Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Commons Chamber

Thursday 8th May 2025

(began 3 hours, 10 minutes ago)

09:35

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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Number Number one Number one place.

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Number one place.

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Thank you. Can I just start on VE Day, acknowledging the debt that we Day, acknowledging the debt that we all 02 that great generation who sacrificed so much for our freedom. We will remember them and their sacrifice forever. With permission, I would like to group questions one I would like to group questions one and four. The independent water commission led by Sir John Cunliffe will make recommendations to transform our water system and clean

09:36

Emma Lewell MP (South Shields, Labour)

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transform our water system and clean up our waterways. These recommendations will form further legislation to fix our broken water system. A public call for evidence ran for eight weeks and closed on 23 April. It received a very high number of responses which will be shared in detail when the commission published their recommendations. Sir John and the commission have held more than 130 meetings including with regulators, environmental groups, campaigners, investors, water companies and consumer bodies. Engagement will continue to the

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government in just a few weeks. Thank you for that answer and I

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Thank you for that answer and I echo his initial comments. In South Shields, we have a problem with sewage dumping in the sea at Whitburn. Just this week, Little Haven Beach has been handed a brown flag. Myself and local campaigners

09:37

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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flag. Myself and local campaigners are completely fed up. Northumbrian water, the council and the last government completely ignored our concerns. We have already requested a meeting with the Minister and I am hoping that she will confirm today

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that that meeting will be very soon. I would like to congratulate my

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I would like to congratulate my honourable friend for the tireless work that she carries out to represent the concerns of people in South Shields about the terrible South Shields about the terrible problems with water pollution she has been talking about. She voted

09:37

Liz Twist MP (Blaydon and Consett, Labour)

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has been talking about. She voted for the water special measures act which was given the regulator many more powers including the power to ban those undeserved multi-million pound bonuses and I'm sure she will be interested to read the findings be interested to read the findings from the water commission when that comes forward in just a few weeks time. time.

09:37

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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As we act to protect our rivers from pollution, it will be important. How well this bill gives the Environment Agency powers it needs to hold polluting companies to account? account?

09:38

She is absently right. The previous government cut resources and half regulations. It was one of the ways that the water companies were able to get away with so much pollution. We changed the law to allow the regulators to cover the costs of prosecution so they can carry out further prosecutions from waterways.

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Can I make an appeal from the Secretary of State not to make Secretary of State not to make farmers scapegoat to in any water reforms. Clearly where farmers and reforms. Clearly where farmers and farming are engaged in bad practice, farming are engaged in bad practice, they should be penalised, but water they should be penalised, but water is absolutely critical as this food supplied. It is a critical part of supplied. It is a critical part of agriculture and my appeal is to get farmers involved.

They look after farmers involved. They look after the environment on all of our halfs in the right way most of the time, and for them not to become scapegoats.

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scapegoats. I agree with him and we are supporting Fortis, many of whom were supporting Fortis, many of whom were affected by the farm recovery fund. affected by the farm recovery fund. I am engaging constantly and will do again today with the National Farmers Union about these issues and

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many others. By 2050, we will need more than 4000 additional megalitres of water today with rising temperatures resulting in a fivefold increase in drought risk which is concerning drought risk which is concerning news for farmers in Glastonbury and Somerton given the necessity of Somerton given the necessity of water for livestock and crops. So what steps is the Minister taking to consult with farmers about reforms consult with farmers about reforms to the water sector, and does the Minister know how important water is to food production? to food production?

09:40

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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I recognise the importance of the points she is raising. She will be aware that at the close of the price review process, we secured hundred and £4 billion of investment that is now being invested over the next five years to increase and improve water infrastructure and make sure we get water to where it needs to be but we have also increased funding of flooding so we can take the water away from where it shouldn't be. All of that will support food production as well as other sectors of the economy.

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Number two. Officials and I continue to maintain regular engagement with the Scottish Government on many issues. Scottish Government on many issues. While sewage is a devolved matter for Scotland, we continue to share best practice where appropriate. The SNP government should follow this SNP government should follow this governments lead an issue robust legislation to clean up their

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waterways. The beautiful beaches of my constituency are marred by sewage -

09:41

Chris Murray MP (Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, Labour)

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constituency are marred by sewage - related brie. In Scotland and the SNP, we don't even properly monitor SNP, we don't even properly monitor sewage overflows. Meanwhile in England, the Labour government is making great strides to improve water quality. How I wish we had water quality. How I wish we had that in Scotland. Will the Minister commit to working as constructively as possible with counterparts so as possible with counterparts so they can learn from here how we can improve water quality in Scotland.

09:41

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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I pay tribute to the work he is doing and highlighting the problems that so concern his constituents about pollution and sewage on beaches and it is deeply disappointing that the SNP government in Edinburgh are not following the UK government's lead in tackling sewage pollution. I agree with my honourable friend but his constituents like mine and others in the UK deserve to enjoy sewage free lakes, rivers and beaches, but that doesn't seem to be what they are getting from the SNP.

09:42

My constituents in Bognor Regis have been subjected to an enormous increase in their water bills. Can the Secretary of State reassure the house that his review of water will

09:42

Q3. Whether he is taking steps to limit increases to water bills. (903991)

be seeking ways to prevent the mismanagement of water companies

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being passed on to their customers. I am sure that she will be reassured to hear that the government has ring fenced money that is in marked for investment in

09:42

Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

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that is in marked for investment in water infrastructure so it can no longer be diverted for payment on dividends, and if water companies attempt to do anything of the kind, then money will be refunded to customers through discount on bills.

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Question number three. Can I add my voice to all of those paying tribute to the greatest generation as we all remember VE day generation as we all remember VE day and I know that many of us will be travelling back to Constituencies to join in celebrations up and down the join in celebrations up and down the country. But there is no wonder that the public are angry that they are paying the price for conservative

09:43

Rachel Blake MP (Cities of London and Westminster, Labour )

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paying the price for conservative failure. Land and water infrastructure has decayed on their watch, and the previous government not only failed to ensure proper legislation but has failed to drive up prices meaning increased bills. While I cannot undo the damage of the past, I can ensure that it never happens again. That is why funding has been ring fenced so it can never be divvied up for dividends.

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One of my constituents has seen

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One of my constituents has seen his water bill go up by nearly 45% in the last two years. Others of my in the last two years. Others of my constituents have contacted me to say there bills are going up nearly double in that time. I am pleased to double in that time. I am pleased to hear what the Minister has to say about holding the previous government to account for their failure to invest in infrastructure. What more can this government do to hold Thames water to account for their failure to invest in their failure to invest in infrastructure these rip-off charges to consumers.

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to consumers. Roberto is right to feel angry about the increase and the toothless

09:44

Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

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regulation under the previous government. We have avoided taking action to deliver our manifesto promise to hold water companies to account and by unfair bonuses and introduce criminal liability about two years in prison, and we have created the water delivery task. Ensure that water companies including Thames Water deliver on including Thames Water deliver on their promise, but this government will always support those struggling will always support those struggling with their water bills, and indeed, this Labour government and more than this Labour government and more than doubling the social tariff support over the next five years.

09:45

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

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What assessment has the governor made on the cost of water bills of increases to regulation 31 laboratory testing policy. The Minister replied in January that was slightly on the complacent site because she said that regulation because she said that regulation doesn't cause a problem to water quality just now which is true but the industry is burning down its the industry is burning down its asset to equipment that has been regulation 31 tested so there is a problem coming. What assessment has she made of when that solution will be delivered and what effect that be delivered and what effect that

09:45

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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Everything relating to regulation of water is supported and looked at for the Drinking Water Inspectorate and they make an assessment making sure we have the best water quality in the whole country. If you require

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any further detail of course he is welcome to write to me again, make sure I reply. Number five Mr Speaker.

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Number five Mr Speaker. Thank you Mr Speaker. On VE Day, it is important that we remember the it is important that we remember the huge contribution made by fishermen, fishing communities, farmworkers, agricultural workers during the last agricultural workers during the last war to keep the country fed. Later today I shall be unveiling a plaque to the women's land Army, one of whom was my auntie Jean Mead. They whom was my auntie Jean Mead. They made a fantastic conjuration during that period.

On fishing quotas, there are a range of quotas that we there are a range of quotas that we negotiate, and everything on fishing quotas will only be agreed if in the quotas will only be agreed if in the national interest. I'm pleased we are engaging closely with industry, trialling new methods to shape

09:46

Harriet Cross MP (Gordon and Buchan, Conservative)

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trialling new methods to shape future allocations to both protect docs and support communities.

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A recent poll by the Scottish Fishermans Federation says 88% of Scots believe the UK to control

09:46

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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Scots believe the UK to control access to our fishing waters. Two thirds of seafood that lands in the UK comes to Scotland and it is a vital part of our economy and many of our Coastal Communities Fund Can the minister assure the House and rural and fishing communities across the country that the prime minister will not negotiate away any control of our waters during the EU reset later this month?

09:47

Q6. What recent progress he has made on the Surrey Hills National Landscape (area of outstanding natural beauty) boundary variation project. (903994)

I thank the honourable lady for her question. It is important, I recognise the importance of the recognise the importance of the Scottish fishing fleet and the contribution they make. She will have to wait longer to hear the have to wait longer to hear the outcomes of any negotiations. I have to remind her that the sense of betrayal across fishing communities betrayal across fishing communities came under her government.

09:47

Mary Creagh MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Coventry East, Labour)

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Number six please Mr Speaker. anniversary of VE day, can I pay tribute to the city of Coventry that suffered so grievously in the Blitz? And which marks the commemoration at the old and new cathedrals with the lighting of the torch for peace. A brilliant initiative from the brilliant initiative from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to mark the contribution of my city to mark the contribution of my city to the war effort. Natural England has worked to consider Surrey Hills National Landscape boundary has National Landscape boundary has reached the second phase of the statutory consultation.

The results statutory consultation. The results will be published in the early summer.

09:48

Rt Hon Sir Jeremy Hunt MP (Godalming and Ash, Conservative)

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Thank you Mr Speaker. On VE Day, can I remember the role of Dunstable Aerodrome in my constituency which played a vital role in the Battle of Britain. I thank for answer. She knows that the proposed expansion of knows that the proposed expansion of the Surrey Hills National Landscape will have a huge impact on improving biodiversity and natural protection biodiversity and natural protection in villages like Duns fold, Tonga, and others in my constituency. and others in my constituency.

Before she makes the final decision as to whether to go ahead, would she as to whether to go ahead, would she spend the time to meet me so I explained to her just how important the expansion is to my constituents?

09:49

Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

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I am always happy to meet with the right honourable gentleman. And this is under active consideration. But there is a legal process to be followed ahead of that. I know his constituency will be happy to meet.

09:49

Mr Alex Barros-Curtis MP (Cardiff West, Labour)

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Question seven.

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After 14 years the Conservatives leaving our flood defences in the leaving our flood defences in the worst condition record, we are investing a record £2.65 billion investing a record £2.65 billion investing in 1000 projects to better protect 52,000 properties.

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protect 52,000 properties. Following the recent storm season, a cricket club in my constituency suffered serious flood damage to its foundations and damage to its foundations and exposed electrical cables which forced them to close and cancel forced them to close and cancel practice until the site was made safe. The club is situated next to

09:49

Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

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safe. The club is situated next to important infrastructure that could put up to 930 customers at risk. I've been working with a counsellor to try and find a way forward between the National Grid and Natural Resources Wales to establish what it was possible of the four securing the riverbank and the electricity infrastructure. We are at an impasse. I constituents continue to be vulnerable to further flooding. I asked the Minister that she will meet with me to establish what that UK government can do to help break this impasse before the next storm season.

09:50

Nick Timothy MP (West Suffolk, Conservative)

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I thank my honourable friend for this important issue. I'm sorry to hear about the issues your constituents are facing the flooding. I know how disruptive and awful flooding can be. As I'm sure my honourable friend knows, flooding is a devolved matter in Wales but I would be happy to work with him and facilitate the meeting he requests. facilitate the meeting he requests.

09:50

Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

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Thank you Mr Speaker. Next month a planned application in West Suffolk will be decided. It is the wrong location given the risk of flooding, and the proposed site is on flood risk zone three land. What is the government doing to prevent

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development on land susceptible to flooding? I thank him. He raises an important point. Of course the National Policy Planning Framework

09:51

Robbie Moore MP (Keighley and Ilkley, Conservative)

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National Policy Planning Framework is clear that where development is in an area where there is a risk of flooding, local developers should ensure it is flood resilient and resistant, and safe for the development lifetime. And importantly, will not increase flood risk elsewhere for top looking at

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urban drainage systems to be included in the planning as well. Shadow Minister. On the 80th anniversary of VE

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On the 80th anniversary of VE day, I also thank those who fought for our freedom, and those who for our freedom, and those who worked our land and kept our nation worked our land and kept our nation fed. Our peatlands store 26 times more carbon than forests. Improve water quality and protecting these up and down the UK from flooding. Nature Minister rightly called peatlands our country's Amazon rainforest and launched the consultation to protect them. She is right because once they have been right because once they have been destroyed they can never be replaced.

At the very same time, the energy secretary is planning to energy secretary is planning to permanently rip up 2000 ha of protected people and on historic land in West Yorkshire for a vast

09:52

Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

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land in West Yorkshire for a vast wind farm developer. Opening up communities to flooding and destroying our peatlands. But Labour say they want to protect them. I asked the Minister, how can the government claim to be protecting our replaceable peatlands while DESNZ are actively considering destroying one of our most economically important landscapes in the country?

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Thank you Mr Speaker. I pay tribute to his ability to weave in a question for the Department for

09:53

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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question for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero into a question on flooding. In response, he will have heard from the nature Minister before how important

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peatlands are and how essential they are for this country and our commitment to net zero. Can I join the Secretary of State's contribution in regards to VE Day. And especially Northern VE Day. And especially Northern Ireland's contribution, and the armaments that we supplied. Question number eight.

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number eight. Thank you Mr Speaker. We have discussed this very serious issue in the chamber before. I know how seriously members on all sides of

09:53

Robin Swann MP (South Antrim, Ulster Unionist Party)

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seriously members on all sides of the house take it. The government makes it an absolute priority to protect farmers with these awful threats. The government has stepped up measures to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth. Taking in such

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animals is prohibited. I thank the Minister for his answer. When I contacted the answer. When I contacted the agriculture minister in Northern Ireland about his response

09:54

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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Ireland about his response abilities, he told me that no longer sits within his ministerial responsibility but it comes under the ambit of the Secretary of State. So I asked the Minister what practical steps he is taking to protect Northern Ireland farms especially in regards to the recent announcement of a case of African swine fever as well on 2 May in Slovakia, within the same geographical area as the foot-and- mouth?

09:54

Chris McDonald MP (Stockton North, Labour)

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I am grateful to the honourable gentleman for his question. We work closely with the Minister in Northern Ireland for exactly the reasons that he would expect what we take this exclusively. There are a range of threats in Europe and that is why we have not only put in place the long established and well trialled measures but also added additional protection to make sure we are properly protected.

09:55

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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Farmers in Northern Ireland are fearful of foot-and-mouth and even dog owners like myself rely on veterinary support. This is no longer a world with large companies dominating the market. Does the Minister agree with the Competition and Markets Authority that some remedies are needed? Would he commit

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to reviewing the legislation from 1966 which is clearly not fit for purpose? I'm grateful to my honourable

09:55

Ellie Chowns MP (North Herefordshire, Green Party)

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I'm grateful to my honourable friend for his question. It is a very important point. I can assure very important point. I can assure him that I and Baroness Hayman who leads on this within the Department are well aware both of the recent reports and of the antiquated nature of the legislation, and we will be coming back with proposals in due course. course.

09:55

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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Thank you Mr Speaker. On behalf of the Green Party on this special day of commemoration I would like to join colleagues across the House in paying tribute to all those sacrificed so much to resist and defeat fascism 80 years ago. Question number nine please.

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I am grateful to the honourable lady for question. We have discussed lady for question. We have discussed these issues before, I know she shares my passion to get the transition to nature friendly farming. The government is investing farming. The government is investing £5 billion in farming in the next two years. The highest budget for sustainable food production and nature recovery in our history. Our schemes to support farmers to

09:56

Ellie Chowns MP (North Herefordshire, Green Party)

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schemes to support farmers to implement nature friendly farming practices, through a range of measures delivered through the government Environmental Land Management schemes. We now have more farmers than ever with nature friendly farming schemes. We are reforming to target funds effectively towards food, farming, and nature priorities. We will be

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announcing further details later this year. I thank the Minister for his

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I thank the Minister for his response. We have indeed discussed these issues before and will continue to do so I'm sure. At the continue to do so I'm sure. At the weekend I spent time on two farms in my constituency. At both of them I met with groups of farmers including met with groups of farmers including members of the nature friendly farming network. They told me about

09:57

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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farming network. They told me about the huge frustration with the feeling of being let down by this government's policy on farming. The lack of support they have. They recognise how vital farming is. The transition to nature friendly farming for our food security in this country, for nature protection, for climate action. Can I ask the Minister, does he agree with the farmers in my constituency how vital nature friendly farming is in the transition to those issues? Will he give us a date when he will bring forward his policies?

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Thank you Mr Speaker. I am interested, always interested to hear reflections from farmers. I hear reflections from farmers. I speak to other members of the nature farmer friendly network you are pleased with the progress that has pleased with the progress that has been made. Of course we want to go been made. Of course we want to go faster further, we do. We have over 50,000 people now in these schemes. More money being spent and never before. What we need to do is before.

What we need to do is recognise the important progress that is being made.

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Number 10 sir.

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Number 10 sir. Thank you Mr Speaker. Again, this is an extremely serious issue and I'm grateful to the right honourable gentleman for bringing the question gentleman for bringing the question to the house. To prevent further disease spread and manage the risk of influenza, DEFRA and the animal of influenza, DEFRA and the animal Plant health agency of England did well established structures to

09:58

Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale MP (Maldon, Conservative)

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well established structures to control and eradicate disease, restore normal trade, and support recovery in local communities. Avian influenza prevention zones are in force across the UK. And to further protect farmers and health communities are currently investing £208 million in the future of the

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biosecurity labs. Does the Minister agree that avian influenza remains an

09:58

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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avian influenza remains an existential threat to the industry? Now that the French have decided to vaccinate their ducks, will he agree to the NFU's request that we introduce vaccination of seasonal turkeys in order to protect the entire industry?

09:59

Dr Neil Hudson MP (Epping Forest, Conservative)

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As ever, the right honourable gentleman makes a very well-informed point. The issue of vaccination of course has been considered for some time. The fact the French are time. The fact the French are changing their position is useful. The government is committed to exploring options for vaccination. There is a cross government and industry vaccination task force industry vaccination task force which has been established and published an initial statement of 7 March. It will be reporting more March. It will be reporting more fully the summer.

Shadow Minister.

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Thank you Mr Speaker. Avian influenza sadly is still very much with us, and devastated both wild with us, and devastated both wild and domestic birds in recent years. With bluetongue still here, African swine fever on our doorstep, and alarmingly foot-and-mouth outbreak this year in Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, we face significant Slovakia, we face significant threats to our biosecurity. Crucial is disease surveillance, vaccination, and control, centred vaccination, and control, centred with Animal and Plant Health Agency who I again thank in these times.

When will this government finished

10:00

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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When will this government finished the work that we conservatives started we committed £1.2 billion in 2020 to redevelop the APHA in Weybridge? Labour's repeated announcement of £208 million as a start full stop when they commit the further £1.4 billion this Critical National Infrastructure for the sake of UK agriculture and national of UK agriculture and national

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I thank the gentleman for his praise. These are extremely praise. These are extremely important subjects. That is why the

10:01

Q11. If he will publish updated climate resilience plans. (904001)

important subjects. That is why the government has increased the security in terms of personal imports through short straights in particular. We have had this discussion before. There is a major programme underway. We are committed programme underway. We are committed to providing funding that Weybridge needs to make it into the world needs to make it into the world leading facility to give it the resources it needs to do its job. We resources it needs to do its job. We are committed to that which is why we have committed this year.

10:01

Tom Gordon MP (Harrogate and Knaresborough, Liberal Democrat)

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Thank you. The government is committed to strengthening the nation's resilience to climate change. We are developing new objectives and improving the framework for action.

10:01

Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

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With the effects of climate change already being felt, the institution of civil engineers have urged the government to prioritise infrastructure resilience. On third National adaptation, the government wanted to strengthen its approach, so when will the Department include its plans and how they strengthen this?

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We welcome the assessment the

10:02

Q12. What steps he is taking to tackle fly-tipping. (904003)

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We welcome the assessment the report. We go faster to impair for the warmer world, and we are taking active steps to increase climate adaptation for the first time. Flood Re's modelling integrates potential impacts of climate change on floods and, and the investment of 2.5 and, and the investment of 2.5 billion will help to better protect properties by March 2026.

10:02

Mary Creagh MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Coventry East, Labour)

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Under the previous government, fly tipping skyrocketed by 20% leaving communities buried under an avalanche of rubbish. This government is clearing up their mess. Tackling the waste cowboys, mess. Tackling the waste cowboys, closing the loopholes that allowed waste crime to flourish and cleaning waste crime to flourish and cleaning up Britain. We will hunt down the fly tip is with the latest fly tip is with the latest technology including drains and mobile CCTV and increasing prison mobile CCTV and increasing prison sentences of up to 5 years for those transporting illegally.

I recently met with liquor pickers to talk about the sentence of fly tipping. It is scandalous that their work is needed. There is that their work is needed. There is only 1.2% that have released, and does the Minister agree that sharp contrast gives a zero tolerance approach in cutting down on this area which is quite frankly rubbish.

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Perhaps where we have led the way, they would like to follow. I would like to congratulate West

10:04

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

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Lothian letter pickers and paid Who help tackle the 30 million tonnes of letter discarded on our streets each year, including 5 streets each year, including 5 billion cigarette butts as each can billion cigarette butts as each can poison marine letter. We need to pick up our butts, and perhaps a little less talk and a little more action from the party opposite. action from the party opposite.

10:04

Mary Creagh MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Coventry East, Labour)

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I recently met with the family in my constituency. Fly tipping is a major concern for them and they are working to address it, but compared to national insurance tax increases, agricultural property relief. Although a major issue, fly tipping is in the existential threat that the tax increases for this Labour

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government are imposing. I congratulate him on weaving in

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I congratulate him on weaving in a farm question, but.

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a farm question, but. Lets come down. I am the decision maker on whether it is right or wrong.

10:05

Q13. What steps he is taking to help reduce the cost of materials for arable farms. (904004)

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wrong. We know that fly tipping is a very big problem for farmers and I have visited fly tipping sites near

10:05

Mary Creagh MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Coventry East, Labour)

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have visited fly tipping sites near Watford in the last month and spoken to farmers about what they need to

10:05

Q13. What steps he is taking to help reduce the cost of materials for arable farms. (904004)

to farmers about what they need to clear it up. What is clear is that many Tory run county councils are not playing their part in cleaning up fly tipping and doing the up fly tipping and doing the prosecutions that act as a disincentive to these criminal businesses and their business models.

10:06

Graeme Downie MP (Dunfermline and Dollar, Labour)

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Lucky number 13, please.

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We are driven by markets tied to the international markets, and UK fertilisers compete for market share providing the best price they can

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farmers. Farms in my constituency and

10:06

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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Farms in my constituency and across five produce some of the highest quality grain in the world yet many farmers are stopping to make a profit as grain is undercutting cereals grown in Scotland which are produced to the highest standards. Scott's grain is a vital ingredient and with a welcome use of the trade deal with India welcome by the association, demand for Scottish grain is likely to rise. What steps of the Minister take to increase standards of imported grain and ensure profit and a consistent supply for sectors including Scotch whiskey.

10:07

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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I think my friend for his question. I can assure him that we will maintain our standards. We will continue to be subject to clear controls including limits for residues of pesticides and can I join him in sharing the really good join him in sharing the really good news on that trade deal. It is good news for Scottish producers. news for Scottish producers.

10:07

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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I thank the Minister for his answer? My farmers in Northern Ireland have produced some of the best products that there is. Prices are right and sometimes we can't stop, but what needs to happen is that farmers need better prices from supermarkets, so can I ask what has been done to ensure that our farmers get the right prices for the effort that they pretend.

10:07

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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Always grateful for his contribution. There are a series of fair deal clauses which have come from the agricultural act which are being brought through the moment. We inspectors see more progress made on that. Farmers should get a fair deal.

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We now come to topicals. Fly tipping scandalously shot up

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Fly tipping scandalously shot up over 1/3 under the previous Conservative government, and the public are rightly furious when they see their communities buried under an avalanche of rubbish. This government will clean up our government will clean up our streets, towns and villages. We will support councils to identify, seize and crush waste criminal vehicles by closing the Tory fly tipping closing the Tory fly tipping loopholes that prevented tough action. We will increase sentencing for dumping waste for up to 5 years, and we will make fly tippers pay and we will make fly tippers pay because we believe the polluter and not the public should pay.

This government will call time on fly government will call time on fly tippers so we can restore people's pride in their neighbourhoods.

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pride in their neighbourhoods. The River Camel in my north, constituency attracts more than half a million users every year and a million users every year and brings over £3 million to the local economy. Will the Minister please meet with me to discuss the River Trail extension to Camelford as part of this government's manifesto pledge to create new river walks and create thousands more to nature.

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I am delighted to hear that people are enjoying the River Camel Trail. It is a wonderful thing to Trail. It is a wonderful thing to visit. The reason that we want to extend more of these across the country is so that more people can country is so that more people can enjoy them. I will make sure he will meet with the appropriate minister to raise his concerns. to raise his concerns.

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to raise his concerns. As we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, not only do we of Victory in Europe, not only do we remember the great realm I constituency plate and including the 617, but we must remember those 617, but we must remember those women and men who formed our nation. women and men who formed our nation. Many people still found the land, but this position is under threat but this position is under threat from the government.

For Christmas, I want the secretary of state that a

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farmer had taken their own life because a so worried about the family farm tax. He responded with anger and later stopped the farming resilience fund which helps farmers with mental-health. This week, I have received the devastating news that several more farmers have taken their own lives because of the family farm tax. This is the Secretary of State's legacy but he can change it because it is not yet his. Will he set out that Labour policy has changed or offer as a point of principle? point of principle?

10:11

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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This is a very important matter. I hope the second question can be

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got in. And I express my regret that the

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And I express my regret that the shadow Secretary of State would seek to politicise personal tragedy in this way? It is immensely this way? It is immensely regrettable that she would seek to do that. None of us can know for sure what happens in massive sure what happens in massive personal tragedy but I think it is beneath her actually to try to weapon eyes it in a way that she has weapon eyes it in a way that she has done. This government takes the issues of mental health very, very seriously indeed that is why we are

10:11

Rt Hon Victoria Atkins MP (Louth and Horncastle, Conservative)

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seriously indeed that is why we are setting up mental-health hubs in every community so that we can support farmers and others who are suffering from mental-health which I would gently remind her was a problem that escalated during her time in office where she failed to address the problems people are facing.

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I am simply confronting the secretary of state with the realities of his policy. There is another policy that is distressing another policy that is distressing farmers and people, and that is the removal of our ancient property rights first enshrined in the Magna rights first enshrined in the Magna Carta. The planning and infrastructure Bill gives a quango

10:12

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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to seize private land, not the housebuilding that undefined environmental reasons. They can seize our Constituents gardens and they don't even have to pay market value for it. Will the Secretary of State now commit to amendment in the State now commit to amendment in the bill to save our Constituents gardens or is this labours garden grab?

10:12

Jayne Kirkham MP (Truro and Falmouth, Labour )

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So often, this is a representation of the truth. Nothing of the kind is happening and I think she would help herself and people who are genuinely concerned about these issues rather than trying to politicise and weapon eyes them to stick to the facts.

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I must also thank the land army because I am only here because my grandma met my grandad on his farm grandma met my grandad on his farm when she was working. Cornwall has a successive horticultural industry

10:13

Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)

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successive horticultural industry specialising in cauliflower and courgettes. The industry welcomed the extension of the seasonal workers scheme until 2029 but can the Minister confirm what metrics are being used to ensure these allocations will meet the industry's needs. There is a real risk to

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Cornwall's horticultural sector. I think my friend for her

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I think my friend for her question and also note that in this time, some good relationships were time, some good relationships were formed. Can I tell her that the formed. Can I tell her that the seasonal worker visa scheme with 43,000 worker visas was announced a few months ago. 2000 extra for

10:13

Tim Farron MP (Westmorland and Lonsdale, Liberal Democrat)

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few months ago. 2000 extra for poultry. As a Secretary of State announced, a five-year extension has been announced a 2030 giving certainty that she is actually right to say that we will analyse and assess things very carefully so that they have the resources required.

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On behalf of all of us on these benches, can I have my tribute to benches, can I have my tribute to those who fought and died to secure our freedom, and also to those in rural communities like ours in rural communities like ours in Westmorland who fed this country. Those communities welcomed evacuee children from the cities and in children from the cities and in Windermere he welcomed the children who survived the Nazi death camps who survived the Nazi death camps after the war.

We remember them all with deep, deep gratitude. Has the secretary of state been consulted by secretary of state been consulted by the Prime Minister over the potential impact on British farmers

10:14

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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potential impact on British farmers of the US UK trade deal? US animal welfare standards are worse than ours which means that input costs are less and will allow equal access is not free trade. It is unfair trade and throwing our farmers under the bus just let the Conservatives did in their deal, so will he support Liberal Democrat causes to only be signed if it supports farmers and after a vote from this

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house? I thank him for his question.

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I thank him for his question. There have been no announcements yet so I won't be able to pre-empt what those might be that we have been those might be that we have been crystal-clear. We have red lines in this. We will not be allowing this. We will not be allowing British farmers to be able to cut on environmental or welfare standards. In the way that the Conservatives

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In the way that the Conservatives did when they agreed a trade deal with Australia that undercut British farmers and caused immense damage to them. We will never go the way of the Tories. We will stand behind our farmers and I'm delighted to hear farmers and I'm delighted to hear farmers and I'm delighted to hear

10:15

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )

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I wanted to congratulate the government for the trade deal with India which is a good deal from farmers. The deal shows this government is clearly listening to what insurance can give that our what insurance can give that our farmers will still be included in negotiations for the US trade deal?

10:16

Oral questions: Solicitor General

I am grateful for his welcome for the trade deal with India. It is an £8 billion boost to UK Connolly and

10:16

Q2. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce the crown court backlog. (903976)

very good news for our whiskey and gin producers, salmon, lamb, or tariff free exports to India. The government will always negotiate in the national interest and that is

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exactly the approach we will be taking with the US trade negotiations. We come to questions to that Solicitor General. I will let the

10:16

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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Solicitor General. I will let the Front Benches change over. We come to the first question.

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Number two Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker today we mark the 80th

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Mr Speaker today we mark the 80th anniversary of VE day. Which brought anniversary of VE day. Which brought an end to the second model. I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and determination of our veterans and determination of our veterans and indeed all who made that victory possible. The legacy lives on in possible. The legacy lives on in that freedoms that we cherish and enjoy to this day. Let me be absolutely clear, victims are

10:17

Patrick Hurley MP (Southport, Labour)

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absolutely clear, victims are waiting far too long to see justice. That is typically unacceptable, it is a confident sacral justice system, and this government won't stand for it. That is why we are committed to working with the CPS and partners across the Criminal Justice Bill to slash these waiting times. I'm confident that what emerges from the review will get delays down and deliver the kind of reform the public deserves to see.

10:18

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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On the topic of backlogs in the justice system, the Ministry of Justice has had a successful campaign to recruit more magistrates which is stretching the capacity of local training committees to provide sufficient mentors and appraisers to support new appointees. What more can the government do to fill this gap in trade capacity to better serve the interests of justice?

10:18

Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP (Skipton and Ripon, Conservative)

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My honourable friend is of course right to highlight the vital role that magistrates planar criminal justice system will stop as we seek to reduce the intolerable court backlog inherited from the last government, I am in no doubt that magistrates will continue to have a crucial role. It is essential that new magistrates received the right level of training and I'm happy to raise the matter that he raises with raise the matter that he raises with colleagues in the Ministry of Justice.

10:18

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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I refer colleagues to my register interest. Mediation and ADR are critical in reducing backlogs in the courts, and as well as this review, can I urge ministers to look very carefully at the opportunities of using mediation more and particularly mandatory mediation.

10:19

Ben Maguire MP (North Cornwall, Liberal Democrat)

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Mr Speaker, the Honourable member is right. Mediation I know from my own days in practice and ADR has an important role to play. It is critical that we get this intolerable backlog in our Crown Courts down. This government is taking substantial action to do that. We have increased the number of Crown Courts sitting days. The Lord Chancellor has asked Sir Brian Leveson to conduct an independent review vow criminal courts and we

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are also increasing magistrates court sentencing powers as well. The Criminal Bar Association has

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The Criminal Bar Association has reported that over 1300 cases were adjourned last year due to a lack of available prosecuting or defence

10:20

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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available prosecuting or defence barristers. This is a 20 fold increase in 2019. In the south-west there are half the number of legal aid providers as we have in London. My inbox reflects this. Many constituents are unable to access legal advice or representation to clearly in housing cases involving rogue landlords and unscrupulous management companies. Meanwhile Citizens Advice has closed its branches across Cornwall. What assessment has the Solicitor General made as to how these regional disparities in legal aid provision are driving Crown Courts backlogs especially in rural areas like my

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constituency? Mr Speaker, the honourable member

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Mr Speaker, the honourable member raises an important issue. It is crucial that justice be accessible for everyone in this country. Indeed

10:20

Q3. What steps she is taking to help ensure the effective prosecution of rural crime. (903977)

for everyone in this country. Indeed access to justice is a fundamental tenet of the rule of law. That is why we have undertaken a comprehensive review of civil legal aid. In December we announced a huge boost for Criminal Legal Aid solicitors. From this year we will be introducing free independent be introducing free independent legal advisers for victims of adult legal advisers for victims of adult legal advisers for victims of adult rape. There is much more to do. We are clear about that.

Killy there are deficiencies in access to justice but I can assure him that this government understands the this government understands the scale of the problem and we are committed to addressing it.

10:21

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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Question number three Mr Speaker. streets mission is not just about town and city centres. It applies equally to our market squares and our rural village greens. Rural crime has devastating consequences for communities. This government is committed to cracking down on crime committed to cracking down on crime and disorder in rural areas with tougher powers for the police to tackle antisocial behaviour and to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping. That is why the CPS works closely with local police forces to tackle with local police forces to tackle these offences.

10:21

David Chadwick MP (Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, Liberal Democrat)

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Thaci Mr Speaker. NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report estimates the . With criminal gangs targeting farms up and down Wales including my own constituency. The prosecution rates for livestock theft are very rates for livestock theft are very low often below 1%, despite huge financial and emotional toll this financial and emotional toll this type of crime takes on farmers. Can that Solicitor General please outline what actions the government is taking to tackle these low prosecution rates?

10:22

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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Mr speak at the honourable Member base is a very important issue. We know that rural and farming communities face acute and bespoke threats from criminals stop that includes in relation to highly organised crime that is exploiting our rural communities. He refers to livestock, fly-tipping, machinery, fuel theft as well. We are committed fuel theft as well. We are committed to influencing the prevention act 2023. We are also committed to that 2023. We are also committed to that further funding of the national further funding of the national rural and wildlife unit and announced additional funding in relation to that because we relation to that because we recognise how critical it is to crack down on rural.

I should mention policing as well because a mention policing as well because a neighbourhood policing guarantee covers the entirety of this country not just urban areas but rural areas as well. Question number four Mr Speaker.

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Mr Speaker, with permission I will answer questions four and nine together. This government is determined to crack down on the determined to crack down on the skirt of economic crime. The Serious Fraud Office does crucial work to tackle complex fraud, bribery, and tackle complex fraud, bribery, and corruption. Under the new director, the SFO has opened nine new overt investigations and charged 16 defendants. Last week I saw the SFO's crucial work first hand when I SFO's crucial work first hand when I observed a dawn raid carried out in relation to a new multi-million pound bribery investigation.

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pound bribery investigation. Thaci Mr Speaker. The vast majority of UK businesses play by majority of UK businesses play by the rules but fraud is estimated to cost the UK taxpayer including my cost the UK taxpayer including my constituents between £55 billion and £80 billion per year. Can I ask, what is the SFO doing to encourage businesses to itself report wrongdoing?

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wrongdoing? My honourable friend is actually right. The vast majority of businesses do play by the rules. businesses do play by the rules. Fraud is so damaging precisely because it undermines everyone that plays fairly. That is why this government is so determined to tackle it. I welcome the SFO's recently revised guidance aimed at driving up the number of corporate driving up the number of corporate sets of report wrongdoing this is a positive development that will foster good corporate citizenship. It is an important contributor to the government economic growth mission.

mission.

10:24

I thank the Minister for her answer. Since their introduction in 2015 that, 1/3 of posse 2015 that, 1/3 of posse disagreements have resulted in the SFO raising some £1.7 billion and SFO raising some £1.7 billion and fines. Yet the EPA's have dried up. The last ones side were some four years ago. I welcome the SFO's new strategy to ramp up enforcement including new guidance to make it simpler to report crimes, but I believe we can and must go further.

believe we can and must go further. Can the minister outline what steps they are taking to support the Serious Fraud Office, to ensure that whistleblowers are also incentivised to come forward? Talk

10:25

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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The director of the SFO has suppressed support for the centralisation whistleblowers. And they are exploring options working with partners in the UK and abroad. with partners in the UK and abroad. Reform will require careful assessment, and it is right that any assessment, and it is right that any suggestions that could enhance the SFO's efficiency and ability of the country to tackle serious fraud bribery and corruption are properly considered. considered.

10:25

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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Can I thank her for her reply. One of the things that concerns me in Northern Ireland is gangs, former paramilitary gangs, involved in all sorts of crime, involved in economic crime because they see business as a way of creating more wealth for their criminal activities. Can I ask their criminal activities. Can I ask the Minister, what is being done to the Minister, what is being done to take on these criminal gangs whose tentacles reach right across the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and indeed further Northern Ireland and indeed further afield? We have to address this.

Our criminal gangs have to be taken on and put in jail. Put them in jail for economic crime. for economic crime.

10:26

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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Mr Speaker, the honourable member is absolute to right. Fraud does not stop at national borders and it is vital that enforcement activities don't stop at national borders either. That is why the SFO takes cooperation with international partners extremely seriously. In fact most recently the director launched a new international anticorruption ticket the task force anticorruption ticket the task force with Swiss and French partner agencies to strengthen existing ties between the countries and leads to between the countries and leads to greater joint working on cases as well as the sharing of insight and expertise.

I would argue that we expertise. I would argue that we need more of those and greater international cooperation to tackle the issue he raises.

10:27

Helen Grant MP (Maidstone and Malling, Conservative)

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Shadow Solicitor General.

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Thank you Mr Speaker. I also wish to add my own tribute to those who to add my own tribute to those who bravely fought for our freedom. Mr bravely fought for our freedom. Mr Speaker, Marks & Spencer is a much loved cornerstone of the great British high street. An important part of our economy. Many members part of our economy. Many members right across this House will be shocked to learn that over half £1 shocked to learn that over half £1 billion has been wiped off its value following a serious ransomware

10:27

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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following a serious ransomware attack. Harrods and the Co-op have also been attacked, and yesterday, the legal aid agency as well. Can the Solicitor General please confirm what role the Attorney General's Office has played to ensure the criminal justice system treats such attacks robustly? How is it overseeing the response of the CPS and other relevant agencies to economic and cybercrime more broadly?

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Mr Speaker, the honourable Member

10:28

Helen Grant MP (Maidstone and Malling, Conservative)

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raises a very important issue. We know that this type of crime is on the increase and it is clearly vital that enforcement agencies, and the CPS, give it the prominence that it CPS, give it the prominence that it refers to. She refers to some extreme well-known and much loved extreme well-known and much loved brands. I think it is important that all of those agencies play a role in all of those agencies play a role in enhancing awareness of this type of crime such that it can be properly crime such that it can be properly prevented.

The SFO in particular play a role in raising awareness of play a role in raising awareness of online crimes, so as to protect the public's was businesses.

10:29

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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I do thank the Solicitor General for her response. Can she also confirm what assessment she has made of the economic and legal risks posed by ransomware attacks on a large UK businesses? Can she give an indication of what steps the government is taking to ensure companies of a national economic companies of a national economic importance are better protected and supported in the aftermath of such incidents?

10:29

Q5. If the Attorney General will meet the hon. Member for Swindon North to discuss prosecutions by the Crown Prosecution Service under section 3ZB of the Road Traffic Act 1988. (903979)

Mr Speaker, as I said, she raises an extremely important issue. Issues which the government are alive too. This is a cross government issue This is a cross government issue frankly, and indeed important to all of those partner enforcement of those partner enforcement agencies. I can assure her that work is ongoing and is being done to protect businesses and the public from these kinds of attacks. from these kinds of attacks.

10:30

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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Question number five please Mr Speaker.

10:30

Will Stone MP (Swindon North, Labour)

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Mr Speaker, I'm aware of that tragic case to which my honourable friend refers to in his question. And indeed the case which he has been campaigning on. I would like to take the opportunities to extend my deepest condolences to the family of Harry Parker. Every single death on our roads is completely unacceptable. Increasing the safety

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of our roads is a priority for this government. I thank my honourable friend for

10:30

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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I thank my honourable friend for her response. Harry Parker was 14 years old when he was run over. The years old when he was run over. The person who took his life do not have a driver's license, did not have insurance, did not stop. Yet last November the charges were dropped. It is partially down to the section 3ZB of the Road Traffic Act. The my honourable friend review this section and meet with me to see how

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It is fundamental that our rates

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It is fundamental that our rates are safe, and those who break the are safe, and those who break the laws are brought to justice. That is why we are committed to delivering a new road safety strategy and new new road safety strategy and new steps will be set out in due course. The government also keeps offences under review including those for driving unlicensed and uninsured. As my honourable friend nose, we prosecute matters independently of government but nevertheless, I would government but nevertheless, I would be happy to meet with him to discuss

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this matter. Question six.

10:31

Olly Glover MP (Didcot and Wantage, Liberal Democrat)

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Question six. National stalking week was a reminder that perpetrators of reminder that perpetrators of stalking are dealt with robustly. This government is absolutely determined to protect victims of stalking. That is why we are taking action by extending protection orders so that courts can report them on conviction and acquittal. We are also conducting a review of stalking legislation to ensure it is

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fit for purpose and we are empowering police to release the identity of online stalkers. I thank the Solicitor general for

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I thank the Solicitor general for her answer which largely anticipated my subsequent questions. I recently

10:32

Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)

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my subsequent questions. I recently met constituent at the surgery appointment alongside her family has experienced significant psychological trauma as a result of stalking and concerns about the police response, so in light of what the Solicitor General has said, what more can be done to ensure that the police are briefed and supported in being able to implement them so families can live their lives in

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safety. The honourable member raises an important issue and I am glad that I was able to pre-empt his question was able to pre-empt his question with my first answer, but stalking is an important issue. Stalking cases are on the rise. We are seeing more referrals to police and more more referrals to police and more convictions as well. This government is taking really strong action on stalking because we recognise the scale of the issue. We are

10:33

Mr Speaker

scale of the issue. We are introducing guidance to empower the police to release the identity of online stalkers. Extending stalking protection orders is clearly important to and that review of stalking legislation is ongoing to make sure that that body of work is fit for purpose. Colleagues for mine

10:33

Speaker's Statement Mr Speaker

will update the house in due course.

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I am very concerned that members have not been allowed into the house who had questions on the Order who had questions on the Order Paper. Can we take this up with the police? They have no right to stop a member entering this house. I take

10:34

Business Statement: Business Questions to the Leader of the House

member entering this house. I take it very seriously. Before we proceed the Business Question, I could the Business Question, I could ensure the house at the government has indicated that there will be a statement this afternoon on US UK

10:34

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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statement this afternoon on US UK trade. The timing of that statement is yet to be established but it will appear on the annunciator once it has been confirmed. We now come to Business Questions.

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Thank you. While the leader of

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give us the forthcoming business? The business for the week commencing 12 May includes Monday, commencing 12 May includes Monday, 12 May, remaining stages of the border security asylum and border security asylum and immigration bill. Tuesday the 13th, Opposition days. Seventh allotted day debate on a motion on the name day debate on a motion on the name of the official opposition subject to be announced. Wednesday the 14th, considerations of Lord's message on considerations of Lord's message on the great British Energy Bill followed by F necessary, followed by F necessary, consideration of Lords Amendments followed by motion to approve the Russia sanctions EU exit amendment regulations 2025.

There is to 15 May, general debate on solar farms followed by general debate on long- term abuse services. The subjects of these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. Friday, 16 May, private members Friday, 16 May, private members bills. Monday, 19 May, second reading of the mental health bill Lord's. Tuesday the 20th, second reading of the victims court spell. Wednesday, 21 May, Opposition days eighth allotted day debate on a eighth allotted day debate on a motion in the name of the official opposition subject to be announced.

Thursday, 22 May, business to be Thursday, 22 May, business to be determined by the Backbench Business Committee. The house will rise for the Whitsun recess at the conclusion the Whitsun recess at the conclusion of business on Thursday, 22 May and return on Monday, 2 June. return on Monday, 2 June.

10:35

Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP (Hereford and South Herefordshire, Conservative)

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Thank you. This is of course the ATF anniversary of VE day when all Britain rejoiced at the defeat of fascism and the end of the war in Europe. I am sure I speak for the whole house and putting on record whole house and putting on record once again our profound thanks and that extraordinary generation that through the courage made victory in Europe. We can all be worthy of their memory. If I may turn back to the business of our politics, the unfortunate trade is that it has the unfortunate truth that it has had a dire week in office.

The financial facts of life have not pays, growth is stagnant, and we have to raise defence standards rapidly, and the government has made itself a prisoner of its fiscal rules. Before the leader of the starts in on the local elections, the reminder of all the horrors of last week, the opposition still ended up with three times as many council seats as the government. Let's look at those cost pressures a bit more closely. Just eight months after a 22.3% increase in pay for junior doctors, an increase described by the BMA as a good enough first step, the house will recall the BMI is now announced that it will balance its member to strike for more pay.

Meanwhile, the somewhat unlikely pairing of Tony Blair and Gary Smith have both denounced the government's decision to ban offshore licences in the Northsea. Described it as an irrational policy which is doomed to failure, the backlash to which threaten to derail the whole agenda. He said it was caused by ministers afraid of being classed as climate deniers. He is not talking about the Secretary of State for energy but all of the ministers and MPs on the government benches who know better but are to afraid to say so.

Gary Smith of the climate fundamentalism would accelerate the decline of domestic oil and gas production and increase dependency on gas import directly contrary to the supposed growth strategy. As he pointed out, across society, bill payers will question why they are subsidising a domestic clean power sprint that is off shoring UK jobs and value. And only today, we have had the news that as steady a mothball in their giant new offshore windfarm as they have made clear they are holding out for even greater subsidies knowing that the Secretary of State has no choice and has said that he has no choice if he wants to hit his targets.

We all want a just and rapid energy transition, but does the leader not think that the words of Tony Blair are simple commonsense? There is one other issue that I think we should highlight. The leader of the has received universal condemnation on grooming gangs as dog whistle politics. It did not contain an apology for what she had said. The Secretary of State for health said her remarks were indefensible the truth is that she is talked in the same way about grooming gangs from the despatch boxes when she accused people are jumping on bandwagons on January 9 of this year.

I hope we can agree that this is an extremely serious issue. And whether or not someone has public office should be denying its seriousness, and I hope it in her response now, the leader of the will put aside party politics, avoid criticising others and speak from the heart, so I ask her how she now watched the Channel 4 documentary and if so, how she 4 documentary and if so, how she feel about it? It still remains a continuing national scandal.

All she now back the call of many victims for a comprehensive national for a comprehensive national enquiry, and finally, would she like to take this opportunity now to speak directly to the hundreds of speak directly to the hundreds of vulnerable women involved and say sorry? sorry?

10:40

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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Thank you. I just want to say, further to your statement, that on the US trade deal developments, talks have been and are continuing at pace and the house will be updated. I will come on to VE Day shortly, but first of all, can I address the remarks from the honourable gentleman? And I thank him for raising with me what I said in an episode of any questions last week so I can be absolutely clear with the house today, especially to the victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and grooming gangs that I am very sorry for those remarks as I made clear over the weekend.

I every member of this government want your truth to be heard. Wherever that truth leads. Your truly appalling experiences need to be acted on. For those responsible to be accountable and face the full force of the law, and for justice to be served. I would never want to leave the impression that these very serious issue should be shied away from and not aired. Far from it. No stone will be left unturned. And what the victims want is for action to be taken and for the many recommendations from the previous enquiries to be implemented in full, including mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, something I have called for nearly a decade.

These recommendations remain sitting on the shelf until we came into government last year. Baroness government last year. Baroness Louise Casey who created the audit on the characteristics of grooming gangs and will be reporting soon. This will include the questions of ethnicity as well. Every police force in England and has been asked to look again at historic grooming gang cases, and they will be reopened where it is appropriate to get perpetrators behind bars. So I hope the house is left in no doubt of my commitment to these issues and my apology to those victims for any distress I have caused them.

I have to say that I was surprised to hear the shadow minister trying to claim some success in the local election with his party. I'm not sure that is what the benches opposite are feeling, let me address this issue of our needs to move to a clean energy superpower. I'm afraid that yet again, at the despatch boxes, he and his party are showing serious misunderstanding of the economics and reality of the transition to net-zero. We face the worst cost of living crisis in generations because his party left this country exposed to international fossil fuel markets as a direct result of their failure to invest in clean energy, and it is only by investing that we will bring down bills for the future, and he might want to remind himself that what his former prime minister said about this issue was that the sceptics say it will cripple business.

We say they could not be more wrong because this is a global race that we are in for the jobs of the future to get the goals down and that is exactly what we are doing. And he knows better than anybody that new oil and gas in the Northsea will not take a penny of bills because oil and gas is traded on the international markets and therefore we are locked in, and the only way to decouple that is by investing in cheaper renewable energies as this government is doing, and it was the previous minister who said in 2022 more UK production would not reduce the global price of gas.

He might want to remind himself of that. But can I just say at the end that we have all come together here today to honour our veterans and all those who played their part in securing peace and victory in Europe, ending the Second World War. Today, we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. We will shortly recreate the possession members took from here to a service of thanksgiving on May 8, 1945. In addressing the house, Winston Churchill said I convey my deep gratitude to this House of Commons which has proved itself the strongest foundation for waging war that has ever been seen in the whole of our long history.

We have all made our mistakes, but the strength of the Parliamentary institution has been showed to enable it at the same moment to preserve all titles of democracy while waging war in the most down As we represent a parliamentary democracy today, these words ring as true today. We will never forget the sacrifice, the bravery, the spirit, and the millions of lives lost in defeating fascism. Today, also remember Her Majesty late Queen, whose youthful joyous celebration symbolised VE Day, and whose long- range shaped peace and prosperity that followed it.

Today and every that followed it. Today and every day we remember the immense contribution of the Second World War generation, and we thank them for their service. their service. Thank you Mr Speaker. Women's Aid reports 80% of domestic abuse cases go unreported. Reporting and postage rates are disproportionately lower for black and minority survivors. Does the Leader of the House agree that consistent collection and publication of this data is key to assessing whether government actions are working for all women?

10:47

Marie Goldman MP (Chelmsford, Liberal Democrat)

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Absolutely for top can I thank for raising that. She knows, Tackling Violence Against Women is a national emergency, and it is one of the key missions of this government. I absolutely agree with her that this data needs to be brought to

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light. Thank you Mr Speaker. I would also like to mark the 80th also like to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day by commemorating the sacrifices not just by those who fought and fell in just by those who fought and fell in the Second World War but also those who continue to serve our country in our Armed Forces. And all those who our Armed Forces. And all those who support them including their families who often spend long periods of time away from their periods of time away from their loved ones.

Last week's local elections for the first time in history that the Liberal Democrats beat both the Conservatives and Labour at the same local elections. We are proud of the trust vote is We are proud of the trust vote is placed in us winning that our party now controls more councils than the now controls more councils than the Conservatives. But last week also saw some of the most widely divided results in our country has ever results in our country has ever seen. In the West of England mayoral elections, winner from the Labour Party took the seat with just 25% of Party took the seat with just 25% of the vote.

Put another way, three out the vote. Put another way, three out of every four voters put their cross in somebody else's box. But the lowest winning vote share was in Cornwall the winner in one race, little democrat, was elected with just 18.9% of the vote, just seven 7.5% separated the top four candidates. It is clear we are witnessing the end of the traditional two party system. Like it or not, the antiquated First Past the Post system simply isn't the Post system simply isn't designed to cope with a multi-party system.

At least not if you believe in fairness, as I hope the party in fairness, as I hope the party opposite does. Will the leader now grants time for the bill put forward in the name of my honourable friend in the name of my honourable friend member for Richmond Park, to be debated in full, and was encouraged debated in full, and was encouraged all her colleagues in government finally to support the proposed move to proportional representation? to proportional representation?

10:49

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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Can I join her in congratulating all those who are successful in the elections last week? And also paid tribute to the many councillors who were not successful, for the work that they have done in campaigning? She raises some important issues about turnout and engagement in elections. We both have a political challenge to ensure that people are engaged with the debate and feel energised and infused to take part energised and infused to take part in elections. But we also need to look at how elections are conducted.

This government is committed to This government is committed to bringing forward and Elections Bill in due course to address these issues.

10:49

Perran Moon MP (Camborne and Redruth, Labour)

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I am delighted that the United Kingdom stands on the brink of a trade agreement with the United States. Does the leader agree with States. Does the leader agree with me that this is vindication of the me that this is vindication of the firm but fair, calm and measured approach of the Prime Minister stark approach of the Prime Minister stark contrast to the shrill voices on the benches opposite that would have benches opposite that would have landed us in a trade war weeks ago?

10:50

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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Absolutely. Can I join him in paying tribute to that determined and consistent stoic leadership the Prime Minister has brought which is really bringing dividends to this country. And will bring future prosperity and growth through the

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trade deals that he is agreed. Chair of the backbench committee. In addition to the business that leader has announced, next Thursday there will be a Select Committee statement from the Work and Pensions Committee. On Thursday, 22 May, there will be a debate on access to NHS dentistry followed by a debate NHS dentistry followed by a debate on dementia. In Westminster Hall, on dementia. In Westminster Hall, next week,, on 13 May, a debate on the impact of churches and religious the impact of churches and religious buildings and communities.

On Thursday, 15 May, a debate on Thursday, 15 May, a debate on funding for the The Vaccine Alliance, followed by a debate on Alliance, followed by a debate on world asthma Day. On 22nd of May, so 21st of May, 20th May, there will be 21st of May, 20th May, there will be debate on pensions of people living overseas. Thursday 22nd of May there will be a three-hour debate on the will be a three-hour debate on the EU-UK summit. Yesterday, the EU-UK summit.

Yesterday, the renowned charity Stand With Us published a report on anti-Semitism on university campuses. Dozens of students have given their testimony students have given their testimony to the failure of universities to protect them and protect their rights. They have come out with a series of recommendations including sanctions against universities that failed to protect students. And also failed to protect students. And also for an independent inquiry to get to the bottom of why universities are not protecting students. We have a not protecting students.

We have a statement next week from the relevant minister on what is going relevant minister on what is going to happen to make sure that Jewish students are protected on campuses? students are protected on campuses?

10:52

Tonia Antoniazzi MP (Gower, Labour)

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Can I first of all thank you check the Backbench Business Committee for announcing forthcoming Backbench Business, as ever, and thank you for all his work as usual. He raises a very important report out this week. This government absolutely stands firm on anti- Semitism. We need to route that out in all of our university campuses, or wherever it exists in our society. I will ensure you get the full update from the relevant

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minister. As the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on medical prescription, I have worked closely with the mother of Alfie Dingley the with the mother of Alfie Dingley the last eight years. This woman has last eight years. This woman has changed the law but sadly lost her fight with cancer the day before yesterday. Would that Leader of the

10:53

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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yesterday. Would that Leader of the House paid tribute and sent condolences to the family of Hannah Deakin? The work she has done has changed the lives of so many young children living with epilepsy. Would she join me and her friends in that chamber because this woman was incredible. I just wanted everybody across this house that has had the opportunity to work with her to know that and to stand in solidarity and

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send their love to the family,? I am sure the whole house will

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I am sure the whole house will join me in sending all the love and best wishes to the honourable Lady best wishes to the honourable Lady and to her dear friend Hannah Deakin and the friends that she has here in

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and the friends that she has here in the gallery today. I remember many times the honourable Lady mentioning and raising this campaign on her behalf. And I can truly say that she has changed the lives of many. She has changed policy, and her life will be long remembered by many others. We all pay grades tribute to her today.

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Thank you Mr Speaker. Many members of that grooming and rape gangs systematically abused white

10:54

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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working class girls have never faced justice. Neither have councillors, officials, police officers suspected of collusion and cover-up. Can we have a debate on the need for a national inquiry into these disgusting crimes? With a leader tell us please who exactly it is she believes is using these horrors as a " Dog whistle"?

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We are all, everybody up and down

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We are all, everybody up and down this country, horrified about the crimes that have been committed over many many years. By despicable many many years. By despicable grooming gangs. That is why we are first and foremost implementing the first and foremost implementing the many many recommendations from the recent inquiries. Most of which in fact sat on the shelf until the fact sat on the shelf until the general election last year. Those

10:55

Barry Gardiner MP (Brent West, Labour)

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general election last year. Those recommendations include issues like mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, something I have campaigned on. The Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, and the Safeguarding Minister have campaigned on this for many years. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the truth and justice, and accountability, is got wherever it is needed for those victims of these terrible atrocities.

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Yesterday I spoke with colleagues from the Department of environment food of about the progress of the treaty on the biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, sometimes

10:56

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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national jurisdiction, sometimes known as the Global Ocean Treaty. I was assured that as far as the department was concerned, this was a matter they dealt with and was all done. I was assured it was the same with the FCDO. When I spoke to colleagues from the Cabinet Office, they have not heard of it. She will know that the United Nations ocean conference comes up next month. And it is important that we get ratification of that treaty for that conference.

Because the world is looking at us, and if we want to take leadership on this issue, we need to act. need to act.

10:56

Wendy Chamberlain MP (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)

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I can assure the honourable gentleman that I am very well aware, as somebody responsible for the business of this House of the need to ratify this treaty and all involved. We are committed to doing so, and I can assure him we will do so.

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Last week the permanent Court of

10:57

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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Last week the permanent Court of allowed the UK to uphold the ban on sandy fishing in my constituency, sandy fishing in my constituency, and this man is doing so much to support the need of puffins there. It is clear that the remainder of the judgement is unclear with different aspects for English sees that muddy the waters. Can the Minister bring forward a debate in Minister bring forward a debate in government time so the House can consider their response to this?

10:57

Rachel Blake MP (Cities of London and Westminster, Labour )

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I'm sorry to hear about the impact the ruling is having on fishing in her area. I'm not aware of any developments that the House will be aware of. But I will make sure she has a full ministerial reply and if that House needs to be updated, they will. updated, they will.

10:57

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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My constituency has the most leaseholders in the country. I commend this government's work to give leaseholders the accountability that they should have. Will that Leader of the House supports me in inviting the Minister responsible to come and talk to the leasehold action group here in the Cities of London and Westminster about mandatory qualifications and securing accountability against their landlords?

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She's absolutely right. The

10:58

Chris Law MP (Dundee Central, Scottish National Party)

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She's absolutely right. The feudal leasehold system is a plague for many of our homeowners in this for many of our homeowners in this country. I share many of the issues that she has in her constituency with my own, and I know the Minister for leasehold would be delighted to meet with her constituents, as he recently did with hundreds of mine, to discuss this government's plans for leasehold reform.

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In March a complaint Commissioner concluded the financial club had failed to identify risks relating to the funeral plans despite

10:58

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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the funeral plans despite information about serious risks. As a result Safe Hands Plan into administration in 2022 with those investing in funeral plans losing investing in funeral plans losing thousands of pounds. Can we have a statement on the collapse of Safe Hands Plan the need for redress for constituents who have been impacted?

10:59

Liam Conlon MP (Beckenham and Penge, Labour)

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Can I thank you for raising the issue of Safe Hands Plan I know this is an issue for many MPs across this. I will ensure he gets a full update from a minister and that time is found to discuss some of the

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issues raised by this case. On Saturday, I will be joining hundreds of people from across the

10:59

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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hundreds of people from across the constituency at Beckenham rugby club for a rugby tournament and beer festival. It is a fantastic example of how our small businesses support and enhance our local communities. I and enhance our local communities. I would like to thank the team for all the work on this. The Leader of the the work on this. The Leader of the House join me in wishing everyone attending a great weekend?

10:59

Rt Hon Mark Pritchard MP (The Wrekin, Conservative)

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I do love supporting questions from the honourable gentleman which gets quite a lot of cut through. I join him in supporting all those from Canon rugby club which what sounds like a great day out.

11:00

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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Can I welcome the UK-US trade steel and congratulate the Prime Minister on that deal. It is very much in the national interest although of course the devil is in the detail. Can we have a debate on the concerns of British farmers around that trade steel, chlorinated chicken, hormone fed beef, and of course antibiotics in pig farming? Can the Minister assure the house, assure Shropshire farmers and

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British farmers that British agriculture is safe with this trade steel? We can assure your gentlemen of

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We can assure your gentlemen of that. There will be a statement to this House later today. These issues

11:00

Navendu Mishra MP (Stockport, Labour)

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this House later today. These issues are still unfolding. He is right to praise the work of the Prime Minister and that Secretary of State for business and for the amazing work they have done to get us to this point today. He will be aware that the issues that he raises of food standards and agriculture have been read lines for this government

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and the trade talks and he will get the details later today. The country facing a chronic

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The country facing a chronic staffing crisis in social care which has led to increasing recruitment

11:01

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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has led to increasing recruitment from overseas. Migrant workers make up 16% of the workforce. They are often met with extortionate recruitment fees and wage deductions, exploitative conditions deductions, exploitative conditions and the threat of deportation was. A number of constituents have number of constituents have witnessed a litany of failures and exportation of migrant workers at the hands of a private company my constituency. Many workers have not constituency. Many workers have not been paid or have found themselves in overcrowded substandard housing and at times without any work.

The and at times without any work. The Leader of the House debate in government time on the exportation of migrant workers?

11:01

Helen Morgan MP (North Shropshire, Liberal Democrat)

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We condemn the exportation of international care work by rogue employers in this sector. We are taking robust action including revoking sponsor licences where this is deemed to be the case. I will is deemed to be the case. I will

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I was concerned to read reports that train stations with less than a thousand passengers a day or within thousand passengers a day or within

11:02

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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30 miles of step free access will not be allowed to have step three access and people in rural areas, there is no alternative public transport. If they can't access the car, they can't access the train, once we commit to debate, we can talk about people in rural areas and

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places where there is no access to the southbound platform. Issues around stepping access to

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Issues around stepping access to stations gets raised with me all the time in Business Questions. I can assure had this government is absolutely committed to access for

11:02

Sarah Hall MP (Warrington South, Labour )

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absolutely committed to access for all programs and the rail minister is reviewing what we can do to

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support it better and I will ensure the house is updated when that happens. The government has announced

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The government has announced today and updates for Warrington

11:03

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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today and updates for Warrington Borough Council. It is highlighted a number of conclusions that must be addressed. We should also recognise the precious local authorities faced under the last government with significant reductions to funding and increased demands on services. Warrington Council must go further and faster to improve trust for constituents. While the value of the house make time to debate the important topic of local finance and the actions this government is taking to support local authorities? taking to support local authorities?

11:03

Robbie Moore MP (Keighley and Ilkley, Conservative)

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I thank her for raising issues in Warrington in her constituency. She is right to say this government has given record levels of funding to local government. £69 billion worth this year and we are committed to restoring services and local government in places like her constituency.

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Baby Jack was just 16 months old when he passed away on Boxing Day 2022 from sudden unexplained death 2022 from sudden unexplained death in childhood. This was incredibly heartbreaking and unfortunately,

11:04

Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )

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heartbreaking and unfortunately, something we do not know enough about. But I want to commend Jack's parents from Selsdon who I have met and since that fateful day have been fundraising on this issue ever since. This weekend we will be taking on the biggest challenge cycling from Leeds to Liverpool along the canal, so I hope the members across the house including leader will join me in sending our thoughts to Cheryl and Darren and wish them all the best in their fortitude and determination in wishing the very best of luck in their cycling challenge this weekend.

11:04

Mr Speaker

Absolutely. The whole house will join me in sending the very best to Cheryl and Darren with their fundraising activities this weekend. I am really sorry to hear about the sudden death of their child baby sudden death of their child baby Jack. What an awful thing for any parent to go through, and that parents are able to turn that into fundraising and campaigning is truly commendable. And I look forward to them passing through Manchester on them passing through Manchester on their way from Leeds to Liverpool.

I call the pie minister. Westminster Abbey to give thanks and commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the greatest victory in the history of our great nation.

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We will now follow in the footsteps of our pet assessors 80 footsteps of our pet assessors 80 years ago. On 8 May 1945, honourable years ago. On 8 May 1945, honourable members formed a procession out of the House of Lords where they located because the House of Commons chamber had been destroyed during

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the Blitz. Today, we shall again follow the maze from our own chamber through the bombs card Churchill larch which serves as a permanent reminder of the fortitude of those reminder of the fortitude of those who stood firm through the war.

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