the actions in Gaza, is absolutely appalling. I have heard the appalling experiences of a number of doctors in recent weeks. I assure my hon. Friend that all of our arms exports are kept under constant review, and we are convinced that we have the right measures in place to ensure that they are done in accordance with the law.
Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Your Party)
Almost 2 million people are now forced into 30% of the Gaza strip. Israel continues to bombard them, to allow them to die and to refuse aid going in. How is the British Government’s aid going to get there, and what sanctions will the Minister place against Israel, as the illegal occupying power of the Gaza strip, for its refusal to allow it in? Will the Minister, for once, make it absolutely clear that there is no further military or security co-operation whatsoever with Israel because of its behaviour in the west bank and its killing of almost 100,000 people on the Gaza strip?
Stephen Doughty
I was very clear about what needs to happen on Gaza: we need to get all that crucial aid in. The aid that we have provided has made a difference, but it cannot make the difference that we wish it to have, and all items cannot get in, because of the blockages we have seen. The right hon. Gentleman rightly points to Israel’s responsibilities as an occupying power. It needs to adhere to them—there are clear legal grounds for that—and we will continue to urge it to do so. I have been very clear about the position we have taken on arms exports and the number of licences that we have refused and revoked. We will continue to keep all those under constant review.
Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow West) (Lab)
I thank the Minister for his statement this morning. I have to say that I have been saddened by the approach of the those on the Opposition Front Bench, particularly as the Minister was addressing what is a climate catastrophe and two breaches of international law by a so-called democratically elected Government. In a meeting earlier this year with COGAT—Co-ordinator of Government Activities in the Territories—a cross-party delegation from this House and I were appalled at the perverse way in which the definition of dual-use items was being used, as it includes things like tent poles that can by no means be considered to be dual use. I very much welcome the sanctions the Minister has talked about, but will he be very firm in his conversations with COGAT, as I know he will be, in ensuring that that definition is consigned to the history books once and for all?
Stephen Doughty
I can absolutely assure my hon. Friend that the absurdity of some of the restrictions is at the heart of the conversations we are having with COGAT, and indeed other authorities. She quite rightly points out the climate aspects of this situation, too. The tragedy is that we knew those conditions were coming, and from previous examples we have seen we knew the impact they could have. Like others, including the United Nations, we issued warnings, and yet that crucial aid and assistance was not able to get in at the necessary levels, and large numbers of tents, tarpaulins and the equipment to put tents up still remain outside Gaza.
Bobby Dean (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD)
The blocking of aid has previously been cited by a UN commission as evidence of a genocide in Gaza, and stopping infant milk reaching starving children certainly sounds like that to me. Are this Government committed to working with the UN to provide the necessary evidence to prove that what is happening in Gaza is a genocide?
Stephen Doughty
The Foreign Secretary and I have set out our position on this matter on a number of occasions. We will, of course, continue to work and support the work of the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and other bodies and listen very carefully to all evidence provided.
Jas Athwal (Ilford South) (Lab)
I welcome the Minister’s statement and the promise of the further £5 million. The devastating flooding in Gaza has compounded the intolerable suffering of the Palestinians. Israel’s continued obstruction of humanitarian aid, including vital flood relief materials, is indefensible. When will the Minister and the Government not simply ask for but demand the immediate entry of emergency shelters, drainage equipment and flood relief supplies, press Israel to remove all restrictions on humanitarian access and work with international partners to establish a funded, long-term reconstruction programme to prevent further avoidable suffering?
Stephen Doughty
My hon. Friend clearly and passionately sets out the situation in Gaza. I hope I have been very clear today that we are making demands, and that it is not just us, but the United Nations and other countries doing so. We will be bringing together other people in that demand in New York today.
Dr Ellie Chowns (North Herefordshire) (Green)
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is absolutely horrific. The Minister says that he is here today to send a clear message to the Israeli Government to let in the aid, but as he himself has pointed out, he and others have been sending that same message and predicting this situation for months and indeed years. Unless asks are accompanied by action, they will be ignored, as they have been over and over again. The Minister talks about contributing more UK aid, but what is the point if it is just going to sit on the border, blocked from getting through the border crossings by the Israeli Government? I welcome the expansion of the global human rights sanctions regime to cover blocking delivery of humanitarian aid; surely deregistering 37 humanitarian organisations and stopping tents getting through to people facing horrific flooding counts as that. How much longer does the Minister need to wait until he acts?
Stephen Doughty
With the greatest respect, we are acting, we have acted and we will continue to act. Ultimately, the responsibility here lies with Israel as the occupying power. It is failing to deliver on those requirements, and we are going to hold it to account in every way possible. We have taken powers and announced additional money today. We will continue to demand directly with Israel, and with others publicly, and to build international pressure and consensus around that. That is exactly what we are doing in New York today—bringing together other countries and ensuring that that pressure is brought to bear on Israel to uphold its responsibilities.
Dr Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton) (Lab)
Against the backdrop of a war that has seen a record number of orphaned child amputees, the news that equipment to alleviate the devastating floods in Gaza is being blocked at the border continues a pattern that we have seen with medicines and baby food. Does the Minister agree that without actual evidence that this is being done for military purposes, it looks like collective punishment? Will he restate our adherence to the ICJ process and use maximum pressure? Change of Government or not, a change of action is needed.
Stephen Doughty
A change of action is absolutely needed. I have heard the same reports as my hon. Friend about medicines, prosthetics and other items being denied entry. She will note that I announced what we are doing, particularly on the issue of prosthetics. Of course, we also need to get access for people to be medically evacuated, as we have already done with a number of severe cases, including here to the UK. We need to open up new routes for people to get treated in the region, too. Most crucially, hospitals in Gaza need to have the equipment and capability necessary to function as hospitals and not to face devastating attacks that kill their personnel.
Ben Maguire (North Cornwall) (LD)
In 2024, the ICJ issued three legally binding orders requiring Israel to allow entry of shelter, food, fuel and medical supplies and to keep those crossings open for as long as possible. We often hear warm words from the Dispatch Box supporting the principles of international law, and we have heard talk again today of expanding sanctions, but the real question is, when? What work is the Minister undertaking with international allies to ensure that those ICJ orders are upheld?
Stephen Doughty
It is crucial that ICJ orders and positions are respected, which is exactly why we work with international partners to raise attention to that and to hold Israel to account. That is exactly the sort of work we are doing in New York in our role on the Security Council; it is exactly the work we are doing today, bringing together different international partners as part of our call to action on humanitarian access. We will continue to hold Israel to account.
Josh Fenton-Glynn (Calder Valley) (Lab)
The recent flooding in Gaza has made an awful situation even worse. Some 1.4 million Gazans living in tents and thousands of families have lost what little shelter they had. We need to get as much aid into Gaza as possible, and Israel continuing to block that aid seemingly breaks international law. I ask the Minister what practical diplomatic action we will take if Israel continues to block the flow of aid into Gaza.
Stephen Doughty
We have already taken practical diplomatic action this week, including in Tel Aviv and here in London and, crucially, in galvanising other countries around the world. I hope to be able to share with my hon. Friend such work later on today in New York to hold Israel to account on these very issues.
Iqbal Mohamed (Dewsbury and Batley) (Ind)
I cannot recall another conflict where the occupying and illegally invading force has used adverse weather, starvation and hypothermia as a weapon of war. The comments from those on the Opposition Front Bench were absolutely disgusting. Our compassion should be equal for Israeli civilians and Palestinian civilians. We should not differentiate in our humanity based on ethnicity or nationality.
Israel has used Lavender AI systems to target and execute thousands of Palestinian children, women and men. According to the Financial Times, the IDF is now in talks to deploy 1,000 AI robots to police and potentially engage in combat in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis is only worsening, with the future of technology being used to annihilate the civilian population, while Israel’s tech sector is booming. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that the UK can no longer invest in Israeli companies or co-operate with Israel, as these tools are used to cause the misery and death of Palestinians?
Stephen Doughty
I am not aware of the specific systems that the hon. Gentleman refers to, but I would be very happy to write to him on that issue. What I can assure him of is that we have, I would argue, the most robust export licensing system in the world and we have huge amounts of scrutiny and controls on it. We consider all export licences in that regard.
Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)
I welcome the Minister’s statement and condemn the shadow Foreign Secretary’s comments. The situation in Gaza is dire. Flooding has damaged or destroyed thousands of shelters. Heavy rain has disrupted education for around 55,000 children across at least 55 learning spaces, while flooding and damaged infrastructure are putting children’s health, safety and access to basic essentials at serious risk. Enough is enough. What discussions has the Minister had with his American counterparts, who have real influence over the Israeli Government, to try to broker a deal to ensure that aid flows fully into Gaza?
Stephen Doughty
We engage closely with our American counterparts on a range of issues every day, as my hon. Friend will know. While we are not part of the board of peace, we have engaged closely with it and the efforts on the 20-point plan. It is crucial that that is able to move forward. Part of that is making sure that there is humanitarian access for aid supplies. We will work with all partners internationally to address these appalling issues on the ground, which she rightly described.
Dr Danny Chambers (Winchester) (LD)
I am also genuinely shocked that the shadow Foreign Secretary would use a horrific humanitarian crisis in an attempt to score cheap political points.
The flooding in Gaza has added more suffering to what was already a horrific and deteriorating situation, if that were even possible, and the Israeli Government preventing aid from getting in is making life even worse for elderly people, sick people and children. I very much welcome the Minister’s commitment to further aid and the condemnation of the Israeli Government’s actions, but could he highlight what specific actions are being taken by us and our allies to ensure that Israel does allow aid in, including any further sanctions and when those will be imposed? Will the Israeli ambassador be summoned to No. 10 by the end of today?
Stephen Doughty
The hon. Gentleman has already heard what I said about our engagement directly with the Israeli Government in Tel Aviv and here. I can assure him that multiple conversations are going on. I could not be clearer publicly, let alone privately, about what needs to happen. We are conveying that in every way possible and working with international partners.
I reassure the hon. Gentleman and other colleagues about the humanitarian funding we are providing to Palestine overall. Of the £78.3 million we already announced, £74.9 million has been disbursed to partners already, including in Gaza and the west bank. I assure him that the work we are doing is making a difference. Given the scale of need that he describes and what we saw at the weekend, so much more needs to get in and so much more needs to be done. That is what we are pressing for.
Dr Scott Arthur (Edinburgh South West) (Lab)
I think many Conservative voters in Edinburgh South West would be disgusted by the shadow Foreign Secretary’s comments. The only reassurance I can give them is that when he made the comments, behind him were four fully empty Benches—perhaps those Members had prior sight of the right hon. Gentleman’s comments.
Eman attended my constituency surgery on Saturday; she has probably attended more of my surgeries than any other constituent. She was in tears talking about this issue, not because she has watched it on TV or seen pictures on social media but because she has lost friends and family in this conflict. She is an amazing woman, and it is always fantastic speaking to her. On her behalf, I want to ask a couple of questions. First, I know that it is a very congested site, but is there no prospect of airdropping aid into Gaza? Secondly, Netanyahu has said that this is nothing to do with Israel—that it has no responsibility. Was there any acceptance in the diplomatic talks that Israel is partly responsible at least and holds the keys to resolving it?
Stephen Doughty
I thank my hon. Friend for conveying so powerfully the views of his constituent. It is those direct connections that we often hear about so passionately in our constituencies. Indeed, in my own surgeries in Cardiff South and Penarth I have had individuals who have family in Gaza, and I know humanitarian workers who have worked there as well.
Airdrops are an extraordinarily complex logistical operation to pull off. The best way to get aid in is by reopening those crossing points and making sure that there are no restrictions on dual use. That would have the maximum impact that we want. I could not have been clearer: Israel ultimately has the responsibility. As the occupying power, it has the legal and moral responsibility to allow in this lifesaving aid. We urge it to do so.
Ayoub Khan (Birmingham Perry Barr) (Ind)
We watched this genocide with more than 64,000 Palestinian children murdered and maimed by the 2,000 bombs that rained on their heads. We watched this genocide while Palestinian children were murdered through starvation while piles of food sat a few hundred metres away. We watched this genocide while Palestinian children were butchered by Israeli snipers, drones and tanks. Here we are again, for the fourth winter, watching this genocide while Palestinian children are being drowned by sewage-filled rainwater. Does the Minister agree that we, the UK, have a legal and moral obligation to help, and can he confirm that all options are on the table, including naval assets in the region ready to help to ensure that we stop watching and start acting?
Stephen Doughty
We are acting, we have been acting, and we will continue to act. I am proud of the fact that we had already pre-positioned support and resources with some of the organisations that can make the difference on the ground. That has been making a difference, but there needs to be much, much more. That is why I have today announced the additional £5 million of funding to UNICEF.
Jack Abbott (Ipswich) (Lab/Co-op)
I thank the Minister for his statement and express solidarity with my hon. Friend the Member for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy (Melanie Ward) on the Front Bench. A little over a year ago, a ceasefire was agreed, and that offered people a glimmer of hope that finally the horrors we have seen over the past few years were coming to an end. Given that 1,600 men, women and children have been killed since that agreement, it is clear that this is a ceasefire in name only. Will the Minister condemn the ongoing violence and urge all parties to come together and finally honour the commitment of a ceasefire and move towards a lasting peace?
Stephen Doughty
I absolutely will. My hon. Friend sets out the case very convincingly; we have to get back to that 20-point plan, and we have to get back to getting the aid in, stopping the violence and moving forward with a governance that no longer involves Hamas.
Tom Gordon (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (LD)
I welcome the statement by the Minister. In it, he outlined the new settlement sanctions regime that was announced earlier this year. I appreciate that he says that work is under way at pace, but can I press him for a timetable for when it will come into force?
Stephen Doughty
I set out a timetable earlier. The Foreign Secretary was clear that it will be six to nine months, but we will try to do it at the earlier end of that scale. I want to be clear with the House that that is because we need to make sure that this regime is designed effectively, so that it will have the impact that we are aiming for. We have incredible teams of sanctions officials who work on these issues. We are very successful in that the regimes that we run around the world have an impact as well as being legally and evidentially sound. It is important that we get it right, but we want to see this brought in as soon as possible.
John Slinger (Rugby) (Lab)
The Government have rightly described Israel’s occupation of Gaza and the west bank as illegal. In the light of this, surely Israel’s control of Gaza’s territorial waters must be in some question. Can my hon. Friend the Minister give his thoughts on what pressure this Government and the international community can bring to bear on Israel to ensure that aid can come in, perhaps through a naval route and indeed other routes?
Stephen Doughty
Matters that ultimately relate to maritime delimitations and so on must be done in line with the United Nations convention on the law of the sea. We are a firm defender of that principle. My hon. Friend rightly talks about different routes through which aid can get in. I would draw him back to what I said earlier, which is that the best thing that can be done is to reopen Erez, to make sure that Kerem Shalom is open fully and to ensure that those dual-use restrictions are removed. That will make the tangible difference on the ground right now.
Sarah Smith (Hyndburn) (Lab)
Like myself, my constituents in Hyndburn and Haslingden are deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza, with 950,000 displaced people urgently in need of aid. Unlike the Conservatives, I am very proud that we have committed £88 million to support the Palestinian territories and an extra £5 million today. Could the Minister say more about the expansion of the global human rights regime and how that might help to get the aid into Gaza that is so desperately needed?
Stephen Doughty
I set out the message on that new regime at the end of my statement. We are sending a very clear signal that—not just in relation to Gaza but in relation to a number of other conflicts and situations around the world—we can take action against those who deny humanitarian assistance and lifesaving aid when it is most needed. My hon. Friend speaks with great passion on behalf of her constituents, and I thank her for the support that she has given us today.
Douglas McAllister (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab)
I thank the Minister for his statement. Like, I suspect, every Member of this House, I have received countless emails from my concerned constituents—residents of West Dunbartonshire—who regard the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, made worse by the recent deadly storm, as utterly unacceptable and entirely the fault of Israel and its restrictions on aid getting in. Will the Minister tell the House what level of UK lifesaving humanitarian aid is blocked, and who have we specifically sanctioned, and when, for actions in blocking UK aid?
Stephen Doughty
On the last point, we have only just taken the powers in recent weeks, and I will not comment on future designations. On the aid that has been provided to date and what items we think are being blocked, I do not how much granular detail we can go into for operational reasons, but I will certainly try to write to my hon. Friend with some more information about the types of items and others that we have funded. I saw with my own eyes huge amounts of aid from a range of different donors sitting in warehouses in Egypt, unable to be delivered because the Israelis had denied it.
Mrs Elsie Blundell (Heywood and Middleton North) (Lab)
I am grateful to the Minister for his statement. Last night, my two-year-old daughter fell asleep next to me in a warm, dry home. In Gaza, mums and their two-years-olds were not sleeping; they were surrounded by flood water, frozen and drenched. As mums like me watch this from our living rooms in the UK, I am sure that I cannot be the only one thinking, “There but for the grace of God go I.” What new steps are being considered following Israel’s recent elections to make it clear that withholding the vital aid that we are providing, including to toddlers and babies, will not be tolerated now or throughout the extremely difficult winter still to come?
Stephen Doughty
My hon. Friend speaks with the passion and clarity of any parent in this House or, indeed, in Britain when looking at those scenes. That is fundamentally what should be motivating us in our efforts and in our commentary on this situation. Most importantly, we have to act, and that is exactly why we are going to use every route we have—directly with the Government of Israel, directly with the different agencies and authorities, at the United Nations, in our sanctions regimes, and ultimately in the direct aid and assistance that we can provide—to ensure that children do not have to go through the experience that she so powerfully described.
Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)
I refer Members to my declaration in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests as a trustee for a humanitarian children’s charity that sends aid to hospitals and families in Gaza at this time.
I thank my hon. Friend for his statement. He knows that humanitarian organisations are working tirelessly on the ground to try to save lives. More than 77,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in this abhorrent war, including 17,000 children, yet even after the so-called ceasefire, still more than 1,600 have lost their lives. We know from the reports from the UN and its independent commission that Israel has committed war crimes and genocide against the Palestinian people. What further action will the Government take to protect civilians, including children, in Gaza and to secure a lasting peace?
Stephen Doughty
International humanitarian law and principles need to be upheld. We are resolute in defending those principles internationally and in the accountability that we expect. We communicate that directly to the Government of Israel and to all other parties, and we will continue to stand up for humanitarian workers and all those who do incredible work. I want to pay tribute to them, because I have met so many over recent weeks. They often put themselves in harm’s way, knowing the risks, and still go out there driven by the pure humanitarian impulse to try to make life better for people who are suffering so much. My tribute today is to them.
Sarah Smith
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. The right hon. Member for Tonbridge (Tom Tugendhat) has acted shamefully during this session. First, he suggested that an hon. Member was siding with Hamas, a proscribed terror organisation—a disgraceful slur, which the right hon. Member needs to withdraw. Then, from a sedentary position, he suggested that another one of my hon. Friends was being antisemitic. Will you provide advice, Madam Deputy Speaker, as to how to ensure that the record is corrected and such awful accusations are not allowed to stand?
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
I thank the hon. Lady for her point of order. She and all Members will know that good temper and moderation are the characteristics of parliamentary debate, and they should prevail even from a sedentary position.
Tackling Obesity
(1 day, 9 hours ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
We now come to the Select Committee statement on behalf of the Health and Social Care Committee. Layla Moran will speak for up to 10 minutes, during which there will be no interventions. At the conclusion of the statement, Members may ask questions on the subject of the statement; those contributions must be questions, not speeches.
Layla Moran (Oxford West and Abingdon) (LD)
On behalf of the Health and Social Care Committee, it is a pleasure to present to the House our report on the obesity moonshot, our sixth report of this Parliament. It is also the final report in a series from our inquiry on food and weight management, drawing together our two previous reports on the food environment and obesity treatment.
What if I said that there was a life-limiting condition that affects a third of adults in this country—one that costs the Government at least £74 billion a year, and for which they have no coherent plan? I am afraid to say that this is the case for the relapsing, remitting condition that is obesity—a condition that, if left untreated, is associated with dozens of others, from cancer to diabetes to heart disease and fertility problems. Why have we got here? In short, it has happened because of an enduring underlying stigma that that condition is in some way a personal failing of individuals, rather than a largely preventable and demonstrably treatable disease that society and the Government need to take as seriously as any other.
In July last year, we launched our inquiry into food and weight management to better understand the public health challenge of rising rates of obesity. We asked why, despite there being at least 14 Government strategies and nearly 700 individual policies since 1992, efforts to reverse the tide of the country’s obesity crisis have failed spectacularly. The latest Government policy—the so-called moonshot—was announced in the Government’s 10-year health plan, with an ambition to “end the obesity epidemic.” That is certainly a laudable aim, but it faces the unfortunate pitfall of lacking any real substance, and our concern is that, without significant work, it is doomed to fail. We want this to succeed. If we are going to call it a moonshot, let us look at its destination, at its flight path and at who is in command. Can you tell that I am a Star Trek geek, Madam Deputy Speaker?
Obesity is a crisis. Among reception-age children, it has now reached a level of 10.5%. That is the highest it has ever been. It is a shocking figure. When we asked Ministers what they expected from the trajectory of the moonshot—do we expect the rise to stop, level off or go down, and over what period and with what targets?—we did not get any coherent answers. That is just not good enough. How do we know if we are reaching where we want to go if we have not even defined the destination?
Next, let us look at how we might get there: the flight plan. We found a muddled relationship between prevention and treatment in conversations about obesity. I hear this all the time. If someone is living with obesity, immediately the conversations about it turn to the food system. However, the fact of the matter is—and this is the bit that I think most people do not understand—if someone has lived with obesity for a long-enough period of time, their underlying physiology changes. It is no longer enough simply to point to lifestyle changes or to ask for changes in the wider environment. There must also be a clinical pathway that those people can follow, and that is simply not what happens.
Let us take another example that is not dissimilar. A bariatric surgeon told us,
“I still see lung cancer every day in my clinical practice, and I have to treat it…Nobody questions whether those patients should get chemotherapy”.
But if someone presents with obesity, that is exactly what happens. We do not tell someone living with cancer to stop smoking—it is too late by that point. Yes, ideally, we stop them in the first place, but we also need to be able to treat the problem in front of us. One reason we have not turned the tide on obesity so far is the failure to treat prevention and treatment as distinct but interoperable.
Let us take each in turn. On prevention, our report on “Fixing the food environment” focused on the action that the Government must take to prevent people from living with obesity in the first place, bearing in mind that two thirds of the British population are either living with overweight or living with obesity. The food environment has significantly changed—certainly since I was a child in the ’80s—towards an environment of more heavily marketed ultra-processed food. These changes have coincided with increasing levels of children and adults living with obesity. Current food policy regulations lag woefully behind, and that hardly comes as a surprise given that the model underpinning our food regulation is nearly 22 years old. The 2018 replacement still has not been implemented. The regulation of our food industry is built on out-of-date scientific advice, so we urge the Government to introduce the 2018 nutrient profiling model as soon as possible and no later than the end of 2027.
Some of our other recommendations from the report include: launching healthy sales reporting as soon as possible so that supermarkets must declare the number of healthy products they sell; introducing mandatory front-of-pack labelling by January 2028 so that customers can make their own choices about a product’s nutritional value; banning outdoor advertising of foods high in fat, sugar and salt by July 2027, and consulting on extending that to social media; updating the national planning policy framework to better support councils to challenge fast food outlets, particularly those that want to open near schools; and, critically, excluding food businesses that derive a certain proportion of their profits from the foods causing this harm.
We also recognise that cost is a factor. In our inquiry, we heard that healthier food costs more than twice as much per calorie as unhealthy alternatives, and the fact is people living with obesity are disproportionately from low-income backgrounds. In 2024, only 8% of those aged between 11 and 15 in the least deprived areas were living with obesity compared with—this is staggering—30% in the most deprived areas. For too many families, a healthy diet is simply out of reach, and the Government should do more to support them. While the Healthy Start scheme is a great start, it need to be reviewed regularly, especially to keep pace with food inflation. Community projects do great work, but they need stable funding to succeed.
On treatment, our second report, “Modernising obesity treatment” turned to the millions of people already living with obesity; I do not have any shame in saying that I am one of them. When I was in my 20s, I had a life-changing bariatric operation that saw me lose 60 kg, but to say it is over is far from true. People living with obesity know that it is a lifelong battle. The emergence of GLP-1s could help many more people much sooner, but it is no silver bullet. We also know that just 6% of those eligible are currently on it. Those who can pay go private, but those who cannot are either left behind or turn to a dangerous—and it is dangerous—black market. Access to treatment is increasingly decided by ability to pay and not clinical need. Last time I checked, that was not something that the NHS claimed it did.
But GLP-1s are not the only treatment for many people. In 2024-2025, 6,500 people in England had bariatric surgery. France, by contrast, has lower rates of obesity and yet carried out 60,000 operations—as I said, they are life-changing. We recommend that the Government publish a modern service framework for obesity as soon as possible. They need to name it publicly as the lifelong, relapsing condition that it is and focus on expanding capacity across all treatment options, creating an improved, simplified and person-centred pathway of care and improving training for healthcare professionals.
Finally, who is in charge? Fellow parliamentarians will have noted that this issue lies not just in the Department of Health and Social Care; it is also across the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and local government. It needs gripping from the top. If there is another reason why tackling obesity has failed, it is simply that who pays and who is accountable is too dispersed across government. We recommend a cross-Cabinet Committee chaired by the Prime Minister himself because this should be a national priority. I appreciate that he has given himself a lot to do, but I urge him to look at this issue, which affects two thirds of our population and the most deprived parts of our society. The Committee wills the Government to succeed on this, although I am afraid to say that, from where we sit, we think the mission might be not just doomed to fail but not even launched yet.
Josh Fenton-Glynn (Calder Valley) (Lab)
Taking part in this inquiry was eye-opening. It was interesting to see the Public Health Minister’s predecessor tell the Committee that we would treat obesity in future as a relapsing-remitting condition. I hope the current Minister will undertake to follow through on that so that we can update all our guidance. Does the hon. Member agree that central to the problem of how we treat obesity is that we see it as a one-time thing? Like a broken leg, it is treated once, the people lose the weight and then we let them go, with the result that too many people get GLP-1s without the support on diet and lifestyle that comes along with them, and they are not followed up on. Would it not make a lot more sense if the health service treated people in a person-centred way and helped them recover from this relapsing-remitting condition of obesity?
Layla Moran
I am extremely grateful to the Committee member for his question—he is absolutely right. We had a roundtable with lived experience witnesses and they all said the same thing. Even though many had had aspects of treatment over the years and had tried every conceivable diet, what was disheartening was that they would go to their GP and face that wider stigma from the GP themselves, who would tell them that they just needed to tweak things in their modern life. It just does not work that way. Naming it as a relapsing-remitting condition, putting it up there as the public health challenge it is and focusing in on it in the way that we are so good at doing when we want to in this House is the answer—I completely agree with him.
Tom Gordon (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (LD)
I was pleased to see the wealth of experience that the Select Committee drew upon, including from organisations such as Diabetes UK and Yorkshire Cancer Research. The report asks for a target to cut obesity. That is welcome, but does my hon. Friend the Chair of the Select Committee agree that we need to have additional sub-targets and metrics to ensure that progress is equal across all our regions, because we know a north-south divide still exists and there are persistent issues when it comes to health inequalities, including obesity?
Layla Moran
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his point. He is exactly right that there is a huge disparity. We know that healthy food is too often out of reach for those on the poorest incomes, especially so when it comes to children, and that is not reflected currently. That is what we hope the modern service framework might start from—how we close that patchwork of services across the country and make inequality one of the core missions of this Government through this policy.
Alex McIntyre (Gloucester) (Lab)
I thank the Chair of the Select Committee for her statement. Most of the House will know—I have spoken about this publicly—that I have had a lifelong battle with obesity. It was only when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at 33 years old last year that the NHS stepped in to help. Since then, I have lost seven and a half stone through the diabetes path to remission programme. My plea to the Minister for Public Health and Patient Safety, who I know is listening intently, is that those of us with lived experience of obesity and overweight are included in the conversation about how we tackle this, because for too long people who have not experienced it have dictated to those of us who have, about how best to go forward.
The path to remission programme for type 2 diabetes is referenced in the report and its conclusions because it is a proven weight loss intervention, but it is currently only available to a small subset of people with type 2 diabetes. Does she agree that this cost-effective and efficient way to help people like me to lose weight should be rolled out to people living with obesity nationally?
Layla Moran
I pay enormous tribute to the former member of the Committee. I can entirely understand why he was elevated to other things, but he was very much my right-hand man through the obesity side of this inquiry. I completely agree with him—it was stark. We know what works, and the path for how we do this is clear, but what was missing was a joined-up approach, not just across Departments but within the NHS itself. He is completely right that there are things that work and we know what we need to do, but at the moment we are not seeing that joined-up approach that we need Government to take to achieve it.
Ian Roome (North Devon) (LD)
Given that child obesity is at record levels, what single intervention does my hon. Friend believe would make the greatest difference to preventing children from developing obesity in the first place?
Layla Moran
I am extremely grateful to my hon. Friend for his question. The rising rates of obesity among reception-age children should give us real pause for thought. If we ever wanted proof that obesity is not an individual failing, it is the fact that it seems to be most acute among that population. There is no silver bullet—that is the trap we fall into—despite the lobbying not to do this or that, whether that is about the food industry or advertising. It will never be one thing. It will be a suite of measures that we put around children: stopping fast food joints being on their walk to school; supporting their families with sustained funding, so that they can have healthy food at home; and bans on advertising, which we know works on children, because otherwise, why would the companies do it?
Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
Many moons ago, in 2009, long before I had the pleasure of meeting you, Madam Deputy Speaker, or anybody in this Chamber, I used to be 17 stone. I was a big fat pudding—I am calling myself that. I was eating Chinese food five nights a week with two bottles of Coca-Cola. It was the wrong recipe, with lots of stress. When I became a type 2 diabetic, I realised I had to lose weight. I lost 4 stone, and I have kept it off. I tell that story because sometimes we do not know things are happening until the doctor tells us.
I think of the children in school. I am very fortunate to have six grandchildren. The wee ones especially—the six-year-old and the four-year-old—eat their fruit and veg every day, all day, which is really good. My question is, does the hon. Lady agree that if we want to change habits, we must engage and educate our young people about eating fruit and veg, and if they cannot have it at home, they need to have it at school, starting at primary level?
Layla Moran
All credit to the hon. Gentleman. As I said, I have faced a similar journey, and it is hard to keep the weight off, because once we have lived with it for a long while, our underlying endocrinology changes. People need to appreciate that if we allow young people to live with obesity, it affects their whole life. With any luck, we can avoid the point where they end up with diabetes, which can be reversible, as we know. He is completely right: this needs to happen in school, but it is not just about school. We need to recognise that when those children are at home, their families need help. We need to drive down the prices of healthy fruit and veg, and that needs a joined-up strategy with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. That is why we are calling for a cross-Cabinet Committee—because if any one Department tries to do this on its own, it will continue to fail.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
I thank the Select Committee Chair for her statement and all Members who shared their stories.
Defence in the High North
(1 day, 9 hours ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
We now come to the Select Committee statement on behalf of the Defence Committee. Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi will speak for up to 10 minutes, during which there will be no interventions, and there will be questions for 10 minutes at the end.
Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough) (Lab)
I thank the Backbench Business Committee for granting this statement on the Defence Committee’s report, “Defence in the High North”.
The High North is a priority theatre for the UK, as well as a particularly challenging and hostile environment in which to operate. Russia is seeking to dominate and exploit the High North, potentially turning the region into a major vulnerability for the UK. The UK is a near neighbour of the High North. Indeed, parts of northern Scotland are closer to the Arctic circle than to the channel, while the strategically important GIUK gap spans Greenland, Iceland and the UK.
The region is changing rapidly. As temperatures rise and ice melts, new access routes are opening up, making the High North more congested and contested. Most critically, the High North is home to much of Russia’s strategic nuclear, naval and undersea sabotage capability and provides a base from which Russia can project military power into adjacent regions. That extends to UK territorial waters, where there has been a significant increase in hybrid threats to subsea critical infrastructure. In recent weeks, the Royal Navy has intercepted a Russian intelligence ship off the coast of Scotland.
Our report concluded that the UK has glaring capability gaps in the High North that leave us vulnerable. Without intervention, those gaps are set to widen, further weakening the UK along its northern flank. Evidence of low availability among frigates, destroyers and attack submarines raises serious questions about whether the UK can meet its High North commitments before new capabilities enter service.
The Ministry of Defence also has a serious gap in its anti-submarine warfare capability measured against its own military requirements. Currently, there are 11 frigates and destroyers in service. That is just over half of the requirement for 19 vessels. Of the required 13 frigates, eight should be fitted with towed array sonar for anti-submarine warfare. At present, this capability is limited to the remaining five Type 23s. That weakens the UK’s ability to respond to Russian submarines and underwater sabotage.
It is a worrying picture. The Royal Marines’ Arctic experience is a significant national strength, but it cannot compensate for shortfalls in the naval platforms needed to deploy, protect and sustain operations in the region. The Government are already rightly investing in the hybrid Navy and Atlantic Bastion, including the £90 million investment announced this week in new drones and sensors to counter undersea threats. We know that the Government are aware of the growing threat in the High North. Our concern is not that nothing is being done, but that the necessary capabilities will not be available fast enough. Given the critical role of anti-submarine operations in the High North, the Committee called on the Government to ensure that no further towed array-equipped Type 23 frigates leave service until they are replaced one for one by the new Type 26 vessels.
Addressing our own capability gaps is fundamental, but the UK must also be able to deploy flexibly to the High North, whether acting alone, with partners such as Norway, or through the joint expeditionary force or NATO. That brings me to the joint expeditionary force—the JEF—a UK-led force of 10 like-minded northern European nations. Although the JEF was originally conceived as capable of operating across the full spectrum of conflict, its role has become increasingly focused on countering sub-threshold and hybrid threats, on the assumption that NATO would deter any escalation to warfighting. But with less certainty about the US commitment to collective NATO defence, the JEF’s comparatively limited capabilities could be seen as less of a deterrent. That could leave it exposed if an incident threatens to escalate.
We heard from some during our inquiry that the JEF was a “jack of all trades” and therefore master of no military tasks. The Government should therefore reassess the JEF’s contribution to European security. We welcome this week’s northern navies initiative as a step towards strengthening the JEF and aligning it more closely with NATO. The Government should also consider whether the JEF should focus more closely on the High North, particularly if Canada joins.
It is clear that Russia is not a future threat but a present danger. Failure to deter Russia in the High North would put subsea data cables and energy pipelines at risk in peacetime. In the event of hostilities, it would threaten the UK and its critical national infrastructure, including the nuclear deterrent. Atlantic resupply routes from the US would also be at risk. In conclusion, our report sets out the threat that Russia poses in the High North, and what the Ministry of Defence needs to do in response. It is now time for the Government to act with urgency to address those capability gaps and strengthen the UK’s defence of that critical region.
Sir Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)
I congratulate the Committee and its Chairman on the production of such an important report. One section that most struck me was that beginning at paragraph 84 on submarine under-ice capability. I was surprised to learn that Astute-class submarines do not have the capability that their predecessors, the Trafalgar-class submarines, used to have. Can the hon. Gentleman tell us a little more about when that capability might be acquired, and can he throw any light on the fact that, as has become painfully clear over recent weeks and months, the existing Astute-class submarines, some of them very new, are not at sea? Is that a manning problem, is it a technical problem, or is it both?
Mr Dhesi
I thank the right hon. Gentleman, a former Chair of the Defence and Intelligence and Security Committees, for his perceptive and incisive remarks. Under-ice capability is key for the UK to effectively deter and defend in the High North. Unfortunately, we have allowed our under-ice capabilities to lapse precisely at the time when they are most needed. That is why a previous Defence Committee report advocated for the hardening of hulls. This report recommends that we rapidly re-establish those under-ice capabilities, because if we do not, Russia will not be deterred from its activities. In fact, it will be further emboldened, because we will not be able to protect those transatlantic supply routes.
Michelle Scrogham (Barrow and Furness) (Lab)
I thank the Committee Chair for presenting this report on the High North to the Chamber. Does he agree that it underscores how acutely important our submarine programme is, and the value of what we do in Barrow-in-Furness? Does he also agree that we need a massive increase in funding to help deliver those changes rapidly?
Mr Dhesi
I thank my hon. Friend, a fellow member of the Defence Committee, for her strong and positive contributions to this report, and her other work. Indeed, it was a pleasure to visit Barrow-in-Furness and to see some of those submarine capabilities. She is right: as a nation, we need to invest at pace because of the lack of availability of those submarines, and that is portrayed strongly in our report.
Lincoln Jopp (Spelthorne) (Con)
I thank the Chair of the Defence Committee for his remarks, and I very much enjoyed going with him on our various visits to make this report. Did he feel, as I did, slightly awkward when we were visiting the Nordic states? We know what we are spending on defence. We know that Norway is spending 3.35% of GDP, Denmark 3.5%, Sweden 2.8% and reaching 3.5% by 2028, and Finland 2.85% and reaching 3.3% by 2032, yet we have not yet committed to the Committee’s preferred 3% by the end of this Parliament. That created a certain unease. Does the hon. Gentleman remember that when we visited Norway, we were told by its Chief of Defence that every time the Prime Minister of Norway makes a speech, he mentions the threat from Russia? Does he agree that we must advance the so-called national conversation if we are to take the British public with us, and explain the threat to them, as well as the capability and investment that we need to counter it?
Mr Dhesi
I thank the hon. Gentleman, a fellow member of the Defence Committee. I very much enjoyed going with him on various visits to increase our knowledge and understanding of what is happening out there, and to get that perspective from our allies. He rightly highlights the significant increases in defence spending among our European allies, which is why some of us have been vocal in our advocacy for the position that the UK must not be left behind, and that we need to reach defence spending of 3% of GDP by the end of this Parliament. Indeed, as Committee members will be more than aware, we made a joint statement to ensure that the Government focus their attention on that issue. I could not agree more with the hon. Gentleman.
Ian Roome (North Devon) (LD)
I thank the Chair of the Committee for his magnificent statement. As the Arctic becomes increasingly contested, with growing Russian and Chinese activity, does he believe that the UK armed forces are adequately equipped, trained and prepared to operate effectively in extreme Arctic conditions, or are there significant gaps in capability and readiness?
Mr Dhesi
I congratulate the hon. Gentleman, a fellow member of the Defence Committee, on his recent elevation to Lib Dem defence spokesperson for veterans and people. No doubt he will give our former Committee member, now the Minister for Veterans and People, good scrutiny in the future.
The hon. Gentleman rightly highlights that there are significant capability gaps, and those need to be addressed. As I said earlier, while we can be proud of the expertise and capabilities of the Royal Marines, those are no substitute for naval vessels or for having the platforms through which they can project that expertise.
Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford) (Con)
Unlike the Secretary of State for Defence, Conservative Members listen to the Chair of the Defence Committee, and indeed to his colleagues who have produced an excellent report, “Defence in the High North”. As I must be brief, I wish to ask about the report’s warnings about the lack of operationally available assets in the Royal Navy, both surface escorts and attack submarines. As the report states on page 29:
“According to several media sources, all five Astute Class nuclear attack submarines have recently all been tied up in dockyards at the same time, with none deployed.”
That point has been mentioned by several Members this afternoon. The Astute class was once described to me by a naval officer as being like a Formula 1 racing car—great on the track, but a bitch when it gets into the pits. The hon. Gentleman mentioned serious capability gaps, so when does he think Ministers will finally come clean about why all five of our nuclear attack submarines have been tied up for months?
Mr Dhesi
I thank the shadow Minister for his kind words about the work of the Committee. Capability gaps, particularly with regard to submarines, were mentioned by the Committee at length, and my hon. Friend the Member for Barrow and Furness (Michelle Scrogham) was also forthright in making that point. The capability gaps in the delivery of future subs must be addressed urgently. For example, we received evidence suggesting that the production of certain assets was advancing at a “leisurely” pace. That needs to be addressed. Ultimately, as the Committee’s report on AUKUS highlighted, the next-generation SSN-AUKUS is incredibly important and we must ensure that we are investing at pace so that our Australian friends also have that capability at pace. For much of the time at present, we are left in a situation where many of our assets, including submarines, are in either maintenance or deep maintenance.
John Cooper (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)
I commend the Chair of the Defence Committee and his colleagues for a tremendous report. As he rightly mentioned, Scotland is effectively on the frontline of the new potential battleground of the High North. Will the Chair be circling back to the report to see whether there has been progress? Scotland is critical to closing the frigate gap; BAE Systems on the Clyde and Babcock in Rosyth on the east coast are building warships even as we speak. I am concerned by recent comments made by Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, who claimed that Britain is in some way abandoning Scotland to the Russian threat, when in fact one of the real threats to national security in this country is the Scottish National party’s separatist agenda: it is not sure whether it wants to be in NATO or out of NATO, and it wants the nuclear submarines out of Faslane. It is a strange picture, so I wonder whether the hon. Gentleman might go back to that?
Mr Dhesi
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his incisive comments. He will be pleased to note that Scotland had several mentions in our report, as well as in the wall-to-wall coverage that the hard-hitting report attracted. There was much mention of the need to strengthen our capabilities in Scotland. Obviously, the Scottish Government need to make sure that they are aligned with some of the investments that are being made by the UK Government. That is really important, because during our visits to Scotland we saw that many of those working in the industry, as well as those serving, are very much looking to the UK Government and the Scottish Government to work in partnership. The hon. Gentleman mentioned NATO. Let nobody be in any doubt that NATO is a cornerstone of British defence. I therefore fully concur with his views on that question.
Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
I thank the Chair of the Defence Committee and the Committee for all they have done. The Chair outlined the training that the Royal Marines receive to carry out their duties in the High North. If there is a war—we hope there will not be—the Royal Marines will not fight that war on their own, because the Royal Irish Regiment, along with all the other regiments in the British Army, will fight alongside them. What has been done to ensure that the Royal Irish Regiment and other regiments have the same training as the Royal Marines in the High North?
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
You have 40 seconds or less to answer, Mr Dhesi
Mr Dhesi
Thank you for that steer, Madam Deputy Speaker. I thank the hon. Gentleman, who is ever present in the Chamber, for his question. The Committee did not look into the capabilities offered by the Royal Irish Regiment, but it is true that it needs to be strengthening their capabilities and training because Britain can only succeed if all regiments are fighting together, just as we can only succeed more widely if we are fighting alongside our NATO allies. We need to deter the threat before there is any conflict or crisis.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
I thank the Chair of the Defence Committee for his statement and his excellent timekeeping.
Points of Order
(1 day, 9 hours ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate
Graham Leadbitter (Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey) (SNP)
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. May I ask your advice on whether Mr Speaker has received any notification that the Prime Minister intends to correct the record following his response to my question at yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Question Time? He said:
“on the very day that the National Wealth Fund has committed £1 billion of funding to support offshore wind off the east coast of Scotland”,—[Official Report, 11 November 2026; Vol. 793, c. 172.]
when no such UK Government investment in Scotland had been announced or committed.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
I thank the hon. Member for his point of order and for having given notice of it. He will be aware that ministerial answers, including the Prime Minister’s, are not a matter for the Chair, but I am sure that Members on the Treasury Bench have heard his comments and that if an error has been made in this instance, the Government will seek to correct it as soon as possible.
Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford) (Con)
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. We have just had a very important statement on an extremely good Defence Committee report. As you have a perfect view of the Chamber from the Chair, could you confirm for the record that throughout the proceeding no Reform Member of Parliament was present?
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
The right hon. Member will know that that is not a matter for the Chair. He has put his point on the record.
Bill Presented
Residential Use Class (Planning Permission) Bill
Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)
Ben Maguire presented a Bill to introduce a requirement for a grant of planning permission to change a primary residential home to a short-term let or secondary residential home in England; and for connected purposes.
Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 26 February 2027, and to be printed (Bill 181).
Backbench Business
Battle of the Somme: 110th Anniversary
(1 day, 9 hours ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
I call Rebecca Smith, who will speak for up to 15 minutes.
Rebecca Smith (South West Devon) (Con)
I beg to move,
That this House has considered the 110th anniversary of the battle of the Somme.
It is a great privilege to open this debate as we mark the 110th anniversary of one of the most defining battles of the first world war. For 141 days, between 1 July and 18 November 1916, British, Commonwealth and French forces fought along the River Somme in northern France. Around 3.5 million men took part. By the time the fighting ended, well over 1 million men on all sides had been killed, wounded, captured or were missing. Those numbers are almost impossible to comprehend.
Perhaps the figure that remains most deeply embedded in our national consciousness is that of the first day. At 7.30 on the morning of 1 July 1916, whistles sounded and tens of thousands of British soldiers climbed from their trenches and advanced towards the German lines. By the end of that day, the British Army had suffered 57,470 casualties, including 19,240 men killed. It remains the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army.
Yet even those extraordinary figures can distance us from what actually happened. Statistics convey the scale, but do not tell the stories: every single one of those 19,240 fatalities is a unique story—each a family tragedy; an empty chair at a table; potential left forever unfulfilled. Madam Deputy Speaker, you may have seen some of those stories projected on to the face of the Elizabeth Tower on Sunday to mark Remembrance Day. I thank the Speaker and his office for their work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in making that wonderful spectacle happen.
The battle of the Somme did not begin as the predominantly British offensive that it became. In December 1915, the allies had agreed a strategy of co-ordinated offensives against the central powers. Britain and France would attack on the western front, while their allies attacked elsewhere, making it more difficult for Germany and Austria-Hungary to move forces between theatres. Then, in February 1916, Germany attacked Verdun. The enormous demands of that battle meant that the French contribution planned for the Somme was dramatically reduced, while the British commitment increased. By the end of May, one of the principal purposes of the Somme offensive had become relieving the immense pressure on the French at Verdun.
The British Army that prepared for the attack was very different from the small professional force that had gone to France in 1914. It had expanded rapidly following Lord Kitchener’s call for volunteers, and many of the men preparing to fight had relatively little experience of battle. For seven days before the attack, allied artillery pounded the German positions. More than 1.5 million shells were fired. It was hoped that the bombardment would destroy the German defences and cut the thick belts of barbed wire protecting their positions, but in many places those defences survived. German troops had deep dugouts in which to shelter, and when the bombardment lifted, they emerged to meet the attacking infantry.
So began those 141 days of fighting. Names that had once meant very little to people in Britain, and what would become the wider Commonwealth, became part of national memory: Beaumont-Hamel, Mametz, Delville Wood, Pozières, Guillemont, Longueval, Courcelette and Thiepval. Today, anybody who visits the Somme discovers that those places are not simply names in a history book. The battlefield is marked by cemeteries and memorials, many standing on or close to the ground over which those men fought and died.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission commemorates 1.7 million casualties of the two world wars in more than 150 countries. Of those, 140,000 died in France during those bloody months of the battle of the Somme. Around 61,700 have an identified grave, while approximately 78,950 are commemorated by name on memorials to the missing. Commonwealth casualties from the battle lie in more than 400 cemeteries across the region.
I should declare an interest: Members who have heard me speak on this subject will know well that, before entering this House, I had the great privilege of working for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and I now chair the all-party parliamentary group for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and commemoration. That experience taught me something very simple: behind every one of these enormous figures is a name, and behind every name is a story. Every Member of this House will have many stories from their own constituency, and I want to put a few of the names from my South West Devon constituency on the record.
On 1 July, the 8th and 9th Battalions of the Devonshire Regiment were part of the attack south of Mametz village, which was behind German lines. Successfully taking the village and the surrounding woods, the battalions returned to Mametz to bury their dead in a section of their old frontline trench. Now known as the Devonshire cemetery, the site contains 163 Commonwealth burials from the first world war. There lies Private Thomas Collings of Sparkwell, Plympton, killed on the first day of battle. Sadly, I am yet to visit the cemetery, but it is famous for the inscription, “The Devonshires held this trench. The Devonshires hold it still.”
Acting Lance Corporal Robert John Antiss was born in Ivybridge and enlisted in Plymouth with the 9th (Service) Battalion of the Devonshires. He was killed in action in Ginchy on 6 September 1916, aged 25. Alongside him, and killed on the same day, was Private Martin John Damberell, known as Jack to his family and friends. Having lied about his age, Jack was only 17. His family in Ivybridge received the news that he was missing, but it was not until a year later that it was confirmed he had been killed. Both men are buried and commemorated at Delville Wood cemetery in Longueval.
It is particularly appropriate that we should be holding this debate here, though, because the losses of the Somme reached into Parliament. Thomas Michael Kettle had served as the Member of Parliament for East Tyrone between 1906 and 1910. In 1916, he was serving as a lieutenant in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. He was killed on 9 September 1916, aged just 36. He has no known grave, and his name is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial. Gerald Archibald Arbuthnot was, as part of a long political career, MP for Burnley for nine months in 1910. He was unfortunately killed on 25 September 1916.
Reginald Lanchbery worked in the other place as a Clerk in the Journal Office. He went to war with the Black Watch and died on 17 July 1916. Unlike Kettle, he has a known grave, at La Neuville British cemetery near Corbie. Reginald William Garton was the youngest son of an officer of the House of Commons. He was a lieutenant in the 11th South Lancashire Regiment, and was killed on 1 July. He is another one commemorated by name at Thiepval memorial.
Evelyn Walter James Johnson was the only son of a House of Commons Doorkeeper. A second lieutenant in the Bedfordshire Regiment, he was just 19 years old when he died of wounds later that month. Walter Ker Sanderson had worked in the Vote Office at the House of Commons. He served with the Border Regiment and was killed on the opening day of the battle, aged 34. He, too, is commemorated at Thiepval.
The consequences of the battle had an impact on those at the very highest political levels. The then Prime Minister, Herbert Henry Asquith, knew personally what thousands of parents across Britain were experiencing. His eldest son, Raymond Asquith, was killed during the battle and today lies at Guillemont Road cemetery.
One hundred and ten years later, those individual stories, just a few, help us to understand the numbers. Men from all different backgrounds, different ranks and different circumstances were all drawn into the same battle.
The Somme was not simply a British story. Men came from across Britain and Ireland and from across the empire. Australians, Canadians, Indians, Newfoundlanders, New Zealanders and South Africans took part. The British West Indies Regiment was represented, and men from Bermuda and Southern Rhodesia also served.
That international dimension can still be seen in the landscape. At Beaumont-Hamel, the Newfoundland memorial stands on the ground where the Newfoundland Regiment suffered devastating losses on 1 July. The memorial commemorates all 821 Newfoundland servicemen of the first world war who have no known grave. Perhaps nowhere is the scale of the battle more apparent than at Thiepval. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1932, the Thiepval memorial bears the names of more than 72,000 soldiers of the British and South African forces who died in the Somme sector and have no known grave. Around 90% of them died during the 1916 battle. Beside it lie 300 Commonwealth and 300 French servicemen in the Anglo-French cemetery, deliberately placed together as a permanent symbol of the alliance in which they fought.
Some may ask why Parliament should debate a battle 110 years after it took place. There are now no surviving veterans of the first world war to listen to our words, and those who fought at the Somme have passed well beyond living memory, as have most of their children. However, that makes our responsibility greater, not smaller. For a century, remembrance could be sustained by people who had been there, and then by the children and families who had listened directly to their stories, but, increasingly, we are the custodians of that memory. Our task is not to glorify war—anyone who stands among the graves of the Somme could scarcely do that—but to understand its cost.
In a previous debate, I spoke about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s work in encouraging families and historians to tell the stories behind those it commemorates, and that is something I feel particularly strongly about. A headstone gives us a name, a rank, a regiment and a date, but research can give us back the individual. It can tell us who their parents were, what job they did, where they lived, who they loved and what they left behind. One hundred and ten years later, we cannot know all their stories, but we can ensure that their names endure, that the places in which they rest are cared for and that future generations understand the extraordinary human cost concealed within two simple words: the Somme.
Tom Gordon (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (LD)
The hon. Lady is making a powerful and moving speech. I can remember being a child at high school and going on a trip to world war one battlefields. My little sister, who is 15, has never had that opportunity. Does the hon. Lady agree that we should do more to ensure that the memory lives on, by making sure that our children, grandchildren and future generations get the same opportunities to understand what happened at the Somme and throughout the world war?
Rebecca Smith
I agree with the hon. Gentleman 100%. I did not get to visit a cemetery site when I was young either, so I appreciate the situation his sister is in, but I got to when I was working for the commission. I pay tribute to my former colleagues, the public engagement co-ordinators at the commission, who go out to schools right across the country to ensure that the next generation can understand and hear some of these stories.
Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford) (Con)
Before my hon. Friend concludes her powerful speech, may I, from the Dispatch Box, commend the work that she has done for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission? She mentioned those who served from around the world at the Somme. Will she also pay tribute to the 36th Ulster Division, who broke through five rounds of trenches and managed to storm the Schwaben redoubt, in the course of which, on one morning, they earned five Victoria Crosses?
Rebecca Smith
I thank my right hon. Friend for that story; five Victoria Crosses is, of course, some contribution to the war. The Irish Regiment played a huge role, and I have seen some of the graves of the Inniskilling Regiment in Northern Ireland—once you have worked for the commission, you find yourself visiting cemeteries and graves on every trip abroad. I wholeheartedly agree with him.
Mr Dhesi
The hon. Lady is making a powerful speech. This week, I had the honour and privilege of laying a wreath at the Poppies to Paddington remembrance service, which commemorated the 110th anniversary of the battle of the Somme. Does she agree that Great Western Railway should be congratulated for holding that service and for giving a prominent role to the 1914 Sikhs and the King’s Gurkha Artillery unit, commemorating the incredible contributions of those from around the world to the war effort?
Rebecca Smith
I absolutely agree. I use the GWR train line. I usually put a wreath on the train from Ivybridge—a place I have mentioned several times—but I am grateful to my friends at the Royal British Legion in Ivybridge, who this time laid a wreath while I was here in Westminster. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission works very hard to recognise the role of Sikhs. They have their own headstones to ensure that that is visible to the public.
I hope that today’s debate will play a small part in our remembering those words: the Somme. I also hope that it will remind Members of the vital work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in caring for the graves, cemeteries and memorials of those who died, and ensuring that their stories continue to be told. The commission maintains a stories portal, called For Evermore, which will allow Members to upload their own stories of family members, constituents or others who fell. I urge Members to do so, and to add to the 13,000 stories already told there. I look forward to hearing the contributions of Members from across the House.
Several hon. Members rose—
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
Order. I regret that there will be an immediate five-minute time limit.
Jas Athwal (Ilford South) (Lab)
I commend the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) for keeping alive the memory of those brave souls to whom we owe so much. There are moments in history when forgetting becomes an injustice, when silence becomes a betrayal, and when remembrance becomes not only a simple act of respect, but a duty. The battle of the Somme is such a moment. As has already been mentioned, on 1 July, after just one day, 19,240 British soldiers lay dead. The battle continued for another 141 days, until 18 November 1916, when more than a million men across all sides had died.
Today, I want to speak about men whose extraordinary contributions have often been overlooked; those Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs who fought under the British flag and endured the same horrors and shed the same blood. Their sacrifice was no less, their courage was immense, and their place in British history must be permanent. One extraordinary example of their courage came on 14 July 1916 at High Wood, during the battle of the Somme. Across the open fields of northern France, the British 7th Dragoon Guards advanced alongside the 20th Deccan Horse of the British Indian army, which was basically full of Sikh cavalrymen.
Picture the scene: German machine guns concealed in trenches and standing crops, artillery exploding all around, and Sikh soldiers thousands of miles from the Punjab charging forward on horseback, armed with just their swords, into the face of modern machine guns. Above them, a Royal Flying Corps aircraft helped to identify concealed German positions, assisting the cavalry as they advanced. The horsemen reached enemy positions and captured prisoners but suffered terrible casualties, and the ground could not be held indefinitely. Many fell, horses fell, and families thousands of miles away would never see their loved ones again.
Those Sikh cavalrymen demonstrated extraordinary courage in one of the most remarkable mounted actions of the Somme offensive, yet how many British schoolchildren know their story? I was once one of those children, and I was never taught it. How many know that Sikh soldiers charged across the killing fields? How many know that Hindu and Muslim soldiers also fought and died for Britain, and not only at the Somme, but across the wider world war? How many know that the history of Britain’s Asian communities did not begin with immigration after 1945, but began long before? That history was written in the trenches of Flanders and on the banks of the River Somme. It was written in the blood of men who travelled halfway around the world.
A Sikh mother’s grief was no different from a British mother’s grief. A Hindu father’s sorrow was no different from a Muslim father’s sorrow. The blood of an Indian soldier was no less precious than the blood of any other man who fell. However, their recognition has not always been equal. Indeed, investigations by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission have acknowledged historical inequalities in the commemoration of predominantly non-European servicemen. We must not just confront that, but rectify it, because remembrance cannot be selective. We cannot celebrate the achievements of the British empire while forgetting the people of that empire who made those achievements possible. This is not simply Sikh, Hindu or Muslim history; it is British history, and it belongs to every one of us. That is why the contribution of Indian soldiers must be properly recognised in our schools, our museums, our memorials and our national commemorations—not as a footnote, or a token gesture, but as an inseparable part of our shared national story.
Some 110 years later, the fields of the Somme are peaceful. The crops grow where soldiers once fell, and the birds sing where artillery once thundered. The silence of those fields must never become the silence of our history. We owe those men more than a wreath once a year; we owe them the truth, we owe them recognition and we owe them a permanent place in British national memory. Let us remember the Sikh who rode towards the guns. Let us remember the Hindu who stood beside his comrades. Let us remember the Muslim who gave his life far from home. Courage has no religion, sacrifice has no colour, and remembrance must have no hierarchy. Their courage is part of our history, their sacrifice is part of our nation, and their remembrance is our responsibility. We will remember them.
John Cooper (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)
It is my solemn duty to break to right hon. and hon. Members that “Blackadder Goes Forth” is not a documentary. As we recall the charnel house that was the first day of the Somme, we must consider the reality and not the fiction that today surrounds the generation who suffered and sacrificed so much in the great war. To truly understand what our forefathers went through, we should look to great works such as “Tommy: The British Soldier on the Western Front” by the late Professor Richard Holmes. I was lucky enough to meet the professor, famous for his “War Walks” television series, during my own minor attempts to study military history. He told me that the two biggest barriers to earnest study of the first world war were the war poets—although he conceded that their testimony was valid, since they served—and “Blackadder Goes Forth”.
Those final frames of “Blackadder” captured the awful reality of death on an industrial scale—but showing every private soldier to be an economic conscript, every officer a public school toff and every general ensconced in a chateau far behind the lines? It simply was not like that. Take every public schoolboy and there still would not be enough numbers to officer the giant British Army on the western front alone. While
“‘Forward!’ he cried from the rear
And the front rank died”
is a lovely line from Pink Floyd, the “lions led by donkeys” narrative, which is set in stone today, is really a canard from the 1970s.
The creeping barrage on the first day of the Somme campaign, with the shells falling just ahead of our advancing infantry, was a failure. There is no disguising it, but it was a genuine attempt to change the tactics of a war of attrition and to give advancing infantrymen the edge in an era where technology had outpaced tactics. Our troops moved more slowly than expected, and co-ordination with the artillery in the infancy of battlefield radio communications was difficult. As we have heard, the shells failed to cut the wire in front of the German trenches, whose deep dugouts proved devastatingly effective.
General Douglas Haig would carry the can for the failure of the Somme to deliver the hoped-for decisive breakthrough, yet “the Chief”, as he was known, remained popular with his men. The reality is that the British were hard-pressed for experienced troops and matériel. Haig’s strained relationships with David Lloyd George meant that his reputation was tarnished, perhaps deliberately, as Lloyd George sought to insulate himself from blame for the Somme’s failure and the awful toll of dead and wounded. The two men observed an uneasy truce in the immediate aftermath of the armistice, and it was only after Haig’s death that Lloyd George launched his political assassination in his multi-volume war memoirs. He accused Haig of a lack of vision and flexibility, and blamed him for the “ghastly slaughter”. It was odd, though, that the Welsh wizard kept his counsel and did not depose Haig at the material time as the war raged.
None of that takes away from the huge sacrifice of British and empire troops throughout a war that spanned the globe. Perhaps the saddest aspect is that today we seem unable to answer the question of what it was all for. Ask the French. Ask the Belgians. They were invaded, and there is no whitewashing the atrocities committed against civilians by the Germans in 1914. The great war was then a war of liberation.
I leave the final word not to British generals, but to one American and one Prussian. William Sherman’s march to the sea in the American civil war saw him unleash total war on civilians. He said, “War is all hell, boys”, and, “you cannot refine it.” That is a truism echoing through human history, but what of the hellish Somme? General Erich Ludendorff, whose doctrine of an elastic, flexible defence cost us so very dear, said in his autobiography, “My War Memories”:
“As a result, we were completely exhausted on the Western Front”.
We paid a high price in blood and treasure, and while not a victory, the Somme did pave the way to ultimate triumph.
Jack Abbott (Ipswich) (Lab/Co-op)
I thank the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) for bringing this debate to mark the 110th anniversary of the battle of the Somme coming to an end. That is 110 years since young men from Ipswich, Suffolk and communities across Britain bravely went into battle, facing extraordinary danger in the service of their country, but many never came home. More than a century has passed, but the sacrifice that they made and the loss suffered by their families must never be forgotten.
For many men, the Somme would be their final battle. Back home in Ipswich and Suffolk, families waited for their fathers, sons, brothers and husbands to come home; instead, they were left with the devastating news of their deaths and the knowledge that the lives they had imagined for them and with them would never be lived. They were soldiers who answered their country’s call with extraordinary courage, but they were also young men with hopes, ambitions and their whole lives ahead of them. For so many, their lives were cut tragically short on the fields of Europe. For the families left behind in Ipswich, the war did not end when the guns fell silent; it ended with a telegram through the door, an empty chair at the dinner table or a photograph of a loved one who would never come home.
More than 100 men from Ipswich lost their lives during the Somme offensive—more than 100 families in our town were left to live with a grief that no passage of time could ever fully erase—and I want to put some of their names on the record today. Private Harold Bailey was just 19 years old when he was killed—an age at which so many young people begin their adult lives, make plans and dream of their futures. Private William Attewell was 21. Private Vivian Bradley was 19. Private Walter Fiddaman was also 19. Those young men served in the Suffolk Regiment and came from our town and our county. They grew up on our streets and belonged to our communities, but they never came home.
On 3 January 1916, the 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment took part in a devastating attack on Ovillers. The battalion suffered 470 casualties, including all its company commanders. Among the Ipswich men lost were Benjamin Baker and Arthur Holmes. Just 12 days later, on 15 July 1916, the 4th Battalion suffered more than 200 casualties during the fighting around Bazentin Ridge and High Wood. Seventeen Ipswich men lost their lives that day. Among them were Samuel Jennings, aged 19, and Robert Lloyd, aged just 18—a young man who had a whole life ahead of him. More than 1 million men were killed over the four-month period that the fighting raged, but every single one of those deaths was a life extinguished and a family devastated.
This week, I joined hundreds of people in Ipswich to pay tribute at Christchurch Park and the fields of honour in Ipswich Old Cemetery. As the “Last Post” sounded and our town fell silent, I thought about the young men from Ipswich who had been killed on the battlefield.
Ipswich and Suffolk have a proud and enduring history of service to our country, from the Suffolk Regiment on the Somme to the radar pioneers at Bawdsey. Our town and our county have given so much to the defence of our nation, but remembrance is not simply about pride and honour, as crucial as they are; it is about grief. It is about recognising the terrible human cost of war and understanding that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured by people who paid such a heavy price that we can scarcely comprehend. They gave their tomorrow for our today, and we will remember them.
Sir Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)
Over a century after the appalling losses on the western front, historians still debate whether any alternatives existed. Some blame political intrigue and poor generalship; others emphasise technology, with the battlefield dominated by interlocking fields of fire, which ensured that slowly advancing troops would be mown down by machine guns before making any worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s trenches. Minor advances that were occasionally achieved were usually reversed by counter-attacks or simply absorbed into a new, static confrontation a short distance from the original one.
We heard echoes of some of those controversies, with the pendulum ascribing guilt and responsibility swinging first one way, then another, in the very perceptive speech of my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries and Galloway (John Cooper). I was first influenced by a work of fiction—a rather more in-depth work of fiction than the immensely entertaining television series to which he alluded. It was a book by a Sheffield journalist and writer called John Harris, entitled “Covenant with Death” and published in 1961.
In 1961, the people who had fought on the Somme were still living, and John Harris interviewed many of them. He says in the introduction to his great novel that although the characters are fictitious, the real people will recognise many of the incidents that he describes. The story is based on the Sheffield City Battalion. On 1 July 1916, the battalion sent 700 men over the top. The majority of them—nearly 500 men—became casualties, half of whom were killed, and only four of their officers survived the battle.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst (Solihull West and Shirley) (Con)
My right hon. Friend is giving an incredibly powerful speech. He is recognising quite properly those who were in teeth arms and running towards the ballistics and bullets coming at them, but will he also recognise the military medics? They were so important and often ran into danger, and they included Captain Noel Chavasse, who won not only the Military Cross and bar but the Victoria Cross in the Somme.
Sir Julian Lewis
Yes, indeed. I believe I am right in thinking that he won the VC twice overall—one of three people to do so—and I am delighted that my hon. and gallant Friend has put that on the record.
In more recent years, there has been a swing of the pendulum that has tried to justify the scale of loss on the Somme by saying that it was necessary for lessons to be learned for the ultimately successful campaigns of 1918. Some of the people who have put forward that proposition undoubtedly know more about the history of the first world war and its battles than I do, but I simply do not buy that. You should not have to waste the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers to learn lessons, some of which ought to have been obvious from the beginning.
One of those lessons was the need for surprise. Before 1 July 1916, there was a seven-day bombardment by British artillery on the Somme. Everybody knew what was going to happen and where it was going to happen. In 1918, at the start of the successful 100 days offensive—the phenomenal, brilliantly fought campaign that led to Germany suing for armistice in November 1918—everybody had secrecy impressed on them. Every officer and man had a passbook in which it was deemed essential that they must not say anything about what preparations were being made.
Similarly, when the Germans mounted their spring offensive in March 1918—which, for a while, looked as if it could have put Britain out of the war—one of the reasons it succeeded was that they too had an element of surprise. They had three alternative plans and decided on one of them, the Operation Michael attack, very much at the last minute before it was launched. You did not have to be a strategic genius to know that you needed an element of surprise in order to achieve tactical success. Similarly, the lessons of the Somme were not learned very quickly, because the same thing happened again in April 1918 with the second battle of Arras and, later in the year, with the third battle of Ypres, known as Passchendaele.
Let me conclude by quoting someone who was not an amateur historian: a man called Sholto Douglas, who later became Marshal of the Royal Air Force. He stated that, as he looked down from his aircraft at the field of Passchendaele in 1917, his mind was full of the sort of questions that many people have asked about the futility of the tactics. He said then, and I agree with him now, that those questions are very, very difficult to answer.
Dr Scott Arthur (Edinburgh South West) (Lab)
I thank the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith), both for securing this debate and for the way in which she introduced it.
In Edinburgh South West, we have the Heart of Midlothian memorial clock, something that defines Haymarket. If Members do not know, Heart of Midlothian is perhaps Scotland’s finest football team—or even the UK’s. [Laughter.] Sorry, I should not have laughed there. Every year, former Hearts players gather at the memorial clock alongside club staff, fans from across the city and local Gorgie residents to remember the incredible sacrifice that Hearts players and fans made on the frontline.
For those who are not familiar with the story, Hearts players led by example when Sir George McCrae, a popular Edinburgh figure and former MP—he was in this place between 1899 and 1909—announced that he would raise a battalion to fight in the war, the 16th (Service) Battalion of the Royal Scots. In November 1914, Hearts comfortably led the first division, having started the 1914-15 season with eight straight victories, including a thumping defeat of the reigning champions Celtic—even in a time-limited debate, I had to mention that. That streak coincided with the beginning of world war one and a debate about whether or not football should be taking place at all. Sixteen Hearts players signed up, along with players from Hibernian, Raith Rovers, Falkirk, Dunfermline Athletic, East Fife and St Bernard’s. McCrae’s was the first of the so-called footballers’ pals battalions to be raised during the war. Some 500 Hearts supporters and ticket holders enlisted, alongside 150 from Hibs, rugby players, cricketers, swimmers, hockey players, golfers and even a bodybuilder.
Then came the Somme. None could have expected that McCrae’s battalion would suffer 229 dead or missing on the first day, with a further 347 wounded. That was a small part of the tens of thousands who were killed or wounded on that first day, but the toll on Hearts and the wider Edinburgh community was immense. Many bodies were never recovered, including the remains of Harry Wattie, a Hearts striker and arguably the best inside forward in Scotland at the time.
John Cooper
The hon. Member is making a very eloquent speech about the sacrifice of Scottish football. Did he share my disappointment at the weekend when the two-minute silence at Celtic was interrupted after only 13 seconds?
Dr Arthur
I thank the hon. Member for that intervention. I heard that news from someone in this place who had also heard about it—somebody who does not live in Scotland—and I was absolutely ashamed to hear it.
The 16th Royal Scots made great inroads into the German line, more than any other British battalion, but that was little comfort to the families who lost their sons. The losses of McCrae’s battalion were a small but significant component of the 1 million casualties in the 141 days of that battle. When Hearts unveiled the memorial clock at Haymarket in 1922, a crowd of 65,000 people gathered to honour that remarkable sacrifice. They were told that the nation owed a debt of gratitude to Hearts that could never be repaid. At the weekend, I was proud to attend a service at the memorial clock alongside hundreds of other people. Many of them were Hearts supporters—Jambos—but many of them were people who just live locally and wanted to take part in an act of remembrance.
I was proud to be at that remembrance service, but I was even more proud to see pupils from Tynecastle high school, Balerno high school and George Watson’s college take part in it. A few days before, I attended another remembrance service at Firrhill high school in Edinburgh South West, which was entirely led by the young people there, apart from a small introduction by the headmaster. What is special about that school is that it is directly across the road from Redford infantry barracks. The young people who led the service read out the names of people who had died on that day, 6 November, during the first world war. All the names were of people who were 17, 18 or 19 years old, some of them perhaps even younger than the pupils who were reading out the names, and most of them just a few months or years older.
Taking part in that service and being so close to the barracks was a real reminder of the impact of war. We talk about conflict, perhaps within 1,000 days, but I would hate for any of those young people to have to take part in a war. It was a reminder to me that in this place, we should always focus on peace, not war.
Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
It is a privilege to rise in this House today to speak on behalf of the good, decent, salt-of-the-earth people of my constituency of Strangford, and indeed for the loyal people right across Northern Ireland.
When we look at the history of our Province, there is a golden thread of loyalty, duty and unyielding resolve that runs from the fields of France in 1916 right through to the present day. Over a century ago, when King and country called, the men of Ulster did not hesitate. They stepped forward in their thousands—from the shipyards of Belfast, the farms of the Ards peninsula and the towns and villages across Ulster—and on 1 July 1916, at the battle of the Somme, the 36th (Ulster) Division paid the ultimate price. They charged into the teeth of the German guns at Thiepval wood and the Schwaben redoubt. Over 5,000 men were killed, wounded or missing in the first 48 hours alone. They shed their blood so that tyranny would not prevail, and so that this United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland might remain free.
To truly understand the soul of Ulster, one does not need to read a history book; one only needs to walk through the towns and villages of the constituency of Strangford and look at the names carved into the stones of the war memorials. Every name tells a story of a young life laid down on the altar of freedom. Picture, as other Members have done, 1 July 1916 in the damp, chalky trenches of Thiepval wood. Imagine a young lad from Newtownards—let us call him Lance Corporal David John Thompson.
Dr Shastri-Hurst
The hon. Gentleman is giving a typically impassioned speech. Will he join me in reflecting on not just the service of those who fought in the Somme, but their families left at home, who were thinking of them at those most difficult of times?
Jim Shannon
I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving me that chance to gain some composure.
Picture Lance Corporal David John Thompson, serving proudly with the 13th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles—the County Down volunteers. As the clock ticks towards half-past 7 in the morning and the deafening roar of the British artillery barrage shakes the very earth beneath their feet, young David’s mind is not in France; his heart is back home in County Down. He can almost smell the air drifting off Strangford lough—there is nothing quite like a breath of air from Strangford lough. He remembers the quiet mornings walking past Scrabo tower, which stands sentinel over the town; the warmth of his mother’s kitchen; and the familiar faces in Conway Square in Newtownards. He longs for the peace of home, for his Sunday morning service at First Ards Presbyterian church, and for the simple, honest life he left behind when he answered his King’s call.
Yet, as he looks down the trenches at the pale, mud-streaked faces of the young men under his command—fellas he grew up with in Newtownards, Comber and Donaghadee —fear gives way to duty. He knows that the whistle is about to blow. He knows that climbing over the parapet means walking into a storm of German machine gun fire. He has no desire to die in a foreign land, yet he is entirely prepared to do so. Why? Because Lance Corporal David John Thompson understands that the freedom of his family back in Newtownards, the preservation of the British way of life and the defeat of tyranny are worth a great price. He is willing, along with others, to pay that price for that which he honours more than his own life.
So, when that shrill whistle blows, 19-year-old Lance Corporal Thompson does not hesitate. With his Lee-Enfield rifle gripped tight, standing beside his brothers in arms with Orange sashes beneath many of their tunics, he climbs into no man’s land, shouting over the din to rally his boys forward. He leads them across the cratered earth towards the Schwaben redoubt, not out of hatred for the men in front of him but out of an unshakeable love for the home and the country he has left behind. He pays the ultimate price at 19 years of age. That is the calibre of the men of Ulster: young men who loved their homes fiercely, yet loved their duty and their freedom even more.
Captain Wilfrid Spender said:
“I am not an Ulsterman, but yesterday, the 1st July, as I followed their amazing attack, I felt that I would rather be an Ulsterman than anything else in the world. My pen cannot describe adequately the hundreds of heroic acts I witnessed. The Ulster Volunteer Force, from which the Division was made, has won a name that equals any in history. Their devotion deserves the gratitude of the British empire.”
What lovely words from a man who witnessed that attack of the 36th (Ulster) Division.
The blood of those who fell at the Somme runs through the very veins of the people I represent. We carry their legacy with pride and their resolve in our hearts. Come what may, the people of Ulster will continue to stand unbowed and unbroken for freedom, for the rule of law, for our Christian faith and for God, and for this precious United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. For us, “We will remember them,” is not just a phrase; it is always our promise.
Michelle Scrogham (Barrow and Furness) (Lab)
It is a real honour to follow the moving speech of the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon).
It is a privilege to speak in the debate marking the 110th anniversary of the battle of the Somme. As is the case for many hon. Members in the Chamber, the impacts of the first world war are still felt in my constituency generations later. It is with a sense of sorrow and pride that we see family members’ names on those war memorials. We promise to remember them and their sacrifice and never to allow such a tragedy to happen again. The scale of the lives lost at the Somme is larger than most of us can comprehend. We commend the strength and bravery of those who sacrificed their futures to protect our country and honour them by marking the anniversary of this battle.
For my constituency, this anniversary has a special significance, because the town of Ulverston is twinned with Albert, a town at the heart of the Somme in France. The relationship between the two towns stretches back decades and has been built on friendship, exchange and a shared commitment to remembering those affected by the war. Every year, people from Ulverston travel to Albert, and residents of Albert often visit Ulverston, not simply to commemorate but to strengthen the ties between our two communities. What began with remembrance has grown into genuine friendship.
One of the most remarkable links between our towns was the discovery of the Ulverston trench near Albert. During research into the battlefields, an historical trench map was found showing a trench bearing the name of Ulverston. A memorial now stands there, serving as a lasting reminder of the connection between our community and the Somme. I am immensely proud that that site, once associated with conflict, has become somewhere people can come together in remembrance.
More than a century on, British, German and French people come together as friends, determined to ensure that the sacrifices of the past are not forgotten. The twinning of Ulverston and Albert shows how remembrance can bring people together and how communities can build lasting bonds, even from the darkest chapters of our shared history.
I will take the opportunity to commend our brave service personnel currently deployed around the world. We are grateful for the service and sacrifice that they and their families make on behalf of this country. The Government recognise that our duty to those who serve does not end when they leave the armed forces. That is why we are working to strengthen support for our veterans through better access to housing, healthcare, employment and welfare services.
I particularly welcome the roll-out of the Valour programme in Cumbria, which will help create a more joined-up and accessible network of support for veterans and their families. My fellow Cumbrian Labour MPs and I have been campaigning for stronger, locally delivered veterans’ services, so it is encouraging to see the commitment backed with investment and action. Programmes such as Valour recognise that many veterans face challenges long after their service has ended and that support should be easy to access. As we remember those who served at the Somme and in conflicts throughout our history, it is right that we also reaffirm our commitment to the men and women who serve today and to the veterans who continue to make such a valuable contribution to communities across our country.
I want to commend my former school, Ulverston Victoria high school, which has done incredible work over the years not only by commemorating the war through remembrance services, but by bringing together the lives of all those we lost in Ulverston—all those young boys and men who went to war—and looking at their backgrounds, their histories and where they worked before they joined the Army. Just for one moment, over the couple of weeks before Remembrance Day, it brings the lives of those young men back together in a way that the students at the school can understand. I pass on my thanks to the school for all the work it does on that.
Several hon. Members rose—
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
Order. Unfortunately, we have to go down to a four-minute time limit.
Amanda Hack (North West Leicestershire) (Lab)
I pay tribute to the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who lost their lives during the battle of the Somme, one of the deadliest battles ever fought. I thank the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) for her opening remarks, and the Members who have spoken before me.
On Sunday I attended the service of remembrance and reconciliation at Christ church in Coalville. The most poignant part was when I heard the roll call of the people from the community who paid the ultimate price. It was moving to see the Elizabeth Tower lit up over the weekend to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the battle of the Somme, and to share five personal stories from across the country. Thanks must go to Mr Speaker, alongside the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which organised it. Mr Speaker said:
“Seeing the faces of these brave people from the Somme on the most iconic landmarks in the country is incredibly moving—faces of ordinary folk who had a future, only for it to be cut short by war.”
One of those folk was Esmée—Barbara Esmée St John— who was from my constituency. Esmée was born in Ashby and volunteered with the Red Cross during the first world war, serving in the No. 26 General Hospital at Etaples, on the French channel coast, which made up the largest centre for medical care of British and Commonwealth service personnel on the western front. Following the opening of the battle of the Somme, Esmée managed a 35-bed surgical ward, working 13-hour days with only a young orderly, just 17 years old, to assist her.
Only a few months later, Esmée tragically caught scarlet fever and died from complications. She was buried with full military honours at the Wimereux communal cemetery. Sadly, the infectious nature of her illness meant that her burial could not be delayed for her family to attend, as was the case for so many. In 1918, Esmée’s father supplied her photograph to the Imperial War Museum, expressing pride that she would be among the brave women and hard workers who will never be forgotten. Esmée’s story is just one of the many examples of the brave women who worked tirelessly and courageously to help soldiers on the frontline, and I am pleased that her vital contribution was recognised.
As North West Leicestershire is home to a rich mining heritage, I also want to talk about the role that miners played in the battle. I read a 2016 article from Mining Magazine about tunnelling companies, which were specialist units in the British Army that were formed to dig under enemy lines. Among them were the “Famous Fifty”—specially selected volunteers from the Coalville area of Leicestershire who went to fight on the western front in 1914. They marched from St John the Baptist church in Hugglescote to the train station in Coalville, with thousands of people cheering them on. Because of their mining background, many of the men became tunnellers, but only 22 of them ever returned. Miners had a particularly useful skillset in the battle of the Somme, because the harder chalk formations under the ground were more suited to their expertise. The volunteers were exceptionally brave and typically worked in spaces that were about 60 cm wide and just over 1 metre high, with the constant risk of the tunnel collapsing.
At the start of the battle of the Somme, two separate tunnels were painstakingly dug, with 900 men working on each. They packed 40,000 lbs of explosives in one and 60,000 lbs in the other, with the blast intended to rip through the ground creating a 450-foot-wide crater. However, German soldiers had detected the tunnelling. The blast was so powerful that the German soldiers were killed, but as the British infantry flowed over the top, they were massacred by German machine guns.
With honour, I dedicate my speech to the miners and women who were at the battle of the Somme, whom we will never forget and who, alongside our brave military personnel, paid the ultimate price.
Ms Julie Minns (Carlisle) (Lab)
I thank the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) for bringing forward this debate, and for her work on behalf of the all-party parliamentary group for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and commemoration.
The Somme carries particular significance for north Cumbria because of the Lonsdale Pals, formerly the 11th Battalion of the Border Regiment. Raised by the 5th Earl of Lonsdale shortly after the outbreak of war, it was one of the earliest pals battalions authorised by the War Office. Men from Carlisle, Penrith, Workington, Whitehaven, Kendal and communities across Cumberland and Westmorland enlisted together. They were neighbours, workmates, fellow parishioners, but they trained together and went to war together. That bond gave the battalion a powerful identity, but it also meant that, when casualties came, entire communities shared the loss. It was my privilege to lay the wreath at the county memorial last weekend on behalf of all Cumbria’s MPs, who represent the former counties of Cumberland and Westmorland.
On the opening day, the 11th Battalion attacked the Leipzig salient near Thiepval and suffered devastating casualties. Among those killed was Corporal Stephen Putland, who was born and lived in Carlisle. His name is recorded on the Upperby war memorial in Carlisle and on the Thiepval memorial to the missing. He was not the only man to be lost that day. John McDivitt, John Nevin, James Jardine Wilson and Company Sergeant Major John Sewell were also lost. On the battle’s final day, further tragedy struck the pals. The battalion attacked German positions at Redan ridge, and among those killed was Colour Sergeant Major Robert Lorimer. His body was never recovered, and his name, too, is commemorated at Thiepval.
Another man whose story is particularly personal to me is Harry Wilfred Lowthian, who served with the Lonsdale Pals during the Somme. My research suggests he would have been a distant relative of mine, and also the brother or nephew of Ernest Lowthian, Labour’s first candidate for the parliamentary seat of Carlisle.
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of visiting France and Belgium with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. I visited Thiepval and several other sites, including Serre Road cemetery No. 2, which deserves a particular mention. It is the largest cemetery on the Somme battlefields, and standing among its rows of headstones is a powerful reminder of the immense loss in that battle. The visit also gave me a much deeper appreciation of the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which cares for 1.7 million Commonwealth service personnel—not their graves, but the personnel—who died in battle. It maintains graves, cemeteries and memorials at more than 23,000 locations in over 150 countries.
I was particularly struck by the work of the commission’s recovery unit in recovering and identifying those still being discovered on battlefields today, more than a century later. The team carefully excavate, record remains, examine personal possessions and match them with military records, battalion diaries and wartime maps. Matching that with DNA can often establish the soldier’s identity over 100 years later. It is painstaking but vital work.
As we mark 110 years since the Somme, we remember Corporal Stephen Putland, Robert Lorimer, Harry Wilfred Lowthian and the men of the Lonsdale Pals. We remember all those from across Cumbria, across the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth, and our allies, who served and sacrificed. Their names live on in memorials and family histories, and through the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It is our duty to ensure that their stories continue to be told and that their sacrifice is never diminished by the passage of time.
Samantha Niblett (South Derbyshire) (Lab)
I thank the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) for giving us this opportunity to speak on behalf of our constituents, past and present. I am honoured to speak on behalf of the people of South Derbyshire and to remember those who gave so much.
I am particularly moved by the story of brothers Henry and William Barnett, both of whom died on the first day of the battle of the Somme. Their parents were William and Geraldine Barnett of 37 Market Street in Swadlincote. William, the younger brother, who was a shop assistant, was the first to join up. He enlisted in Church Gresley, and by 25 June 1915 was in France. Henry, who was a sink maker, enlisted on 26 March 1915, and when he was posted to France in December 1915 the two brothers were reunited on the western front. Both served as privates in the first line of the 5th Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters, and they were both killed during an attack on the German positions at Gommecourt. They are commemorated alongside one another on the memorial to the missing at Thiepval.
In May, I was invited by Shelly Lynn and Joanne Abbassi, two volunteers for the charity In From the Cold Project, to visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site in Church Gresley in my constituency. The In From The Cold Project was formed more than 20 years ago to research and identify all servicemen and servicewomen missing from the official Commonwealth War Graves Commission list of casualties from the first and second world wars. Their task is to get these soldiers, sailors and airmen their due recognition, even after the passing of so many years.
I was moved by the dedication and diligence of the volunteers in ensuring that all the fallen have a marked Commonwealth war grave, but a passing comment about council charges that are paid out of the volunteers’ own pockets sent me and my team off into a conversation with the Local Government Association to see whether we could seek agreement from local authorities to waive the fees in these special circumstances. I want to give special recognition and a shout-out to Antony Cobley, in my team, who helped make that happen. I am pleased to share with the House that an agreement was reached with the LGA and its new guidance is that fees should be waived across England. Council Matt Boughton, who is chair of the LGA’s safer and stronger communities committee, said:
“Preserving the links between local communities and those who served and died in conflict is an important part of ensuring future generations continue to understand and remember their sacrifice. While often modest, charges for record searches can present an additional barrier to organisations trying to identify the final resting places of service personnel. Lifting these charges where they relate to service personnel, which many councils have already done, is a good way to help ensure those who lost their lives in service receive the recognition and commemoration they deserve.”
We will never know where so many servicemen and servicewomen from the Somme, world war one, world war two and subsequent wars rest, but all parties are committed to working to ensure that as many unmarked graves are now marked so that we can commemorate those lost for so long. We will remember them.
Adam Thompson (Erewash) (Lab)
On the first day of the battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916, 19,240 British men lost their lives. It was the single bloodiest day in the history of the British Army. The Sherwood Foresters, some 2,000 men from across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, started the battle with an assault on Gommecourt. I have been able to identify at least 12 names of young men from across Ilkeston, Long Eaton and Sandiacre, who were killed on that first day alone. The eldest, James Mann, was 41. He worked in the lace industry and left behind his wife Flora and their five children. The youngest man who was killed, Arthur Robinson, had only just turned 20. He lived with his sister and her family at 105 Bennett Street in Long Eaton.
Looking over these lists, it was seeing exactly where they lived that struck me the most. The first world war was so long ago now, it is almost a different world. The numbers of dead and wounded at the Somme alone are so large as to be incomprehensible, squeezing from view the individual, human stories that were lived by each and every one of the people who were there, but the thing about knowing which house Arthur lived in is that that house is still there. I have knocked on that door. I have delivered leaflets through it. Twenty-year-old Arthur Robinson knew the streets that I know. He lived across the road from my mates Howard and Margaret. Long Eaton has changed a lot, certainly, in the more than a century that has gone by since he gave his life, but it is still the same place. I get similar feelings when I look at the list of young men killed from Ilkeston. I see Naylors and Beardsleys and Mees, local surnames that I still see regularly everywhere, from my Facebook comments to our council ballot papers.
It should not be a surprise that this information exists and is there to be found. Despite the first world war having ended so long ago, we make a vow every November that we will remember them and we hold true to that vow. The two world wars draw further into history all the time, but I think our remembrance events in Ilkeston, Long Eaton and the surrounding villages are better attended every year. In Draycott, the homes of soldiers who died in the first world war are marked with their own small, individual memorials on each doorstep, reminding us of the time that our world was their world. They were sent off from terraced streets in Derbyshire to the fields of France and Belgium, where they endured the most unbelievable hardships; suffering so great that the very least we can do now is remember them.
There is plenty of history written about grand acts of strategic brilliance or incompetence, depending on one’s opinion—about noble generals and the aristocrats and industrialists who dominated this place at that time, and the balance of power between the great empires fighting over who got to have the biggest navy or which African colony they got to control—but that is not why people piled into Ilkeston and Long Eaton town centres on Sunday. What we pledge to remember are the hundreds of thousands of working-class men, so many of them so young, who were sent abroad to fight in those great wars. We should remember who they were: their names, what families they came from, where they lived and where they worked. We should remember them not just for dying but for living—for being the people that they were. We should remember that for as long as we can, no matter how long ago it was. If we remember them like that, then the history stops being faraway and abstract; it stays real in our hearts and minds and helps us prevent such tragedies from ever occurring again.
Jayne Kirkham (Truro and Falmouth) (Lab/Co-op)
I want to talk about the Cornish men and women who were in the Somme and involved in the first world war. There were 6,300 deaths of people from Cornwall in world war one. Many of them signed up to the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. There were a number of battalions from Cornwall that fought in the Somme, and the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division fought in the latter stages of the war as well. There was an article in the Royal Cornwall Gazette on 26 October 1916, which was an account sent by someone from the front, who said that they were mocked by the Germans because they knew where they were from; the Germans asked them if they had any Cornish pasties. Even over there, the Cornish were known and recognised.
I thank my hon. Friend the Member for North West Leicestershire (Amanda Hack) for talking about the tunnellers. They were coalminers where my hon. Friend is from, but those from Cornwall were tin miners. The Royal Engineer tunnelling companies worked in silence so that they were not heard; they could hear the Germans above them, apparently sometimes talking about how long it was since they had held their wives—they were that close. On the first day of the Somme, 19 charges were detonated under German frontlines, many of those tunnels having been built by the miners from my constituency and my hon. Friend’s.
The saddest thing is that many of those who managed to survive the Somme and the first world war came back to Cornwall and carried on working in the mines, and only a year later, on 20 October 1919, five of them were killed in the Levant mining disaster, in which 31 people died when the mine collapsed. It is a terrible sadness.
I know some of those stories because last week I saw the historians of Penair school, who have won the Western Front Association Malcolm Doolin local history prize for bringing the stories to life in a magical way. They used AI to make films about some of the people who fought in the Somme and the first world war—tunnellers from Cornwall—and said they had become very close to the men because many of them were only a year or two older than they are now. The way they brought them to life was magical. I am proud of the historians from Penair. They have been here for the past couple of days; they went to the ceremony at the Cenotaph yesterday and paraded there.
I am contributing to this debate simply to remember the men of Cornwall who died in the Somme, of whom there were many, and to give our great thanks for all that they did and all that they gave.
Chris Vince (Harlow) (Lab/Co-op)
I thank the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) for securing this debate and for her powerful opening speech. I join her in thanking all those Members of this House, along with House staff, who gave their lives for our freedom in the battle of the Somme and in the entirety of the first and second world wars.
One of the great things about speaking last is having the opportunity to reflect on what has already been said in the debate. It is telling that we are talking about events that happened 110 years ago, yet the emotion from those who have spoken has been raw, real and clear to see. That highlights the enormity of the battle and of the sacrifice made by those men who lost their lives.
My interest in this topic was first awakened when I visited the war graves in France—like many—with my parents when I was younger. Like the hon. Member for South West Devon, I was struck by the graves that did not have names—the unknown soldier—and by the graves, quite concerningly, that had more than one soldier in them. That was incredibly powerful.
I apologise, Madam Deputy Speaker; I have got my information from trusted sources, but my numbers might be slightly wrong. In stark contrast to the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash (Adam Thompson), Harlow in 1916 was, it is fair to say, a very different place from today. In fact, my constituency was a collection of villages under the banner of Epping. Members will all know who the Member of Parliament for Epping was during the second world war.
According to the information I have from a trusted source, 13 men from Harlow were killed in the battle of the Somme, with two killed on the first day—two of the 19,240 British soldiers killed on that first day. However, looking at all the villages that have since combined to become Harlow, I suspect that the numbers were greater. Among those who died, some of whom were from Potter Street, were Private Walter Wheeler of the Essex Regiment, Private Thomas W. J. Baldock of the East Surrey Regiment and Private Henry Ayton.
I want to focus specifically on one soldier who died in the battle of the Somme. Eight years ago, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the first world war, Your Harlow, our local online newspaper, brought together local councillors and community champions to read out the stories of the individuals who had lost their life in the first world war. I am running short of time, but I just want to mention Thomas Lewis, who was born in Great Parndon in 1895. He was one of 10 children, one of whom died at birth.
Private Lewis enlisted at Warley and joined the 1st Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment. His regiment was involved in the battle of the Somme, specifically the attack on High Wood on 20 August 1916 and the capture of Falfemont farm between 3 and 6 September 1916. Thomas died of his wounds on 13 September at the age of 21.
I want to quickly thank the Harlow branch of the Royal British Legion for the commemorative service that it held over the weekend. It was particularly poignant to hear the names of Thomas, Cyril and Francis Riley—three brothers who died in the first world war. We will remember them.
I apologise for going over time, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
Which brings us to the Front-Bench contributions. I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.
Monica Harding (Esher and Walton) (LD)
I thank the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) for introducing this debate, for her work on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and for her powerful speech. Of course, we have heard powerful speeches and testimonies from all Members today. The significance of today’s debate on the 110th anniversary of the battle of the Somme is something on which Members from across this House can agree. It is an opportunity to remember, to honour and to commemorate those who fought, suffered and gave their lives in the service of this country and in defence of the freedoms that we enjoy today.
The battle of the Somme was not simply a battle fought in a distant field in northern France; it was a moment that reached into every town, every village and every family across our country, changing lives forever. Communities across my constituency felt that loss as keenly as anywhere else. It was one of the largest and deadliest battles of the first world war. More than 1 million soldiers were killed or wounded during the campaign, and the first day remains the bloodiest day in British military history. Despite taking place more than a century ago, the Somme retains a powerful place in our national memory, symbolising not only the terrible human cost of war and the loss of so many young lives, but the extraordinary courage of ordinary men.
Across the country stand memorials to those who served and those who never came home. In my constituency, memorials stand in Walton-on-Thames, Thames Ditton, Long Ditton, Esher, Claygate, Hersham, East Molesey, West Molesey and Oatlands. The names engraved on those memorials are more than inscriptions on stone—they were sons, brothers, husbands, workmates and neighbours. Each name represents a life cut short, a family left to grieve, and a community forever changed.
This history is woven deeply into the history of my constituency. At Hare Hill in Walton-on-Thames stood the Australian auxiliary hospital, where thousands of wounded Australian and New Zealand soldiers were treated during the war. Walton-on-Thames became a place of recovery, rehabilitation and refuge, forging lasting links between our community and the Anzac story that endure to this day. Hurst Park played an important role in the war effort, as troops assembled and trained before deployment overseas. The roads, parks and open spaces of my constituency became part of a national effort that touched every aspect of local life.
The East Surrey Regiment played its own role in the Somme campaign. On the opening day of the battle, Captain Wilfred Percy Nevill encouraged his men to kick footballs across no man’s land as they advanced towards the German lines as a way to boost morale and remind the soldiers of home. It is an important reminder that these men were ordinary people from communities like ours, whose courage, comradeship and resilience carried them through. We should never lose sight of the individual lives behind the figures. That is why commemoration matters.
On Remembrance Sunday, I had the pleasure of visiting the Molesey Royal British Legion, and I shared a glass of port with the veterans from the Royal Artillery. Paul Morriss, the secretary and treasurer to the committee, and I spoke for a while about the remarkable work of Richard Dunning, who is the founder of the Lochnagar Crater Foundation. He is a Surrey man who in the 1970s purchased the Lochnagar crater—one of the most significant surviving sites of the Somme battlefield. He visited Lochnagar in the early 1970s, spoke of a feeling of profound connection to the site and determined that it should be protected. He acquired the crater and dedicated himself to preserving it as a permanent memorial.
Today it ensures that future generations understand not only what happened on those battlefields, but why it matters. I am pleased that my son, who is in year 9, visited the Lochnagar crater this year, as so many schoolchildren across the country do. I pay tribute to my local schools, teachers and all educators who pass those stories on, and to those who tend and protect these historic sites so that we may remember. The stories shared with me remind us that remembrance is not a passive act but that it requires active stewardship, education and commitment.
Anniversaries such as this are also a chance to consider our responsibilities today. If we are sincere in honouring those who served, that sincerity must extend to how we treat those who serve our country today. Veterans are too often being let down. It is a scandal that those who put their lives on the line in defence of our liberty and democracy still find themselves falling through gaps in support. We have long argued that those who serve our country deserve a fair deal. That means improving military housing, strengthening support and compensation for service personnel, and ensuring that veterans are never taken for granted.
We must do more to support veterans’ mental health. Too many former servicemen and women continue to live with the consequences of their experience, often in silence. Access to mental health services should be timely, effective and available when needed. Just as importantly, we must continue to challenge the stigma that prevents people from seeking help in the first place. Supporting our veterans is not charity; it is a responsibility.
Before I conclude, I would like to add two remarks about the lessons that we must take from any discussion about what happened 110 years ago. First, as we reflect on the tragedy of young lives lost, families torn apart and communities hollowed out, it is a reminder of the importance of the work we do to stop conflict and violence around the world today, so that families now do not face the same heartbreak. In an increasingly insecure world, let us remember that cost and commit ourselves to the pursuit of peace and the prevention of conflict, while being clear-eyed about the threats and dangers present.
The Somme marked a technological breakthrough. It was the first time the British deployed tanks in battle, and it saw the emergence of large-scale aerial operations. These would become familiar features in warfare over the next century. Today we stand at another cusp of technological revolution in warfare. We must all reflect on what is needed now to address not only the challenges we presently face but the new challenges that these technologies will bring.
As we mark the 110th anniversary of the battle of the Somme, let us remember not only the scale of the battle but the people behind it. Let us remember, too, the contribution of the wider Commonwealth. Their contribution was immense, yet too often their stories have been under-represented in our commemorations and historical memory. If we are to tell the story of the Somme honestly and completely, we must ensure that their sacrifice is recognised fully and woven into our national memory.
Let us remember the wounded Anzac troops who found recovery and refuge in Walton-on-Thames. Let us remember the men who marched from places such as Hurst Park. Let us remember those who kicked footballs across the battlefield. One hundred and ten years later, the voices of that generation are gone, but the duty to remember them is ours. As long as their names remain carved in stone, as long as their stories remain in our communities and as long as this nation values the freedoms for which they sacrificed so much, they will not be forgotten. We honour them today, we thank them and we will remember them always.
Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford) (Con)
It is an honour to sum up this debate on the day after Armistice Day, although it is a genuine shame that, yet again, no Reform MP has chosen to take part, especially as some of them regard themselves as authorities on world war one. Fortunately, my hon. Friend the Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) was here, and she clearly really knows what she is talking about.
The battle of the Somme took place between 1 July and 18 November 1916, during which both sides between them suffered over 1 million casualties. Of that total, over 400,000 were British and Commonwealth troops, including over 130,000 who were killed. The strategy for an Anglo-French offensive had been agreed between the respective commanders, Lord Haig and General Joffre, at the Chantilly staff conference some months previously. However, when the attack was launched in July, it was a costly failure.
In the 110 years that have passed since, a great deal has been written about what happened. However, the fundamental reason for the failure of the Somme offensive, especially in the British sector, was the highly over-optimistic assumptions about the effect of artillery on prepared defensive positions that had been skilfully chosen by German generals and engineers months previously. As John Keegan, in his authoritative history of the first world war, summed it up, the Germans
“had driven dugouts thirty feet below ground, impervious to artillery fire, provisioned to withstand siege and linked to the rear by buried telephone cable and deep communication trenches….They had made themselves secure.”
Moreover, the German defenders regularly rehearsed dashing up from their well-protected dugouts to man their defensive positions and, crucially, setting up their machine guns with carefully calibrated interlocking fields of fire in rapid time. It was a feat that the allied planners thought impossible, as they believed that all such positions, including dense belts of barbed wire, would effectively have been destroyed by a massive preliminary bombardment —one that also effectively surrendered any element of strategic or even operational surprise. Even worse, many of the shells failed to explode.
For many men, the Somme was their first experience of combat, and their last. The 19 or so British divisions that took part in the initial assault were a mixture of old soldiers and new. Four divisions—the 4th, 7th, 8th and 29th—comprised largely veterans, including men who had survived the original battles as part of the British Expeditionary Force in 1914, or had served at Gallipoli. As a former Territorial Army infantry officer myself, I should also point out that four more—the 46th, 48th, 49th and 56th—were territorial divisions, whereas the bulk of the remaining 11 divisions largely comprised idealistic civilian volunteers who answered the famous call from the Secretary of State for War, Field Marshal Lord Kitchener: “Your Country Needs You”. Many of those men comprised Kitchener’s army and volunteered to fight alongside their fellow workmates or townsfolk in the so-called Pals battalions, enticed into the recruiting office by the promise that those who joined together would serve together.
On 24 June, British artillery commenced a seven-day bombardment of the German defences, utilising around 1,000 field guns and almost 500 heavy artillery pieces. During that preparatory barrage, approximately 1.5 million shells were fired and confidence was high among British commanders, with General Sir Henry Rawlinson reportedly stating:
“nothing could exist at the conclusion of the bombardment in the area covered by it.”
Tragically, he was wrong.
Ms Minns
I will be brief. As the right hon. Member mentioned the shells, I want to put on the record our gratitude for the many women back home who made those shells—the Canary Girls—in highly dangerous work and whose skin became discoloured as a result. Does he back my campaign for those women to have a memorial at the royal arboretum?
Mr Francois
Without hesitation.
Captain Siegfried Sassoon MC, one of the famous war poets, wrote in his diary on 1 July 1916:
“We had breakfast at 6.—the morning is brilliantly fine—after a mist early. Since 6:30 there has been hell let loose. The air vibrates with the incessant din—the whole earth shakes & rocks & throbs—It is one continuous roar—Machine guns tap & rattle—bullets whistling over head—small fry quite outdone by the gangs of hooligan shells, that dash over to rend the German line”.
On a personal note, as a student on the King’s College London MA war studies course studying the first world war, I went on a departmental tour to the Somme battlefield in 1987. I was then aged 22. We were awakened early in the morning, given a hot breakfast, taken out to the site of the then British frontline, given a tot of rum and then listened as whistles were blown at H-hour at 0730. It was exactly as it was intended to be: a deeply affecting experience and one that I will never forget.
Given the relative inexperience of around half the assaulting divisions, British tactical instructions placed considerable emphasis on troops advancing steadily in line so as to maintain order and discipline. Troops were generally ordered to walk and not run on the assumption that the defenders would either have likely been killed, or so stunned as to be incapable of offering effective resistance. However, in the southern part of the British sector, some British officers who were sceptical of their artillery’s ability to suppress the German defenders ordered their troops to lie out in the open just prior to the assault, and then rush the German lines as soon as the barrage had lifted. Some of these units achieved at least local tactical surprise in reaching their initial objectives before the well-drilled German infantry could react in time. Sadly, however, that was the exception rather than the rule.
In the majority of cases, the German defenders, exactly as they had rehearsed many times, won
“the race to the parapet”
and then rained down a literally murderous fire on the slowly advancing British infantry, who had been assured by their senior commanders that what they were about to experience could not happen. Even among those units who made it to the German lines, they frequently discovered the wire still uncut while being raked by multiple machine guns, still stuck in no man’s land.
The eventual outcome in terms of loss of life was catastrophic. On the first day alone, over 19,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers were killed and a further 38,000 became casualties in what to this day represents the single bloodiest day in the history of the British Army. By that evening, some battalions, in particular the inexperienced pals battalions, had effectively ceased to exist.
Despite the failure of the initial assault, British commanders pressed on over the next several months, resulting in a number of heroic actions, such as the Australians at Pozières and the South Africans at Delville—or Devil’s—Wood. Nevertheless, by the time the offensive was finally abandoned on 18 November, the maximum limit of the advance was some seven miles, for which the British Army alone had lost some 130,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers killed and more than twice as many wounded. In total, including combatants on all sides, over 1 million men were either killed, wounded, taken prisoner or went missing over the course of the battle, which lasted a total of 141 days. One of those wounded on the German side was a Bavarian corporal named Adolf Hitler.
Men of all ages bravely fought and died, in many cases literally side by side, during the Somme. The oldest confirmed British fatality was Lieutenant Henry Webber of the 7th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, who was 67 when he was killed on 21 July. Members of this House and the other place also lost their lives, as did Lieutenant Raymond Asquith, son of the Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, who was killed in action on 15 September. In contrast, the youngest British soldier to perish was Private Horace Iles of the 15th Battalion the West Yorkshire Regiment, the Leeds Pals, who fell on the first day, aged just 16, having initially lied about his age at the recruiting office months before.
However, before concluding, it would be wrong to leave the impression that the whole of the first world war was as operationally unsuccessful as the battle of the Somme. In March 1918, the British Army, with their “backs to the wall”, withstood the Kaiser’s offensive and eventually launched a highly successful counter-attack using the principle of combined arms—tanks, artillery, infantry and, to some extent, nascent air power, all working in unison—to effectively break the back of the German army in the field by the autumn and force the eventual German surrender in November. The great difference was that by mid-1918, British generals had learnt through brutal experience how to combine the various weapons of war for maximum offensive effect to achieve operational and, ultimately, strategic success, rather than being over-reliant on one arm—artillery—to the great detriment of another: the humble infantry. That was, literally, the fatal error of the Somme.
Those who fought at the Somme, as elsewhere in world war one, laid down their lives for a greater cause: for the many freedoms we now enjoy. They, indeed, gave their today for our tomorrow, and we in this House and across the nation should never take their supreme sacrifice for granted, nor will we. Lest we forget.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Mr Calvin Bailey)
It is a great privilege to follow the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Francois). He routinely reminds us of the absence of certain Members of Parliament in such debates. It reminds me that it is serious parties and a serious Parliament that present a united point of view on matters such as this, and it is not Governments alone that fix or address our security, but Parliaments. We must come together in our resolve to ensure that we pay these matters respect when they are brought to the House.
I am grateful to the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) for securing this very important debate at a very important time, and to all Members for their worthy contributions. The hon. Member for South West Devon captured not only the colossal scale of the loss but the extent to which it covered her constituency and all our constituencies, right here to the doors of Parliament. I am very grateful for her work for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. I reflected that perhaps the Devonshires did not just hold ground; they also held her heart.
As I prepared for this speech, I was struck by the extent to which every community was touched by this battle, which was a seminal battle in the first world war but also a seminal moment in our nation’s psyche. As I stood in front of the Cenotaph yesterday, it felt as though the whole nation had joined us in silence, reflecting and remembering. That, for me, is what remembrance is about: unity. They came from every nation in our Union, every village and town in every region, forming something like 50 divisions. Every soldier fought, many giving their lives.
I was incredibly touched by the stories of the Pals. In Leyton, 41 players, staff and supporters from my beloved Leyton Orient—known then as Clapton Orient—led by the club captain Fred “Spider” Parker were enlisted as the 17th (Service) Battalion. Many of them never came home, including three sons of Leyton: Richard McFadden, William Jonas and George Scott. It was incredibly powerful to create a bridge and a link with my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh South West (Dr Arthur), who spoke about the 16th (Service) Battalion, and my hon. Friend the Member for Carlisle (Ms Minns), who spoke lovingly about the Lonsdale Pals, reminding us of the proximity of our people who gave so valiantly in this campaign.
But Britain did not fight alone. We are the great convener. We are the home of democracy, and at moments like this, our friends came to our aid. Some tens of thousands of Commonwealth soldiers are buried in military and civilian cemeteries. In Thiepval, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme bears the names of 72,000 British and South African men who died at the Somme and have no grave. It was incredibly powerful when I heard those stories in the speeches by the hon. Member for Esher and Walton (Monica Harding), and my hon. Friend and colleague the Member for Ilford South (Jas Athwal). They spoke about the contributions of all those nations, and reminded us that courage has no religion and sacrifice has no colour. The Commonwealth Air Forces memorial is a poignant reminder of that sacrifice, because those who came to fight alongside us from the Commonwealth, from places like Africa, from where I came, were Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs and many others, looking after our birthplace, looking over Runnymede. I suggest that all hon. Members go there and take some of that in.
Over the past couple of days I have had the honour and privilege to host my opposite number from Australia, the hon. Matt Keogh. Yesterday I presented him with a poppy forged from barbed wire recovered from the battlefield of the Somme, as a sign of the shared sacrifice that our two countries made and which the Liberal Democrat leader—[Interruption.] Correction; perhaps in the future—the hon. Member for Esher and Walton spoke so powerfully about. Around 6,800 of the Australian Imperial Force were killed at the Somme, and 18,000 more were injured. It was a chance for me to reciprocate the Australian Government hosting me, as part of my visit with the House of Commons Defence Committee, and to reflect on our national gratitude for Australia’s contribution.
The Australian Government clean the tomb of the unknown Australian soldier every year. This year, I was inspired to take a moment to visit our own Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, and to remind ourselves that every one of those soldiers, sailors, aviators and nurses at the Somme, and elsewhere, gave everything to every one of us. That is why I went alone, and why my message to them reflected the individual nature of those soldiers’ sacrifices. From every one of us, to every one of you, lest we forget.
The loss extended into this place. Some 264 Members enlisted during the first world war. Many came home injured and traumatised, and 43 did not return at all. The hon. Member for Dumfries and Galloway (John Cooper) raised one of the bigger questions: what is war for? He gave us a powerful reminder that this was a war of liberation. It was a point that we must remember when we speak of the sacrifices that those in Ukraine are making today for us all across Europe. There was a powerful reminder from my hon. Friend the Member for Barrow and Furness (Michelle Scrogham) about the importance of the linkages that we created after the war between our communities and our European friends. Those linkages are things we should covet and seek to rebuild.
There was an incredibly powerful intervention from the right hon. Member for New Forest East (Sir Julian Lewis), who spoke in essence about the character and nature of war. It is easy for us to get suckered in to technology and to concern ourselves with how killing happens at such scale. We must remember, as he said, the enduring horribleness of fighting between peoples to remind ourselves that we must never allow it to happen again.
Mr Francois
As the Minister will know, many of those who died in the Somme were buried close to where they fell, so there is a whole line of cemeteries across the Somme battlefield that mark out the very limited extent of the allied advance. Across the Dispatch Boxes, will he join me in together paying tribute to the amazing work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which tends those graves to our fallen so respectfully and brilliantly?
Mr Bailey
I thank the shadow Minister for those powerful words. I agree with him, which is why I took the time to go to the grave of the Unknown Warrior. I will ensure that any Member of the House who wishes to do the same is able to do so, and I urge all hon. Members to take up that invitation.
The local and personal nature of the battalions who served in the first world war was reflected in a powerful contribution from my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Jack Abbott), who spoke about loyalty and reminded us that freedom has a cost. My hon. Friends the Members for Harlow (Chris Vince) and for South Derbyshire (Samantha Niblett) spoke about the importance of preserving those links and reminding ourselves what war is for.
Before I finish and the hon. Member for South West Devon sums up the debate, I want to return to something she said about the amount of time that has elapsed since the battle of the Somme. Given that the battle was 110 years ago, it is easy for us to think that the time for remembrance has passed. However, as veterans will know, remembrance is part of the continuum of service. This year we remember the 20th anniversary of the loss of XV230 and the 14-person crew from 120 Squadron, the Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment. We remember their loss and we will never forget their sacrifice.
In closing, the legacy of the battle of the Somme unites us in remembrance, no matter where we come from and no matter our religion, race or politics. The sacrifice of men and women—including the Canary Girls in Woolwich and Carlisle, who bonded over the colour that stained their hands—is the same, from the Somme to Afghanistan, from Gallipoli to XV230. We remember their loss and we will never forget their sacrifice.
Rebecca Smith
I am incredibly grateful to all those who have contributed today and to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for helping to prepare for the debate. We have heard many individual names and about people of different nationalities and religions. We have heard about the role of women, the pals battalions, sports teams, miners and medics, and we have heard examples of immense bravery. Reflections about the human cost of war have brought emotion across the Chamber as we have shared the sheer scale of the losses at the battle of the Somme and allowed it to sink in again.
One hundred and ten years ago, the young men who fought on the Somme would have had no idea that Members of Parliament would still be speaking their names in this Chamber more than a century later. Perhaps that is exactly what remembrance requires of us. The most meaningful thing that we can do as we approach 18 November, the 110th anniversary, is simply to tell their stories again, because remembrance cannot be passive; it has to be renewed by every generation. Those who fought on the Somme entrusted their memory first to their families, then to the memorials and cemeteries that were built in their names, and ultimately to us and all those whom we represent. We will remember them.
Question put and agreed to.
Resolved,
That this House has considered the 110th anniversary of the battle of the Somme.
Nolan Principles
(1 day, 9 hours ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)
I call Susan Murray, who will speak for up to 15 minutes.
Susan Murray (Mid Dunbartonshire) (LD)
I beg to move,
That this House has considered the Nolan principles.
I thank the Backbench Business Committee and the co-sponsors for bringing this important debate to the House. It is a pleasure to follow the debate on the battle of the Somme led by the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith). It reminds us of the sacrifices made by so many so that we can enjoy our way of life today, which we cannot take for granted, and which the Nolan principles help us to protect.
Recent polling has shown that just 9% of people trust politicians to put the interests of the nation above the interests of their own party, and recent British Election Study research found that around three quarters of people had low or no trust in MPs. Frankly, I am horrified that people might look at me in that way. For years, I operated in the community as a volunteer and activist, and later as a local councillor, and I was viewed in my community as a trustworthy source of support. Now I am proud to serve that community as the Member of Parliament. I know that most of my colleagues in this place and across public service are in it for the right reasons—to serve their constituents and communities.
More than 30 years ago, Lord Nolan set out seven simple principles that must be followed by people in public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. The principles represent not just rules for us to follow, but an agreement and understanding between the public and those they trust to serve, represent and protect them.
We have all read about the headline-grabbing failures—partygate, when the rules our constituents followed were broken in Downing Street, or the questions over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador in Washington—but sometimes we do not know about the devastating consequences for our constituents when these principles are not followed. We do not always know how the pernicious creep of the ignoring and bending of the rules has reached into public bodies that people deal with every day: councils, the police and our schools.
In my Mid Dunbartonshire constituency and across Scotland, schools operate a software system called SEEMiS. Most hon. Members will not have heard of SEEMiS, but it is the system used by Scottish schools to keep pupil records—the formal records of a child’s education journey. Importantly, the records include notes on bullying incidents. Following a bullying incident in a school, a constituent told me about the difficulties they faced in trying to gain access to the data in their child’s record on SEEMiS. This resulted in a devastating breach of trust. After the incident badly affected the education journey of their child, they asked to access their child’s records. East Dunbartonshire council told them that the incident involving their child that they wished to view had been properly logged at the time, and that records could not be changed afterwards, but that was not the truth. My constituent was forced to go to court to access their child’s records, and only after a court ruling did the council hand them over.
This lack of transparency is deeply worrying, and the willingness of the council to spend taxpayers’ money on a court case, which it lost, shows little objectivity and poor accountability. To add to my constituent’s ordeal, they found not only that the notes were inaccurate, but that they had been altered. They did not find that out because they were told or because it was recorded in the notes; they had to access stored metadata—information that is not readily available and that requires a high level of technical expertise to access. When my constituent complained to the Information Commissioner’s Office, now the Information Commission, they were told that the actions of the school and the council did
“not meet with the obligation to be transparent”.
The ICO told the council that it should change the system so that notes cannot be backdated. The council has said that it has taken action, which I welcome, but the fact is that this happened and has had serious negative consequences for the child involved.
In focusing on the Nolan principles, I have necessarily concentrated on the accountability failures, rather than the full extent of what happened, as well as on how the case was handled by the council and the damage that that handling caused the young person. In another case, a child was the victim of a serious and very distressing incident caused by a fellow pupil. My constituent requested that safeguarding arrangements be put in place to protect their child, only for those arrangements to be removed without either my constituent or their child being consulted or informed. My constituent has spent years trying to establish who made those decisions, what assessments were carried out and what evidence justified them, but to no avail. She has often been told that past unanswered issues cannot be dealt with or has been given no answer at all. The impact on my constituent’s child and family has been enormous. This is not happening in isolation. This local authority, like others, has been subject to multiple findings that have identified failures and recurring concerns.
The Nolan principles speak of accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. That should mean answering reasonable questions honestly, explaining decisions and accepting responsibility when things go wrong. No parent should have to go to court to find out what has been written about their child. More than that, no parent should have to question whether the information they have been given is truthful. Openness, accountability and honesty should not be things that people have to fight for; they should be the foundations of our institutions. They need to be strengthened in our public bodies, and those in leadership roles should understand their responsibility. That is what it means for the Nolan principles to be at the core of public life. In these cases, they were not.
The SEEMiS case is of particular importance. It relates to the Nolan principles at every level. The council is responsible for SEEMiS software and decides how schools use it. The Scottish Government are responsible for the system that Scottish children are educated in, and Westminster is responsible for the data protection laws that govern the records. The Nolan principles can sound abstract, but these cases show why they matter, just as the lives of young people matter. When the principles were not followed, young people were let down and the community’s trust in our institutions was damaged.
Rarely do I speak about trust in politicians without mentioning the failures of the Scottish National party. As we all know, its record is far from clean. In June, the former chief executive of the SNP was jailed for embezzling more than £400,000 from his own party. A party let down on that scale should have welcomed scrutiny and made sure it could never happen again. That would help to rebuild trust and faith in politics. Instead, when MPs proposed that the Scottish Affairs Committee, on which I sit, look at the matter, the SNP’s Westminster leader, the hon. Member for Angus and Perthshire Glens (Dave Doogan), called it
“an unprecedented abuse of the House of Commons Committee system”.
What does that tell the people of Scotland about the openness, honesty and leadership of those who govern them?
I have three asks of the Government. First, every public body that holds records on people should be expected to keep a full and transparent trail of what is recorded and what was changed in those records, and when. There must be meaningful accountability when they fail to do so. Secondly, political parties should be held to the standard we expect of public bodies. Peter Murrell took more than £400,000 from his own party over 12 years, using his position to get around the party’s checks. If that can happen, the checks on how parties handle their money are not strong enough. Will the Government give the Electoral Commission stronger powers and, more importantly, the ability to issue higher fines to ensure that when questions arise, parties investigate themselves properly?
Finally, the standards system here at Westminster should set an example for every other institution to follow. The Government have strengthened the powers of the independent adviser, which is a good first step, but I would like to see the role put on a statutory basis with the power to open investigations, decide whether the ministerial code has been broken and publish what it finds. If we want to restore faith not just in politics, but in wider public life, the public need to be able to see that public bodies, MPs and political parties are held to account when they break the public’s trust.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)
With a five-minute time limit, I call Sam Rushworth.
Dr Sam Rushworth (Bishop Auckland) (Lab)
It is poignant that this debate follows a debate on the battle of the Somme. I was reflecting yesterday on remembrance and thinking about the sacrifice of my grandfather in the second world war and our great-grandfathers in the first world war, and I reflected on what they might think about politics today. I think they may be quite disappointed in the democracy that we have built, particularly in the coarsening of public discourse, the amount of times that people engage with others as their enemies, rather than their opponents, and some of the falling standards in public life.
Chris Vince
I was going to make this point to the hon. Member for Mid Dunbartonshire (Susan Murray), but she had finished her speech. My hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Dr Rushworth) talks about the behaviour of Members of Parliament, which is really important. I visit schools quite regularly in my constituency and talk about the debates that we have in this place, and it is really important that when the debates end, we treat each other with respect and courtesy; I think the majority of Members do that in this place. Does he agree that it is disappointing when some Members of this House do not treat other Members with the same respect?
Dr Rushworth
I agree 100%.
There is a responsibility on all of us, frankly, to do better. Why? The point has already been made very well, but there is a decline in trust in politicians. I naively thought when I was elected to this place that if I just told the truth all the time, worked incredibly hard and acted with integrity, it would shine through, but it does not. I have many constituents who do not trust me and think that I am a liar, not because of anything tangible that I have done, but because they think the whole political class is not to be trusted and that the moment somebody becomes a politician, they fall into that class. That is why it is so important that we do more to uphold and strengthen standards in public life.
It is important that we address a couple of areas in particular. One is around stronger safeguards that give our constituents confidence that when we choose to put ourselves forward and become elected to this place, we genuinely have their interests at heart and are not using this place to enrich ourselves. For example, we have to get rid of second jobs. I am not talking about medics maintaining their medical licences; I am talking about people earning vast sums of money while not representing their constituents in this place. I have found that this job is equivalent to two full-time jobs. It is impossible to be a proper Member of Parliament and to do our job properly while constantly being away earning huge sums of money elsewhere. It simply cannot be done, and we need to legislate strongly against that. We also need to do more to enable our constituents to see the difference. Maybe there needs to be greater transparency. I have often wondered if we should clock in and out of the Chamber and report how many surgeries we all hold, and so on, so that people can make fair comparisons and understand who is doing the work and who is not doing the work.
Another point we need to address is our debating. Maybe we need to review “Erskine May” and what constitutes parliamentary language. I have been really disappointed at times since I was elected by the things that are deemed acceptable. For example, I thought it was disgusting when the Leader of the Opposition described Members on the Government Benches as “paedo defenders”, and we all know that we got abuse because of that. The things said in this Chamber get repeated to us by our constituents. Members on the Government Benches who are themselves survivors of child sexual abuse had that label attached to them, and it was deeply distressing to them. Frankly, the Leader of the Opposition should have done better, but that was not called out by Mr Speaker because it is apparently deemed to be parliamentary language. We need to address that.
We also need to look beyond this place. There are examples—one has been given already—of where the public simply do not have the transparency that they would expect at lower levels of government and in public bodies. I was very disappointed to see that the leadership of Durham county council changed the rules on hearing standards complaints, so that a very small committee, on which Reform always has a majority, hears an increasing number of serious complaints. Some former Reform councillors who resigned and sit as independents have described the leadership as shambolic.
The Nolan principles predominantly deal with integrity, but do we need to consider principles that address the challenges of 2026? Is it acceptable for people in public life to express racist opinions under the guise of free speech? Before Reform took control of Durham county council, I supplied it and the media with a full dossier of disgusting Facebook posts from accounts that claimed to be their candidates’ accounts and who the administrators of those accounts were. One of those people went on to become a Reform councillor, which was entirely unacceptable.
Finally—as I raised with the Leader of the House today—as we look increasingly to devolve power, there needs to be stronger accountability for regional mayors and local government, right down to parish council level. There need to be legal safeguards in place to provide protection. At the moment, town and parish councillors do not have to declare interests and are not subject to the same scrutiny as us, yet planning decisions are often made by them. I think we can do better on this issue in a number of areas.
Sir Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con)
First, I apologise to the hon. Member for Mid Dunbartonshire (Susan Murray) for missing her opening remarks. I was rushing to the Chamber from another meeting.
I very much welcome a debate about the Nolan principles. To start with a point that the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Dr Rushworth) made at the beginning of his speech, it is indeed surprising and perplexing that we would regard nearly 100% of the colleagues in this Chamber—from whichever party—as careful, diligent and morally upstanding people. There is a tiny minority who we perhaps do not trust, but basically, although we might not be able to remember the seven principles of public life by heart, that is the way we want to live our lives. That is the example we want to demonstrate in the work we do, yet the more paraphernalia created around the enforcement of standards in the House of Commons, the worse the reputation of politicians seems to become. I think that is because we think of ourselves as legislators, and the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland fell into that trap: “We need more rules about this. We need more rules about that. We need rules to address this.”
I spent the previous Parliament on the Standards Committee, and I participated in producing the report that came out in May 2022. That report was a complete revision of the House of Commons code of conduct, and was trying to start a different conversation. One witness, who was a Chief Whip of a major political party, told us in evidence, “The seven principles are quite simple, and if you do not understand them, you should not be in public life.” On the face of it, they are very simple, but is navigating conflicts of interest as a Member of Parliament simple? We all have them; whether we are paid as an outside director or sponsored by a trade union, everybody has conflicts of interest. What about the conflicts of interest—even if they are not necessarily declarable—between our parties’ programmes and the interests of our constituents? We all have to deal with conflicts of interest.
The image we were given in one piece of evidence from the Westminster Abbey Institute was that we are trying to navigate our way across a stormy sea, with lots of conflicting pressures and priorities, and it is not always easy to decide what to do in a given set of circumstances. If any hon. Member present thinks it has been easy, they probably do not realise what they have stumbled into. Yes, we want transparency, and yes, there need to be rules, but the rules should not be the culture. If you go into the Tea Room and talk about the House of Commons code of conduct, Madam Deputy Speaker, I am sure that you find—like everyone else—that people discuss how to stay clear of the rules. That is what the conversation appears to be about; it does not tend to be about how to deal sincerely and honestly with conflicts.
The problem with the way in which the House of Commons has set up the adjudication of the code is that it tends to be a very legalistic process. Anyone who has been under the cosh of an investigation by the Commissioner for Standards finds first that they have got nobody to talk to. I have recommended that we should split the role of the commissioner, with somebody to advise and counsel Members of Parliament about conflicts of interest and the code, and somebody—preferably a former High Court judge—to adjudicate.
Of course, I have no criticism to make of the present commissioner, but we could upgrade the juridical process of adjudicating the code as we have done for appeals, which are now presided over by a High Court judge and a panel in a much more strictly judicial process. The advantage of that is a High Court judge is used to adjudicating: judging evidence and facts and coming to a conclusion.
Dr Rushworth
I genuinely think that the hon. Gentleman’s is a voice worth listening to on this. Does he not feel that the growth in rules has been a response to the scandals we have had rather than the producer of them? Is he arguing for less regulation or that we have just got the wrong rules and system in place?
Sir Bernard Jenkin
I am not arguing for abolition of the code or anything like that. I am arguing for a system that recognises that conflicts of interest inevitably arise and have to be handled. The system should create a supportive environment for Members of this House to discuss and explore the dilemmas they are confronted with, openly and frankly and without fear. That does not exist at the moment.
I also think that the margin of appreciation in interpreting the rules should be much more forgiving. The present commissioner has made it clear that that is not his method, and indeed the House of Commons resolutions do not steer him in that direction. We might think that the guidance accompanying the rules was just guidance, but the official advice from the House Service is that, because it has been approved by the House, along with the code of conduct rules, it has equal force as the law of Parliament. I do not think that is what Parliament really understood when it voted the guidance through, or each time it does so. I would like to see a more flexible and forgiving system: one where there is a more open conversation about the dilemmas we face.
Joe Powell (Kensington and Bayswater) (Lab)
I congratulate the hon. Member for Mid Dunbartonshire (Susan Murray) on securing the debate. Trust in politics is one of the big challenges of our time. It has never been particularly high, but at the moment, Britain’s trust in politics is among the lowest in western Europe. There are obviously many theories as to why that might be, but, from my experience before coming to this place of working on open government in over 70 countries, I recognise that there are ways in which we could reverse the trend. That is part of what this debate is about. My strong belief is that it is about a combination of transparency and accountability plus delivery on the issues that our constituents care about. Those two things do not need to be in tension, although some try to argue that; they can be complementary.
The big opportunity coming up for the Government is the White Paper on rewiring the state. I am personally very excited about that, because of the term “taking on unaccountable government”. I hope that there is space in that vision to articulate why open government, transparency and opportunities for public participation lead to better decisions and better government. It is about ensuring that citizens have a voice, and that the state is accountable for decisions and failures are learned from and not covered up.
I was therefore really glad that the Prime Minister committed to working with me on justice for Grenfell—a tragedy that would not have happened had the Nolan principles been followed by the leadership of the royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea. I agree with the chair of the Ethics and Integrity Commission and my hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Dr Rushworth) that more needs to be done on local government. That is an important commitment in the Government’s anti-corruption plan.
Sir Bernard Jenkin
I share the hon. Gentleman’s horror and disgust at what the Moore-Bick inquiry has uncovered about the conduct of quite a number of bodies and people that led to the Grenfell tragedy. It was a system failure, and the question of who takes responsibility for system failures is much more important. The problem with just applying rules is that they do not necessarily address system failures, because they are about culture, attitude and behaviour. That is what we need to address and demonstrate leadership on, as we are figures in public life.
Joe Powell
I agree that culture is a huge part of this. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is belatedly undergoing what it calls a culture review, but I fear that it may fall into the category of reviews that may not necessarily lead to the change we want, as the hon. Gentleman mentioned earlier. Let us see what happens; I want to keep an open mind.
I also support the idea of a national oversight mechanism —I know the Cabinet Office is doing work on this. If we are going to spend time, energy and resources on inquests and inquiries, it is important that the recommendations are tracked and monitored; otherwise, it feels to me that we may defeat the point. Of course, the Hillsborough law—the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, which I hope will become an Act very soon—may be a big step forward on the duty of candour.
I want to cover two areas. First, there is a huge amount to welcome in the Representation of the People Bill, particularly on foreign money in politics and the Rycroft recommendations, and we will shortly get that Bill back from the other place. There were so many good suggestions that could not find their way into the Bill, which is why the Government were right to set up a task and finish group. I hope the ideas that come through that group will see the light of day, potentially in future legislation. I really welcome the Bill, but I do not want to lose the ideas that we could not get through this time. I really hope that when the Electoral Commission looks at spending caps during the regulated period, it will take an expansive view and think about whether we need to have wider ones, given the nature of modern campaigning, which is essentially permanent.
The second main area that I want to cover is lobbying reform. The July report from the Ethics and Integrity Commission was a really thorough and good piece of work that contained lots of recommendations about lobbying. At the moment, the public record captures only 4% of lobbyists, because it is restricted to consultant lobbyists, and information is captured in disparate databases across Government, making it hard to track and make useful. We know from Greensill and the covid contracts that modern lobbying happens in lots of different ways, not just through formal meetings.
This is not about policing who the Government meet, because they should be meeting businesses, stakeholders and so on. It is about having the right to know what voices are informing major decisions, so that the public can make a judgment on whether the requirement to consult widely has been met. An initial step would be to clean up the number of different lobbying databases that we have, and to make them easier to understand and view. The report calls for legislation, and I asked at Cabinet Office orals a few weeks ago whether the Government were open to legislation. The Minister confirmed that they were, so I hope that is something we will see.
As my hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland said, it has too often taken a crisis to create the urgency to act on matters of ethics and integrity in politics. We can all name them: Greensill, the previous ambassador to the United States, the covid contracts, Owen Paterson and, of course, the multiple ongoing investigations by different bodies into Reform UK’s funding and the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage)—I have informed him that I would say this. We now have an opportunity to create a reset moment for standards in public life, and the rewiring the state White Paper is a great opportunity to do so.
Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)
My hon. Friend refers to the wider rewiring of the state. As we move towards further devolution, does he agree that our local councillors need to be much more accountable? At the moment, even when they are sanctioned, all they are asked to do is apologise. That gets nowhere, because they do not bother to do so.
Joe Powell
I completely agree. I am a huge supporter of devolution, but it is important that the Government’s anti-corruption plan calls for a local audit office to look at finance and at codes of conduct for local councillors and senior officers. Of course, local government is required to follow the Nolan principles, but I am not sure that we have all the systems in place to track and monitor that, so I agree with my hon. Friend.
The first opportunity is to finish the job on the Representation of the People Bill and the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, and the second is the White Paper on rewiring the state. My third and final suggestion is to have a “clean up Westminster” Bill in the next Session. It would bring together all the different elements on which we know action is needed, such as lobbying and second jobs, finishing the job on money in politics and sending a clear message to the public that open and accountable politics is central to this Government’s mission of rewiring the state in a way that delivers growth, opportunity and hope across the country.
Phil Brickell (Bolton West) (Lab)
It is a pleasure to speak in this debate on the Nolan principles; I congratulate the hon. Member for Mid Dunbartonshire (Susan Murray) on securing it.
As chair of the APPG on anti-corruption and responsible tax, let me say that it is on all of us to speak truth to power in a spirit of constructive criticism, regardless of which party is in power. I wish to focus my remarks on two topics where, collectively, it is my view that we are falling short of the Nolan principles: lobbying reform, which is long overdue, and MPs’ outside employment.
Let me say from the outset that lobbying is a vital part of public discourse in driving workable policy solutions. It ensures that differing viewpoints are heard by the Government before decisions are made, but we need to know who is being lobbied by whom so that politicians, the public and the media can accurately scrutinise the machinery of government. Regrettably, that is not the case in the United Kingdom in 2026.
In July, the Ethics and Integrity Commission published its review “Lobbying, Business Appointment Rules and Disclosure: Access to Government Decision Making”, which details 37 recommendations to modernise the regime. Doug Chalmers, the EIC’s chair, wrote in that report that the lobbying system
“fails to deliver the required level of transparency and, in doing so, falls short of meeting the Nolan Principles.”
Over the years, review after review and scandal after scandal have shown that the current system is broken. Only about 4% of all lobbying activity is required to be declared on the register of consultant lobbyists. That means that 96 out of 100 lobbying interactions simply fall outside the disclosure requirement, including in-house lobbyists, lobbyists with a turnover of below £90,000, non-VAT registered foreign businesses, the activities of special advisers, and informal comms such as WhatsApp.
Dr Scott Arthur (Edinburgh South West) (Lab)
People can mostly see who lobbies me because I often cannot resist putting their pictures on my Facebook page when I meet them. However, I do have to correct my hon. Friend. He is wrong to say that lobbying is not taken seriously in the UK, because in Scotland there is a register of lobbyists, so there are things we can learn even from inside the UK. What is in place in Scotland is not perfect, but does he agree that there is something we can learn from?
Phil Brickell
I am always willing to learn from comparative analysis of what works elsewhere, including in other jurisdictions across the United Kingdom.
The Government have it in their power to bring about a culture shift, and the time to do so is now. Not all of the EIC’s recommendations require primary legislation. There is recommendation 8, which is that the Government simply refuse to meet any organisation seeking to lobby them unless that organisation is on the lobbying register. Recommendation 10 on having one digital repository for transparency releases is a simple fix. How about recommendation 13, which is that transparency releases include informal communication channels, including the likes of WhatsApp?
If we are to address the deficiencies in our system, I urge the Government to find time to overhaul the register of consultant lobbyists so that we have a truly representative register that closes the loopholes I have mentioned, that empowers the regulator to levy significant fines for systemic offences of the registration requirement, that is properly resourced, and that documents interactions between the Government and organisations in sufficient detail that it serves as more than a mere box-ticking exercise.
Let me turn to MPs’ outside employment, colloquially known as second jobs. This Government pledged in the 2024 manifesto that they would
“task the Modernisation Committee to take forward urgent work on the restrictions that need to be put in place to prevent MPs from taking up roles that stop them serving their constituents and the country.”
In November 2024, my right hon. Friend the Member for Manchester Central (Lucy Powell) tasked the Committee on Standards to look at how
“to conduct further work into how changes to the rules on outside interests and employment might be implemented”.
The Standards Committee opened its inquiry on 8 January 2025 and took oral evidence in public through to July 2025, yet—more than a year later—no report has been published, and no recommendations have been forthcoming, and no action has been taken in Government due to this delay. Despite my writing to the Standards Committee requesting an update, I have yet to receive a substantive response.
Having advised—for the good part of more than a decade, in my old job before being elected to this place —on conflicts of interest, and on outside employment and related matters, I have been incredibly patient and so have other Members of this House. The Standards Committee has a broad remit and does good work, but after almost 24 months of waiting for a report, after my mentioning this matter previously in the House and after writing to the Standards Committee, there seems to have been no progress. I said in Westminster Hall more than four months ago that this House is moving at a glacial speed. My fear is that the glaciers will have melted by the time the report is published. The lack of progress is simply not good enough.
Sir Bernard Jenkin
May I suggest that the questions about lobbying and Members’ outside interests might have turned out to be a little bit more complicated than the Labour manifesto considered them to be? May I also suggest that the hon. Gentleman approaches the Chair of the Standards Committee? The Chair is a Member of Parliament, so he is not difficult to find. We are in the same House—there are only 650 of us. May I suggest he does that, rather than getting on his high horse and criticising the Committee because he does not know what it is doing?
Phil Brickell
As the hon. Gentleman may have heard, I have approached the Chair of the Standards Committee and I have followed the proceedings that the Standards Committee has been undertaking over the past two years. I have not named any Member in this Chamber. I have approached the Chair and I have had correspondence, so I think the hon. Member for Harwich and North Essex (Sir Bernard Jenkin) will know that I have been following these matters very closely, suffice it to say. As I said, I worked on conflicts of interest in the private sector for more than a decade, so I have sufficient expertise to be able to talk at length about this matter.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)
Order. The hon. Gentleman is being very generous with his time, but I will be starting Front-Bench speeches at 4.30 pm and we do have another Member who wants to speak.
Phil Brickell
I do not think it is complicated; I think it is pretty simple, and the Government have said repeatedly that the focus should be on delivering for constituents.
In summary, will the Minister do what she can to ensure that the report is expedited? Across the standards landscape, it pains me to see progress moving at far too slow a pace. My understanding is that the Prime Minister has yet to meet the EIC, so my final ask is: might the Minister venture to ensure that such a meeting takes place as soon as possible?
Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)
On a four-minute time limit, I call Adam Thompson.
Adam Thompson (Erewash) (Lab)
I will be as brief as possible. I thank the hon. Member for Mid Dunbartonshire (Susan Murray) for bringing the debate forward—we are all very grateful.
Despite what the media might have us think sometimes, I think people in my constituency are not actually that interested in the to-ing and fro-ing of us here in Westminster. Instead, what they want to see is honesty and accountability in their politicians and their Government. They want some breathing space from the pressures of the cost of the living crisis, and they expect that those elected to serve them are focused on the issues that matter to them most. When I speak to people across Erewash, they rarely ask about the sparring that has happened that week in Prime Minister’s questions. What they actually want to ask me about is whether they can get a GP appointment, if their train will turn up on time, or how they will make ends meet at the end of the month.
People need to know that politics is working for them. When confidence in politics falls, so does our ability to tackle the challenges facing the country and improve people’s lives. That is why the Nolan principles matter. They are about restoring trust at a time when many people have lost faith that politics can deliver for them. Rebuilding that confidence requires those in public life to uphold the highest standards of honesty, integrity and accountability. The Nolan principles are not about party politics; they are the core of good public service, and they help to ensure that decisions are taken in the public interest. They set out the standards that British people have a right to expect from those who are elected to serve them.
In the era of social media, where misinformation can spread quickly and public confidence is easily eroded, standards of conduct are more important than ever. People hear a lot about politics, but they do not always see reasons to trust it. The rise of artificial intelligence of course has merit. However, it has created room for the rapid spread of disordered information and misinformation. With political deepfakes—often from accounts registered from abroad—seamlessly depicting Members of this House doing or saying things they have not done, it is unsurprising that people feel distrust towards politicians.
I remember the incident last year involving the hon. Member for Mid Norfolk (George Freeman)—I have notified him that I would be mentioning him today. A deepfake video was created in which the fake version of him announced his defection from the Conservative party to Reform, which, of course, the real hon. Member had not done. It was terrifying for all of us here, because of how close to reality the video was, despite it being totally fabricated. Fake news spreads six times faster than truthful content online, and 70% of people struggle to distinguish between real and fake news. Two thirds of Brits now see misinformation as the leading threat to our democracy, and with trust in politicians at an all-time low, that should concern us all. That is why it is essential that all politicians uphold the principles of openness, integrity and honesty. Where there is uncertainty in the information space, people should be able to look to public servants for clarity and not be met with falsehoods or ambiguity.
Every story of poor conduct makes it a little harder for people to believe that politics is working for them. Trust is hard to build, and easy to lose. Once it is lost, regaining it takes time. And it has been lost. Just four years ago, Liz Truss sent the currency crashing and interest rates soaring; six years ago, Boris Johnson broke his own lockdown rules to host parties in Downing Street; and this year, Reform UK has been investigated by the National Crime Agency for alleged dodgy dealings.
This morning on the Floor of the House I raised an incident with Derbyshire county council, which had placed engagement sanctions on our brilliant local democracy reporter, Eddie Bisknell. Although I understand that those sanctions are now lifted, I strongly agree with the Leader of the House’s comment that it sounded like they were running scared from basic scrutiny.
Public trust has been seriously undermined. It is up to us, as Members of Parliament and public servants, to adhere to the highest standard of professional and personal conduct. If we want the public to regain faith in politics and us, selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness and honesty are the life foundations by which we must abide. Public trust should never be taken for granted; it must be earned and maintained. That is why the Nolan principles remain as important today as they have ever been.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)
I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.
Caroline Voaden (South Devon) (LD)
I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Dunbartonshire (Susan Murray) for bringing forward this debate. It is strange to become a Member of Parliament for the first time when trust in politicians is at an all-time low. The feeling of antipathy towards MPs from much of the public bears no relation at all to most of the people I have met in this place. Colleagues across the House work extremely hard for their constituents in surgeries, casework, meetings and debates, and in the long quiet hours that nobody sees.
As with most things in life, however, there are always a few who ruin it for everyone else, those people who do not care quite so much for the niceties or traditions. I believe that we must ensure that we have the rules and regulations in place to hold those people to account and uphold the values of public service if we are to restore faith and trust in politics. I heard the view of the hon. Member for Harwich and North Essex (Sir Bernard Jenkin) that we need a system that supports Members—although I am not sure that we entirely agree on the need for a flexible system to get around the conflicts of interest that some of us face.
If politics is not clean, if politicians are not honest and accountable, and if people cannot trust those whom they send to represent them, then frankly what is the point?
Dr Danny Chambers (Winchester) (LD)
In my professional experience as a vet, if I broke the rules and lied about it, I would get struck off. There does not seem to be an equivalent standard for politicians. Surely politicians should be held to account the same as anyone in a regulated profession, whether that is medics, teachers or anyone else who must be registered and maintain a certain standard of public behaviour.
Caroline Voaden
My hon. Friend makes the good point that most other professions are regulated to a much higher degree than we are in this place. In 1995, Lord Nolan set out seven principles for public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. They are not complicated. They are what any member of the public would expect from us, and they are written into the ministerial code, the MPs code of conduct and the civil service code. However, time and again in recent years those principles have been brushed aside.
Take partygate, which has been mentioned by many Members: while families were separated from dying relatives and people stood alone at funerals—my family included, that very week—those writing the rules were holding parties in Downing Street. That was a disgraceful failure of selflessness, and above all, a failure of leadership.
Not long ago, the leader of Reform UK received a gift of £5 million from a wealthy donor but did not declare it. The hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage), not in his place, claimed that it was for his security and that no rules were broken—
Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)
Order. The hon. Lady will be very aware of the rules of this House and of this debate. It is not in order to criticise the conduct of another hon. Member, except on a substantive motion.
Caroline Voaden
I believed that I was merely mentioning something that we all know had happened, but whatever the outcome—
Madam Deputy Speaker
Order. I am sure the hon. Lady understands full well the parameters of this debate and the rules of this House.
Caroline Voaden
Forgive me.
Whatever the outcome of that case, there will be many people outside this place who have questions about £5 million passing quietly to a politician. Integrity means not placing ourselves under obligation to those who might seek to influence us. The public are entitled to ask what would be expected in return for a sum of money on that scale, and whether it is merely a gift.
Let us take the situation of the former ambassador to the United States of America—a man with a long history of controversy.
Sir Bernard Jenkin
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. The hon. Lady is still alluding to the case you told her she could not discuss. I urge you to call her to order. She said she would obey the rules.
Madam Deputy Speaker
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his point of order. I am sure that the hon. Lady can remember my previous two rulings on this. I am sure that she understands that it is imperative that we all obey the rules in this House.
Caroline Voaden
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
It is little wonder that trust is where it is. People have rightly lost faith in a system that is meant to work for them. The issue is that our system depends almost entirely on voluntary compliance. It assumes that people who break the rules will admit it, resign and make things right, but anyone who has followed politics in recent years knows that that does not always happen. Rules built on good faith give no protection against those who act in bad faith. People are not asking for perfection; they are asking for accountability. They want to know that when someone in public life crosses a line, there will be consequences.
That is why the Liberal Democrats have a clear plan to restore standards in public life. We would put the ministerial code into law. We have called for this repeatedly, and we will keep calling for it. A code that is only guidance can be ignored, but a code that is law must be followed.
We would make the independent adviser on ministerial standards truly independent. I applaud the Labour Government under Keir Starmer for giving the adviser the power to start their own investigations, but that does not go far enough. The Prime Minister can still raise concerns that stop an investigation in its tracks, the Prime Minister still decides what follows from its findings, and the Prime Minister alone still chooses who holds this post. That is still, in part, marking one’s own homework. We would go further, with no prime ministerial power to halt an investigation, the right for the adviser to decide whether there has been a breach and to publish their findings, and an appointment confirmed by Parliament, not made by the Prime Minister alone.
We would also reform the rules on outside work. Voters send us here to work for them, not to use Parliament as a launchpad for a career in media consultancy or the boardroom. I agree with the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Dr Rushworth) about Members not having time when doing this job properly to be earning a fortune from media gigs or speaking arrangements. That reform should be led by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, not by MPs deciding what they believe is good enough for themselves.
Then there is the elephant in the room: big money in politics. Where there are huge donations, there will always be suspicion of influence. The simplest way to remove the temptation and doubt is to remove the money. We would therefore cap individual donations whatever country a donor lives in, cap party spending all year round, and put donations, spending and political advertising on a real-time, searchable public database so that people can see exactly who is paying for politics. I support the remarks made by the hon. Member for Bolton West (Phil Brickell) about lobbying and the transparency needed around it. If we take out the money, we take away the temptation and we give the public confidence that their voice counts for more than someone else’s bank balance.
These are only some of the changes we would make. Trust in politics can be rebuilt, but not through apologies or promises. It will be rebuilt when the rules are enforceable, when they apply to everyone equally, and when breaking them has consequences. That is what the public expects, and it is what this House should deliver.
Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con)
I thank the Backbench Business Committee for allocating time for this debate and the hon. Member for Mid Dunbartonshire (Susan Murray) for securing it. I also thank my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich and North Essex (Sir Bernard Jenkin) for his very powerful contribution earlier in the debate.
As hon. Members have set out, the Nolan principles, introduced in 1995, are the foundation of trust in public service and the standard that all public servants should adhere to. From Members of Parliament, councillors, police and crime commissioners and mayors to civil servants and all those working in our health, education, police and court services, our mandates come from, and our salaries are paid by, the British taxpayer. No matter our party or different beliefs, we should always work in the interests of the nation first. That is what the principles of integrity, objectivity, selflessness, accountability, honestly, openness and leadership ensure.
The previous Prime Minister arrived in office promising to restore service and respect to politics. He had a plan for change. It turned out he might have meant pocket change—£12,000 for free clothing, £2,000 for designer sunglasses and £20,000 of luxury accommodation from Lord Alli, who slipped hundreds of thousands of pounds to the Labour party, then Starmer gave him a free pass to wander around Downing Street. Add in his freebies to the Taylor Swift concerts—
Madam Deputy Speaker
Order. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the rules of the House are very clear that the conduct of another sitting Member of either House cannot be brought into question unless on a substantive motion.
Charlie Dewhirst
I apologise for that, Madam Deputy Speaker. I will continue, hopefully without catching your attention on such matters again.
It is worth saying that the former Prime Minister’s total expenses bill was more than any recent party leader and more than two-and-a-half times that of any MP in that period. That is certainly doing politics differently. If “passes for glasses” was not enough, the Government’s crony appointments got worse. The former Prime Minister disgracefully chose to appoint the twice-fired Peter Mandelson.
Dr Rushworth
I think it is important that we note that this is known about because everything was declared in the appropriate way through the system that we have in place. It is important that the public are able to distinguish between that and people taking gifts and concealing them from the public. I am not going to bring up previous scandals in the hon. Gentleman’s own party, but I think he knows that they exist.
Charlie Dewhirst
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his point. He is right that people in glass houses should not throw stones, and we do not need to end up in a tit-for-tat argument. He is right that those things were declared, but when it comes to the former ambassador, I think he will find that there were issues that were not declared, and they led to that downfall.
The former Prime Minister was, as he later admitted, well aware that Peter Mandelson had maintained his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein even after his conviction for child sex offences. The choice to appoint him was bad enough, but it was the cover-up that ended up being worse perhaps than the crime. The former Prime Minister’s assurances to this House last year that full due process was followed, despite not maintaining a record of what it was doing, not recording the Prime Minister’s decisions and despite key Government WhatsApp messages and phones mysteriously—
Phil Brickell
Each and every one of us could talk through a litany of issues or scandals that have happened in years past. What I am keen to hear from the shadow Minister is his party’s policy proposals. The Starmer Government set up the Ethics and Integrity Commission, got rid of the hereditary peers and brought into being more frequent disclosures for transparency. What is his party’s position on these matters?
Charlie Dewhirst
I am delighted that the hon. Gentleman is willing to stand up and try to defend the record around Peter Mandelson. I will come to the points he has raised in just a few moments.
As I was saying, the former Prime Minister made assurances to this House, despite Mandelson having failed his vetting. It clearly shows that the Nolan principles of integrity, objectivity, honesty and openness were no longer guiding the former Prime Minister. While this scandal ended up costing him his job, which some may argue is the Nolan principle of accountability in action, unfortunately he tried to cling on to power by throwing the jobs of his chief of staff, Cabinet Secretary, head of the Foreign Office and director of communications in No. 10 under the bus first, along with, it seems, the two remaining Nolan principles of selflessness and leadership.
Governments, like fish, rot from the head down. I will not go on to list all the examples that occurred under that leadership, but it is worth noting that a donor was appointed to the civil service and the Treasury—and I will not go into the detail of the infamous Le Chameau wellies. All of this happened under Keir Starmer’s leadership; I do not think that service and respect will be his legacy. We now have a new Prime Minister, who took over two years into this Government promising to do things differently. I had hoped to see the Nolan principles upheld better under his leadership, but I do have concerns, and I will return to those shortly.
Turning to the ways in which we can improve standards in public life, the Government’s newly introduced Ethics and Integrity Commission published its first annual letter to the Prime Minister last month. As the Government do not yet appear to have responded to that letter, I hope that the Minister will enlighten the House as to the Government’s view on a number of points.
On public service appointments, for a while there have been delays, with fewer than one in five public service recruitment campaigns completed in line with the three-month target. In its letter, the commission expresses concerns that there is risk that the lengthy delays could deter the best candidates from entering public service. It would be useful to know what the Government are doing to speed up the public appointments process. The letter also pointed out that the 2021 Committee on Standards in Public Life report, “Upholding Standards in Public Life”,
“called for all future Independent Advisers to be appointed through an enhanced version of the current process for significant public appointments”.
Again, the House awaits the Government’s opinion on that proposal.
The commission further recommended that the cross-governmental task and finish team, announced in September, looking at political finance and the way in which political parties play a vital role in our democracy, should
“engage with all major political parties so that decisions are not seen to be enacted in a partisan manner”,
to ensure that
“reforms have democratic legitimacy and are more likely to endure.”
This Government have singularly failed at such an approach in their consultation up to this point. I hope that that can be addressed.
The previous Conservative Government pledged to develop a single database to collate and publish departmental returns. The commission’s letter says that work should begin, but this Labour Government have scrapped it. The Conservatives also pledged to modernise the business appointment rules and take a risk-based approach to considering applications. Again, the commission recommends that; again, Labour has failed to deliver. Those proposals would help to promote the Nolan principles, and both were recommended to the Prime Minister by the Ethics and Integrity Commission in its annual letter.
Similarly, under the Procurement Act 2023, the previous Conservative Government introduced a form of accountability for when rules are broken in the public sector by introducing the Debarment Review Service to prevent businesses that are failing to meet standards in their current Government contracts from winning more contracts. Like many MPs, my inbox has been full of horror stories from local constituents and their families who have been unable to access their public sector pensions due to the poor service that Capita is providing. We are all aware that Capita has failed on public service pensions, and I give credit to the Minister for the work that she is doing on that. I wish her all the best, but will she provide a specific update on whether she is considering use of the debarment service for Capita?
My speech has focused heavily on the Government’s conduct, but integrity, objectivity and accountability are for all public servants across the British state. The whole country was shocked by the rape gang scandal. Though the last Prime Minister smeared those calling for a national inquiry as jumping on a far-right bandwagon, we have heard allegations that some in authority, including in the police, local councils and social services, covered up cases because of concerns about so-called community relations, thinking it was more important to do that than to protect vulnerable young children from heinous predators.
It took relentless campaigning and finally, just days before they looked set to lose the vote in Parliament, the Government U-turned and agreed to a national inquiry. Hardly a shining example of the Nolan principles. Meanwhile, in the Senedd, Labour and Plaid Cymru voted against commissioning an independent inquiry, and in Scotland, the SNP Government held out against an inquiry for even longer, finally announcing a date for one just a week ago.
There are some serious questions for the Government to answer on whether they still believe in the Nolan principles of public life. This Labour Government have seen resignations of their homelessness Minister, anti-corruption Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, and Transport Secretary, and all of that, we were told, because—
Charlie Dewhirst
Well, indeed. The hon. Gentleman mentions the former Prime Minister who was held to account and, as a result, lost his job. I think that is an example of the Nolan principles working.
The Government are under new management. Keir Starmer has been replaced by a new Prime Minister who promised to do things differently. “Differently” seems, in this case, to mean immediately appointing the right hon. Member for Sheffield Heeley (Louise Haigh) to the role of First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, overseeing the debate on the very issue of standards in public life that we are having today. I do not believe that that is necessarily a great decision.
I look forward to the Minister’s response. I hope we will get honesty, openness and accountability in response to the points that I have raised.
The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Sally Jameson)
I welcome this Backbench Business debate on the seven principles of public life or, as they are also known, the Nolan principles. I thank the hon. Member for Mid Dunbartonshire (Susan Murray) for opening the debate and raising some important examples from her constituency, which will have been heard by many people. As she will know, councillors can be referred to the Standards Commission for Scotland, and I hope that that will be done, but her speech has highlighted some important points, particularly in respect of transparency in Holyrood.
A year ago today, my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven (Chris Ward) stood at this Dispatch Box to respond to an Adjournment debate on this very issue. Of course, the principles remain the same as they were on that evening—openness, accountability, objectivity, honesty, leadership, integrity and selflessness—but right hon. and hon. Members will be aware that we now stand on the brink of significant change on the matter of standards across the full spectrum of public life. The House knows that the principles are the foundation of standards in public life—something we all aspire to and that unites us across the Floor of this House and the other place. They sit behind the codes of conduct that are imposed for Ministers, special advisers, civil servants and others in public life, and the House knows all too well that public trust can be eroded when those standards are ignored and forgotten.
I will not seek to rehearse the arguments made by my hon. Friend last year, but I do wish to talk about the progress we have made in that time and address some of the points raised by hon. Members across the House. I am delighted to say that the Ethics and Integrity Commission, which sits at the heart of our standards system, has now been operational for 13 months. It has produced its first report into lobbying, the business appointment rules and disclosure in July. The chair of the commission has also reported to the Prime Minister as part of his annual responsibilities, setting out the state of the standards landscape across the public sector. The Prime Minister will respond to that shortly, and I am sure the House will be updated then.
The commission is currently looking into public sector codes of conduct in preparation for the commencement of the duty of candour as part of what is widely known as the Hillsborough law. We are immensely grateful to the commission for its work to drive up ethical standards in a busy year, and we look forward to seeing the progress over the years ahead.
The Public Office (Accountability) Bill, or Hillsborough law, is approaching its remaining stages in the House of Lords, having already passed in the Commons back in July. The Government are working closely with Members in the other place who are rigorously examining that legislation as we head towards Report. The Ministry of Justice is leading on this legislation, but the Cabinet Office owns the duty of candour provisions, which are significant and form a considerable part of the Bill.
Tessa Munt (Wells and Mendip Hills) (LD)
On the Hillsborough Bill, have the Government reconsidered their decision not to include more than first-tier contractors, and therefore not to include subcontractors or subcontractors of subcontractors? It is evident that we must have truth telling right the way down the system when so many services are contracted out—this has to change.
Sally Jameson
I take the hon. Member’s point and will come back to her on that. As I say, the Bill is mainly with the Ministry of Justice, but I will ensure that she gets a response. I will not take any more interventions, given the time we have left.
On the points raised by hon. Members on the independent adviser, the role advising the Prime Minister on the ministerial code has existed for 20 years. He is not an independent regulator, and the Government are not minded to change that in legislation. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton West (Phil Brickell) for his work on anti-corruption as chair of the APPG. I know that he recently met my noble Friend Baroness Twycross to discuss a number of issues, some of which he has raised today.
The Government are working with Parliament to restore a politics of service consistent with the high standards expected of public office holders. The Modernisation Committee is exploring ways to drive up standards that also address matters of culture and procedure in the House of Commons, and the Government believe that the primary job of MPs is to represent their constituents. The Government fully support the inquiry being undertaken by the Committee on Standards to consider further changes to the rules on second jobs so that there are very limited exceptions, such as for MPs who need to do a minimum number of hours to maintain existing professional qualifications. I am sure that a number of the points raised in the House about this issue will have been heard.
I take the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Dr Rushworth) on mayoral accountability. As he knows, I am working closely on this as part of the rewiring the state delivery plan, and I hope to be able to update him and others on that very soon. I also take the points raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington and Bayswater (Joe Powell) on how accountable government needs to be weaved throughout the rewiring the state programme across all tiers of Government as we progress through the devolution agenda.
The EIC published its report on 9 July, having reviewed the current arrangements relating to financial disclosures for Ministers and senior officials; transparency around lobbying, including the Government’s publication of monthly and quarterly integrity data; and the business appointment rules. I thank the commission and its chair, Douglas Chalmers, for its thorough and considered work on these important matters. The Government are carefully considering the report’s findings and will present their response to Parliament in the not-too-distant future.
Let me turn to some of the points raised by the Opposition spokesperson, the hon. Member for Bridlington and The Wolds (Charlie Dewhirst). For legal reasons, I cannot discuss debarment, but he will be aware of what the legislation says and the powers that the Government now have in relation to that. I share his concern and annoyance at the performance of Capita in the civil service pension scheme, and we continue to work night and day to ensure that that is resolved.
In relation to standards in local government, the Localism Act 2011 requires every local authority in England to adopt a code of conduct that conforms to the Nolan principles. The Government are committed to whole-system reform of the local government standards framework to make it stronger and more effective, and we will legislate on that when parliamentary time allows.
I am aware that I have not covered all the points raised in the debate, but I have prevented myself from responding to some of the ludicrous claims from the Opposition. I want to express my full support for my right hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield Heeley (Louise Haigh), who is doing an incredible job as our First Secretary of State and is a trailblazer for women in politics across the country.
Madam Deputy Speaker, as you and the rest of the House will know, this Government take standards in public life incredibly seriously. I welcome this debate and all the views expressed on the Nolan principles, which have been heard by the Government, and I look forward to further conversations as the Government report back on many of the issues raised today.
Susan Murray
I thank everyone who took part in the debate for their speeches and interventions and the Minister for her replies.
The Nolan principles are raised regularly in this House by Members, and rightly so. Although we hear concerns, as we have today, that the erosion of standards risks widening the chasm between the public and our institutions and politics, I am heartened to hear that the seven Nolan principles are valued and that their importance is acknowledged. They are as meaningful today as they were 30 years ago, forming a contract between every holder of public office and the British public. Perhaps rules should not be the culture, but they should influence and guide the culture, and the system should be fair and reasonable, based on principles and transparency.
Question put and agreed to.
Resolved,
That this House has considered the Nolan principles.
Petitions
Animal Cruelty and Domestic Abuse
(1 day, 9 hours ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Sir John Hayes (South Holland and The Deepings) (Con)
I thank Mr Speaker and his Deputies for allowing me time for this debate. G. K. Chesterton said that
“cruelty is, perhaps, the worst kind of sin”,
and cruelty comes in many forms, but when it begins with cruelty to animals, which then becomes cruelty to people, it becomes barbaric. “Barbarism” is the word that came to my mind when I was first approached by my constituent Annette Bramley, who is in the Gallery this evening. She described to me the way that her beloved daughter, Holly, was murdered. “Courage” is another word that occurs to me, for Annette’s courage, which has led us here today in her ceaseless campaign to honour Holly by ensuring that future tragedies of that kind do not occur, is notable and admirable. It inspires me and has inspired many others.
Annette’s grief at the loss of her daughter is compounded by the appalling way that her daughter was killed by the worthless, wicked husband who murdered her. It came after years of cruelty towards her pets. Holly was just 26 years of age when she died in 2023, but she and her pets had been subjected to years of cruelty before that, involving both physical cruelty to those animals, and the coercive control associated with that towards Holly. The harm that her husband inflicted on animals served to frighten, torture, and control Holly. That vile man killed the family pets—the hamsters, a puppy and so on—in ways that are unimaginably wicked. In common with so many abusers, he exploited her love for animals and used that against her. Eventually, as is the case so often, the violence towards the animals turned into violence towards Holly.
Subsequently convicted and sentenced, Nicholas Metson, the man concerned, had previously been reported to the police for extreme cruelty towards pets. The violent behaviour did not first appear on the fatal day that Holly died—there were warning signs of animal cruelty for years before. Annette says that if she had known for how long he had been hurting the animals, and so Holly, she could have stopped what happened to her daughter.
Annette’s courageous campaign since has been for what she calls, as I call it today, Holly’s law, a national register of those guilty of animal cruelty to help prevent violence against women. She wants to help others who are suffering similarly, and so has proposed Holly’s law. It would create a kind of register so that the police would know about animal abuse convictions when responding to reports of domestic abuse. I strongly support this.
Better tracking and collecting of data on animal abusers can surely help in the campaign against domestic abuse, in addition to preventing further abuses of beloved pets. The correlation between animal abuse and domestic violence is proven, persuasive and undeniable. Domestic abuse charities have long been clear that there is a real and frightening link between the two. It stands to reason that people who are abusive to other people surely will not feel any guilt or doubts about harming animals in the same way.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals cites research that shows that 71% of domestic abuse victims report threats towards their pets. In my home county of Lincolnshire, the police revealed that animal abuse was reported in 3,000 domestic abuse incidents over just three years. The National Centre for Domestic Violence found that 64,000 civil protection order witness statements refer to the link between animal abuse and domestic abuse. The RSPCA and NSPCA have both highlighted that many domestic abuse victims report that their pets have also been abused, tortured or killed.
Vikki Slade (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD)
Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is a gap in the system at the moment, in that abusers can retain legal ownership of those animals and it becomes difficult for the victim to get hold of their animals? Animal rescue charities are reporting that animals are left for long periods in their care while cases go back and forth, often leaving animals unable to be rehomed at the end of a traumatic case?
Sir John Hayes
Both those points are salient, as is the fear that people have of leaving the relationship because of what might happen to the animals. This is used as a means of control, but the animals and the individuals concerned—the people, the owners—become frightened, and in the end the animals become neglected, as the hon. Lady has described, so there is a series of correlations. I know the Government are aware of this, and I shall say why in a second, but now is the time for action.
We know that an early warning sign of an abusive partner is the way that they treat pets, as it is one of the questions asked in the domestic abuse, stalking and harassment risk assessment—the DASH—that is routinely used by the police across the UK to determine a victim’s risk. Research undertaken by Refuge4Pets, which works with Dogs Trust, found that almost nine in 10 households who experienced domestic abuse have said that their animals were abused first. In 49% of those cases, animals were killed by the abuser. It is not just neglect or cruelty—it is the death of animals, alongside the death of people.
A study by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Northeastern University found that animal abusers are five times as likely to also harm other humans. Some 70% of people who committed animal abuse also had criminal records that included crimes of violence, property, drugs or disorderly behaviour. In 88% of households experiencing domestic abuse, the perpetrator also abused animals. Some 97% of domestic abuse professionals encountered cases of pets being harmed as coercion.
In 49% of those cases, the animals died, as they did in the case of Holly’s pets. So the correlation between animal abuse and domestic abuse is crystal clear.
Dr Danny Chambers (Winchester) (LD)
I pay tribute to Holly’s mum, Annette, and the right hon. Member for the relentless campaigning they have done to promote Holly’s law. That is hugely important, and they have not given up on it. With all those stats about the link between the abuse of humans and the abuse of animals, we are talking about how we can protect women and children from avoidable abuse, but many abusers start as children. We saw that in the case of Holly’s partner, and we saw it recently in the case of Russell Brand, who as a child was kicking his dog down the stairs. There must be a way of recording and escalating such incidents. Many children who abuse animals are receiving abuse themselves, and when they grow up they are significantly more likely to harm humans. There must be a way of intervening early to prevent these children, who are often victims of abuse, from going on to cause abuse.
Sir John Hayes
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his support for the campaign, which has been notable; I thank him. This is about threat and risk. Where threat becomes apparent, risk can be mitigated. My right hon. Friend the Member for New Forest East (Sir Julian Lewis) and I spend a lot of our lives talking about threat and risk in respect of national security, and we have studied those matters closely over a long time. It is absolutely true that the early identification of the kind of risks that the hon. Gentleman describes can prevent their escalation. That is essentially what we are calling on the Government to do.
The Government want to do more on domestic abuse, and they have said that—I shall say a little more about that in a moment or two. The correlation, as I have described it, is clear; we now need to decide what we are going to do about it. We can speak endlessly about the cases, which do not amount just to this particular case, tragic though it is and personal though it is to me and my constituent. Annette wants to protect other people. That is her mission—to prevent this happening to another mother, another family, another victim.
The problem is that animal cruelty is regarded as an animal welfare matter, quite separate from human safeguarding. This is the challenge for the Government. It is clear that there is a gap in the way that the Government treat these serious problems, though they recognise that both are just that—serious. Earlier this year, Annette and I met the then Minister for safeguarding, the hon. Member for Birmingham Yardley (Jess Phillips), to make the case for a potential animal abuse register. I put on the record how well the hon. Member responded to my request for the meeting and how she conducted that meeting. She made my constituent feel valued, listened carefully to what we both said, and committed to Home Office work, which, again, I shall say a little more about in a few moments.
Vikki Slade
Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is a gap in the safeguarding legislation, in that sexual offences against animals do not lead to someone going on to the sex offenders’ register, when there is clearly an abuse of power in those cases?
Sir John Hayes
That is a pertinent intervention, because one of my colleagues in the House of Lords has taken up that very issue. It is a parallel issue, but a related one. Although it is a separate matter, it should certainly be taken into account in the work that the Home Office is doing. I am grateful to the hon. Lady for raising it.
To give credit to Ministers, work is ongoing in respect of domestic abuse statutory guidance and controlling and coercive behaviour statutory guidance. Will the Minister update the House on that work, and particularly on when it will be completed? The Minister on the Treasury Bench probably knows this, but I was on the Front Bench for my party for 19 years consecutively, and was a Minister in countless Departments; I just say to her that it is critical that very strict timetables are set. Ministers must demand of their officials that things will be done within limits and to a pre-agreed schedule. If they do not, then, with the best will in the world—and this is not about a lack of will—these things often drift. Please can we therefore have an update and some real assurances about when this is going to happen?
We may end up with a form of animal protection disclosure scheme that allows the police to disclose an individual’s history of animal cruelty and convictions to relevant organisations. It would be modelled on Clare’s law—the domestic violence disclosure scheme—and would operate under the common law duty of police disclosure. Under Clare’s law, as the Minister will know, after making an initial application, the information must be provided within 28 days. At present, UK animal cruelty convictions are recorded on the police national database, but police face the challenge of fragmented information sharing. A co-ordinated approach must be possible, and I hope the Minister can set out details of how that might work.
We know, too, that only 26 of 43 police forces reported that their mandated training on coercion covers the involvement of pets in domestic abuse. Can the Minister clarify whether that could be made mandatory for all forces? You will understand, Madam Deputy Speaker, the difference between guidance and statutory guidance, and this may be a case where statutory guidance is necessary. Indeed, just this week, I raised this issue on the Floor of the House with the Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Alex Davies-Jones). She committed to meet me to move things forward.
The US state of Tennessee introduced an animal abuse register in 2016. It is a public register listing convictions, with offenders remaining on it for five years in the case of persistent offenders. There are obviously concerns about having a public register, but I wonder what lessons might be learned from the US, given that acts of cruelty against animals have been tracked by the FBI since 2016 in the same way as arson, burglary, assault and even homicide. That has allowed police to monitor and tackle the extent of animal neglect, torture and other abuse. It may be that we can indeed learn lessons on best practice from elsewhere.
Finally, I will mention the example of the convicted rapist Russell Brand, which was raised in the Chamber by the hon. Member for Winchester (Dr Chambers) earlier this week and again today. We now know of Brand’s shocking offences against women, which lasted for so long, but it is an example of his cruelty to animals that is perhaps particularly relevant to this debate. Brand’s account in a book—if you can call it that—of his history of abuse of his pet dog was surely a warning sign of what was to come. When designing policy, we must be cognisant of ensuring that relevant information, including admissions and other intelligence where appropriate—not just convictions—can be considered. Being able to consider such information is critical, because not all inquiries into animal cruelty lead to convictions. That is one of the problems we face, and addressing it needs to be built into the response to my call for Holly’s law.
This matter has significant cross-party support. I have received support from Members in all parts of this House, and a letter I sent to the Leader of the House seeking a debate on this matter attracted nearly 60 signatures from MPs of all political colours. Annette Bramley’s campaign for Holly’s law has caught the imagination precisely because it is just plain common sense. Her online petition has attracted more than 60,000 signatures. Annette’s campaign is supported by the charity Domestic Abuse Alliance, which has said that it:
“supports initiatives like Holly’s Law that address the overlapping harms seen in abusive households”.
I would like to add that it also has the strong support of my local paper, the Lincolnshire Free Press, and I pay tribute to the reporter Jenny Beake, who has been a great champion of Annette and our campaign. The campaign is also supported by the Naturewatch Foundation, a charity dedicated to ending animal cruelty, which argues that animal abuse is often linked to coercive control and escalating violence, but is not always identified as such within police disclosures.
My mission is to bring justice for my constituent and to make Holly’s law a reality. I will do all I can to help prevent what happened to Annette’s daughter from ever happening again, for as Edmund Burke said:
“Justice is itself the great standing policy of civil society; and any eminent departure from it, under any circumstances, lies under the suspicion of being no policy at all.”
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Jenny Riddell-Carpenter)
I congratulate the right hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Sir John Hayes) on securing this really important debate, and I thank him for the thoughtful way in which he has set out these issues. I also thank other hon. Members who have contributed. I pay tribute to Annette Bramley, who joins us in the Gallery and who has campaigned tirelessly in memory of her daughter Holly.
Holly’s case is a deeply distressing reminder that cruelty towards animals can form part of a wider pattern of coercion, control and domestic abuse. As the right hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings mentioned, he and Annette met the former Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls earlier this year to discuss their proposals. I understand that those were very constructive discussions, and I am glad to hear that. I also note his recent request to continue this important conversation with Government Ministers. With that in mind, I am pleased to be able to set out the Government’s position today.
Let me start by saying that the Government take the issues of animal cruelty and domestic abuse extremely seriously. As we have heard this evening, evidence shows that there is a strong link between pet abuse and domestic abuse. That is why the Government are working to take forward specific actions relating to this issue as part of our violence against women and girls strategy and our animal welfare strategy. I will touch on those important actions in further detail later.
Let me turn to the proposed animal abuse register. I understand why there is public support for this idea and the reassurance that it is intended to provide, but it is important to say that systems are already in place to both record and share this type of information when it is right to do so. Convictions under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 are recorded on the police national computer, and enforcement bodies such as the police and local authorities have access to that information. There are also established disclosure mechanisms that allow the police to share relevant information with those who need it. That means that relevant information can be used where it is needed for licensing, safeguarding and public protection. The more effective approach is targeted disclosure, ensuring that relevant information is shared lawfully, proportionately and with the appropriate bodies at the right time.
Sir John Hayes
The Minister will be pleased to know that I agree, but there is inconsistency among police forces, which I mentioned in my speech. One of the things that is absolutely necessary is that consistency is delivered, perhaps through improved guidance—I would like there to be statutory guidance—on what is required of them in the terms that she has just set out.
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter
Courts already have strong disqualification powers, which can be lifelong where appropriate. A mandatory lifetime ban would remove judicial discretion and could create disproportionate outcomes. I believe that the right hon. Member raised some of those points previously with the Home Office and that he continues to engage directly on them.
Tessa Munt (Wells and Mendip Hills) (LD)
Would it not in fact be much more useful for police to push that information or in some way to tag addresses where this sort of thing happens? It is okay to hold the information to oneself, but it is of value only if it is shared with the relevant agencies willingly and openly. The Minister is saying that the information would be shared in a proportionate way, but it needs to be pushed towards the relevant agencies so that they know what they are looking for.
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter
The hon. Member has put her comments on the record. I will ask the Home Office to write to her directly on those points.
I am aware that there is support for the creation of a specific animal protection disclosure scheme more broadly. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is already working with the Home Office to support the effective use of the existing domestic violence disclosure scheme for animal cruelty offences. The scheme provides guidance for police to use existing powers to disclose information about an individual’s history of violent or abusive behaviour where that information is relevant to protecting a victim or potential victim from domestic abuse.
Police can also make a disclosure proactively where they believe someone may be at risk. Importantly, disclosures are not limited to criminal convictions or domestic abuse offences; the police may disclose information relating to animal cruelty where they assess it is relevant to the risk posed to an individual. I understand that the Home Office is currently reviewing how the scheme works in practice to ensure it is applied consistently and effectively across police forces. I am sure the points that have been raised in this debate have been noted—they are on record, and I am sure they will be heard.
I also welcome the proactive approach that the RSPCA has taken in exploring how information on animal cruelty can be shared more effectively with the police. It recognises that the information gathered by its inspectors can have a much wider role in protecting both animals and people. The RSPCA is working with the Home Office and the police to explore how that relevant information from its visits and investigations can be shared more effectively to support safeguarding and risk assessment processes.
Sir John Hayes
I am aware that we do not have long, so I will not intervene again, but the critical point is that this is not just about convictions; it is about incidents, because a lot of incidents do not lead to a conviction. That data needs to be shared in the way the Minister has described. As the hon. Member for Wells and Mendip Hills (Tessa Munt) said, it also has to be pushed forward to other authorities. Local authorities are a very good example—whether they are dealing with housing, education, or safeguarding of one sort or another, they need that information. It needs to be proactively shared.
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter
The right hon. Member raises an important point. This is about looking beyond convictions and making better use of the relevant information to help protect animals and people. The aim is to help the police build a fuller picture of risks and identify opportunities to act earlier, while ensuring information is accurate and shared lawfully and proportionately.
The concerns raised in this debate underline the importance of practical action to protect animals and support victim-survivors. To address an intervention made by the hon. Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole (Vikki Slade) regarding sex acts against animals and the sex offenders register, for the new offence of sexual activity with an animal, the notification requirements will still apply in specified circumstances. We will write to her with further information on the specific points she raised.
The animal welfare strategy for England sets out DEFRA’s commitments to help protect animals facing harm in domestic violence settings. We are working closely with the Links Group, which is doing important work to help veterinary professionals recognise signs of non-accidental injuries to animals. Alongside this, we are working to raise awareness of specialist pet fostering services that provide temporary care for the pets of victim-survivors fleeing domestic abuse. These include the Dogs Trust Freedom Project, Cats Protection Lifeline, Refuge4Pets and the Endeavour Project. Earlier this year, Baroness Hayman visited the Cats Protection centre in south London and saw at first hand the impact of the important work being done in this area.
We are also working to strengthen protections for victim-survivors’ personal information held on microchip databases. Across Government, we are also looking at how stronger statutory guidance could better highlight the link between pet abuse and domestic violence. To inform future policy, DEFRA has commissioned research to look more closely at the issue and to identify additional opportunities for intervention. The research will report in 2027, and we will carefully consider the findings to help shape the next steps. Before I close, I will reference the direct, clear question from the right hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings about timings. I will ensure that the Home Office writes to him, but my understanding is that it will be coming forward with the work in early 2027.
I thank the right hon. Member for securing this important debate and all those who contributed to it and who continue to engage directly with the Government. The link between animal cruelty and domestic abuse is a serious one and, as I have set out, tackling it remains a high and clear priority for the Government.
Question put and agreed to.