Commons Chamber

Tuesday 6th May 2025

(began 2 hours, 19 minutes ago)

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Wes Streeting Portrait Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
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Thank you Mr Speaker. Unity hospitals can reduce pressure on major hospitals especially in rural committees like mine. Will the Secretary of State lay out his plans of how he intends to support

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community hospitals in South Shropshire? Mr Speaker, at the heart of this government's approach is investment government's approach is investment and reform of the NHS to make sure we deliver better outcomes for patients. That means the biggest patients. That means the biggest devolution of power in the history of the NHS with more decisions taken closer to patients and their closer to patients and their communities, indeed more power in the hands of patients. Community hospitals do have a vital role to hospitals do have a vital role to play, and no doubt thanks to the play, and no doubt thanks to the decisions taken by this government to put £26 billion more into NHS, we

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to put £26 billion more into NHS, we will be able to make further and faster progress, opposed by the party opposite. Thank you Mr Speaker. In my constituency, there is an ageing population and need of local healthcare services. Will the healthcare services. Will the Secretary of State meet with the Scottish counterpart to discuss the need for increased access to need for increased access to committee healthcare, specifically the need for a new health and care

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centre within my constituency? I'm grateful to her for the question for them she will be delighted to know that last week I met with my counterpart in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, to look at how we can work together to improve healthcare throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. She will be aware that health is devolved but thanks to decisions taken by this Labour to decisions taken by this Labour government, the Scottish government has just delivered the biggest has just delivered the biggest financial settlement to them since devolution began.

They might finally devolution began. They might finally make some progress on their waiting lists, where one in six Scots are on a waiting list, and the SNP ran to their fifth NHS reform plan in four years. years. years.
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Wes Streeting Portrait Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
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reform has cut within this by over 200,000. Perhaps the honourable member will tell us how it is going in Scotland. The Secretary of State claims

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The Secretary of State claims what BBC radio four 'Today', that what BBC radio four 'Today', that Labour are the only party that can be trusted with the NHS. Kindly confirm that no aspect whatsoever of the NHS, whether the state, specialist services, any other form of privatisation, will be included in the deal between the UK and US. No more excuses, Secretary of State. Just give a direct answer to a direct question. Speak the NHS will be privatised over my dead body.

be privatised over my dead body. This party funded the NHS as a publicly funded service, free at the point of use. We have cut waiting point of use. We have cut waiting lists and the SNP-led government does the same thing in Scotland and does the same thing in Scotland and we've made it clear the NHS is not up for sale in any trade deal and that is clear and unequivocal. He that is clear and unequivocal. He can sling mud but he cannot run from can sling mud but he cannot run from the NHS's abysmal record on the NHS of 18 long years.

of 18 long years. GPs are at the front door of the NHS. We are supported over 1000 surgeries across the country to surgeries across the country to modernise buildings, backed by £102 million, the biggest investment in million, the biggest investment in five years, following use of neglect. The federal funding will create additional funding to see more patients, boost productivity, more patients, boost productivity, improve patient care, and enable it million more family appointments each year. each year. I welcome the announcement of refurbishing 1000 across the country because our local GPs have been telling me that health centres need more physical space to accommodate healthier in the community so will the Secretary of State meet with me and GPs to discuss bringing care

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closer to people's homes. Since we came into government we made the announcement today, we put
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Dan Jarvis Portrait Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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such arrangements, this government is clear that staff must be in receipt of goods NHS terms and conditions. This is part of the NHS workforce and part of NHS family, I

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would be happy to receive further representations from them. That complete questions, let the

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That complete questions, let the We now come We now come to We now come to the We now come to the statement. Minister of State Dan Jarvis.

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Minister of State Dan Jarvis. With permission Mr Speaker I will make a statement on the series of national security -related arrests national security -related arrests took place on Saturday third of May. took place on Saturday third of May. Protecting our national security the first duty of government. It is a testament to our world leading law enforcement and intelligence services that through their tireless commitment, so many plots against commitment, so many plots against the UK have been thwarted. I want to be tribute to them again today, for the work that they have done, not the work that they have done, not just this weekend but in recent weeks and months on these important weeks and months on these important The two operations that took place across multiple locations this weekend were significant and complex.

Some of the largest counterterrorism actions to state threats we have seen in recent times and I'm sure the whole House will join with me in thanking the police, security services and other partner agencies across the country who should professionalism and expertise in carrying out these operations to keep the country safe. Honourable and right honourable members will understand these investigations are complex and police and security services need time and place to pursue those investigations and the first priority is to protect the integrity of the works will be do not cut across those investigations and operations at a crucial time.

These are serious matters and the House will rightly want to remain in House will rightly want to remain in from. I will outline this with as much detail as I am able to and I hope members will understand the strict limit to what I can say at this stage given investigations are ongoing. I would like to outline the facts surrounding the incident on May 3. Me 38 men in total were arrested by the counterterrorism force and five were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act contrary to Section 5 of the 2006 Terrorism Act, as part of our proactive investigation in west London, Swindon, Rochdale, Stockport, Manchester.

All five men were Iranian nationals. Four individuals remain in police custody. The fifth has now been bailed with strict conditions. As part of the investigation, police officers carried out searches at a number of addresses in the greater Manchester, London, Swindon areas. Investigations continue with searches and activity underway at multiple addresses across the country. The investigation relates to a suspected plot to target specific premises. Police officers have been in contact with the affected site to make them aware and provide relevant security advice and support.

However, police have been clear that for reasons of operational security and public safety, the are not and I am not able to provide further information on the target at this time and I would urge members not to speculate on the site. In a separate police investigation, two men were arrested at different addresses in north-west London and one man was arrested at an address in west London and all three were arrested under the National Security Act of 2023 and they were also Iranian nationals at the three men remain in police custody.

I can confirm these are the custody. I can confirm these are the first Iranian nationals arrested under the National Security Act. Operations to execute the arrest under counterterror and Canto states that powers in different parts of the country or intensive. -- Counter state threat. They involve different police forces, counterterrorism police, the National Crime Agency and security and intelligence services. The operations were coordinated through the world leading Counterterrorism Operations Centre which brings together and coordinates UK agencies alongside agencies of our partners to detect and tackle national security threats.

I welcome the work of the previous government to establish CTOC in 2021 and the government has supported and invested since taking office. The significant point is that they allow the police to intervene early to prevent and disrupt threats and not just respond after events have taken place. This is crucial for public safety and makes investigations more complex and that is why they need time and space to pursue them now so we do not have concerns about the work they are doing.

What follows is an incredibly complex set of investigations involving hundreds more officers carrying out forensic services and collecting vital evidence across different sites across the country and securing with statements, backed up by the continued efforts of our security and intelligence services. This is careful and painstaking work. At this stage in the operation and investigation, it would not be appropriate for me to speculate on or comment further on the details of these cases or the motivations behind any threats that were imposed.

The House will be aware that these operations come against the backdrop of complex interconnected threats to the UK and that state threats and counterterrorism as well as serious and organised crime are intertwined together. For 20 years, the greatest focus of our national security was on terrorism and summarily from Islamist terrorism with additional threats from Northern Ireland and other areas and those threats have not gone away. 15 terrorist attacks have taken place since 2017 with 43 late-stage disruptions of terrorism plots.

Alongside that, there has been a serious increase in the complex challenge of state threats and last year the director-general and last year the director-general of MI5 so can said it had increased by 45% actually added that since 2022, police and MI5 responded to 20 W backed by Iran presenting threats that are potentially lethal. -- 20 plots. There is malign activity carried out by a number of states. Maesteg and outline the government response to the unacceptable threat that we face of the Iranian state and the steps we are taking to make sure we have the tools needed to disrupt and degrade malign activities and we have delivered on the commitments made.

I announce the call Iranian state including the IRGC will be placed on the enhanced PR of the scheme and eyelid legislation to make this happen I am committed to bringing this into committed to bringing this into play. I trust all members will vote when the legislation is forward. Anyone in the UK that works for the Iranian state must be clear it. If not, they will be committing a serious offence. The government sanctioned the Foxtrot Network last month, network involved in violence on behalf of the Iranian regime.

And there is trading offered to all 45 territorial policies across the UK and the independent review are and the independent review are Jonathan Hall KC was asked to review parts of the framework which could be applied to threats in Iran. We have been specifically asked to look at a tool so were not held back with counterterrorism legislation to state threats. Jonathan Hall will publish his review shortly. The government will not hesitate to take action in response to the advice.

As we continue to support police investigations, I can tell the House that the Home Secretary has instigated a series of security assessments which are being done or refreshed in light of the cases this weekend and the further information surrounding them. This will ensure the government can respond vastly and comprehensively to wider national security issues raised by these cases. Working alongside international allies in countering state threats essential to success and the Foreign Office are engaging with closest allies to outline disruptive action taking place and we will consider potential future response options as the investigation progresses.

The Home Secretary remains in close contact with my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary who I know is committed to doing everything necessary to protect the country from the threats and bring to bear all the diplomatic tools at our disposal. The Home Secretary disposal. The Home Secretary administers will provide -- and ministers will update the national security position when we are able to do so, following these investigations at the wider security assessments which are underway. The government will not hesitate to act in a robust manner to respond to these plots at the appropriate time.

First, we must allow investigations to continue with police, security to continue with police, security and intelligence agencies which are the best in the world and we stand ready at all times to take action to keep the country safe and I am sure keep the country safe and I am sure they will have the support of the whole house as they continue this whole house as they continue this vital work. I commit this statement to the House.
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Matt Vickers Portrait Matt Vickers MP (Stockton West, Conservative)
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I would like to thank the Minister for providing an advance statement on this critical issue and people will have read the report suggesting the attack may have been I was away and it would have been worrying to people across the country and the statement reminds us of the tragic incidents that have plagued the country and this month marks 12 years since the death of Lee Rigby on our streets and eight years since the horrific Manchester Arena bombing and later this year we had the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 attacks which brought a level of destruction to London we never thought we would see in our lifetimes.

These acts of terror along with other cowardly acts cause untold to victims and families and as we discussed the arrest of the past weekend, we must remember the importance of keeping the public safe from those who seek to terrorise us and I pay tribute to the hard-working members of the police and intelligence services for bravery in disrupting terrorist activities. In October, the head of MI5 said that the police and MI5 had disrupt did 43 late stage attack plot since the Manchester bombing and we must remember each case is not merely a statistic but represents someone's life and future and I commend the Minister for recognising the work of the previous government and acknowledging the measures which produced effectively in the incident and I know that we will support these measures and give the government the power is needed to act against malign influences on the country and turning to the incidents at hand, I would be grateful if you Minister to clarify certain points.

I'm thankful for the statement but I hope the government will, moving forward, be as transparent as possible about the details to avoid the information vacuum we previously discussed in this place. I appreciate the government does not want to provide running commentary, I and I am sure many other members would be grateful if you could be as grateful as possible given the seriousness of the arrest. There were two separate arrest of the really nationals -- Iranian nationals. This raises questions about heavy networks were formed and what the intentions were.

Can the Minister provide further information about the suspects. We know that they were Iranian nationals. What is the status? Was the state aware that they were in the UK or was there prior indication of risk that they might pose? I understand the Minister might not be able to comment directly but the Home Secretary addressed this in opposition and in July 2023, she told the Royal United Services Institute, up it was Instead of Institute, up it was Instead of Institute of the Wagner Group, we will address these threats." It was also said that it wanted appropriately targeted prescription-style restrictions on the operations of organisations such the operations of organisations such as the IRGC.

However, it was in as the IRGC. However, it was in March of this year the Security Minister announced the review by Minister announced the review by Jonathan Hall. The Minister sure my concerns that the mixed signals and delay suggest a lack of prioritisation from the government? We must work together to ensure the UK adopt the strongest possible UK adopt the strongest possible stance on national security. Cross- stance on national security. Cross- party corporation is essential and I urge the government to take every possible step to prevent these possible step to prevent these
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Dan Jarvis Portrait Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Can I thank the shadow Secretary of State for the constructive and reasonable tone. Can I say he is right to draw the attention of the House to the tragic death of Lee Rigby. The tragic bombing in Manchester, and of course the 20th anniversary of the 77 bombings that anniversary of the 77 bombings that we will be commemorating shortly. Let me join him in thanking all those who work tirelessly to keep our country safe. It is one of the biggest privileges of this particular role that we have the opportunity to serve in government, as numbers opposite will have done also, and work closely alongside those incredibly committed members of the police and intelligence services.

I think we owed them a debt of gratitude. I'm also grateful for the opportunity because he raised it again, to offer our thanks for the work that was done by the previous government, both in terms of the introduction of the National Security Act, which has proved to be an incredibly valuable tool, but also, I referenced it, of CTOC which is delivering very significant operational value. I absolutely give an assurance that this government will continue to invest in that institution, as the previous government did as well.

I thought he made an important point about transparency. And I can absolutely give the reassurances that he seeks. He will understand, and the House will understand, we are just a couple of days on from these arrests taking place on Saturday. The Home Secretary will provide a further update as soon as we are operationally able to do so. And I give him a commitment that we will be as transparent as we possibly can, whilst of course ensuring that we do not cut across live counterterrorism operations.

He mentioned proscription. I understand why he asked the question. I know that he will acknowledge, or at least I hope you will, that on 4 March, I announced a very strong suite of measures designed to most effectively address the nature of the threat that we face from Iran. Contained within those measures announced on 3 March was a request from the Home Secretary for Jonathan Hall, who I know is held in very high regard, because of the experience and credibility that he has, to look very carefully at the legislative framework that might legislative framework that might enable us to more effectively proscribe state-based entities.

I proscribe state-based entities. I can confirm that he has completed his reports. The Home Secretary and I are considering it very carefully. I are considering it very carefully. It will be published shortly. And I give an assurance that we will not hesitate to act where there is a requirement to bring forward.
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Lisa Smart Portrait Lisa Smart MP (Hazel Grove, Liberal Democrat)
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I think the honourable member raises a very important point. I can give him the assurances that we seek, the government has been very carefully considering the matter of transnational oppression. We will have more to say about it in the near future. I can give an absolute assurance that we have been thinking carefully about these matters. Take them incredibly seriously. Home Secretary Julian Knight will have more to say in the near future.

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Liberal Democrats Spokesperson. Thank you Mr Speaker. I want to

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Thank you Mr Speaker. I want to thank the Minister for advanced sight of his statement and for sight of his statement and for updating the house this afternoon. I also want to add my thanks to the security services and the police for security services and the police for all their work to keep us safe. Over recent years, this House has been called into the chamber to discuss plots to commit acts of terror on plots to commit acts of terror on plots to commit acts of terror on At the hands of the Iranian regime.

Yet consecutive governments have yet to proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard corp as a terrorist organisation. In opposition the now foreign secretary opposition the now foreign secretary said that the IRGC is behaving like a terrorist organisation. And must now be prescribed as such. Earlier this year I asked the Minister this year I asked the Minister precisely this question. Does the Minister not agree that now is surely the time? Some of his earlier remarks, the Minister mentioned remarks, the Minister mentioned review that is concluded. If now is not the time for prescription when should the house expect it? The liberal democrats are welcomed previous sanctions against those linked to the Iranian regime.

However, I must urge the government to go a step further look closely at whether these individuals and others have assets here in the UK. Will the have assets here in the UK. Will the Minister commit to carrying out an audit so we know where those assets audit so we know where those assets are, enabling the government to freeze them as appropriate? The Minister is right to reference long-standing pattern of targeting people of Jewish faith and Israeli nationality. Could the Minister nationality.

Could the Minister update the house and any conversations he has had with the UK Jewish community leadership? And specifically the CST, about threats here in the UK?
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Dan Jarvis Portrait Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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Can I thank the honourable lady, for, as was the case, the sensible and reasonable way which has raised questions. Let me say I'm always available to discuss these matters in more detail if she wishes to do so. She asked about proscription. I hope she will acknowledge the response I gave to the Shadow Minister a few moments ago. We take these matters incredibly seriously. The Home Secretary and I looked at these matters very closely in opposition. That is precisely why Home Secretary commissioned Jonathan Hall.

He is the right person to look very carefully at a legislative framework and make recommendations are about whether frankly we can toughen and strengthen the laws that we have in this particular area. Mr Hall has now completed his written report. Looking very closely at it. It will be published shortly. As I said to the Shadow Minister, we will not hesitate to bring forward further measures as they are required. She made I thought an important and helpful point about sanctions and assets.

I know that is a question that will have been heard by the foreign office minister, with whom we work incredibly carefully. We work hard to ensure that our response is always joined up across government as it possibly can be. The Home Secretary works very closely with the Foreign Secretary. And I work closely with the Minister on these matters. We will consider whether there are further measures needed to be taken. The final point was an important one about the Jewish community. I give her and the whole house an absolute commitment that we will work tirelessly to that we will work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the Jewish committee in our country.

The Home committee in our country. The Home Secretary and I and other ministers are in regular contact with members of that community including the CST of that community including the CST that she reference who do an excellent job. I will be meeting in the future but she can be reassured the future but she can be reassured we will work closely with them to ensure they not only get the protection that they need and protection that they need and deserve but assurances that it will be the right ones as well.

be the right ones as well. I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and professionalism of the counterterrorism specialists took part in the arrest of an Iranian national in Rochdale over the weekend. It was a reminder of the constant threat that we face. Also of the intelligence and the police service daily work to keep us all safe. Does the Minister agree that in this week of the 80th anniversary of VE day, it is a reminder that Britain is at war with fascism, Islamist extremism, and state-sponsored terrorism.

The message to go out loud and clear that my town, our country, and this house never surrender to such terrorism or to its ideology. terrorism or to its ideology.
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Dan Jarvis Portrait Dan Jarvis MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Barnsley North, Labour)
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I thank him for the points that he makes. He is right about the chilling effect of the arrests and it underlines the nature of the threat not being specific to any one part of the country and he pressed me on my earlier point with regard to prescription and Jonathan Hall, as I said previously, is someone of great credibility and authority and he was asked to look carefully at he was asked to look carefully at the legislative framework to assess if there are stronger powers needed if there are stronger powers needed to prescribe these threats.

He has to prescribe these threats. He has worked at pace and has submitted this report to the Home Secretary this report to the Home Secretary and I. As I have said previously, and I. As I have said previously, the government will respond in due course and I know the Home Secretary course and I know the Home Secretary will update the House at the earliest available moment. The security minister will now that the Jewish community in Britain have reason to be fearful.

Can he update the House on steps the government is taking to guarantee

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the safety in the UK? I'm grateful to him for the point

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I'm grateful to him for the point he has made and I give him my categorical assurance that this categorical assurance that this government, as was the case with the previous government, we will work previous government, we will work closely with the Jewish community to provide them with assurances that they want and deserve. It is
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