Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Urgent question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Gaza

Just asked the question and then we will come back.

12:39

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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Sorry. To ask the Minister if she will make a statement on the situation in Gaza.

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Minister.

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Certainly. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Urge all parties to fully implement the ceasefire to help deliver a the ceasefire to help deliver a permanent end to hostilities. We are concerned about reports Israel is preventing humanitarian aid from preventing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. Israel must not block entering Gaza. Israel must not block aid into Gaza. Aid should never be contingent upon a ceasefire or used as a political tool. We urge the Israeli Government to lift restrictions immediately and restrictions immediately and unconditionally.

The humanitarian situation is dire in Gaza. A halt on goods entering Gaza reaches -- risks a breach of obligations under a breach of obligations under The UK is doing all we can to support this alongside our existing support. On January 28, the then Minister for Development announced another £17 million in funding to ensure health care, food and shelter reaches thousands of civilians and supports vital infrastructure across the Occupied Palestinian Territories and neighbouring countries. We must work together with the United Nations and other partners to continue to facilitate aid and make sure it is sustained.

Reinstating commercial deliveries is key. As is allowing more goods in so civilians who lost homes can be protected and infrastructure repaired. We welcome the announcement of an agreement to end the fighting in Gaza. We welcome the release of 38 hostages in Gaza so far. Including British nationals, so far. Including British nationals, And having met the Prime Minister and discussed the dreadful treatment at the hands of Hamas. The hostages and their families have endured unimaginable suffering. From the cruelty of Hamas and the situation in Gaza which is worsening.

The current ceasefire is the only way for the region to move forward. We want to see a negotiated two state solution with a sovereign Palestine including the West Bank and Gaza alongside a safe and secure Israel. We also made clear we would oppose any effort to move Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring Arab states against their will. Forced displacement Palestinians or any reduction in territory in the Gaza Strip is not an option. We need Palestinian civilians to be able to return to their homes and lives and rebuild.

International law rebuild. International law guarantees them this right. A two state solution is the only way to secure a long-term piece for Palestinians and Israelis. Mr Speaker, as the Foreign Secretary said, you can hold in your heart the pain of the Israeli people and the plight of hostages and families and at the same time hold in your heart the awful damage, pain and suffering this has brought in Gaza with over 45,000 Palestinian people having lost their lives. We must focus on the future.

On turning the current deal into a political process which leads to the two state solution, including the West Bank and Gaza.

12:43

Ellie Chowns MP (North Herefordshire, Green Party)

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Thank you, Mr Speaker. Over the weekend the Israeli Government decided to block the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Minister talked about that aid but it can no longer be delivered it is again using starvation as a weapon of war. It also announced a so- called plan which would see electricity and water supplies cut off. These decisions coincide with the end of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. With negotiations on phase two barely begun, jeopardising the release of the remaining live hostages and plans for a withdrawal of Israeli forces and a longer term peace agreement.

The UN said international humanitarian law is clear. We must be allowed access to deliver vital aid. Oxfam describes the move made as Ramadan began as a reckless act of collective punishment. Explicitly prohibited under international humanitarian law. The International Court of Justice previously issued explicit instructions to Israel to facilitate aid delivery in Gaza. Does the Minister agree the Israeli Government is again in clear violation of the ceasefire agreement and international humanitarian law? Can she confirm whether she and her colleagues have spoken to Israeli counterpart to condemn the plan and to make clear there must be no resumption of the war and that it is unacceptable for the people of Gaza to be denied critical food, water, medical and any other supplies? What action will the UK take against the Israeli Government if it continues to illegally use humanitarian aid and access to water and power as a bargaining chip? I know that she wants the ceasefire to hold.

Can the Minister share her assessment of the impact of the latest developments on the prospects for a lasting, just

12:45

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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Thank you for the Urgent Question. The halt on goods and supplies entering Gaza such as that announced by the government of Israel does risk breaching obligations under international humanitarian law. To answer her question directly, the UK in government has been in touch with interlocutors to make that point. If that my colleague the member for Lincoln is in the region currently pushing for the peace deal. And hence myself as the Indo-Pacific minister having to cross this brief today in the house.

Humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool. On 28th of January then Minister for Development announced £17 million in funding to ensure healthcare, food, and shelter could reach tens of thousands of civilians, and to support vital infrastructure across the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The UK has announced £129 million for funding so far this financial year including £41 million for UNRWA. She asked about the long-term ceasefire prospects. UK plays its part in pushing both sides towards a hopeful future for the region.

Working not just with Arab states and also with partners such as the US to try and push for a solution which is in line with international humanitarian law.

12:46

Rt Hon Emily Thornberry MP (Islington South and Finsbury, Labour)

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Chair of the select committee Dave Emily Thornberry. Middle East where we went with the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. Whilst the world watches with increasing alarm the disintegration of the peace process in Gaza, we were warned in Saudi Arabia, in Jordan, in the West Bank, and in Israel that the far-right government in Israel may have no long-term plan when it comes to Gaza but there is a long-term plan when it comes to the West Bank. And that is annexation. The international committee is well aware of this.

They see the evictions, they see the demolitions, they see the increase in numbers of Israeli settlers. In the 40,000 people who have recently been displaced. In these days of hard power, what is plan B? What is the international community going to do to stop the annexation of the West Bank? It won't be enough to simply

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condemn it once it has happened. I thank the chair of the select committee and for her ongoing

12:47

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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committee and for her ongoing interest in this important matter of foreign policy. And for the work that she and her committee have done to do personal interviews and personal visits to the region. This is all part of the supporting role the UK must play and must take an international role in pushing for peace. On the specific question of the West Bank, the UK government has taken a very tough position on attacks by militant factions or groups who are attacking Palestinians in the occupied territories in the West Bank.

We are continuing to look at measures which are available to get our message across, not just in words but in actions. With her permission I will write to her as the chair of the select committee to give an update on our current position in terms of our assessment of that situation.

12:48

Rt Hon Priti Patel MP (Witham, Conservative)

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Shadow foreign secretary. continues to be incredible fragile. Of course we all want this agreement to hold. None of us should be in any doubt that each and every hostage held by Iranian-backed terrorist Hamas because the conflict by the sickening acts on seventh October. Those hostages, as a minister has pointed out, and their families have now suffered unimaginably for over 500 days and this cannot go on. Be held in barbaric conditions in the world has been shocked by the distressing scenes surrounding those who have been released.

The Minister rightly refers to Emily Damari and others. In Emily's case, she shared the awful nature of the ordeal that she experienced in captivity. We wish her well in her recent medical appointments that she is now receiving the treatment. Last week we tragically saw the distressing return of bodies of those killed under Hamas in captivity. Our hearts break for the loved ones. And for the people of Israel. I have a series of questions for the Minister. First of all, what role is the UK playing in helping to get an agreement on phase 2 of this ceasefire over the line? What discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with America, Israel, and other regional players in recent days? What engagement has the government had in relation to the plans for the future of Gaza that have been discussed in Cairo? And how to prevent Hamas continuing to control the Gaza strip.

Secondly, what is the government's practical response on aid access? How is the government working to unblock this situation? And what is happening to British aid that is already in the region or en route? Finally, what recent conversations has to foreign affairs ministers had with the International Comittee of the Red Cross, both on their efforts on hostage release and also on humanitarian assistance will broadly?

12:50

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank the shadow Foreign Secretary for her emphasising of the families on both sides of these terrible conflict. Particularly British families of course who the Prime Minister has met, particularly Emily Damari. The dignity and grace of the families, and all who want security in the region and all who have been affected by this most horrendous of wars. She evoked in her speech, in her remarks, the terrible images of hostages being released in the most macabre of pantomimes behind them.

This level of cruelty is utterly unacceptable. The UK has made that very clear to interlocutors. Both at ministerial level and at Foreign Secretary level. And of course she talks about the role of phase 2. There have been stops and starts in the peace process, as often there is in these very difficult situations. And what is our role? It is to continue to speak very closely with the US and Steve Wheatcroft in order to push for practical day-to-day solutions.

She asks about British aid and what negotiations we are undertaking. We are in daily contact with the region, pushing for discussions, conversations, dialogue, to push for that age to get back in. And specifically the Red Cross is honestly one of our partner organisations. We will undertake following a certain question to contact them with a message from this house that we will get aids to re-enter and save lives. re-enter and save lives.

12:52

Abtisam Mohamed MP (Sheffield Central, Labour)

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The powerful scenes of Palestinians celebrating the start of Ramadan even as their homes and lives have been reduced to rubble has reinforced and sent a defiant message to the world. Despite the displacement and destruction, Alice Kakitani remain rooted in this. Kakitani remain rooted in this. Wilderness to confirm that the decision of blocking all aid into Gaza and collectively punishing the entire population is a war crime and a breach of international law contravening provisions of the Geneva Convention and the Rome Statute?

12:52

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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She is quite right to point out the devastating impact of no aid getting through. And she is right to say that a halt on goods and supplies entering Gaza such as that recently announced by the government of Israel does risk breaching its obligations under international humanitarian law. It is not for ministers at the Dispatch Box to make legal decisions or judgements I want to assure her that the former Minister for Development, the member for Oxford East, did pledge £17 million to ensure healthcare, food, and shelter reaching tens of thousands of civilians.

And to support vital infrastructure. And she must reassure her constituents that the foreign office is doing all it can to get infrastructure into Gaza to relieve the suffering.

12:53

Calum Miller MP (Bicester and Woodstock, Liberal Democrat)

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Liberal Democrats Spokesperson.

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The Israeli Government is wrong to prevent humanitarian aid entering to prevent humanitarian aid entering Gaza. It threatens the lives of Gazans dependent on aid after the destruction of the last 15 months. destruction of the last 15 months. It is a clear breach of It is a clear breach of international antimilitary law. What practical steps is the government taking to ensure the Israeli government backs down and let that a government backs down and let that a need in? I understand the depth of distress in Israel over the distress in Israel over the despicable way Hamas terrorists plays like logical games with hostages and their families.

Yet withholding essential supplies of food, medicine, shelter, only worsens the devastation faced by the Palestinian people. In the West Bank we also see illegal settlers violently attacking Palestinians and apparently receiving support of members of the zany cabinet. Does the Minister agree with me that the UK must do all we can to undermine the extremists in this conflict so the second phase of the ceasefire can be negotiated, or hostages can be released and dozens can receive the age they desperately need? the age they desperately need?

12:54

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank him for words. He is right to emphasise like logical impact of this terrible conflict and the traumatised state that there is in the region. As the Foreign Secretary has said, we welcome the release of the 38 hostages in Gaza including of course Emily Damari we have already mentioned. And a family who had strong ties to the UK, held hostage by terrorists in Gaza and died. We sent Qatar, Egypt, and the US for bringing their support to ensure that individuals and families horrific ordeal comes to an end.

This is not the end unfortunately. That is why it is so important that we have this moment to push. He asks what we are doing practically. We are in daily contact with the region including our mission there, we are also obviously having these interventions which push in terms of the international debate for a just solution for both sides of this terrible conflict. terrible conflict.

12:55

Alex Ballinger MP (Halesowen, Labour)

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Last week I was in the West Bank with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee on a wider trip to the Middle East. Whilst attention is rightly on the devastating Unitarian situation in Gaza, we met Palestinians in the Jordan Valley whose homes were being attacked, and whose livestock should been stolen. This is happening with the apparent connivance of these really security forces. It appears to be part of a wider plan. Could the Minister tell us what steps we are taking to protect further erosion of Palestinian land in the West Bank, which will make two-state solution even further away?

12:56

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank the member for his question and for his expertise in the area of aid and foreign affairs. He is quite right to emphasise that the settlers, and some of their actions, of course there are many settler communities who just get on with it and want to see a peaceful solution. He is quite right to say that there is violence in the settlements. It is of course unlawful under international humanitarian law and harms the prospect of a two-state solution.

I thank him for putting on record particularly during the holy month of Ramadan the impact on the faith community and this is certainly a point that we will ensure get through in our next discussion with our interlocutors both on the Israel side and also on the Palestinian side. side.

12:57

Brendan O'Hara MP (Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber, Scottish National Party)

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No one is surprised that as soon as the attention of the world shifted from Gaza that Israel reimposed the siege preventing entry of all humanitarian aid. The Minister knows the impact this will have on the civilian population who are already suffering. After 17 months of giving Israel carte blanche, none of us, least of all Netanyahu expects meaningful consequences for their actions. Could she tell me, does she consider what is happening in Gaza now to be a collective punishment? If she doesn't, what would she call it?

12:58

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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Thank you Mr Speaker. I think sometimes the words that we use are really important and there has been an enormous amount of suffering. We know that for so many in Israel they feel we don't understand their need for security. So many in Gaza feel we don't understand the depth of their suffering was the so we must redouble our efforts to communicate what we want to see which is that two-state solution and that peaceful future for both of these communities must live side-by-side.

12:58

Jon Pearce MP (High Peak, Labour)

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Thank you Mr Speaker. The leaders of the Arab world have made welcome proposals about the future of Gaza and its people. What update can the Minister give on the UK support for those proposals? Will she join with me in particularly welcoming those proposals that they recognise that the terrorist death cult Hamas can have no future in the future governance of Gaza? governance of Gaza?

12:59

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank my honourable Friend. He is quite right to say that, as a Proscribed Terrorist Organisations, Hamas has certainly displayed some very frightening characteristics of what we would expect a terrorist organisation to do including the macabre pantomime which we saw past couple of weeks with the release of hostages which is truly shocking. I thank him for his question. Obviously the exact detail on the next stage the negotiations is to be defined by the two parties. But we play a real role both with the ally which is Israel, and also with working with Egypt and Qatar.

And also with the wider region which is why I Minister right now is in the region making the point that we want to be involved and pushing for a peaceful solution and to see that stay when neither terrorism is extended and where the two amenities extended and where the two amenities

13:00

Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP (North West Hampshire, Conservative)

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I was going to ask about nothing. Instead let me ask this. The Minister rightly mentioned the macabre display around the return of hostages. The condition of those hostages returned as well. She is right that she has taken this up. Why has she not mentioned the return of the Palestinian non-competence? Why has she not mentioned there condition when they have returned often emaciated with signs of torture? Why has she not mentioned the senior medics detained without charge and then having died in mysterious circumstances in Israeli mysterious circumstances in Israeli detention? Apparently there is some kind of investigation which never concludes.

Is she surprised people have become cynical about British conduct in this conflict? When it seems we are only concerned about seems we are only concerned about the welfare of one side?

13:01

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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Mr Speaker, with all due respect, I think we have had a very balanced approach across this House to the suffering of all the communities based in the region. I think he is right to mentioned the terrible suffering of those who have experienced either arbitrary detention or who have experienced allegations of torture by various enforcement agencies. He is also right to include this in what needs to be the next step of the negotiation around the one side of the hostages, but also those being released from prison.

Could I also remind him there are concerns that there might be people who should not have been released who are being released? All that must be taken in A balanced understanding about the suffering of both sides of the community and a desire for security in the way in which we use words in this house. this house.

13:02

Damien Egan MP (Bristol North East, Labour)

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The issue of collaboration, infiltration between Hamas and some UNRWA officials is well documented. Clearly people in Gaza need aid. Can the Minister update on how we are monitoring the work being done to UNRWA?

13:03

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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The UK Government has been a supporter of the work of UNRWA throughout this conflict. And before. It has been supporting UNRWA financially as have all international organisations and countries. Of course they have been problems with certain challenges to individuals who have been employed by UNRWA. But we have consistently joined with allies in expressing our concerns about the role of UNRWA being curtailed. At the UN Security being curtailed. At the UN Security Council on November 6, December 11 and January 3 and 28th of January and 28th of February and in a joint statement on October 27 we have urged that the important work of UNRWA must continue.

13:03

Shockat Adam MP (Leicester South, Independent)

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The blockade of aid is just the last line of a long line of activities Israelis have committed against the Palestinian people. But what I would like to ask is this. Now we have cut overseas aid to a mere 0.3% of GDP, the lowest in real terms in 20 years, does she still agree with the Labour Party manifesto that international aid makes the world a safer and more prosperous place? Now does she agree that with this move, the UK's historic role in the Middle East is dead and over? dead and over?

13:04

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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He is quite right to talk about the ongoing need for aid in the region. The Prime Minister was very careful in his speech, both at the end of last week and I think he has mentioned it as well since then. Humanitarian aid must continue. Gaza was specifically mentioned. Because it is one of our top priorities. He is aware that the decision is only one week old, to divert some of our aid spending into the defence of That we must come forward with the That we must come forward with the detail on that.

Could I reassure him and his constituents that Gaza was specifically mentioned in this House by the Prime Minister? It remains one of our top priorities in the foreign office. foreign office.

13:05

Imran Hussain MP (Bradford East, Labour)

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It is clear that Israel has been emboldened by imposing a total siege and blocking all supplies, including humanitarian aid into Gaza to force a new ceasefire terms. So we should be clear and call it what it is. Collective punishment for the Palestinian people. Starvation as a method of war and a blatant war crime. Will the Minister finally sanction Israel for gross violations of international law? of international law?

13:05

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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Specifically on the question of sanctions, I think he knows what I'm going to say. We do not talk about them until we actually make a decision. We do review any tools we have available to us to protest. We also need to understand we are in the middle of the peace process. We know peace processes throughout history have stopped and have stop- start elements. We are making sure that our views, the views of this house, and that of the government is that we must make sure that humanitarian aid is not prevented from entering Gaza.

While this process is going on, people still need to eat. They still need life- saving medical treatment. Children still need to be educated. That is the point we continue to make all the way along.

13:06

Caroline Voaden MP (South Devon, Liberal Democrat)

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In her letter resigning as International development Minister last week, the right honourable member for Oxford East wrote it would be impossible given the depth of the cuts to maintain government support for its commitment and explicitly cited aid to Gaza. At this point I commend the Friends of Palestine organisation for raising the now £10,000 to help those in Gaza. With hospitals destroyed, a lack of clean water, desperate food shortages and more threats to power and water supplies, how will the Minister make sure last week's cuts in spending will not worsen the humanitarian catastrophe that is happening in Gaza?

13:07

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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Could I congratulate her for the work she does in her community to support international support and solidarity for communities in Gaza? We know the humanitarian situation We know the humanitarian situation With more than 48,000 having been killed and 90% of the population displaced. Many repeatedly. I think the UK has a good story to tell. We have been in therefore decades now. We have increased, she mentioned the outgoing Minister for Development, and of course there was a further £17 million announced on January 28 so that healthcare, food and shelter could reach tens of thousands of civilians and support vital infrastructure.

She asked about ongoing funding. She is right to ask that question and hold our feet to the fire. Once we have had time to look at the coming financial year is in the Comprehensive Spending Review, she will have her answer. Review, she will have her answer.

13:08

Yasmin Qureshi MP (Bolton South and Walkden, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr Speaker. Does the Minister agree with me that Israel's decision to block aid to more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza is collective punishment? With 80% of the health infrastructure destroyed, 1000 medical workers killed, and an estimation of 14,000 Palestinians, including 4,500 children requiring urgent radical evacuation, what steps have we taken to make sure that aid gets in and those who need that aid gets in and those who need medical treatment get it made available to them?

13:09

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank the Member for Bolton for her question and her ongoing campaigning on humanitarian aid for Gaza. Of course it is very positive the crossing remains open, enabling a significant increase in the number of medical evacuations in recent weeks. It is vital Israel makes sure there is a sustained passage for patients who need treatment unavailable in Gaza. Officials across all relevant Whitehall departments are exploring avenues to make sure our support best meets the needs of the critically ill in Gaza.

The previous member on the other benches talked about the medical staff who are under threat. We have supported with technical advice and training and also we announced £1 million for the Egyptian Ministry of Health delivered through the WHO Egypt system to support medically evacuated Palestinians from Gaza.

13:10

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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Yesterday an all-party group heard from families of five of the remaining hostages. Of the 59 hostages still in active -- captivity, it is estimated only 24 are alive and 34 have been murdered. The reality is that the recently released citizen described the conditions he was held in. Held in chains. Brutally beaten and starved. The reality is many remain in captivity. Families believe that this is a vulnerable position for Clearly the demand has to be for all the hostages to be released immediately.

That should be the aim of the British government. What action is the Minister taking to make sure that happens?

13:11

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank the Member for his question about the hostages and his ongoing support for peace in the region. We know that the families with a UK connection, he The family of one individual and the UK has played an active role in coordinating with international partners since the beginning of the conflict. The Foreign Secretary visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on three occasions since taking office and has worked with European partners to push for a resolution to secure the ceasefire.

I have to say I do think the situation has improved in that regard in the last couple of weeks. But he is right to emphasise the return of hostages as part of that negotiated next part of the peace process and I thank him for his question. question.

13:12

Frank McNally MP (Coatbridge and Bellshill, Labour)

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I thank the Minister for speaking to the House about this troubling matter. This decision by the Israeli government is contrary to international humanitarian law and clearly undermines a fragile ceasefire. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have both been clear about the right of Palestinians to return home to Gaza, to rebuild their lives. Does the Minister agree with me that right is jeopardised by the blocking of critical humanitarian aid? What critical humanitarian aid? What That right continues to be restricted?

13:12

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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He is quite right to say that humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool. We urge the government of Israel to lift restrictions immediately and unconditionally. He asks what else this government will do. We will continue to support the peace process. Support both sides getting around the table. Freeing the hostages. Allowing aid in and having a vision for the future of this region, which is so affected by conflict and death. conflict and death.

13:13

Layla Moran MP (Oxford West and Abingdon, Liberal Democrat)

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May I pay tribute to the former international development secretary and my constituency neighbour for Oxford East for her work in this area and the wise words in her resignation letter? The Minister rightly said forced displacement is unacceptable. Indeed she mentioned that the actions of the illegal extremist settlers are unlawful. You may have seen in the Oscars this week an incredible film made by Israelis and Palestinians together, which is highlighting the forced which is highlighting the forced displacement's.

I bet they are trying to do everything they can to get the violence to stop. If ever there was a time to ban illegal settlement goods funding extremist settlers, is now not the time?

13:14

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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Could I thank the honourable lady for all her work in the community and also in this house, educating members about not just the two site we always think about but also the Christian community in Gaza as well and in Palestine? Christians are also affected so much by the current conflict. She mentions the UK's position on settlements. I want to be clear that our position on settlements is that they are illegal under international law. They present an obstacle to peace and threaten the fiscal viability of a two state solution.

13:15

Florence Eshalomi MP (Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, Labour )

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Many members have spoken about the importance of humanitarian aid. Vital aid to save so many lives. What is also important are the vital aid workers, working on the ground in horrific conditions. Estimates show more than 300 aid workers have been killed. The highest number on record. We have seen many different aid organisations being attacked on the social media saying they have links to terrorist organisations. What can the Minister do to reiterate government support for vital international aid organisations, including in my constituency, who are only one of the UK's five NGOs certified by the court of humanitarian standards? They go through rigourous standards.

What more can we do to support these What more can we do to support these What more can we do to support these

13:15

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank noble Friend for her work in this area and important aid organisations based locally. It is important to say aid must get to those who need it most but the important work of aid workers must be respected and aid workers must be respected. It is horrifying to hear reports that six babies have died from hypothermia and cold -related injuries in just two weeks. That is why eight organisations such as the Red Cross and the other organisations who make up the partnerships across the region must be able to get into Gaza to do their important work.

And must be able to bring in the types of goods such as tents, medical equipment and machinery needed to support the resumption of basic services in Gaza.

13:16

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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Thaci Mr Speaker. Can I thank the Minister very much for the answers to the Urgent Question. The PM is clear in the chamber yesterday in his support for Ukraine and the peace achieved over the weekend, for which I am eternally grateful. The Mr confirm that our support remains with Israel as we attempt to secure peace for now, and a lasting solution to maintain, and we hope the future for both sides on the Gazan boundary can be achieved.

13:17

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank honourable Member for mentioning the children in this conflict. He is very well aware of the trauma that can be passed down from generation to generation as a result, and also thinking of orphans in the region, of which there are many. An I thank him for commitment to the state of Israel, as he says, and to the secure future for the people of Israel, so the people of Israel can have that security which they seek, but also, the ends can come to the people of Palestine who come to the people of Palestine who are suffering as well.

are suffering as well.

13:17

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (Slough, Labour)

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In addition to the Netanyahu government blocking aid getting into Gaza, I have repeatedly raised my concerns in Parliament over the years about the forced evictions and illegal settlements in the West Bank. Now shockingly for the first time in two decades, there are tanks in Jenin and further displacement of Palestinians. What representations is the government making to the Israeli Government that aid must not be blocked from entering Gaza, and that this illegal occupation and further evictions must immediately be stopped?

13:18

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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It gives me a further opportunity to emphasise that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. And they do harm prospects for a two-state solution. The Foreign Secretary has made it clear on a number of occasions with Israeli ministers that the government must clampdown on settler violence and end settler dispatch.

13:18

Rt Hon Mark Pritchard MP (The Wrekin, Conservative)

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Can I thank the Minister for mentioning orphans because unfortunately orphans don't have too much voice in this place and I'm grateful to have funding so. Sadly there are too many across the world as we see more and more conflict. And I agree with the member for North West Hampshire that civilian lives that they be Israeli or Palestinian are just as precious and we should do all we can across the house to save lives. Can I ask, it may be a surprise that Ukraine may not be the biggest foreign policy headache for the government in the coming months and it may well be Israel and the divergence of Israel with the new American administration that is of great concern.

Does she accept what has been agreed in Cairo today at the Cairo Arab summit? $53 billion, five year reconstruction plan for Gaza which allows displaced Palestinians to return. But we don't see a Gaza Riviera and it is countries in the region putting Palestinians back into Gaza at the heart of the future of Gaza?

13:20

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank the member for his and, with many aspects in it. He is aware that the majority of all homes in Gaza are damaged or destroyed. And the economy has collapsed and delivery of basic services including energy and water be badly affected. Over 60% of the electricity distribution network has been damaged or destroyed. Over 90% of main roads damaged profoundly limiting the mobility of people, aid, and goods. That is why it is so welcome that the 53.2 billion has been underlined and we are supporting regional efforts to cohere around a single workable reconstruction plan for Gaza.

We support the region with expertise in construction, in the region, to get going on that. If I could briefly answer his question about the orphans. He is aware that the Foreign Secretary has, as one of his main areas of concern, the welfare of children, to clearly children who are orphans or in need of adoption or fostering full.. I will take back his concern that we do quite a lot in the foreign office and emphasise its importance.

13:21

Kim Johnson MP (Liverpool Riverside, Labour)

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Thank you Mr Speaker. The suffering of Palestinian children who have been attacked by Israeli drones is devastating. The fact that those children are denied local support and assistance is even more devastating. The Minister has talked about how we are looking at medical evacuations, but with the Minister agree with me, actions speak louder than words. When will enough be enough and when will these children get the attention they so desperately need when other countries are doing the same right now?

13:21

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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She is quite right to talk about the children. We know whether it is in Sudan, whether it is in Ukraine and elsewhere, that children suffer the trauma as a result of conflict. We are deeply alarmed by the disproportionate impact on children in Gaza. Half of Gaza's population of course our children. And the consequences of those separated from parent threaten not only the individual futures but the fabric of Palestinian society for generations to come. Most if not all students in Gaza have not had access to education since 7 October and at least 88% of school buildings will need full or major reconstruction.

So she is quite right. The UK is supporting the restoration of services in Gaza including through the UN office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs. And the UN agency for Palestinian. She will be aware of the important work to keep going to maintain the ceasefire we have got so we have a hope of that reconstruction dream.

13:23

Ben Lake MP (Ceredigion Preseli, Plaid Cymru)

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I'm pleased to hear the Minister emphasise the withholding of humanitarian aid is in direct contravention of humanitarian law. I would like to ask what steps the government is taking to work with partners both in the region and in Europe to apply pressure to the Israeli Government. To ensure the flows of critical aid is not impeded.

13:23

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank him for his question. That is precisely why we have ministerial visit to the region, in order to emphasise the importance that it is not just to the government but to this house that we take a message to keep pushing for the peaceful future and to keep pushing for the importance of in the meantime today enough food to eat, enough water to wash and to cook and of course to educate and to keep people healthy and safe.

13:24

Patricia Ferguson MP (Glasgow West, Labour)

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I would ask my honourable friend if the government has carried out an assessment of the impact of the withdrawal of US AID. In the light of any assessment that may have been carried out, is the government conference that the decision to cut international aid from our budget will not be an increasingly detrimental problem in Gaza? I understand Primus has said that Gaza is ring fenced and humanitarian aid will continue. But I am concerned the withdrawal of American aid may leave a vacuum that we cannot fill.

leave a vacuum that we cannot fill.

13:24

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank her for her question. It is true to say that over the decades, the US people, the people of the USA have been so generous across the world including in this region. So it will be almost impossible to replace the important work that US AID has done over the decades in the Middle East. But I do not give up hope. I think we have to keep making the case for working together internationally. A lot of the work that is done in the region is by partners working multilaterally, and so yes it is part of US AID but it is trying to encourage other countries and countries in the region perhaps to have more vibrant economies to step up to the plate now and fill those gaps.

Her specific question about the assessment is not complete because the decision is still relatively recent as is our own decision of under a week ago. I trust that we will come back to the house when we have more of a shape of the comprehensive spending review and how we will address this difficult problem.

13:25

Nick Timothy MP (West Suffolk, Conservative)

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Thank you Mr Speaker. On Monday the London School of Economics will host the launch of a book called "Understanding an ass. " One contributor as previously ask about it and dismissed Israel as a white settler colonial nation. Can the minister join me in saying clearly that this is not an accurate description of Israel, his own genocide, and Hamas is a terrorist organisation that seeks to murder Jews and has brought nothing but destruction and disaster to the people of Gaza.

13:26

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank him for doing his research before coming to the house. I can confirm that Hamas is a Proscribed Terrorist Organisations by our government for those very reasons. I think it is really important that we are very robust in our defence of the right of the state of Israel to exist as an ally. state of Israel to exist as an ally.

13:27

Ms Stella Creasy MP (Walthamstow, Labour )

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Thank you Mr Speaker. The people of both Israel and Palestine have been failed by their leadership with horrific consequences. One person who knew that more than most was my constituents's father. We saw his coffin paraded horrifically through the streets of Khan Yunis. We should say his name in this place because he dedicated his life to securing peace between Israel and Palestine. He drove ambulances over the border to help Palestinian people. We can be clear in this chamber that withholding aid is wrong, and using starvation as a weapon of war is wrong.

If we want to challenge the leadership we must step up ourselves. The Minister spoke previously about what we are doing to try and support medical needs in Gaza. Can she be clear for the avoidance of doubt, in his memory may it be a blessing, it is because we will follow up, that we will evacuate people who need it to the UK for medical assistance from Gaza?

13:28

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank my honourable friend and the family have a great champion in her coming to the house and laying out in such clear terms her expectation of the government. And there have been certain schemes to assist families in medical emergencies. With her permission I will write to her with the exact detail of the exact guidelines which are used by the government to determine who is eligible for the schemes.

13:28

Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP (Islington North, Independent)

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Thank you Madame Deputy Speaker. There are now 60,000 known deaths in Gaza. Israel is already accused by the ICJ and ICC of war crimes including genocidal acts. Are committing a new war crime in the denial of food and water to the people of Gaza. What would it take for the British government to cease or arms supplies to Israel? To end the use of the RSF bases as a staging point for delivery to Israel? And when will we end the security cooperation with Israel to make it absolutely clear that we are not prepared to support a regime which is breaking international humanitarian law in so many respects?

13:29

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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As the member is aware, is soonest that Foreign Secretary took office, he ordered a review into the compliance with international humanitarian law of various export humanitarian law of various export items. Following the review, the government suspended export licences to Israel in a number of categories. An assessed where there was a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law. On the question of genocide, as he is aware, it is not a question for the Minister to determine at the Dispatch Box but of course legal experts continue to look at the definitions and descriptions of acts of war and will come forward with determinations

13:30

Rachael Maskell MP (York Central, Labour )

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And planning to run this urgent questions only another 10 minutes so will be very helpful if questions can be shot please.

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Over recent days we've seen the power of addressing the most challenging diplomatic military and challenging diplomatic military and humanitarian crisis when coordinated action is brought together. And yet action is brought together. And yet in 17 months, we have not seen a parallel when addressing the challenges over Gaza. So what action challenges over Gaza. So what action is her department taking to ensure that there is that coordinated

13:30

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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that there is that coordinated effort, and for the Foreign Secretary called such a summit?

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I thank my honourable friend for that suggestion. And certainly the UK will continue to work as it has UK will continue to work as it has done ceaselessly with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the US and Palestinian Authority, the US and regional partners to build consensus for a post-conflict Gaza governance and security framework. Which and security framework. Which supports conditions for a permanent and sustainable peace. And to request has been heard in the

13:31

Monica Harding MP (Esher and Walton, Liberal Democrat)

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chamber. Can I ask the Minister what

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Can I ask the Minister what message does she think the government gives about its commitment to international aid in Gaza too and indeed anywhere else in not only cutting it to 0.3%, its lowest level this century, but in removing the ability for this House to scrutinise that cart or any remaining spent by removing ministerial responsibility for aid and developing from here to the other place -- moving.

13:31

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank her for her question, and there will be an opportunity later this week at the estimates debate for her to ask further questions, but as I'm sure she is aware, with expertise in aid and development, and in soft power, that it will take some time for the Comprehensive Spending Review to come forward with a picture of how this will look in terms of resource implications. I know also that she and her party do support fundamentally the decision to look at the security of Europe as well and try and make that a part of the balance in our foreign policy work.

13:32

Andy Slaughter MP (Hammersmith and Chiswick, Labour)

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I understand that Minister Wood doesn't want to give a legal opinion, but isn't it clear that banning all supplies to Gaza is a breach of the Geneva Convention and their own statute? Failure to call it out involves Israel in its collective punishment of Gazans, and what you confirm as it was missing from her earlier statement that when the government finally recognises the Palestinian state commit will include not only the West Bank and Gaza but East Jerusalem and the capital?

13:32

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank my honourable friend for all of his work as the chair of the all-party group. And also for his ongoing campaigning in this area. To be clear, humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool. And of course East Jerusalem... Jerusalem should be the shared capital.

13:33

Iqbal Mohamed MP (Dewsbury and Batley, Independent)

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Mag constituents are horrified that -- at reports that the UK government is not only and implicit, but directly involved in the war crimes. What the mistakes made in this House what the U.K.'s participation and role has been in the Israeli genocide? And the ongoing atrocities that continue in Gaza? And the West Bank?

13:33

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank the honourable member for his question, and as I've mentioned before, it's not for the Minister to determine the definition of genocide. But it is for legal experts. But in terms of the role of the UK, the reason that I as the Indo Pacific Minister here before you today is because our Middle East Minister the Member for Lincoln is currently engaging in conversations and fishing for a peaceful solution. And there can be no better thing than a face-to-face meeting with the Minister of his Majesty's government in the region, having those important discussions and pushing for peace.

13:34

Melanie Ward MP (Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, Labour)

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With the most 20,000 Palestinian children killed, Gaza and its people are in a state of devastation. Use of starvation as a weapon of war is a war crime. The denial of humanitarian aid is a war crime and leads to babies freezing to death, an example the Minster gave earlier. What specific action is the government taking with allies to pressure the Israeli government to comply with international law and let aid into Gaza?

13:34

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank the honourable member and fall of her work she did before she entered this Parliament on aid and on supporting international solutions for war affected areas. And specifically our work does continue with partners, be that Israel, Palestinian Authority, the US and regional partners to build that consensus because we all want to live in a world where aid is no longer necessary, where there is a vibrant economy where people have jobs, schools and hospitals. And that is what the UK is doing, redoubling our efforts for post- conflict Gaza governance, security framework that supports conditions for a permanent and sustainable peace.

peace.

13:35

Ben Maguire MP (North Cornwall, Liberal Democrat)

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I must admit it's very frustrating today to hear that practical inaction from this government in the face of flagrant breaches of international law and the siege of Gaza, and I sincerely hope the government doesn't continue down this path of inertia. With that in mind, what steps is the Minister taking to immediately recognise Palestine as a state as part of the two-state solution based on the 67 borders? This is surely essential to reinvigorate the peace process and deter those extremists seeking perpetual conflict? In Gaza, the West Bank and across the Middle East?

13:36

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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Is quite right to describe what feels like a hopeless situation, but just remind him that over the last few weeks we've seen some rays of sunlight, a few bits of hope is hopefully fewer and less violence is being perpetrated and more people are coming back to their homes. However, his right to push the government and to say what more can be done? And that does include those visits to the region to speak to those interlocutors I've mentioned and keep pushing for peace.

and keep pushing for peace.

13:36

Steve Yemm MP (Mansfield, Labour)

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Of course many of us in this House want to see progress towards a permanent two-state solution after the current ceasefire and hostage deal. And in December, the Prime Minister announced that the Foreign Secretary would be convening a meeting of partners to support civil society, both in Israel and Palestine for top I want what date the Prime Minister can provide to the House on the UK planning to support the forum for international peace? peace? peace?

13:37

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I think the Memphis question and of course in the short-term Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza will be phased. All parties have agreed occupation and as confidences rebuilt in Gaza and Israel. The Palestinian Authority should play a key role in the future governance and security of Gaza and for the deal to work we need all parties to cooperate, including to make future security arrangements which protect both Israelis and Palestinians and allow the safe distribution of aid in the vision of the two-state solution.

solution.

13:37

Rt Hon Sammy Wilson MP (East Antrim, Democratic Unionist Party)

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Despite the appalling abuse of hostages who were released and the propaganda value which was made of them, the Israeli government in 42 days has allowed 25,000 25,200 truckloads of aid into Gaza. Enough to sustain the entire population for four months. The concern is this, it's a fact, the concern is this, that Hamas are now using aid as a major source of income, seeking to control the billion-dollar aid industry, which is now in Gaza. What assurances can the Minister give that UK aid will not be used to sustain the terrorist organisation or to control the local population? or to control the local population?

13:38

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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He needs to be careful if he is reading online things that they are correct. Because while there has been recent arrivals of aid, we all know that a deceit continuing thing. You want to eat fresh food. You'll need fresh medications. We all need to have water, and all of those other things which the essential aid which is coming and needs to be refreshed every day. And I think what we can say in this House is that providing access to essential civilian services is also crucial with that aid.

And so I do encourage him to widen his sources of what he is reading about the access of aid into Gaza and the West Bank.

13:39

Dr Rupa Huq MP (Ealing Central and Acton, Labour)

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Instituting and aid blocking while getting on for 50,000 Gazans have been killed, and there is a academic, surely looks like deprivations to civilians are being used as a weapon of war. So what are our government doing about this? And to ensure that the entire fragile ceasefire doesn't follow part and those hostages...

13:39

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I think the member of her question and for her specific question about polio, and we are very pleased to hear that the latest polio vaccination rollout reached 99% of the children who were targeted. But we remain gravely concerned by the lack of adequate medical care in a wider sense in Gaza. And all prisoners, including medical staff detained in Gaza must be allowed full ICRC access.

13:40

Andrew George MP (St Ives, Liberal Democrat)

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Other than her response to the excellent question from the right honourable member of the North West Hampshire, I strongly welcome the ministers both tone and content to the answers to the questions today. It's quite clear there is no justification for the vindictive and Productive actions of the Israeli government, but they are clearly emboldened by the US president. And my question to the Minister is this therefore seeking to build international alliances in order to put pressure on the Israeli government to change their actions, to stop this vindictive behaviour, and what conversations is the government having to make sure that its view is being conveyed to the United States that they can adopt the same line as we are?

13:41

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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I thank the Member for his question, and just to clarify some of the ideas which have been coming out about the future of Gaza for example, we have made clear that we would oppose any effort to move Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring Arab states, which was one of the ideas which was proposed. And that forced displacement of Palestinians or any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip is not an option. And I thank you also for helping us to keep on track with what people in the region actually want, and to be supporting around the table all of those partners who are pushing for their peaceful deal between the two parties.

13:41

Mr Connor Rand MP (Altrincham and Sale West, Labour)

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Final question. intense suffering for so many civilians in Gaza, that the use of both humanitarian assistance as well as aid is both totally unacceptable but also not conducive to a lasting ceasefire and to long-term peace?

13:42

Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour)

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Is quite right to emphasise the need for the steady inflow of aid, and anything else could potentially be a breach of international humanitarian law. But think what we see in peace processes is hick ups. One step forwards, two steps back. And I think we would be pushing for all parties to see this as a hick up. And I hope to wake up tomorrow morning to the happy news that all is back on track, that aid is getting in, conversations are happening, and that the peaceful future we want to see for the two future we want to see for the two

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parties is becoming a reality. I thank the Minister for her responses. I will allow a couple of moments for the frontbenchers to

13:43

Urgent question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will make a statement on the bounties placed on Hong Kong democracy activists resident in the UK by the authorities of the Peoples Republic of China and Hong Kong

moments for the frontbenchers to swap over. Which brings us to the Urgent Question, Hong Kong democracy

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activist, Chris Philp. Thank you. To ask the Home

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Thank you. To ask the Home Secretary to make a statement on bounties placed on Hong Kong bounties placed on Hong Kong democracy activists in it kingdom by the Chinese Communist Party and other authorities in Hong Kong and

13:43

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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China. Can I thank the right honourable gentleman for his question on what I agree is a very serious matter? Security is the first duty of government, and as such we are deeply concerned by the recent bounties placed on Hong Kong democracy activist resident here in democracy activist resident here in the UK. As the right honourable gentleman will know, the Foreign Secretary issued a statement Secretary issued a statement condemning these bounties. As he said at the time, these individuals were merely exercising their right to freedom of expression.

As the Foreign Secretary has also said, we call on Beijing to repeal the national security law including its extraterritorial reach. We also call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their targeting of individuals in the UK and elsewhere for seeking to exercise their basic rights. Ministers have raised these concerns with the authorities during recent visits both to Hong Kong and Beijing. The continued safety of Hong Kongers remains a priority for this government, whilst it would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual cases, I want to be clear that we will not tolerate any attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas.

Especially here in the UK. We have received assurances from counterterror policing that the appropriate measures are in place for the individuals in question. And we regularly assess potential threats to the UK and use all levers Where we identify individuals at heightened risk we deploy security measures when appropriate. Anyone acting to coerce individuals in the UK is liable to prosecution under the National Security Act. To date, there have been six individuals charged under the National Security Act.

The position of the government is clear. We will protect the rights and freedoms of all individuals in the UK and we will use every power and tool to uphold the principles we hold dear. hold dear.

13:46

Rt Hon Chris Philp MP (Croydon South, Conservative)

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This is an incredibly serious issue. The Chinese Communist Party is an authoritarian regime but has been persecuted people in Hong Kong, mainland China, and elsewhere for some time. Nearly 100 people have been arrested about in Hong Kong since July of last year and it is unacceptable that harassment and intimidation takes place on British soil now. It is a gross infringement of the liberty of the individual concerned and an affront to British sovereignty. These have been placed on three people in the UK, amounting to approximately £400,000 and that to approximately £400,000 and that includes Polly Chung, -- Tony Chung, Polly Chung, just 18.

Chloe was advised to dial 999 if she felt under threat and that strikes me as an inadequate response. I understand posters appeared close to their home address and letters to neighbours offering a reward if it were delivered to the Chinese embassy. This is not acceptable. I have got a couple of questions to put respectfully to the Security respectfully to the Security Minister. Has the foreign minister been summoned to explain what has been done. My understanding is no such summons has been issued.

Unacceptable. Does this not make clear that the Chinese intention to build a mega embassy in London is not acceptable and it will simply be used as a pan-European place for spying. Why is China not being placed under the foreign influence registration scheme. Surely that should be a matter of urgency. What is the update of the Chinese police station that had been operating covertly in the UK? I was picked on that as police Minister around one year ago.

Finally, the Security Minister says he will not tolerate

13:48

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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this. I'm sure the House bill agreed but was tangible action is being taken to deal with this? The gimmick taken to deal with this? The gimmick I'm grateful for the points he has raised Andy Greta he has paused. To raised Andy Greta he has paused. To be clear and avoid doubt about the government petition, we see the and government petition, we see the and security -- the safety and security security -- the safety and security of Hong Kongers it is of the utmost importance that the UK will always stand up for their rights.

Wherever we identified threats, we will use any and all measures, including through the use of class intelligence services, to mitigate risk to individuals. He is asked a number of questions and I will attempt to respond to them. He asked specifically about raising concerns the Chinese authorities. I can say that concerns have been raised at every opportunity including by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister and the Minister has met the families involved and specifically raised the point about the Chinese embassy.

The final decision on China's planning application has yet to be made. The secretary of state for housing and government in her quasi digital role has been middlebrow. The House should know that a letter sent on January 14 claims that the Home Office has considered the full breadth of national security issues in relation to the plan application. The Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary make it clear that for China to be to build the embassy, they want to see suitable medications for public order and national security risk.

The right honourable gentleman also asked about overseas police station. I think he will understand that police have carefully examined these allegations and we have made clear to the Chinese authorities that the existence of undeclared sites in the UK is completely unacceptable and that they must cease operations. The Chinese authorities have confirmed. I was also asked a further question and the right honourable gentleman and the right honourable gentleman will be aware that I am close to beating a statement on the implementation of FURS which I will say strengthens great protection against certain foreign powers and entities.

As a result, the UK will be better informed about the scale of foreign influence in the UK. Since coming to power in July, we have been assured there are more people than ever body on the implementation of the scheme and there will be dedicated accommodation and an IT system is in place. They plan to levy regulations underpinning the scheme are being led shortly ahead of the scheme life led shortly ahead of the scheme life in the summer. -- Scheme going live.

in the summer. -- Scheme going live.

13:52

Alex Sobel MP (Leeds Central and Headingley, Labour )

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I spoke this morning and I want to reiterate what the Shadow Minister said. I want to ask if guidance can be given to police forces not just to give reassurance to Hong Kongers about the threat on them but to take target hardening and security work to ensure that they are safe and not under threat of abduction. It is a serious threat and we must do more than tell people to call 999. to call 999.

13:53

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I'm grateful to the honourable gentleman for raising that point. Specifically in this case I made the point we received assurances from counterterrorism police and measures are in place for the individuals in question. On his point around transnational regression, I wheel to him and the House that the task force is reviewing the UK approach to transnational oppression to ensure we have a robust and join-up response and the government will debate on the conclusion of the report in due course.

report in due course.

13:53

Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat)

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Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker. I'm grateful to the Shadow Home Secretary for raising this. It is a problem. I thank my white honourable friend, the member from Etihad, who has had constituents affected. It is the remainder of the threats we all face as the Chinese government tries to infiltrate this country. I was told by a drawn in Edinburgh. Members had been sanctioned. There are CCTV cameras across the UK, including Glasgow. It is the issue of embassy in London and an attempt for Chinese companies to be involved in energy provision in a way which, if not medically, will threaten -- if not mitigated, will cause edges with national security.

We must strengthen the response to China. Ogilvy government bring these bounty hunters to justice? Will they crack down on Hong Kong and Beijing who are responsible for this and every other insidious attack on democracy?

13:55

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I'm grateful to the honourable ready for the points she raises and I can reiterate the points I have made about concerns being raised at every opportunity and also about how seriously these matters are taken by the UK government. We will juice all the tools at our disposal to make sure that everyone in the UK can cooperate normal business inhibited cooperate normal business inhibited

13:56

Adam Thompson MP (Erewash, Labour)

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by the actions of people and other countries. We take that incredibly seriously and are working to make sure every protection is in place. sure every protection is in place. There since the launch of the British nationals overseas either route for Hong Kong, more than 200,000 have been granted the visa 200,000 have been granted the visa and 150,000 have arrived in the UK. and 150,000 have arrived in the UK. I welcome the measures and ask what steps are being taken to support

13:56

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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steps are being taken to support those arriving in the UK? I am grateful to him for the point he makes. It is an important one. He will understand that the BNO represents the people who chose to take this step in 1987. To be eligible, people must have BNO status or have a family member could. Close to 220,000 visas have been granted to Hong Kongers who are contributing to the UK. We will work closely with those constituents and local authorities to make sure all those people feel properly valued

13:57

Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MP (Tonbridge, Conservative)

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and supported and if he has concerns, I would be happy to meet concerns, I would be happy to meet with him to discuss them further. First of all, may I say one of the First of all, may I say one of the proudest things I was able to achieve in the last few years the BNO Visa route which was a correction of the mistake made correction of the mistake made usable. The honourable lady was able to introduce it as Home Secretary at the time.

May I come onto the thread -- the point about the threat to activists. I can only imagine how much more threatening make me if I had family connections or relatives in Hong Kong and in mainland China. Could the Minister assure me he is advertising as widely as possible the role of counterterrorism police in fighting terrorism and also mitigate threats that are appearing before us? -- Also the state threats. These are not just taking the shape of armies but also a prodigious undermining in the confidence of the British state and of our own ability to protect our citizens and friends and that is undermining not just our position but our economy and the freedom of artisans.

-- Are citizens.

13:59

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I'm grateful for the work he has done and the release some important and valid points. First of all, with regard to the point he made about sanctioning members of the House, that it's a matter we take incredibly seriously and I heard that the Foreign Secretary has raised concerns about personally at the highest level and the matter will continue to be kept under close review. I thought that he made some other important points. I hope you will join with me in welcoming the additional resource analyst the other day from operational partners and the intelligence services.

You will now from previous service the important role that the play in keeping the country safe and they nosed the seriousness we place on such matters and I look forward to continuing to work with him to ensure we can maintain national ensure we can maintain national What steps is the most are taking to support MI5, protecting the UK from these intrusions? I'm grateful to him for his question. And I think this provides a very good opportunity for us I hope collectively as a House to pay tribute to the extraordinary work of our operational partners in the security services.

By the very nature of their work, they serve in the shadows. It's been an extraordinary pleasure and privilege to work very closely alongside them in recent months. They do difficult work. They do it incredibly well, and we owed them a debt of gratitude for doing it. for doing it.

14:00

Rt Hon Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP (Chingford and Woodford Green, Conservative)

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I hear the Minister. As somebody else that is sanctioned by the Chinese government, who has been pursued by low-level intelligence operatives around the world, faucets placed about me in newspapers and to others that I know in government and elsewhere, this goes on and on. And most of all, for those who are here who have fled Hong Kong, what we are seeing is extraterritorial attacks on them in plain view, and yet it seems that nothing ultimately happens.

And here for example is a copy of a letter that has been put about by an individual redacted, an individual who has been threatened and the neighbours have been asked to take him to the Chinese embassy to hand him in and receive the bounty. How much longer are we going to say all these wonderful words in this House about what we stand for? When it comes to those who need our protection, nothing ever seems to happen. What is he going to do about the embassy? That shouldn't be going everywhere they have a super embassy in the world can you see extraterritorial activity grow massively.

We now reject that and start arresting people responsible and kicking them out of the country?

14:02

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I know that the right honourable gentleman speaks with very long experience on these matters. And the activity that he describes is completely unacceptable. The government is crystal clear the kind of activity he has just described is not acceptable. And we will do everything we are able to do in order to prevent it from happening. He referenced the embassy. As I think he knows, and I know that he raised specific concerns about this previously, that a decision on the embassy will be made by Deputy Prime Minister in her capacity as the secretary of state for housing in communities and local government.

I refer him to the letter that has been written jointly by the Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary, which takes into account the full breadth of national... The Home Secretary tots from a sedentary position. I don't know if he's read the letter. It's available online. He should read the letter because the letter takes into consideration the full breadth of national security concerns. This government will stand against all those who seek to repress or behave in the way that he has described.

And we will use all of the tools at our disposal to stop it from happening.

14:03

Steve Race MP (Exeter, Labour)

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Across the UK and indeed in Exeter where we have a very large and welcome Hong Kong community, we've seen rising threats from state actors who seek to influence and intimidate peaceful dissidents. Can the Minister update the House and how the foreign influence registration scheme will help to tackle these threats? tackle these threats?

14:03

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I'm grateful to my honourable friend for his question. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself as I will be making a statement shortly. But I can say that we are working at pace to implement the first scheme. This is an important tool in the governance armoury. It will strengthen the resilience of the UK political system against covert foreign influence, and will provide greater assurance around the activities of certain foreign powers and entities that we know to be a national security risk.

We are getting on with the work, and we plan to lay the regulations that underpin the scheme in the near future ahead of it going live in the summer.

14:04

Sarah Olney MP (Richmond Park, Liberal Democrat)

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Is a privilege to represent the substantial community of Hong Kongers in Richmond Park, and I've just been looking at Hansard and a notice on the behalf, I was last year two months to ask the government about renewed reports of repression against Hong Kongers in this country, and yet here we are again. In the meantime nothing would have been done to reassure my constituents about their continued safety and security in this country. I was interested in the Minister's response to the Member for Leeds Central and Headingley where he talks about reviewing transnational repression.

And I'm just HMD gives more detail about when we in this House and my constituents in Richmond Park can expect to hear more about what the government plans to do on this?

14:05

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I'm grateful to the honourable lady. I think she makes a very important point. And let me give her an absolute assurance that these are matters that we take incredibly seriously. And that is why, through the Defending Democracy Taskforce, which I chair, we've continued a process that was initiated by the previous government to review the issue of transnational repression. I can say to her for the sake of clarity, that any attempt by any foreign government to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm critics overseas, undermining our democracy and the rule of law is completely unacceptable.

Now we have at our disposal now the National Security act of 2023, and that does enable law enforcement and security and intelligence agencies to deter, detect and disrupt the full range of modern day state threats, including actions which amounted transnational repression. As I say, the Defending Democracy Taskforce is looking very carefully at the issue of transnational repression. There has been a lot of work taking place across government. And we will have more to say about it shortly. more to say about it shortly.

14:06

Laurence Turner MP (Birmingham Northfield, Labour)

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Birmingham has a large and growing community of people from Hong Kong. And while most are now well settled into wider community, some of my constituents are fearful about continued monitoring and especially if they speak out on human rights. So can the Minister give me and my constituents assurance that if they are subject to those utterly unacceptable practices, then they will receive protection and support? protection and support?

14:07

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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Grateful to him for his question and for his ribs and taking office constituents. Yes, I can give him that assurance. Hopefully my comments today convey the seriousness with which we attach to this particular issue. We work incredibly closely with counterterrorism policing and with policing right around the country and with operational partners and the intelligence services, and I can absolutely give him the assurances he seeks on behalf of his constituents.

14:07

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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I think the Minister for Rough Sleeping & Housing much for his answers to all of the questions. The activity of Chinese operatives within our shores has got to stop, and no steps taken thus far have deterred the Chinese from overstepping on our shores. If those who legally and peacefully oppose China are not safe on our shores, then just where are they safe? Bounties on people's heads looks like something from the film. However this is real life for the living locally in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland right now.

So what is the Minister going to do to tell China the line has been crossed and there will be consequences? Thank you.

14:08

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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Grateful to the honourable member, as I always am. And he's got a very long-standing track record of standing up for the oppressed minorities wherever they might be. And clearly that is particularly relevant in the context of today's Urgent Question. He will have heard my opening remarks where I referenced the statement that had been issued by the Foreign Secretary condemning specifically in this case, those bounties. And that the Foreign Secretary had said that we call upon Beijing to repeal the national security law, including its territorial breach.

We take these matters incredibly seriously. We are working with the police, working with local communities, and we will do everything we can to make sure people get the support they deserve.

14:09

James Naish MP (Rushcliffe, Labour)

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I want to come back to the embassy. I've been contacted by several constituents on this issue. 700,000 ft, it would be China's largest embassy in Europe. And as we know from the incident at the Manchester consulate in 2022, such an embassy would be contributing to the transnational repression that Hong Kongers, Tibetans and the wider Chinese ISP in the UK experience. Chinese ISP in the UK experience. Can the government confirm whether it has made an assessment as to whether this new super embassy would contribute to transnational repression? And if so, what basis on which that assessment has been made?

14:09

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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Grateful to the honourable member for the question he asks. The question that has been asked by others. The assurance that I can give him is that national security is the overriding priority for this, and I hope any government. Of course we look incredibly carefully at these matters. Of course we will consider every aspect of this application, which ultimately is a decision to be made by the Deputy Prime Minister. But as I've said previously, both the Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary have written a very clear letter.

I invite those members who appear not necessarily to have read it to read it. And I can tell him and tell the House that the letter covers the full breadth of national security issues in relation to this particular planning application. particular planning application.

14:10

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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The Minister is talking obviously about the national security position in relation to the super embassy. The reality is the Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary writing in January in relation to this particular application to the Deputy Prime Minister who has to make that decision. Will he now in the light of the new information that has come available review that letter and actually take advice on whether actually that Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary should be writing to the Deputy Prime Minister, recommending that this cunning application is refused, rather than taking all these things into account?

14:11

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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Understand the concerns he has raised. He will understand that I've already referenced the letter that was written back in January. If new evidence comes to light that is material to this particular planning application, no doubt that is a matter that will be looked at very closely. Both by the Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary, but I can give him and the House assurance that we take these matters incredibly seriously. Of course we look very closely at them, and of course the letter that was written on 14 January does consider the full breadth of national security implications.

14:12

Blair McDougall MP (East Renfrewshire, Labour)

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Arise to my role may I declare my role as chair of the all-party parliamentary group in Hong Kong first I welcome the Minister's recognition that the bounties on the heads of these British Hong Kongers as exercising rights that are guaranteed to them and to the joint declaration. I don't wish to repeat what other honourable and right honourable members have said. But at some point, when ministers come to the House again and again to talk about the infiltration of the Royal family by Chinese agents, or putting bounties in people's heads of secret police stations, at some point this does have to have consequences.

The relationship with China. But can I ask a practical question that the fear that those who have bounties on their heads here fear is nothing compare to those who remain in Hong Kong and fear they may not be able to leave. And I wonder what practical assistance we can give to Hong Kongers who have had either their B&O passport seized or their other travel documents frozen so that they are able to come to the safety of the United Kingdom.

14:13

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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Grateful to him for the work that I know that he does through the APPG, the very long-standing interest that he has in this particular matter. And I'm grateful to him also for the practical question that he has posed. We firstly say to him that B&O status holders and their families aren't making significant contribute to our economy and local communities like they are. And he asked an important point specifically about passports. Can I assure him that there is no requirement for a person's passport to be valid in order to make an application to extend leave or apply for indefinite leave to remain under the B&O route, and the point he has made specifically about those who remain in Hong Kong, I know will have been heard by colleagues in the Foreign Office.

But I be very happy to discuss it further with him should that be helpful.

14:14

Brendan O'Hara MP (Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber, Scottish National Party)

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Thank you. Intimidating and placing pro-democracy Hong Kongers placing pro-democracy Hong Kongers living in the UK on a wanted list, and circulating reward notices to their their neighbours is simply unforgivable. And am sure he will agree that there is no trade deal with circumventing values and the rights of people to be abused in such an appalling fashion. And can he tell me what discussions his department has had directly with the Chinese ambassador? What has the ambassador been told that the consequences will be for those found to be responsible for this? And could you tell us what is the status of the current investigation? Or does everybody just accept this matter is now closed?

14:14

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I understand why he raises these concerns in the way that he does. I hope that he can be reassured that the UK government does take these matters seriously. And does take every opportunity to raise these concerns at the appropriate level. That is a matter that is taken very seriously, by the Foreign Secretary and by the Home Secretary. We will continue to do everything that we can to protect the public in our country.

14:15

Joe Powell MP (Kensington and Bayswater, Labour)

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I met recently at the lunar New Year celebrations with some of the democracy activists you have had The fear in the room was palpable and people did not want to be photographed with people who have got bounties on their head. I feel the threat is real. I thank the manager for confirming transnational oppression as part of the TasPorts but can he give more detail on what practical measures could be put in place to protect those with bounties in the UK and their family members if they are still in Hong Kong? if they are still in Hong Kong?

14:16

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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And grateful to him for his question I understand the point he made about the fear that is felt and the chilling effect that will exist in a number of divinity. He is asked for practical measures. I asked him to be patient. I will have more to say about this soon.

14:16

Rt Hon Richard Holden MP (Basildon and Billericay, Conservative)

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the Minister has been asked several times about the Chinese ambassador will be held account for these measures. I think this deserves an answer. Can be Minister explain a little bit? A lot of these people are facing kidnap plot. What investigations are being taken into those? those?

14:17

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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He will now from his time in meant that these will be matters that relate to the ambassador for the Foreign, Commonwealth And Development Office but I give the same appearances at given previously, the government takes these matters seriously and raises them at every opportunity. He specifically asked about investigations and I can say police are working hard alongside operational part is and will investigate all these matters using the appropriate resources in order to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure when people are targeted and are victims, they will get the support that they need and deserve.

14:17

Mark Sewards MP (Leeds South West and Morley, Labour)

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I spoke with the youngest person to be sanctioned under the National to be sanctioned under the National Security Law, Chloe Chung, and she conveyed the concerns of the community in Leeds South-West. I understand the minutes you cannot comment on specific cases so I have two general questions. What assurance it can be government give? Can they give a cast-iron guarantee that any future trade deals with China want threaten the future as we have offered Hong Kongers in the UK? With MI5, with the government consider facilitating a meeting between MI5 and Hong Kongers that between MI5 and Hong Kongers that have essentially had a bone to put on their head as a result of the National Security Law? Can they make sure that there are robust measures sure that there are robust measures in place for those who have been sanctioned?

14:19

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I know he has raised the plight of his constituent previously in the House. I'm grateful to him. Me saying with regard to the first point that national security of the first priority of this government and with regard to the second point, it is a matter for counterterrorism police and when what he said, I will take it away and come back to him take it away and come back to him with a full response.

14:19

Luke Taylor MP (Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat)

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I thank the Shadow Home Secretary for bringing the important question. I'm lucky enough to represent the largest Hong Kong communities in my constituency and they tell me the proposed Chinese super Embassy is chilling prospect for Hong Kongers who have moved here to escape Hong Kong. Surely the Minister agrees it is unconscionable that a foreign state is allowed to massively enhance operations in this country as they flagrantly conduct extrajudicial acts on the streets of the UK? If permission is given, the Minister agree it will undermine any words or assurances given foreign states will be held to account for foreign actors targeting British people on British soil? people on British soil?

14:20

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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Given his strong constituency interest, I understand why you raises the concerns he does. I hope that he and other honourable members understand that we take these matters incredibly seriously. There is a limit to what I can say about the specifics of this case. Putting it slightly more diplomatically, it slightly more diplomatically, there seems to be something of a misunderstanding about the circumstances of this case. I can give him absolute assurance that we look incredibly carefully at these matters.

Some suggestions that have been made ardent. There is a process underway and I am legally bound not to interfere with that process. No honourable member would expect me to do so but I point them to the letter written by the Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary which is carefully considered and include the full breadth of their security.

14:21

Peter Swallow MP (Bracknell, Labour)

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My honourable friend will know the Inquiry on Human Rights Is in the Inquiry on Human Rights Is in Process. Will Recommit to Any measures that come out of that's all we can make sure we are upholding fundamental British values of democracy in the UK and of course they guarding national security? they guarding national security?

14:22

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I am grateful to him. I do know about the Joint Committee on Human Rights Enquiry and I believe I am due to give evidence to it and I give him assurance that we will look carefully at the findings of an important piece of work and I have written to the chair and look forward to meeting the committee and giving evidence and I look forward to furthering the work so we can say

14:22

Ben Maguire MP (North Cornwall, Liberal Democrat)

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more about the work the government intends to do against the issue of transnational oppression. So, I transnational oppression. So, I recently met the son of Jimmy Lai, Sebastian, and his legal team and I Sebastian, and his legal team and I was horrified to hear that the legal was horrified to hear that the legal team had gone through a concerted campaign against them including intimidation, surveillance, hacking intimidation, surveillance, hacking of bank accounts and threats of rape to be a.

It appears the Chinese are undermining the legal system. The Minister has said the government will take all steps against Hong Kong nationals in the UK so will the support high-profile visits in respect of countries to be passed until the security situation is resolved? resolved?

14:23

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I am grateful to him for raising the case of Jimmy Lai and I have also met with Sebastian and I can tell him the case is a priority for the government made this clear in engagement with China. We have called on authorities to end the politically motivated prosecution and immediately release Jimmy Lai. This was raised with the President at the G20 summit in November and the Foreign Secretary rested and Minister Beth raised it with Hong Minister Beth raised it with Hong Kong officials in November.

-- Minister West.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

We come to the state on Iranian

**** Possible New Speaker ****

We come to the state on Iranian state threats. Security minister, Dan Jarvis. It is a pleasure to be back. With

**** Possible New Speaker ****

It is a pleasure to be back. With your permission, Madam Deputy your permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on the growing threat to the UK from Iran and he stepped the government Iran and he stepped the government are taking. The threat sits in the wider context of the diversifying wider context of the diversifying and growing threat the UK faces by a number of states. The threat from states has become increasingly interconnected in nature, blurring the lines between domestic and international, online and off-line, states and proxies.

In the last year, the number of state threat investigation is being run by MI5 has jumped by 40%. The statistic is a stark indication of the increased threat. During specifically to Iran, the regime has become increasingly emboldened, asserting itself more aggressively to advance object and undermine ours. This is demonstrated by the fact direct action against UK targets has substantially increased in recent years and the director- general of MI5 recently stated that since the start of 2022, the UK has responded to 20 Iran-backed plots, representing potentially lethal threat to UK citizens and residents.

The Iranian regime is targeting dissidents and media organisations and journalists who are reporting only by the depression of the regime. It is no secret that there is a long-standing pattern of targeting Jewish and Israeli people internationally by the Iranian security services and it is clear that these parts are a conscious strategy of the regime to use intimidation and fear. The threats are unacceptable and must and will be defended against that every turn. It is testament to world living law enforcement and intelligence sources that so many threats have been thwarted and I'm sure the House will join me in paying tribute to the brave men and women of enforcement and intelligence agencies to work every day to keep us safe.

In seeking to tackle this threat, we must understand it. The Iranian intelligence services include the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Minister of Operations and Security and rather than working on this directly, they use criminal proxies to do their bidding and this helps to obfuscate involvement or leave it safely ensconced in Tehran. We saw this with the conviction of a Chechen-born International who caused convicted of that. The national Cyber Security Centre had national Cyber Security Centre had seen activity conducted targeting a range of state inspectors, including the UK.

The government is absolutely committed to ensuring intelligence and law enforcement agencies have the tools that they need to disrupt and degrade the threats that we face from Iran. I can announce today we will place the whole of the Iranian state including the intelligence services, the IRGC, one with the enhanced fear of the scheme and this is a critical of tool for the UK. This action will mean those directed by Iran to conduct activities in the UK such as criminal proxies must register that activity, whatever it is, or face five years in prison.

They will face a life ban expose The government or face jail time. This will happen as soon as possible be few to having the scheme up and running by the summer. As the members will not, we do not routinely comment on groups being considered but I can assure the House we will continue to keep the list of groups considered under constant review. What has become increasingly clear as the challenges inherent in applying our existing counterterrorism legislation to state and state-linked threats to national security.

This was first raised by the Shadow Home Secretary of the Opposition who warned of state threats to mirror that on terrorism and that the specific difficulties in using a prescription announce that Jonathan Whole Duty has been asked to look at what could be applied to modern-day threats, such as those from Iran. This includes giving specific consideration to the design of a prescription mechanism for state and state-linked body, providing more flexibility than offered under the Mr Hall is perfectly placed to undertake this review, and we are grateful for his agreement to provide this advice.

Let there be no doubt, we are utterly determined to stay ahead of those who threaten our country, and any step that could aid us in that critical endeavour will be considered., But the UK is not alone in facing these threats. States across the Western world are threatened by Iran. So we will work with our allies to better understand, expose and condemn Iranians actions and bring Iranians linked criminals to justice wherever in the world they may be. We regularly collaborate with our five eyes and European partners to protect our democracy partners from hostile Iranians and attack, and your home we are going further to my first of the National Security act of 2023 which was supported on both sides of the House has given the police new powers to target evolving activity.

For example the act criminalises assisting a foreign intelligence service, such as the IRGC. The maximum penalty for these offences is 14 years in prison. The same maximum as for a prescription offence. And I can also announce the training and guidance on state threats activity is now being offered by counterterrorism policing to all 45 territorial police forces across the UK. This will mean that when any frontline officer encounters a suspected state threats incident, they will know what to do and what to look for to ensure that our communities are kept safe.

Furthermore, we have recently issued guidance on the National Security act and how it applies to the UK security profession, including private investigators. This ensures that they are aware of the law, and understand where they might be criminally liable if they were working for any foreign power. Such as Iran. We will also continue to go after the criminal networks and enablers that Iran uses to carry out its work. The leader of this organised crime group, a group frequently used by the Iranians regime has already been sanctioned.

But we will explore further sanctions against other Iranians linked criminals and the National Crime Agency will target those who assist the IRGC and others to launder their money. Alongside the recently launched Border Security Command, which strengthens Britain's border security and disrupt criminal smuggling gangs, I've asked officials to consider new ways to enforce our robust immigration laws to specifically address threats from Iran. This work will focus on further protecting the UK from Iranian infiltration, including those who promote Iranian interference in the UK.

I am clear that our response must be a UK wide effort. So I welcome the Charity commission's statutory inquiries into both the Islamic Centre of England and the alto eat charity trust. I've also asked officials to review where any Iranians interference is being conducted in the UK infers will shine more light on any undisclosed relationship between the Iranians stayed and UK- based institutions and individuals. Finally, the National protective Security authority and counterterrorism policing will continue to provide protective security advice and support to individuals at an organisational level, threatened by the Iranians regime and its criminal proxies, including Persian language media organisations and their employees.

And we will continue to make funding for protective security measures to synagogues, Jewish community centres and schools, ensuring we do all we can to keep our Jewish communities safe. In a dangerous, volatile world, Britain must lead the way. And that means proudly demoting our values and straining every sin you to keep our people safe. The measures I've setup today should reassure the House and the public about our unflinching commitment to these objectives. Under this government, security will be the foundation on which everything else is built.

We will resist attacks on our way of life as vigorously as we counter threats to life. Whatever their source. We will work relentlessly to root out those intent on causing harm on our streets, and we will do whatever it takes to protect our country and our democracy. I commend this statement to the House.

14:35

Rt Hon Chris Philp MP (Croydon South, Conservative)

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Thank you. Can I think the security minister once again for his courtesy in giving advance sight of his statement. The House should be in no doubt about how serious the threat is posed by Iran. Iran sponsors terror organisations across the Middle East. They are enthusiastic and significant supporters of Hamas. Of Hezbollah. Of the Houthis in Yemen. And they back shear militias in Iraq and in Syria. These organisations kidnap, the murder, they rape, and they commit terrorist atrocities.

Without Iran support, these terror organisations would not be able to operate in the way that they do. So Iran bears a heavy burden of responsibility for enabling these terrorist actors to perpetrate atrocities. Let's also not forget that Iran is an enthusiastic supporter of Putin's murderous regime and their invasion of Ukraine. Iran is supplying drone technology to Russia, and more recently, according to the Foreign Secretary, has applied ballistic missiles to Russia, which are being used in furtherance of their illegal and barbaric invasion.

There is no question Iran as a hostile state, it promotes terrorism, undermines freedom and undermines democracy. And we've seen recently actions by Iran on British soil. We've seen journalists being harassed to the point that one media organisation had to thankfully only temporarily relocate its activities from London to New York. That is completely unacceptable. So of course we support the listing of around in the support the listing of around in the enhanced tier of furs. We support the government and of course support the relevant Statutory Instrument when it comes before Parliament.

And I'm glad the National Security act 2023 is being used, and I pay tribute to my right honourable friend the Member for Tonbridge & Malling who I see is in his place for his work in putting that statute onto our books. But having welcomed this move, I do of course have some questions to ask. And essentially, those questions are in this vein, is merely requiring registration a strong enough sanction? And I put it to the House that it is not strong enough because under furs, all that is required is registration.

And that alone is not enough. We've seen our allies, the United States in 2019 designate the IRGC as a terror organisation. We saw our Canadian allies doing the same just last year. And yet I've heard nothing on prescription. Now the Minister said they don't comment on prescription. But of course the now Home Secretary did comment on prescription in January 2023 when she said, " The IRGC is behaving like a terror organisation, and must be prescribed as such. So she spoke in quite unequivocal terms in January January unequivocal terms in January January 2023.

She then said in April 2024 that she would like to make changes to the legal architecture, and yet that was in April 2024, and it's only today that is security minister has announced this review by Jonathan Hall. Why has it set taken seven months to initiate a review which the now Home Secretary talked about nearly a year ago? And then we come to the views of Jonathan Hall himself, because he said coincidentally also in April 2024 that the National Security act 2023 is good enough for the purposes of dealing with Iran.

So my question to the security minister as this, who is right? Is it the now Home Secretary who in 2023 called for outright prescription? As the Home Secretary in 2024 who called for a Secretary in 2024 who called for a change in the law? About which nothing appears to have been done until today. Or is it Jonathan Hall who said also in April 2024 that the National Security act is sufficient? There seems to be some confusion here about the government position. Seems to have moved over time, and I think it would be welcome to get some clarification on that.

Why is the Home Secretary not doing what she said she would do back in 2023, which is outright prescription? Now I think more needs to be done to counter the threat posed by Iran on our shores. And the security missed hinted at this towards the end of his statement. Are they for example more diplomats we could expel him I be undertaking espionage activities? Or directing some of this activity on British soil? Is the police investigation? I see the police minister, my success the police minister is in her place.

Is there more the police could do to investigate this activity? Are we doing enough to provide protective security to potential victims of this activity? It was in my view completely unacceptable that the Iranians, the independent Iranian dissident media group had to temporarily move to New York. We should make sure no one has to move should make sure no one has to move again as a result of these threats. And our using sanctions enough? The security minister mentioned this in his statement, but should we be using more sanctions? I think we should against individuals in the Iranian regime, and organisations that are part of the Iranians security apparatus.

And we should certainly be using levers at the Home Office's disposal, such as Visa sanctions. That is to say, not issuing visas, entry visas to people we suspect of being complicit in these activities, or indeed denying visas to high ranking or other well-connected Iranian officials to , briefly the security minister talked about the wider context of hostile state threats. He said in a previous Urgent Question he would address in his statement the question of whether China should be placed in the enhanced furs tier.

He said he would address it, and eager light members will notice that he didn't address it, so I will ask the question directly, because there is no further statement, will he place because there is no further statement, Will He Pl, China in the enhanced tier of furs? Will he confirm that the House because I think all of us would support him if he did.

14:41

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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Grateful the shadow home secretary for the points he has raised. Let me endeavour to work through them because there were a number of them. Firstly, let me agree with his characterisation that he made at the outset of his remarks about the regime. I hope there is no disagreement amongst us about that. And that is precisely why we think it's the right thing to do to proceed with the measures that I've described today. He mentioned the National Security act, and think it was right to do so.

This is a landmark piece of legislation. I pay tribute to all of those who were involved, including my predecessor. It is an incredibly useful tool that is already delivering and making very significant contribution to our national security. And it is a mechanism that we will continue to use but also to build on. I thought he was perhaps, he will forgive me if I was seeking to make a bit of mischief over the issue of... I'm in heaven forbid, over the issue of prescription.

He will understand, and it would have been the case when he was a minister in the Department that governments don't comment on organisations or entities that are being considered the prescription. He knows that that is a very long- standing procedure and protocol. He understands very well the reasons for doing it, and I know that he wouldn't really expect me to break from the long-standing present today. And I'm not going to. He referenced comments made previously by the Home Secretary.

The Home Secretary in opposition I think absolutely rightly identified the challenge that we are now in government seeking to address. And that is why Mr Hall, to know that there is huge respect for him, clearly he is independent of government, he is supremely well- qualified. An incredibly authoritative figure he was perfectly placed to look at the legislative framework and make advice independently to the Home Secretary about how best to proceed, given the concerns that we have that the architecture that is in place is better geared towards a terrorist entity, an organisation like Al- Qaeda.

To a state backed entity. I think that is entirely the right way to proceed. We love as they look to proceed. We love as they look very closely at Mr Hall's findings, very happy to discuss them further the shadow home secretary and others. And of course we will give a further update to the House as soon as possible. I think entirely reasonably he made the point about what more can be done. Again, as a former Home Office minister, who will complete the understand that there are lots of things that we are doing that we are not going to talk about.

And he will understand the reason why that is. But I can give him assurance that we will and are doing everything we possibly can to combat the threat that we all know that we face. I think he made an important point about protective He will understand the Home Office works closely with other government departments as well as law enforcement to ensure we provide proper protection for individuals identified as being at risk. Police and security services work tirelessly to investigate those threats and take other steps to ensure the safety of those concerned.

He lived protective advice is offered to those facing threats. -- tailored. Where matters become a more sophisticated measures can be put into effect. He slightly mysteriously did seek to infer I made a previous response that I do not think what's quite the case. He will understand announcements with regards to furs will be made in this House and the announcement today specifically relates to the decision on Iran and the announcement is specifically about that country and other announcements made with regards to furs will be made in due course.

14:46

Jon Pearce MP (High Peak, Labour)

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I'm extremely grateful to the Minister for his statement and unwavering commitment to address the threat posed by the Iranian regime in the UK, particularly to Jewish communities. I've heard evidence of the IRGC working on British campuses, seeking to radicalise students and operating therapies to pursue malign aims. Can the Minister assure the House that the review of state threats will be expedited and state threats will be expedited and people do whatever is necessary to protect from this growing threat?

14:47

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I am very grateful to him. I know he has a long-standing interest in this matter and I can give them the assurance he is seeking. I agree that this disruption in universities and with students and charities, it is completely unacceptable. He specifically asked about the review of state threats that the Home Secretary commissioned Mr Hall to undertake understand that Mr Hall is extremely efficient and well- recognised. He understands the importance of the work and is getting on with it at pace and we are keen to and I anticipate that he will be able to complete that work.

will be able to complete that work.

14:48

Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat)

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Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker. I thank the Minister for his statement in advance. The Liberal Democrats recognise the steps he has outlined and recognised the existential threat Tehran pulled these two Israel and democracies including the UK and the head of MI5 last year outlined the serious threat with Iran and other nations like Russia intensifying efforts to interfere in all aspects of British life including the 2020 attacks backed by an emboldened Iranian government.

We welcome the policing of the whole Iranian state and that will include the Revolutionary Guard as he said, who are a vital part of the infrastructure that makes the nation such threat, acting with impunity and supplying terrorist groups like Hezbollah and contributing so much to the tension and violence across the Middle East. If we are to achieve lasting peace it is essential to curtail the influence of Iran to the West. I welcome the review by Mr Hall that has been outlined and I'm grateful the government will keep the list of prescribed groups under review but I hope the decision will come sooner rather than later on the IRGC.

I would like to see him strengthen sanctions on regimes to start tackling the influence of Iran will stop the measures today are a welcome start but we stand ready to support the sanctions and I hope the government will go further and faster. I'm also happy to see the government working with territorial police forces to give officers the skills and confidence to identify the threats on our shores, particularly to communities who remain vulnerable. I also welcome the reference to the threat faced by Jewish communities across the country and the tension rising on our streets.

Michael the Minister is able to outline how the Department work with the CST and other groups to keep Jewish communities safer and those abroad are seeking to undermine all of us and our country.

14:50

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I am very grateful to her. She is absolutely great. We must not let them succeed and people not. She is also completely right about the existential nature of the threat and the 20 plots that she referenced residents from the threat ledger of the MI5 director-general and that illustrates the skill of the talent. I'm grateful for her support for the specific announcement around furs and her acknowledgement of the work we are seeking to do with extra Mr Hall I'm looking at the letters -- legislative framework and we keep this under review.

She's right to mention sanctions and I assure her we will work security with partners in the FCDO and also we will reference the importance of making sure we work across party to protect Jewish communities across the country and she mentioned the Security Trust and they are an organisation well known to members across the House. They are incredibly professional and are an organisation that delivers massive value to communities across the country and we will you to work closely with them.

I spoke earlier about the landmark nature of the National Security act. It is a measure for which we are truly grateful. I wanted the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution made by the right honourable member for Hampshire East in securing that legislation. It is not forgotten. legislation. It is not forgotten.

14:52

Josh Dean MP (Hertford and Stortford, Labour)

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Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I thank the Minister for his state and I welcome the action that the government is taking to counter the influence of Iran on British streets. It is critical that we take effective action to protect critical national infrastructure from cyber attacks. Therefore, can I ask the Minister to lead us on the plans announced in the King's Speech last year for a new bill on cyber resilience and other protections in this area? this area?

14:53

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I am grateful to him because he raises the threat vector which is raises the threat vector which is important but not often commented on. I can tell him the National Cyber Security Centre assessed that they have a number of powerful and disrupt tools that your disposal. You will understand that the Department continues to work closely with government, industry, international partners to mitigate the cyber threat from Iran. We take it very seriously and are working across government to counter it.

across government to counter it.

14:53

Rt Hon Sir Julian Lewis MP (New Forest East, Conservative)

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Does the Minister agree with me that this is one area where cooperation with the US can continue on the basis of a common mutual interest given the extremely strong attitude of resident Trump in relation to the abuses carried out by the Iranian regime. Is he aware of the Intelligence Security Committee during the last Parliament completed the classified version of a report on Iranian activities and does he look forward, like me, to be processed being completed sooner so processed being completed sooner so we can address the findings of the report?

14:54

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I am always grateful to the right honourable settlement because he always adds significant wisdom to proceedings. I agree about the importance of the relationship with the US and I agree that we absolutely have a common mutual interest with colleagues at the new administration and the Prime Minister discussed this matter with President Trump on his recent visit to Washington. I can tell him I'm aware of the report the references from the Intelligence Security Committee and I've written to the committee of leading the measures I've announced today and I look forward to working closely with them to make sure we can collectively derive the information from the report and I'm grateful to him and previous members for the work that they have done.

they have done.

14:55

Joe Powell MP (Kensington and Bayswater, Labour)

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I thank the Minister for the reference to money laundering in the reference to money laundering in the statement. She will the extent ride evaded sanctions and funded hostile activities. Can the Minister give an update on what the government is doing to disrupt money-laundering

14:56

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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networks, particularly those used in the UK? Tick I'm grateful to him for the UK? Tick I'm grateful to him for his question and the important work that he does through the all-party that he does through the all-party Parliamentary group. He is absolutely right that illicit absolutely right that illicit finance does fund hostile activities. The government takes this incredibly seriously and that this incredibly seriously and that is why we have appointed the anticorruption champion Baroness anticorruption champion Baroness Hodgson and are producing a corruption strategy and that will be published before the summer recess.

It is why I recently visited the UAE It is why I recently visited the UAE because the nature of the challenge requires an international response and that is why we are seeking to work with partners to do everything we can to tighten the screw against those who would seek to use illicit finance finance illegal activity and am grateful for all the work the

14:57

Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MP (Tonbridge, Conservative)

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honourable member and Baroness Hodgson do. Steer IP tribute to the Minister for the work he is doing in Minister for the work he is doing in leading the fight against this. I join him in paying tribute to join him in paying tribute to Jonathan hold we did amazing work for others in government and I'm for others in government and I'm sure they will serve him with the same diligence and to MI5 you have begun to put real focus on to some areas that previously slipped by.

Will he recognise that this is not just a domestic challenge. I recognise what he has set out you must work on this matter with friends and allies. The truth is the pressures in Iran and the failure of the state and the emergence of society is a threat and also the emergence of the dreadful resume that has occupied the country and talk to people for many years means this is a whole of government response and we are feeling the effect in the UK because the poison is seeping out of Tehran.

14:58

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I'm grateful to him for the work he's done previously and the support he has provided. I agree with what he said about Jonathan Hall - he is a figure of great integrity and authority and we are lucky to have him and be benefit from the advice he provides in his own independently. I agree with what he said about the leadership of MI5. They do extraordinary work and we should be very grateful to them for their service. He rate.

This is a domestic challenge that requires an international coalition of the willing as well and we must part -- work with partners in the US and Europe and that is the matter he knows that the Prime Minister presently takes very seriously. These are the most profoundly important matters and we take them seriously and are working across government and with part two deal with them. with them.

14:59

Mark Sewards MP (Leeds South West and Morley, Labour)

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I welcome the action the Minister is taking to combat Iranian state threats on the streets. In the state, he said there was a long- standing pattern of targeting Jewish people by the Iranian intelligence services and while it is now secret it is concerning for the community involved. I welcome that he said they would maintain funding for protective measures around synagogues and schools but given the seriousness of this situation, can he set out in more detail how the government will protect the Jewish community in the UK from these community in the UK from these

15:00

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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Grateful to him. He makes a very important point I know will be shared across the House. I said my remarks the importance that we attach to ensuring that all communities in our country are not just safe but feel as if they are safe. And he's absolutely right to reference the importance of ensuring that our Jewish communities feel they are both properly valued and properly protected. He will know that I've already reference the importance of the work that has been done by the community Security trust.

We've made a significant financial commitment to them to support the important work they do. I've written to them today and will be meeting with them I hope in the very near future. They do extraordinary work. We are very grateful for it. And I'm very happy to take the opportunity to reassure him and all members of our continued commitment to work with in the future?

15:01

Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP (East Hampshire, Conservative)

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I welcome the security minister has said today about the inclusion of Iran in the enhanced tier of FIRS, and can I confirm, the IRC may look at as the system operationalised, it will also cover more complex situations where it's not as straightforward as somebody taking an instruction from an organ of state or from some other organisation, including FIRS or indeed situations where there is no actual instruction of relationship at all, but somebody choosing to act on that.

15:01

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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Grateful to him for the previous work is done. I think he makes an important point. And I can absolutely give him the assurances that he seeks. We will have much more to say about it in the future. But I hope he recognises that today marks a very significant step forward. This is a measure that was introduced by the previous government. We think it's the right way to proceed, and we are seeking to progress it at pace. to progress it at pace.

15:02

John Slinger MP (Rugby, Labour)

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I welcome the Minister's statement, and I'm confident that my honourable friend will agree with me that this House, the government and indeed the country Bears and animosity make no animosity towards the reigning people but it's the actions of the Iranian state that we are deeply concerned about taking action about, and in that regard I wonder if he would give me more detail on the training that may be available for our police officers who often have to counter the actions of the Iranians state on our streets and constituencies across the country.

15:02

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I think you made to four important points. I complete you agree with the point you made about the Iranians people. This is not about them. This is about the targeted activity of the Iranians state. And we are absolutely clear that these measures that we've announced today are specifically for those state entities, not for the people of Iran. He made an important point about police training. I was able to confirm earlier on in my introductory remarks about the work that is taking place by counterterrorism police, working with all of our territorial police forces right around the country.

That is work that is already under way. It is absolutely essential that police officers on the beat, wherever they may be, have the training that they need to spot and more effectively understand some of the risks and some of the threats that some of our citizens are subjected to. That is relatively new work that is being progressed at pace, and I'm grateful both to counterterrorism police and the police forces right around the country for their commitment to it.

15:03

Sarah Olney MP (Richmond Park, Liberal Democrat)

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It's been a privilege and an honour to engage with my many Iranian constituents over the years. But I'm always filled with horror when they tell me some of the stories, both of what's happening to their families and friends, back home in Iran particularly the oppression suffered by many women in Iran, but also the stories they tell me about their experiences in this country, so I very much welcome the measures outlined by the Minister today, particularly around training for the police.

I do know that that will make a big difference to my constituents. I just wanted to raise the particular issue that they often raise with me, I do know is one of the biggest issues for British Iranians living in this country, and that surround banking. And while I very much welcome the Minister's response to the Member for anything Kensington and Bayswater talking about money-laundering, can I ask the Minister to ensure that for those British Iranians who are living here for many years, they often find that their bank accounts are frozen and leaving them in considerable financial hardship because some of these banking restrictions are just imposed without discrimination.

And if you could speak a bit more about what the British Iranians, what reassurance you can give to my constituents about their abilities to continue banking without restriction?

15:05

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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Very grateful to her for the points you made and for the referencing of the work that we do to ensure that police officers wherever they are in the country have the requisite knowledge and experience in order to handle these matters when they encounter them. I think she made a really practical point of the issue relating to frozen accounts. And banking arrangements for British Iranians. Let me take that away, and I will contact to her. She will recall the mentioned earlier on the work being done through the Defending Democracy Taskforce reviewing the issue of transnational repression.

We are looking very carefully at what more we can do in this area, and I will take away the particular point she has made with regard to banking and grateful for it.

15:06

Dan Tomlinson MP (Chipping Barnet, Labour)

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It's very welcome that the Minister is taking such strong action to counter the threat posed by Iran on Britain's streets. Can he explain how the process outlined to consider a prescription style framework to tackle the IRGC will work? work?

15:06

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I can say to him that in opposition the Home Secretary rightly didn't think that the existing legislative architecture was necessarily appropriate. And it's the challenge of having a terrorist entity like Al-Qaeda and ensuring that a mechanism that might be used to prescribe a state entity was going to work in the same effective way. So in order to seek advice and the Home Secretary has commissioned Jonathan Hall to look very carefully at this. As I think the honourable member may have heard me say, he's someone who is superbly well qualified to do this work will stop he's working at pace with it, and we will have more to say about it in the near future.

15:07

Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)

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Very much welcome the statement. The ministers absolute right to- the interconnected nature of the threats we face from malign state actors. To what George W Bush called the axis of evil. Given events in the US recently, and the apparent distancing of Washington from some of its allies, and an alignment perhaps with President Putin, and noting the strong connection between Teheran and Moscow. Does the Minister share my concern that America may not fully have understood the connection between the two, and what conversations will he and his colleagues be having with the US around the need for them to distance themselves entirely and cauterise their relationship so far as that nexus between Tehran and Moscow is concerned? Moscow is concerned?

15:08

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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Grateful to him as I always am. He always asks challenging questions, and I completely agree with the point you made about the interconnected nature of the threat. He's absently right in his assessment there. I would just say to him as a very experienced member of this House as a former minister, he will understand that I need to choose my words incredibly carefully. And therefore what I will say as he will understand, we place huge emphasis on the importance of the relationship with the United States.

That's why the Prime Minister was in Washington just recently, meeting with President Trump. He will understand from his previous ministerial service huge importance and the value of the operational partnerships that we have with the US in the wider context that the Five I's arrangements. These are hugely important linkages and we benefit hugely from them. As a relatively new government are still investing in these relationships to ensure that we get the most out of them, and we will work very closely with our new US allies to target what he rightly has described as the interconnected nature of the threat from the countries he knows all about.

15:09

Rt Hon Sir Alec Shelbrooke MP (Wetherby and Easingwold, Conservative)

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I welcome the statement from the Minister today. Of course the Israelis have done huge amount to dismantle the influence of Iran across many aspects of the Middle East. So could I ask the Minister that he ensures that we carry on giving Israel the support to make sure Iran is not able to be established as Hamas and Hezbollah in some of these areas, and also to make sure the British companies are not through a series of countries that they can trade with, supplying components to Iran and we make sure that whole supply chain is actually making sure we can achieve the objectives we have?

15:10

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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Grateful to the right honourable gentleman. He makes important points. He's absolutely right in terms of the importance that he attaches to our relationships with partners in the Middle East. These are relationships that we invest heavily in. And they are in our own national interest to do so first of but your so I thought made a very good point about supply chains. I can give him that assurance, but it's a good point, and anything further on it.

15:10

Dave Doogan MP (Angus and Perthshire Glens, Scottish National Party)

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I welcome the content and nature of the statement from the Minister. He says that he is considering new ways to enforce robust immigration rules to specifically address threats from Iran. Can he flesh out a little bit what that means specifically with regard to what the governments stances on prescription of the IRGC? I know he's reluctant to talk about that but maybe he can sense the frustration amongst honourable members, the government stands behind this veil of obscurity as regards how that may happen? And he speaks appropriately about the protections that will be afforded in this statement to members of the Jewish community in the United Kingdom quite rightly too.

And he spoke previously about the urgent question with protections that will be affordable UK state Hong Kong is from foreign state actors acting against their best interests. Can he speak to the House today about what the UK state will do to protect Iranians and patients living in the UK through the subject of malign foreign state action against their foreign state action against their interests? Thank you.

15:11

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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There's quite a lot in his question. I hope that I have given him a sense with regard to prescription of the importance we attach to the Home Secretary has attach to the Home Secretary has commissioned. The work. I think it's entirely reasonable for us to say reflect the existing legislative framework and decided that we need an independent reviewer, independent advice to guide us as to whether it is most appropriate for the state threats that undoubtedly we face.

I think that's the right way to proceed, and I hope he understands no government would get into a running commentary with regard to prescription. That isn't helpful, and undermines the deterrent effect of that particular tool. He made an important point about ensuring that as a government we do everything we can to protect those uranium people currently residing in the UK. I can give him those assurances. Hopefully he said the words I spoke earlier on about the work that the Defending Democracy Taskforce is progressing, and the transnational repression review.

That's an important piece of work. It is -- it's been a process that has taken some time, but it should provide the mechanisms by which government can most effectively ensure that people in this country are protected from the kind of threats we've been discussing today. discussing today.

15:13

Rt Hon David Davis MP (Goole and Pocklington, Conservative)

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I know I've bored the Minister incessantly with my repetitive calls for the prescription of the IRGC, so I welcome what he has to say today. In particular the independent advisers review, which I hope will be rapidly available to take action. But can I pick up the issue raised by my right honourable friend about this being a whole of government response? This isn't just the foreign offices work as well as the Home Office. It is wider than that. I give him a single number.

Progressive governors have stood aside whilst British universities have done military research in conjunction with Iranian researchers on battlefield armour, on range finding bases, on drones, and fighter jets. Will he ensure that the whole of Whitehall brings the focus that is required?

15:14

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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Let me say to the right honourable gentleman he has never bored me.

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Division. Allow a sense that in the chamber

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Allow a sense that in the chamber will be able to say precisely those same words. But I can say them and look the right honourable gentleman look the right honourable gentleman in the face. He's right to mention the Jonathan Hall work. He will know that Jonathan Hall is not an that Jonathan Hall is not an individual who sits on his hands, and will work at pace. We do need to and will work at pace. We do need to get a move on with this and can give an assurance that we will.

And work will progress at rapid pace. will progress at rapid pace. Finally, his point about why the government is exactly right. There is an important role for the DfE, the Defending Democracy Taskforce that was set up by the previous government, which I now chair brings together virtually all of the government departments as well as a number of other operational partners. So that fulcrum point across government which looks at these matters very much does have that wider government approach. Which I think he is aptly right to Which I think he is aptly right to

15:15

Sir Bernard Jenkin MP (Harwich and North Essex, Conservative)

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I thank the Minister for hosted which is making sure the government is not losing sight of any other threats facing the UK and I praise and endorses comments about how our relationship with the US is far more deeper are integrated with Defence and security in many facets beyond any debates with the current White House and it will endure. While we have been on our feet, Vladimir Putin has offered to broker talks between Iran and President Trump.

It is time to point out what the true nature of the nude friend in Moscow actually is.

15:16

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I know that he speaks with great wisdom on these matters. I completely agree with his analysis on the depth of the relationship with the US. The truth of the matter it's all of our constituents are kept much safer because of the partnership arrangement with the US and other allies. It is the most important security relationship we have and it is one we must invest in for the long term and I assure them that is what we will do.

15:16

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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I welcome the statement the Minister has made today. He will probably be aware are close allies in the UAE at the start of the year prescribed 19 organisations for links to Iran and eight of them have headquarters in the UK. Will he commit to the House not to take action today but review what has been dictated by allies and take action to prevent this organisation from organising terrorist activities at the UK?

15:17

Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)

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I think it is a very important matter. I can say I was in the UAE on Saturday and am very Belfast on his points. I think I have responded on the matter previously and I assure him we will look at it and

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will speak on it further. I will allow a few moments for

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I will allow a few moments for

15:18

Statement: Plan for Neighbourhoods

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I will allow a few moments for

15:18

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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I will allow a few moments for Which brings us to the State Plan for Our Neighbourhoods. With for Our Neighbourhoods. With permission, I will make a step went on the plan for our neighbourhoods. The defining which the government is driving economic growth and driving up standards and we must make sure nowhere is behind because in the past but everyone has benefited from economic the and decisions taken by the Conservatives has seen some areas suffer more than others.

As we deliver the mandate for change the £1.5 billion neighbourhoods means neighbourhoods that had been underestimated and undervalued and this government will support growth and opportunity and raise living standards because local neighbourhoods thrive, the rest of the country will 52. This marked the turning of the page on levelling up. The government will not repeat past mistakes I no longer pit communities against one another. For all the promises about levelling up, the Tories have held the economy back. 75 £75 had restrictions on funding that would not exist.

Unlike the Tories' list of restrictions for how parents can span from the Kamal B have doubled what can be spent and pick communities at the heart of changes. The money will be spent on interventions and had different objectives and are aligned with what was set out in the plan for change. Communities can spend on things that matter to them such as modernisation, community-led housing, cohesion, child support, much more. We are making good on these commitments and giving each of the 75 places certainty they will get funding and support in the next decade.

In many communities, work has been undertaken and you want to build on that rather than on doing it and we will support new neighbourhood boards and bring together residents, businesses, grassroots campaigners to implement a new vision for their area. This will include representatives from social housing, workplace representatives, and in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, a representative from the devolved legislature. Each will be allowed to decide how to spend the money to deliver for local people ranging from high street repairs and neighbourhood watches.

These new projects will give communities the tools to make informed decisions with the list of interventions aligned to central missions of the government and these have been assessed as demonstrating value for money and can be pursued without delay. We published a toolkit outlining the wide range of powers for our communities in England and there will be similar for the rest of the country. This is why it is about giving autonomy to communities and eligible to deliver the change they want to see.

The new approach puts communities at the heart of delivery and introduced three new objectives. First, the importance of building thriving places. It will take immense pride in the local area and to me high street have been neglected and left behind. If I could ensure town centres and neighbourhoods better reflect the needs of the community and give residents there and how they are the same time delivering change people can see identify with so people can look out from their doorstep and see a better neighbourhood.

We want class public services that work for everybody in the UK and that is why we will support services put our tailored to local nude because investing in the future of young people and preventative measures now means less pressure in the long term. The second aim is stronger communities. We want to empower neighbourhoods to tackle the root causes of the vision and bring people together to feel proud of the area and restore a sense of belonging to the community. This is about understanding how division is a barrier to driving up living standards as well as impediment to growth.

We also must empower people to take back. Everyone should be in the driving seat of their own life and feel in control of their future. This can feel a distant prospect when stock on a waiting list are not listening to. It is right people want to have a say in the future of the community with enough to get by and we want to make sure children have the best start in the late that adults can live the life they want. I finished by talking about the inspiration for the program which can be traced back to six decades of community politics we have gone from John Prescott and the New Deal for Communities of Baroness Armstrong.

Our aspiration was to empower local people to deliver the transformational change in their neighbourhood that they want to see. The investment has origins in the community development policies of Wilson and Callaghan who tackled social division and now we are looking to the future of the Prime Minister is clear the task requires a decade of national renewal in the country had the necessary ingredients including untapped talent and potential across every town, city, village, state. We have dementia people have enough to get by implicit with hollowed out public services and projecting this is the total plan for the Brits and this is the start.

Begun to deliver a real shift of power with work on devolution, making work pay, fixing local government, building decent homes and it is a down payment that we note that communities can achieve and we will give the resources and powers that they need to succeed. The announcement is a response to anyone in the 75 places you want to see Jane tout sends a message that the full force of government will be

15:24

David Simmonds MP (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, Conservative)

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there to help them deliver it and that is why I commend the statement that is why I commend the statement of the House. Where there is much in this that looks much on the work of this that looks much on the work of the previous government and we share the ambitions for the growth of neighbourhoods and high streets which are fundamental to quality of life for constituents. There is a history that looks back to the history that looks back to the desire of all because it is to have a proper say in the development of their home and in the country that it's grossly centralised by democratic standards like the UK, the local voice is important.

With the predecessor of the prosperity fund based in the EU and the short timeframe in which previous governments levelling up strategies were in effect, it looked at a wide variety of national resources on the challenges that the Minister has referred to in the statement. There was the fund allocation of £2.6 billion for regeneration and communities and £4.8 billion for levelling up designed to support theatres levelling up and there was strong community support and £1.5 billion long-term plan for attacks.

Local leaders welcomed investment and many leaders talked about benefits to constituents. It is a challenge to government to set out how the small and limited project since against levelling ambition and we are this sits against the £3.6 billion pounds fund set out by the previous government. The House like this comes at a time when decisions are causing issues and there's a massive rise in National Insurance contributions and issues pubs, retail, hospitality, changes to business property and the multibillion pound funding gap in council budgets as the result of last October which is affecting this modest announcement today.

That leaves an impact on things like the loss of the Rural Services Fund and the Community Ownership Fund. I'm so file we welcome this rehashing of a scheme that we progressed when office and the allocation to largely the same list of recipients, we have some questions to put to the Minister and the first is the accountability of the reports and it is a concern that the boards will contain trade union representatives but not to mention the democratically elected representatives and this is in the proposed planning white paper.

Local democracy is vital if these boards are to work effectively and the second question is around the lack of clear purpose for these were seized and it sounds like it is a positive thing to broaden the range of areas in which they have rich but did a serious concern at the government chooses refurbishment and modernisation of social housing which is already allocated for in areas of local government fund but it begs the question - will these funds make up shortfalls created in other areas? Finally, the real concern that the broadening of the criteria, in particular the choice to allocate funding according to generalised national statistics rather than local understanding at the level of need mean that the way in which the resources allocated will not reflect needs and local circumstances and the bidding process loads local authorities who can identify needs to come forward and present a plan.

The process of allocation presents a serious risk that those you can do the most to benefit high streets and communities will lose out at the expense of those who are able to meet the

15:29

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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criteria of Whitehall. Stick I'm grateful to the Opposition grateful to the Opposition spokesperson for the Crescent and he's right this builds on the previous commitment and that is why previous commitment and that is why we thought it was prudent to retain the same areas and bethink promises the same areas and bethink promises should be kept. I would say it was should be kept. I would say it was astonishing to enter my first day and talk to the civil service and find the program committee £1.5 billion and was unfunded.

They are there is no way to run a country like that. I am very pleased that we have kept the commitment to those communities because they would have be disappointment if not. He talked about the place in the wider environment and there is the possibility of funding which we committed to in the Budget and we are committed to getting the communities they tools and resources that they need. With regard to questions of accountability, of course local councils are still of.

We are talking about change to neighbourhood boards that broaden the existing structure and so we want local councils involved and local members of Parliament and the representatives but we think the voice of people who work in the communities is vital and I'm surprised the honourable gentleman does not agree. Secondly, he talks about lack of clear purpose and this is when we are a different species because I believe in freedom to make these decisions locally and they believe the expertise is held locally and the wisdom for communities across this place is held by the local community rather than the Minister and it may be a revelation for Minnesota -- Minister to say that but I believe it is their job and it is best done by local communities and MICHAEL SCHWARZ: As Minister is to get them the resources and we differ on this point.

The previous government moved away from the affection for the process by the last Parliament and understood the debilitating beauty parade which pitted communities against each other was not a good way to get out of communities but it is a point of difference and I believe longer term and more flexible plan guided by local people but they believe in short-term bidding and that is a matter of point but the Secretary of State said it offered value for money but I believe the best value for money is fun communities have the proper tools and resources to meet their criteria, rather than mine and I think that is how you

15:32

Florence Eshalomi MP (Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, Labour )

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I thank the Minister for this statement this afternoon, if we are statement this afternoon, if we are honest, there are a number of us who have represented councils, been on councils, there are some of us who still seven councils. The reality is, the competitive process did unfortunately pitch some councils against each other. So I think it is right we move away from that, and the sticky plaster politics we have seen over the last few years. I do want to press the Minister on understanding a bit more about how the neighbourhood boards will be set up and how they will function.

Will there be a clear recruitment process to get local buying. As the Minster said, it is important we bring the document is with us for some of there is conflict over the communities and the board, for example a regeneration plan, one has the power to veto another? Will the department also have oversight to intervene, should there be serious concerns about the intervention operation? Alongside this, the Minister said it is important for the communities to have a say over their future, so other department looking at the community Right to Buy? I will declare my interest as a Labour Co-op MP.

We know for the community Right to Buy, we have the local pubs, libraries, nature centres, and so much more saved. Can he update us on the work for when we expect to see that you like and that legislation come forward? legislation come forward?

15:33

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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I am grateful for the Chair of the Select Committee for those questions. I share what she says on competitive tendering for I think the quid pro quo for that is that the government of the day has to be very clear about how allocations are made, and my commitment is always being transparent and how those decisions are made and I know the Select Committee will take a strong interest in that. With regards to the establishments of boards, one of the themes I suspect of the discussion of the next few minutes, we don't want to hold back areas that are making good progress.

There may be areas that have established boards that can take advantage of the opportunities to add some more people to them, and move on at pace, then a be areas that want to take this moment has a chance to reboot their board. Either way, that basic principle that the local authority will be of course the kind of ring holder, supported by the local member of parliament, but once that board is going, we suspect it to be in leadership, we don't want there to be significant tensions with their councils.

We would expect that to be resolved in the usual way, those boards would have the power to get on with the job. In regards to community rights, there was a component of the white paper, we are looking forward to delivering that, we know that will be greatly valued, whether it is pubs, other buildings and people's communities. So, we are very keen on that. And as a fellow very keen on that. And as a fellow Labour Co-op MP, I particularly.

15:35

Gideon Amos MP (Taunton and Wellington, Liberal Democrat)

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Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. The demo was welcome this plan to work with communities to work with local amenities and engagement in the process. We also welcome the move away from debating between local council areas, towards a more objective approach, in areas with multiple deprivation. In our opinion and my opinion, the previous system of divisive repeating one area against another, in a way that actually did damage to more areas that it helped. Liberal Democrats are committed to allowing communities to take the action they need to improve the areas, given sufficient powers, therefore, resources and resources local authorities, can play a major role in reversing climate and nature emergencies.

Initiating homes, advancing green spaces, improving high quality. -- Air quality. But Wants councils to do more with less, plunging them into financial crises, councils have gone bankrupt around the country and many are feeling the strain of cuts to public services. The lack of investment in community assets, no community can flourish without proper powers and resources. We welcome this plans commitment to ensuring new neighbourhood, working with local communities, however we urge the government to confirm the local authorities will be funded and resources need to be some essentially taking on this workload.

The councils have forced many of them to make possible choices of funding. In Somerset for example, nearly 70% of council tax receipts, one careful adults and children, which many believe should be a national responsibility. Until we have a national solution to the care crisis, councils will continue to be out back from foot reach and -- From reaching their full potential. Welcome the government's commitment for investing in community led improvement and welcome new neighbourhood boards which will provide community engagement throughout the process.

We urge the government to reconsider its decision to remove district council level scrutiny in the planning process. Taking power out of the hands of local councillors will also take it out of the hands of local people, that is undemocratic and would ultimately slow the process in getting the homes we need. We also call on the government to confirm that nature and climate specialists be included in the neighbourhood boards. Finally, can I ask the...

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Can I remind the honourable member that there is a time limit. I

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will give you won more sentence. Apologies, Madame Deputy Speaker. Can I ask whether the Secretary of State will be reviewing a list of 75 State will be reviewing a list of 75 towns so others can be included in the future and finally, what the government consider rolling the plans into neighbourhood plans, so that they would be given more

15:37

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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that they would be given more statutory effect in making planning

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decisions? Grateful for those questions. I think on the point of our climate and nature, we know that gaining consent from community often starts with buy in, so having localised with buy in, so having localised climate interventions through these programs may very well be a good way to do that. On the point of local authorities, the budget was the first step in rebuilding local authority finances that will take time. As he says, resolution and social care will take some of that social care will take some of that social care will take some of that pressure off as well.

With regards to planning, this is why local plans are so important. Not enough of the country is covered by local plans. Local people rightly want to say the best way to do that in the local plan process, and from the 75 towns point, the ones that were previously announced are the ones we have honoured. But of course, as he says, there may be scope to go further in the future. I can't go ahead of the spending review. But we know that if we can prove that things have worked in the 75 towns, there would be a very strong case to do them elsewhere.

elsewhere.

15:38

Andy McDonald MP (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, Labour)

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I thank the Minister for his statement. The previous government admitted they were's formulas which provided money to deprived urban areas needed to be undone. So, I welcome the government's commitment to tackling deprivation is much needed. But as a local authority area, Middlesbrough has to know just -- Has the lowest wages in the region, and there were statistics for deprivation in qualifying metrics, so no constituency in my area has 15 for the long-term plan for towns, which is the legacy of the Rubeus government agenda.

I fully understand the rationale, in terms of parameters of populations and the need to follow through on promises previously made, but can a minister confirm what steps he is taking to move on from their porkbarrel politics? And provide assurance that the government's determination is to invest in the deprived urban areas, not served in today's announcement.

15:39

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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I am grateful for that question and for the chance to reiterate, yes, we wanted to honour the commitments made to those 75 communities. We felt that was the decent thing to do. I'll commitment, as I have made at the Dispatch Box previously, in the future, will have clear formulas based on deprivation and the need and go where the data says, too many times in the past, editors of sorts to go where the -- Ministers sought to go where the

15:40

Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP (Sutton Coldfield, Conservative)

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context were, we will do much better in the future. in the future. That, we were delighted to receive the funding from the last the funding from the last government, for the town's fund. And we are very grateful, I think in the words he used, that he has honoured that commitment. From that Dispatch that commitment. From that Dispatch Box. May I also thank the Minister for the courtesy he has shown in the discussions that he and I have had about this previously.

I very much hope that, as I mentioned to him before, he will come in a state visit to the Royal town, where we will be able to show him the delights of the town. But also show him how very well we will ensure that this taxpayers money is spent.

15:40

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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I am very grateful for that and the conversations I have had with the honourable gentleman. There is something of the 75 areas chosen, there is something different about his to all the others, in that for every other one, the connectionist of the local council. In this case, it is the town council. He knows I'm a very big proponent of town and parish councils. I say, he wears a heavyweight to demonstrate that this is a model that works because it could be a model that is used again in the future.

I'm looking forward to working with him, and I will come and visit.

15:41

Melanie Onn MP (Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, Labour)

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Thank you very much, Madame Deputy Speaker. People in Cleethorpes are delighted to be included in the list of 75 towns in this long-term funding, that certainly is something that has been missing from previous financial commitments, and particularly, I'm interested however in the governance arrangements going forward. Because what we have seen under the previous arrangements of town and board deals, decisions have been made, in my case, money reallocated that was intended for the library, to go into parts of projects that had been left to delay and incur extra costs.

So, could he reassure my constituents that there was an opportunity to review the governance arrangements of these new neighbourhood boards?

15:42

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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Yes, now is the time to review those boards. We will be asking for that by the end of next month. And then beyond that, there will be the moment to, for those boards to formulate plans over the next few months, that is the moment to get down in writing how that money is going to be used to get in contact with the local community. I hope and I'm sure we will see communities really involved in those conversations so the plans really reflect what people locally want.

reflect what people locally want.

15:42

Rt Hon Sir Julian Lewis MP (New Forest East, Conservative)

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the Minister made reference to his support for town and parish councils. Can he explain a little more about the new neighbourhood boards? Will the geographical footprint of the new boards be similar to that of parish and town councils in the 75 areas concerned? And if so, when did have been better to give this role to elected bodies, like the parish and town councils, rather than to unelected new boards? rather than to unelected new boards?

15:43

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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The elected body that, the fundholder will be the new local authority, as I say, there is only one case where it differs from one of the other councils in parish and towns, in regards to boundaries, these reflect the human geographies, rather than the political geographies. Their neighbours and points were that aligns, maybe they won't. The best models I think, the local community says, that balance is something that can be found. If there are concerns about boundaries, now a very short moment when that could be revisited.

I don't think there is big connectivity to completely change the scope, but if there are sensible tweaks to be made, then of course, we will have those conversations. those conversations. those conversations.

15:44

Rebecca Long Bailey MP (Salford, Labour)

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It is really welcome that today's plan finally delivers on the unmet promises made to these communities, from the previous government's long-term plan for towns. But since the selection methodology in that plan was developed, Pendleton in Salford has sadly lost it's only leisure centre and pool to fire. Leaving the community already starved of leisure facilities with nothing at all. So, Would the Minister meet with me to discuss what help the government can give Salford in ensuring this vital facilities rebuild urgently?

15:44

Sarah Dyke MP (Glastonbury and Somerton, Liberal Democrat)

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I am very sad to hear of that fire, and of course very happy to take that meeting.

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The Liberal Democrats welcomed the plans commitment to social the plans commitment to social housing and ensuring development is community led. However, it is disappointing that Somerset will not disappointing that Somerset will not feel the benefit, given the demand for social housing in Glastonbury for social housing in Glastonbury and Somerton and across the county, vastly outweighed supply. So, can the Minister confirm if there are plans to extend the plant to

15:45

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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plans to extend the plant to allocate further funding in addition to the 75 local authorities confirmed today?

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The honourable lady knows I cannot run ahead of the Spending cannot run ahead of the Spending Review. There are other funds of course available, the in-house local government settlement, there is the Shared Prosperity Fund. But of

15:45

Helena Dollimore MP (Hastings and Rye, Labour )

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Shared Prosperity Fund. But of course, if we can prove this is an affective model, the Navy scope in

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the future to extend. For all the talk of levelling up from the party opposite, I would from the party opposite, I would gently remind them of the experience of my constituents in Hastings and Rye of levelling up. Which is £150,000 of taxpayers money was £150,000 of taxpayers money was given to a Conservative donor to improve Hastings town centre until improve Hastings town centre until we have left behind is a boarded-up close shop in the town centre of Hastings. So I really welcome today Hastings.

So I really welcome today the commitment from the Minister of £20 million Hastings money to be spent in a responsible way that is spent in a responsible way that is based on the priorities of my constituency in Hastings and Rye. Whether that be broken pavements, broken Bow shelters, or buying back community assets that are so important, from pubs, to closed concert venues, I know there is a top -- A lot of concern about the Saint Mary Castle, so how can residents of Hastings feed into the process of how the suspect?

15:46

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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Grateful for that and aware of the history mentioned. I hope for Hastings this will be a reboot moment and a chance to get some of that benefit that the committee undoubtedly wants to say. The plan will be quickly to get aboard in place and develop a plan, to help them engage their committee as best as possible. Chesterfield springs to mind, I'm sure those committees will

15:46

Stephen Gethins MP (Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, Scottish National Party)

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The Minister and I had a very consensual exchange yesterday, are consensual exchange yesterday, are questions. He knows that our growth has been exceptional in this. Can he assure me that where communities have good structures, those structures will be kept and that funding is welcome. Similarly I think it is fair to say there was some disappointment in some places like Perth and Dunfermline, there has been some disappointment about the promises are not kept by those who backed leaving the EU, in terms of some of the Lifeline funding that came from European Union.

Can you give us some thoughts on that and finally, will he absolutely assurers that the devolution will be respected in terms of any plans going forward. going forward.

15:47

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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As I said yesterday it was impossible in that church hall to not be astounded by the consultation, which I think is a model for elsewhere. With regards to devolution we see this through the prism, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister has about wanting to reset elation ships of the devolved governments. I've had discussions as the honourable gentleman make note, I will continue to do so. Having the representatives involved is a positive step. We do not want to hold back process where areas have made significant process, should we move on apace, we will be able to make these relatively minor tweaks, in their cases and move forward at great pace.

With regards to pre-structure funds, we are able to deliver what we could, during this budget and what is coming forward will be looked at, as part of the spending review.

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Before I call Matt Waller, can I

15:48

Matt Rodda MP (Reading Central, Labour)

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Before I call Matt Waller, can I let the honourable member for Torbay to know I will be coming to him next. May I thank the Minister and

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May I thank the Minister and welcome the thrust of this policy, welcome the thrust of this policy, putting communities at the heart of a generation of investment. I have a couple of questions for the Minister, unfortunately we have missed out this time, I hope we are successful in the future. Could he explain how high-street action zones will be incorporated into this sort of work? And indeed other instances such as the local matters which have helped communities to rebuild and re-energise other areas.

re-energise other areas.

15:49

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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I think this is a really important point. There is well meant, I believe, but not very efficient. What we have seen over recent years with that accumulation of different strands in levelling up funding. Lesser than the sum of its parts. One of the challenges within that is you lose that, we absolutely will be drawing on the best, from high-street accelerators, or funded assets, of community value and showing that insight, not just with showing that insight, not just with those recipients, but instead with the rest of the country as well.

15:49

Steve Darling MP (Torbay, Liberal Democrat)

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Steve Darling. Torbay is the premier resort in the UK. However, behind our palm trees and fillers, is the most deprived council in the Westerville and. It is a truly welcome Minister that Torbay is among those 75. We have sadly had and pause, while the new government brought through the wreckage left by the previous Conservative government finances, it is a very welcome that this money is coming to bear. And Madam Deputy Speaker it is really heartening that this is over a number of years, we have confidence of how to support our communities.

But, it resulted in a pregnant pause that I know myself and my colleagues are particularly concerned about as we have oven ready opportunities, for our communities and rather than a further months of delay, is it possible, I've already written to the Minister on this issue, is it possible we cannot resend, after conversations with the Minister, rather than having to run to even more delays of implementing the changes that we all desperately want to see our local communities -- pre-spend. pre-spend.

15:50

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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I am grateful to the honourable gentleman for his consistent lobbying. The program starts from 2026, very clear about that, that cannot be pulled forward was not local authorities do have other flicks ability to spend earlier, flicks ability to spend earlier, knowing where the money is coming from. There will be a decision for them to take locally.

15:51

Jo Platt MP (Leigh and Atherton, Labour )

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Can I thank the Minister and his department for today's announcement and the commitment for the plan for neighbourhoods. As my honourable friend knows, might community in Italy is home to amazing community organisations and businesses, working hard prove our area, they have been doing it alone for too long. Today's boost funding changes long. Today's boost funding changes that. And does he agree this plan marks the first step towards a new partnership where communities are supported and empowered to shape the places that they call home.

15:51

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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I know of at least great creativity, my honourable friend used to know. We want this to be a reset of the way in which central government works with local communities. To unleash that creativity. I think seen by the opposition to be revelatory. I believe they should make decisions about the future and not myself.

15:52

Mr Gregory Campbell MP (East Londonderry, Democratic Unionist Party)

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Madam Deputy Speaker you went from a Mr Speaker to Madam Deputy Mayor in half an hour. I wish you all the best for the future. If I could just welcome the Minister's statement, and indeed are very welcome in Northern Ireland and in Londonderry and in my patch. Katie also reassure us that as we look forward to 10 years, we welcome planning and proposals to be put in place. Can he assure us that towards the end of this Parliament that we will review the plan to see if it is possible to develop and become very possible to develop and become very focused in trying to get fit to our constituents.

15:52

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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This is an important point. The plans do take time to gear up, there might not be a uniform spend, exactly £2 million every year. There might be some flexibilities, which is why you think that length of time is valuable. After the fourth year we will do stock-take. Do not want to be in a situation where places are spinning their wheels making a big backlog of funding to stop it has to be realistic. By the end of this parliament we will have that.

Take.

15:53

Terry Jermy MP (South West Norfolk, Labour)

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I'm grateful to the Minister that is a very positive statement today. I'm naturally delighted my hometown of Thetford in south-west offered was perceived as having a share of this money. It is going to unlock Thetford's potential. After 14 years of so much decline, what measures that will be made to make sure this money is spent as quickly as possible and make as much of a difference as possible, in the short term.

15:53

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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We will work with Thetford and all the other recipients, so that they have the best possible insight as to what is effective and to what some of the good practices elsewhere. We will, we have developed a series of pre-a few approved Thetford can pick from those to make sure they have been assessed as having value for money. To build an effective plan, really quite quickly.

15:54

Mr Lee Dillon MP (Newbury, Liberal Democrat)

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker, plan for the prospectus published on the website earlier today talked about ending the Whitehall knows best culture. And with that in mind, would the Minister consider the current allocation of 75% capital, 25% revenue. If that split and needed to be changed in the local area, then the Minister would consider that. Also within the Minister's statement, the Minister says about giving communities autonomy in designing and delivering the change that they want to see.

I'm sure all communities in the UK would wish to have that autonomy. How can it may be the principle of a neighbourhood awards be rolled out, neighbourhood awards be rolled out, even if the funding is not there to -with.

15:54

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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Absolutely we want to see those board meeting, I come from other areas where they have anticipated and set up boards early. The class to do other things as well. I really a good sign of a mature partnership is on the revenue capital split, I'm afraid there isn't flicks ability. been agreed, within the budget is what is agreed. what is agreed.

15:55

Frank McNally MP (Coatbridge and Bellshill, Labour)

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I commend my honourable friend for the statement and welcome up to £20 million, in my constituency. Thank you for taking last year to speak to me. Earmarked for levelling up funding, it was put at risk by the previous government. Cynically, yet perhaps unsurprisingly, they failed to identify how they would fund them. Does my noble friend agree with me that by delivering this funding, this government, that supports regeneration, putting more people and local businesses at the heart of decision-making, to provide a much-needed jobs and growth.

15:56

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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I absolutely would. When my honourable friend came to visit me in my office, he and his colleagues had come as inspectors and I wasn't going to get away with showing my back. I have to be really candid, as I said there, I did not know if we will be able to find the funding to deliver this program. Which is why I'm really overjoyed, those promises needed to be kept.

15:56

Seamus Logan MP (Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, Scottish National Party)

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I rise to thank the Minister for his commitment and assurances today, not least on behalf of the people of my constituency. The right honourable member for New Forest East asked about the geographical fund of these new bodies. I will depress about that, because it is a point to made clear that there would be scope within the reorganisation of these boards. Might be able to extend their footprint. Would you be able to comment on that, please?

15:56

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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It is not an unfamiliar ask that colleagues have made. We could not support the boundary changes at the ready change in the nature of where the area was. In relation to a million people, that was ceased to be the program that it was. However if there are commonsense changes that could be made, we will look at those at very closely and now would be a really good moment for local authority, local needs. authority, local needs.

15:57

Thank you, like the Minister I'm proud to be a Labour co-operative MP proud to be a Labour co-operative MP and today's announcement is a great move to our movement. Putting power, where it belongs in our communities will stop in areas like mine, will stop in areas like mine, Warrington South, community can be found in our proud grassroots sports teams. Can the Minister update us on teams. Can the Minister update us on what more can be done to empower fans to own and that shape their local sports teams? local sports teams?

15:57

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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We are very enthusiastic, we are of course through the Fan-Led Review taking forward are many things related to football, the Community Ownership Fund, we just have this in final round, just before Christmas, which again in many cases will have a sporting element to it. There is the Shared Prosperity Fund two, authority can support and understand that. Sports teams and sports facilities on the sports fields are a huge part of local communities. We are committed to making sure that local communities have control and local communities have control and how that security knowing that they are going to be there, at the heart of the community.

of the community.

15:58

Anneliese Midgley MP (Knowsley, Labour)

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to welcome the Minister's statement today and the vision that truly transformed communities and constituencies, like mine. And I made up that Kirby will get a massive funding boost under this government's plan, as a part of that. Knowsley is the second most deprived area, in the country. Yet communities across the constituency never stop working to improve their home. In the heart of Kirby, a vital youth and community hub was opened by my predecessor, Harold Wilson, who the Minister mentioned in his statement.

I would like to provide the Minister to meet with me, to discuss how we can give Knowsley a more funding, and resources, to shape the place we call home.

15:59

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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I support the point of my honourable friend made, I know that honourable friend made, I know that the people of Mosley are very proud. Her local authority really have a strong sense of the local purpose. I will be very happy to have a similar conversations about this planet to support Kirby and much more -- Knowsley.

15:59

Douglas McAllister MP (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)

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Can I thank the Minister, statement and announcement is incredibly welcome. I'm most grateful, not least for my constituency, in my home town. Set to receive up to £20 million of funding. I also met with the Minister last year. Can the Minister confirm that my hometown of point bank will decide how to use this funding, to ensure that Clydebank has impact on my community and this demonstrates that the UK Labour government who is a delivering for Scotland.

Scotland.

16:00

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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I totally agree and I know that the honourable gentleman's community, he said this to me there is a proud sense of identity and a desire to have those tools means that they can shape the community. That is what we are doing a through this program and I know that he will be a proud champion and resident voice, into those local plans, to make sure that they are as effective make sure that they are as effective

16:00

Jim Dickson MP (Dartford, Labour)

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Can I say I warmly welcome the announcement from the Minister, and the fact it gives communities far more agency to decide how the money is spent, however, I am sure the Minister will appreciate other communities across the country will have their noses pressed against the proverbial shop window. Including my constituency of Dartford, would have projects like the sports pavilion in dire need of funding to bring them back to life and it has been great to be able to discuss a particular project with the Minister.

Could he give an indication of how we might build on this great program throughout the Parliament to provide throughout the Parliament to provide investment for critical projects, outside the designated 75 places?

16:01

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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I think the honourable gentleman very succinctly expresses the strength of feeling from colleagues today, as I said, we are going through the Spending Review phase, so that may be a moment for those conversations. I would like to support the honourable gentleman in any way we can to find a solution there.

16:01

John Slinger MP (Rugby, Labour)

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Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. I know the list of areas was the one the Minister inherited I think it was a truly brilliant statement, because it spoke of stronger community of pride in place, and spoke for the need of thriving communities, and I want to pay to be to the Minister for visiting rugby, doing a walk around, holding a roundtable with me and he saw that roundtable with me and he saw that local borough council leaders, my colleagues, Labour Council ministers, are doing those things and working hard to achieve those things.

He saw vibrant community and business sector. And I hope the Minister will work with them, so they can load some of the lessons from this absolutely super plan from a neighbourhood going forward.

16:02

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour )

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I greatly enjoyed my visit Rugby, there was public art, oblong shaped public art that struck me more than an hour to realise rugby balls, hence the rugby porn! Perhaps not my sharpest -- Hence the rugby joke! Not my sharpest day. It really had a group of where it wanted to go in the future, and for the government in our department, our job is to give them the resources to make that

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a reality. That concludes the statement, we now move on to the 10 minute rule now move on to the 10 minute rule merchant, and I will give a few

16:03

Alistair Strathern MP (Hitchin, Labour)

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16:15

Motion: Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill: Allocation of Time

16:15

Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Wolverhampton South East, Labour)

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16:24

Andrew Bowie MP (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Conservative)

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16:31

Alison Taylor MP (Paisley and Renfrewshire North, Labour)

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Madame Deputy Speaker. Like so many in my constituency and across Scotland, I have a lifelong association with the Church of Scotland. For so many of us in Scotland, the stories of our families are intertwined with local churches and Scottish parishes. Evidence in so many ordinary aspects of community life like the local badminton club in the church hall, summer fetes, junk sales, and coffee mornings. And the church has a role in assisting the elderly and frail in the community, supporting young mothers, running youth clubs of its commitments to international aid belongs to all in our communities.

belongs to all in our communities. My own great Aunt was an organist in the church in Bishopton and in Paisley in my constituency that I represent. My two children were baptised in the Church of Scotland in Paisley, and my husband and I were married in November for eco- stride and striven seat. But my sense of belonging to the church office is no barrier to other Christian communities. Indeed, the Church of Scotland has demonstrated a sincere commitment to dialogue in the effort, and in that effort, Catholic Church are willing participants.

For more than 40 years, this has led to shared commitments to work together, notably in food banks and many other community support services with people from all faiths and none. I know my life is enriched through friendships of people with other faiths, and the Church of Scotland has been similarly enriched. Today, for historical reasons that may seem, to those following this debate there is a legislative description against a person with the Roman Catholic faith being appointed as the Lord High Commissioner by the sovereign to ask as an observer on the sovereign's behalf.

Such restrictions do not apply to people of other faiths or indeed to none. Changing this legislation is long overdue. I am therefore pleased to be able to support the government in removing this unnecessary and unwelcome impediment to a Roman Catholic serving as a representative of His Majesty licking at the upcoming -- His Majesty the hurricane at the upcoming Church of Scotland.

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Thank you very much, Madame Deputy Speaker. It is a delight to Deputy Speaker. It is a delight to follow the honourable member for Paisley. In a debate that I think in the almost 8 years I have been here

16:34

Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat)

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the almost 8 years I have been here as well, I don't think I have look forward to quite as much and taken as much pleasure from not just because there is no party divide really to worry about, but it feels finally, the church of which I am no longer a member of Scotland, but was, is standing up for the sort of Scotland that we would all like to see. And we all work towards. Although, as I say, I am no longer the number I was for many years and my late husband was an elder, not so very far from the honourable member's assiduously.

But it is still a part of community life in Scotland. That it has taken this long to overturn the injustice of the Roman Catholic, leaving this one bit of this relation to the Roman Catholics, is something that we should note. And we should promise never to allow to happen again. And we know it is important we get this legislation through quickly, in order to appoint Lady Elish Angiolini, I hope we will address the wider discrimination is that are left in Scottish society.

But it is an important day. Lady Elish Angiolini has been a role model for so many people in Scotland, she was the first Lord Advocate, she was the first Lord Clark register, and as the Minister mentioned, she has also been the principal at Oxford College in Saltwell. She is also the first Roman Catholic to have this post. It is also significant, and further enhances her role as a role model. Everyone I have spoken to from the church is delighted that she will be in this place and I can only say that on this side of the House, and these benches, we completely support the act and hope it goes through quickly.

quickly.

16:37

Patricia Ferguson MP (Glasgow West, Labour)

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Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. That in 2025 we can say that no Roman Catholic has ever held the post of Lord High Commissioner does seem slightly absurd. There are a cause of the positions in this nation that a Catholic has never, and as matters stand, can never occupy. But it is good become pregnant one of those barriers today, and reflect -- But it is good we can breakdown one of those barriers today and reflect on the Church of Scotland and indeed, through the interface council, and with other faiths as well.

But it is also remarkably high regard in which people in goodwill hold the honourable lady Elish Angiolini of the many good qualities she has a fitting representative of His Majesty. As we have heard by convention, the sovereign is not normally present a General Assembly. As technically, he or she is an ordinary member of the church. I do not its supreme governor, as in England. Traditionally, the Lord High Commissioner represents the sovereign and as an observer appointed under the Royal prerogative, which as we know, means there is technically no need for parliamentary approval or indeed for legislation.

Because the Lord High Commissioner is a representative to the general assembly rather than part of the assembly it is not necessarily for them to be a member of the Church of Scotland or indeed any other church. However, the legislation we are considering today is necessary, because the holder of the office cannot currently be a Roman Catholic. The Scottish Claymores right act in 1689 set out restrictions against Catholics being appointed to public office. With the 19th paragraph saying that by the law of this kingdom, no papist can be king or queen of this realm, or be in any office whatsoever therein.

Harsh words, if I may say so. But the 1829 Roman Catholic Relief Act was the combination of a long process, working towards giving Catholics relief from the many restrictions imposed in Great Britain and Ireland, prior to the union of 1801. But it retained rather some restrictions on Catholics, most of which have since been repealed but some significant ones remain. And that is the building wish to amend today. It is perhaps unfortunate, as the Law Society have suggested, the Law Society of Scotland that is, that this bill can also be amended to remove the reference to Lord high Chancellor from the Roman Catholic Relief Act of 1829.

So that the 1829 act can be brought into conformity with the 1974 Lord Chancellor tenure in office and discharge of ecclesiastical functions act. There is clearly a long history surrounding this appointment, with the first Lord High Commissioner having been appointed in 1580. Some significant people have held this post in the intervening five centuries. Including a number of former colleagues at myself and the member opposite share. I name just the late Lord Douglas James Hamilton, and George Reid. Colleagues might have spotted something that they all had in common.

That is that they were all men. It was in fact not until 1970 when the late former MP, Peggy Hermansen, was appointed as the first female Lord High Commissioner and we then had to wait another 24 years until the appointment of Lady Fraser to that post. Since then, the Princess Royal has held the post twice. And it would be good to think that following on from Lady Elish Angiolini's appointment, we might see women appointed more regularly. The appointment is expected to be made, we are told, on the basis of merit and contribution to society of the appointee and Lady Elish Angiolini certainly qualifies on both counts.

Perhaps I should declare an interest here and let the chamber know I have known Lady Elish Angiolini since we were both teenagers and members of our respective schools debate societies. I have to say, she was better than I was and it is very clear, even then, that she was destined for a very significant future. If I can put it that way. But I also served in government with her, when she was appointed by first Minister, Jack McConnell, as the first female Solicitor-General. She then went on to be the first female Lord Advocate, and held both positions with distinction.

I was highly regarded during her time in office. -- And was highly regarded. She has served in a number of legal posts since then, and as we have heard, been at Oxford and a pro-Chancellor of the University, and was the first woman to hold the position of Lord Klerk of Scotland, another first for women. And significantly, I think she is also the Chair of the public enquiry, into the abduction rate and murder. We can safely say, she's a good candidate for the role of Lord High Commissioner.

I mentioned an opening that it is regrettable that in 2025, we still have laws on the statute such as this, and it is. But ironically, the relationship between the two churches it in very good The signing of the declaration in 2022 by the moderator and Archbishop, is represented of a catholic bishops conference, seeks to build on the common heritage of the two denominations in the Christian tradition. It recognises divisions are still present seeks to allow those provisions and what they have in common.

The passing of the bill today and the appointment of Lady Elish Angiolini to the appointment of high commissioner, takes is another welcome step on the journey. Thank you.

16:43

Brendan O'Hara MP (Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber, Scottish National Party)

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Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. It is a pleasure to follow the honourable member for Glasgow. Of course, we welcome the spell of the government can be sure that we will do whatever we can to assess its progress through the House. But as we have heard from so many members this afternoon, the fact that in 2025, the United Kingdom are still having to introduce legislation to remove anti-Catholic legislation from the statute books is pretty embarrassing. The people of the Roman Catholic faith a explicitly Roman Catholic faith a explicitly legally barred from holding the position of Lord high Chancellor of the Church of Scotland, a post, which we have heard, can be held by people of all other faiths, and indeed people have no religious beliefs, is a nonsense.

I do not blame the government or the Minister one iota. And I am quite sure that they were a surprise as anybody and having appointed Lady Elish Angiolini to the office of Lord High Commissioner, one of her lawyers appeared, blowing the cobwebs off the 1829 act, to reveal the floor in their plan. But it doesn't take away the fact that in the two centuries since that act was passed, the government are still having to introduce these narrowly focused bills, in order to correct historical wrongs, as and when they appear.

And while I can understand that they were caught in regard with this particular appointment, I do share the frustrations of the right share the frustrations of the right honourable member, who said it would have been better to bundle this legislature together and remove all existing anti-Catholic discrimination, rather than doing it piecemeal, as and when circumstances arise. It may well be that given the time constraints of Lady Elish Angiolini plus appointment, that may not have been possible and to get round this particular problem, it was necessary for the government to do this in a fashion which they committee doing it, but I do hope -- In the fashion layer committee doing it.

But I do hope the government finds time to bring forward legislation that removes once and for all all traces of anti-Catholic discrimination. From UK law. And I suspect, if the Minister were to approach his boss, he would receive a fair hearing, because as far back as 2002, when an aspiring young barrister, now Prime Minister, writing in the Guardian described the UK remaining anti-Catholic laws has been deeply offensive and an offence to multicultural Britain, and I would like to think that should such a bill be introduced, it would pass through this House quickly and without too much It is important to point out that this situation has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the Church of Scotland, who to their enormous credit have viewed the appointment of Lady Elish to the post of Lord High Commissioner as completely uncontroversial.

With the principal clerk of the General assembly saying we are honoured that His Majesty is appointing Lady Elish Angelini as Lord High Commissioner and we look forward to working through the general assembly. It is a remarkable transformation, because not so long ago the idea of a catholic female, particularly at one of Irish descent being the sovereign's official representative of the Church of Scotland would have been unthinkable, to many. And I am sure that the Minister will remember, it was only 1923, then the infamous support that was presented to the general assembly entitled The Menace of the Irish Waste to Our Scottish Nationality.

As Lord High Commissioner to be welcomed by the Church of Scotland, is a wonderful example of how far Scotland as a nation has travelled in recent decades. But as the Minister has said and others have repeated, it should come as no surprise to any of us that there is a trail to be blazed that Lady Elish Angelini would be the one to blaze the trail. In Glasgow educated at Notre Dame, she became one of Scotland's most prominent lawyers, serving as the Solicitor General, before coming a broad advocate, serving both the broad advocate, serving both the Labour and SNP at Holyrood before.

She has had several government inquiries into deaths in police custody and prosecution of rate. She published a report and review into the complaint against Scotland, before coming chair of the Board of Trustees, at Reprieve, lawyers and campaigners fighting for justice with people who are facing human rights abuses, often at the hand of more powerful governments. As if to cement our trailblazing reputation, in October 23 she became the first woman to be sworn as the new Lord Clerk Register of Scotland.

One of the oldest remaining properties of state, with origins going back to the 13th century. Given the circumstances I do not think they could be a more appropriate appointment to the role of Lord Commissioner than Lady Elish Angelini. I think it is regrettable that because of religious beliefs we have had to pass a bill in this House to allow it to happen. And finally, given that this is a welcome, but long overdue, I'm delighted to inform the Government that should Lady Elish, for any reason, whatsoever decided not to take up the role, that from this day on, I too are available for selection.

16:49

John Grady MP (Glasgow East, Labour)

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker, a member of our girl has provided the most eloquent job an application. -- Argyle. I was pleased to hear about the appointment of Lady Elish the appointment of Lady Elish Angelini. Not only will she be the first Roman Catholic, she is also incredibly world qualified as a recovering Scots lawyer, who has held pace and a full advocate and Solicitor-General. Clearly incredibly well qualified for this role. She is an example and there are some in this House of the excellent education you can get from state schools, in Glasgow.

The corridor means of the Roman Catholics at present cannot be Lord High Commissioner. This bill removes this. I fully support this bill. Lady Elish Angelini is a practising Roman Catholic and there has been much work between the Catholic Church in Scotland and the Church of Scotland. This includes the St Margaret Declaration assigned. If Quarterly there has been much work between local catholic and Church of Scotland congregations. I see much of this work in Glasgow first hand, pretty much every Sunday and it is an absolute joy to behold.

More widely, Lady Angliolini's appointment is another very good example for progress made, between two churches. Lady Angliolini has had a profound saying, it is really important for all religious faith to come together, the world is a scary place these days and it is important for people of all faiths to meet, share and promote peace and harmony. This is a good example of her. I Agree more with Lady Angliolini. I say that this bill is important because it is the demonstration of people of religions and faiths coming together, in Scotland and putting aside their differences.

And in Scotland and in Glasgow, many people come across a family of nations, people of different faiths together, for the good of our cause. So in Glasgow we see the many examples of this, one of the oldest relations. We have a vibrant seek pollute population -- seek population. Glasgow University brings a large diversity, with many of our Jewish brothers and sisters to reflect on the terror of the Holocaust was not people in Glasgow and in Scotland do work hard to understand and religious diversity is a source of joy, energy, and at the appointment of Lady Elish as a real profound moment in this year.

All of this speaks to the words of the St Margaret's declaration, " What we hold in common is often a What we hold in common is often a greater than what divides us. " In these times it is as Lady Elish suggests important that we redouble our efforts with dialogue and understanding between people of faith and people of no faith to. We should also, at this moment to celebrate the real progress we have made in our family of nations, in this regard.

This bill is one of very good example. And I for one and are proud to live in a family of nations that have had a... A Hindu First Minister. -- Hindu Prime Minister.

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Minister? Douglas Alexander. Is a genuine pleasure to close that this important debate. I should begin as others are done by begin as others are done by declaring an interest that I am a

16:53

Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Lothian East, Labour )

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declaring an interest that I am a member myself of the Church of Scotland. I give my thanks to honourable members on both sides of the House for their thoughtful measured and constructive contributions, in addition to their substantive support for this worthwhile piece of legislation. As we heard earlier from my right honourable friend, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, this important bill will facilitate the appointment of Lady Anglo Elish Angiolini is the first Roman Catholic to hold the historic office of Lord High Commissioner.

It would commend the statutory constraint preventing someone being appointed to the position solely on the basis of their religion. We have heard, in this debate, a number of views and contributions from honourable members to which I now turn. Can I firstly thank versus Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, the Member for West Aberdeenshire and Concord and, for both the anti- support and spirit of speech to the House today. When it comes to the ecclesiastical deafness of which he spoke, I think the appropriate acknowledgement of place in our national life is surely a more tablet than phage.

By which I mean a tablet rather than the tablet, the esteemed Catholic newspaper. In all seriousness the powerful Casey made the understanding in a modern Scotland was a well judged and clearly demands a support on all sides of the House. As he stated Scotland has to change. He also is a fairly Dominican member spoke of knowledge, understanding and empathy of the continuing work and witness, guiding our national life. My honourable friend the Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire North spoke movingly of the huge contribution that contribution made by the Church of Scotland, not just in the now renamed Clyde Presbytery but in local parishes right across our nation.

I can personally attest to this, my grandfather the Reverend Douglas Alexander was a parish Minister in Eagle she and my own father was also the Reverend Alexander, as my honourable friend knows a parish Minister, where she herself spoke of her family ties. That I am proud to say is now in her constituency, where my father served in that parish for almost 30 years. It is right to recognise the huge contribution of the clerks, the work and lives of communities right across our nations.

I'm happy to do so from this Dispatch Box today. The honourable member for Edinburgh West brought a zest and enthusiasm to the debate which I hadn't fully anticipated, but I hope seems merited in light of the contributions we have heard. As a Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Scotland, she described this bill accurately as an action standing up for the Scotland that we all want to see. That is the sentiment with which we would all surely agree. And the honourable member the Edinburgh West also spoke generously and accurately about a Lady Elish Angelini is a genuinely pioneering role, in our national life.

The sentiment again which would concur on this side of the House. My honourable friend at the Member for Glasgow West brings to this House and experience of serving in the Scottish parliament and indeed in the Scottish government's cabinet. That experience was reflected in her remarks in this chamber this afternoon, where she spoke with warmth inside and from a similar schooling of Notre Dame about the suitability of Lady Elish Angelini the high office of Lord High Commissioner, to the general assembly of the Church of Scotland.

I thank the Member for Glasgow West, for sharing these insights and concur with her view that Lady Elish is indeed very well qualified for this role. In a reference to her particular observation, on why this bill does not remove the reference to Lord High Commissioner, from the Roman Catholic Relief Act, I can offer her the assurance that the reference to the Lord Chancellor, the Roman Catholic Relief Act was actually made obsolete by the 1974 act, while I can understand the desire for a legislative tidying up, the scope of the bill is necessarily limited to the role of the Lord High Commissioner and the position is clear, following this bill there will be no restriction on a catholic holding either role.

The honourable member offered his and his party support for this bill and we are grateful for that. Cross-party support, in this House is a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to cross denomination and cross faith understanding, in a modern Scotland. He rightly recognised the time constraints under which we are necessarily operating today, to ensure that Lady Elish Angelini can take up this office, in a time for the gathering of the clerks at General Assembly in the spring. And despite smuggling into his speech a late and I hate to say a rather unexpected job application, he rightly recognises Lady Elish as cross-party credentials as a genuine trailblazer in a Scottish national life.

My honourable friend the Member for Glasgow described characteristic eloquence how, " People in a Glasgow work hard to understand each other, religious diversity is a source of joy, energy, strength and beauty, in energy, strength and beauty, in Glasgow's 850 a year. " Of course in this he is correct. I should perhaps declare another interest in Glasgow as the city of my birth, but it is right to recognise that after and at times troubled history of sectarian and religious intolerance, but today, people make Glasgow and those people are comprised of all phase and none, I thank my honourable friend for his powerful advocacy of dialogue and understanding.

That brought to mind a Jo Cox, lately of this House and to thank him for his understanding and contribution to the debate today. A speech that was very much in keeping with the spirit Today, Madam Deputy Speaker, it is indicated there is support for this legislation across at the House. I look forward to hearing from honourable members during the many stages are due to follow shortly, with the support of the House, I commend this bill to the House.

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The question is that the bill be now read a second time? As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". The Ayes have it. The Ayes have it. Under the allocation of time order today we allocation of time order today we shall now move to the committee of shall now move to the committee of

17:00

Legislation: Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill: Second Reading, Committee and Remaining Stages

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Order. Committee. Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill

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I remind that in committee, usernames Chair, Madam Chair, Madam Chairman is acceptable. We begin Chairman is acceptable. We begin with clause one which will be considered, also close to full the

17:00

Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Lothian East, Labour )

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considered, also close to full the question is clause one stand as part of the bill for that I invite the Minister.

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It is a pleasure to serve under

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It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Madam Chair. Let me turn to each of the two clauses in turn, Madam Chair, which will not in turn, Madam Chair, which will not detain the House for long I hope. The purpose of clause one is to make The purpose of clause one is to make provision to allow a person of the Roman Catholic faith to hold the office of the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Madam Chair, the Lord Chancellor, 10 years in office and in charge of the ecclesiastical functions act 1974, removes similar functions act 1974, removes similar restrictions on individuals taken of the office of Lord Chancellor.

The bill similarly removes the restriction of Lord High Commissioner from the Roman Catholic Relief Act of 1829. Close to set out the extent commencement a short title of the bill. The bill extends to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The bill also comes into force on Royal assent, this will ensure the upcoming appointment of Lady Elish Angiolini as the Lord High Commissioner goes ahead in the run-up to the General Assembly and me. My armchair, it is clear this bill commands a broad consensus and I'm grateful to colleagues for their approach to this piece of legislation.

I very much look forward to the rest of the debate today and seen this bill on the statute soon.

17:01

Andrew Bowie MP (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Conservative)

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I call the shadow minister. as I have expressed full support of his Majesty's official opposition to this bill today. It will not come as a surprise we are not proposing any amendments at committee stage to this bill. I do have a question for the Minister, however. And it is when it does he expect this bill to go before the House of Lords and can he assure the House and indeed the Church of Scotland that everything will be done to make for a quick passage of this bill up to Royal assent? So it is passed in time for the upcoming General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

17:02

Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Lothian East, Labour )

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Minister.

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We want to make very expeditious process, I'm happy to write to you with the date in which it will be with the date in which it will be introduced to the laws, with support from this chamber today. But I can assure you, we have been in regular assure you, we have been in regular dialogue with the Church of Scotland and the other regular offices, and we have every confidence that, on the basis of the support we have the basis of the support we have seen today, and hopefully any other place, we will be able to make the place, we will be able to make the timetable to ensure that Lady Elish Angiolini is able to take up her position by the General Assembly in

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May. I do not see any further contributions. The question is clause one stand as part of the bill. As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it. The question is that clause to stand as part of the bill. As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it. Order Order whip Order whip to Order whip to report.

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About to report the committee has gone through and without amendment.

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Third reading. Now. Kings consent? The question is

17:04

Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Wolverhampton South East, Labour)

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Kings consent? The question is the bill now be read a 1/3 time.

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the bill now be read a 1/3 time. Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. Given the mood in the House, I don't Given the mood in the House, I don't intend to detain people long. But I now know the purpose of the bill, to allow Catholics to be appointed to the role of Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, that is the bill. In a nutshell. Today's debates have demonstrated that there is widespread support for the bill across the House.

I would like to express my thanks to the Church of Scotland, Catholic Church, Church of Scotland for their engagement, and the collaboration and development of the legislation. To thank all those who spoke in the debates. The honourable members for West, Paisley, Edinburgh West, Glasgow West. Glasgow East. And my right honourable friend the Minister, who just spoke. I am grateful to all of them. As I said, after signing of St Margaret Declaration in 2022, both the Catholic Church and the Church of Scotland declared that what they held in common was far greater than what divides them.

And they would commit to continue towards working towards greater unity. I hope that this bill in its small way will continue in that spirit. The honourable member referred to 1923, and asked if I was there. I wasn't there. But in the same year, WB Yeats wrote that piece comes dropping slow. And maybe equality sometimes, throbbing slow as well, but but today we have taken a small and important step and I commend the bill to the House.

17:06

Andrew Bowie MP (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Conservative)

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I call the shadow minister. To give thanks on our side of the House to those who have made possible the bill be debated today. Hopefully soon to become an actor. The contributions from across the House, and leading engagement with the Church of Scotland, the Catholic Church, and Lady Elish Angiolini herself, we can all agree this is a very positive step forward and speaks very well to the type of country Scotland yesterday, certainly wasn't the case 100 years ago, and to express it again my best wishes to you Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly, to all those attending in their upcoming meeting in May.

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Question is that the Bill be now read a third time, As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it, contrary, "No". The ayes have it, The ayes have it. I will continue with some other business. Other frontbenchers wishing to shuffle frontbenchers wishing to shuffle overall are they content? -- Shuffle overall are they content? -- Shuffle With the leave of the House, I will take the next three motions together.

Motion number five on rating and evaluation, motion number six on immigration, motion number seven on immigration, minister to me. The question is as on the order paper, As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it,

17:07

Motion: Electoral Commission

The ayes have it. We now come to motion number eight on the Electoral Commission. Leader of the House in Tanuvi. The question is on the order paper, As many as are of that paper, As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye", Of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it.

17:08

Motion: House of Commons Members’ Fund

contrary, "No". The ayes have it. The ayes have it. We now move to motion number nine are the House of Commons members fund.

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Moved formally.

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The question is as on the order paper. As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it.

17:08

Motion: Modernisation Committee

contrary, "No". The ayes have it. The ayes have it. We now come to The ayes have it. We now come to motion Number Ten, relating to the modernisation committee. Leader of the House to move.

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The question is as on the order paper. As many as are of that

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paper. As many as are of that opinion, say, "Aye". Of the contrary, "No". The ayes have it. The ayes have it. I beg to move. This House do now

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adjourn. The question is this House do now adjourn and I call Jim Allister.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. The issue of trade is becoming an The issue of trade is becoming an increasing problem for Northern increasing problem for Northern Ireland. Before the protocol, Madame Ireland. Before the protocol, Madame Deputy Speaker, you could move goods from Birmingham to Belfast as easily as you could move them from

17:09

Adjournment: Trade diversion and Windsor Framework Article 16

Gloucester to Glasgow. But no more. Gloucester to Glasgow. But no more. And, the resulting icy border and all that comes with it has caused a huge and increasing division of

17:09

Jim Allister KC MP (North Antrim, Traditional Unionist Voice)

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trade. We can have an insight into

17:09

Adjournment: Trade diversion and Windsor Framework Article 16

trade. We can have an insight into how things actually should be, and

17:09

Jim Allister KC MP (North Antrim, Traditional Unionist Voice)

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17:34

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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10:59

Oral questions: HM Treasury

18:08

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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This debate has concluded

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