"I am delighted to be asking the first Women and Equalities topical question.
One group of victims of domestic violence who are not entitled to access protection consists of women whose immigration status is dependent on their partners, the perpetrators of that violence. I have raised the issue in two …..." Anne McLaughlin - View Speech
"Part 7 of the Bill, which comprises clauses 38 to 45, is completely unnecessary and unworkable. It will have negative consequences, whether intended or not; I have some difficulty coming to a conclusion on that one. Perhaps when the Minister speaks later, it will be easier for me to do …..." Anne McLaughlin - View Speech
"Thank you, Mr Owen. Discrimination has increased following the trial of the right-to-rent provisions, which has led to people being judged not to look or sound British and to their having increased difficulty finding accommodation. The exact same prejudice will now face those working in the public sector, with people …..." Anne McLaughlin - View Speech
"If the Minister is saying that that receptionist will be protected against spurious complaints, does he mean that nobody is allowed to make a spurious complaint? If so, will it be decided that a complaint is spurious before the receptionist is informed? The stress levels suffered by someone who has …..." Anne McLaughlin - View Speech
"I thank the Minister for giving way—I appreciate it. Which parts of the public sector employ people who do not speak English in a public-facing role? I have listed all the possibilities, but I have never experienced it, and I have seen no evidence that anyone here has experienced it...." Anne McLaughlin - View Speech
"I appreciate the Minister letting me butt in so often. He has said that there is a public duty under equalities legislation not to discriminate against a potential employee, but discrimination happens and we know that it happens. It is far harder for someone to find a job if they …..." Anne McLaughlin - View Speech
"Is not that the same as allowing the employers to follow their current recruitment processes and make the judgment themselves? If things are going to be that vague, why do not we just continue to allow employers to make the assessment themselves?..." Anne McLaughlin - View Speech
"I beg to move amendment 246, in clause 43, page 39, line 23, at end insert—
‘(4) This Part does not apply to Scotland.”
I have set out why I do not want this measure to be part of United Kingdom legislation, so this is really just to make the …..." Anne McLaughlin - View Speech